Detaching from Devices, Embracing Presence, and Leading with Balance with Tracey Kearse
the BLK + GRN podcast
In this soulful and deeply relatable episode, Dr. Kristian sits down with Tracey Kearse, founder and CEO of AcARRE, a multi-use, plant-based skincare brand built on the science of self-care. Together, they unpack the tension between digital attachment and intentional presence—especially as working mothers, wellness leaders, and business owners. From bedtime routines without screens to creating electronic-free Sundays, Tracey and Dr. Kristian reflect on how modeling mindful living affects our children, our peace, and even the energy behind the products we create.
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Parenting, Presence, and Navigating Life with Hannah McCall
the BLK + GRN podcast
In this episode of the BLK + GRN podcast, we sit down with Hannah McCall to explore what it truly means to parent and lead with authenticity, presence, and self-awareness. Hannah dives deep into the challenges of navigating parenthood, creating safe spaces for children to express themselves, and modeling the values we want our kids to embody. From teaching kindness, empathy, and thoughtfulness through action to intentionally slowing down in a fast-paced world, Hannah shares insights that are as practical as they are transformative. We also explore the art of unlearning societal pressures, the...
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Raising Free Thinkers & Embracing Holistic Wellness with Dr. Katherine Igah-Phillips
the BLK + GRN podcast
Dr. Katherine Igah-Phillips shares a deep and insightful conversation on cultivating an abundant mindset, intentional parenting, and holistic self-care. Drawing from her experience as a mother, physician, and wellness advocate, she highlights the importance of raising free thinkers who can challenge indoctrinated beliefs, nurturing emotional openness within families, and approaching health through intentional auditing of the body, mind, and spirit. Dr. Katherine dives into how daily self-reflection, physical movement, spiritual hygiene, and managing emotions are critical components of...
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Ep. 62 - Unlearning Religion, Relearning God with Shakethia Queen Robertson of Sacred Spaces Yoga
the BLK + GRN podcast
In this insightful episode, Dr. Kristian Edwards speaks with Queen Robertson of Sacred Spaces Yoga to break down the myths and misconceptions surrounding yoga, particularly the question: "Is yoga really demonic?" Queen Robertson brings her expertise to the conversation, exploring the intersection of yoga, faith, race, and healing. Together, they discuss the true roots of yoga, its spiritual significance, and how it serves as a powerful tool for wellness and self-care, rather than a threat to one's beliefs. This episode is an eye-opening exploration of how yoga can be embraced as a...
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Ep. 61 - From Ingredients to Impact: Michelle Anaba on Clean Beauty, Policy Change, and Black Women’s Wellness
the BLK + GRN podcast
In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Kristian Edwards sits down with Michelle Anaba to uncover the hidden dangers lurking in many beauty products and how these risks are often not discussed within the Black community. Michelle, a skincare expert and advocate, shares her knowledge on the harmful chemicals and ingredients commonly found in mainstream beauty products, shedding light on how they disproportionately affect Black women’s health and well-being. Together, they explore the importance of conscious beauty choices, the lack of transparency in the industry, and how to protect yourself while...
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Ep. 60: Why I stopped worshipping the 'white male God' : a Black woman's spiritual awakening with Christena Cleveland
the BLK + GRN podcast
In this episode, Dr. Kristian Edwards is joined by Christena Cleveland, author of God Is a Black Woman, as they dive deep into the transformative journey of rejecting the traditional "white male God" and embracing a more authentic spiritual path. Christena, a Black woman on her own spiritual awakening, shares her powerful story of reclaiming faith and spirituality, while exploring the emotional, cultural, and personal impacts of this shift. Together, they discuss the need for a more inclusive and empowering understanding of God, spirituality, and identity, offering listeners a...
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Ep. 59 - The power of buying black : how Maggie Anderson sparked an economic revolution
the BLK + GRN podcast
The Power of Buying Black: How Maggie Anderson Sparked an Economic Revolution is an inspiring and eye-opening exploration of one woman's bold decision to invest in her community—and how it ignited a national movement. Maggie Anderson, a successful businesswoman and mother, made headlines when she and her family committed to buying exclusively from Black-owned businesses for an entire year. What began as a personal challenge quickly became a powerful statement on economic justice, community empowerment, and the transformative potential of collective action. This compelling story chronicles...
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Ep. 58 - Breaking free: Why I quit the boxes society put me in | The military ranks to entrepreneurial power with Liz Love
the BLK + GRN podcast
In this episode, Liz Love shares her powerful journey of breaking free from the boxes society tried to place her in. From the disciplined ranks of the military to the liberating world of entrepreneurship, Liz discusses the obstacles she faced, the lessons she learned, and the empowering process of creating her own path. Tune in as Liz reflects on the importance of authenticity, overcoming societal expectations, and the strength it takes to make the leap into entrepreneurial power. This is an inspiring conversation for anyone ready to challenge the status quo and take control of their own...
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Ep. 57 - H&M to black-owned brands: Anika Hobbs on redefining success and sacrifice in a capitalist world
the BLK + GRN podcast
What does it mean to walk away from the security of a global retail giant like H&M to build something that centers Black creativity, culture, and community? In this episode, we sit down with Anika Hobbs, founder of the beloved DC-based boutique Nubian Hueman, to unpack her journey from corporate retail to conscious entrepreneurship. Anika shares the moments that shaped her decision to leave behind the familiar and the stable to carve out space for independent Black and Brown designers. We talk about the cost of choosing purpose over profit, how capitalism manipulates our definitions of...
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Ep. 56 - Why being yourself is the hardest thing you'll ever do but it's worth it. with Sohjé (So Jay) Johnson
the BLK + GRN podcast
This episiode is about liberation through boundaries. It's about making peace with relationships that shift, choosing not to stay in spaces that harm you, and refusing to co-sign narratives that don't align with your truth. It’s not about being combative—it’s about being clear. It's also about how bravery can look like a single sentence: "I was just informing you." Key Ideas You Could Build Around: Bravery as Boundaries: It's brave to say, "That hurt me," or "I'm no longer available for that," especially to people who love you conditionally. Friendship and Utility: When you're...
info_outlineIn addressing the ideology that black women need to use excessive products to look and feel better about themselves, Keli Smith decided to add sugar to the spice and not so nice skincare industry with Kaike, a plant-based brand that empowers black women to celebrate the beauty of the skin they’re in.
While understanding black women’s exposure to a variety of harmful chemicals, Keli was determined to provide black women with a more joyful and holistic experience in their beauty routine with natural products that transport them to a place of comfort and well-being.
Quote from interviewee for call-out box:
“It was around that time that I was researching green beauty and kind of transitioning to a more holistic lifestyle that I got more curious but also disappointed with a lot of what I was seeing on the shelves.”
– Keli Smith
Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss
- The messaging in modern products revolve around black women comparing their skin type rather than embracing the skin they have needs to change.
- Black women who are embarking on their big chop journey should be mindful of the products they use that may contain harmful ingredients.
- A steaming washcloth is used to open your pores to release the dirt and the grime that would be left behind in removing toxins.
Check Out These Highlights:
- The inspiration that led to Keli’s creation of Kaike after her big chop journey (14:43)
- Details on Kaike’s three best-selling products and their benefits (17:39)
- The advantage of using castor oil cleanser and oils to remove toxins and impurities from your skin (20:29)
Quotes:
- “The mission of Kaike is to really create a product that causes a desire to really want to celebrate yourself through the products.”
- “It was actually surprising to me to know how many [Black] women suffer from dry skin when I always had the assumption that everyone had oily skin.”
- “One of the things that I'm very passionate about is wanting to be able to help other women who want to embark on that journey of balancing the importance of family, but also the desire to grow something and create a business that serves a purpose and how to really grow business and baby.”