Shades & Layers: Recent Episodes
Kutloano Skosana Ricci
Shades and Layers is a fortnightly podcast focused on black women entrepreneurs (especially in the diaspora). 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 intelligent conversation, a place for black women to be fully human and openly share their quirks and vulnerabilities. Season 4 (currently in production) shines a spotlight on Beauty and Wellness Intersections.
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Bisila Bokoko is an international business woman who got her start in the corporate world in Spain and then eventually in the USA. Today she shares her journey from corporate executive to international entrepreneur, wine brand founder, and creator of the Bisila Bokoko African Literacy Project.
Born to African parents from Equatorial Guinea in Spain, she jokingly calls herself a Decaf African and had a tough time navigating her African identity within a European culture. She now sees herself as a a bridge between the two cultures. Over the years she has also learned to understand and embrace her own fears, and learned how to transform obstacles into opportunities.
Today, we get into the scope of her work as an entrepreneur, author and philanthropist. We discuss her latest book: The Fear and I: An Unexpected Story, how she founder her wine brand Bisila's Wines and her philanthropy work with the Bisila Bokoko African Literacy Project.
For the candid moments of our chat, she talks about mindset and how she rejects the phrases "I don't have time" and "I don't have money" to advance her aims. She also recommends surrounding yourself with cheerleaders, mentors, and accountability partners.
Find Bisila Bokoko on Instagram, LinkedIn, or through her website.
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What if business success isn't about endless growth? Sundra Essien, co-founder of Isang's Hair and Body, returns to Shades and Layers for our 100th episode for this discussion. Sundra and I first spoke in 2020 during the first season of the podcast and a period of uncertainty in the world. Today, she returns to once again challenge everything you think you know about entrepreneurship, sustainability, and success.
Sundra's Copenhagen-based personal care company manufactures hair and body products using organic, fair-trade ingredients in an open workshop where customers can witness production firsthand. Their true mission, however, extends far beyond making and selling body care products. Isangs is a platform for addressing critical issues from supply chain transparency to social justice. As Sundra explains, these everyday products provide the perfect vehicle for sparking deeper conversations: "It's a space where people aren't expecting to have discussions about de-growth and justice and politics."
Today’s conversation serves as a reflection on how far Isang's has come since our last conversation, how they’ve leveraged social media not only to stay in business, but to continue addressing all the issues that are central to the company's founding philosophy. The company's philosophy centers on de-growth—the radical notion that businesses should question the imperative for constant expansion.
Listen now to discover how rethinking success might lead to greater satisfaction in business and life. Follow Isang's at @Isangs on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to learn more about their mission-driven approach.
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BONUS EPISODE
📣 INTRODUCING our new podcast bestie Madame Speaker Says hosted by Magogodi oaMphela Makhene.
For this special bonus episode, we did a podswap and the featured guest is skin educator, beauty editor and founder of ThisThatBeauty, Felicia Walker.
The skin is your largest living organ and Felicia believes it is not vanity to care for your skin. It needs care like any other part of your body and she'll tell you how you can radiate beauty from the inside out in every space you enter.
You'll love this episode which is about a personal and professional journey, because it features all the themes you've come to expect from and love about Shades and Layers: being seen, representation, authenticity and successful living.
✨ GET: Your Glow Up Guide
📲 FOLLOW Felicia: @thisthatbeauty
ABOUT MAGOGODI AND MADAME SPEAKER SAYS
Author, Speaker and Storytelling Coach Magogodi oaMphela Makhene helps helps women founders become famous experts.
She knows that being an "expert" isn't about being perfect - it's about being brave enough to share what shaped you, often the experiences that felt most shameful.
🎧 Listen to Magogodi’s podcast, Madame Speaker Says and subscribe to her newsletter for bare truths, storytelling tips and plenty of F-bombs.
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We celebrate five years of Shades and Layers by reflecting on the top entrepreneurial lessons from dozens of women who have shared their journeys on the podcast. This special birthday episode distills key insights that transcend industry, geography, and experience level to help entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.
• Embrace change - the pandemic forced entrepreneurs to adapt, from converting to remote work to pivoting business models
• Don't reinvent the wheel - learn from others' experiences and adapt their playbooks to your context
• Experience is the best teacher - no amount of planning substitutes for hands-on work in your business
• Don't walk alone - find community through co-working spaces, industry events, and online networks
• Take care of the back end - ensure financial and legal foundations are solid, using available tools and support
Thank you for listening! If you found this episode useful, please share it with your friends. If you have a moment, please give us a five-star rating and review wherever you're listening, so that others can find the podcast.
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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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Palesa Segomotso Motsumi, a trailblazing creative social entrepreneur, shares her journey from the corporate grind to the exciting world of art and social change. Through her groundbreaking work with Sematsatsa Library and projects like "Hashtag That's What She Said," Palesa uses art as a powerful medium to spark dialogue and transform communities across South Africa. Her story is a testament to the power of art in fostering inclusivity and empowering women, as she highlights the diverse and interconnected nature of visual arts, music, fashion, and architecture.
As Palesa tells us in this conversation, passion, resilience and sacrifice are the bare minimum you need to take a leap from corporate to entrepreneurship. But it also takes the support of people who believe in you. Palesa has moved from her hometown of Bloemfontein, through the art scenes of Johannesburg and Cape Town and she gives us a taste of her experiences there.
Find out how she moved from reluctant curator to a powerful player with her own arts agency and consultancy. Find out how she has balanced the need for financial stability with her work as a social entrepreneur, and how she advises young artists to create their own sustainable careers in this space.
Through her work and connecting with artists and curators who inspire new narratives in the art world, Palesa now has a dream of creating an institution that would give back to the community that nurtured her talent and supported her career. Palesa draws inspiration from figures like Ghanaian artist, Ibrahim Mahama, and her passion for gardening and plants, which also influences her life life philosophy. Don't miss this amazing conversation!
**LINKS AND MENTIONS
Palesa's Social Media Accounts** - Sematsatsa Library and Personal Profile
Lawrence Lemoana
Mary Sibande
Ruth Motau
William Kentridge
Zanele Muholi
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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/
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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
Remember to Rate and Review this show so that others can find us. Five Stars would be amazing. Thank You!
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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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Elevate your style and gain cutting-edge insights into the fashion-tech industry with our special guest, Evelina Kauna Nailenge , the trailblazing co-founder of The Closet Runway.
This Cape Town-based luxury fashion rental company seamlessly blends affordability, sustainability, and luxury, serving as a beacon for circular fashion. As we journey through Evelina's entrepreneurial adventures, we delve into the company's unique business model, its commitment to diverse representation, and its innovative approach to styling consultation services.
We discuss challenges like shipping, customer base expansion, and the unique dynamics of e-commerce businesses in Africa. She highlights that it's not simple to navigate the intricacies of shipping logistics while adhering to a sustainability mission. Through a candid chat with Evelina, you'll discover how she and her co-founder, Ange Mahoro, have transformed these challenges into opportunities, and how their complementary skills have driven the business to new heights.
Finally, get ready for a rapid-fire session that illuminates the inspirations behind Evelina’s journey, unveiling the people and businesses that have shaped her path. From Mellody Hobson's influence to the role of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Cape Town, Evelina's story is rich with surprising twists.
Join us to uncover the colorful threads that make up the fabric of The Closet Runway, and perhaps find a spark of inspiration for your own fashion-tech dreams.
LINKS AND MENTIONS
Take A Lot – South Africa’s equivalent to Amazon
Superbalist – online fashion and lifestyle market
Seth Shezi – Art and lifestyle strategist. Travel and Foodie content creator.
Maxhosa Africa - Founded by designer Laduma Ngxokolo, the brand is known for its distinct patterns and craftsmanship.
Mmuso Maxwell - Johannesburg-based ready-to-wear fashion brand founded by two partners Maxwell Boko and Mmuso Potsane
Thebe Magugu – South African designer and LVMH Prize winner 2019
Maria McCloy – South African fashion & accessories designer and Publicist
Sweep South – think Uber or Lyft for home cleaning, gardening, and odd jobs around the house. A platform that has taken the gig economy to home care.
Emma Grede – serial entrepreneur, co-founder at Skims with Kim Kardashian and CEO of the inclusive, body positive body clothing brand, Good American.
Mellody Hobson – first black woman to head up a black-owned mutual fund, Ariel Investments. She teaches the Strategic Thinking class on the Master Class Platform. and
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Ever felt trapped in the corporate hamster wheel, yearning for something more meaningful? Alison Hall, founder of Change Agent Coaching for Women and co-founder of the Boldest Me, certainly did and she joins me in this episode to share her remarkable journey.
It's not every day that you meet a corporate veteran turned personal trainer, real estate investor, and certified divorce financial analyst, and Alison's journey is nothing short of inspiring. She candidly discusses the role of self-worth in decision-making, how to overcome that pesky imposter syndrome, and the importance of following your passion. Alison's story serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to reinvent yourself and live the life you've always desired. Listen in to catch a glimpse of Alison's vision for her future and her wealth of advice for those embarking on their own journeys of self-discovery and change.
Alison's personal story of transitioning from a 25-year corporate career to becoming a successful entrepreneur is packed with valuable insights for anyone standing at the crossroads. She breaks down the unique challenges faced by women in their late 40s and early 50s, and the importance of harnessing your inherent strengths to break through societal expectations and carve your unique path.
Alison's coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that every woman can transform their lives regardless of age. Her holistic approach to life coaching challenges you to take your ego out of the equation and reassess your life choices. We delve into a much-neglected stage of women's development during their transitional years and discuss how Allison's one-on-one coaching and group-based retreats foster self-awareness and personal growth. Whether it's a career change, a divorce, or any other life-altering experience, Allison's guidance helps women to navigate these waters with grace and competence.
LINKS AND MENTIONS
Whitehall Divorce Solutions - https://whitehalldivorcesolutions.com/
Alison Hall Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonhall-coach-women/
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Today, we are excited to bring you a candid conversation with the unstoppable force that is Shalita Grant - a Tony Award-nominated actress, an NCIS New Orleans alumna, and the mastermind behind the disruptive haircare brand, Four Naturals Hair.
Have you ever wondered about the hair journey of black actresses, the hurdles they face, and the lack of specialized hair care options for them? Shalita peels back the curtain on this significant issue, sharing her personal struggles with traction alopecia, the resulting inspiration to create a formula that would solve her own complex Type 4 hair problems, and her development of a patent-pending hair detangling technique.
We delve into Shalita's life story that includes attending the prestigious Julliard school, traverses through a high-profile role in a popular television show, to her leap of faith into the world of entrepreneurship. Journeying with her, you'll understand the complexities of the hair care industry, the challenges black actresses face with specialized hair care, and how one woman sought to bring change with her own innovative solutions. Shalita's story is not just about business or haircare, it's about resilience, healing, and a burning desire to uplift black women.
Finally, Shalita opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, the growth and freedom it brings, and her dream of living off the grid in Thailand. She shares her vision for Four Naturals Hair, a future where black women and children could have a consistent and empowering experience with their hair care. So, join us for a deep dive into the life of this trailblazing actress turned entrepreneur, and learn how she's challenging the status quo in the hair care industry.
LINKS AND MENTIONS
Bronner Brothers’ Convention - https://www.bronnerbros.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fournaturalshair/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FourNaturalsHair
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@4naturals_hair
NCIS - Shalita discusses her exit from the series in this article
NEWSLETTER
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It’s impossible not to be inspired by Taryn Gill, the go-getter behind the phenomenal haircare brand The Perfect Hair. Her insights and experiences are an education in and of themselves. From her journey in scaling her brand through strategic partnerships, to her lessons on the power of letting go for brand expansion, Taryn candidly shares how her entrepreneurial journey has evolved since our last sit-down two years ago. Her origins story goes beyond a product line, weaving an authentic connection between the brand and its consumers, a testament to her deep understanding of her audience and their needs.
Taryn also offers her perspective on the role that technology and social platforms like TikTok influence the beauty industry. As we explore the evolving beauty landscape, we delve into the consumer's quest for liberation and the significance of a brand's approach to sustainability. Taryn's new brand, Curls in Bloom, is a fascinating player in this dynamic field. Our discussion about the hair conversations in South Africa and the US touches on the inclusive nature of the natural hair movement as it transcends genders, and regional boundaries.
Taryn gives us insights on consumer behavior, the emergence of hair supplements, and the further blurring of lines between beauty and wellness. She also tells us about her return to the classroom and how this fuels her ambition and creativity, ultimately contributing to her vision of creating a holistic health brand.
Beauty, wellness and self-love is that it’s all about.
Don’t miss this awesome MasterClass + Sit-Down.
LINKS AND MENTIONS
GIBS Business School
Cherie Blaire Road to Growth - https://cherieblairfoundation.org/what-we-do/programmes/road-to-growth/
Taryn Gill’s social handles: TikTok, Instagram and Facebook
The Perfect Hair
Curls In Bloom
LOST IN TRANSLATION
You may have heard us talk about shopping at a garage, this simply means a gas station. 😁 South African English is a thing. We even have our own dictionary.
GIVE US A RATING AND REVIEW
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Kenyan-born entrepreneur Vava Angwenyi is a specialty coffee exporter, producer and roaster. She founded Vava Coffee Inc, which is B-Corp Certified entity and later co-founded Gente Del Futuro with a Tanzania-based Colombian partner, with the mission of having a meaningful impact on the monopolized coffee trade in East Africa.
This episode takes us deep into the rich tapestry of the African coffee industry, as Vava recounts her personal journey and the transformative initiatives she's launched. Vava’s passion for coffee is not just about savoring its taste. She's dedicated to educating local youth about the industry, empowering them with practical skills and opening doors of opportunity.
Her story takes us through the rough terrains of global trade standards, shedding light on how they shape the continent's coffee sector. We also discuss how colonial legacy lingers in Africa's coffee consumption habits and highlight how the Gente del Futuro project is having a positive impact on this factor and unlocking other areas of potential within the African coffee industry. Through education, Gente del Futuro is addressing unemployment, elevating women and girls' exposure to the coffee industry and serves as a career launchpad into the industry young people.
We celebrate the opening of the first-ever coffee house in Lamu, a historic milestone in promoting agriculture and coffee. Wrapping up our discussion, we explore the role of ancestral wisdom in decision-making and the profound influence of authenticity in our lives. And don't miss out on hearing about Vava’s book 'Coffee, Milk, Blood' - a celebration of African culture and Vava's journey in the coffee industry. So, are you ready for a cup of brewed insights?
LINKS AND MENTIONS
Vava Coffee Inc. - https://www.vavacoffeeinc.com
Kuijenga - a Vava Coffee project showcasing their impact work in Lamu, Kenya - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmrdTvPrkgs
Coffee Milk Blood - An insider's view of Kenya's coffee industry - https://www.coffeemilkblood.com/new-products-1/swahili-soul-event-lamu
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We're back for a new season! Are you ready to start the conversation with some insights on how we think about and how we speak more openly about menstrual health?
Leading the charge shift attitudes in South Africa is Zizipho Ntobongwana, the dynamic founder of Sheba Feminine. Our conversation sheds light on the importance of organic and biodegradable products and we discuss her mission to reframe menstrual health. We get into the details of her entrepreneurial journey - from fair competition in the personal hygiene industry, to Decolonizing Sustainability, and fostering a community that takes pride in their bodies and the products they use.
Zizipho also introduces us to Sheba Feminine's innovative 'Pay for a Pal's Pads' program and the need for intergenerational dialogue to remove the stigma surrounding menstruation and women's sexual health. We navigate the difficulties of pricing high-quality menstrual products, the diverse range of products Sheba Feminine offers, and the societal change in attitude towards these topics.
Zizipho eloquently breaks down the Westernized perception of sustainability and the urgency to reconnect with our ancestral practices. In the conversation, you'll also hear how Sheba Feminine is challenging the norm, as well as how they are tackling the intergenerational gap between educators and school pupils. We wrap up the conversation up with Zizi's personal story of overcoming societal taboos and her mission to empower women through her amazing brand.
So, be sure not to miss it!
LINKS AND MENTIONS
Indlela Yethu - a short film produced by Zizipho for the sustainable Cape Town brand, Rewoven
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A quick update from host, Kutloano Skosana Ricci. Have a happy summer 😎
LINKS
Visit the podcast website: https://shadesandlayers.com
Pitch your story to be a guest, subscribe to the companion newsletter and browse the back catalog of episodes.
Follow the podcast on Instagram @shadesandlayerspodcast
If you haven't already, please consider subscribing to Shades and Layers on your favorite listening app. Also if you enjoy the show, it would also be great if you could help others to find us by leaving a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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Today my guest is Keziah Dhamma, founder and CEO of Swirly Curly Hair, a luxury natural hair care and education company.
So, what started out as a company making snap-on hair ties (Snapees) for curly and kinky haired folks, has evolved into a fully-fledged product company with an education platform to support individuals on their natural hair journey.
With more than 10 thousand members in its community, Swirly Curly Hair is looking to go even bigger in the next few years, as they contemplate getting into the retail space.
In our conversation, she gives the details of exactly what the Swirly Curly method entails, how she went about developing the curriculum for members of her community and how she transitioned from one stage of the company to the next. She also gets into surviving Covid, writing a book and balancing all that with having three children in quick succession.
Enjoy the episode!
LINKS, MENTIONS AND GIFTS
Keziah Dhamma is also the host of Hey Curlfriend, a podcast dedicated to the Swirly Curly community and others who want to learn more about caring for their natural hair.
Curl College is where you can learn how to take care of your curls using the Swirly Curly Method. You can also buy Keziah's book which outlines this method with illustrations.
And just for being a Shades and Layers listener, you get a 15% discount on your order when using the code podcast15 at checkout.
Shades and Layers Newsletter - Join the squad and let's have some meaningful conversations about black women in business and entrepreneurship as the key to economic freedom.
Shades and Layers Listeners get 20% discount when using the code SHADES20 at checkout.
Learn More about Otrium and their mission to sell all unsold clothing and get a 20% discount when you shop brands on their platform. Use the code SHADES20 at checkout to enjoy this offer.
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Personal care conversations/discussions for black and brown people are still largely dominated by hair care, but now we see more and more conversations about skin care concerns that are specific to people of color.
Today we are focusing on a black-owned skincare brand that uses science-based solutions to address the needs specific to people of color and encourages us to Love Your Brown Skin.
Beauty of the Nile is also a family business and Jasmine Mobley, my guest today, is a co-founder with her parents in this venture. She is also the host of the brand’s eponymous podcast and fulfills other customer facing activities, like managing the brand’s vibrant community of skincare enthusiast. She also points out that even though she has this official role in the company, it's all hands on deck when you're a startup.
The brand is a reboot and Jasmine will tell us all about that and how she finds working with her forward-thinking parents. We talk about her entrepreneurial journey, the tokenization of diversity in the beauty industry, colorism and how the "Love your Brown Skin" tagline became the brand’s North Star.
Don't miss this one 😊🤎
LINKS AND MENTIONS
Beauty of the Nile Podcast - A great way to explore conversations around beauty standards and Jasmine is a fantastic host!
Shades and Layers Newsletter - Join the squad and let's have some meaningful conversations about black women in business and entrepreneurship as the key to economic freedom.
A GIFT FOR YOU
Learn More about Otrium and their mission to sell all unsold clothing and get a 20% discount when you shop brands on their platform. Use the code SHADES20 at checkout to enjoy this offer.
Shades and Layers Listeners get 20% discount when using the code SHADES20 at checkout.
Learn More about Otrium and their mission to sell all unsold clothing and get a 20% discount when you shop brands on their platform. Use the code SHADES20 at checkout to enjoy this offer.
Support the showJOIN THE SQUAD, Stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter
There is so much available out there in the personal development space and if you are not careful, you will be taking a new course and following a new guru or coach every week. And so, this week, you will get a glimpse into what makes a good personal development curriculum from my guest, Naketa Thigpen, Founder and CEO of Thigpro Balance & Relationship Management Institute.
She is on a mission to build stronger families and she encourages her clients (power couples and potent individuals) to be “intentionally selfish” while pursuing balance in their life.
Naketa’s story is inspiring. She used her personal adversity to propel herself into a career of service. An overachiever by nature and survivor of horrors no child should go through, she can empathize with her clients no matter what they are dealing with in different aspects of their lives. She’s also a healer, who not only works with private clients but serves her community as a minister.
I hope you enjoy this episode and that you will feel that transformation and a better life, however you envision that, is possible for you, no matter where you are in your healing or life or professional journey.
Thank you for sharing your story so generously Naketa 🤎🤍
LINKS AND MENTIONS
Balance Boldly – Naketa’s Podcast for Ambitious Women - http://thigpro.com/
Shades and Layers Squad – Join us for a fortnightly dose of discussions and news from the studio - https://shadesandlayers.beehiiv.com/
A GIFT FOR YOU
Learn More about Otrium and their mission to sell all unsold clothing and get a 20% discount when you shop brands on their platform. Use the code SHADES20 at checkout to enjoy this offer.
Shades and Layers Listeners get 20% discount when using the code SHADES20 at checkout.
Learn More about Otrium and their mission to sell all unsold clothing and get a 20% discount when you shop brands on their platform. Use the code SHADES20 at checkout to enjoy this offer.
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The idea to create Black Beauty Collective was planted 10 years ago and quickly became a project that was dear to founder and CEO, Leslie Roberson’s heart. The growing ownership and access disparities within the beauty industry posed a deep concern for her. For example, despite spending 9 times more than any other beauty product consumers, black ownership in the space only accounts for 2,5% . Creating a collective to ensure broader impact is Leslie’s solution to this deep-rooted issue.
In today’s conversation, Leslie takes us on a journey of how the idea came to her in the first place, how she’s gone about recruiting the founders who will be tenants at her flagship store, her business model AND her vision for the collective.
Leslie has a corporate career in Talent Acquisition, this is her second venture into entrepreneurship and she’s also a US military veteran. She will tell us how she’s leveraging all these aspects of her background to make the collective a success.
Enjoy the episode 💜
A GIFT FOR YOU
Learn More about Otrium and their mission to sell all unsold clothing and get a 20% discount when you shop brands on their platform. Use the code SHADES20 at checkout to enjoy this offer.
JOIN THE SQUAD - Stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter
Shades and Layers Listeners get 20% discount when using the code SHADES20 at checkout.
Learn More about Otrium and their mission to sell all unsold clothing and get a 20% discount when you shop brands on their platform. Use the code SHADES20 at checkout to enjoy this offer.
JOIN THE SQUAD, Stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter
Today we conclude our fashion conversations by visiting, Changing Narratives in Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique.
Changing Narratives is the love child of Mozambican business and creative partners, Wacy Zacarias and Djamila DeSousa. These Mozambican textile and accessirues designers are on a mission to preserve traditional Mozambican and more broadly, African craft and knowledge through their brands, Karingana Textiles and Woogui.
Wacy and Djamila started working together in 2015, back when wax print was still the most visible representation of African textile. And as we’ve previously mentioned, these fabrics are, ironically, not even African-made or owned.
In this context, these two women took inspiration from their local natural environment, existing production systems, local traditional designs and stories and decided to do things differently.
In this conversation, we focus on their journey as pioneers in textile design, the sustainable fashion movement, we discuss one of their projects working with refugees in northern Mozambique, they also give their take on what “Made In Africa” means for fashion labels and designers.
Enjoy the episode 💜💜💜
LINKS AND MENTIONS
Made51 - Karingana Textiles is the 1st Mozambican Local Social Enterprise to be part of the platform MADE51, a platform by UNHCR that puts refugee-made products into the global market.
Capulana/Kapulana - versatile traditional cloth used in Mozambique and other parts of Southern Africa as either a skirt or baby carrier. Apart from practical uses, it is also a status symbol as mentioned in the article linked here.
Taibo Bacar - famous Mozambican designer who introduced Wacy and Djamila when they were forging their careers.
Ambiente - massive annual international consumer goods trade show in Germany.
Maison & Object - international decor and design marketplace
Shades and Layers Listeners get 20% discount when using the code SHADES20 at checkout.
Learn More about Otrium and their mission to sell all unsold clothing and get a 20% discount when you shop brands on their platform. Use the code SHADES20 at checkout to enjoy this offer.
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My guest today is Lydia Endora, Founder, Creative Designer and Buyer at her self-titled fashion label.
The seeds of a love for fashion were planted in Lydia’s heart at a very young age by her grandmother. Combined with education and a work ethic modeled by her mother, she has tapped into her creative spirit and skills to find her own corner in the athleisure space of the fashion market.
With a focus on quality and obsession with the customer, Lydia has created a fashion line that features multifunctional pieces for the busy woman to seamlessly switch between activities during her day.
She says that this is a discerning and conscious fashion buyer who does not want to be forced to throw away clothes after a few cycles in the washing machine. And so, Lydia puts a lot of thought into who her customer is, right down to the activities she’s engaged in as she goes about her day.
In addition to her process, we talk about hopes and dreams, listening to the whispers of your life and following your gut.
We talk about some of the challenges that smaller fashion houses encounter while trying to implement ethical business practices and of course, we talk about Lydia’s personal story.
LINKS AND MENTIONS
Some of the fashion designers and exciting fashion leaders and spaces that Lydia mentions:
Christopher John Rogers:
Brandon Maxwell:
Telfar:
Brandince Daniel
Harlem's Fashion Row – An exclusively black business bricks and mortar fashion marketplace in Harlem
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A GIFT FOR YOU 🥳🎁 - Otrium is a digital marketplace on a mission to sell all unsold clothes from top fashion brand that you love. Learn more about them on their website and Get 20% off at checkout when you use the code "SHADES 20"
Shades and Layers Listeners get 20% discount when using the code SHADES20 at checkout.
Learn More about Otrium and their mission to sell all unsold clothing and get a 20% discount when you shop brands on their platform. Use the code SHADES20 at checkout to enjoy this offer.
JOIN THE SQUAD, Stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter
SAVING WALLETS AND LANDFILLS
We are continuing with our focus on fashion and this week my guest is Zuhaira Washington, President and COO of Otrium, a Dutch-born end to end marketplace that she calls, the best kept secret in fashion.
Otrium is a digital platform where you can buy end of season clothing at accessible prices.
What does that mean?
All those clothes that brands were unable to sell for whatever reason, can be discretely uploaded onto the platform and given a second chance at finding their way to being bought and used, rather than ending up in a landfill or a burning pile.
This of course should give you a hint that sustainability is one of the topics I discussed with Zuhaira. It is one of many huge problems associated with fashion, but things are starting to move in the right direction, and she will explain a bit more in our interview.
Zuhaira started her career in private equity, she has founded her own tech company, had a stint at Uber as well as at Expedia and now here she is telling us about how she’s leading Otrium’s expansion into the US market.
LINKS AND MENTIONS
Uber
TJ Maxx
Nordstrom
Expedia
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This week, we have nothing but love, and you will find out why as you listen to the interview with, my guest today, Nthatuoa Makhapa. She is the founder and creative director of the knitwear brand, Nthatuoa Crafts where everything is made by hand and inspired by her home country of Lesotho.
Launched in 2019, the brand is growing from strength to strength along with its founder who will, for example, be joining a cohort of other young African leaders for the Mandela Washington fellowship in Washington DC this coming June. Nthatuoa is also the recipient of a grant from the African Development Fund Business Plan Competition she entered in 2022.
Along with these achievements, Nthatuoa shares with us, her passion for knitwear and preserving the ancient craft of crocheting and other artisanal skills. She talks about how she has become an environmental and social justice advocate. And how she moved from being a hobbyist to full-time entrepreneur who also lends her crafting skills to other designers.
Love and Storytelling are at the core of the Nthatuoa brand, and it stands to reason, as Nthatuoa means ‘beloved’ or ‘loved one’ in Sesotho.
Thank you for sharing your story @nthatuoa_com 🧡🧡🧡
LINKS AND MENTIONS
- Cape Town Boutique MeMeMe
- ReWoven - Cape Town-based Textile Rcycling company
- Lukhanyo Mdingi - South African fashion designer and 2021 LVMH Fashion Prize winner
- Munkus - South African premium fashion brand
- Mandela Washington Fellowship - Six week leadership training for Sub-Saharan African young leaders
- African Development Bank
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Noite Rose is an affordable luxury loungewear brand that was founded during the pandemic by digital marketing and branding professional, Diandra Harvin. After graduating with a degree in Arts and Fashion Merchandising and (later earning an MBA), she worked in the fashion industry, but found herself in a toxic environment that pushed her out of the industry for several years.
Fast forward to 2021 when we were all going loopy with cabin fever, gaining weight and doing some soul searching, Diandra has an aha moment and gets inspired to follow return to her first love.
The outcome was a brand that focuses on comfort infused with romance. Noite rose is for women who like looking good while lounging or caring for themselves. Diandra brings these women together once in a while under the La Femme Familia umbrella, and they uplift each other while chasing their dreams and goals.
May this episode inspire you to chart your own path in whatever field you choose to follow!
LINKS AND MENTIONS
Nordstrom
Rebundle is giving a gift to all Shades and Layers Listeners. Use the code BETTER for a 10% discount when you checkout . Offer ends March 15th. . Rebundle's braid better extensions are made from natural fibers that won't irritate your scalp. The extensions are compostible! Try them out and thank me later!
Shades and Layers listeners get a 10% discount from Rebundle when you use the code BETTER at checkout. Offer ends March 15th.
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Welcome to Season 6!
Shades and Layers is here with a brand new season, featuring fashion and textile designers, as well as other black women crafters and makers shaping culture across the world. In between there will be episodes from beauty, hair and personal care entrepreneurs.
The first guest for the season is South Africa's quintessential multi-hyphenate, Maria McCloy. She and I are former business partners and our friendship dates way back to university days. In this conversation, we discuss her path to being a designer of iconic African-influenced fashion essentials in her hometown, Johannesburg. How she juggles fashion with being a sought after entertainment industry publicist and filling dance floors with her choice of vintage and modern African tunes when she deejays.
We discuss many culture related topics like wax print being synonymous with African fashion, cultural appropriation, infrastructure limitations and opportunities, and the many other dynamics that influence the trajectory of the cultural industries of the African continent.
It's a conversation of the ages and not to be missed.
MENTIONS AND LINKS IN THIS EPISODE
Black Rage Productions - co-founded by Dzino, Maria McCloy and Kutloano Skosana in the late 90s, they documented South Africa's urban culture through television shows, an online magazine and through the independent record label, Outrageous Records.
As a publicist, Maria McCloy represents many clients in the cultural space, including legendary South African musicians Thandiswa Mazwai , Nakhane, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, as well as Zimbabwean artist and activist Kudzanai Chiurai.
South African media heavyweights Tim Horwood and Sylvester Chauke
South African veteran fashion designers, Marianne Fassler, Ephraim Molingoana, David Tlale and Thula Sindi
Shades and Layers listeners get a 10% discount from Rebundle when you use the code BETTER at checkout. Offer ends March 15th.
Orion Brown, founder and CEO of the multicultural lifestyle brand BlackTravelBox. They make travel-size hair and skincare for black and other travelers of color. Their mission is to bring ease to the travel experience. Heaven knows how many times so many have had their business or even holiday trips ruined by hotel shampoos and lotions.
Orion is a frequent traveler herself and the idea to start BlackTravelBox came to her after being inconvenienced too many times by the act of packing toiletries and also being in hotel rooms where you can’t even look at the products, let alone use them. There’s also the issue of getting your toiletries trashed by airport security. And so she started talking to other black travelers, who told her how they were playing chemist in their hotel and Airbnb bathrooms and kitchens. To Orion, the solution was not easy but it was offensively simple: make on-the-go products for black travelers.
Having worked for 18 years in corporate and gaining expertise in brand strategy in the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) sector, she combined this experience with research and personal travel experience to strike out on her own and build her unique brand.
Our conversation is not only about the products she makes, but also strategic choices, sustainability in a notoriously unsustainable industry and standing out in a very noisy market.
At this time of year we are all looking at our bank balances and regretting whatever questionable spending decisions we made over the festive season. And so, we are talking about money today with my guest, Vangile Makwakwa, founder and wealth coach at Wealthy Money and co-founder of Property Magician Stokvel.
Vangile Makwakwa graduated with a finance degree from the prestigious University of Cape Town in her home country South Africa and an MBA from Boston in the USA. Even after this education and increased earning power, she still found that she was having financial troubles.It took a shift in mindset and a whole healing journey to change her financial behavior patterns, become debt free and create a thriving work-from-anywhere business.
Today, she tells us about this journey, the body of work she’s built through helping clients over the past 15 years and where she finds herself today. We also speak about connecting the dots between manifestation, hard work, privilege, poverty and systemic barriers to building wealth.
As always, the wisdom and take-aways are revealed through the story...
LINKS
Wealthy Money Website - https://www.wealthy-money.com/
Vangile's e-book, "Heart, Mind and Money" - https://www.wealthy-money.com/book
Property Magician Podcast
It is not possible to speak Wellness, Well-being and Black women and not talk about African spirituality. Today, my guest and sangoma Nokulinda Mkhize Horwood discusses her profession, her own practice, her observations of changing attitudes towards sangomas over the past 13 year's since her initiation and some of the challenges she still faces in her work.
Nokulinda is known as @noksangoma on social media and she's also well-known for her often sold-out talks, Gogo Speaks. Judging by the popularity of these talks, not only is she providing a much needed service, but she is part of the zeitgeist of the de-colonial movement of young South Africans. Her presence and visibility are both liberating and deeply necessary for her peers.
Our discussion covers everything, from the role of family in spiritual well-being, alienation and anxiety in the city, capitalism-induced spiritual crises in South African urbanites, Covid-19, Nokulinda's own well-being and how it's changed her approach to life in general and her practice as a sangoma.
It might all sound serious, but it's a fun conversation and we do get super silly at the end of the conversation. You will love it!
You can find Nokulinda's book, Ancestory here.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Indumba - A sangoma’s healing room, traditionally a hut. It is nonetheless a sacred space.
Amatwasa - Initiates training to become sangomas
Ukufemba - a healing process designed to trap and remove negative energies and/or evil spirits
uMgidi - celebratory ceremony
Amasiko - cultural ustoms
Ubuntu - I am because we are
Ubungoma - a spiritual calling
We are revisiting an episode published during Season 4., for two reasons: first it is relevant now because we are talking about mission driven entrepreneurship and second, the healthcare statistics concerning black women in general are alarming: from maternal mortality rates, to chronic disease diagnoses to lack of empathy from caregivers. This episode deals with the fact that even women of color in the healthcare space are not immune to these outcomes.
My guest is Dr. Omolara Uwemodimo, who is the CEO and founder of Melanin and Medicine, where she helps women of color to fund and scale their organizations to bring health justice to communities in need. She is a board-certified pediatrician, public health researcher, professor and activist. She is also co-founder and CEO of Strong Children Wellness, a multi-practice healthcare network that works with community organizations to bring services to historically marginalized youth and families.
Dr. Omolara spent much of her career as a global pediatrician in low-income countries. She became a social entrepreneur after suffering burnout and being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Soon after her diagnosis, she discovered that she was not an exception, that many women of color in the healthcare profession need strategies and systems to help them stay healthy while navigating high pressure and often toxic work environments. Melanin and Medicine also recognizes that there are stumbling blocks for these women trying to bringing health justice to these underserved communities and they help founders to fund, scale and grow their mission driven organizations.
So whether you missed it the first time around or you are new to Shades and Layers, I hope you find inspiration to pursue your mission driven enterprise in Dr. Omolara Uwemodimo’s story …
My guest today is Brooke Daniels (@thebrookedaniels) who is the founder and CEO of Daniels and Co and a Go To Market Expert. Brooke has founded several companies herself and is passionate about helping other entrepreneurs to take their ideas and turn them into great businesses. She has designed a programme called Ready, Aim Launch, which is a system that is designed to help you get out of your way and achieve your business goals. Brooke has worked in startups and corporate and in a broad range of sectors including tech, food and finance. So she has a lot of experience to share with her clients.
This Shades and Layers season is about Purspose Driven entrepreneurs, and Brooke believes she is fulfilling her purpose through her work and explains how she has found alignment in all aspects of her life. In our conversation, we talk about what it takes to become an entrepreneur, how meditation shifted her perspective on her own business journey, how she advises her clients to think about funding and being an investor herself, what she looks for in a startup.
As usual, this is a conversation that covers many aspects beyond business and I hope you will view your own journey through a new and different lens…
LINKS AND MENTIONS
Listen to Ame Sanders interviewing Magalie Yacinthe on the State of Inclusion Podcast
Learn more about the Deepak Chopra meditation course
Learn More about the Cap Table Coalition
This week we’re talking about ageing gracefully with Carine Camara, solopreneur and founder of the lifestyle brand Carrinna. Carine believes society should do better in supporting women make a transition in to middle age and beyond. Her brand aims to fill this gap by portraying middle age as something to be celebrated and not fixed.
In her day-to-day Carine is a California-based acupuncturist who aims to bring beauty and wellness into the lives of those she touches. She started her solopreneur journey 12 years ago where phrases like holistic healing were not even appearing at the edges of mainstream conversation.
In our conversation today, we reflect on the shift in tone and attitude towards alternative medicine and healing modes. We also talk about the practical side of her business, from client acquisition to mindset and productivity hacks; as well as building a support structure that allows her business to function. And of course we address how Carrinna supports women in their quest to age gracefully.
One other thing that I have to mention is that Carine feels a strong affinity with South Africa and strong believes that she was South African in her past life. And as a South African, I am totally down with that. Please enjoy my conversation with Carine Camara and let me know what you think in our Instagram DM's - @shadesandlayerspodcast
My guest today is Ifeoma Dike, Founder and Director at the UK-based art agency IDDUK. She founded Idioblast Dynamic Development with a mission to take art beyond galleries and museums and make it more accessible to everyone: artists, collectors and the public alike.
Before embarking on this road, Ifeoma was a psychologist who had a passion for art, hosting events, traveling the world and connecting people. Her experiences as an art enthusiast and consumer left her with many questions about representation, expanding tastes and the accessibility of the market for working artists. It didn’t take long for her to see that there is a gap that needs filling and so, she launched her agency with an exhibition for a corporate client and never looked back.
In the ten years that she’s been doing her work at IDD UK, Ifeoma has:
- Seamlessly incorporated her love for travel into her business operations
- Helped artists to create different revenue streams for their work, and
- Landed some coveted works for some of her collectors.
She also introduced unconventional ways of exhibiting and selling works, like creating blind portfolios for collectors. We go into details about how and why that strategy has worked for her so far. We also find out how these choices have informed her business decisions, from how she’s structured to the types of projects she can get involved in.
Born in Benin, of Nigeria descent and educated (and sometimes living) in the UK, enjoy this story of a nomadic art rebel and activist, Ifeoma Dike
LINKS
Artsy – marketplace www.artsy.net
IDDUK on Insta - https://www.instagram.com/idduk/
IDDUK on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ifeoma-d-2b360251/
Casey Ariel Richardson is the founder of Blaze Group LLC, a digital platform that gives black women entrepreneurs access to capital, knowledge and mentorship. They are also the owners of the webby award-winning bi-annual Blaze Virtual Summit, which brings together thousands of businesswomen from across the world for five days of keynotes, workshops, education, sharing, music and networking.
Now, it goes without saying that the Covid-19 pandemic was simultaneously a curse and a blessing. So much lost and so much gained in what was virtually a lifetime compressed into two years. Casey’s story highlights these facts about the year 2020 and we go into the details of what led up to her saying goodbye to her high-paying finance career, to launch her Work From Anywhere career in Africa during the pandemic.
This is another great interview with a mission driven founder and you will love it! Casey really brought a lot of energy and wisdom to the table. She is also vulnerable, not in a shallow way where you’ll feel like sis you’re oversharing, but in a real way, truly baring her soul. You’ll be left feeling that she is a true leader who’s going places. You will also feel empowered to navigate your personal and professional situations with strength and passion.
LINKS AND MENTIONS
Blaze Group LLC - https://www.blazegroupllc.com/
Virtual Summit (1-5 December 2022) - https://blazevirtualsummit.com/
Casey’s Memoir - Pain Unseen: The Truths That Lie Beneath My Strength
AWARD - Webby Awards 2021
One of the most influential movements in the beauty industry is the natural hair care movement. However, living with curly hair is still a challenge across the spectrum. My guest today, Stephanie LaFlora, who is the co-founder of a digital marketplace for hair called Crownhunt, is determined to change that.
She came up with the idea of a Netflix for hair, as she calls it, after a futile search for a stylist who could care for her natural coils. Stephanie was routinely turned away from hair salons and when she discovered that the problem was a gap in the cosmetology education, the solution became very clear and she set out to address this obvious need in the beauty industry.
Armed with a background in data-driven product development, a conviction that living with curly hair should not be as difficult as it sometimes can be and the spirit of a troublemaker, Stephanie quit her full-time job, partnered with a long-time friend and colleague, knuckled down and got to work.
So far, she has led Crownhunt through a round of seed funding and now they are in another phase of raising money, through a crowdfunding campaign. We get into some of the details about this process during the interview. We also talk about betting on yourself, creating an inclusive business culture and Stephanie also shares some advice for anyone starting out with a new business idea.
So, we know that most business ideas start out with a founder who is trying to solve a problem. For today’s founder, Gwendolyn Ntsiki Bereng, it all started when she took her child to a multiracial pre-school in South Africa.
In 2019 she left her corporate job to launch the Johannesburg-based pre-school, Appletree Montessori where she is the Directress and leader of this institution for early childhood development. She also trains private groups of new parents in alternative ways to educate their little ones and collaborates with non-profits in the agricultural sector to educate children who are raising their own siblings. Ntsiki wants to do more than impact the children she looks after, she wants to have a positive impact in the communities where she works.
There are many layers of complexity in this week’s conversation and I hope you walk away with some thoughts and reflection on what it takes to solve a big problem. And also some inspiration to tackle that issue that still keeps you awake at night.
LINKS AND MENTIONS
Motseng - Setswana word for village
ECD - Early Childhood Development
SETA - Sector Education and Training Authority - South African vocational skills training authority
Today we are talking small businesses and how their founders could benefit from coaching. Our guide is Master Your Mindset Coach, Ryane LeCesne who also considers herself a healer. Ryane came across the coaching profession while looking for her next career move and went on to launch Inspire Brand Consulting seven years ago. Since launching this work-from-anywhere business, she has coached nearly one thousand high-achieving, mostly black women, to get to their next level in career and life. She helps her clients to work past Imposter Syndrome, Perfectionism, and other self-limiting beliefs.
Our conversation covers her own personal transformation from an employee who was playing by the rules until she got stuck, to a boss who takes big bold actions while managing her fears. As you will learn, Ryane has a holistic approach to her practice. She is a strong believer in systems and says they can help when trying to build up your 3C’s, which are clarity, confidence and courage.
She herself uses a coach and we discuss how this individual has been helpful to her more recently as she tries to combine growing her business with being a new mother. She will also share how she incorporates the metaphysical into her practice to help her clients to internalise a winning mindset.
So if you’re looking to make big bold moves in your life or career, I recommend that you stick around so that you can also find out if you need a coach right now and how to select one that’s right for you.
LINKS
Michael Gerber - Non-fiction writer and author of 'The E-Myth' series - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQTTbHVU_sg
Want to support this work? 👉🏾 Buy Me A Coffee
Our first guest of the season is Nigerian-born, UK-raised and USA-based entrepreneur, Funlayo Alabi. She is the CEO and Co-founder of Shea Radiance, a Vegan all-natural body and hair care brand. Her entrepreneurial journey so far, is a brilliant account of resilience, courage, paying attention to the details of your life and what I believe to be a demonstration of feminism in real life.
After many years of writing code for an insurance company, Funlayo had a moment of personal reckoning that pushed her into her entrepreneurial journey. It started out as trying to find a solution to a family’s dry skin challenge, it quickly transformed into a kitchen factory serving a local farmer’s market. Today, Shea Radiance is a recognizable brand that is available online and sits on some prestigious store shelves throughout the USA.
Funlayo says the company has social impact at its heart. They work directly with woman-owned cooperatives in West Africa. This ensures trade-driven economic access for these shea butter producer partners and secures the company’s supply chain. She also adds that they are committed to a global community and in this spirit of community, everything they do is rooted in creating a positive and enduring impact - for their customers, women suppliers, and our planet.
Hello and welcome to Shades and Layers.
Can you believe we are in our 5th Season already?!! 😀
Welcoming all you newbies to the club too! 🎉🎉🎉
I’m your host Kutloano Skosana Ricci and every season we pick a topic and interview ten black women entrepreneurs from around the world to provide insights and inspiration. If you’re starting or growing your business or still side hustling and trying to figure out what's next for you, then you’ve got a home here.
In this season, Season 5, we are talking mission or purpose driven entrepreneurship. It’s going to be exciting! So, listen closely to each woman’s personal story of entrepreneurship and uncover a world of wisdom and tools to take your vision to the next level!
Listen every Tuesday starting on the 1st of November !!!
Shades and Layers is where black women thrive!
Follow us, wherever you get your podcasts!
Imagine a space where you are free to be you, a space where there's no judgement and you have nothing to prove to anybody.
South African yogis and spiritual seekers have found such a place at The Nest Space Yoga Studio and Wellness Center in Johannesburg.
Started by Dr. Anesu Mbizvo in 2018, and later joined by business partner, Banesa Tseki, the small studio was aimed at black and brown yogis and grew into a healing space where you could go and enjoy treatments and shop at the zero waste cafe.
Nowadays, Anesu and Banesa are spreading their mission through their online Yoga Teacher Training courses that have so far produced 50 black and brown graduates in South Africa and beyond.
In this conversation, Anesu Mbizvo shares her journey from medical doctor to yoga teacher, lessons learned and future dreams.
There are countless gems in this episode; all relatable and can be applied to your own business and life journey.
Thank you for sharing your story Anesu! ❤️🙏🏾
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/
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
DON'T GET IT TWISTED, YOU DON'T LOOK LIKE HIM ...
So, we recently ran a survey to ask what other content you’d like to hear and some of you requested corporate success as a topic… So, if you want to lead the team that launches the next Fenty or eventually start your own global beauty brand or fashion line, then stick around.
My guest today, Kimberley Lee Minor, wears many hats. In addition to being the founder and CEO of Bumbershoot, a botique consulting firm that focuses on diversity and equity across brand and content, she is also the co-founder of Women of Color Retail Alliance; and this is what we are talking about today.
Kimberley has spent her 20-year plus career climbing the corporate ladder at some world-famous brands like Macy’s, Footlocker and London Fog. But on her way up to the C-Suite, she found that the hoops she was jumping through to make it there, were unreasonable. Furthermore, she was always the first, the only and often felt that she had to justify her presence in the room. And so, to make sure that the road is smoother for other women of color seeking a career in retail, she co-founded and co-funded Women of Color Retail Alliance with other industry heavyweights including the co-president of Savage x Fenty Christiane Pendarvis.
In our conversation, she reflects on her journey in an industry that she stumbled upon while studying a Bachelor of Arts degree at Temple University in Philladelphia. At the time, she was nurturing her dream of becoming the next Oprah. But a campus recruiter for Macy’s pointed her towards their graduate programme and the rest as they say is history.
As always there are many gems in the conversation and you will have a few takeaways for navigating work in a post-George Floyd world. Follow the link in the profile to listen.
Thank you @kimberley.l.minor for being so generous with your time and your story!
MENTIONS AND LINKS IN THIS EPISODEChristiane Pendarvis (Co-President at Savage x Fenty) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPxwM0rFwyw
Morehouse - https://morehouse.edu/
Michael Weiss (Retired CEO of XPress) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn76z5LWXaE
May 25th 2020 – George Floyd is murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis and the Black Lives Matter movement makes international headlines and gives America a pause - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Floyd
NOT DR. GOOGLE: A HAIR CARE MASTERCLASS (Dr. Sharleen St. Surin - Lord)
Dr. Sharleen St. Surin-Lord is a Washington DC based dermatologist and she joins me in this episode to add to our ongoing conversation on hair care for black women. There is no shortage of product choices available for black women’s hair care out there. It is in fact overwhelming to know what would be good or not good for you especially in the world of influencers.
In this episode we invite you to forget Dr. Google for a little while and hear what Dr. Sharleen St. Surin-Lord has to say. Inspired by the many questions she received from patients who were experiencing hair loss and her own journey and interest in haircare, Dr. Sharleen went about creating a product that follows strict green beauty guidelines. In this conversation, she explains how to be selective and discerning when making decisions about your hair care products. She also gets into the details of why it's so difficult to develop green beauty products.
There are so many gems in this conversation and I hope you will use them as inspiration and part of your resources to take your business idea or project further.
IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR
Terran Lewis is one half of the founding team at the soap making and skincare brand from Atlanta, Herb ‘N Eden. Terran and her husband Quinton Lewis founded their brand about 7 years ago with the aim of building a household name and leaving a legacy for generations to come.
When it all started, Terran was studying agriculture and doing her internship at a local urban farm. At that time, she had bohemian lifestyle dreams where she would live in a commune and contribute to the community with a useful skill that also allowed her to be independent and self-sufficient. For her, this turned out to be soap making and that’s where she focused her attention. She quickly immersed herself in the farmer’s market culture and while selling her soaps, her life partner made her aware that this work had the potential to serve even more people and that is when they started building their all natural and sustainable brand.
Some of the knowledge you will walk away with includes how to build a community around your brand, the challenges and joys of scaling a business, financing a small business as well as the pros and cons of working with your life partner.
It was a great pleasure to be in conversation with Terran Lewis and to hear about her big dreams for Herb ‘n Eden.
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This week, my guest is Amber Anderson, who is the co-founder of Tote and Pears, a women-plus insights and brand studio. What that means is that they use data to help clients in designing brands, content and campaigns that center women.
Tote and Pears helps clients in three core areas: Diversity in the Workplace within the Tech industry, Healthcare as well as Education.
Amber will explain how they work with their clients and share why she thinks these are crucial areas in which an organization like hers can and should make an impact.
Our conversation also gets into why she became an entrepreneur in the first place (hint hint, it has to do with motherhood) and how that journey is going so far.
This was a fun chat with a lot of gems that you can hopefully use in your own entrepreneurial journey.
IYA - Non-performative Yoga
Hello and welcome to Shades and Layers. I’m Kutloano Skosana Ricci, your host, and this is episode 3 of Season 4.
Today my guest is Abiola Akanni, a yoga educator who has successfully cultivated inclusive wellness spaces that encourage other’ed communities to develop their personal yoga practice.
The Nigerian-American yoga instructor and entrepreneur
is the influencer behind Yoga by Biola and founder of IYA, the online yoga
platform committed to non-performative yoga. Akanni is committed to disrupting
competitive yoga standards found in western culture and cultivating practices
that nurture instead of criticize.
Her inclusive mission
promotes yoga as ritual while teaching individuals how to re-mother their
bodies for generational healing.
We recorded this conversation during the northern hemisphere summer of 2021 and she had just received her first shot of the Covid-19 vaccine. It was also just as she graduated the first cohort of her Yoga Teacher Training on Iya.
As you will discover, Abiola is a highly ambitious person and for her, pursuing an entrepreneurial path is much deeper than financial reward.
MENTIONS AND LINKS
Yoga By Biola - Abiola Akani's very own YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/YogabyBiola
Trap Vinyasa - https://www.trapvinyasa.com/
Yoga Behind Bars - https://yogabehindbars.org/
EVE MILAN NY
Today’s guest on Shades and Layers is Eden Gilliam, founder of the award-winning luxury skincare brand, Eve Milan New York.
Eden is an esthetician and went all the way to London to study skin nutrition during the past decade or so of her practice as a skincare professional.
There are two factors that contributed to the start of Eve Milan New York. First came the need to provide for a baby. Eden was 19 years old when she had her first daughter and like she says, this put a fire underneath her to make something of herself.
Second: while helping her clients to reach their skincare goals, she also wanted to offer them luxury products with no toxins or harmful ingredients. And when she heard her customer’s concerns, she coined the phrase, “ Wear Make Up because You Want To, Not because you have to.”™
In 2021, the sheet mask (first product she launched) won a Best In Beauty Award from ALLURE magazine and she’s been growing from strength to strength since then.
Our conversation centers around the work that she’s been doing to establish and grow her brand, we explore some industry trends and the importance of being realistic and patient while building a legacy.
I was so glad to finally connect with Eden after three failed attempts and I hope you enjoy our conversation.
DR. OMOLARA THOMAS UWEMEDIMOWelcome to Season 4 of Shades and Layers: On Intersections (Beauty, Health and Wellness)
For the first episode of this season we have partnered with Melanin and Medicine, who are doing important work helping Black, LatinX, and Indigenous women in the medical field build, fund, and grow their own businesses.
Our guest is CEO and founder, Dr. Omolara Thomas Uwemedimo. In our conversation she discusses how a health crisis forced her to take a pause and reflect on her 15-year career as a pediatrician, professor and healthcare advocate. During her recovery, she took time to connect with her colleagues in the sector and found that she was not alone in her quest for an integrated and balanced life, and so she created Melanin and Medicine.
She also took the chance to use the program she offers through Melanin and Medicine, to co-found and launch her own social enterprise, Strong Children Wellness, where she continues her passion for bringing quality healthcare to children in black and brown and other marginalized communities.
In our candid chat, she gets in to the details of what she does on a day to day, being raised by a nurse, growing up in a Nigerian household and all the other factors that came together to influence her career trajectory and passion for social justice and advocacy.
I hope our conversation will inspire you to find the intersection of all the things that make you thrive in life and work.
LINKS & MENTIONS
If Dr. Omolara's mission resonates with you, feel free to reach out to her and the team for FREE and get a review of your ideas and answers to your relevant questions.
Strong Children Wellness - Co-founded by Dr. Omolara Thomas Uwemedimo , this is one of the companies that have been through the Melanin and Medicine incubator, a case of the doctor taking her own medicine if you will.
NPR - https://www.npr.org/
ESSENCE Magazine - https://www.essence.com/
Politico - https://www.politico.com/
Today’s episode takes us to Atlanta Georgia, where we meet Stacie A Sanders Martin, the founder and designer at the bridal and formal wear fashion house, Sparkle and Sass.
When Stacie was pushed into entrepreneurship five years ago, she took all her experience of participating in beauty pageants, styling friends and family for ten years, as well as her dream of owning her own retail space and turned it into what has become her growing fashion house.
Hers is a story of ambition and resilience. Therefore, this conversation includes discussions on how loss can shape you as a person and the value of letting things grow at their own pace, in their own time. We also discuss working across time zones, how the conflict in Ukraine affected her business and all of this while she’s holding down a full-time job.
One more thing you will learn about Stacie is her obsession with customer service and attention to detail.
Today’s guest is South African visionary creative, founder and uber curator of experiences, Nandi Dlepu aka, Mamakashaka.
She’s a self-confessed romantic and I hope you will be inspired by her approach to life.
After graduating from film school, she worked for many years in television and advertising, establishing herself as a top tier creative. And in 2017, seeing new opportunities for expressing her talents and serving her community, she gathered the courage to jump into entrepreneurship and created her very own marketing agency, Mamakashaka.
Today she designs curated events for clients, she’s a sought-after speaker, Interviewer and gives talks on various aspects of creative entrepreneurship. She’s the founder of the music-driven events Feel Good Series (@feelgoodseries), the fashion-centered Pantone Sundays (@pantonesundays), as well as co-founder of the women’s gathering Women In Bloom (@womeninbloom_johannesburg).
In our conversation, we get into the details and greater purpose of each brand. To Nandi and her team, it’s not worth doing if it does not entertain, empower or inspire.
This week, Shades and Layers is proud to present the story of Digital Collage Artist, Puleng Mongale.
Puleng grew up in the cultural melting pot of Soweto township. Her young years there are filled with joy, but they have also been a source of pain and a feeling of displacement. While Soweto is a cultural melting pot, it is also a place where South Africa's cultural and language groups compete for superiority on an imaginary cultural totem.
In our conversation we discuss dealing with displacement, radical self-acceptance, using art as a tool for healing.
Puleng has always had a passion for the arts (especially writing and fashion) and started out as a copy writer at an advertising agency. During this period, she was also sharpening her skills as a creative director and exploring photography. After being laid off at the start of the Covid pandemic, she bought herself a camera, learned to use it and never looked back. In our conversation, we discuss her various projects, putting a monetary value on her work and also how to approach life with curiosity.
I hope you'll enjoy this amazing conversation and will be inspired to follow your own authentic journey into the things that you're passionate about.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Latitudes - Online Art platform that represents Puleng and many other cutting edge contemporary artists from the African continent.
Seshoeshoe (Seshweshwe) - Cotton fabric named after the Basotho King Moshoeshoe and originally bearing designs inspired by traditional murals in Lesotho. Today it is a fashion staple at traditional weddings across South Africa and can be seen at other formal occasions as well as everyday fashion.
Jake - Famous and iconic public swimming pool in Orlando West area of Soweto. The link goes to a photograph captured by South African photographer Jodi Beiber.
Badimo - A SeSotho word meaning ancestors or spirits.
Shades and Layers returns for the New Year and wishes you all the good things you desire in 2022.
This is episode 7 of Season 3 of Shades and Layers: On Creative Entrepreneurship…
Today my guest is Candice Lawrence, Founder and Design Maker at the Cape Town-based furniture and interiors company, Modern Gesture.
So, the picture of successful entrepreneurship that we are often sold is that of fast paced growth - you know, the famous hockey stick sales and growth projection, millions of dollars in venture capital investments and a superstar celebrity CEO. Nothing wrong with that, if that’s your vibe, but there’s a lot to be said for a different approach.
Candice and her team of four have been plugging away at their designs for the past six years and they are growing steadily and sustainably while achieving international success. I love the story of how Modern Gesture started out as a hobby. Most importantly, the impact that this team is having, not only aesthetically, but within their community, is truly meaningful and visible.
After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Surface Design at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, she soon won a prize for her now famous Woven Necklace Lampshade. That win catapulted her into full-time entrepreneurship, and the rest as they say, is history.
Starting with an in-depth description of her work, Candice shares her story generously in this conversation and I hope you will walk away wiser and as inspired as I was after listening.
Thank you Candice, it was an absolute pleasure chatting with you.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Nando's
Woven Necklace Lampshade
Welcome to Episode 6 of Season 3
So, you’ve read and heard a lot about the change in the future of work and of course, all the excitement centers the so-called "Great Resignation". Many professionals and business owners have either pivoted or left their jobs to pursue something new.
That is the case with my guest today, Melodee Ndigaye, a Danish creative professional who left her corporate job to start her social media strategy consultancy, Cre8tive Social. She also has a personal blog (melodeendigaye.com) where she posts about mental health and her life journey. Definitely read her essays on there!
Our conversation was recorded during the summer of 2021 and we got to reflect on the one year plus duration of the Covid-19 pandemic, Black Lives Matter, self-reliance, the security of a job versus the reward of being your own boss, and of course navigating race and identity as an immigrant, in a place where open conversation on the topic is brand new and maybe public discourse is not yet nuanced.
But mainly, I wanted to speak to Melodee because she took the brave step of breaking out during the most uncertain period of our generation....You will enjoy her easy manner, open heart and joyous nature.
Thanks for sharing your story @melodeendigaye It was a great pleasure talking to you 😊
Link in profile to hear the episode.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
A Seat At The Table Podcast by Naima Yasin and Ingrid Baraka
Mary Consolata Namagambe - https://maryconsolatanamagambe.com/
Lucia Odoom Vesterlund
Lesley Ann Brown - Author of Decolonial Daughter: Letters from a Black Woman to Her European Son and the platform that was my lifeline during my stay in Denmark Black Girl on Mars
In this episode, the guest is Thabisa Mjo, the vivacious and talented founder of the Johannesburg-based design company, Mash T Design Studio. Famous for the Tutu Light and Mjojo Cabinet, the studio has been rising from strength to strength since it was founded five years ago. These two designs are part of the Louvre's collection at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs
In this conversation we not only talk the ins and outs of running a creative company, but also the passion behind the work, the nature of collaboration, having a seat at the table, the meaning of accolades and the importance of being validate by your family.
There are many legends and famous names mentioned and her are some of them:
- Scott Billy and Bon Esperance Gallery : https://bonne-esperance-gallery.com/
- Qaqambile Bead Studio : https://www.instagram.com/qaqambilebeadstudio/
- Bambizulu Studio: http://www.bambizulu.com/?v=fb1c5b0d2f97
- Beauty Ngxongo : https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/318684
- Alfred Ntuli : http://www.bambizulu.com/product/orange-alfred-ntuli-collection-ukhamba/?v=fb1c5b0d2f97
LINGUA NIGRA
Welcome to Episode 4 of Season 3!
I am super excited to share with you, the story of Alicia Goodwin, founder of the jewelry brand, Lingua Nigra.
It was a great sit-down during which we talked about her career trajectory, the name of her brand, her inspiration, the revived interest in handmade goods, sustainability and plenty of other personal insights. We also got into the George Floyd murder and how the resulting spotlight on black-owned brands has played out for her own businesses since 2020.
Alicia Goodwin is from Chicago and has been making jewelry since she was a child. She has moved on from beads and wire to brass, silver and gold. Making memorable, everyday wearable pieces.
She started her career out in New York city after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She has worked with small and large jewerly brands and got to ride the first e-commerce wave when e-bay was taking off in the early 2000s. She now has her own e-shop and distributes her jewelry to stockists throughout the USA , as well as local and international customers.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Candace Owens- (in)famous black conservative. Easy to find through a search…
Arkansas Diamond Mine – Fun fact: the only live diamond mine in the USA where you can
Soweto – infamously built “close” to the gold mines where an innumerable number of migrant men died underground. It is surrounded by mine dumps whose dust can blind you during the windy months of the winter. A link here to the effects on the health of those living near these dumps.
RICH AF
This week, Shades and Layers is all about being Ghetto Fabulous with one of my favorite South African illustrators, Rendani Nemakavhani, better known as PRSDNT Honey!
To say that I love her work would be an understatement. It’s not only the images that she creates that I find striking, but the way in which they are presented. And, also, her why not spirit is infectious. She approaches life and work with curiosity and she’s truly not afraid to try new forms of expression for her work.
In her latest work, she ventures into the world of fashion and if you are lucky enough to live in Johannesburg, you can now buy some of her illustrations printed on stretch satin to wear, frame or do whatever with.
Our conversation centers around the accessibility of art, affordability when there are bread and butter issues, making art that is a conversation starter, the kinds of conversations she wants to be having about her own work and how black people are introduced to art.
We also discuss what I believe is our common areas of interest: women and blackness, being an outsider and relationships with the women in our lives. She talks extensively, deeply and fondly about her relationship with her late grandmother.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Gerard Sekoto - South African artist an musician
South African Protest Art - Posters created (mostly) anonymously under apartheid to protest the repressive regime that ruled between 1948 and the early 1990s.
MALUTI MAGIC
In today’s episode, we head to the magical kingdom of Lesotho, where we meet Moliehi Mafantiri, the co-founder of the fast-growing sustainable homeware brand, Barali.
Moliehi co-founded the company with her high school friend, Mookho Ntho, with the aim of sharing Basotho culture through storytelling, preserving local traditions and contributing to the Lesotho textile industry in a sustainable way.
The two women also run a design studio, which funds their homeware brand, while amplifying their fellow Basotho’s voices, and they have started a digital story archive called Bonesa, which means to illuminate …
In between all of this Moliehi is pursuing her Masters in Environment and Society at the University of Pretoria.
We had this conversation just as she finished her mid-years, and we had the chance to explore topics like the challenges of finding local interest in sustainable design, the joys of reflecting traditions they treasure in their work with Barali and paying homage to other trailblazers who are choosing the road less traveled.
Mentions and Links in this episode
Fair Trade - this links to an article that cites the pros and cons of Fair Trade. In the context of this episode of Shades and Layers this topic is discussed with Barali's working environment in mind. They source directly from mohair producers in rural Lesotho and South Africa, with the intention of bringing fair, equitable and sustainable manufacturing practices to the Lesotho Textile industry. Could the Fair Trade model be one to copy?
Dianamarena (pl.)/Seanamarena (sing.) - Lesotho traditional blanket
Here is more about Mookho's art:
Mokorotlo Hat - Traditional Basotho hat made from grass.
Bonesa - A Sesotho word meaning 'to shine a light on or illuminate'. Follow the link to read the story 'Mapei' by author Moso Sematlane
Mohair Industry - for a deep dive. A good read if you're interested in some facts an figures about this fine textile.
LOVE AFRICA
In this first episode of the season, Sweden-based South African designer, Nkuli Mlangeni-Berg discusses her take on Sustainability, Collaborative Partnerships on and Artisanship. Nkuli is an award-winning designer and Creative Social Entrepreneur, who uses her collaborative platform The Ninevites, to tell stories about her beloved South Africa, amplify African voices and to reignite interest in the work of weavers and other underappreciated traditional craft makers.
Nkuli grew up in Kagiso, in the west of Johannesburg where she lived with her grandmother and her cousins. This is where she spent most of her time daydreaming and cultivating a love for fashion and the creative industries. She was also subconsciously taking in the influences of her Ndebele and Swati heritage, the echoes of which can be seen in her work. What you also get from the story behind each Ninevites rug or throw cushion is Nkuli's love for archives and deep research into South African and other African history.
She deeply believes in creativity for social good and in this conversation we discuss slow design, sustainability and being conscious about how we consume goods. You are going to love her personal story.
Mentions and Links :
Nkuli was recently part of a new international design event, South Sweden Design Days, where she brought together her fellow South African designers to exhibit their work. In this interview she discusses her approach to creative entrepreneurship and preserving traditional crafts.
Thomas Sankara
Robert Sobukwe
Miriam Makeba
Winnie Madikizela Mandela
Hey, welcome back! Shades and Layers is ready with a third season! But before we get started, I just wanted to thank all of you for your support during the past crazy year and your contribution to the ongoing conversation about black women entrepreneurs working in spaces where they are still largely excluded.
If you are new to the podcast, welcome! Please feel free to explore past episodes and get some inspiration from the many amazing black women who are claiming their space in ways that are as unique as each one of them.
I’m Kutloano Skosana Ricci, your host, and for the remainder of 2021, we will be exploring Creative Entrepreneurship.
The interviewees in this season contribute their own unique aesthetic to their chosen area of design, ranging from graphic design to jewelry design, to interior décor. There is a wide range of topics in each conversation, and you will hear how these women find creative solutions to business issues like sustainable production, which resources they tap into to make professional progress, how to create partnerships and successful collaborations, finding your space in places where you are not welcome, self-care, balanced living and much more.
Shades and Layers Season 3 episodes will be available on your favorite podcast app, every fortnight, starting on Tuesday the 5th of October.
RISE TO THE OCCASION
Today we are talking passion, profit and impact with the founder of Hele Rose Skincare, Day Bibb (@yoga.and.nectarines)
Day is based in the Pacific Northwest city of Portland in Oregon, where she not only has a store, but also runs a non-profit for survivors of domestic violence called OM Thrive Foundation.
There are multiple reasons why Day started her natural skincare company, including a mission to resolve her daughter's sever eczema , a Covid-related shove into entrepreneurship, as well as a need for a steady source of funds to keep OM Thrive going.
This conversation veers into discussions about creating your own alternatives, advocacy, injustice as a driver for change, balance and self-love.
Day’s story is the perfect guide to moving from idea to implementation, realizing your true worth and rising to the occasion.
BONUS EPISODE
My guest today is Taryn Gill, South African entrepreneur and founder of haircare brands such as The Perfect Hair, Curls in Bloom, and the trademarks SuperCurl and Soft Sista.
Taryn’s story is a true masterclass on how to manage your career, spot opportunities and using your experiences for business success. She has worked for some of the greatest names in SA publishing and media. She’s an alumna of the business reality show, Shark Tank, and the high priestess of a community built around her first brand, The Perfect Hair.
We caught up at a time when South Africa was starting to reckon with the riots that shook the country after former president Jacob Zuma was arrested (story linked below in the mentions). The country was also in the middle of yet another hard Covid lockdown.
Mind you, while all of this was going on, she was also in the middle of finalizing a partnership with a local distributor and hosting Taryn’s Table Talk, a series of important conversations about natural hair under the auspices of her own brand, @curlsbytaryn
Mentioned In this Episode
South African Riots
Sowetan
Township Economics
Justice Malala
Dawn Robertson
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
Jane Raphaely
UNSUN YOUR MELANIN (BONUS EPISODE)
This bonus episodes of Shades and Layers focuses on something that a lot of darker-skinned people barely think about: sunscreen. To many, this is something that is only of concern to the light-skinned and of course this is reinforced by the white residue that is left behind by a lot of sunscreen, leaving you with a ghostly/zombified look.
Enter Katonya Breaux and her solution: Unsun Comsmetics. They make natural and clean, tinted sunscreen products for all skin tones. For Katonya (CEO and founder of the company), this is both a personal 'victory' and a service to those, especially to women of colour, who want a natural sunscreen that does not irritate your skin and eyes like many of the chemical ones do.
This conversation is so much fun, it's educational and you will walk away inspired to do something. Katonya has founded two successful companies in two unrelated industries and her background has been key to how she approaches her projects and passions. She makes it sound so simple, almost natural, while acknowledging the challenges that come with learning about and running a growing business in an industry she previously knew nothing about. Most importantly she is claiming her space and diversifying a space where women of colour are still not the default.
I hope you'll enjoy this chat.
SEASON FINALE - Season 2, Episode 10
Happy Birthday Shades and Layers!
Yes, it all began one year ago in June of 2020, while the world was deep in the throes of wrestling with how to manage the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is fitting that this final episode of Season 2 (On Wellness/Well-being) brings the podcast full circle to where it all began: the beauty industry.
Mathebe Modise, Founder of BeautyontApp, is my guest on this episode. Her e-commerce company has been growing in leaps and bound during the last while, thanks to a convergence of various factors, including South Africans being more comfortable with online shopping, the recent Clicks scandal and the obsession with skincare that goes hand in hand with living under on-and-off lockdowns of the Covid-era.
Skincare has become something of a go-to ritual for self-care and wellness enthusiasts, bolstered by the launch of a countless number of celebrity skincare brands, from Alicia Keys to Pharell Williams. In South Africa, there is one main stop for all your shopping needs in this category and today's conversation is all about the company and its founder.
This conversation is very inspirational and I hope you'll enjoy Mathebe's bubbly personality, her take on how to balance a busy life, her sheer determination to succeed and her belief that it is possible to create a successful company made for black women, by a black woman.
EXHUME OR HEAL
Season 2 Episode 9
We continue profiling the entrepreneurs and game changers who are changing and adding to the diversity of the wellness space and today it’s the story of life and relationship coach, Rosemary Mupambwa.
When the Zimbabwean-born Rosemary lost her husband in the year 2000, and soon after that her parents and not long after, her siblings, she felt as though her world was ending.
Being the resilient person that she is, she somehow found the courage to leave her three small kids behind and seek her fortune and healing in the Americas. She has now found a home in Calgary Canada. This is where she runs her Life and Relationship Coaching business and celebrates many great successes and family milestones that you will hear about during our conversation.
Rosemary Mupambwa has written a book called Exhume or Heal: A Widow’s Memoir, which is both the story of her journey to healing and a toolkit for other women who are struggling to cope with their life challenges, including divorce, widowhood and other life changing events.
Our conversation explores some of the tools she uses in her practice, the most difficult cases she has dealt with and her no-nonsense approach to getting clients to do the work that they want to do.
As you will find out, it’s not all serious talk, Rosemary is a great storyteller, and she has a wicked sense of humor. First up, let’s find out how she views the work that she does …
EPISODE 8 OF SEASON 2
If like me, lo-fi beats have given you the peace of mind you need while working during this pandemic, then you already know something about mindful hip-hop.
And that is the topic of my conversation with Brooklyn-based hip-hop artist, Toni Blackman., who is an advocate of mindful hip-hop.
Our conversation is a journey that takes us to the start of her career in the 90s as a recording artist, through the years while using her platform for education and healing.
Toni has also been wearing many hats throughout the years; from consulting/facilitating workshops for corporates, co-creating work with A-list celebrities and using hip-hop cyphers as a tool for healing and education in her immediate community of Brooklyn, and other parts of the world.
She was one of the first US global hip-hop ambassador selected by the State Department, and continues this work through her artist residencies throughout the world. So far, she has taken her various hip-hop projects to 47 countries and worked with a countless number of artists in Africa, South America and Southeast Asia.
Toni's work and commitment to hip-hop has now led her to mindfulness and meditation, where she creates safe spaces for healing on various platforms including a YouTube Channel, a podcast and a theatrical performance called 'Let The Cypher Say Amen'.
This is an awesome conversation about dedication, commitment and above all, well-being.
LINKS TO TONI'S OTHER WORK
How To Freestyle: https://youtu.be/SJWqZcewxsU
The Wisdom of the Cypher: https://youtu.be/8W4yro7ESWU
MORE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/user/ToniB104
THE ULTIMATE DINING EXPERIENCE
This is Episode 7 of Season 2 of Shades and Layers.
This story is inspiring because it's about believing in yourself and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support your dreams.
Rebecca Morgan, better known as Chef Bella B, She quit her restaurant job eight years ago, fashioned herself as a private chef and never looked back.
She tried a few things in her new profession as private chef and found that she truly shines when she's the host, and so she chose the tag line "The Ultimate Dining Experience". Chef Bella has also quickly earned herself a good name as the Airbnb chef, serving travelers visiting her current home city, Denver in Colorado, USA.
Rebecca believes in food as medicine, the power of growing your own food and knowing exactly what it is you are putting into your body, whether you choose to continue eating meat or changing to a plant-based diet.
In this conversation, she is so very open and generous in telling her story. And she has a fantastic sense of humor. You will definitely love this chat.
Connect with me on Instagram @shadesandlayerspodcast and let me know what you think.
From wanting to save money on groceries to creating a whole business that changes not only her own life, but has an impact far beyond her immediate circle, Nonkululeko Britton-Masekela is an inspiration.
Speaking to her, it is evident that Kula is a soulful pursuit. Nonkululeko speaks of it as a gift to others. This is her contribution to her community and beyond.
Our conversation centers around the importance of growing your own food. It will leave you with insights and thoughts on food security, food justice and the unresolved issue of land ownership, particularly in South Africa.
What is also interesting about Nonkululeko's story are the many facets that feed into her entrepreneurial journey: being a full-time corporate employee, a business school graduate with a journalism backgorund, a mother and a farmer.
Her company Kula (@kulaorganicproduce) offers not only fresh produce, but garden services and other products that serve to feed and heal through organic herbs and plants.
The Halfway Point
This is episode 5 of Season 2 of Shades and Layers, and I like where we are with the conversations today. We've talked mental and physical well-being.
It is not possible to speak Wellness, Well-being and Black women and not talk about African spirituality. Today, my guest and sangoma Nokulinda Mkhize Horwood discusses her profession, her own practice, her observations of changing attitudes towards sangomas over the past 13 year's since her initiation and some of the challenges she still faces in her work.
Nokulinda is known as @noksangoma on social media and she's also well-known for her often sold-out talks, Gogo Speaks. Judging by the popularity of these talks, not only is she providing a much needed service, but she is part of the zeitgeist of the de-colonial movement of young South Africans. Her presence and visibility are both liberating and deeply necessary for her peers.
Our discussion covers everything, from the role of family in spiritual well-being, alienation and anxiety in the city, capitalism-induced spiritual crises in South African urbanites, Covid-19, Nokulinda's own well-being and how it's changed her approach to life in general and her practice as a sangoma.
It might all sound serious, but it's a fun conversation and we do get super silly at the end of the conversation. You will love it!
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Indumba - A sangoma’s healing room, traditionally a hut. It is nonetheless a sacred space.
Amatwasa - Initiates training to become sangomas
Ukufemba - a healing process designed to trap and remove negative energies and/or evil spirits
uMgidi - celebratory ceremony
Amasiko - cultural ustoms
Ubuntu - I am because we are
Ubungoma - a spiritual calling
Welcome to Episode 4 of Season 3.
It’s not possible to talk about wellness and not discuss massage therapy and spa treatments, it is definitely one of the first association that people make when talking about wellness.
If you go for treatment at many South African spas, you will most likely have black women attending to your needs, but look in the fancy office upstairs or closer at the ownership/management structure, and chances are it will not be a black woman sitting behind the desk or there are few or none listed on the management team.
There are some exceptions of course and one of them is the Relax Luxury Spa Group. My guest today is Noli Mini, who is the Founder and CEO of this strong Cape Town brand, and today she shares her personal and professional journey to success, as an entrepreneur. We talk representation, lessons learned, family, Covid-19 and the future.
Noli is also an active member of several wellness and hospitality industry associations and bodies, she is an advocate for youth entrepreneurship and most importantly, uses her story to inspire others to follow their own dreams.
I hope you will be inspired by her energetic personality, resilience and optimism.
This is episode 3 of Season 2, where I focus on black women who make it their business to change the face of wellness and well-being.
This week, my guest is Fitness Influencer and Asics frontrunner ambassador for Copenhagen, Ntokazi Mposula, affectionately known as Zozo. She is also the founder of the creative project and community called My Beautiful People.
Zozo arrived in Denmark 20 years ago as an exchange student. In this wide-ranging conversation, she shares her journey to creating #mybeautifulpeople, her mission to make fitness more accessible to black women and how yoga saved her from falling apart during a difficult period of her life.
Zozo’s story captures the journey of so many black women in Denmark, and if you're new to the country, do take good notes. It’s a story of reinvention, and as you will hear, it’s something she learned from the entrepreneurial women who raised her.
Photo by @amandathomsenphotography
Mentioned in this episode: Township Street Games like Igusha and Three Toti, read more about these via GroundUp
asicsfrontrunner202#ThisIsMeRun#runkeeper#imoveme#sunrisemind #soundmindsoundbody #copenhagen #mybeautifulpeople
Yema Ferreira is an Angolan-born psychotherapist living in Denmark where she uses her healing gifts for 'Facilitating Black Girl Magic'. She knew from early on in life that she wanted to work with people therapeutically to resolve trauma. And so she studied psychology at Temple University and later trained in Existential Psychotherapy at the Psykoterapeutisk Institut in Denmark. She now has her own practice in Copenhagen where she consults local and international clients.
This wide-ranging conversation with Yema encompasses how she approaches her work with women of African descent, how she helps them re-frame their own narratives and use different tools for self-healing. She also shares how she goes about the business of healing herself.
Welcome to Season 2 of the Shades and Layers podcast!
Trigger Warning
In this episode, Thokozani Ndaba, Founder and Executive Director of the South African non-profit Ntethelelo Foundation, shares her story. We talk about the impact she's been able to make through her life's work in one of her home country's poorest neighborhoods, Alexandra township. Thokozani and her team of volunteers at the foundation use Applied Drama and theatre techniques to help young girls, their families and broader community to find solutions to their own unique set of challenges. She also addresses issues around being a sexual assault survivor, and how this fuels her work.
Pic by Nunu Ngema
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
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South African Visual Aritsts, Lady Skollie and Nelson Makamo
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Lekgotla - loosely translated it means a gathering or meeting place in Setswana, but the word also encapsulates democracy in action where participants (leaders) are contributors to important decisions concerning a community. These can range from local feuds to criminal cases to the future of a clan.
-Award Winning Activist: In 2018, Thokozani was awarded a GLAMOUR Women of the Year Award for her work
In today's episode we meet Johannesburg- based entrepreneur Linda Gieskes – Mwamba, the founder and CEO of Suki Suki Naturals
Born in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo to entrepreneurial parents, Linda's venture into entrepreneurship started when she wanted to ditch the chemicals and grow out her natural afro-textured hair.
She quickly discovered that she literally could not afford to grow her own natural hair because either the products were too expensive and not really worth the cost, or if they were cheap, they were full of the very chemicals she was trying to avoid, So, she decided to do something about it.
After months of shopping in the food aisles, she created her own oil blend, which is now the hero product of the brand, the Miraculous Oil. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Join us for a wonderful chat that ranges in subjects and have you wanting to go out there and create something of your own.
Check out Suki Suki Naturals' wicked combination of indigenous African fruits, herbs and plants via their instagram account @sukisukinaturals
This week's episode of Shades and Layers breaks the mould a little, with a look at a "cosmeceutical" brand, Uso Skin Care. So far, we have explored the indie beauty industry, but once you hear the story of founder and CEO of African Dermal Science, Dr. Theo Muthoa-Frendo, you will understand why this story is important.
There are three important things to learn from Theo's journey:
- Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve
- Start where you are and use your network
- Success has a lot to do with how well you understand yourself and how you use the resources around you
Uso Skin Care products sit alongside international famous brands at the Edgars department stores in three Southern African countries. This is a first for a black, woman-owned beauty brand from South Africa, and hope you will enjoy hearing how Theo and her team made it happen.
ANiM Naturals was officially launched in 2017 by founder Akosua Koranteng.
I caught up with the Ghanaian born South African entrepreneur soon after the opening of the very first storefront for ANiM Naturals, which is at The Beauty Box in Cape Town’s Waterfront 'Made in Africa' market, The Watershed. The Beauty Box features other African made beauty brands.
This was also soon after the Clicks natural hair debacle (see details below), and we took some time to discuss and reflect on what happened.
Speaking to Akosua is both a Masterclass in entrepreneurship and very deep insights into how her mind works. She is passionate and driven, while also remaining very grounded.
ON THE CLICKS DEBACLE
The South African beauty and pharmaceutical retailer, Clicks, recently caused outrage among black South Africans with an advertisement featuring black and white women's hair, labeling the black woman's natural afro hair as 'dry and damaged', and the white woman's blonde straight hair as 'normal'. The public outrage caused by this careless oversight made international headlines and many politicians and celebrities weighed in on the issue, to great effect....
This episode of Shades and Layers takes us to my home country, South Africa, to find out what's happening in the beauty and personal care aisles at supermarkets and . Having had the privilege to visit home frequently also made me aware that there's are many young women making things happen in the personal care industry.
Olwethu Ngcobo, founder of Lolaandcoorganics, is one of these young women in the industry. During her profile interview, we spoke about her brand new handmade lavender-infused facial range, which looks divine and makes us wish we could buy it all. Head on over to her Instagram account where she goes by @lolaandcoorganics and @organicbaddie
What you will learn about Olwethu is that she is able to stay grounded, while staying ambitions. She knows what she wants and goes after it with confidence and determination. It was a fun chat (even the dog joined in at some point).
ON THE CLICKS DEBACLE
The South African beauty and pharmaceutical retailer, Clicks, recently caused outrage among black South Africans with an advertisement featuring black and white women's hair, labeling the black woman's natural afro hair as 'dry and damaged', and the white woman's blonde straight hair as 'normal'. Needless to say the public outrage made international headlines and many politicians and celebrities weighed in on the issue, to great effect....
You can hear more about this issue in future episodes with some other beauty entrepreneurs.
Gettheblacbox
If you're a black woman who's ever done personal care shopping in Copenhagen, then you know the frustration of this futile mission. And then you start debating if it's worth the trek from your home to Copenhagen city centre or if ordering via Amazon is better, but then what if you don't like the products and what if .... grrrr... That's been a familiar dance, until now.
Enter theblacbox.co, a beauty subscription service started by Abi Olusanya. This UK native (via Nigeria) figured she'd put her passion for trying out new beauty products and entrepreneurial skills to good use by starting her very own box. Her reveals on Instagram are legendary.
Her energy is infectious and I hope you enjoy getting to know her and her brand.
Today's conversation is a holistic look at the life of an entrepreneur in the indie beauty industry. Sundra Essien lives and breathes the brand, Isangs, which she co-founded with her husband nearly eight years ago. Everything in their store in shop is dreamt up in their Copenhagen workshop and home, and then made by hand on site.
Visiting Isangs is a definite must do when in Copenhagen. It's a delight for all your senses and she's a wonderful host who will give you personal recommendations and guide you through the shop.
Please enjoy this wide-ranging conversation that touches on fair trade, representation, sustainability, creativity and ambition, among many other things.
You can follow Isangs via Facebook and/or Instagram
If you are a black woman living in Denmark (or Scandinavia) and you wear your hair natural, then you have probably come across a company and web shop called 'I love Natural Hair'. Today's profile on Shades and Layers is Carriene Rendbo who owns the brand. We cover her entire journey from London to Copenhagen, from frustrated DIY naturalista to business woman and what lies ahead on her entrepreneurial journey.
There are many ways to pursue entrepreneurship, an independent life, a meaningful career. Ade Adejumo, our guest on Shades & Layers this time around, knows all about this and she has found a way to encapsulate all her interests in her lifestyle brand Ade Organics. Ade first pursued a career in sustainability before finally deciding that it was time to give up the office life and go solo.
“….I’m sure a lot of Africans can relate; there are certain professions that our culture does not exalt. You either have to be a lawyer, a doctor … we tend to look down on certain professions,” she says
Have a listen to Ade’s story and learn more about her company (which includes a children's books publishing arm) and what is on offer at adeorganics.com
Introducing Shades & Layers, a new podcast celebrating black women and their entrepreneurial journeys. This is the first season and it explores entrepreneurship in the indie beauty space. It is a celebration of black-owned beauty brands.
This is the first episode of Shades & Layers, a podcast that celebrates the stories and lives of black women. The first season is all about black-owned indie beauty brands and the entrepreneurs within this space. Today you can enjoy a candid conversation on starting your own business, with Copenhagen-based make-up artist Barbara Mensah and host Kutloano Skosana Ricci. In this profile interview, the two women discuss various aspects of entrepreneurship including flexibility, support structures, staying motivated and balancing all of life's aspects while staying focused.
You can learn more about Barbara and her services on https://www.barbaramensah.dk/ or follow her column on the expat publication The International: http://www.the-intl.com/