We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Young and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When I started my business, MARY YOUNG, I was young and hungry to build something so needless to say, there was very little balance in my life. I truly lived and breathed building a self-financed brand from the ground up as a solopreneur. Over the years I realized how that was not sustainable, and as a founder and brand that focuses on sustainability I realized my actions did not align with my values. I had to, and still have to, consciously focus on balance more. I check in within myself weekly and sometimes daily, to see how my energy is, my attitude and most importantly my health – both mentally and physically. I know that balance at all times isn’t realistic or possible, but being aware of it, checking in with myself and making adjustments as needed is vital for maintaining a sustainable life as an entrepreneur.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
MARY YOUNG was founded in 2014 with a commitment to empowering women to feel their best and embrace their natural shape through ethical and sustainably made undergarments, lounge and more. The fashion industry often tells women how to present themselves, what to wear and what is considered beautiful or sexy. And this narrow expectation of women has left the majority of women alienated and feeling lesser than. With our focus on ethical and sustainable practices, we’ve been able to make a positive impact on those who work for us and the local economy we’re able to support. All of our garments are designed to help women feel their best by embracing their natural shape and empowering them to define beauty and sexy for themselves.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a woman of simple pleasures, I think more is less, especially when visiting a new city as it allows you to experience the beauty of everyday life like a local. The best matcha in LA is Maru, which is a great treat to have after doing a Griffith Park hike. The perfect late breakfast or midday snack are breakfast tacos at Tacos Villa Corona in Atwater. A few dinner spots to try are Speranza in Los Feliz, highly recommend the lobster risotto, Parks BBQ for an elevated KBBQ experience, Gracias Madre for delicious vegan Mexican and a spicy mezcal margarita and you can’t go wrong with Sugarfish for sushi if Nobu is out of reach. Enjoy a late night cider at Alma’s in Virgil Village or Proper Hotel rooftop in Santa Monica.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To all the women in my life who have shown me that you can choose the life you want to live.

Website: https://maryyoung.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmaryyoung/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/itsmaryyoung

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsmaryyoung

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsmaryyoung

Image Credits
Erin Leydon

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