Poetry For Life

Quote: “Most of the basic material a writer works with is acquired before the age of fifteen.”

― Willa Cather

Hello Beautiful People, welcome to another episode of the Beauty & Soul Podcast. Today I have another lovely guest by the name of Ber-Henda Williams. She is a poet, teacher, author, television and film producer, youth advocate and public speaker.

As the founder of the Power of Girlhood, a non-profit leadership development institute for girls 13-18 years old, Williams, in June 2011, sponsored the first Power of Girlhood, a full day of celebratory and empowering programs, performances, vendors and activities. The Power of Girlhood hosts workshops and girlhood activities throughout the metro-Detroit area and has a residency at various schools.

-How did you get started writing poetry?

-Who are the three people who have been the most influential to you?

-What have you read or listened to recently that inspired you?

-What inspired you to start the Power of Girlhood organization?

-I know you have a summit you’re working on is it for girls aged 13-18 as well?

What comes to your mind when I say the following:

Life- God

Love- Heart

Business-Purpose 

Connect with Ber-Henda online:

IG: ber-henda williams and the power of girlhood

FB: B Intentional with Ber-Henda Williams

FB: The Power of Girlhood
Her websites are www.ber-hendawilliams.com and www.thepowerofgirlhood.org

Featured Song: i adore you Caron Wheeler instrumental 

Summer Solstice

The Beauty & Soul Podcast will be on break for the month of July 2019. Don't worry we will back in August. In the meantime check out some of the older episodes and leave a review.

Thank you for listening!

XOXO, Shoni

Transcript

Shoni: Hey, beautiful people it’s your girl, Shoni. Let's start with the quote. “People haven't always been there for me, but music always has.” by Taylor Swift.

All right, guys. So I titled this episode Summer Solstice, the reason why is because the Beauty and Soul Podcast will be on a little break. I'm super super excited. The reason why I'm deciding to take a little break from the Beauty & Soul Podcast is so that I can focus on music for the summer. I'm so, so excited. I'm working on something, and I really need to devote my energy to that right now. But don't worry it’s just for a month we’ll be right back with interviews and discussions in August. So make sure that you're listening and subscribe, and that you check out any past episodes. Okay?

Why don't you start with Episode One and see how far the Beauty and Soul Podcast has grown. Like I've told a few of you I didn't have anybody to interview. I didn't have half of the gear that I have right now, but I had a message that I wanted to share with everyone. So you know what? I started with what I had, and I figured it out on the way. So I encourage everybody to take a listen to the first episode. And, yes, let me know what you think.

But also, I would really appreciate it if you could leave a review for the Beauty & Soul Podcast on Apple Podcast because it helps the show to be discovered by other people and, you know, is all about spreading light and love and inspiration to everyone. So if you could leave a review, I would really, really appreciate it.

And lastly, now we have The Beauty & Soul Shop. So any gear that you may want to rock you could find in the shops we have tote bags, hoodies, and T-shirts. We have all of that good stuff. So take a look at the brilliant shop. I'll make sure that I include a link in the show notes as well.

I just want to tell everybody I truly, truly appreciate you for listening and supporting the Beauty & Soul show so far. I never thought that the podcast would be as effective as it is right now. I'm so, so excited. I feel like I'm just getting started. But I truly appreciate everyone listening, sharing via DM with me how you feel about certain episodes. I read all of that, and I'm really, really grateful for you. If I can share any inspiration and help you to connect with your dreams and overcome whatever it is that you need to overcome so that you could be the best version of yourself. Then I want to do that because that's exactly what I'm doing, becoming the best version of myself. So, like I said, I'll be taking a break for the month of July so I can work on some music, which is my first love.

Okay, so all right, guys, I don't have a feature song for you this episode, because it's just a little quick message real quick. But I want to encourage you to check out the Beauty & Soul playlist that's on Spotify. You know, I'll include that, too. But again, guys, thank you so much for being a part of the Beauty & Soul community.

Say Less, Do More

“I’m all about good vibes, big goals, amazing experiences, more happiness, less pain, healthy relationships and staying focused on what matters.”- Anonymous

Hey Beautiful people, it’s June. I thought it was a good time to do another solo episode and check in with you guys. As you know there are 12 months in a year so we’re at the point in the year when we need to check-in with our selves. With that being said I have 6 tips to help you continue on your  journey:

• Self Care is a non-negotiable for me.  There are certain things I need to do for myself and I no longer feel the need to explain nor apologize for them. What are your non-negotiables ?

• Money is the motive. Now granted all money isn’t good money but we still need it. Like Beyonce said the best revenge is your paper so I’m tryna get it you should be too. We’re building a legacy so multiple streams is a must have.

• Relationships… are the people around you build with you or find ways to make your journey more challenging?

• Are you on target with your personal and professional goals right now? A few episodes back I talked about how I write down  what’s important to my professional and personal life. Sometimes I need to go back over my list and reread what I wrote and then ask myself.

• Make time for recreation. 

• Remember your “Why “

Featured Song: Bigger Than Me- Big Sean

Press Reset

“Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction.” 

― Germany Kent 

Hey Beautiful, I would like to introduce you to Zakiyyah Walker. Zakiyyah is a Personal Revolution Coach, Legacy Strategist. She guides high-functioning Black Women through holistic lifestyle transformations. WIth her guidance, Black Women get crystal clear on what they really desire, the habits that are keeping them stagnant and the steps to create the life they want --ON PURPOSE.

• What are some tips on how someone can Create their Own Personal Revolution

• B-side chat: What are some issues you noticed with black women regarding healing from Strong Black Woman Syndrome?

-life: legacy

-love: partner

-business: money 

The featured song is Something New by PJ

Jammin on the One

"You have no control over other people's taste, so focus on staying true to your own." -Tim Gunn

Hello Beautiful friends, I have another lovely guest on the podcast Mrs. Ashley Rouse , Founder and CEO of Trade St. Jam Co. is a chef, woman and minority-owned business that started in a tiny apartment in North Carolina on Trade Street. Personally I have tried her jams and they are amazing!

• what inspired you to start making jam?

• I remember watching your Hustle episode on Viceland and how hesitant you were to leave your 9-5. How scary was it for you to make the leap into full-time entrepreneurship?

• What is it like working with your husband?

The featured song is Love Theory by Kirk Franklin

She’s Not Going Anywhere, Neither Are You

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.”

― Brené Brown

On the latest episode of the Beauty & Soul Podcast we have, Naja Hall, Founder of Blended & Black which is a a solution-based platform dedicated to mending and blending Step families. As a change agent, she has built one of the most recognizable brands in the blended family niche. In under 2 years, the Blended and Black community has grown an organic following of over 50K+. Naja is a Family Life Coach,and the author of , Girl,Bye! She’s Not Going Anywhere. Neither Are You.

Connect with Naja on BlendedandBlack.com

The featured song is I Found My Smile Again by D’Angelo

Beaches & Blessings

“Life is short, and it’s up to you to make it sweet.” – Sadie Delany

Hey Beautiful people I recently took myself on a getaway to literally get away. I needed to give my creativity a jumpstart.  Alone time that is not driven by fear or avoidance but rather the pleasure you experience in solitary activities can inspire your creativity. 

I have a few reasons why: 

• Temporary social disconnection can help you to get lost in your work. When you eliminate distractions and put all of your focus on what you are trying to accomplish you are able to boost your productivity.

• Spending time outdoors with nature can also help you eliminate creative roadblocks.  If you have an idea you can’t figure out how to get from your head, take a break step outside, take a walk, go to the beach, listen to the waves, take everything in.

• Catch a flight and go. Traveling abroad has been proven to help you get your creative juices flowing too. The farther you travel from your home the more creative you become! I know you’re probably saying how girl? Well here you go:

  • Traveling helps you to be open-minded as you meet new people and come across new situations.

  • Traveling helps you to be innovative if you truly immerse yourself in the culture and country you’re visiting. 

  • Traveling also helps to build your self confidence by strengthening your self worth.

I hope if you find yourself stuck in some way you will consider spending some time alone, connecting with nature and/or catching a flight somewhere new.

This episode’s featured song is Holy by Jamila Woods.

Don't Call It A Comeback

"The difference between a broken community and a thriving one is the presence of women who are valued.”― Former First Lady Michelle Obama

Recently I attended the Roadmap to Billions Conference created by the founders of Black Women Talk Tech. On this episode I recap my experience at the Roadmap to Billions Conference while highlighting a few take aways.

There was so much #BlackGirlMagic in the room I couldn’t help but be inspired. What an amazing experience!

Next year the Roadmap to Billions Conference will be in Las Vegas. I can’t wait!

The featured song is Rockets by Lion Babe feat Moe Moks.

Dear Journal

“Before a child talks they sing. Before they write they draw. As soon as they stand they dance. Art is fundamental to human expression. “ - Phylicia Rashad 

Happy February and Happy Black History Month! For the month of February I will feature quotes by some of my favorite artists, writers and creators to shine a little light on their wisdom. 

This podcast episode is about self expression, now self expression can be defined as the expression of one's feelings, thoughts, or ideas, especially in writing, art, music, or dance.

Recently, I stumbled upon one of my journals. Unlike most of my journal entries this one in particular was very important because it was the day I decide to make a major life change.  I expressed how I felt about my upcoming marriage at the time. For once I was honest with myself. I loved that I dated the journal entry and that I was completely open while writing because now 6 years later I can reflect on how far I have come on my journey. 

It’s important to have a place to lay everything out. Singing and writing are my outlets where I can do just that. What are yours? How do you express your thoughts and emotions? Some of us need daily ways to express ourselves to reduce and release the emotional pressure within without worrying about what it all means just yet.  Honesty can be hard to face, even if it means being honest with yourself. 

The featured song is “Rollercoster” by Tank and the Bangas.

The 2018 Wrap Up

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” ― Aristotle

Hello friends today is January 1st 2019. Can you believe it? Well I can and am so grateful to be here living another day. While everyone is busy  working on their resolutions for the year I like to take a moment to acknowledge what I accomplished and learned in the previous year.   I started writing my accomplishments down back when I first started the Beauty & Soul Podcast 2 years ago. It’s amazing to see how much we are able to accomplish with a little drive and determination. Now I have to say the purpose of the podcast is to share the B- side of Life, Love, and Business so here’s what I learned: 

Life

Start living.

Recently I started teaching English as a second language to students around the world and I am learning so much about different cultures. I can tell you this no matter if you live in America, Brazil, Turkey, or Africa we all are overcoming similar struggles. We all have a desire to be the best version of ourselves. 

This year I decided to treat myself to my first solo vacation. I’m so excited! I’ve been on the go doing a million things over the past couple years. I am over due for a break. This year do something you’ve never done, step out of the box, and live your life unapologetically. 

Love

 Love doesn’t always come the way you think it will.

In 2018 I received so much love from the people I know were picked to be on my journey with me, yet none of them are romantic relationships and I’m okay with that. I have some of the best friends I could ever ask for. Sometime the person we need is already beside us. 

Business

I learned the importance of saving money, making sure I have multiple streams of income and investing in myself for the future.

I think I’ve been in hibernation mode since January of 2018 and I wouldn’t change a thing. Sometimes it’s important to sit down,  put your head down and get to work.  The older version of yourself will thank you for the sacrifice.

If you’re looking for ways to create multiple streams of income start by looking at yourself. What hidden talents do you have? Just make a plan to set yourself up for success you deserve it.  

You never know where a really great song might take you. 

Featured Song: Jade Novah- All Blue

This year let’s do our best to get to know ourselves and stay focused on what is important to our growth, mind body and soul. Happy New Year and I wish you all peace, love and prosperity.

Mic Check

“Give them everything.” 

― Mark W. Schaefer

Hey friends,

This episode we are talking about creating a podcast. I have received private messages from people asking me how I created my show or what I use to market the Beauty & Soul Podcast so I thought it would be a great idea to help you start your podcast. First of all I love podcasts. Even before I decided to become a podcaster myself I enjoyed listening to different shows for inspiration and insight on various topics. I liked being about to press play while still going about my day. I’m sure if you’re listening to my show you feel the same way. So if you have a message you feel compelled to share podcasting is probably great for you. Plus you can record from the comfort of your home in your pajamas like I’m doing right now lol. 

What software do I use to record?

• Audacity- The program I use to record and edit. I love Audacity one because it is free and super easy for you to navigate. If you’re new to mixing and mastering Audacity will be easy as 1, 2, 3. If you aren’t able to jump on the mic right away and run with the show, I have a YouTube video that will bless your life here.

  What equipment do I use?

• I am a little extra so I have fabulous gold microphone that I purchased from Amazon. I really love this mic one because it’s gold, two it has a stand. I am able to move around freely behind the scenes without feeling trapped behind a headset. Now if you aren’t able to purchase  a freestanding microphone like this one here right now that’s cool use your headphones and mic that comes with your cell. In my first few episodes that’s what I recorded with. You will need a good pair of headphones you find them here. Everything does not need to be perfect it just needs to get done, ya feel me?

  What do I use to market?

• I use many programs/apps but my go-to favs are Canva and Wavve. I use Canva to create all of my show stopping graphics and Wavve to create my audio clips for social media . 

If you have something to say then the world needs to hear it! Don’t forget to subscribe to the Beauty & Soul Podcast on Apple Podcast and leave a review. :)

Stick to the Code

Quote: “Do not bring people in your life who weigh you down. And trust your instincts … good relationships feel good. They feel right. They don’t hurt. They’re not painful. That’s not just with somebody you want to marry, but it’s with the friends that you choose. It’s with the people you surround yourselves with.”― Former First Lady Michelle Obama

This episode I chatted with three beautiful queens who are the authors of the The Bestie Code which will be released very soon. 

This trio of besties tell their brutally honest, hilarious and straight-forward narrative about the art of living by The Bestie Code, 10 fundamental principles of building and maintaining your best friendships, your squad, and girl gang. The book discusses issues with jealousy, being the blunt friend, setting boundaries, friendship expectations, co-existing with spouses, your best friend’s “other” friends and more. I enjoyed our conversation.

Don’t forget to pre-order The Bestie Code today! You can get more information here.