The Butterfly Effect

I take pleasure in my transformations. I look quiet and consistent, but few know how many women there are in me.”

― Anais Nin

Season 4 has begun...

Thank you for listening!

XOXO,

Shoni

Links:

Podcast editor: www.soulfullywrittenproduction.com

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

Check out the Beauty & Soul Apothecary: https://www.itsbeautyandsoul.com/apothecary

Subscribe to Beauty & Soul Lifestyle TV on YouTube here

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

Well... It is what it is

“Then came the healing time, hearts started to shine, soul felt so fine, oh what a freeing time it was.”

― Aberjhani

Episode Notes:

• Okay to choose yourself

• Okay to release connections

• Okay to exceed your own expectations

Featured song "Same Girl" by Tess Henley

Thank you for listening!

XOXO,

Shoni

Links:

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

Subscribe to Beauty & Soul Lifestyle TV on YouTube here

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.

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.

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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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

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

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. :)

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. 

Moving Day

“She knew this transition was not about becoming someone better but about finally allowing herself to become who she’d always been.” Anonymous

Super excited to share another solo episode, it's been a minute.  On this episode I talk about some of the challenges I had to overcome pursing my dreams and building my business. It's already been 3 years! OMG. I'm still alive. 

Although my journey may be unique, I hope you are able to get motivated to do the work required to be who you are created to become. It will not be easy but it will be worth it. I wish you all the best. 

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.