Entrepreneur, Music Artist, and Fashion Designer Youniq Love In Her Own Words

Hi, I am Youniq Love, hailing from Johnstown, Pa. I am a multi-talented jack of all trades. An Entrepreneur, Music Artist, and Fashion Designer. Being a woman of color I take pride in my work. I always said I’, a small-towner with big dreams will one day have everyone rocking in this joint from my music to my clothing line! I took interest in music as a child because my parents were R&B lovers. So music, real music has been a part of my life. Patti LaBelle, Anita Baker, Mary J. Blige, Monica, Missy Elliott, and Queen Latifah are my female musical influences. Michael Jackson, Keith Sweat, R. Kelly, Tupac, and Biggie lead the way for me. On some of my worst days, songs by these artists got me through and I hope to be that same inspiration and motivation to someone else.

However, designing clothes came a little later in my life. I’ve always loved fashion. I always loved putting things together and color coding even down to shoes and accessories. They have to be on point to the whole nine. I’m a sneakerhead. I own over 40 pairs of shoes! One day it hit me though, I was putting an outfit together for a fashion show and I’m like I’m supporting other designers, what would happen if I would support myself as a designer like I support others? About 6 years ago, I took an interest in designing. Once I brainstormed the name, everything came to fruition. Royalti, is the name of my clothing line. If I could be anything in the world, I want to be the best of the best and even trace back to my roots. My ancestors were Kings and Queens so therefore I am Royalti. It means alot to me and I want people to look good and feel good, and hold their heads high when they are rocking Royalti.

I am from a small town and not too many people make it where I am from. So every day I’m on my grind to try and make a way. They say you miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take, so every chance I get, I’m shooting my shot!

Hustle and Soul Magazine obtained an exclusive interview with Youniq!

What does being a music artist mean to you?

Youniq: What being a music artist means to me is being able to bring out my creative side. As an artist you can create, it is a fun process to express yourself and be able to bring a visual to the creative process in your mind, it’s a beautiful thing.

What is your favorite song that you wrote and why?

Youniq: Oh wow, to pick one is hard. They are something I created so I am proud of them. My favorite would have to be Best I Ever Had and Come Over, I am excited to explore the music creative process from start to finish. I worked with the engineer through the whole process, the arrangements, and the placements. I often think of it as an opportunity as if I could hop on this beat this is how I would rock it.

As we celebrate 50 years of Hip Hop, what would you like to see more of for women of color in the music industry?

Youniq: I am blessed to witness 50 years of hip-hop! I would love women of color to grow and represent. I’d also like to see women of color come together and rewrite the narrative. Ladies have bars too, women are visual creatives as well. I’d definitely like to see more women come together and collab on projects from music, and movies, to reality series.

Would you say that fashion has played a major role in the music industry? How would you like to incorporate your fashion line into the music industry?

Youniq: I think that fashion has been a major key to the music industry, Fashion is an art as well. Being able to bring clothing and colors together is just a different kind of art, but they are demonstrating their ability to create and express themselves with different pieces. I also feel as though fashion is able to be showcased through music videos and creative visuals.

If you could style any music artist in the Royalti fashion line, who would it be and why?

Youniq: This is an amazing question. I would like to style Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliott in Royalti.

Can we expect any in-person performances, new songs, or an album from you this year?

Youniq: Yes you can, I am so excited I’ve been working on new music and I am working on my second EP. This summer It will be dropping! I am looking for more performances now that things are getting a little better.

What advice would you give to aspiring music artists and fashion designers?

Youniq: I would give the advice of never stop believing in yourself because it starts with you. Represent and Own what you’re doing!

Any last thoughts you would like to leave the Hustle and Soul Magazine readers with?

Youniq: I appreciate the opportunity, follow me on social media to stay up to date with the latest!

Love you, be you, I am Youniq.