Tea Time With Monica!: Recent Episodes
Monica "The Kurvy Diva" & Armstrong Media Company
Join the Tea Party with your best good girlfriend Monica! Here, we discuss a little of everything! Health, beauty, self care, and of course Tea!
Thema Azize Serwa is the leading expert in the vaginal steaming industry. She has created a unique method of vaginal steaming that provides over 25 biopsychosocial health benefits that has been ranked #1 in the industry by MakMedia TV. Thema's work has also been talked about in HuffPost for its impact on women entrepreneurs. Her work has been celebrated in local publications, local and international radio, and in households of YouTubers and Facebookers worldwide who travel to get to "Thema's pot". She has also advanced her #HealEverything movement by training and certifying Womb Sauna Practitioners in 9 different countries. She is an empowerment mogul, known for her public speaking, high energy and transparency, and a best selling author who is dedicated to demonstrating to the world the value and impact of the Womb Sauna experience.
A certified Life Coach and Founder of Brunch Beauty Empowerment Network, Marsha McCray is committed to encouraging others to live intentionally.
The book Living Intentionally the Purposeful Seasons of Your Life, will take you through a journey of self discovery, and encouragement as you seek the rebirth of Spring, the beauty of Summer, the harvest of Autumn and the preparedness of Winter.
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@Teamtimewithmonica- Our Show!
@Monica_thekurvydiva- Host
@MickeyLeon1906-Show Producer
@IamTriciaCampbell- Today's Guest
BIO
Tricia Campbell is a Plus Size SuperModel Confidence and Body Image Coach. Empowering women world is Brand Tricia Campbell. Tricia believes as women we must RECLAIM OUR INNER BEAUTY AND UNLEASH OUR UNSHAKEABLE CONFIDENCE. Helping women to achieve their unstoppable confidence. Tricia developed her 90 day Signature Coaching Program called Confidence Queens. To find out more information on this Dazzling 1 on 1 Coaching Program with TRICIA just tap on this link Calendly.com/Confidencequeensprogram. Hailing from Montego Bay, Jamaica, Tricia was surrounded by the love and support of her family who instilled in her the message that commitment, persistence and faith are unfailing keys to achieving success. Holding tightly to the wisdom she received, Tricia took bold steps towards realizing her dreams by attending The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. After earning a degree in Fashion Design, Tricia began working for a noted Fashion Designer. While working for the designer she was often asked to double as a Plus Size Model. Many opportunities later and Tricia became an in demand, full time Plus Size Fit Model requested by numerous fashion industry leaders. Tricia is also known for being Oprah Winfrey's Standin Model for over 7years and counting. Tricia been featured on the pages of publications like O Magazine, Essence, Glamour, and Posh Magazine. Tricia also Models as a Fit Model, Showroom Model, Print Model and Brand Ambassador for clothing and beauty brands Ashley Stewart, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, American Rag, House of Dereon, Jessica Simpson, Target, American Rag, Smart & Sexy, Curvy Couture, CurvyKate, SheFit, Sol de Janeiro and many more. In addition to strutting her famous model dance walk on numerous runways in Paris, New York, UK, and Jamaica. Tricia is also one of the only “Size Sexy” Models to have been featured on BET’s famous annual show Rip The Runway for 8 years in a row. Wanting to pay homage to her native land, Tricia returned to Jamaica to walk the runway of Caribbean Fashion Week in Kingston, Jamaica; her appearances were received with thunderous applause. Tricia has now made it her personal goal to spread Body Positivity worldwide. Currently Tricia has also launched her Private Facebook Group called CONFIDENCE QUEENS with over 2.3K members from all over the world. In this private FB group Tricia gives daily Tips and Tools to help empower women.
Tasha Chen - Co-founder of Science of Getting Rich Academy
Tasha is an expert in taking businesses from struggling and on-the-verge-of-giving-up to opening their can of dreams again, having fun, and making money!
Her wildly impactful manifestation and mindset training and coaching have helped entrepreneurs around the globe generate an additional $47.5 million in revenue and growing in the past 8 years.
She has a knack for seeing the big picture for others and also helps them see their own power. Her inspirational talks cover the magic of manifesting, mindset and developing personal superpowers, sales from the heart, and calling in abundance
Join the Money Attraction Challenge! Use this link to join! (This is an affiliate link. By joining via this link , Tea Time with Monica may receive compensation)
https://tashachen.com/money-attraction-challenge/?ref=25336
As many of you have noticed, I took a break from the podcast for most of the summer. Join me as we discuss my break and why it was necessary.
Aubrey Boyd
Educator, International Fashion & Event Producer, and Brand Consultant
Aubrey Boyd is an Educator, International Fashion & Event Producer, and Brand Consultant. He is a 2012 graduate from the Great Bethune-Cookman Universit with a Bachelor of Business Administration and Mass Communication. Aubrey is currently pursuing his Master's in Fashion at LIM College.
In 2013, Aubrey was appointed by ZaK the designer as the Senior Vice-President of Operations and Planning of Jon Marc Collection. An Award-winning International Fashion House that specializes in out of the box designs for a show-stopping piece. It was while working together with ZaK in 2015 we notice the lack of exposure and celebration of body diversity inspired them to create the 501c3, National Curves Day, Inc. It’s officially a recognized day by the National Day Calendar celebrated the second Wednesday of October with the color red and body-positive hashtags to Embrace. Encourage. and Empower. the community.
He has worked with some notable brands Ashely Stewart, Bandelettes, One Bond, MVP Collections, Queen Size Magazine, BTFL Magazine, FFFweek, District of Curves, Full Figured Industry Awards, BRAG, and Fashion Group International just to name a few. One concept Aubrey made known was the theory everyone has god-given attributes to make them marketable it's finding the niche to accentuate them that finds the purpose in continuous research and metamorphosing. Aubrey is going on a continuous elevation and he has found a means of tastefully fulfilling his mission and purpose. His successes and hard work resulted in the birth of BlvK Consulting Group, a boutique firm that supports brands in Fashion & Event Management, and Brand Consulting.
Aubrey leaves by this VISION WITHOUT ACTION IS JUST A DREAM; if you act upon your VISION it will no longer be a DREAM but and REALITY and that you should always BE Fearless.
Kellee Stewart is a writer, actress and self-proclaimed “egg advocate”. She is the creator and host of Warrior Wednesdays, an interactive live Instagram show featuring the truthful and empowering stories of infertility told from a Black women’s experience. Each episode Kellee welcomes a special WARRIOR guest for an in depth and raw conversation tackling topics such as fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, miscarriage, IVF, health disparities and advocating against internal bias and inequities. Kellee and her growing village of WARRIORS leave no aspect of the infertility journey untouched with their faithful and healing words.
Alison Zupancic originally hails from North Ridgeville, OH, a small town outside of Cleveland that’s just 10 square miles, but since graduating from the University of Toledo in 2009, she’s been enjoying big-city life in the nation’s capital. The law enforcement professional lives in the hip Navy Yard neighborhood — just a stone’s throw from Nationals Park, which fits in nicely with her active lifestyle and athletic past. Shortly after moving to Washington from the Buckeye State over a decade ago, Alison joined the all-female tackle football league D.C. Divas as an offensive lineman. She’s since moved on, but remains active with regular sweat sessions at SoulCycle, Solidcore, and doing CrossFit. Alison is also passionate about fashion, identifying as an ardent body positivity and size inclusivity supporter and taking inspiration from influencers and fellow advocates like Ashley Graham, Tabria Majors, and Katie Sturino. And, the aspiring model’s style isn’t just limited to the newest trends either — she’s a major thrifter, hitting up vintage stores whenever she’s on the road for work.
Jess O’Reilly (@SexWithDrJess) is a sex and relationship expert with a background in education. Her research and passion involves teacher training in sexual health and she volunteers in schools and universities to help bring better sex & relationship education to students across Ontario. Jess is also a television personality, author, podcast host (@SexWithDrJess Podcast) and international speaker who has facilitated hundreds of corporate workshops and retreats in 35 countries from Lebanon to Costa Rica.
Today on Tea Time, Monica is back after a little break! She’s sitting down with her mom Juanda on this very special Mother’s Day edition if Tea Time with Monica!
Gwendolyn DeVoe is a former freelance plus model turned fashion event producer who devotes much of her time to mentoring and coaching women interested in plus size modeling and entrepreneurship. In addition, in an effort to ensure that plus size fashion brands and its aficionados receive equal airtime and tasteful recognition in the fashion industry, Gwen has been instrumental in creating a number of platforms for the plus size fashion community.
One of those platforms is Full Figured Fashion Week®, an annual presentation of the fashion industry’s finest plus models, designers, retailers, boutiques and businesses with products and services for the plus community. The event, which launched in 2009, is heralded as one of the industry’s most legitimate gateways for plus fashion and a “must attend’ for anyone involved in the industry, has received both local and international press coverage ranging from the front page of the New York Times to Forbes.com to The New Yorker and everything in between. In June of 2020, Gwen successfully launched a virtual model of Full Figured Fashion Week. The success of this virtual event coupled with the devastation that the pandemic has had on the event planning industry, has encouraged Gwen to publish her first e-book, “Pivot, Don’t Panic – How to Turn your In-Person Event Into a Successful Virtual Experience”, which will launch at the end of Fall 2020.
As an award winning event producer, industry content writer, motivational speaker and expert on the plus size fashion community, Gwen has written content for USA Today and has appeared as an industry expert on several national radio and television shows including Fox 5’s Good Day New York, OMG Insider Entertainment Tonight, and ASPIRE TV. She has been featured in The New York Times, The Huffington Post’s Women in Business, Fortune.com, Fashion & Style, Biz Women - The Business Journal and several other business articles.
Gwen’s current project, the Silver Fox Model Camp, is an extremely popular one-day workshop that was created for aspiring mature models. As the standard of beauty becomes more inclusive, it is Gwen’s desire that this workshop will serve as a platform for mature models to learn how to use their ageless beauty to monetize life experiences and be successful in the beauty, fashion, and acting industries. The popularity of this workshop has led Gwen to create yet another brand, the Silver Fox Talent Agency, which is set to open in March.
For more information, please contact Gwen at: devoe@dseventsinc.com or bookgwendevoe@gmail.com.
IG: @GwenMogulDeVoe or @MogulMoments
FB: @DeVoeSignatureEvents or @SilverFoxModelCamp
Chenese Lewis is the epitome of a sophisticated woman entrepreneur and entertainer who has gained international attention as a highly sought-after keynote speaker, expert commentator, as well as a positive body image and self-esteem advocate.
As an emcee and host, Chenese’s ability to engage her audience, her quick wit, and relatable disposition makes her an in-demand host for major fashion and beauty events. She has hosted large-scale fashion events during New York Fashion Week, Los Angeles Fashion Week, and abroad in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Chenese’s style and eloquence help elevate events to unparalleled levels of success.
Chenese made history by being the first crowned Miss Plus America in 2003 which helped give her career momentum in the plus size market. Chenese has since worked with various plus-size brands in different capacities. She has modeled for the national chain Torrid and was the Coast-to-Coast Curves Spokesperson for Ashley Stewart. A guru in the plus industry, Chenese has appeared as an expert on Dr. Phil, Huffington Post Live, and quoted in USA Today. In 2014, Ebony.com recognized Chenese as a pioneer in the plus size industry by naming her one of “The Top Six Plus Fashion Power Players in the Plus Industry” and stated that Chenese is “integral in laying the foundation for plus size fashion!”
Chenese continues to make a splash in the mainstream market as well. She graced the cover of VICE Magazine UK’s 10th anniversary issue, a mainstream publication distributed worldwide. She has also posed for the popular celebrity driven NOH8 Campaign and served as the face of Aida Cosmetics’ “Confidence and Glamour” campaign for three consecutive years. In 2015 Chenese was honored by Baton Rouge Fashion Week with the Fashion Icon Award recognizing her outstanding achievements as a fashion trailblazer from Louisiana.
Along with fashion, Chenese is also a trailblazer in the podcasting field. In 2008 she introduced her podcast, The Chenese Lewis Show, the first podcast for the plus-size industry. For over a decade, the iconic podcast has featured in-depth interviews with a wide range of industry experts, including plus size influencers and national brands. In 2010, Chenese was accepted as a media correspondent for the Essence Music Festival and participated for five years interviewing mainstream celebrities during the festivities including Boyz II Men, Gladys Knight, and a host of others.
As a philanthropist, Chenese has been a national spokesperson for several organizations, to help raise awareness for charitable causes and shed light on prominent issues. She served as president of the National Organization for Women Hollywood Chapter for two years, in addition to producing Hollywood NOW’s “Love Your Body Day” for six years from 2006-2011. The annual event to promote positive body image was officially sponsored by the City of West Hollywood. The 2010 Love Your Body Campaign, where she posed nude with America’s Next Top Model cycle 10 winner, Whitney Thompson went viral internationally and magnified Chenese’s role as a leading positive body image advocate. Media outlets worldwide covered the campaign, including E! News, Extra, and People.com.
Chenese has also been praised as an actress for her work as a cast member on B.E.T’s “Hell Date,” which was one of the most popular shows in BET history. The show allowed Chenese to showcase her impeccable improvisational and comedic skills, and kept millions tuning in weekly. Chenese also won rave reviews for her dramatic portrayal of Connie Williams, a larger-than-life professional baseball player in the NAACP Award-winning play “The Girls of Summer,” set in the 1940s.
Chenese is frequently booked for lectures at national workshops, seminars and universities around the country. The National Eating Disorder Association’s Teen Summit and University of California, Davis’ “Celebrate Your Body Week” benefited greatly from hearing her unique perspective. Chenese also served as a commencement speaker at The Art Institute of California in Hollywood.
The Louisiana native is the Chief Creative Officer for Chenese Lewis Productions, LLC, a media company she established in 2007.
Chenese genuinely embraces who she is, inside and out, and it shows every time she steps into the spotlight. Chenese attributes her success by not conforming to society’s ideals of beauty, but rather showing by example that you can be beautiful and confident regardless of your size. Considered an icon within the plus size industry, Chenese shows no signs of stopping her ambitious efforts anytime soon.
Hello there! Thank you for clicking here to find out more about me, Marie Denee! I am a plus size fashion and style expert. I love sharing my knowledge and experience with others to help them along their path…
Experienced in retail for over ten years, working in various retail stores as a stylist, fashion expert, or manager, I lassoed my life experiences both studied and learned to bring my dream into fruition- The Curvy Fashionista®.
However if you want to know more about me and the girl behind it all, keep on reading… I promise it is good and you may lean how I can help YOU!
Enough about the technical- So Who am I?
- I am a Virgo
- The nerd in elementary school with those ridonk-ulous glasses that covered half my face
- A huge Beyonce fan (don’t hate)
- The hopeless romantic- I love Ever After and Love Jones
- A military brat. I have lived in Hawaii, Japan, England, Virginia, California (lived in both the Bay Area now back in SoCal), and now in Atlanta
- A great dancer- from two stepping to dropping it like it hot (I LOVE TO DANCE!)
- A nerd. I love words. Words with friends anyone?
- A big sister and PROUD AUNTIE!!!
- A giver
- I am boho Chic with a masculine edgy side to me…
- No glass ceiling believer
- I believe the cup is always half full- although I have to look at it closely every now and then
- I was varsity cheer captain in high school
- I speak Japanese
- I LOVE Mary J. Blige
- Fashion gives me joy
- I am the oldest grandchild
- My nickname in high school was “Mama”
- I was a girl scout for 8 years
- I owned a pair of coke bottle nerd glasses
- I absolutely adore Donna Karan
- Jill Scott speaks to me
- I am an avid reader, from James Patterson to Eric Jerome Dickey- this is my escape
The Business stuff? Oh! Well…
I am a plus size fashion, style expert, and blogger. Experienced in retail for over 13 years, working in various retail stores as a stylist, fashion expert, and as management, I have culminated my life experiences both studied and learned to bring my dream into fruition in 2008- The Curvy Fashionista® .
From there, I have created Marie Denee LLC, culminating all of my services, expertise, and passions into one site for those looking for someone who is keenly aware of and in touch with the plus size community and the fabulous world of plus size fashion.
I have contributed as The Curvy Fashionista® on plus size fashion trends and tips for Vogue Curvy, Signature 9,Fashion and Style Editor at PLUS Model Magazine, Examiner.Com for Plus size fashion, Seventeen Magazine, Focus on Style, and The Fashionable Housewife among others.
I have been featured in Black Enterprise, USA Today, In Style, People Style Watch, Cision, SF Chronicle, SF Bay Style, NBC Bay Area, MyLifetime.com, Hungry by Crystal Renn, The Style Sample, in addition to many others.
Currently, I reside Atlanta, Georgia and in addition to The Curvy Fashionista®, I fashion my skills and passion as a plus size industry insider, consultant, an advocate, and public speaker on body image and confidence.
If you would like to contact me for press, interviews, to hire me for speaking engagements, brand partnerships, and collaborations or consultations, please visit my projects page and feel free to email me!
With over a decade of friendship, we decided it was time to share a podcast that keeps it real! We’re talking our journeys of going through all the hoods – womanhood, wife-hood, and motherhood – all with a glass of wine in hand. There’s nothing off the table and we talk about the real side of being a woman and trying to balance it all!
2021 is all about redefining who we are. This month, I decided to do the 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse by JJ Smith. Listen as I recap my experience!
Can you believe it? It’s been a year since we launched Tea Time with Monica! We are excited to bring you a whole new season in 2021!
2020 has certainly been a year to remember....or one to forget.
Monica wraps up 2020 in the final new episode for 2020. Happy Holidays to everyone!
“I help professional women heal from past abusive relationships, rediscover their worth, rebuild confidence and self-esteem in order to live a more prosperous and productive life” Meet Brittany Hall Brittany is a Domestic Abuse Survivior who believes in personal growth and inner peace. She is the founder of BreeLee, Llc, a business designed to guide women in their journey to heal from domestic abuse and rebuild their confidence and self-esteem. Author, Speaker, and Coach, Brittany’s mission is to eliminate the stigmas surrounding domestic violence victims and uplift her sisters in their own journeys to confidence and peace.
Kylene, originally diagnosed with Diabetes Type 2 later found out she was not Type 2 but actually Type 1. This correct diagnosis came after several hospital stays and a conversation with one of the providers. Digging into further medical history and current medications the provider ordered additional testing which revealed she was in fact Type 1. Kylene is an advocate in the diabetes community who founded Blackdiabetic Girl which focuses on diversity and inclusion of Black and People of Color in the diabetic community. Making merchandise that focuses on representation. Kylene is also co- founder of Dope Diabetic Girls Club. Dope Diabetic Girls is a club for diabetic women of all types, age and race. Our mission is to provide a safe space for women to come talk about diabetes, connect with others and form those friendships within the diabetic community. We knew what it was like not having women who shared this disease to travel this journey with so we wanted to ensure that every diabetic woman has a tribe. While this might seem like alot Kylene is also pursuing her educational journey working on a degree in Social Work. Places to find Kylene IG -@blackdiabeticgirl Twitter -@blkdiabeticgirl Website- www..Blackdiabeticgirl.com
One of Atlanta’s top lifestyle, fashion and travel blogs, NikkiFreeStyle.com is a repository for all things fun, fabulous and fashionable. I created NikkiFreeStyle.com to document my personal style, and to inspire and encourage ladies considered plus size to disregard antiquated fashion rules often imposed on our community. I also wanted the blog to be an outlet to connect with others who share my passion for fashion, beauty, travel and LIFE! I love sharing my life and the things I truly love with others, and my goal is to become an even more trusted source of all things fabulous. Throughout this journey, I have discovered some fascinating finds, met some wonderful people, and worked with many unbelievable brands, including Walt Disney World and Delta Airlines. I am a plus size curvy fashionista who totally owns her body, her curves and her style with cool confidence. I launched NikkiFreeStyle.com to showcase her individual style and personal taste with the masses. Since launching the blog, I've graced the cover of Redbook Magazine as a winner of the publication’s Real Women Style Awards. The groundbreaking 2015 issue was the first national magazine to feature non-celebrity, non-models on the September cover. I've been named by several fashion magazines and websites as an up and coming blogger to watch and has been featured in several publications including Plus Model Magazine, TheCurvyFashionista.com, bustle.com and Fashion Bomb Daily. I'moften invited to speak at various events about fashion, beauty and style, and has styled several professional women in various industries. I pride herself in promoting fun fashion for women of all ages and all sizes. I am a former news reporter and spokeswoman for a number of government agencies and corporate entities. I earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism for Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU). I am married and has a Shitzu named Petey.
LaTarah works as a full-time administrative assistant for a local government agency and is a small business owner. LaTarah spent nearly two years homeless before starting Love Matters. Her continual life journey of discovering the greatness of God, healing, and what love is inspired her to want to help other women discover the immeasurable, unconditional love of God which she believes to be the foundation for loving ourselves and others. LaTarah is a proud graduate of Trident Technical College in North Charleston, South Carolina, where she earned her Associates in Applied Sciences in Administrative Office Technology. She currently resides in the Queen City of Charlotte, North Carolina, and delightfully serves as the chief executive officer of her home that includes three amazing, intelligent boys: a 10-year-old and twin 7-year-olds.
Yasmine Owoolabi is a 30 year old, born in Benin and raised in Washington. DC. Her Blog is about sharing captivating content on fashion, fitness and finance topics for urban millennials. She pulls from her diverse background to share personal and inspirational stories with the world. By day She is a Property Management professional with a B.S. in Business Administration from Florida A&M and a MBA from UMUC.
Cora Harrington is the Founder and Editor in Chief of The Lingerie Addict, the world's leading lingerie magazine, as well as the author of In Intimate Detail: How to Choose, Wear, and Love Lingerie. She is an internationally-recognized expert in the area of intimate apparel, having been quoted in or written as a columnist for publications like The New York Times, Elle, Allure, Glamour, The New Yorker, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Teen Vogue, The Root, and Jezebel. Her mission is to make the intimidating world of lingerie accessible, understandable, and fun for people of all sizes, shapes, races, and gender identities. Cora is currently planning her second book, a more intensive "deep dive" into the lingerie industry.
Liris Crosse, dubbed “The “Body” and “The Naomi Campbell of Plus” is a model/actress and pioneer in the fashion industry for full-figured and African American women pushing curvy women into mainstream fashion! She has graced magazines from American Vogue, Essence, British Cosmopolitan to Vibe as well as been featured in store campaigns for Lane Bryant and Ashley Stewart. Liris was named one of the “Top Ten Plus Models” in the industry by Vibe Vixen Magazine, the Huffington Post’s “Top Ten Most Popular Plus Models” and Dose.com named her one of the “Top 20 Models Destroying Traditional Beauty Standards”! Liris also made her mark in the video vixen market hailed one of the Eye Candy Models of the decade by XXL Magazine. In 2013 in her home state of Maryland, Liris was presented with the Plus Print Model of the Year Award at the Fashion Awards MD as well as the Fashion 500 Award from The Block Association. The following year, she graced the first Black issue of Plus Model Magazine. Liris sashayed the runway for New York’s Full Figured Fashion Week and took her runway reign to British Plus Size Fashion Weekend in the UK and Plus Size Fashion Days in Germany. Her popularity there led to being selected as the cover model for Daily Venus Diva, Plus Model and Volup2 magazines. It was that same year Liris launched her Life of a Working Model Boot Camp which offers numerous classes to provide new generation of models with tips and strategies on how to break into the fashion industry and maintain and improve their craft. It has been successful series that has assisted women in signing with major agencies, modeling in high-level runway shows and gaining self-confidence and direction. In addition to modeling, Liris has added several acting credits to her long resume. She appeared in the films “The Best Man”, “Baby Boy” and on television series “The Wire” and Law & Order SVU.
In 2015, Liris became the first Black model to race the Goddess Lingerie campaign. That same year, she was one of a few models selected to walk the runway for reality TV competition, Project Runway’s, first ever plus size collection at New York Fashion Week. That honor was followed by being chosen as one of the models for the show’s first season to include plus size models for the weekly competition premiering in August 2017. In November 2017, Liris was named one of the two model winners of Project Runway to be featured in Marie Claire magazine, a first for plus models. This year Liris was named the Model Of The Year at the 2019 Full Figured Industry Awards and an Women of Power & Transformation award honoree. She is currently the curvy ambassador for mega bridal retailer, Maggie Sottero Designs, breaking size and racial standards in that market. Liris became the first plus model to walk Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week with them! In 2016, Liris discovered a new gift in motivational speaking. She served as the feature speaker at the Flawless Conference in Washington, DC and the Softer Side Seminars in Pittsburgh. In 2017 she added a new cities to her Life of a Working Model Boot Camp tour(Huntsville, Baltimore, St Louis), was named Full-Figured Fashion Week’s Model of the Year and was a featured guest on the Steve Harvey talk show discussing curvy confidence and spreading it to 15 women who she helped inspire to love themselves. She has since keynoted at Harvard University for AOCC, Princeton University for At The Well Conference and spoke twice at EssenceFest this summer in New Orleans for the Essence Beauty Carnival & Essence Fashion House. Liris is the embodiment of her motto, “If you can think it, you can do it”. She’s proven that anyone can make their dreams come true and is passionate about encouraging and motivating others to do so. As her career continues to move forward whether through modeling, acting or mentoring, Liris Crosse is definitely one to watch! She is signed to Dorothy Combs Models in Miami & IMM Models in the UK.
Black Bougie Broads featuring Kev consists of 6 friends who are bougie, shady and have a lot to say and did we mention BLACK?! This eclectic group of friends met at the illustrious North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. Don’t let the title fool you, these business professionals let their hair down to tell you how they feel about the latest in current events and drama within their personal lives. So grab your cocktail and your edges and enjoy this bougie experience.
Join Monica this week as she opens up about Journey with therapy, healing, honesty, and self love!
Maui Bigelow discovered the power of her digital voice in 2008 — when Facebook and Twitter ran the social media streets and Instagram was not even thought about. Now, a media juggernaut and respected voice in numerous communities, Maui’s mission is pretty simple – to create a path for women to emerge and thrive boldly, deliberately, and unapologetically.
Curator of PHAT Girl Fresh, a platform that blends feminism with social, fashion, and beauty culture, the Albany State alum is known for bringing progressive, authentic conversations with southern charm, like only she can. She draws hundreds of thousands of yearly readers through her experiences in healing and personal transformations, social change work, and plus style and beauty.
She has loaned her voice to numerous platforms, including MadameNoire, HelloBeautiful, and Fashionista and she has been featured in Associated Press, Buzzfeed, Yahoo, Ebony, and Seventeen Magazine, just to name a few. Maui is creator and producer of Life Styled, an annual tribute event that honors and celebrates notable female trailblazers in fashion, entertainment, activism, and empowerment.
Past honorees include Tarana Burke, founder of the #MeToo Movement, and Project Runway’s model competition winner, Liris Crosse. Maui has also collaborated with many brands including Lane Bryant, Eloquii, L’Oreal, Mailchimp, Mazda, and Carol’s Daughter, amongst many more. A recognized global style authority, mentor, and boss, Maui routinely travels nationally as a motivational speaker and panelist at events, colleges, corporations, institutions, and a wide range of communities.
Frank is an influencer and advocate that looks to bridge the gap between the many disparities that men and women alike face as it pertains to clothing and opportunities for ALL sizes. As an advocate for self-care and inclusivity, Frank looks to continue to merge the idea that people should look beyond the many binaries society has created and walk in their unapologetic truth. His unique mix of high street style with inspirational think-pieces crusade the message that style, much like identity, is personal and ever-evolving.
LORNA FINN, A GEORGIA NATIVE RESIDING IN D.C., IS AN INFLUENCER, MODEL, BLOGGER AND THE CREATOR OF THE BLOG AND BRAND WWW.CYSTUMOFCURVES.COM. THE WORD "CYSTUM" WAS DERIVED FROM THE WORD CYST, A CHARACTERISTIC OF PCOS (POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME); A SYNDROME THAT LORNA HERSELF SUFFERS FROM. PCOS IS KNOWN TO ATTACK THE FEMINITY OF BEING A WOMAN, & MORE IMPORTANTLY, MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE WEIGHT-LOSS. HOWEVER, INSTEAD OF LETTING PCOS GET HER DOWN. SHE DECIDED TO TRANSFORM HERSELF & USE HER SYNDROME AS A PLATFORM FOR INSPIRATION & MOTIVATION FOR OTHERS. HER FOCUS IS TO ESTABLISH A CREATIVE SPACE THAT ADDRESSES WISDOM, BEAUTY, HEALTH, FASHION, AND CURVACEOUSNESS. IN LESS THAN A YEAR, LORNA HAS CREATED A BLOG, VLOGGING CHANNELS, & SOCIAL PRESENCE THAT IS GROWING RAPIDLY WITHIN THE PLUS/CURVY INDUSTRY & BEYOND. AS AN ADVOCATE FOR CHRONIC ILLNESS, HER OVERALL MISSION IS TO ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO LOVE THEMSELVES ENOUGH TO NEVER QUIT LIVING FOR THEIR DREAMS, NO MATTER THE OBSTACLE IS PLACED ON YOUR PATH.
B. Garrett is Mentor, Advocate , Motivational Speaker and Entrepreneur who is always pushing herself to new heights. Hailing from Harlem, New York, She has never let her circumstances define the potential of who she could be or what she could accomplish. Coined for believing that “ Broken Crayons Still Color”, She took her experiences in life and decided to create avenues that would help young women & girls become strong and confident. She is the Founder and CEO of Dear Fat Girl™️; A Brand created to Promote body positivity among women. Founded in 2015, Dear Fat Girl™️ motivates and inspires young women and girls; encouraging an unapologetic and fearless journey of self awareness and acceptance. With several years of experience as a Human Service Professional, B. Garrett, is an empowerment ambassador, a change agent for black women, and most importantly a beacon of hope for inner city troubled youth who have experience hardships on how to rise above. She is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorprated. A natural born speaker, B. Garrett obtained her Undergraduate Degree in Speech Communications from the National Treasure Morgan State University and Her Graduate degree is Human Service Administration from the University of Baltimore. B. Garrett was awarded the 2018 Innovation Award from the Eta Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc for her work with Dear Fat Girl and was named #11 on the 2019 HBCU Buzz Top 30 under 30 for her contributions to the community as an HBCU alumna. She is the definition of Your Life’s Purpose is Greater than your current circumstance.
Stephanie C. White, is the Author of Memoir “A Thousand Miles In My Shoes”, a Motivational Speaker, an Event Blogger and Lead Event Coordinator & Managing Director for Stephanie White Events, an event planning company started in August 2006, located in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. Stephanie White holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and a MS in Management with Marketing from the University of Maryland University College. In 2017 Stephanie, completed a certificate in event planning from (IAP) International Association of Professions Career College. Stephanie has appeared on morning shows, “Great Day Washington”, “Good Morning Washington” and “Let’s Talk Live” with Julie Wright. Her company, Stephanie White Events has been featured in Premier Bride Magazine MD, DC, NOVA & DEL for 6 consecutive years. Stephanie White resides in Western Maryland and is available for book readings and other events and can be reached via email at bookings@stephaniecwhite.com.
Cecily Stewart Habimana is founder and owner of Simply Cecily, a contemporary women’s clothing line that fuses African fabrics with an American aesthetic. The line is known for its use of rich vibrant fabrics and amazing silhouettes, representing a lot of women today who want to express their true selves through their clothing. Simply Cecily has been featured in several publications and fashion blogs, including Madame Noire, The Examiner and Washington Express, and has appeared at fashion events throughout in Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD and Richmond, VA as well as internationally in Prague. In 2014, Cecily, together with her business partner Tisha Thorne, decided to spread their love of sewing by hosting Sip and Sew DC throughout Maryland and D.C. This led to the opening of Sew Creative Lounge in 2017 where sewing and various art classes are offered. Sew Creative Lounge is a place to discover the art and joy of sewing in a fun, social environment. From their signature Sip and Sew DC classes to children's classes, Sew Creative Lounge offers a new way to learn an old skill. http://www.sipandsewdc.com/ Habimana has worked with the legendary Mary J. Blige, appeared on Fox 5 News and featured in many publications and websites including the Washington Post, American Express website, Chicago Tribune and more. She received her bachelor’s degree from Howard University and her MBA from George Washington University.
The award-winning weekly news and lifestyle show offers a glimpse into life of best-selling author and cannabis industry thought-leader, Dasheeda Dawson, The WeedHead™ and the fun, girly, cultural intersection with younger millennial, Ice Dawson, "Cannabis Socialite"
whose larger-than-life personality, social activism and corporate cannabis event planning have made her a rising influencer in the industry's social scene.
Lisa Fleet is an award winning, published photographer with over 12 years of professional experience. Her photography career began as a boudoir photographer in the DMV and Atlanta areas. She soon broadened her skills and began capturing weddings and corporate headshots. Some of Lisa’s work is published in Forbes magazine, Baltimore’s Examiner.com, “The Curvy Magazine”, Slantress Magazine and Fearless Women Magazine. With a desire to share insight learned throughout her career, Lisa has been featured twice as a guest host on “Ladies Tell All” on blogtalkradio.com, and on “LaDawn’s Loft” with the host LaDawn Black host of the late night radio show in the Baltimore area. Additionally, she has been a featured guest on “The Big Sis Show: Focused on the Issues” with the Fairfax Public Access Channel. One thing is for sure: when it comes to your photography needs, Lisa Fleet is ever ready to make your acquaintance. She welcomes the opportunity to create lasting photographic memories you will treasure for years to come.
Ebony Qualls has been teaching belly dance since 2003. She is based in Washington, DC and is a regular headlining teacher and performer at dance and wellness festivals throughout Asia, Canada, South America, Europe and the US. She has toured internationally with the world famous Bellydance Superstars and Bellydance Evolution; and has performed in and choreographed for Zoe Jake’s House of Tarot. Ebony has performed onstage with Grammy-nominated band Thievery Corporation and with electronic musician and performance artist Peaches. Her mission is to help people express their unique creativity through dance, and she is dedicated to celebrating diversity in age, body type and culture.
July is Fibroid Awareness Month! Join us as we talk with Tanika Gray Valburn. The founder of The White Dress Project. A non-profit organization dedicated to bringing awareness, raising funding and increasing education about uterine fibroids.
Tanika Gray Valbrun is an award-winning Journalist and Educator with a passion for women’s health. After her personal struggles with uterine fibroids, Tanika’s passion for women’s health inspired her to create The White Dress Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing awareness, raising funding and increasing education about uterine fibroids.
As the founder of The White Dress Project, Tanika has successfully worked with doctors, health advocates and elected officials in multiple states to get legislation passed declaring July as “Fibroid Awareness Month”. Recognized as a thought leader and patient advocate for uterine health, she has also spoken at various events domestically and internationally.
In September 2017, Tanika’s thought leadership led to a partnership between The White Dress Project, to amplify awareness and education about uterine treatment options to women in South Africa. While in South Africa, Tanika participated in multiple media interviews with mutiple outlets and connected directly with the people of South Africa through special events in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Additionally, working with national health advocates, doctors and Tony-award winning actress, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Tanika produced a stellar movie screening of the Oprah Winfrey produced and Emmy-nominated, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. The event highlighted the life of a medical icon, Henrietta Lacks, and brought together community members to amplify the importance of cervical cancer awareness.
In addition to encouraging women to be their own health advocates, Tanika works as a Content Producer for the Cable News Network (CNN) where she has been awarded three coveted Peabody Awards for her contributions in journalism. Tanika work closely with CNN’s 1000 media affiliates and manages multiple projects including national and international newsgathering, and demonstrating strong editorial and legal judgment through investigating, pitching and developing stories to serve all of CNN’s and HLN’s platforms. She is the recipient of Georgia Trend’s and Atlanta Business Chronicle’s "40 under 40" Awards.
Tanika earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in Broadcast Journalism from Florida International University and University of Maryland with a Certification in Radio and Television.
https://thewhitedressproject.org/
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Riley Knoxx discovered who she wanted to be at the tender age of 5. As a child Riley was known for running around the house with a pillowcase on her head, flashlight in her hand pretending it was a microphone, singing Whitney Houston songs and everyone knew she was special. From that age Riley started to develop her self in music, acting and entertaining. In 2003 Beyonce released her first solo album and her song ”Crazy In Love” was an instant hit. After performing as an illusionist for other artist for many years, at a friend's birthday party Riley performed “Crazy In Love” and quickly became known as "DC's own Beyonce". Intrigued and excited about the positive feedback Riley began studying Beyonce by watching every concert, interview and video to learn more acts and perfect her moves. With her team of dancers, wind machines and mastered choreography Riley will leave you feeling like you were at a Beyonce concert.
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Black Fatherhood is among the most important jobs a black man could ever have. I would like to wish each and every father out there, a Happy Father’s Day!
Monica interviews Mickey Leon and Jason Parker to get their take on being a black father!
Rose Mansion founders, Tyler and Morgan, have been throwing epic wine events in the U.S. for over a decade. In 2009 they started Wine Riot, a pop- up wine tasting festival aimed at millennials. They sold over 25,000 tickets per year before selling the business and opening the Rosé Mansion in 2018. Tyler graduated from throwing high school rock concerts in his backyard to writing a weekly wine column for a Boston print publication. He's since flown around the world to kick it with winemakers, judge wine competitions, and speak at trade events. Morgan's obsession with color led her path from high school yearbook Editor-in-Chief to serial entrepreneur. She creates companies that bring people together, celebrate small business, and help people learn about the world around them. Both Tyler and Morgan appeared in Inc Magazine's 30 Under 30 list. In 2013, Tyler landed on the cover of Wine Enthusiast Magazine for their inaugural 40 Under 40 issue. In 2019, Morgan appeared in Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 40 Under 40 issue and Design: Retail's 40 Under 40 list. Follow @tylerballiet and @morgan1st on Instagram to get the behind-
Heather Price is the Washington DC Branch Ambassador of the Bourbon Women Association. Founded in 2011, Bourbon Women is THE organization for women who are passionate about Bourbon culture, women and the promise of adventure when the two are combined. As an independent forum bringing women of all walks of life together over a glass of bourbon, our focus is to:
Initiate, cultivate & inspire deep meaningful relationships. Encourage the development of women personally, professionally and courageously, supporting members in their journey to become the best versions of themselves. Provide a safe inclusive environment for fun, discovery and learning.
Bourbon Women is THE organization for women who are passionate about Bourbon culture, women and the promise of adventure when the two are combined. As an independent forum bringing women of all walks of life together over a glass of bourbon, our focus is to: • Initiate, cultivate & inspire deep meaningful relationships. • Encourage the development of women personally, professionally and courageously, supporting members in their journey to become the best versions of themselves. • Provide a safe inclusive environment for fun, discovery and learning.
Catherine Ashly is the CEO and visionary behind several brands including PlusSizeMePlz and Philadekphia Curve Weekend. A Philadelphia native, Catherine embodies the true spirit of sisterly affection. She has an innate ability to meet and a make a genuine connection with all she encounters. Utilizing this character trait, she has built the PSMP brand to be genuine, impactful and unique in the way that it engages its supporters and followers. Catherine also believes that collaboration and partnership lead to strong growth abilities. She has worked with many esteemed brands including Carol's Daughter, Ashley Stewart, Dia & Co, Eloquii and Adore Me, amongst many more. A multi-passionate advocate for Lupus, Autism and other causes, Catherine's goal is to continue to provide healthy environments and empowering platforms enriched with education, self-acceptance and self-love. A bold, energetic woman who charmingly captures the spirit of truthfulness in everything she does, Catherine is doing her part to build an inclusive platform for untold stories, including her own.
Kay Soul is a recording artist and aspiring plus model based in Chicago. Kay began singing and writing songs in elementary school and recorded her first solo song at the age of 19. Kay is currently working on her new album "In My Mind" hoping to encourage others to find beauty in their broken spaces. In 2019, Kay released the powerful song "What Love Can Do" and was the 2019 featured musical performer at Curves Beautifully Empowered women's conference in Seattle, Washington as well as a model for the 2019 Dream Big Midwest Conference. Buzz Music LA described Kay as follows:
“Kay Soul brings us a refreshing personality, she's ambitious and fun-loving. She invokes spectacular and timeless melodies, while still keeping her style modern and fresh. Her strong connection with music is easily audible in her single "What Love Can Do”. The power and soul in her emotionally-rich voice take us on a meaningful journey through her authentic songwriting ability. The R&B vibe in this finely-calibrated piece fuse perfectly with Kay Soul's passionate vocals. “What Love Can Do” is a unique collaboration of soulful lyrics and beat and it stands out. We can feel the love and admiration in her voice, but the beat has us swaying along to the music. We had high expectations and Kay Soul surpassed all of them.”
Follow Kay Soul
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/KGsoulsensation
Instagram @KaySoulMusic
Twitter https://twitter.com/kaysoulmusiq
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May is International Masturbation Month! Join Monica as she talks with certified sex coach Shani Hart! Monica and Shani spill the tea on the benefits of masturbation and having a fun and healthy sex life!
Shani Hart is a certified sexuality coach, sex educator and co-owner of Hart’s Desires, a premiere erotic boutique for the sexually unleashed—or those who secretly want to be. But really, she is sexual rule breaker. A relationship healer who reconnects couples in the bedroom and beyond. And a transformation teacher who is leading a revolution to empower women everywhere to take control of their orgasms—and their lives.
With a sex life that reads like an exhilarating erotica novel, Shani is a woman who lives everything she teaches. In her thirties, she found herself recovering from the devastating end of her second marriage, and craving a new life. So she began a journey to explore her sensuality and soul. Along the way, Shani set herself free, embraced a new level of feminine power and evolved into the sexually confident woman she is today. By the time she met her current husband and business partner, Tony, she was a different type of woman. And it was clear that she had to help other women become the same.
As candid as they come, Shani is well-loved by every audience she meets. Anything but boring, when it comes to sex and intimacy, there is nothing that is off limits with her. Her no-holds-barred approach takes the edge off of taboo topics, encouraging people to open up, explore themselves and each other.
Now a leading expert in her industry, by title, Shani teaches people how to have better sex. But her deep-dive counseling sessions, talks and workshops soon reveal that her work is really about so much more. Whether she is reigniting intimacy between romantic partners or showing women how to overcome sexual shame and live a sexually empowered life, what Shani does transcends sex.
She is here to liberate people—from rules, expectations, judgement and fear. The best sex of their lives is simply the bonus.
Follow Shani on Instagram! @sexstuffwithshani
Check out www.hartsdesires.com
Follow them online @hartsdesire
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Most of you may have seen the shows “Dance Moms” or Bring It”. Want to know the real tea on dance mom life? Listen as two of the moms from my dance family, yes I’m a dance auntie, Audra and Sha spill the tea on the Dance Mom Lifestyle. Audra has been a dance mom for about 13 years with two kids who have taken the dance competition journey. Sha has been dance mom for 11 years and a competition mom for 9 years. For more information on our dance life follow C and C Dance Company of Bowie, MD.
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Email! Teatimewithmonica@gmail.com
Did you miss this month's episodes? Catch our recap right here! Head over to our IGTV page and catch the video as well!
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Chosen, Consecrated, Initiated at 13, Dr. TaMara Rose is Spiritual Bewitching Magical Wild Chick! She embodies the Spirit and Wisdom of the ancestors and the Soul of several lifetimes! Dr. TaMara Rose is a Sacred Womb Healing Ordained Minister, Hoodoo Spiritual Practitioner, Intuitive Guide, Clinical Sex Therapist, Women's Healing Arts Teacher, Author and Speaker with more than 30 years of experience in WOMB wellness and women's sexuality. Now for the academics, Dr. TaMara has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Human Sexuality, Doctor of Human Sexuality (DHS), Master of Social Work degree with a clinical focus, Master of Science degree in Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Family Life Education. She holds several sexuality related certificates including: sex therapy, clinical sexology, Goddess Steam Womb Healing, Women's Healing Arts Teacher, Fertility Stimulation Massage Specialist, just to name a few.
Follow Dr. TaMara on Instagram! @drtamararose
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Join Monica as she talks with Coreen Carroll!
Coreen Carroll is the Co-Founder & Executive Chef of the Cannaisseur Series (a Bay Area, CA based cannabis dining series), the co-author of the best selling cannabis cookbook EDIBLES. In 2017 she was named one of “America’s Top 10 Cannabis Chefs” by Greenstate. Coreen has been featured by the SF Chronicle, Business Insider, Discovery Network and Dope Magazine, among others. You can catch her on the new Netflix TV show, "Cooked with Cannabis" starting on 4/20!
Follow Coreen on Instagram! @frauleinchef
https://www.coreencarroll.com/
http://yayedibles.com/
https://cannaisseurseries.com/
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Who says women can't talk sports??? Football is one of Monica's first loves! Being a die hard Baltimore Ravens fan, Monica is no stranger to the NFL! With the 2020 NFL draft right around the corner, Monica decided to team up with fellow sports fan Vonora Lewis of the podcast, Th V Report! Listen in as the ladies talk football and give their 2020 NFL Draft predictions!
Vonora Natisha Lewis is the host of the podcast, The V Report and the Head of NBA Content at Ambush Sports Network. Lewis has been a hardcore sports fan since she was three years old. Lewis was born and raised in New York, which made her a lifetime diehard New York sports fan. She is a fan of the New York Giants, New York Knicks, New York Yankees, and New York Rangers. Lewis has been covering football games since 2018. To this day, Vonora continues to run her podcast, cover the NBA, the WNBA, and the NFL.
Follow Vonora Lewis on IG! @nora_natish
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With millions of people working from home during these crazy times ( the COVID-19 ERA), many businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Today, Monica has all the tea on how your online business can stay afloat and even take it to the next level during these extraordinary times!
Join Monica as she talks with Mike Moll! Mike is the founder of Social Media House and a digital marketing consultant who teaches marketing and social media strategies to executives and their teams, from small business to Fortune 500 companies. Constantly striving to provide his clients with simple and cost-effective solutions to optimize their online efforts, Mike's gained a reputation for using lean marketing to get business owners up to 10x their ROI.
Driven by his passion to help other entrepreneurs develop scalable strategies to promote their brands, Mike launched the Market Me Podcast. Mike sits with the founders of companies of all sizes to discuss their business goals, current marketing strategies, and new strategies that they are considering. From there he dives into practical ways to optimize existing techniques and develops new ideas that will help move the company forward.
Catch up with Mike online at Mikemoll.to
as always, follow us online @teatimewithmonica @monica_thekurvydiva
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Listen as Monica talks all things TEA with Dr. Sunyatta! Dr. Sunyatta is the founder of Calabash Tea in Washington DC.
Dr. Sunyatta Amen is founder and Tea-EO of Calabash Tea & Tonic in Washington D.C. Amen is a Cuban/Jamaican 5th generation master herbalist, naturopathic doctor, and vegan chef.
She grew up vegan, the daughter of activists (her mother was a Black Panther) that owned a health food shop, Pyramid Tea & Herbal, in New York City. This was the prototype for Calabash Tea & Tonic and where she learned the medicinal value of global teas, foods, and spices. Later, she would study biology and other sciences, combining her ancestral and western knowledge that she now uses to help heal city dwellers. Calabash’s extensive tea menu is the result of Amen’s schooling and the time-tested formulas belonging to her Jamaican grandmother.
www.calabashtea.com
Women’s intimate health is an important issue to all women! Join Monica as she talks with pioneer, business woman, and entrepreneur, Bea Dixon! Bea is the founder of The Honey Pot Company! Her products can be found in Target stores and other major retailers! Please visit her website www.thehoneypot.co to learn more!
The Honey Pot Company’s products can be found online and in stores nationwide at Target, Walmart, Urban Outfitters, Walgreens, Bed Bath and Beyond, Wegmans and Whole Foods, among other retailers.
An empowering African American female entrepreneur, Dixon has been a recipient of the Sundial and Unilever’s multimillion-dollar New Voices fund; was 1 of the first 40 women of color to raise one million in venture capital; and has been featured in T-Pain's School of Business, BuzzFeed's Ladylike series, Today Show, The New York Times, Entrepreneur, ELLE, ESSENCE and Forbes, to name a few.
Most recently, she was named one of Entrepreneur's top 100 groundbreaking women entrepreneurs of 2019; her company won a 2020 ESSENCE Best in Black Beauty Award; and she received a CEW Indie 65 Award in 2019, honoring beauty’s independent companies.
Through her diverse background and experience, Dixon continues to make a mark in the world of natural health and retail with a truly revolutionary approach to feminine health and sexual wellness.
Rochonda R. Woodard was born and raised in Flint, Michigan about 50 miles north of Detroit. A 15-year healthcare and business operations veteran currently serving as a Healthcare Consultant and Advisor for many organizations across the United States. When not immersed in the daily dynamics of Healthcare, you can catch Rochonda encouraging women, students and others through various volunteer activities and her weekly inspirational blog. Rochonda is the founder and creator of Life Brand Factory where she assist others with perfecting the art of Intentional living both personally and professionally through personal life (brand) strategy implementation , business coaching and curating quarterly and annual women’s empowerment programming like Girl Talk DC designed to engage women in thought-provoking conversations around Careers, Finance, Relationships and Mental Health.
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www.Walkerslegacy.com
This week, Monica sits down with professional hairstylist & entrepreneur, Tracy McCarson!
This week, we talk with Waikinya Clanton, the Senior Advisor to the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
Capitol Hill veteran and Canton, Mississippi native, Waikinya J.S. Clanton serves as the Managing and Chief Relationship Expert of the J.Leigh Victoria Group.
With more than a decade of public service as a trusted advisor to local, state and federal elected officials, Clanton has developed a reputation for successful organizational rebrands. With her most recent success being the reshaping of the Democratic National Committee's narrative around its relationship with its most reliable voting bloc and leveraging relationships to help develop and elevate the brand of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL Women) to position it as national impact player among supporters, peer organizations and government entities.
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Join Monica as she talks with Faith Costa!
Faith is a plus size model who has jumpstarted her career through Instagram. In mid 2015, she started her journey of body positivity, self love and mental health awareness. However, her life long love for fashion was able to shine through and with that had been given a plethora of opportunities to truly begin her career of modeling which lead her to getting signed in September 2016 with Bicoastal MGMT. In addition to modeling, blogging and being a body positive advocate, Faith also has a passion for mental health awareness. Not only is Faith building her empire from the ground up and making a name for herself in the fashion world and through her advocacy work, but she also works as a freelance artist. Painting, drawing, illustrating and fine arts in general has been her life's work thus far. While currently residing in New Jersey, she works in New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Los Angeles as a full time model, influencer, artist and mental health awareness/self love advocate. A jack of all trades, and indeed a master of all.
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Monica talks with Celebrity Fashion Stylist Reggie May, on the heels of New York Fashion Week
Style aficionado Reggie May is setting trends on and off stages through fashion and entertainment experiences around the globe.
With a distinctive 14 years expertise at the helm, Reggie specializes an innovative style concepts, productions, and executions. Inspired by immaculate style at a young age, Reggie studied Fashion Merchandising at Miami University in Miami Florida, igniting his passion and hallmark creativity.
Working alongside powerhouse brands such as Ashley Stewart, Target, Fashion to Figure, Nordstrom, Victoria Secret, Sean John, The Curvy Fashionista Style Expo, The Kennedy Center for the performing arts, Northeast Performing Arts Group, National Curves Day, The Full Figured Industry Awards, Essence of Curves, District of Curves and Full Figured Fashion Week. Reggie has laboriously evolved into one of the most sought after Fashion Stylists and Production Producers in the industry. Today, he boasts a career portfolio that includes: Creative Director, Buyer, Fashion and Wardrobe Stylist, Production Producer and Retail Fashion Advisor.
Among other aspects of production, Reggie launched his styling brand Styled Perception Studios in 2013. Bringing a strategic vision to life through dynamic fashion, runway and multimedia experiences, Styled Perception Studios delivers a dramatic, imaginative world which transforms lives through the lens of its clients. Style Perception Studios (SPS) mission is to curate creative and innovative style concepts for brands and individuals in the fashion and entertainment industry.The SPS experience makes as a trusted authority for our consumers and brand partners to be bold and make a statement through diversity and inclusivity.
Driven by his relentless focus and unbridled passion, Reggie’s free spirit and charisma is building an emblematic brand that’s widely respected by his clients and peers. An idealist and expert in creating bespoke, avant garde styled experiences, Reggie believes that experiences aren’t planned; they’re Styled to Perception.
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Roselyn V. Aker- Black, Psy.D (affectionately known as Dr. Roz) is a native of Rome, Georgia and currently resides in the Washington, DC metro area with her husband. Dr. Roz received a B.A. in psychology from Fisk University and completed a doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the American Schools of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Washington, DC.
Dr. Roz is an award- winning psychologist and has over 14 years of experience in providing psychological services to children, families, and couples in the nonprofit, government, and private industry sectors. Currently, she is the Chief Operating Officer for the Goal Grinders Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides Leadership and Entrepreneurial training with a STEM Focus for at risk middle school girls.
For bookings, Dr. Roz can be contacted at drrozakerblack@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/Dr.RoselynAkerBlack
https://www.twitter.com/DrRozAkerBlack
https://www.facebook.com/DrRozakerBlack (Public figure page)
www.IAmDrRoz.com
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This week, Monica talks all things SEX with Mike & Shani Hart, The owners of Hart’s Desires. An online adult store with two locations in the Washington DC area. This episode is HOT and a definite MUST LISTEN!
Check out www.hartsdesires.com
Follow them online @hartsdesire
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This week, Monica sits down with the queens of the Ms. Full Figured DMV Pagent to discuss all things pagentry!
Keisha Napper
Ms. Full-Figured D.M.V. Queen 2019
Social Media
IG: @nerdgirl_fun_facts
FB: Keisha Napper
Dr. Christy Thompson
Ms. Exquisite Full-Figured D.M.V. Queen 2019
Social Media
IG: @grindela_
FB: Drcaramel Thompson
Lorrine Coleman-Ross
Director
Social Media
IG: @ladiross
FB: Lorrine Ross
Ms. Full-Figured D.M.V. Pageant
www.msfullfigureddmv.com
Social Media
IG/FB: @msfullfigureddmvpageant
This week, we talk with Home School Blogger, Kristus Ratliff! The owner of HomeSchool in Heels!
Kristus M. Ratliff, Writer and Creative Director, Homeschool in Heels
Kristus M. Ratliff is a new sought after plus-size micro-influencer who uses her platform, Homeschool in Heels, to share her daring approach to life with women across the country. Whether on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or her blog, Kristus can be found breaking fashion rules, pushing boundaries and living life to the full.
Kristus juggles a demanding job leading multi-million dollar digital transformations for Fortune 25 brands with motherhood, homeschooling, and blogging. Deciding to homeschool and work full-time might be the craziest thing she’s ever done.
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Today we talk with Justin Stewart! Segment Producer for NBC Network "Early Today Show." Former Producer for Fox 5 "Good Day DC"
Celebrated event host, millennial, media professional and viral social media star Justin Stewart has been working in the television industry in his hometown of Washington, D.C., for eight years. The upbeat personality whose “Wendy Williams Vogue” video gained more than three million views in less than 48 hours is formerly a segment producer for the No. 1 rated morning show, “Good Day DC,” on Fox 5, and currently a Segment Producer for NBC Network “Early Today Show”.
I am Monica "The Kurvy Diva" and welcome to my podcast! Tune in each and every week to get your dose of tea for the soul!
www.teatimewithmonica.com