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.
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outlineBrooke Young, the founder of Vegan Lux Aesthetics, takes us on a journey into sustainable skincare. With an unwavering commitment to veganism spanning almost a decade, Brooke shares how this deeply ingrained lifestyle choice drove her quest to create a brand that serves the community and the planet. In a world filled with profit-driven businesses, Brooke's emphasis on living the brand with sincerity, transparency, and unwavering passion sets Vegan Lux Aesthetics apart, redefining the concept of ethical skincare. Brooke unveils some of the brand's advanced skincare products, designed to cater to various skin types, and challenges the prevailing notion that effective skincare must come at the expense of ethical practices.
Brooke's dedication to vegan principles and unwavering sustainability shines through, empowering listeners to reflect upon their skincare choices and embrace a more conscious approach to beauty. By championing the cause of ethical skincare, Brooke paves the way for a brighter future, where the pursuit of beauty aligns harmoniously with the preservation of our environment.
Quote from interviewee for callout box:
“Back then, there were not a lot of lines that spoke specifically to our skin tone, and I saw how challenging that was. And I said, if I'm going to put my money on anything, it's going to be on the caring and sustainability of skincare and skincare products.”
Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:
- Black women often face barriers when it comes to skincare, including feelings of unworthiness and a lack of access to products tailored to their specific needs.
- Black women's purchasing power in the beauty market is significant, with statistics showing that they spend more and are quicker to embrace new products than their white counterparts.
- Overcoming the narrative that black women are not a focus in the beauty industry and providing inclusive, tailored products and marketing strategies can empower black women to make informed skincare choices and feel good about themselves
Check Out These Highlights:
- Brooke mentions the barriers to entry for black beauty brands and references Pat McGrath's recent product line launch (7:50)
- Brooke explains how the lack of marketing and representation for black women in the industry reflects a system that wants to make them feel less about themselves. (18:39)
- Brooke shares her motivation behind starting her brand and what it stands for (23:34)
Quotes:
- “The more I did makeup artistry, the more I realized that people were covering up issues as opposed to tending to them.”
- “I also say shop for your skin and not the trends because trends come and go. But how does it actually suit your skin needs and your skincare goals?”
- “Beauty is ingrained in our cultures. We want to look and feel good. But why would an industry that's ran by European and Korean markets want to market to people who they want to feel less about themselves?”