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In this week's episode, Isha Gaye shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to founder and CEO of Afrique Noire Magazine, a print publication celebrating African creativity and connecting the diaspora to the continent. 

As a 2020 college graduate, nothing unfolded as planned for Isha and so lockdown forced her to reflect on her true wishes for her own future. Isha has always known that she wanted to stay connected to the African continent and to bridge the gap between the continent and the diaspora. That's when she came up with the idea for the Afrique Noire social media platform, which evolved into a recently launched print and digital publication. The magazine fosters dialogue by showcasing African designers, artists, and visionaries. 

Here is a summary of the main topics in our conversation:

• Founded to address the disconnect between African immigrants and Black Americans in the US
• Launched as a social media platform before evolving into a print magazine by popular demand
• Publishes three times annually with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and traditional arts
• Self-funded with a creative fund that supports featured artists' projects
• Designed as an art piece meant to be kept and shared rather than quickly consumed
• Creating "Afrique Noire Edits," an e-commerce platform launching soon for African creatives to sell their work
• Committed to never charging creatives to be featured in the publication
• Deeply personal connection to African heritage despite 15 years of separation from her homeland

Isha Gaye also talks about how she's managing her newfound role as an entrepreneur and the leader of an organization. She also speaks more about her mentors and the family dynamics that have led her down this path. 

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What happens when the dream your mother sacrificed everything for becomes your personal nightmare? Johannesburg-based filmmaker Karabo Lediga joins us to explore this haunting question through her debut feature film "Sabbatical" – a raw, honest portrayal of mother-daughter relationships in post-apartheid South Africa.

A 30-something year old woman called Lesego, is the compelling main character of this story. She is forced to return to her childhood home in the township in Pretoria after a professional downfall. While living in her mother's house, she has to reckon with having become alien to her own mother, how her Model C school experience has facilitated the fragility of that relationship, and the psychological cost of having being thrown in all-white spaces in order to achieve the success or dreams that parents desperately want for their children. 

Our conversation ventures beyond the film into Karabo's amazing film and television career. Her credits include  Netflix's "Queen Sono" and the touching short film "What Did You Dream?" that was inspired by her own grandmother's story.  Karabo shares invaluable insights about sustaining a creative career in South Africa's evolving film landscape. Bonus: she shares the different funding mechanisms available to South African filmmakers—a system that is relatively unique to the country—and her commitment to authentic storytelling despite industry pressures.

Sabbatical is a much needed voice from South Africa's so-called born free generation. It's entertaining, it offers deep cultural insights and serves as an amazing showcase of Karabo's unique voice.  Whether you're a film enthusiast, a creative professional, or someone navigating complex family dynamics, Karabo's perspectives will resonate long after the credits roll.

LINKS AND MENTIONS 

Model C - Formerly whites-only public schools that were desegregated after Apartheid. 

Matwetwe - seminal film of the film production house Diprente, who collaborated with Karabo on Sabbatical. 

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In 2020, then nurse practitioner, Shaina Rainford got seriously ill from COVID. She survived the illness, but lost all her hair and found nothing on store shelves that could help with her condition. Then, she remembered that her younger sister went through something similar – not COVID – five years prior, and their mother had made a concoction that helped little sister to grow her 4C Hair to waist length. Shaina tried the hair oil on her own hair, documented her journey on social media and Bask and Lather was born.

The story is about more than creating a hair care brand. It’s also the story of how one woman’s go-getter spirit moved her into the next level of her professional journey. It’s also a story about centering community and building a legacy. 

Here are some key discussions from my conversation with Shaina Rainford: 

• Bask and Lather launced in December 2020, and within three months, the company was generating the same amount as Shaina's annual nursing salary

• The business focuses on natural ingredients with no fragrances, using essential oils that each serve a purpose
 • Shaina maintains 100% ownership of her company with zero debt and manufactures millions of units annually
 • Her 17-year-old son now leads the marketing efforts, creating a true legacy family business
 • Baskin-Lather holds top-seller positions on TikTok Shop for multiple hair care categories
 • The brand maintains direct-to-consumer focus to control distribution and maintain healthy profit margins
 • Their community-centered approach prioritizes authentic engagement with customers both online and offline

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One of the most effective ways to succeed in entrepreneurship is mindset. To help you get in the right frame of mind for your new or existing venture, The SAL Podcast gets you a coach to answer some challenging questions on your journey to success. This time we have Performance Coach and Happiness Expert, Brandi Hudson. In this episode, she breaks down her B.A.S.E. framework that she uses to help her corporate, entrepreneurial and individual clients to reach the next level. 

Here are the main topics we covered during our conversation: 

 -Shifting Her Own Mindset

-Moving from personal to business success

-How she works with entrepreneurial clients 

-The problem with the notion of manifestation

-Agency

-Navigating systemic barriers to success 

-Honoring your heritage

-The power of intuition

 MORE ABOUT BRANDI HUDSON

Performance Coach and Happiness Expert, Brandi Hudson is passionate about helping women embody their own magic and step into a life of purpose through the power of performance and happiness. As an intuitive with extensive executive experience and a strong educational background, she brings a powerful combination of spiritual insight and real-world savvy to her work. “My unique blend of spiritual wisdom and practical wisdom helps women tap into the quantum field and align with the laws of the universe, making the pursuit of their dreams feel effortless and fulfilling” 

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Power Versus Force by David Hawkins

Kerry Washington

Michelle Obama

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others. You can also compliment this session with coach Neketa Thigpen, who believes that one should be Intentionally Selfish to change their narrative.   

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IN CONCLUSION

In the second part of this conversation with Palesa Mokubung, we discuss some of the challenges facing African designers, particularly when it comes to serving a market that is more and more shopping online. 

We also get into the behind the scenes at Mantsho, Palesa's fashion brand as well as the Shades and Layers Rapid Fire. 

Mantsho has been making waves in the fashion industry for the past 20 years, both in Palesa's home country, South Africa and more recently globally with an international collaboration with H&M. You can hear more about this in Part I of our conversaiton here:  From Passionate Intern to World Class Designer (Palesa Mokubung Part 1)

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This is the first part of a two-part conversation with renowned South African fashion designer Palesa Mokubung. In this conversation, she shares her 20-year journey with Mantsho by Palesa Mokubung, the fashion brand she founded after working as an intern at another iconic South African fashion house, Stoned Cherrie. 

This episode is both a celebration and a walk down memory lane with Palesa and here are some of the topics we discussed during our conversation: 

• Founded Mantsho without formal education, working for seven years before hitting a ceiling
• Returned to school at 30, studying alongside teenagers to formally train in fashion design
• Describes education as transformative, bringing focus, technical knowledge, and business structure
• Collaborated with H&M in 2019
• Uses authentic South African cultural elements in designs, from specific color palettes to layering techniques
• Defines success as making a visible impact on African lives
• Attending trade show in Paris as a first step in global expansion for Mantsho
• Values sustainability and conscious production in fashion
• Maintains an informal "board of directors" to guide her in her business decisions

Keep an eye out for the second and final part of this conversation. Subscribe to the Shades and Layers newsletter on shadesandlayers.com or follow wherever you get your podcasts.

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Shweshwe (Seshoeshoe) - Traditional Bashoto printed colorful fabric

Stoned Cherrie - Iconic and seminal post-Apartheid South African fashion brand inspired by African aesthetics, as well as 50s and 60s urban African style with echoes of the Harlem Renaissance as seen in Janet Jackson's 'Got 'Til It's Gone' video

H&M Advert controversy - In 2018, the Swedish fast fashion brand faced a backlash over a racist advert featuring a Black child model wearing a sweatshirt that read "Coolest Monkey In The Jungle"

Amapostoli - United Apostolic African Church known for its iconic blue and white uniforms.

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Amanda Sebolai is the founder of the South African natural haircare brand, Dignify Afro Beauty and my guest in this episode of Shades and Layers. 

Amanda's personal journey of embracing her natural hair led her to create a line of innovative haircare products that celebrate African beauty and self-love. Inspired by her daughters, Amanda's products are helping to transform hair care for African women in post-apartheid South Africa. Her story gives insight into how long it takes and exactly what it takes to build a brand step by step.

There is no entrepreneurial journey that is totally smooth and Amanda's is no different. In our conversation she highlights some of the bumps she hit while transitioning from homemade formulations to becoming a thriving business that seeks to own its entire value chain. She also credits customer engagement and feedback as the core of Dignify Afro Beauty's success. According to her, one of the most important pillars of her brand is being rooted in cultural identity and empowerment.

Amanda wants to build a legacy company and leave a meaningful imprint on the world. Find out how she plans to do it all.

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In this essential episode of, we sit down with Palesa Segomotso Motsumi, a trailblazing creative social entrepreneur and curator. She is the founder of Sematsatsa Library, a creative consultancy and curatorial agency based in South Africa. 

Palesa's work occupies a space where art, culture and technology meet - she uses dialogue as a tool for change, storytelling as social infrastructure, and uses feminist design thinking to reimagine how creative ecosystems on the African continent function. 

She shares her journey from the corporate grind to the world of art and social change in her hometown of Bloemfotein and major centers like Cape Town and Johannesburg. Through her groundbreaking work with Sematsatsa Library and projects like "Hashtag That's What She Said," a fundraising initiative honoring Black women in art, serve as radical acts of archiving, advocacy and community funding. 

This is a journey through the process of building cultural platforms, designing new futures and how to center equity in African storytelling. It's also a personal narrative that touches on how to balance between the need for financial stability while making a social impact. 

Highlights from our conversation include: 

-What  it takes to build a cultural enterprise outside South Africa's major creative capitals

-The role of dialogue as a form of social and political technology

-African feminist leadership and the art of curating safe, critical spaces

-The power of art and storytelling in funding and healing communities 

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Palesa's Social Media Accounts - Sematsatsa Library and Personal Profile

Lawrence Lemoana
Mary Sibande
Ruth Motau
William Kentridge
Zanele Muholi

Ibrahim Mahama

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Today I'm in conversation with Zimbabwean-born and Italy-based serial startup founder and entrepreneur, Tadiwa Mwashita. Her latest venture is the Italian Social Impact Startup, Feedel Africa. They provide services to innovation hubs and non-profit organizations on the African continent, with a special focus on women led startups. 

Some of the services Feedel Africa offers include fund raising, grant writing and AI education. Join us and hear all about Tadiwa's ability to combine profit with purpose, and how she is elevating African innovation to global heights in the fields of B2B SaaS, fintech, and AI.

Our conversations takes us on a journey from Tadiwa’s home country, Zimbabwe, where she stumbled on entrepreneurship as a high school student. We discover that she hasn't stopped experimenting with ideas ever since, and how being in Italy forced her to fully embrace her entrepreneurial roots.

It has been nothing less than a complex journey of navigating language barriers and prejudice that has led her to the level of nimbleness and adaptability you will hear about. She also discusses her latest and soon-to-be launched venture in the pet space, which she created using a methodology she has mastered: .the magic of turning local insights into innovative business solutions

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of the most creative and resilient entrepreneurs you will meet.

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Tadiwa's LinkedIn Profile
Feedel Africa - Social Impact Startup founded by Tadiwa
Feedel Ventures - The Investment company that funds and provides other resources to Tadiwa's venture

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Naeemah LaFond, a celebrated editorial hairstylist, is not just styling hair but shaping the future of the beauty industry. Her journey from a court clerk to working alongside icons like Beyoncé and Amapiano singer Tyla is a testament to her passion and dedication. Naeemah's journey in the hair industry is heart driven and intentional, this extends to all that she does, including her partnerships. Learn how Naeemah’s partnership with the global haircare brand Olaplex emphasizes her belief in the importance of science-backed products, particularly for textured hair. She believes that such initiatives are essential in the movement to creating an inclusive industry.

Naeemah shares compelling stories about overcoming challenges and underestimations, turning them into opportunities to mentor aspiring Black women hairstylists and create a supportive community in beauty and fashion campaigns.She also shares her definition of success or fulfillment, which is an inspiring takeaway for all aspiring stylists and all who listen. Join us and discover the what the future of hair care looks like.

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Olaplex
Naeemah on Insta: @naeemahlafond
Amapiano Star @tyla
Beyoncé's hair brand @cecred
For more info on Naeemah's work, visit her website https://naeemahlafond.com

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SUMMARY

This week, I'm speaking to Barbara Clark Ruiz, a multifaceted solopreneur known for her activewear designs and dog treat brand 'Lick You Silly.'

Barbara shares her journey from childhood in Portsmouth, Virginia, to designing for global brands like Ralph Lauren and Adidas, and collaborating with Venus Williams on her activewear brand Eleven by Venus.

During the pandemic, her dog treat business rose in rankings on the Amazon platform and this opened opportunities for growth and naturally, challenges that come with a sudden need to scale.

Emphasizing love and kindness, Barbara discusses her ventures in pitching reality shows, animated shorts, and working with Amazon's Accelerator for Black businesses.

Barbara works hard and plays hard. She also networks like a boss and takes care of her professional relationships. In our conversation, she also talks about personal experiences like meeting the Obamas, sharing a blanket with Star Wars creator, George Lucas in Oprah Winfrey's backyard and eating tacos with the Williams sisters.


TAKE AWAYS

-There are many pathways to a creative career
-Multiple streams of income are the way to go
-Easy does it - take your time and do what you love


LINKS AND MENTIONS

Barbara's Website - https://barbaraclarkeruiz.com
Barbara's LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaraclarkeruiz/
Barbara's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/barbaraclarkeruiz/
Lick You Silly - https://lickyousillypetproducts.com 
Pratt Institute - https://pratt.edu
Give Butter Fundraising - https://givebutter.com
Savannah College of Art and Design: https://www.scad.edu/

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The books your children read can shape their self-identity and cultural awareness. Join me in conversation with Khumo Tapfumaneyi, Co-Founder and Director of Ethnikids,  as we discuss the life-changing power of diversity in children's literature.

We discuss how Ethnikids, an online children's book store,  is transforming the South African book market by offering a range of inclusive books—from folktales to affirmation stories—that nurture a child's sense of belonging and self-worth. Khumo and her co-founder, Tina Akuoko believe it is fundamental to provide literature in all South African languages. Mother tongue literature can have profound psychological impact on children who see themselves reflected in the stories they read.

In this episode, Khumo also shares her entrepreneurial journey; from overcoming market challenges, to forming impactful partnerships with schools and libraries to promote reading for leisure.  We delve into Ethnikids' exciting expansion into book publishing and how they tackle sustainability in their business practices. The Ethnikids co-founders have ambitious goals for expansion into the rest of Africa.

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Sho Majozi - https://www.instagram.com/shomadjozi/?hl=en
Professor Rudine Sims Bishop: https://www.readingrockets.org/people-and-organizations/rudine-sims-bishop 

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In this week's episode, we connect with Nsimire Godman, Founder of Raha Copenhagen. This Denmark-based creative shares how a humble background in Rwanda and a spark of creativity during the pandemic led her to create inclusive, aesthetically pleasing soy wax candles. Listen as Nsimire recounts her year-long journey of mastering the craft, overcoming challenges, and discovering a niche market in the Danish capital, Copenhagen. 

As we know, entrepreneurship is best done with support and community, and Nsimire's beautiful journey to starting and running a business, is a good illustration of this. Her mother's financial savvy, her husband's business operations expertise and her mother in-law's artistic input have all been instrumental in turning her passion into a flourishing small-batch production company. Nsimire also shares how she also surrounds herself with allies and strives to create inclusive spaces for others who might not enjoy the same support she does.

Nsimire also shares that her soy wax candle business is sustainable by design - from reusing materials to keep her business eco-friendly to sourcing materials from eco-friendly suppliers and only making products to order....  

As always, this conversation is Shades and Layers' style - lots of candor and humor. 

LINKS AND MENTIONS 

Raha Copenhagen

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 South African podcaster and social media marketing specialist, Lizzy Hudson is the voice behind the Live to Thrive Podcast. In this episode, she shares her journey into podcasting, inspired by the tragic event of George Floyd's murder in 2020. We discuss the personal impact of this moment and how Lizzy's podcast focuses on amplifying the stories of people of color healing from racial trauma and other challenges unique to POC. 

There are many vulnerable moments in this episode as we touch on Lizzy's experiences as a cross-racial adoptee, her memories from a predominantly white boarding school in post-apartheid South Africa and eventually moving to the predominantly white town of Santa Barbara in the USA. Find out how these experiences have influenced her values, career and life choices. 
If you need tips on navigating the rapidly changing AI driven social media landscape while maintaining good mental; if you are curious about immigrant experience in 2020's America; or if you'd like to know the ins and outs of podcasting for impact, then join us for an intimate discussion. You will walk away reflective and inspired.

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It all started with a wish for a satin-lined beach hat. When Rachel Osborne could not find one on the market, she set about creating her own.  She spent 2023 researching and testing her concept for luxury satin lined, and adjustable hats that would offer "no-frizz" experience for curly and kinky hair. As a result, her brand RAINA was born.

The creation of RAINA is very much tied to Rachael's own natural hair journey, which  resonates with anyone who's ever felt the pressure to conform to so-called conventional beauty standards. It took a while for her to accept and celebrate her own natural curls. Creating this line of high-end hats is a testament to where she is on her natural hair journey: she now sees her curls as the embodiment of elegance and beauty. She also believes that it is time for curly hair to be included in the development of all luxury hair products.

As every entrepreneur will attest, the entrepreneurial career and lifestyle choice is an opportunity for personal growth, and for building deep community bonds. Rachael shares her own learning curves and mindset shifts that have made her successful so far. She also offers some advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

LINKS AND MENTIONS 

• Jamie Kern Lima - Beauty entrepreneur and former founder of IT Cosmetics
• Psycho Cybernetics by Maxwell Multz 
• Purple Cow by Seth Godin 
• Naptural85 

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Fikile "Fix" Moeti calls herself a Lightworker and you’ll find out what she means by that in this episode. The Social Entrepreneur is the founder of a pay-it-forward education and women-focused social enterprise, The Fix Scholarship. She is a well-known former radio DJ and MTV South Africa presenter. 

This long-time yogi is now navigating a new chapter as a mom and owner of a beachfront yoga studio and bar called The Yoga Bar, on the East African island of Zanzibar. Her work with The Fix Scholarship has also led a to a new project that she co-founded with one of the scholarship alumni, and it’s called African Affirmations, an inclusive 30-card deck for children, and the young at heart. You’ll also hear how her family’s legacy of activism and education has been instrumental in shaping her life today and career.  

Fikile ‘Fix’ Moeti’s story isn't just about change; it's a beacon for anyone yearning to pursue creativity and authenticity while navigating life's ups and downs. Find out how business, life and local traditions intertwine to create the perfect conditions for slow living and creativity. 

 LINKS AND MENTIONS

https://africanaffirmations.org/ 

Gugu Mbhata Raw (Actress)  

Thandile Lujabe-Rankoe (Diplomat and Fikile’s grandmother) 

Fix Scholarship

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Bonnie Meslane is the Founder of the online lifestyle and culture magazine, Nounouche Online. The Johannesburg-based publisher is also the force behind the A-list Public Relations and Communications company,  Azania Public, and like all multi-hyphenates, she also works as in the marketing of the iconic and legendary music radio station, Kaya FM.

Bonnie and her team at Nounouche Online are story driven and dedicated to amplifying the voices that truly shape our world and culture - in their world, that means staying away from scandals and telling the stories of change makers, even if they are not celebrities.

In our conversation we cover a lot of ground, from leadership to readership, as well as how to thrive with grace and determination as a multi-hyphenate. We reflect on the shift from hard to soft skills in modern leadership and dissect the complexities that come with being in a position of authority. We discuss the role of a fitness routing in cultivating discipline, building resilience, and having fortitude. 

Bonnie Meslane  exemplifies what it means to lead with inspiration, and how to leave a legacy through the impact of your work.

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Nounouche Online
Azania Public 

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Monique Webber is the visionary founder of MLWPR Fashion and Beauty PR Agency. Her story isn't just about the sparkle of dressing celebrities in Herve Leger's iconic ensembles; it's a story about ambition, resilience, and a commitment to lifting up minority, local, and women-owned brands.

Monique started out as a teen model and progressed to publicity. She worked with A-listers and learned a lot during her two decade plus career. In 2020 she stepped out on her own and she talks about all the things that gave her courage to strike out and pursue a dream she visualized during an encounter with Oprah Winfrey....

In our conversation, we discuss the relentless drive it takes to flourish in public relations as well as the importance of diversifying your income streams to run a successful agency. We get into the merits of mentorship and how applying for grants can support you in your entrepreneurial journey. Monique also recently underwent treatment for cancer and she talks about how keeping a positive attitude got her through this difficult period.

Finally, Monique shares the best advise she has ever received, it was from her late father and it simply says: "Believe In Yourself."

LINKS AND MENTIONS

MLWPR Agency IG Profile and Website
Contact Monique: Monique@mlwpr.com
BeyGOOD Foundation
Unsun Cosmetics
Shea Radiance

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Melaney Oldenhoff, Founder and Creative Director of WhatWeCherish, a curated market place for handmade accessories and home décor from the African continent.  Melaney shares how she pivoted from New York-based fashion stylist to joining the  vanguard of African design in Johannesburg. Her story is a testament to endurance and vision, championing artisans while navigating the intricacies of e-commerce and forging a new path for women-owned and black-owned brands. 

In our conversation, Melaney outlines her amazing journey from inspiration to launch and discusses the importance of knowing when to pivot. Melaney recently transitioned WhatWeCherish  from direct-to-customer to a business-to-business model, which has been instrumental in her mission to amplify the voices of African creators in the world's creative economy.  Melaney's journey is bigger than just selling products; it's a vision that centers new narratives about African creators and reinforcing Africa's leadership in sustainably designed products.

Melaney's journey will inspire you to be curious about what the rest of the African continent has to offer.

LINKS AND MENTIONS

WhatWeCherish is on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whatwecherish/
Melaney will be happy to hear directly from you too - https://www.instagram.com/melaneyoldenhof/
Visit the company website and see the beautiful designs - https://whatwecherish.com/

Thebe Magugu - https://www.thebemagugu.com/

Rate and Review Shades and Layers on Apple Podcasts

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Embark on an inspiring journey with the remarkable Kirstie Fleur, a Ghanaian-American beacon of creativity and advocacy. Our conversation explores her multi-disciplinary artistry that finds expression in all her life's pursuits, from her brave transition from the American Air Force to fashion's forefront, to her passionate embodiment of social entrepreneurship with her brand, Freedom Fleur.

Kirstie's story is one of resilience and transformation, illustrating the potency of fashion as a vehicle for change and the profound impact of her 'Soul Health' approach on advocating for justice and empowering women founders.

As we unravel the threads of Kirstie's multifaceted identity, we traverse the sacred terrain of 'soul health' and self-discovery. Kirstie opens up about the necessity of internal work, especially for women who often balance various roles and societal pressures. She illuminates the path to finding one's essence, emphasizing the importance of solitude in nurturing well-being and inspiring creativity. The dialogue offers a blueprint for listeners to pursue their desires and articulate their goals while harmoniously blending the many facets of their lives.

In the fluid dance of solitude and social impact, Kirstie's Freedom Fleur brand emerges as a symbol of luxury with a conscience—fashion that fosters freedom and fairness. We delve into the intricacies of ethical sourcing and the human connections that fortify her brand's foundation. And in a melodic twist, Kirstie's foray into music as a form of creative activism offers a resonant close to our episode. Her Spotify playlist, a curated collection of freedom and justice, awaits in the show notes, inviting you to experience the rhythms that drive her mission. Join us, and let Kirstie's narrative awaken your own aspirations for change.


Everything Kirstie - https://kirstiefleur.com
Kirstie's Socials - https://www.facebook.com/kirstie.f.horton (FB) and https://www.instagram.com/kirstiefleur/ (IG)

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Unlock the secrets of securing investment and mastering entrepreneurship with our esteemed guest, Jennifer Dyer. As a five-time CEO and seasoned mentor, Jennifer brings a treasure trove of insights from her experience in raising over $13 million, particularly for women and minority entrepreneurs. This episode is a candid exploration into the world of alternative funding, where we unravel the nuances of securing capital from high net worth individuals—quite a different ballgame from the traditional venture capitalist approach.

The journey to entrepreneurial success is fraught with challenges, yet it's rich with opportunities for growth and learning. Jennifer shares her professional evolution, from leading businesses to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs through her innovative online education platform, E100 Clubs. Discover the pivotal criteria for entrepreneurs looking to scale their ventures and how the E100 Clubs provide the crucial knowledge and community support to propel businesses forward. If you're seeking to enhance your entrepreneurial acumen, this episode is your gateway to actionable education tailored to the dynamic world of business.

We also delve into Jennifer's personal odyssey, a testament to resilience and the power of mentorship. Her transition from an aspirant TV presenter facing a non-diverse UK media landscape to a flourishing entrepreneur is not just inspiring—it's a masterclass in pivoting and perseverance. Hear how encounters with influential mentors like Matthew Knowles helped shape her resolve to carve out a place at the table for herself and others. This episode is more than just a conversation; it's a rallying cry for all who dare to persevere in the face of adversity on their entrepreneurial path.

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Dr. Margaret Towolawi is a physician whose canvas stretches from her medical clinic to the entrepreneurial landscape of wellness and skincare. Her story is an inspiring tale of transition, as she harmonizes the six pillars of lifestyle medicine with heartfelt entrepreneurship. In our conversation, we discuss the nurturing environment of her Nurture Well Center, the innovative skincare solutions she offers through her SkinStat MD med spa, and the personalization at the heart of her direct primary care model, designed to educate and connect with patients more deeply.

Dr. Towolawi is also a published author and her first children's book, "Ayomide's Train Ride to Graceland" was her way to transform a personal loss into solace for others. She addresses her grief with grace and offers families a way to discuss child loss and remember the lost siblings. Her second book "Ayomide and Seyi's Kitchen" plants the seeds of healthy eating in young minds. Her books help to guide and support families with sensitivity and strength through a vibrant blend of her Nigerian heritage, medical expertise, and the profound experiences of motherhood.

We also find out what she would include in her future memoir "You Think You Know, But You Have No Idea," ....


DR. TOWOLAWI'S WORK AND OTHER RESOURCES

To learn more about Dr. Towolawi's Work you can visit the pages listed below:
Skinstatmd.com - https://www.skinstatmd.com/
Nurturewellcenter.com - https://www.nurturewellcenter.com/
Buy her books HERE
You can also visit her Instagram Page

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We've come to the end of Season 7 and we end it with a special episode featuring the creation of the first inclusive swimming cap.

Swimma Caps is founded with inclusion at heart. They are more than a product company, they are a catalyst for change. Since inception, the Swimma team have been challenging hair discrimination in many areas including South African schools and making waves in the Black community. 

Founder, Nomvuyo Treffers shares the impact of her work on people's lives, revealing how her brand is not just about accommodating hair, but about encouraging swimming despite limited access to pools for Black and Brown folks. We also unpack her expansion into the American market, the growth of her product line to include shower caps and swimming goggles, competitive markets, and how she remains authentic as her business grows.
 
 We also get personal with Nomvuyo, delving into her life beyond the business. From her supportive parents to her life mantra and her passion for swimming that bloomed late in her adult years, Nomvuyo's story is encouraging. Plus, we discuss the importance of social media presence for her business and where to get your hands on these inclusive swim caps.

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Instagram Account - https://www.instagram.com/swimma_caps/ 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/swimmacaps 
Essence Festival of Culture - https://www.essence.com/efoc23-soko-mkt/ 
 

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Today’s episode is about overcoming fear of uncertainty, getting out of your comfort zone and pivoting with purpose. 

My guest on Shades and Layers is Stefanie Julia Moton, a business coach for online fitness coaches who shares how she transitioned from a career in federal law enforcement to becoming the founder of Catch Flights and Fitness and Profitable Passion and Purpose (P3). 

Stefanie has always loved sports and she used this passion to create a thriving online business with clients who affectionately called her the Fitness Challenge Lady. At the same time, she was navigating a full-time job which came with a very busy travel schedule. She candidly shares how the global pandemic became a catalyst for her to address burnout and refocus on her wellness passion. Stefanie accredits mindset and self-care to her success as a side hustler. She also gives us a glance into her transition from solopreneur to organizational leader and the significance of a solid support system.

Among the issues discussed during our conversation, is the fact that only 10% of the online fitness and wellness market is owned by black women leaders. Stefanie shares her thought-provoking reflections on this fact, how she’s working to increase the representation and celebrate the success of black women in this space. We uncover the systemic barriers and mindsets contributing to this disparity, highlighting the need for increased support and representation. 

I hope you will be inspired by Stefanie’s career transformation and mission to bring about meaningful change in the fitness industry. 

LINKS AND MENTIONS

@thestefaniejulia - Instagram handle for Stefanie Julia where you can find a link.tree to all of her work
Catch Flights and Fitness - Facebook Page for Julia's online challenges

The Retreat Maven - Katherine Searcy is Stefanie Julia's life coach and credited with setting Stefanie on this path to becoming a coach herself. 

Profitable Passion Purpose - Facebook Page for P3, Stefanie's private group for online fitness coaches. You can connect with her here if you aspire to be an online fitness coach. 

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THE BLACK MERMAID

Zandile Ndhlovu is the founder of The Black Mermaid Foundation, an organization dedicated to changing mindsets and bringing people (particularly for Black and Brown people) closer to the ocean. She is South Africa’s first Black free-diving instructor and through this work, Zandi is providing equitable access to nature and showing that our beliefs about the ocean can coexist with exploring its depths. Our conversation is an exploration of how she came to this work and how it has evolved over the years. 

Zandi’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Before becoming a free-diving instructor, she was navigating racism in corporate South Africa. After exiting this world, she used her experiences as a catalyst for change, leading her to establish her own consultancy. And that was just the beginning. As you listen, you'll discover how she carved out her path to becoming a visible and prominent figure in the world of sustainability. 

 Dive into Zandi's world of storytelling, and you'll find yourself captivated by her tales of teaching children from townships about the ocean and the joy she finds in it. You'll also hear about her children's book, "Zandi's Song," a transformative story that has been essential to furthering her cause. She is a testament to the power of dreams, the beauty of the ocean, and the strength in breaking barriers.

LINKS AND MENTIONS

The Black Mermaid Film 

Zandi’s Ted Talk – You can watch Zandi’s Ted Talk here 

Explore other stories of black women doing incredible things in water here 

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