The Soul of an Artist

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”

— Unknown Source

Soul of an Artist

Shoni: [00:00:00] What's up beautiful people. Welcome to the beauty and soul podcast where we talk about the - Bside of life, love and business. I'm your ho shin. Let's go ahead and start with our quote today's quote is every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist. Once we grow up, I don't know who wrote that quote, but I know if it's this episode.

So shout out to them for being a. So I titled this episode, the soul of an artist, because this week I saw a post on social media from one of the organizations I follow shout out to [00:01:00] amplify her voice. I really love their content. And if you're looking for a position in the music industry, you should definitely follow them on LinkedIn because they are always reposting positions in the music industry.

FY. So the post was talking about hustle culture in the music industry. Now this is a topic, a lot of people do not discuss. So I was happy to see this post for multiple reasons because hustle culture is toxic. You know, this, just suck it up, hurry up and get it over with overwork yourself team, no sleep mindset.

It's played out. It is played out and, you know, guys, we are on our healing journey. We are taking care of our minds, our bodies and our souls. So following that mindset in our career as artists, it's just not healthy. [00:02:00] It's not healthy. It's whack, actually zero stars. I do not recommend at all because it's not sustainable.

And it's about time. We get over it and treat ourselves better when it comes to our careers and our wellness. Unfortunately, as artists, we are expected to sacrifice our physical health, our mental health and, and our relationships, because we are blessed with the opportunity to offer our talent to the world.

Now, I wanna sit with that for a minute, having, having a talent. Creative talent is a blessing and we are offered the amazing opportunity to share it with the world. But that doesn't mean that we are expected to sacrifice our health and our relationships in order to share it with the world. And I think [00:03:00] a lot.

A lot of us and a lot of people in the music industry have been conditioned to feel that way. And I just wanna, I just wanna change that, that way of thinking, because it's not sustainable, it's not sustainable. There's a reason why so many artists, their health and their relationships,, deteriorate as they progress up the success ladder.

now no one ever talks about this, but it is definitely something I feel like should be discussed more often because having a talent, like I said, it is a blessing and we should treat it like that. So if we feel like our talent is a blessing, then that means the vessel that is coming through to provide the blessing should also be taken care of.

[00:04:00] I don't know, it just makes sense to me, but you know, who am I? Who am I? But like, I always say no one ever talks about the toll of becoming an artist. And once you get to a certain level, there are things that you have to do to sustain that success. But I don't believe that we should neglect ourselves in order.

To achieve whatever level that we are trying to achieve. I just don't subscribe to that. That is not my way of thinking. Um, and never has been, never will be. Now. I know fame is important to a lot of people, but we have to ask ourselves at what cause will you give up your soul just so you can have your name and lights, you know?

The limelight is bright. It, it really is. It shines, it [00:05:00] attracts a, a whole lot of different types of people, but we need to make sure we are taking care of ourselves. If we intend to continue to shine, that is a key point. We have to take care of ourselves. If we intend to continue to. Now how you take care of yourself, depends on you.

Whatever you need to do for yourself is what you need to do. Like for instance, I am recording this podcast two days later than I wanted to. Now I could have overextended myself and stayed on task and recorded it on my recording day, but I just wasn't physically. Able to, I wasn't at a hundred percent, I wouldn't have been able to show up to this show and offer [00:06:00] my, my thoughts and my voice, honestly, and at full capacity, because I wasn't at full capacity.

So, you know, I took some time for myself and I feel like there is nothing wrong with that. We need to get back to. Viewing ourselves as the priority, not our careers. So last episode, I talked about self care Sundays, and being intentional about arresting as performers this week. I want to talk about what happens when we are not intentional with our care as artists.

Number one thing, exhaustion that is a big, big. Like I know we grew up listening to Diddy and be like, team, no sleep. I don't need no sleep. I don't need no sleep. Yo. That was a lie. We need sleep. we need sleep. Our bodies need to go to [00:07:00] sleep. We need to be able to rest. And as creative people who are constantly using their brain, when are you going to give your brain?

To relax. How are you gonna come out with your next bets best hit or your next best book, if you haven't allowed yourself time to rest. So running on fumes is not a good thing. I remember this one, one, um, incident and I will never forget this. And this is why I always, always prioritize my, my rest. I, I did like a workout program for, for some ladies when I was in Atlanta, you know, just, I like doing little events and things like that.

So I had, did like a workout boot camp type of thing. And then the next day I had to sing [00:08:00] at church and I didn't think really much of it, you know, I wasn't prioritizing my rest or my nutrition. So I was just like, okay, you know, I'm gonna do this bootcamp and then I'm gonna wake up early tomorrow and go to church, sing, do my thing.

And I'll take a nap after church. That's what I thought. Y'all tell me why I passed out on stage at church in front of everybody that taught me a big, big lesson, big lesson. I am not invincible. I need to. So I'm gonna say the same thing to you guys. You are not invincible. You need to go to bed. Okay.

Another thing we, when you are not resting, you lack clarity of thought. You are not able to [00:09:00] create as,

as well as you would, if you were. I don't care what people say. People have made amazing songs. Um, I know a few people have made amazing songs, um, with lack of sleep and that's, that's wonderful for them, but how long are they going to be able to do that? Realistically? How long are you going to be able to put your brain under so much stress just for your.

Especially when this is something that you need to do every day. It just, it doesn't, it doesn't seem realistic to me. Hold on guys. I'm gonna sip some coffee because I don't want it to get cold and it's right here and it's amazing. And if you know me, I love coffee. So

[00:10:00] yeah. Ooh. It's just like a warm hug. Any who, so another thing that. That a lot of us artists, uh, have to deal with when it comes to not taking care of ourselves, um, is vocal fold damage. This is another thing I feel like people do not talk about. Um, but I'm so grateful that I've had, um, amazing, amazing teachers to teach me about vocal health because.

Sleep is a part of sustaining vocal health. Now I don't care if you are a singer like me, or if you're a rapper or if you are a public speaker or whatever your PO profession is, you need to rest when it comes to your voice. Because if you don't your voice, your vocal fold, your vocal folds will start to deteriorat.[00:11:00] 

It'll start to be a lot of friction, you know? Um, and if there's a lot of friction, then you can develop vocal nodes and then those have to be removed via surgery. Now, if they're removed via surgery, there's potential that you will lose your voice. Um, I can't think of the famous, um, actress, but, um, oh, what is her name?

I wanna say Julie Andrews, but I don't, I don't wanna mess it up, but I know she's from, um, I can't think of the movie. I just know the song. Um, dang, what is it? Oh, gosh, medicine. Um, whoever that lady is, she had that issue as far as developing, um, vocal. Um, nodules on her vocal folds, [00:12:00] and that can come from vocal strain.

And you are straining because you are not taking care of your, your body, meaning you are not resting, meaning you are not warming up, meaning you are eating the wrong things, which, which include too much dairy, which means you're not drinking enough water. There are just so many different things that I feel.

Go untalked about when it comes to artists. And it's like, if you, if you love music, um, and your creativity, as much as I love music, then why would you do anything to cause harm to it? You know? So we have to take care of our bodies. We have to take care of our bodies. Um, so yeah. That's essentially what I want us to really, really start thinking about when it comes to creating, are we creating?[00:13:00] 

Because we feel like we have to, we just gotta do something. We just, we just gotta, because you gotta ask yourself, are you creating out of a lack of mindset? Or are you creating because you feel like this is something I need to do right now. And if you feel like it's something that you need to do right now, and it's something that you are, you are called to do, then there is no need to rush.

Right? I'll always say when you're in alignment, people can Huff and they can puff, but they can't blow your house down because it's meant. It's meant for you. So that's what I wanted to talk about today on this episode of the beauty and soul podcast. Um, and before I get into this week's song, I just wanna know, are you following me on Spotify?

Because if you're not, you should be [00:14:00] because that is where the music is featured. Um, For copyright reasons, the music only shows up on Spotify. So I hope that you will tune in on Spotify as well. So you can hear what the featured song is. Um, but the featured song for this episode, Is by Tim's. I know everyone knows her and the song is free mind.

I hope you guys are able to free your mind and be at peace and take your time on this creative journey. It's it's a blessing. You are, you are meant to, to share your talent, but you don't have to sacrifice yourself in order to do it. All right guys. See you next time. Bye.[00:15:00] 

Thank you for listening!

XOXO,

Shoni

Links:

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Listen to the featured songs on our Spotify playlist: Werk it! The Beauty & Soul Playlist

Ask A Black Woman Episode 4: Submissiveness

Check out this great episode of Ask A Black Woman on Youtube.

Curated discussion of submission and relationships

We will be live on YouTube 9/05/21 @ 7pm CST/ 8pm EST on the HBCU Lounge Network's channel for Ep.4  of V Bailey's "Ask A Black Woman" . The topic is "Submissiveness"!  Have your questions ready because we have 4 special guests to help us understand women @sweetdaneish @queenaftan @intuitiveone333 & @iamshoni .

You don't want to miss it!

Facebook link:

The 2019 Wrap Up

Quote:  I think every individual has his or her own power, and it's a matter of working, taking the time and defining what that power is.-Jill Scott

Hey Beautiful People, it’s that time again. It’s time for our 2019 Wrap Up. Here’s what I learned in 2019:

-Do The One Thing You’ve Always Wanted To Do

For me this year my one thing was releasing my music. I’m so proud I was able to make that accomplishment. Once I did it I was like yeah okay this is cool but it didn’t hit me until one of my friends called me excited to tell me how cool it was to search for me on Tidal. Then it hit me like yeah that is pretty cool. Do the thing you’ve always wanted to do I promise you people will be inspired by your courage.

-Walk Away From What No Longer Serves You

Now, this can be a job, relationship, toxic behavior, whatever. True self-love is looking at a situation and saying I can’t grow here, or this is continuously hurting I need to walk away.

-There Are No Limits

 This is how I view finances now. We all have unlimited income potential most of us are just afraid to tap into it. I remember in 2018 when I wrote out my goals/accomplishments I wanted to maintain 3 revenue streams. In 2019 I was able to double that. We all have unlimited income potential, never think you are only able to do one thing.

-Connect with a Higher Power

Now, this can be God, Spirit, The Universe, The Divine whatever you choose to call it. Just connect through meditation, reiki, prayer, music, spiritual baths, whichever works for you. I do all of them. By reconnecting I was able to reconnect with myself which has ultimately allowed me to step into my Divine Power. It took me a long time to get here but I am happy with who I see in the mirror and I love who I’m becoming. I want the same for you. Your #33 year will be amazing if you allow it to be.

Featured Song: I’m Prettier- Jill Scott

Sponsor: Queen Empress Beauty Supply Store Promo Code BEAUTY493

Thank you for listening!

XOXO,

Shoni

Links:

To listen to past podcast guests and episodes: itsbeautyandsoul.com/podcast 

If you want to be a guest or sponsor the podcast email : info@itsbeautyandsoul.com

Let's connect on Social Media:

   Instagram: @itsbeautyandsoul

   Facebook: @itsbeautyandsoul

   Instagram: @iamshoni

   Facebook: @iamshoni

   Twitter: @iamshoni_

Listen to the featured songs on our Spotify playlist: Werk it! The Beauty & Soul Playlist 

Check out the Beauty & Soul Merch here.

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.

Social Connection

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots” — Marcus Garvey

Hey Beautiful people today I thought I would change it up and balance all of this feminine energy by adding a little masculine energy to the pod. I want to introduce Terrell. Terrell and I connected via Instagram. One of the great things about social media is it allows us to connect with people around the world from our mobile devices. Lucky Terrell is just a regular guy from Brooklyn…. He told me to introduce him like that ahahaha.

Life- abundance

Love- boundless

Business- savvy

Featured song: Diamond by Sol Development

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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

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.

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.

Now Playing

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” ― Billy Joel

Hi guys, it is almost the end of Jan and I hope all of you have working hard to make 2019 your best year. I know I am, I’m wearing so many hats  right now and it’s all good. One tool I use to stay productive and to help me get through my work week is music. Do you ever notice when you play your favorite uptempo song you’re able to get a lot more done?

Listening to and playing music can make you smarter, happier, healthier and more productive at all stages of life. Music is powerful. When need to be mindful when it comes to what we listen to.

Did you hear we are on Spotify now?! I’m so excited. Now you can hear the Beauty & Soul Podcast everywhere!! To help me help you I created a playlist for us on Spotify so we can Werk It! this year. I know you will enjoy it. Xoxo

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.

Back to One

“I want every day to be a fresh start on expanding what is possible.” 

― Oprah Winfrey

This is episode 31 titled Back to One.  Recently I stopped everything I was doing so I could take it from the top. Life can be so overwhelming at times with so many deadlines and obligations coming at us left and right. I had to ask myself why am I doing all of this? Seriously am I getting closer to my goals doing the 20 things on my to-do list? The answer was no.  So while I was listening one of my favorite podcasts Redefining Wealth with Patrice Washington, she talked about how it’s okay to un-commit. Ugh, you don’t know how good I felt to hear someone say that. As a people pleasing person I find it really hard to say no to people and opportunities, even if they aren’t in line with my goals. After listening to the Redefining Wealth episode I decided to  write down what is important to me personally and professionally. I learned a few things from this exercise, take a moment to listen.

Featured song is “Moment” by Kyle feat. Wiz Kalifa

Don't Touch My Hair

 “We Don’t go Natural, we return. Natural, is where it began.” 

I’m taking it to the head yes, our hair ladies and gentlemen. I have so much to say regarding black women and natural hair so I thought I would put it on the show. Okay just a little back history on me I’ve been fully natural for 5 years. I say fully because I initially started to transition I  started to become impatient initially and relaxed my hair. I hated it. Then I decided to fully commit. Best decision ever! Today I want to talk about the stigma against natural hair. Some can deny it but it’s definitely present these days on our jobs and even in our homes. 

I will never forget a manager I had once asked me, “How is it that you can learn to manage your daughter's natural hair but can’t manage to handle your own?” The younger naive and less self-aware Shoniqua just brushed the comment off as random girl talk, now I see she was shedding light on an issue I did not know I had. Truthfully it wasn’t until my hairstylist in Atlanta asked me why was I wearing weave? Now you know something is up when your own hairstyling is asking you why are you buying? I remember telling her well I did the big chop and  I don’t like short hair. She then told me to go to the mirror and look at my hair. I went and I amazed at what I saw. I had thick and full luscious hair that I was hiding under color-treated Indian hair. For me, that was the moment when I started to see my hair in a different light. I wonder how many other women are hiding their virgin hair like I once was. 

Sadly, some of the issues we as women have with our hair did not start with us. Till this day my parents still have a negative view towards natural hair. Possibly because their generation was taught to conform instead of embracing their hair in its God-given form. Time Magazine once stated, “As long as black women have existed in America, we have been put down for our skin color, our bodies, and our natural hair. In the 18th Century, British colonists deemed African hair as closer to sheep wool than human hair, setting the precedent that white hair is preferable — or “good,” a racially charged notion in and of itself.” Sadly we’ve been manipulated to believe who we naturally are is not good enough. 

The question now is, “ How can we make the situation better?” My answer is self-discovery and time. I’m so grateful for my former manager and hairstylist for revealing an issue I did not know I had. The more you get to know who you are on the inside, flaws and all the more comfortable you will feel trying new things with your hair, makeup, wardrobe, and overall experiences. Unfortunately, more of the negative views we have regarding ourselves including our hair will take time to repair because it took time to be implanted in us. I will say being other like-minded people has helped me as well get comfortable with my kinks and coils.  Oh yeah btw don’t let anyone just grab and touch your hair just because they’re curious. They should know better. 

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.

The Art of Storytelling

“Musicians want to be the loud voice for so many quiet hearts.”- Billy Joel.

This episode I have another special guest for you, Mr. Drew Ford aka as ThatViolaKid and the creator of the wonderful hashtag and movement #PlayHomiePlay. Drew talks about his journey through the classical music world and his life after The Julliard School. He also discusses why it's important for musicians to share their story on and off the stage. 

For more information on Drew please check out his website ThatViolaKid.com. Also, you can purchase tickets to his upcoming farewell concert here. I hope to see you there! 

Featured song: All Of The Lights by Kanye West feat. Rihanna and Kid Cudi

Redesigning Life

“I’ll tell you what freedom is to me: no fear.” - Nina Simone

On the Redesigning Life episode, I introduce you to Tamu Green the Owner/Principal Designer of  LuxPad Interiors. We get real about life in the Interior Design industry and how important self-discovery is in life, love, and business. 

Featured song "Work in Progress" by MuMuFresh

Get more information on Tamu Green and LuxPad Interiors at LuxPadInteriors.com

Run Your Race

“The human body is the best work of art.” 
― Jess C. Scott

Join JayEll Alexander, Owner/CEO of Black Girls Run! and myself as we talk about fitness, what it takes to become an active runner and how taking care of your body can help your mind, body, and soul.

Featured Song: RAYE – Confidence feat. Maleek Berry & Nana Rogues

Get more information on the Black Girls Run! movement at blackgirlsrun.com.