Those African Chicks - Exploring Identities of African Women: Recent Episodes
Wummy Umude
Podcast exploring identities of African Women through critical thought conversations on culture, sexuality, spirituality, ambition, and society.
@iamyetunde is an Author, Professor of Global Affairs and the owner a quite a few business ventures. In her latest book Balance, Yetunde tackles the complexities of the concept of balance and it's application as we move through the different phases of our lives.
In this Episode we discuss:
- The personal framing and application of balance in ways that is devoid of external influences
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Some of the key indicators that signal to us that we are out of balance in areas of our lives
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The secret sauce to being more balanced in relationships
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- Patience
- Understanding
- Empathy
Enjoyed this Episode? Kindly please leave a review HERE; the simplest of phrases counts, thank you!
Some resource mentioned :
- Esther Perel, Relationship Expert
- TD Jakes
- Les Brown
Purchase Balanace on Amazon or Dr.Yetunde.com . Be sure the connect with @iamyetunde on socials. She also offers leadership development services from her Consulting Firm. On the fashion front, you can catch a glimpse of the children's shoe line here Amadin Shoes.
Also, let’s hangout on Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Music - Nice To You, YT Audio Library
Subscribe - Apple Podcast & Stitcher
@Adulphina is a young home grown artist whose paintings frequent the Nigerian and dare I say the West African art scene. Her signature lays emphasis "on the human head as a cradle of conscious , unconscious and subconscious thought processes inhered in every sing person holding spirituality and perceptions of the physical and metaphysical". What I love about her work, is that each pieec seems to carry an untold story or even mystery in their eyes as if the have lived many lives and have something poignant to say
Enjoyed this Episode? Kindly please leave a review HERE; the simplest of phrases counts, thank you!
In this episode, Adulphina shares her journey as a home grown and home based Nigerian artists. We talk about :
- The challenges , opportunities and limitations of being an artists in Nigeria
- How she was developed her unique of the big head and almond eyes
- The influences the collective Nigerian culture has on the types of work she produces
Be sure to check out Adulphina's pieces and support her on Patreon.
Also, let’s hangout on Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Music - Nice To You, YT Audio Library
Subscribe - Apple Podcast & Stitcher
@UzoArt is a contemporary artist whose work took off due to a Rick and Morty Twitter meme that went viral.
Uzo who has been building body of work inspired by her modern designs and her Nigerian culture , leaned into the opportunity and started creating digital prints , making her work accessible. Not only is her work aesthetically pleasing, it is one that has a cause, portions of their profits are used for a charitable cause.
Enjoyed this Episode? Kindly please leave a review HERE; the simplest of phrases counts, thank you!
In this episode, Uzo takes us behind the scenes of her rising business and journey from Statistics to creating art with a cause. What makes her journey even more interesting is that during the pandemic when business where sunsetting, Uzo Art enterprised flourished. During our conversation, Uzo shares:
- The different ways in which we should consider and think about Art and Artistry
- The importance of understanding the difference between creating and running a business
- Why her business model focuses on in-house distribution of all sales and merchandise
Be sure to purchase one of Uzo pieces at Uzo Art and go hang out with her @UzoArt
Also, let’s hangout on Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Music - Nice To You, YT Audio Library
Subscribe - Apple Podcast & Stitcher
@Aderonke is a writer, filmmaker and director, her 2018 documentary Awani Film was screened at over 15 film festivals around the world and won the UNESCO prize from the Belgium UNESCO Commission
In this Episode we discuss:
- The traditional organization system utilized by African women to inspire political action through movements like the Aba Women's Riot of 1929
- The impact of colonial on gender inequality in Nigeria
- Colonial cultural inheritance versus cultural values systems that are authentically African
- In the invasion of Arabs before European presence and the lasting effects both foreign presence left on Northern Nigerian
Enjoyed this Episode? Kindly please leave a review HERE; the simplest of phrases counts, thank you!
Notable Nigerian figures mentioned
- Queen Amina of Zaria - Queen Warrior 16th Century Nigeria
- Fumilayo Ransome-Kuti - Suffragist & Political Activist (mother of Fela Kuti)
- Stella McIntosh - First Nigerian Women to receive an MBA in the US - 1953
- Margret Ekpo - Political Activist in Colonial Nigeria
Awani was not only captivating but answered questions I did not even realized I had as an African, Nigerian and Yoruba woman. Be sure to connect with Aderonke and catch a clip of Awani Film
Also, let’s hangout on Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Music - Nice To You, YT Audio Library
Subscribe - Apple Podcast & Stitcher
@Onebolafun is a writer, filmmaker and director. You mostly likely consume or have come in contact with her work without realizing. Amongst her own creations Water Phoenix & Are We Good Parents, she is also known for directing OWNs Queen Sugar, FXs Lucifer, Legacies and most recently SXX for Disney +. As you will hear or have heard during the conversation, the road that led to these destinations were very topys turvy and fraught with uncertainty
In This Episode We Discuss:
- Being selected by Ava DuVernay to direct Queen Sugar
- Her leap of Faith from taking a break from school to pursue a career in TV
- The importance of relationship building with peers and getting rid of the idea of "networking up"
- Being inspired by our personal stories when creating impactful work.
- The role that grit, perseverance and scrappiness plays in the initial building phases
Enjoyed this Episode, please leave us a review HERE, even the simplest of phrases counts, thank you!
What stood out to me the most during the conversation with @onebolafun was the absence of ego. I go the sense that she was more focused on effecting change as opposed to the superflous goals we often see for aspiring Hollywood aspirants.
Hold on to your edges people, I think we are seeing the beginning of someone who will become a notable figures in Hollywood.
Resources
Bola Ogun Films Youtube
Bola Ogun Films
California Institute of the Arts
Ikorodu Bois Recreation of Extraction
Be sure to connect with @onebolafun on Twitter and check out her work Bola Ogun Films.
Also, let’s hangout on Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Edited & Produced by Mude Productions
Music - Nice To You, YT Audio Library
Subscribe - Apple Podcast & Stitcher
@JojoSilla is an all-around creative who expressions range from painting, music and filmmaking. Jojo joins us to talk about her work with short film Not Supposed To Here, a film recently shortlisted to be screened at the Toronto Short Film Channel Festival. Not Supposed To Be Here (NSTBH) is a story that explores the negative dynamic that exists between African Immigrant and African American in the United States.
In This Episode We Discuss :
- The perceptions African Immigrants and African American have about each other.
- The source of these tensions and how it passed down from generations.
- The genesis of the film and why it was shot without personifying the main characters.
- The reasons for why this type of work is so relevant and necessary especially in these 2020 current socio-economic climate.
Did you enjoyed this episode? Kindly leave us a review HERE; the simplest of phrases counts, thank you!
@JojoSilla and Co-Writer and Director @KatungAduwak , conceived and created this short film about a year go almost pre-empting the current state of things. This work could not be more timely. As we talk through and reassess what it means to truly unite as black peoples, it is important that ALL BlACK PEOPLES critically look at the roles we play in handling and dealing with one another. One thing we are learning is that in order for us to win we must all see the humanity in each other. Check Out Not Supposed To Here and make be sure to live a review.
Connect with @JojoSilla & @KatungAduwak and make sure you share your thoughts and this work with your network.
Let's connect on Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Website - Those African Chicks
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
Subscribe - Apple Podcast & Stitcher
Yetunde Shorters is a Purpose & Branding coach who helps female entrepreneurs get clear on their purpose and monetize their passion.
I had the privilege of working with Yetunde a few years ago after meeting her at the She Leads Africa event in the NYC. After going through her workshop, I knew that she need to come on the show to talk about what he work and importance for everyone to have clarity when pursuing their purpose.
With the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing and companies going through a workforce shrink. This topic is pertinent now more than ever as we collectively begin to think about how to reposition ourselves in our current and future roles in work and life as a whole. In this conversation, Yetunde takes us through:
- Key steps to begin taking to get clear on your purpose
- How to find purpose that is aligned with your values in a corporate job and career
- Common mental blocks people have when pursuing their purpose and how to overcome them.
Yetunde has a several programs in full swing at the moment. Be sure to peruse her offering to see which of her offerings might be a good fit for you. She also a has a free 20 min consultation that you should definitely sign up for. As you can tell from the conversation, I truly admire and value her approach in this arena.
Tosin Oshinowo is an architect better known for her design of the "Big Black Box" Shopping Mall in Maryland, Lagos Nigeria. She also recently gained a lot of recognition for her use of Yoruba traditional fabric- Aso Oke to create statement furniture pieces with her latest venture Ile Ila.
Her signature which is identifiable with the use of fine lines, geometry and simplicity truly sets her apart from her peers. Her interpretation of African minimalism, steers away from the expected prints we are used to seeing but still exudes the associated boldness. To me, her works seems to say 'I am here and I don't need to shout about it'. This episode left me with so much think on especially because, I entered it wanting to talk about inspiration and style but was gently guided into a deeper and necessary discourse that
- Reflected on the history and interactions that African have had with Slavery, Imperialism, Colonialism and how these experiences inform our architecture.
- The importance of being intentional and purposeful when creating a body of work by leaning into the resources available within ones environment; and creating new interpretations that serves local needs
- Finally, understanding and knowing oneself well enough to clearly know the skills needed to propel your business or creative endeavor forward and being open to collaboration when these skills are missing
This is one of those episodes that I think you will revisit. Be sure to leave a comment on what your take aways are.
Connect with Tosin
Architecture Firm - cmD+A Designs
Furniture - Ile Ila
Instagram - @tosin.oshinowo
Let’s Hang Out
Instagram: @thoseafricanchicks
Website: Those African Chicks
Music: Nice To You - YT Audio Library
Subscribe: Apple Podcast & Stitcher
In light of the current state of the world , the stressor of finances and financial stability reigns supreme. Today's episode is with a Certified Financial Advisory and the Founder of a Financial Advisory firm - Earn Into Wealth, a boutique advisory firm that helps high earners be more intentional about the their mid to long term financials aspirations. What I enjoyed about my conversation with Kaya Ladejobi CFP, is that she pares finances down to the basics to be relatable and employable regardless of whether you are a high earner or not. On this episode, Kaya breaks down
- Money habits and how should be thinking about money in the COVID-19 pandemic and sans pandemic
- Strategies for the building an emergency fund and how to think about an emergency fund
- Steps to take to accelerate savings for those who have not been diligent about a savings plan.
- Understanding stocks, 401k plans and other investment strategies.
I took copious notes myself, as someone who is a natural saver, there are definitely smarter ways to thinks about investments that I had not considered.
Connect With Kaya
Website - Earn Into Wealth
Linked In - Kaya Ladejobi
Let’s Hang Out
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Website - Those African Chicks
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
Subscribe - Apple Podcast & Stitcher
Adaeze is an author and filmmaker whose work focuses on the exploration of softness and vulnerability in people and spaces. On this episode, she shared latest work, Harmattan . Harmattan is a chapbook (collection of poetry and prose) that was inspired by her mother’s passing from a severe illness.
Harmattan is a self-healing journey that allowed Adaeze celebrate her mother life journey. We see her resurrects her mother’s essence throughout the book. For a book that appears to be a quick read, it is packed with so much emotion; taking the readers through the humanness of 3 generations of igbo women that are strong yet deeply delicate. This book took me through the nostalgia of being mothered and my own mothering. As our conversation progresses, we learn how
- Conversations with igbo ‘elders’ helped Adaeze come to the understanding of the continuation of people when they no longer have the physicality that binds them here (death)
- How the she learned and is learning to listen and lean into the self-evolution and emergence that is birthed by this ‘Harmattan’ season of life
This is one of those books that will require multiple reads, with each read revealing something different depending on reader’s state of mind.
Connect with Adaeze
Instagram - @ada_elechi
Website - Harmattan Book
Let’s Hang Out
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Website - Those African Chicks
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
Subscribe - Apple Podcast & Stitcher
I had the opportunity to catch up with the Co-Author of A Cry To War, a book set in 13th century Africa - Pre-slavery. The book follows the life a king who battles the duality of the physical and metaphysical. Consulting and collaborating with the spirits of the gods and elders past, King Ewuare the protagonist hopes to resolve a moral dilemma.
In my conversation with co-authors Karen and Odiase , they share the impetus behind this work. They talk about the importance of
- Telling an African story that has no connections to slavery and servitude. Answering questions like who were our people before interaction with Europe and how did we live?
- The importance the supernatural plays in the African cultures
A Cry To War can be purchased on Amazon if you are based in the US. See their website for purchasing in other regions. Also feel free to join their Facebook Community.
Connect with the Authors
Instagram - @Karyn Pumpuni & @Nosa Odiase
Ghagerian Publishing
Dr. Yetunde Ibrahim Jimoh, a Dallas based expert shares some insight on her work as a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist. In her role she helps aspiring people and couple achieve their goal of becoming parents. The nature and process of this work can be challenging on the best of days but with the added pressure and presence of COVID-19 this has become even more complicated. Dr Ibrahim sheds some light on the
- General fertility and infertility statistics as a whole
- On the metrics and indicators as it relates to fertility in African American women
- Implications of COVID-19 on Pregnancy, Trying to Conceive(TTC) and fertility therapy.
Her practice and many more are following the mandate stipulated by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) which is to temporarily halt service provision (with the exception of severe cases- cancer) until there is a better handle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
New England Journal of Medicine : An Uncomplicated Delivery in a Patient with Covid-19 in the United States
Connect with Dr. Yetunde Ibrahim Jimoh
Instagram - @yetundeibrahimjimoh
Practice - www.ccrmivf.com
Dr. Zahra Parker is a public health scientist specializing in infectious diseases. In this episode, we catch to talk about Corona Virus popularly known as COVID-19 that is sweeping the world by a horrendous thunderstorm. As a we all see the magnitude and impact of this virus which initially presents as the common flu is so stupefying that the public did not initially take it seriously. In this episode, Zahra breaks down COVID 19 right down the basics, going in to :
- Preparedness and an emergency plan in the event of an infection
- Over the counter and homeopathic remedies to have to have handy
- The current state of the crisis in Nigeria and the initial panic around chloroquine and the related poisoning
- Knowledge on the going general research in the medical community as we try to understand this virus
Please continue to practice the social distancing and all common sense measures. As you heard or will hear on the show it is important to conduct your research and ask questions before self- medicating; you must contact your physician.
UPDATE : The World Health Organization has confirmed that COVID-19 is NOT AIRBORNE. The virus that causes COVID-19, is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. Theses droplets are too heavy to hang in the air.
Connect with Zahra & Review Resources Shared
Instagram - @zbaby0818
Resources:
- US CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- WHO https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
- WHO global map COVID-19 distribution https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/685d0ace521648f8a5beeeee1b9125cd
- Science Journal https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/03/who-launches-global-megatrial-four-most-promising-coronavirus-treatments
- Chloroquine research https://www.nature.com/articles/s41422-020-0282-0.pdf
- Chloroquine research https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ddt/14/1/14_2020.01012/_pdf/-char/en
- Ibuprofen https://science.sciencemag.org/content/367/6485/1434.1
- Case fatality rate https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2763667
- COVID-19 demographics description https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.03.20028423v2
- Vitamins to boost immunity https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2020-03-25/can-you-boost-your-immune-system-to-help-fight-coronavirus/12085036
Cornelia is the executive producer and host of , Chick Chat Live a talk show that explores the worldview and opinions of African women as they navigate all facets of the 21st Century. Her resume however, spans across multiple media projects including hosting shows like Ndani TV and Grapevine 981 on Smooth 98.1FM .
What makes Cornelia’s journey remarkable is the way she has been able to successfully bootstrap her show which was later picked up on Fox Live Africa and aired on DSTV, Startimes and Kwese TV.
In this episode, Cornelia does a true deep dive into the behind -the scenes of what it takes to develop a show from concept to reality. We talk about:
- How to consistent with your goals on limited resources and how the power of limited resources can be a gift in disguise
- She shares the her step by step approach on how to create a purpose driven show from her writing process, importance of having a relevant feedback loop and turning all that data into a dynamic show
- She also shares how to reactivate dormant networks and package ‘Work-In-Progress’ projects into true minimum viable products.
On this show, you will definitely get a glimpse into her vivacious bubbly personalit and If you have an interesting story, or strong conviction a topic be sure to reach out to her and you just might be invited to be featured on her show.
Connect With Cornelia
Website - Cornelia O’Dwyer
Instagram – @Corneliaodwyer
The Talk Show - Chick Chat Live
Let’s Hang Out
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Website - Those African Chicks
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
Subscribe - Apple Podcast & Stitcher
Tolani Alli is a political and documentary photographer for the Vice President of the Nigeria. In this episode, we talk about her entrance into photojournalism and more how she was able to secure her position and become the right hand person covering heated debates and conversations in Nigerian politics.
What make Tolani’s work so remarkable is that she is the only woman to have held this post in an environment that can be extremely mysgonitic and ageist.
In this episode, she shares the importance of knowing and clearly communicating your value proposition.
We talk about some of the difficult aspects of running a business of running a basis, especially one that is rooted in confidentiality.
Tolania has a documentary slated to be released this fall. The documentary will tackle multiple themes about Nigerian Politics. Be sure to check it out.
Connect with Guest
Instagram – Tolani Alli
Website – Tolani Alli
Let’s Hang Out
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Website - Those African Chicks
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
Subscribe - Apple Podcast & Stitcher
I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Kutina. Kutina is a Tanzanian American woman who moved to the US in her childhood and has maintained strong ties with her home country. The dynamic woman who is also a stationary in the US food and restaurant industry, take us behind the scenes of some of your favorite restaurants. In this episode we become a little more intimate with service and the mechanics of dining and food appreciation. Some of the topics we explore are * Why many African restaurants cannot get it right and how the realities of being a restaurateur far exceeds the ability to cook a wonderful meal. * Understanding what 'Organic' on your food packaging really means. We learn that it is a holistic approach to food. Considering things like, it is how what was the animal , fed , how was the animal treated, what environment was it reared * What to expect when you go to your favorite restaurants and knowing what to expect through what the industry identifies as the 'Steps of Service' * The Impossible Burger - the plant based burger developed by a scientist, taste, feels and smells like meat. Can be found at Cheesecake Factory, Bare Burger, White Castle and most recently Burger King
MUST TRY RESTAURANT IN NYC BY KUTINA Uncle Boon, Thai (Michelin Star Restaurant) Roberta , Pizza The Lobster Club (The fish is shipped directly from Japan daily) Dead Rabbit (Cocktails and the menu is presented in form a storybook) Mombar, Egyptian Restaurant ( Vibes is as if you are eating in the owners house) Connect with Kutina - @tanzamerican
In this episode , I catch up with south African author of Traveling While Black and Lesbian who details her journey of self evolution as a devout Christian girl growing up in a small town in South Africa and how traveling presented her with the opportunity to reveal and re-present her self to the world.
Some take aways are
- Importance of doing self work and always being true to oneself, which is not always easy depeniding on who you are and where you live.
- Learning and practicing self advocacy
- Leaning into the spirit of adventure and being open to seeing the world
Let’s Hang Out !
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
In this episode, I catch up with return guest Clarissa Bannor of This Afropolitan Life. Since Clarissa introduced me to the ideology of schooling and self -directed education, I have been completely fascinated and intrigued by this principle.
To simplify, Unschooling is the idea that education does not only take place within the falls walls of a ‘school’ and within the confined timings of 8 – 3p. It is rooted in the ideaology that students/children are experts in their own learning styles and can self-direct their learning capabilities. In this episode we talk about
- Clarissa’s unlearning journey as a parent raising free people
- Her observations of from watching her children’s in their unschooling journey’s
- Share general observations and thoughts on the drop out culture
Be sure to connect with Clarissa below
Connect
Site – This Afropolitan Life
Instagram - @thisafropolitanlife
Unschooling Journey – Where The Paths Leads
Let’s Hang Out
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Website - Those African Chicks
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
Subscribe - Apple Podcast & Stitcher
BEST OF 2 PODCAST
In this episode, I catch up with fellow podcasters Bimbola and Jo Maxwell of the Best of 2 Podcast. On their show, Bimbola and Jo tackle current controversial issues and general happenings of their daily lives as Africans in living in the UK. As fellow Nigerians living outside of our home country, we decided to get together to compare notes on life abroad. We discuss
- The state of affairs of African leadership
- The differences and shared experiences of raising African children abroad
- We also delve in to careers and entrepreneurial nuances for Africans in the UK versus the US
Being an African abroad can be complex , layered and multi-faceted. Like all immigrants we deal with the issues of identity, culture shock and more. However unlike other immigrants, as African we are faced with the pressure of constantly having to prove, introduce ourselves and set the record straight. I hope you enjoy this episode, and be sure to connect with Bimbola and Joe Maxwell below.
Connect
Apple Podcast – Best of 2 Podcast
Twitter – Best of 2 Podcast
Let’s Hang Out
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Website - Those African Chicks
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
Subscribe - Apple Podcast & Stitcher
This episode has been one of the most rewarding shows I have done to date. I catch up with Animu Amitai, former Communication Advisor & Speech Writer to the politicians in South Sudan.
Anim shares her journey on how she ascended the heights of politics from a simple essay competition, which opened the doors to becoming a political advisor to the Japanese Ambassador and later the advisor to the highest office in South Sudan.
Although there are some controversial articles surrounding Anim's citizenship during her tenure, the essence of our conversation is to highlight the importance of perseverance and tenacity.
We cover everything from
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The importance of putting oneself out there; doing it scared
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Imposter syndrome as a young person and woman in sexist / ageist spaces
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The importance of rising up into ones ownself and taking up space
Her most recent work has been pushing the boundaries of politics by influencing legislature to more inclusive of women participation in politics
Connect
@AfeniAnimu on Instagram
Let’s Hang Out!
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
Faith x Threads is a faith based apparel company operated out of London by two Nigerian sisters. Their company is committed to changing the conversation and inspiring the next generation to rep the gospel in every way. In this episode, I catch up with the co-founders Temi and Temi – not a typo and we discuss all manner of deliciousness around running a business, being a Nigerian abroad, the Nigerian approach to Christianity and loads more. We do a deeper dive into the:
- Process of building a very niche business
- The challenges and triumphs of being a African running a business in the United Kingdom
- Parenting, Entrepreneurship and the importance of hustle and grit
Connect with the Temi and Temi
Website – FaithXThreads
Instagram - Faith x Threads
In the meantime , come hang out with us!
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
Tommie Edwards, is a Nigerian UK based on black woman in Tech who has spent most her career optimizing business processes and building applications.
In today's episode, Tommie takes us behind the scenes of the intricacies of running a tech startup. Her startup EventBree
is a platform designed to solve all of the needs of your event from the comfort your home or mobile device.
Tommie shares her experiences as a professional in the tech industry as a woman, mother and entrepreneur. She shares her perspective on:
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The importance of reverse engineering an idea
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Leveraging data to make informed decisions and how identifying and solving
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How identifying and solving a problem is the secret sauce to turning profit.
Connect With Tommie Here
Website -Tommie Edwards
Instagram - @tommiedwards
Let’s Hang Out!
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
Rita is the ultimate Corporate Black Girl. Not only is she providing spaces for enhancing Black women's professional lives and experiences in the corporate world with her business Corporate Black Girl 101 , she also runs a tech space, startup, and a hotel. She does all of it all with the remarkable resilience and spiritedness
- How she was able to lift herself out of unemployment and depression
- The power of spirituality as a means of motivation
- The ultimate career blueprint, how to set yourself in the market place and land the job of your dreams
Connect with Rita here
Website – Corporate Black Girls 101
Instagram - @CorporateBlackGirl101
Facebook Group – Building You Foundation– Corporate Black Girl
Let’s Hang Out!
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
This episode with the founder and Cohost of The Adventures from the bedrooms of African Women platform and TV. The platform created over a decade ago as a safe space where African women could talk and learn about sex in a positive way.
In this episode, the two sex positivity advocates share their knowledge on
- “Fauxnogamy”, a term coined by Kobby Graham which succinctly describe the pretense of being in a monogamous relationship
- Fetishization of Interracial relationships in Africa
- The rise of intergenerational relationship with African women
Connect with Nana & Famia
Website - The Adventures from the bedrooms of African Women
Facebook Channel – Adventures From TV
Instagram - @dfordarkoa
Let’s Hang Out !
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Edited & Produced – Podcast Maven
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
This episode is with the Nigerian American Journalist Chika Oduah. She is known for her fearless coverage of the 276 kidnapped Chibok girls by the Northern Nigeria terrorist group Boko Haram. What makes Chika remarkable is that she was down in the field by herself getting real-life coverage of the story.
Her work has been covered on CNN, Aljazeera, BBC, MSNBS, National Geographic to name a few. Chika is currently working on a book and documentary about her encounter and findings in Chibok. The documentary premiered in Abuja in Dec 2018 and is scheduled for a release in late 2019. In this episode, she shares
- Her coverage of Boko Haram and how she got the assignment
- The stories of some of the women who are married to the Boko Haram soldiers
- The face and state of religion in Africa
Be sure to connect with Chika
Website – Chika Oduah
Instagram – chika_the_explorer
Twitter – @chikaoduah
Boko Haram Report
Let’s Hang Out!
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Website - www.thoseafricanchicks.com
Edited & Produced – Podcast Maven
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
Subscribe - Apple Podcast & Stitcher
With the way creativity and creatives are being peddled on the internet today, I really wanted to bring in someone who to me harnessed creativity and her creations in a real and pure way and that person is none other than Data Oh!
Today’s episode is with Data Oruwari, Data is a Lawyer, tech girl, sculptor, artist who produces one of the most remarkable and dynamic works I have ever seen. I catch up with the multi-talented UX designer amidst her busy travel schedule and we talk about :
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The importance of making space of creativity
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How she has learned to embrace failure
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The mysticism and intersectionality that inspires the art she produces
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Being shortlisted alongside 194 other artists By the Government of Egypt
This is an episode you definitely want to listen to. I adored Data’s candor about work, life and the ability to respond to life’s nuances.
Connect with Data
Her Work
Instagram @data_Oh
Also, let’s Hang Out!
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Website - www.thoseafricanchicks.com
Edited & Produced – Podcast Maven
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
In this episode, I catch up with Mona Zutshi Opubor, an Editor and Featured Columnist for Lost In Lagos Magazine. Mona is an American woman living and raising her family in Lagos. What makes Mona’s story so intriguing is her decision to legally become Nigerian. Mona shares the journey of how she ended up in Nigeria in the first place; and how leaving comforts of her life in New Jersey for an adventure in the unknown territories of West Africa would change her life in unexpected ways. In our conversation, we go in to:
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What led to her deciding to go through the rigorous process to acquiring Nigeria citizenship
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Navigating the intricacies of being a foreign wife in Nigeria and the Nigerian wives community she is a part of
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The challenges and triumphs of raising culturally aware cross-cultural children
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Her evolution and growth once she stopped resisting and fully leaned into the move
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How she is able to wonderfully weave in all of the three cultures she and her family are a part of in their everyday lives
Connect With Mona
Instagram – @mopals5
Website - https://www.monazutshiopubor.com
Check out Mona’s more popular piece Niger Wife published in Kahalari Review
Also, let’s Hang Out!
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Website - www.thoseafricanchicks.com
Edited & Produced – Podcast Maven
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
This week’s episode is the amazing millennial co-founder of Tonl, a platform committed to transforming the stock photography industry by displaying images of diverse people and their stories around the world.
Karen and Joshua, have been very intentional about their entrance into the stock photography world that they have been featured in all of the reputable digital publication from Forbes, Create & Cultivate, Popsugar, NPR, to OkayAfricaand the list goes on. In their short lifespan, Tonl has worked with Google Chrome book, Adobe to mention a couple.
In this episode, we talk about:
- The genesis of Tonl
- How the killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile and the misrepresentation and false stories being portrayed of them sparked the additional onset of TONL
- How to run an intentional digital business
- How remaining a student will set you up for success
- Importance of understanding your industry
- How to work with and understand a Co-Founder
- How having the correct marketing plan and PR will set you up for succeed
- How Tonl photographers are vetted and selected
Connect Karen
@Karen Okonkwo on Instagram
Website – Tonl
@Tonl on Instagram
If you have enjoyed this episode, which I am sure you have, be sure to share and subscribe
Also, lets Hang Out!
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Website - www.thoseafricanchicks.com
Edited & Produced – Podcast Maven
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
This week’s episode is about peeling back the layers of running a highly successful women-centered business. I catch up with Afua Osei, Co-Founder She Lead Africa, a digital company committed to improving access and opportunities for African women. In this episode, Afua demystifies the complexities of running a business. We talk about:
- The importance of grit and mindset
- Her move from the US to Lagos, Accra & Johannesburg during the early stages of SLA
- The triumphs and challenges of running a business in Africa
- The importance of building networks and allies who will advocate for you as you start and manage a business
If you have enjoyed this episode, which I am sure you have, be sure to share and subscribe
Connect With Afua
Website - Afua Osei
Coaching Services with Afua
Website - She Leads Africa
Instagram – She Leads Africa
SLA Masterclasses
Let's Hang Out!
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Website - www.thoseafricanchicks.com
Edited & Produced – Podcast Maven
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
I once read that art is important because it is the vehicle through which we see the world differently…helping alter perspectives. As an avid appreciator of art, I had to have Alice Gbelia on to the show after stumbling on her website on Saturday afternoon. Alice Gbelia of Ayok’a Deco is Ivorian-Parisian woman who is committed to ensuring that we see black art in a different light by making it valuable and accessible to all.
In this episode, we talk about growing up in a very segregated France. How moving to London, provided a new perspective on a humanness and blackness and the birth Ayok’a Deco the online destination for black art.
Connect with Alice
Instagram - @ayokadeco
Website – Ayok’a Deco
Lets Hang Out!
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Website - www.thoseafricanchicks.com
Edited & Produced – Podcast Maven
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
In taking a scan of how we work and why we work. I have found that a lot of us tend to be so in love with our ideas and talent that it prevents us from taking the necessary pivots . Often times because we do not see the direct correlation with the pivot to our end goal.
This is why Geoffrey Owens's story is so remarkable; as social media continues to solidify itself as a part of our everyday lives we continue to see the push for digital influencers. Which in practicality we cannot all be right?! despite what social media might have us believe. Being able to see someone who has had a thriving career having to do a seemingly "menial" job helps redefine how young people observe and think about the importance of work and working.
I believe it is important for us to continue to see and hear about stories like this to show how we must be resourceful and humble in our journeys as human beings; and to help us gain perspective on life and livelihood.
Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks
Website - www.thoseafricanchicks.com
Edited & Produced - Mude Productions
Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library
LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE – Apple Podcast
Eating well can sometimes feel like a difficult feat and these days, there seems to be more pressure with the trends of clean eating and fit lifestyles. That is why I wanted to catch up with Obi Aniedo. Obi is the founder of Live & Blossom a Lagos based café that is committed to introducing a wholesome lifestyle and livinin Lagos. Live & Blossom serves meals, desserts and baked goods sourced from natural premium products. In this episode we talk about:
- Developing a healthy relationship with food
- Healthy and clean African Cuisine
- Overcoming An Eating disorder
Connect with Obi
Instagram - @liveandblossom
Website –Live and Blossom
Address - Block 126, Plot 11, Bunmi Olowude St, On T.F Kuboye St, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria
Edited & Produced - Mude Productions
Music - Deep Hat, YT Music Library
Back from my temporary hiatus, I explain why I was gone, how a certain experience I had robbed me of my creativity, peace of mind and to a certain extent joy.
I share learning from this, which for me is the realization that forgiveness was my freedom.
I share bit about next week's guest, who is known for bringing the idea of whole foods and wholesome living to Lagos long before the social media explosion of clean eating.
Come hang out with us on instagram @thoseafricanchicks
Remember to be fearless and live your truth.
Janet is an HR Executive and Expert with more than two decades of proven leadership experience and trusted advisors to C-Suite executives across various industries. I first met Janet, when she invited me to be a part of her docuseries AfriGen and have since been a frequent visitor to her blog Notes From HR where she shares advise and nuggets of wisdom from the inner workings of the dreaded HR. In this episode, we talk about how African Women can and should bring their whole selves to work. We got into details such as
- African Accents
- Non-Verbal Communication
- Strategies for Career Growth
- Promotion Request Methods
- Leadership Competencies
- How to get meaningful feedback
Connect with Janet
Notes From HR
Instagram @notesfromhr
PODCAST STORE
Affirmation Bracelets & Cuff now available for sale HERE
PRODUCED & EDITED
Mastered – Mude Productions
Music – Deep Hat, YT Audio Library
Kaz is a Kenyan musician and the host of the Africa's most listened to Sex Positive Podcast called The Spread . The goal of the podcast is “Making sex a comfortable subject for all” As an African woman who is always thinking and talking about intimacy, sex and sexual identity, Kaz was someone I had to have on the show. Our cultures in Africa are known for putting such unbelievable confines on who we are and how we must be. So much so that at different periods in our lives we are expected to be varying degrees of sexual all for the satisfaction of the patriarchy from which we come. My conversation with Kaz pokes at so much of the topics she covers on her show spanning touchpoints like
- How does an African Woman view her sexual experience and sexuality
- Polygamy the umbrella that holds Polyandry, Polyamory, Polygeny ; how the younger generations views these versus our predecessors see them
- How to approach the experience of sex and other sexual activities
- Manifestation through Masturbation; setting your intention and then self-pleasuring
- How to think approach and own your own orgasm
- Some recommended sexual techniques women should try by themselves and with their partners
CONNECT WITH KAZ
The Spread Podcast
Instagram – Kaz Personal
Instagram – The Spread Podcast
PODCAST STORE
Affirmation Bracelets & Cuff now available for sale HERE
PRODUCED & EDITED
Mastered – Mude Productions
Music – Deep Hat, YT Audio Library
Rashidat Oyegunle is an entrepreneur who is committed to connecting Tailors to their clients in a meaningful way. Her company Tailoring Needs is an online platform that serves as medium to connect Clients with a large pool of custom-wear Tailors around the world. Their mission is to connect you to the nearest custom – wear tailor in your area, make that process hella easy and create a community where people can easily share their service experiences.
Subscribe To The Show by Clicking Here
TOPIC DISCUSSED
- How to Effectively Validate a business
- The ONE thing she wished she knew about starting a business before she started
- How being an African Woman has Informed this venture
- Dolly Skeppings – Self Taught Millennial Fashion Designer
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
- Instagram – Tailoring Needs
- Website – Tailoring Needs
PODCAST STORE
Affirmation Bracelets & Cuff now available for sale HERE
PRODUCED & EDITED
Mastered – Mude Productions
Music – Deep Hat, YT Audio Library
In this episode, I catch up with Ugandan bag designer Sarah Nakintu. She migrated to the United States in 2005 where she attended Columbia University in New York. Sarah shares her journey from working at the United Nations then Google, later AOL and now Designing Luxury Handbags. In our conversation, we go into details of where the idea for Kintu New York was born. She shares her creative process, cost of production, pricing but more importantly how she is challenging this narrow lens through which people view what an African inspired product is. She’s decided to go against the grain of using Ankara or Maasai fabric and other archetypical African emblems and is consciously choosing to re-present African inspired luxury in a new way.
Subscribe To The Show by Clicking Here
TOPIC DISCUSSED
- Transition from corporate to entrepreneurship
- How to decide on what kind of business to start and grow
- Factors to consider when deciding how to price products
- Cost of production in creating a product
- Getting to know you TRUE customer and their behaviors
- Understanding the marketplace and how it influences production, manufacturing, and marketing
- Understanding the importance innovating when creating an African inspired Product
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
- Instagram – Sarah Nakintu
- Instagram – Kintu New York
- Twitter – Kintu New York
- Facebook – Kintu New York
ANNOUNCEMENT
Affirmation Bracelets & Cuff now available for sale HERE
PRODUCED & EDITED
Mastered – Mude Productions
Music – Deep Hat, YT Audio Library
Bidemi Zakariya is the founder of LSF|PR, one of the fastest growing full service PR agencies in Nigeria. More recently, she launched Luxe Digest, a Pan African content creation platform committed to high quality informational resource on African luxury. She has been awarded a number of prestigious awards like SME100 25 under 25, 100 Most Influential Leading Ladies in Africa amongst others; presently sits on the board of Rele Art Gallery. I thoroughly enjoyed talking and learning from Bidemi, our conversation spanned everything from the politics of business in Nigeria, to understanding the cultural nuances of operating a woman led business on the continent. She is definitely one too keep an eye on #quietpowerhousees
Subscribe To The Show by Clicking Here
TOPIC DISCUSSED
- Learning how to run a business while still in school
- How and what kinds of businesses you can start with the equivalent of $100/N3000 in Nigeria
- How to get your first client
- What to look out for before engaging a client
- Understanding the mechanics of personal branding
- Misconceptions of running a business in Africa
- Challenges of Running a Woman led business in Nigeria – Ageism, Sexism, Societal expectations
- Advice for young entrepreneurs starting out
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
- Instagram – @bidemizakariyau
- Twitter – @bidemizakariyau
TWEET THIS
“Hype means nothing, You are only as good as the LAST thing you did” – Bidemi Zakariyau
ANNOUNCEMENT
Affirmation Bracelets & Cuff now available for sale HERE
PRODUCED & EDITED
Mastered – Mude Productions
Music – Deep Hat, YT Audio Library
Tobi Oredein is the Founder of Black Ballad; after having worked at some of UK’s leading magazines, she started the online publication out of the frustration of lack lack of and misrepresentation of Black British women. Black Ballad is a social enterprise committed to retelling and elevating the human experience of Black women in the United Kingdom. As the pioneering platform of its niche, the journey has been arduous BUT Rewarding & Necessary. In our conversation, we talk about some of the expected and unexpected challenges of running a niche that has no template to follow. We also go into the impetus of the business pivot from an open source to a paid membership and so much more.
TOPIC DISCUSSED
- History of Slavery in UK
- Cécile Kyenge, Congoleese Italian Minister of Integration
- Black Disabled Woman’s Experience
- Being Black and Woke – understanding that being woke is a journey , be careful not to criticize
- Black culture being used as a tool for commerce
- Jill Is Black
- Challenges and triumps of pioneering a social enterprise
The Black Girl Festival – Nicole Crentsil & Paula Akpan &
- Books Mentioned – Why I Am No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
- Instagram - @blackballaduk
- Twitter - @blackballadUK
- Personal Instagram – iamtobioredein
- Personal Twitter – iamtobioredein
QUOTE CARD
“No one would give me a job, so I decided to give myself one” - Tobi O
“Being a Business Owner Allows me own my blackness 24/7 and its so liberating” - Tobi O
“Aim for the moon and you will sure land in the stars” - Tobi O
ANNOUNCEMENT
Affirmation Bracelets & Cuff now available for sale HERE
PRODUCED & EDITED
Mastered – Mude Productions
Music – Deep Hat, YT Audio Library
Ema is self proclaimed slasher meaning she is an attorney/ photographer/lingerie designer / writer/ poet/ social activist. Ema is known for her lingerie line Aimanosi; Aimanosi is an African based lingerie line that promotes body acceptance in women. On the show, we talk about her latest project The Unmothered. The Unmothered is an artistic endeavor that urges women who are dealing with death of a loved to take self portraits. The movement which was born out of the loss of her mother is aimed around encouraging the bereaved to see, love themselves and proclaim their visibility. To join the Unmothered Movement Send your self portrait along with a short story to The Unmothered on Instagram.
Subscribe To The Show by Clicking Here
TOPIC DISCUSSED
- Serial Entrepreneurship
- Confronting Grief
- Boys Don’t Cry
- The shame of grief
HER WORK
- Aimanosi Lingerie Line
- The Unmothered Project emalouisa (at) gmail.com
- Things Not To Say To Brown Girls Who’s Mothers Now Dance In Heaven
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
- Unmothered
- Personal Instagram - Emalohi
QUOTE CARD
“Free Your Parents and Try to Understand where They Are Coming From” Ema
“If you do not want to be cast as a villain in someone’s story, you should’ve behaved better” Ema
ANNOUNCEMENT
Podcast Store where you can buy your Empowerment Bracelets is now LIVE
PRODUCED & EDITED
Mastered – Mude Productions
Music – Deep Hat, YT Audio Library
Lanaire is a 19year old Nigerian Writer, Spoken Word performer and new author who recently published her first Poetry anthology called “Of Ivory And Ink”. Of Ivory And Ink is ollection of specially shortlisted poems from 2012-2015. When on stage, Lanaire goes by the alias Verse Writer; she has written over eighty poems and has won a myriad of awards. Her works speaks on socio-political issues regarding feminism, neo-colonialism, hypermasculinity and other forms of injustices.
TOPIC DISCUSSED
- Privilege of attending Creative African Schools
- Discovery of poetry
- Favorite work created and why
- Recent Poem “Remember To Resist”
- African Feminism
- Aba Women’s Riot 1929
- Occupying Your Space as a Black Women
- Malick Sidibe
- Njideka Akunyili Crosby – I Refuse To Be Invisible
- Dark Girls Documentary
- Skin Bleaching in Nigeria
HER WORK
- Of Ivory & Ink (DM to order ofivoryandink )
- Lanaire Aderemi SoundCloud
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
- Twitter @LanaireA
- Instagram @ofivoryandink
QUOTE CARD
“Develop Your Own Independent Assessment of Reality” – Lanaire
“To Find Yourself, You Have To Think For Yourself” - Chimamanda
PRODUCTION
Produced & Edited – Mude Productions
Music – Deep Hat, YT Audio Library
www.thoseafricanchicks.com
Moshoodat is a creative director based out of NY. She is known for creating beautiful and culturally jarring works that elevate beauty of the black woman. Her creations are known to go viral and have been featured in Essence Magazine, Elle, Refinery 29, OWN, VH1, BET and then list goes on. She is currently working on launching her YouTube channel where we will get to see and learn more about all of her creative pursuits.
TOPIC DISCUSSED
- Creating purposeful works by respecting the baton passed down by our forefathers
- Understanding the power that women have
- How to breed and push positivity especially as people of color
- The key to understanding the importance and power of God
- Patricia Hill Collins – Social Theorist & Thought leader who championed the ideas of Black Feminism & Consciousness
SOME OF HER WORKS
- Patricia Hill Collins & Professor Inspired Image
- Collaboration with Refinery 29
- The Image of Danielle (Sunflower Girl, first viral image)
ON THE INSTAGRAM
- @moshoodat
- @thoseafricanchicks
QUOTE
“It Is key that we Live in Peace, Stillness & Positivity” Moshoodat
Music - Deep Hat - YT Audio Library
Produced & Edited - Mude Productions
Essie Bartel of Essies Spice joins us today to talk about the early beginnings of starting her popular global sauces. Her sauces have graced many magazines from Forbes to Daily but the journey of birthing these product did not come smooth sailing.
During our conversation, we talk about the real ins and outs of owning and running a business and all triumphs and victories that accompany this. Essie shares some of the unexpected challenges thus far and what she’s loving about being an entrepreneur. Make sure you take a listen and share.
- Workshop – Nov 12 Email - info@essiespice.com
- Snapchat essieisspicy – Life of Real Entrepreneur
Produced & Edited - Mude Productions
Music - Deep Hat, YT Audio Library
In part 2 of the polygamy conversation, Seliat shares why she continues to wear the Burka; why she is open to personally having polygamous relationship and finally her relationship with her half siblings. If you have enjoyed this episode, please remember to leave us a review on Apple Podcast and share with your friends. Remember to always be Fear Less and Live Your Truth.
Music - Deep Hat, YT Library
Edited & Produced - Mude Productions
I have always been interested in polygamy and how it impacts the lives of women who are born into and those who chose to enter into polygamous relationships.
This episode is with Seliat Davies, a midwife and business owner who shares her journey into how polygamy was introduced into her very close knit nuclear family. In this first part, we talk about how this affected her family dynamics and pushed her Islam for her was initially a form of rebellion .
Make sure you follow Seliat Facebook Group where she shares her writings on how the women empowerment and calls out the oppressive nature of patriarchy.
Music - Deep Hat, YT Library
Edited & Produced - Mude Productions
This is one of those episodes you don’t want to miss, it is inspiring empowering and everything in between. Gina is a wig expert who was raised in the UK by older white parents after her Nigerian mother gave her up to private fostering. In this episode, we talk about her business journey from sketching, blogging to wig creation. How her brand “Gina The Wig Witch” came about and why her different creations are called “witch” in different languages.
We later delve into her upbringing, how it shaped her identity and her intense love for all things black. We go into the intricacies of interracial adoption and fostering; the crucial soci-political and cultural education necessary before embarking in these types of guardianships. She stresses the importance of living your truth and taking a hold of your narrative regardless of your background. This episode is GOLD. Don’t Miss It.
Check out Gina The Wig Witch Collection, it is FAYAH and connect with her on Instagram
This episode I catch up with Ama K Abebrese, who plays the mother of the leading character in the award winning movie Beasts of No Nation. We talk about her journey into the entertainment industry, how watching color purple as a child ignited her interest in acting. Working in TV in the UK for many yers she took a leap of faith and went to her home country in Ghana. It was her return to Ghana that galvanized her career after being cast in Sinking Sands where she later won an awards for and later Beasts of No Nation.
She shares the importance of persistence and how every NO she got an auditions brought her closer to where she is. We talk very briefly about a secret project, which has recently been announced the new movie The Burial of Kojo which she is producing and I believe staring along side Isaiah Washington. The movie is scheduled to debut in 2018, follow their Instagram page to peek behind-the-scene.
Connect with Ama on Instagram
Produced & Edited - Mude Productions
Music - Deep Hat by YT Library
I caught up with the lovely Onyi Moss; the talented lifestyle blogger had so much to share on her experience as a blogger and discovery for visual storytelling.
We talked about her love for non-mainstream music and how growing up in Nigeria pushed her to seek a creative outlet in the UK. Onyi who is an accounted by profession recently left the corporate space to dedicate her time to blogging and more creative endeavors. She lives her life by the Kung Fu philosophy which is predicated on the ethics of Patience, Practice and Preparation.
It was such a treat to get to know her and I am looking forward to seeing more of her creative works. If you are interested in learning or advancing your photography skills, check out her E-Book. She also shares strategies on how to grow your Instagram following and work with brands.
Connect with Onyi on her Blog, Check Out her Instagram.
Edited & Produced - Mude Productions
Soundtrack - Deep Hat by YT Library
Coco is a Nigerian native who has lived most of her life in Germany, Prague and Canada. She is popularly known for her lifestyle blog Millenielle.
In this episode, we talk about how Africans fit into the blogging industry. We go into her multicultural background and the importance of staying authentic to herself especially when working with a brand.
She shares her experiences in the African blogging community in the US, specifically in Atlanta and the immense support she has recieved.
We wrap up this interesting dialogue with her sharing very insightful tips to think through before you start your own blog, how to attract the right following and keep them engaged.
Check out Coco’s blog and follow her on instagram, I promise you’ll fall in love like I have
http://millennielle.com
https://www.instagram.com/cocobassey/
Launching our season series of Africans in Blogging, is our conversation with London based blogger Maryam Salam (fondly known as Daisy). Maryam is a hijab wearing Fashion blogger whose Parisian upbringing heavily influences her minimalist style.
In this episode, we talk about her experience in the blogging industry, some of her challenges, triumphs and potential ripe opportunities for new bloggers to explore.
She is also the founder of a Nigeria’s first blogging agency. An organization committed to connecting bloggers but more importantly brokering brand deals and partnerships for established and rising bloggers.
Maryam who holds a Fashion Marketing and Branding degree is also known for her providing business blogging strategies to help bloggers monetize and grow their passion.
Connect with Maryam
Fashion Blog - Fashion By Daisy
Agency - The Blogger Point
Instagram – ItsMaryamSalam
The podcast is transitioning into a seasonal format, the rationale behind this restructure is to enable us provide more valuable content.
As a result of the way we are now formatting our calendar year , we will be entering into what would be our 6th season. We will be debuting this season with a peek into the lives of Africans in the blogging space. We have a truly interesting roster of conversations set up for this last quarter of the year and we hope that you enjoy listening.
Please feel free to leave any feedback you might have in the comments below, via email – thoseafricanchicks at gmail or on our Instagram or Facebook pages.
Music - Deep Hat (YT Audio Library)
Produced & Edited - Mude Productions
Today’s guest is Safaa Peregrino- Brimah , a Nigerian-Ghanaian woman who lives with Sickle Cell. What I particularly enjoyed about this episode outside of the education piece is this young’s woman drive to live a life with intention. We talked about everything from the social stigma’s of being a “sickler”, accesses, emotional stress this illness brings on family and of course Sex. My biggest take away from my conversation with Safaa is that YOU determine the fullness of the life you live and not the card you have been dealt. If only we could all be this courageous.
Please find the details to the event she talks about below and make sure you find her at the event, also follow her on her social media handles listed below.
Gone Connection - http://gcglobal.org
Instagram alsafaa - https://www.instagram.com/al_safaa_/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/speregrinobrimah
Email : alsafaa.woman@gmail.com
We both consider ourselves in-betweeners and sometimes cultural outsiders; so it was only natural that we would invite self-proclaimed weirdos Kii and Kayi of MaFashio to be on the show.
Kii and Kayi are sisters who have managed to turn their interest of documenting non-tradition Zambian street style into art. Unknown to either of them that what they were doing was blogging, their innocent documentation of “odd” fashion had amassed a dedicated following all over Southern Africa.
Check out how these two sisters went from shooting in the streets of Lusaka to styling major fashion shows , celebrities and being finalists of Business of Fashion and Topshop’s Future Voices competition.
Connect with MaFashio
Website - http://mafashio.co.zm
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mafashio_zambia/
Influencers Mentioned
Trevor Stuurman - https://www.instagram.com/trevor_stuurman/
Lulama Wolf - https://www.instagram.com/lulamawolf/
Asiyami Gold - https://www.instagram.com/asiyami_gold/
Diana Opoti - https://www.instagram.com/dianaopoti/
Edited – Mude Productions
Music – Benmoose by BenSound
As we continue on our curiosity of the intersection of business and authenticity as African women, we kick off with guest host Sandra Appiah.
You might know her from the highly popular digital publication Face2Face Africa and BabuGlobal, both of which she Co-Founded with her husband Isaac Boateng.
In this episode, Sandra shares experiences growing up in Italy and the US; how her subsequent return to Ghana shaped her identity which then led her to discover her purpose of becoming Africa’s Publicist.
We talk about the intricacies of the “Business of Africa”, its challenges, risks, opportunities and more importantly the maturity that comes with the addressing “failures” as opportunities for learning.
If identity-based business models are your jam, this is the episode for you. Take a listen and let us know what you think.
Also, Face2Face Africa is kicking off their annual Pan-African Weekend in NYC, see link below for ticket details. The July 13, Women’s Forum is offering early bird tickets at a discounted rate, make sure you grab yours now.
Sandra's Social Media Pages
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ms_sandraappiah/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MsSandraAppiah/
Pan African Weekend
Edited & Produced - Mude Productions
Music - Benmoose by Bensound
We invite Dr. Deola Saheed, a physician in training from Cooper Hospital to close out our Mental Health series. In this episode, she sheds more light on prevailing illnesses like Depression, Schizophrenia , Bipolar Disorder, Mania. She talks us through what they are, their differences and therapies.
Deola not only explained all of these difference illnesses in lay man term so that the average person can understand it but she did an excellent job or sharing signs of behaviors and feelings to look out for so that we are better equipped to seek and get help.
This was such an eye-opening conversation. We cannot wait to invite her back to discuss personality disorders and the role technology plays in this.
Connect with her
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsaheed/
Edited & Produced – Mude Productions
Music – BenMoose by Bensound
This is the continuation of the Mental Health In Africa series.
In this episode, we invite Actress/Producer/Filmmaker Maame Adjei from Girl Going Places TV & An African City to talk about her upcoming documentary tentatively called "Do Not Mind Me" which focuses on Mental Health in Ghana.
The documentary which is still being shot was inspired by the presence of Mental Illness in Maame's family. We talk about the stigma of mental illnesses on the continent and the lack of infrastructure for those who suffer from this.
We discuss the responsibility that we are tasked with as young people to be brave and take on the oars of providing illumination of mental health by way of education and advocacy.
Maame was such a joy to talk to, she is a true badass and brave spirit. Feel free to ask her questions and reach out to her if you are interested in her work, you can reach her on:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/msadjei/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MaameAdjei/
Girl Going Places TV - https://www.youtube.com/user/GirlGoingPlacestv
Twitter - https://twitter.com/msadjei?lang=en
Tumblr - http://msadjei.tumblr.com
As business owner, entrepreneur , hustlerprenuer insert any other word that essentially means being your own boss, it is important to be on a schedule. The key to success and profitability is at least having the same dedication as you had with a tradition job. You must show up on time, consistently and do the work.
In this episode, I go into some of the things I am learning as I continue on my journey as a business owner. Some of the light bulb moments I have had and some of the errors I have learned from.
You have to have set hours which you must commit to and show up for in order to grow your business in a meaningful way. So, go ahead and schedule in those hours and show up for your dreams.
Edit & Produced - Mude Productions
Music - Nice To You, YouTube Audio Library.
As the first of three series on Mental Health In Africa, we invited the ladies of Talk Naija team an NGO led by Chinomso Nwachuku to talk about their work. Talk Naija is an organization committed to the de-stigmatization of mental illness in Nigerian communities all over the world.
In this episode, we talk about the importance of having and utilizing the right language when addressing the topic. They share the importance of seeking help, some signs and indicators to look out for and how to be a support. We wrap up with this important topic of Mental Health in Africa by touching on the importance of working within existing structures on the continent.
This was a truly enlightening conversation, we learned so much during the our hour with the Talk Naija ladies and hope to have them back on the show.
Edited & Produced - Mude Productions
Music - BenMoose Sound, YouTube Audio Library.
Today's minisode is about friendships and as the title suggests knowing when to get rid of toxic friendships.
We all have those friends that we have known all of our lives but no longer have anything in common. As both parties experience life, our identities shape us into individuals that if we met as adults, would know right off the bat that the other person is just a passing interaction. Other toxic friendships are not necessarily childhood friends; one supportive or enabling moment after the other lead us into a cesspool of negativity.
In this episode, I scratch the surface on identifying how to move a way from such relationships and how we can get better at consciously vetting ourselves to make sure we are neither the perpetrator or the enabler.
Edited & Produced - Mude Productions
Music - Nice To You, YouTube Audio Library.
Since May is Mental Health Month, we will be having a series of conversations around mental wellness in African communities. We feel that these are very necessary conversations as we begin to look into the state of mental health in our communities. We will be discussing language, identification, providing and receiving support. If you are struggling with something please do not suffer in silence, know that:
You Are Worth Finding
Worth Knowing and
Worth Loving
If you enjoy these series please subscribe, rate and share.
Edit & Produced - Mude Productions
Music - Benmoose by BenSound
Lack of confidence is always the culprit behind not a taking professional jump, leaving an unhealthy platonic or romantic relationship or starting your own business for example. In this episode, I go into some of the steps that I took and Im still taking to boost and rebuild my confidence. This is my no means an exhaustive list, but these are the primary steps I took as I began my journey to self restoration.
- Knowledge Is Power: Get brutally honest with yourself about things you do not know and Read Up.
- Positive Affirmations: Identify the qualities you want to be known for , then begin to speak those things in your life and validate yourself.
- Know Your Superpower: What thing(s) you are good at? Identify them and start improving and amplifying those skills.
- Grooming: Start dressing the part.
- Embrace The Fear: Start doing things that scare you. Learn to put yourself out there. Be patient with yourself but push yourself . Remember, right out of your comfort zone lies all the Magic.
- Speak Up: When you do not agree with something or someone speak for yourself. If you are confrontation avoiding like me, try these techniques; ask "What do you mean" OR "Please explain I'm not sure I understand where you are going". Doing these gave me a lead into then disagree or Speak My Mind and My Truth.
Rise Into The Awesomeness You Know Yourself To Be. Be Fearless and Be Brave
Edited & Produced by Mude Productions
Music - Nice To You from YouTube Audio Library
Try out this time management strategy that was developed in the 1980s by Author and Entreprenuer Francesco Cirillo. The concept is to break down the amount of time you work into intervals. These intervals traditionally consist of 25 minutes of complete focused work followed by 5 min of break time.
I have been actively practicing this technique for some time and have become so much more efficient and productive with my time and goals. Below are some twists that I have put in place for the technique to work for my personality and lifestyle.
Wummy’s Pomodoro Hack
Phone on Airplane Mode
Set my focused time on http://e.ggtimer.com)
Stream some www.pandora.com
Also check out free apps like – Focus Keeper Free & Be Focused
Edited & Produced by Mude Productions
Music - Nice To You from YouTube Audio Library
In today’s episode we talk to Ope “Sparkle” Gregory, the Founder of a Christian Sex Shop based in Lagos, Nigeria. After returning to Nigeria from the UK, Ope found that there was a big need to cultivate open conversations around sex and sexual fulfilment within Nigerian Christian spaces. The genesis of the idea started with lingerie but later evolved to her helping couples keep their marital beds sacred as she learned about the prevalence of infidelity in young Nigerian couples.
Ope’s goal is create open communications around sex with married couples because sex should ENJOYED AND NOT ENDURED. As a firmly rooted Christian herself, Christianity is the guiding compass around this venture and Ope only works with married couples to ensure that their marital beds are left UNDEFILED.
We thoroughly enjoyed this discussion and talked about everything from sexual freedom, to self pleasure and the importance of open communication channels. Connect with Ope below
Ope Gregory
Personal – https://www.instagram.com/opepraise/
Love4Boudoir - https://www.instagram.com/love4boudoir/
Music – BenMoose by Bensound
Edited & Produced – Mude Productions
Remember to Subscribe to the show, leave us a comment on iTunes and Share
Journaling your way to a peaceful, happier and more productive life.
Experts recommend to journal this daily over a 21 day period in order for it to become a habit and to reset yourself; I take a different approach which I outline in the show.
5 STEP PROCESS INVOLVES:
3 things you are Grateful for – 2 mins
A positive experience you have had in last 24 hours – 2mins
Exercise - 15 mins
Meditation – 2 mins (Calm App)
Express Kindness through Text, Call or Email – 2 mins
Music - Nice To You from Youtube Audio Library
Produced - Mude Productions
In this episode, we catch up with Teni of @tentenlooks to discuss life as an Instagram Content Creator. Teni shares a bit of her background growing up as a Nigerian Immigrant in Missouri and later New Jersey. She walks us through her bullying experience and shares how confronting her high school bully allowed her come into her own. She later attended an HBCU which encouraged her to have pride in her culture and heritage. She is now a badass content creator who has grown her following from 0 to over 20,000 followers in less than a year by showcasing beautifully curated and crisp images of her Sky High Afro, Sense of Style and Wanderlust around Southeast Asia. She shares tips on how to grow and optimize Instragram following. Her advice for anyone struggling with burden of being the “other” is to embrace that otherness and BE.YOUR. SELF. The otherness it what helps you stand out and MAKES YOU, YOU.
Makes sure you follow Teni her Instagram page - @tentenlooks
Edited & Produced – Mude Productions
Music – BenMoose by Bensound
Please rate and subscribe on iTunes.
Meet Tomi Owo, Nigerian Alternative Soul Singer-Songwriter. Like many African creatives Tomi was in the corporate space when she could no longer ignore the strong call to creative art through music. In this episode, we talk about taking purposeful steps towards realizing ones’ dreams and how she was able to do this through consistency and planning with the help of her then aspiring producer brother. She walks us through her creative process – how she goes from idea to execution- and how global situations influence some her work .
SHOW SPONSORS:
Jewel + Baubles – an affordable jewelry line for the contemporary woman
CONVERSATION
- Transition from Corporate to Music
- African Identity in Music
- Music Creation Process & The Business of Music : Going from idea to execution
- Songwriting influence
- Current Projects
- Life as a newly wed
TOMI’s CURRENT READS
- S. Lewis – C.S. Lewis Classics
- Seth Gordin , Poke the Box
- John Howkins, Creative Economy, How to People Make Money From Ideas
NIGERIAN SOUL ARTISTS MENTIONED
Femi Leye -- https://soundcloud.com/femileye
Nana Aisha -- https://www.nanaaishamusic.com
Cobhams Asuquo -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk9FESZiTxMu-Db76IJasRg
Temi Dakolo --https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPsJQvhKKeU&list=PLn8MOP0fiMuLQ4vEhOeJkuchcvMNxakUD
Bez -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BWoKxUQh7E
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
WEB -- http://tomiowo.com
INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/tomiowo/
FACEBOOK -- https://www.facebook.com/tomiowomusic/
We invite fellow podcaster Clarissa Bannor of This Afropolitan Life to share her thoughts on Trevor Noah’s book especially in light of her family’s recent trip to South Africa. In this episode, we talk about the social economics of being a black person in South Africa from Clarrisa’ experience. She shares some of the unusual privileges she experienced being an “other”-- American. We bring the conversation full circle by drawing on some poignant points that Trevor mentions on the class system, religion and the informidable black tax which weighs heavily on many Africans.
This episode sheds light to the fact that Apartheid is still very much alive and in full effect. Now, we must task ourselves with the responsibility of fixing this problem. Since the recording of this episode, there has been more incidents of xenophobic attacks against West Africans.
Music – Moose, Ben Sound
Edited & Produced – Those African Chicks
You Can Find Clarissa @
Podcast – This Afropolitan Life – iTunes and SoundCloud
Blog – This Afropolitan Life
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thisafropolitanlife/
I have always been curious about Chesray’s childhood growing up in apartheid South Africa. Wondering about the social landscape from the eyes of a child and understanding how this phenomenon has shaped her identity as a women of color and an activist.
When Trevor Noah’s book Born A Crime was released, I could not pass up the opportunity to pour through it and use it his story as a conduit to learn more about Chesray’s South African narrative. We discuss things like her identification as a black and not a colored woman. The different race categories of being White, Indian, Colored and Black. We talk about post-apartheid apartheid, internalized oppression and how the racial divide affected economics and that trajectory of ones life. In the world political climate, race, religion , gender conversations are more tense than ever before, it is very interesting to see how movements from over two decades ago are still so relevant today.
Music – Ben Moose
Edited & Produced – Those African Chicks
Efik Zara is a Nigerian-American, true distrupter and status-quo buster. She is the violinist changing the face and feel of classical music with the infusion of African Rhythm. We talk about her journey to classical music and what it means to recognize innate talent and respond to the gnawing calling of ones genius. Hearing Johannes Brahms Symphony No 3 in the 3rd movement was pivotal moment that made her realize music is what she is meant to create.
CONVERSATION
- Journey into classical music
- Listening to the calling to create
- Being the only black woman in a very Anglo-Saxon industry
- Personal Style – Minimalist, Goddess, Ethreal and Modest
- Beauty Channel on Youtube
- Curly Girl Routine Music
SOCIAL MEDIA
Efik Zara Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/efikzara/?hl=en
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/EfikZara
OTHER RESOURCES
BogoBiri – http://www.bogobiri.com/services.php
Zikoko Magazine - http://zikoko.com
Coldstone - http://coldstonecreamery.ng/index.php
Music - Ben Moose Sound
Produced & Edited - Those African Chicks
On our first episode of the year, we talk about the importance to nuturing our spirit, minds and intellect. As women, we often get lost and immersed in the various roles we play that self care often falls to the bottom of the to do list; if it ever makes it there at all.
We reflect on our Self Care our experience at the Creativity Suite a women empowerment workshop put together by power duo Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, Fellow Podcaster, Author & Motivational Speaker and Carol Frazer Haynesworth, CoAuthor of Your Great Destiny. The workshop was an opportunity to be in the great company and experience strength, vulnerability and power.
Be sure to follow the Creativity Suite on Facebook to stay updated on their next workshop
Learn more about Yetunde Odugbesan Omede - https://www.yetundeodugbesan.com
Carol Frazer Haynesworth, CoAuthor of Your Great Destiny - http://www.coauthorofyourgreatdestiny.com
Our guest host this week is Clarissa Bannor, author of ThisAfropolitanLife Blog. During this episode, we chit chat about her latest venture AfriGen, a docuseries that looks at the lives of first and second generation Africans adulating in the US. These series explore how adulting in the US (re)defines our lives and looks into how we straddle binary of two cultures.
Music -- Bensound Music
You can find Clarissa @
Blog ---- http://www.thisafropolitanlife.com
Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thisafropolitanlife/
AfriGen --- http://www.afrigenmedia.com
AfriGen Youtube -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mft6o43-Jbk
You do not want to miss Part 1 of our conversation with guest host Muki, our darling friend and beautiful soul who shares her journey into her sexual identity. We learn about the secret lives of queers Africans living on the continent and the double lives of those who fear persecution. This conversation was so enriching and delicious we had to break it into two episodes.
Music - Bensound, Moose
We explore our feelings about the senseless killings of Alton Sterling, Philando Castro and many others. Feeling helpless and hopeless, we brainstorm ways we as black people can mobilize and start with building our own financial independence
Join in REBUILDING THE BLACK ECONOMY
Black Businesses Directory - https://webuyblack.com
Official Black Wall Street (also a Directory) - http://officialblackwallstreet.com
Black Banks - http://blackoutcoalition.org/black-u-s-banks/
This episode, we discuss the conundrum we often find ourselves in as "modern" African women and christians.
We dedicate this episode to Alton Sterling #blacklivesmatter
Edited - Efrainramos
Music - Moose, Bensound
In this week’s episode, we tackle the ever present topic of Body Image ; how the way we see ourselves affects self-esteem and the potential downward spiral this could have in many areas of our lives. As women who recently had babies, weight loss and weight issues often creeps up in a lot of our conversations. We drool all over the snatched snapback moms and wonder when our turn will come. We wrap up by sharing steps we are presently taking to love and be kinder to ourselves.
Music - Ben Moose
Produced - Efrain Ramos
The first of our mini pods where we talk about life hacks or lessons learned from our lives.
Music - Ben Moose
Produced by: www.ThePodcastStudio.net
This episode we finally introduce ourselves. We discuss how we both met at NYU and our evolution as African Women, Mothers, Wives and Friends and Agents of Change.
Music - Ben Moose
Produced by: www.ThePodcastStudio.net
In this episode, we reflect on how our African culture and religious backgrounds has shaped our sexual identities.
Music - Moose, Bensound
Edited - Efrain Ramos
Our inaugural episode explores our cultural and personal relationship with hair. We look into how the black hair phenomenon influences our identities.
Music - Moose, Bensound
We are two African women living in NYC trying to navigate our adopted culture.
Music - Tease Me, Wizkid