Shades & Layers
Shades and Layers is a podcast focused on black women entrepreneurs from across the globe. It is a platform for exploring issues and challenges around business ownership, representation and holistic discussions about the meaning of sustainability in an increasingly complex global context. Conversations are wide- ranging and serve not only as a Masterclass in Entrepreneurship but also provide wisdom and tools for Successful Living. It is a space for meaningful conversation, a place for black and other women of color to be fully human and openly share their quirks and vulnerabilities.
Guests include prominent figurers in the beauty, fashion and wellness industries both in the Northern Hemisphere and the Global South.
Dr. Theo Mothoa-Frendo of USO Skincare discusses her journey from being product junkie to creating an African science-based skincare range. Taryn Gill of The Perfect Hair is a brand development whizz who discusses supply chain and distribution of her haircare brands. Katonya Breux discusses melanin and sunscreen and how she addresses the needs of a range of skin tones with her Unsun Cosmetics products.
We discuss inclusion in the wellness industry with Helen Rose Skincare and Yoga and Nectarines Founder , Day Bibb. Abiola Akani emphasizes non-performance in yoga with her IYA Wellness brand and Anesu Mbizho shares her journey to yoga and the ecosystem she's created through her business The Nest Space.
Fashion is all about handmade, custom made and circular production with featured guests like fashion designer Maria McCloy of Maria McCloy Accessories; Founder and textile/homeware designer Nkuli Mlangeni Berg of The Ninevites as well as Candice Lawrence, founder of the lighting design company Modern Gesture. These are just a few the conversations on the podcast over the past three years.
Shades & Layers
MieCup for Better Period Management with Zema Sokanyile (S4, E8)
In this week’s episode, we talk to Zema Sokanyile, the founder of MieCup, a South African menstrual cup brand. I’m a huge fan of menstrual cups so when I found out that there is a South African brand founded by a black woman, I had to speak to her!
Zema is originally from the Eastern Cape province of South Africa and has found success in the Western Cape where she studied Engineering. During the day, she ensures the safety of the country’s military ships and the rest of her time goes towards growing Mie Cup, which includes educating South African women on alternatives to traditional period products.
As always there is a lot to learn about entrepreneurship and also enjoy about Zema's story.
She shares about:
- Educating a new audience, introducing a new product and changing attitudes towards menstruation
- How to transfer your skills into a new environment
- Chasing dreams and self-discipline
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Nolitha Fakude - https://www.702.co.za/articles/440111/nolitha-fakude-i-am-in-the-first-generation-of-women-to-have-opportunities
Amanda Dambuza - https://amandadambuza.com/about-amanda-dambuza/
Rihanna - http://www.rihannanow.com/
Mathebe Molise - Founder of South African online beauty store, BeautyOnTapp and a former guest on Shades and Layer. Check out our conversation on the episode titled Accidentally Beautiful
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