The Queen of Reinvention: Mona Scott-Young's Journey to the Top

Mona Scott-Young, the CEO of Monami Entertainment and Monami Productions, has had an illustrious career in the entertainment industry. From producing hit TV shows like Love & Hip Hop to managing music legends like Missy Elliott, Scott-Young has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined what's possible for women in the industry. But how did she get to where she is today? Scott-Young started her entrepreneurial journey in 1996, co-founding the company Violator with the late music executive Chris Lighty. The company boasted a diverse roster of marquee talent, including Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J, and Mariah Carey. Scott-Young credits their co-venture with Lighty for helping her establish a strong foundation in the industry. "I never felt like the little woman in the equation," she says. "It was a true partnership. He supported me, but I also made sure that I showed up, showed out, and delivered at every turn." Scott-Young's biggest break came when she launched the reality TV show The Road to Stardom With Missy Elliott, which helped launch the careers of several up-and-coming artists. She then went on to produce Love & Hip Hop, which became a massive hit and spawned several spin-offs. So, what's the secret to Scott-Young's success? "I understand her," she says of Missy Elliott, whom she has managed for over two decades. "I saw this incredible, larger-than-life talent, but also a human being who has been through things in life that contributed to her brilliance." Scott-Young's relationship with Elliott is built on trust and mutual respect. "We've cried together, laughed together, won together, seen dark days together," she says. The two have been through a lot together, including Elliott's struggles with Graves disease, which Scott-Young says they've managed to keep under control through healthy lifestyle choices.

Scott-Young's own career is marked by her determination to create pop culture moments. "It's about doing things that are going to stay with people, providing them with an experience that resonates," she says. "Whether it's a TV show, a piece of music, or an experience, I want people to be able to look back and say, 'That was a moment.'" But Scott-Young's ambitions don't stop at her work in the entertainment industry. She's also started a company called Artist Collective Entertainment, which aims to provide a supportive network for artists across various genres. "What I want to do is bring a sense of community and support to artists, so that they can focus on their craft and not have to worry about the business side of things," she says. For Scott-Young, the key to success is to never give up. "We control our destinies," she says. "We can't allow ourselves to be held back by other people or society. Our job every single day is to realize our potential and fight to push ourselves to our limits." In a male-dominated industry, Scott-Young has faced her fair share of challenges. But she's never let that hold her back. "I don't subscribe to ageism," she says. "When you look at what Missy managed to put on that stage, and SWV and Xscape and their years of experience, musicality, and performance, you can't put an age on that." Scott-Young's message to women navigating the industry is one of empowerment. "We can't allow ourselves to be pigeonholed or marginalized," she says. "We have to realize our potential and fight to push ourselves to our limits. It's all about proving them wrong."

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