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
Lotsha Home Foods with Chef Mokgadi Itsweng (S4, E9)
If you've ever considered going plant-based/vegan/vegetarian, or even turning your foodie passion into a business, then this episode is for you. My guest today is Chef Mokgadi Itsweng, Creative Director and Head Chef at Lotsha Home Foods.
Today she shares all the wisdom she's gathered throughout her 17-year journey in the food industry. And now that she's got many skills and lessons under her belt, she's ready to share it with us all through the products she sells on your supermarket shelf, her cook book Veggie Licious, the farmers she supports, her speaking engagements and teachings on various platforms, including Shades and Layers.
In today's episode, she talks about:
-Food sustainability
-Organic Farming IRL
-Consciousness vs. Convenience
-Pivoting a Business (Agility)
-And of course, her very own personal story since childhood
Definitely don't miss this one! We had loads of laughs and I hope you'll share in the joy of this conversation.
LINKS AND MENTIONS
Sechaba Mogale – Co-founder of Iconic South African clothing brand, Loxion Kulcha: https://loxionkulca.com/
SPAR’s – When Mokgadi mentions what sounds like ‘spas’, as in wellness centers, South Africans understand that she’s actually referring to the supermarket chain, which is also present all across Europe:
Siyakhana Food Garden: https://siyakhana.org/temp/
Future Food Institute: https://futurefoodinstitute.org/
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