Mona Scott-Young Exclusive Interview: Talks Reality TV & Black Women

#TeamBeautiful launched our first #SheTalks event with TV producer, entrepreneur and brand strategist, Mona Scott-Young. #SheTalks is a live, intimate conversation between a successful woman in the entertainment industry, #TeamBeautiful and a lively and attentive audience. During the conversation, Mona, the featured speaker was completely transparent, offering a refreshing view of her reality tv empire.

Must Read: 30 Black Female Leaders You Should Know About

Mona is a powerful woman who made waves in the music industry as a driving force for Violator Management. As her career progressed, she championed said waves like an Olympic surfer! As the creator of Monami Entertainment, Mona has become the nucleus of Black women on reality TV. Through this production company, Mona brought the world a glimpse into the lives of women in Hip-Hop on “Love & Hip Hop,” “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta,” “The Gossip Game“ and more!

Our conversation with Mona reflected a curiosity about her portrayal of Black women on television, her journey to the top and the responsibility she carries of producing reality shows for the masses that are constantly complained about.

Guests whet their palettes with yet another one of Mona’s business ventures–Myx Fusion Moscato as they listened intently to Mona’s on-the-spot interview with #TeamBeautiful’s Editorial Director, Leigh Davenport. Mona was immediately candid with the crowd as she detailed the beginning of her entertainment career, handing out fliers at Radio City Music Hall.

. @MonaScottYoung started in entertainment handing out fliers at Radio City Music Hall. Who knew!? #getinthemyx #shetalks—

Hello Beautiful (@HelloBeautiful) April 11, 2013

Mona held nothing back as she glossed over her Violator days, claiming that while she adores Busta Rhymes, he was the most difficult artist she’s worked with–well, next to Jim Jones. Jones’ stubborn attitude often caused frustrations, but Mona was always fascinated by Jones, which is why she wanted him so badly in her first “Love & Hip Hop” cast.

Mona also gushed over 50 Cent and claimed that he’s brilliant and likes to “mind f*ck you.” The crowd stalled for a moment before laughing almost in unison. She had us all eating out the palms of her perfectly manicured hands as she divulged insider opinions on some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop.

Once the conversation turned to her home and work-life balance, Mona’s smile widened. She mentioned the 17-year-old love affair that she shares with her husband, Shawn Young and how he’s always had her back, no matter what. With each word, the audience held back their “awws,” until she said this:

"My man took the baby bottle & put it in his back pocket, like, 'I got this.'" @monascottyoung #getinthemyx #shetalks—

Hello Beautiful (@HelloBeautiful) April 11, 2013

During the next leg of the chat, Leigh looked the elephant in the room directly in the eyes and asked about Mona’s reality tv show empire that tends to gain more haters and protestors than supporters. (Let Mona tell it, there’s an abundance of closeted supporters.) The ratings and demand for more “Love & Hip Hop” totally outweighs any requests for Mona to stop. The crowd couldn’t wait for this topic. The questions ranged from the mundane (How do I get my products featured on the show?) to the heavy (Do you regret putting out shows that Black women claim to hate so much?)

Mona took each question head-on, like the boss she is and said that she doesn’t believe in mistakes and that she stands behind everything she does, 100%. At the end of the day, #SheTalks with Mona served as a night of notable quotables from the featured speaker about women she displays on reality tv who willingly sign up for what’s produced, how each and every one of us can reach our individual dreams and what the true love of a man can do for your life.