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

Hi Ykia, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor that is key to HER SKIN FOUNDATION’s Success is the women and children that are being served and empowered. We also contribute our success to our community partners, local companies, and private agencies that have supported us in the time that we have been established. It’s those that provide in-kind donations, and other capital that gives us the ability to do what we do for women and children with skin conditions.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
HER SKIN FOUNDATION is a new nonprofit for women and children with skin conditions. I started this nonprofit because I suffered for years with Keloids. I would have bouts of pain and depression that I struggled with. I struggled for years silently. I wanted to start something that would help other women and children not go through their condition alone. The most challenging thing has been getting the community to know that we exist and getting funding. Most new nonprofits have to prove sustainability for 3 yrs before obtaining major partnerships and grants. We rely on donations from those in our community to help us make it. Before the pandemic we had planned on starting HER FIT, which is a program offered through the foundation to help women with skin conditions feel comfortable working out with people just like them. So, yes it’s been a challenge but we will overcome. I have ideas on how to get back on track and we will start marketing those soon on our website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Best Friend’s Weekend Getaway: Saturday Morning; Breakfast at Maple Leaf Diner *never been there but I hear they are great! We like trying things together. Go back home because neither of us wants to really be out early so the food is probably to go. Saturday Afternoon: Of Course we are having Brunch at Whistle Britches if we make it because I take forever with my makeup. I definitely have to be together before I step out. We’d probably hang out in the Bishop Arts area. I have to take her to Emporium Pies. They have the best pecan pie everrrrr! I am such a foodie! Saturday Night: Catch a movie at Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many that I could shoutouts to, but there are three people that I want to shoutout because of their impact in my life. They have pushed my efforts with HER SKIN FOUNDATION since we launched. The first person is Teresa Cleveland from Waco, Tx. She has encouraged me to keep going when I felt my lowest. She is one of my inspirations because she has the drive. During the pandemic I have seen such strength from her. She has a fitness program called HIT THE FLOOR FITNESS in Waco, Tx. While quarantined she has posted videos to help motivate others. She has been a complete blessing to HER SKIN FOUNDATION. Teresa, I appreciate you for everything that you have done to support. The calls, text messages, encouragement are needed. I appreciate you! Sarah Yow Henderson, my right hand!! Thank you for the extra push to keep moving forward. Thank you for brainstorming with me. I’m grateful for your ability to push others forward. You are amazing and HER SKIN FOUNDATION is excited to have you on the board!! Since I started, Angela Echols has been a huge support. Thank you Angela for all of your support. It’s people like you that are causing HER SKIN FOUNDATION to be successful.

Website: www.herskinfoundation.co
Instagram: @her_skin_foundation
Facebook: @HERSKINFoundation