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 

Write Paint Heal

“My art is largely made up of my pain; re-framed, redesigned and re-purposed. It's a mutually beneficial experience for both the creator and the beholder. Transformative healing is a beautiful process.” 

― Jaeda DeWalt

I have another beautiful guest on the podcast today Ms. Inita Nicole Callaway.

INC Writes author and life coach Inita Nicole Callaway, is an encourager by nature who uses her pen and voice to impact the lives of women who are currently living in fear.

The Chicago native published her first book back in October 2018 titled I'm Writing My Wrongs, I'm Not Righting My Wrongs available on Amazon. Since released, the thought-provoking novel has touched and healed many women of color who can relate to Inita's past life of insecurities, not being able to look at herself in the mirror, people pleasing, uncertainty and stagnation. She even went as far as designing an intimate women's workshop by the name of "The Write. Paint. Heal. Experience" which focuses on helping women move forward and begin to heal through creative writing, artistry and public speaking.

The featured song is Golden by Jill Scott

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

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.

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.

The Power of Sisterhood

“There is a special place in hell for women who don't help other women."

― Madeleine K. Albright

Hey, beautiful people today I have a special guest by the name of Latitia Woodard. She is a speaker, author, and founder of A Sister’s Truth. AST is a Sister Coaching business helping women to Discover, Define, and Live their Truth for manifesting a courageous life without limits. I think that is beautiful. 

Check out LaKitia's book here.

The featured song for this episode is "Soul Sista" by Bilal. 

I hope to meet you at the next Beauty & Soul Brunch August 25th. Ticket information is available here.