The BLK + GRN Show

The BLK + GRN Show features interviews with black women artisans by host Dr. Kristian E. a public health professor and a natural lifestyle enthusiast. Each week she will discuss the importance of happiness, love, and self-care. Dr. Kristian strives to provide each listener with encouragement and vital information for black women from black women in the wellness space. If you want to learn more about an artisan visit us at blkgrn.com and don't forget to buy black and live green.

Why being yourself is the hardest thing you'll ever do and it's worth it. 11/22/2024

Balancing life as a mom : Self-care and business tips. 11/15/2024

Facing My First Hire After Our Business Breakup & How We Saved Our Friendship. | EP58 11/08/2024

Wellness Expert: "Yoga is not a religion... Truth about worship” | ep. 56 | Dana Smith 10/31/2024

Episode 51 - Sex, Relationships & Balance | Barella Roberson 09/10/2024

Episode 50 - Dealing with Disappointments and Living holistically as a as a Black Woman | Khetnu Nefer 09/10/2024

Episode 49 - Starting a wine business with husband, Self-awareness & communication | Jon'll Boyd 09/10/2024

Episode 48 - Growing a webby nominated AI company, Self-Love as a Black woman | Casey Ariel Thobias 08/26/2024

From Republican to Conservative: "I hope Trump loses big, so people like me can come back and fight to rebuild it from the ashes" | ep. 57. 01/11/2024

Episode 47 - Naked Chemistry - Rachel Zeigler 11/29/2023

Episode 47 - Naked Chemistry - Rachel Zeigler Rachel Zeigler’s journey is a testament to walking in one's purpose, where the resounding echoes of her heart's desires drown out doubt and settling becomes a distant notion. As the visionary founder of Naked Chemistry, Rachel transforms challenges, from navigating microaggressions in the corporate world as a Black woman to pivoting her career as a licensed cosmetologist during the pandemic. Beyond its initial focus, her vegan skincare brand, born out of a keen concern for ingrown hairs, has blossomed into a testament to Rachel's dedication to quality, sustainability, and multifunctionality. The core message is clear: prioritize quality over quantity, view self-care as non-negotiable, and embrace the transformative power of turning personal challenges into purpose-driven ventures. Quote from interviewee for callout box: “I realized at the end of the day, you have to make success your own and put your own determination on what is success to you.” Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: In the realm of skepticism and discouragement, let unwavering self-belief in both your personal worth and the potential of your business be the guiding light that propels you forward. It’s important to give yourself grace and recognize that self-compassion is essential for personal well-being and for positively interacting with others. Seeking investments and aligning with platforms that champion and support Black businesses can be crucial for growth in the entrepreneurial landscape. Check Out These Highlights: Rachel shares her dissatisfaction with the corporate environment, pursuit of beauty school, and skepticism from her traditional Black parents and societal expectations (3:40) Rachel emphasizes the significance of using vegan skincare and talks about the ingredients in her products (19:49) Rachel passionately delves into the art of weaving self-care seamlessly into the fabric of her life. (26:00) Quotes: “Vegan skin care helps, and you know everything that we put in our body and on our body matters.” “I'm happy that I'm living a life that's authentic to me and I'm living a life that's true to me and I think that that's more important than having what you're supposed to have or having accolades that people want you to have” “Taking care of yourself is in vanity. Beauty is in vanity. Because when you look good, you feel good. When your hair is done, or when your skin looks good you feel good and when you feel good, you project that onto other people.” /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/28660773

Episode 46 - Malkia - Linda Johnson 11/22/2023

Episode 46 - Malkia - Linda Johnson Linda embarks on a deeply resonant journey, one that mirrors the intricate tapestry of our own lives. Linda, the visionary founder of Malkia, exudes an unwavering commitment to natural skincare, bringing forth a remarkable vision where every individual, especially Black people, can experience the beauty of healthy, glowing skin naturally. Her mission extends beyond products; it's about fostering a genuine connection to the community, leading to the powerful potential of giving back. Linda's story is a beacon of authenticity, reminding us that we can instigate profound change when we choose to invest in our well-being and the betterment of our world. It's a testament to the transformative magic that personal choices and intentional endeavors can wield, proving that each step we take can be a profound stride toward lasting and impactful transformation. Quote from interviewee for callout box: "This is your life, this is your health, this is your wellness. Take that extra time to understand what natural means and what these companies are putting in their products." Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: "Malkia" means queen in Swahili, and the brand's logo features a stylized double M, originally named Malkia Mweusi, meaning the Black Queen. Linda's commitment to authenticity and intentionality in her brand's growth demonstrates the value of staying true to one's vision and being purposeful in business decisions. It’s important to be diligent in reading labels, researching product ingredients, and understanding what goes into your skincare items for the sake of your overall health and wellness. Check Out These Highlights: Linda sparks an impactful conversation on the importance of traveling and share valuable insights on embracing the diversity and richness of other cultures (14:11) Linda discusses the misrepresentation of Africa and the need to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about the continent (17:20) Linda shares her vision for her brand and emphasizes the importance of helping people see that they can have healthy, natural, and beautiful skin without resorting to expensive and chemically loaded products (25:10) Quotes: “You become such a well-rounded open person but so receptive to other cultures and other types of people and other types of circumstances when you travel.” “I do feel like over the last 10 years or maybe like 5 to 8 years, there's been a paradigm shift and especially the African American community in wanting to understand more about their roots.” “Really take your time and read the labels and understand what natural means. It's not a regulated term, so really anyone can claim their natural and what they're using is not natural or naturally derived.” /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/28565308

Episode 45 - Vitavate- Lori and Loryn 11/15/2023

Episode 45 - Vitavate- Lori and Loryn Step into the realm of inspiration with Lori and Lauren, the unstoppable mother-daughter team driving the vision of Vitavate dietary supplements. Their journey is a testament to the extraordinary, where backgrounds in food science and procurement merge to craft a product that transcends the ordinary - a vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free marvel that bestows sustained energy without the dreaded crash. Their passion for empowering women to "fill their cup first" and their affiliation with the game-changing platform, Black and Green, beckons listeners to a community of thriving black artisans and visionary entrepreneurs. It's a narrative of unwavering support, tenacity, and the transformative force of Black entrepreneurship that promises to leave you both captivated and inspired. Quote from interviewee for callout box: We're looking to create a Fill Your Cup First universe. We want to be the go-to supplement for women as they try to fill their cup first. It's central to our brand." – Lauren Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: Prioritizing self-care and filling your own cup first is the vital foundation for offering genuine and sustainable support to others, ensuring you can give from a place of abundance, rather than depletion. The dynamic mother-daughter duo showcases the strength of working together, emphasizing that collaboration can lead to remarkable achievements. The natural energy boost in the Vitavate energy supplements are achieved through ingredients like green tea extract, ginger root, and magnesium. Check Out These Highlights: Lauren reveals the driving force behind diversifying their product range with custom powdered formulas to meet the ever-changing needs of women (7:40) Lori and Lauren discuss the challenges of getting people to try their product and the importance of attending events and getting their product in people's hands. (13:30) Lori discusses her background in food science and her experience in the food quality and food safety industry (17:35) Quotes: "The biggest challenge, as an entrepreneur, is just getting people to try the product. Once they try it, they love it. But getting the product into people's hands." – Lori "The vision is to continue to expand our product line with specific powdered formulas to address the needs of women as they go throughout the various stages of their lives." - Lori "The physical aspect, whether that be exercise, the spiritual aspect, meditation, prayer, and then the mental aspect, you know, making sure we're mentally sound and making sure we're taking care of our mental health as well." - Lauren /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/28565128

Episode 44 - Luv & Co. - Dr. Melodie Davis Bundrage 11/08/2023

Episode 44 - Luv & Co. - Dr. Melodie Davis Bundrage Dr. Melodie Davis Bundrage, the visionary founder of LUV + CO, delves into the transformative world of clean beauty and entrepreneurship. Driven by a profound mission to inspire confidence and unity among Black women, Dr. Melodie identified a glaring need for accessible, high-quality organic products in underrepresented communities. Dr. Melodies’ unwavering commitment to empowering Black women ignited a journey that led her to establish her flagship store in the heart of a thriving, melanated suburbia. Furthermore, her personal story as a SCAD heart attack survivor underscores the significance of self-care in entrepreneurial success. It's a powerful reminder that in the pursuit of purpose-driven business, nurturing our own well-being is the cornerstone of creating lasting, meaningful change. Quote from interviewee for callout box: "We don't have the neighborhood clean beauty store that services Black women. I wanted to create that, and so that's what we did." Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: Recognizing the importance of accessibility in the beauty industry, particularly in underserved communities, and the need for more high-quality cosmetic options for Black women There is power in embracing contentment and finding peace in various life situations, whether it's a high-profit day or a low-profit day. The significance of being aware of health disparities and conditions like SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection) and taking care of one's overall well-being Check Out These Highlights: Dr. Melodie passionately articulates her vision of promoting greater circulation of financial resources within the Black community, recognizing that Black women wield significant purchasing power, particularly within the beauty industry (7:19) Dr. Melodie talks about her plans for the future, which include expanding partnerships and spreading clean beauty awareness (16:27) Dr. Melodie shares her self-care journey, emphasizing the need to slow down, delegate, and take care of her health (21:15) Quotes: “I did it based on my research and my dissertation, and to make sure that we eliminated all of the toxic ingredients that were linked to health disparities in black women in particular in the medical journals.” "There comes a time where you just have to delegate and let go. You can't control everything in your business." "In all things, just be content." /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/28475825

Episode 43 - Nuele - Christine Martey-Ochola 11/01/2023

Episode 43 - Nuele - Christine Martey-Ochola Christine Martey-Ochola, founder of NUELE, shares her remarkable journey of creating a beauty brand that embodies the perfect blend of effectiveness and health-consciousness. After reflecting on childhood memories of witnessing chemical treatments and feeling the societal pressure to conform to a specific beauty standard as a Black woman, Christine and her co-founder Anne Cheatham, drawing on their backgrounds in biochemistry, research, medicine, and food science, spent four years developing their flagship product, NUELE hair serum. Their unwavering dedication to patience, relentless research, and innovation shines brightly, underlining the profound significance of crafting clean, sustainable, and non-toxic products that will leave a lasting impact on the well-being of both present and future generations. Their tireless devotion to serving Black women with nothing less than exceptional, clean beauty products is bound to ignite your own passion. It's an inspiration to embrace a slower, more deliberate approach, to prioritize health, and to become an agent of positive change in the world. Quote from interviewee for callout box: “You know what really drives us right, I’d say on a fundamental level is having healthy options. When we are looking at care. Health is a critical component for us.” Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: NUELE is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. They work with farmers, participate in tree-planting initiatives in Africa, and use recyclable packaging materials. Benzene and formaldehyde are considered harmful ingredients in hair products due to their potential carcinogenic and irritant properties, posing health risks to users. Christine's unwavering patience paved the way for her to craft a product that embodies health, sustainability, and versatility, all while breaking free from conventional beauty norm Check Out These Highlights: Christine shares how her and her co-founder Anne's unwavering passion for delivering all-natural and non-toxic hair care options took precedence over their pursuit of funding for their brand (10:44) Christine discusses NUELE’S commitment to being a part of the solution, providing customers with all-natural and healthy haircare options (14:50) Christine discusses the versatility of the NUELE hair serum and the challenges of creating a product that is both non-toxic and effective (20:54) Quotes: “We realize that a core thing that we do every single day is use hair care products, but we don't always know what's in them and we don't always realize what the impact is.” “And so, for us a key driver is how do we ensure that if we are going to play in this space, that we will be on the right side of that story, that we are on this side of positive health outcomes, no matter what.” “We only want accord around the importance of developing products that we all can be proud of, and if it takes a while so be it. We’ll have to invest that.” /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/28443170

Episode 42 - Mela Vitamins - Ashley Harmon 10/18/2023

Episode 42 - Mela Vitamins - Ashley Harmon Ashley Harmon, the visionary founder behind Mela Vitamins, takes us on her personal wellness journey through the realm of wellness. Her college years were marked by a challenging battle against PCOS and a deficiency in vitamin D, setting her on a determined path to develop supplements tailored specifically for Black women. Mela Vitamins stands apart with its holistic approach, forged through extensive research and enriched by insights from consumer focus groups and healthcare experts to address specific needs. With an eye on the future, Mela Vitamins aims to be the go-to wellness brand for communities of color, expanding their product line and fostering education and community engagement. Ashley’s unwavering commitment to health empowerment shines through as she encourages us to reconnect with our bodies, advocating for self-awareness, step-by-step changes to take charge of our wellness journey and embrace the power of holistic, personalized health. Quote from interviewee for callout box: "It's all a journey, and a very personal journey. And I think that we have to stop comparing ourselves to others. What works for someone else may not work for us." Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: The normalization of pain and discomfort can hinder individuals from recognizing when something is wrong with their health and seeking the necessary care or making positive changes. Listening to one's body involves making incremental changes, allowing time for effects to occur, and regularly checking in on energy levels, sleep quality, and other indicators of well-being. Small steps can have a significant impact on health, such as improving sleep quality which impacts energy levels, hormone balance, and cognitive health. Check Out These Highlights: Ashley sparks and impactful conversation on how Black people often normalize not feeling well (6:21) Ashley explains the power behind making daily progress and healthy choices rather drastic, unattainable changes (8:40) Ashley provides some strategies to help people learn how to listen to themselves and their bodies when it is speaking to you (16:44) Quotes: "It's daily progress. It's daily healthy choices, daily wellness choices versus this big huge goal or these really unattainable things." "I think that there's a lot of information that needs to be spread, but also, just for people to feel empowered to ask questions and speak up if they're not feeling well and that they don't have to feel like that." "The more you get used to it, the better you'll get at kind of learning what your body needs." /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/28335803

Episode 41 - Vegan Luxe Esthetics - Brooke Young 10/11/2023

Episode 41 - Vegan Luxe Esthetics - Brooke Young Brooke 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?” /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/28062480

Episode 40 - Goddess Skincare - Danese & Ashlee 09/20/2023

Episode 40 - Goddess Skincare - Danese & Ashlee Dynamic mother-daughter duo Danese and Ashlee unveil the intimate journey of creating Goddess Skincare, a brand that prioritizes holistic skincare, while emphasizing the crucial role of mutual respect in their partnership. The Smalls, fueled by generations of family traditions, are on a steadfast mission to redefine skincare. Their innovative product line extends far beyond facial care, delving into the realm of full-body nourishment with body butters and sugar scrubs. Their incorporation of CBD showcases a commitment to harnessing natural healing properties, providing not only deep hydration but also combating skin conditions like eczema. They shed light on the challenges of navigating a complex regulatory landscape for CBD products, reflecting their determination to bring this transformative element to a wider audience. As they set their sights on an upcoming spa experience that will offer a unique Black perspective, Danese and Ashlee champion self-love, authenticity, and embracing one's natural beauty, leaving a lasting imprint on the world of skincare. Quote from interviewee for callout box: “Being a goddess is being authentic to who God has created you to be.” – Ashlee Smalls Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: Life is a continuous journey, and building a brand is about finding balance and serving oneself the best way possible. Skincare is not just about topical products but also encompasses a holistic lifestyle approach, including a balanced diet, exercise, stress management, and overall well-being, as these factors significantly impact skin health. CBD in skincare can provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturizing, and pain-relief benefits, making it a versatile ingredient that supports skin health and appearance. Check Out These Highlights: Danese and Ashlee eloquently define the concept of a "Goddess" and reveal the profound inspiration that ignited the creation of Goddess Skincare. (4:08) Ashlee and Danese explain the harmonious interplay between their mother-daughter bond and their dynamic business partnership (11:05) Unveiling the remarkable therapeutic attributes of CBD within their skincare line, Danese and Ashley provide an in-depth exploration of its healing properties (19:52) Quotes: “Well, I learned at an early age the importance of nourishing the skin daily. You know, our skin is our largest organ, and it requires daily nourishment.” – Danese Smalls “We want to encourage women to love their authentic beauty and men because our products are gender neutral. But we would love for people to genuinely love the skin that they're in, feel comfortable naked.” – Ashlee Smalls "It's about really just focusing on yourself and really focus on your skin and really focus on putting this nourishment on your skin." – Danese Smalls /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/28062393

Episode 39 - Kaike - Keli Smith 08/30/2023

Episode 39 - Kaike - Keli Smith In 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.” /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/27841470

Episode 38 - Golden Flourish - Rachael 08/23/2023

Episode 38 - Golden Flourish - Rachael Following her postgraduate self-care journey, Rachel realized that drinking tea is a great way to stay healthy and increase her quality of life. After working in an herbalism apprenticeship, Rachel founded Golden Flourish to share what she learned about self-care through tea drinking while empowering the lives of future generations on their self-care journey. Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world next to water and can be found in almost 80% of all U.S. households. Whether it’s used to disconnect from daily routines or boost your immune system, Rachel aspires to utilize her background in herbalism to encourage inner and outer wellbeing through tea consumption. Quote from interviewee for call-out box: “A lot of herbs have had different we call it “actions,” but different ways that it can support you in your self-care or in your health that have been passed down from generation to generation to generation.” Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: Ginger tea contains antioxidants that can help strengthen your immunity, digestive system and help with nausea. Tea is a great alternative for coffee. You can get into the habit of staying present by lending all your senses to not only preparing your tea but to enjoying every part of the process. Check Out These Highlights: Rachel shares how she creates and combines different herbs to benefit her customers (4:45) Healthy alternatives for sugar in your tea (7:36) Rachel describes how to be intentional in what you consume and understand the messages your food sends you (17:59) Quotes: “There [are] so many herbs, so many ways that it can benefit our bodies. And, yeah, that's what I want people to reconnect to.” “Each blend that I create at Golden Flourish, I think about something that can support me and those around me or others that want to drink tea and self-care.” “I feel like that's like the important teacher is our body. If we really listen to it or tune into what we’re feeling, we'll know what we can do to feel better and understand the journey that we're on.” /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/27821268

Episode 37: CEO and Executive Coach, Patrice Ford Lyn 06/05/2023

Episode 37: CEO and Executive Coach, Patrice Ford Lyn Patrice Ford Lynn, an executive coach, and transformational facilitator, brings a refreshing approach to wellness and personal growth. Her journey took a remarkable turn during the pandemic when she became a certified Yin yoga practitioner, using it as a tool to cultivate energy management and relaxation skills for herself and her clients. Transitioning from a management consultant to a transformational coach, Patrice discovered her true calling after her wife recognized her innate gifts. She took small tests, achieved her income goals, and that success fueled her drive to pursue coaching full-time. Passionate about sparking transformation in others, Patrice's coaching style revolves around accountability, empowering individuals to challenge their limits and dismantle obstacles. She emphasizes the significance of embracing fear as a natural emotion while summoning the courage to push forward. She also highlights the power of mindfulness practices in navigating challenges. She concludes with an empowering message for entrepreneurs and executives, reminding them that they are not alone and that there are people who genuinely want to see them thrive. Quote from interviewee for callout box: “I fully believe one conversation can change our lives and if your coach isn't in that first conversation inspiring you in a different way, find somebody who can.” Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: Working with Bunlack women is important because it allows for understanding and holding space for their truths. Fear is a natural human emotion, but it's important to be courageous and manage it through mindfulness and understanding its lessons. Black executives often doubt themselves and need a safe space to discuss race, power, and safety. Check Out These Highlights: Patrice explains the reason behind the biggest roadblocks her clients face by anchoring to their past instead of their possibilities. (9:35) Patrice emphasizes the importance of community for health and well-being (17:54) Patrice shares how working with Black women allows for a deep understanding of their experiences and the creation of a safe and seen space where they can discuss race, power, and safety (22:02) Quotes: “I have a saying that it's okay to be scared, but it's important to be courageous.” “We are living in a society that does not affirm us when we speak into rooms and folks don't hear us, but somebody else says the same thing, and they hear them.” “We know how to survive, but there is something beyond survival. You named it: Thriving is beyond that, and we have to put down the tools that no longer work for us and pick up the ones that do.” /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/27048090

Episode 36: Her Poppy - Lauren Gregory 03/27/2023

Episode 36: Her Poppy - Lauren Gregory Lauren Gregory, the founder of Her Poppy, ignites a meaningful conversation and shares her inspiring journey towards prioritizing her health and wellness after her father passed from pancreatic cancer, which had also affected previous generations in her family. Despite her long-standing battle with severe period pain and being prescribed birth control and Ibuprofen for years, she embraced a natural approach, developing a formula that alleviated the pain, bloating, and mood swings during menstrual cycles. Her product has been a resounding success, and it has helped many improve their menstrual cycle experiences. Lauren encourages a different way of thinking and challenges societal norms and expectations surrounding menstrual health. She encourages women to unpack these outdated beliefs and celebrate the biology that created the unique bodies women live in and breathe out of. Through Her Poppy, Lauren implores women to understand their menstrual cycles, working concertedly with healthcare providers to maximize the benefits and optimize their health. With passion and ambition, Lauren inspires women everywhere to ask questions about their health and take control of their bodies. Quote from interviewee for callout box: “As I started to understand my period health, my fertility health, my menstrual cycle health, I noticed a huge gap in access to information.” Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: It’s important for women to listen to their bodies and avoid masking or curing period pain with medication without understanding the root cause. A women's menstrual cycles is a physical representation of their ability to create life and give birth to ideas and visions It may not be easy to make time during your menstrual cycle, but being aware and finding ways to take care of yourself can have positive impacts on your mental, emotional, and physical health. Check Out These Highlights: Lauren shares what inspired her to create products that were healthier alternatives (5:37) Lauren talks about the normalization of suffering for black women and how it affects their menstrual health (25:28) Lauren goes into detail on the benefits of the menstrual cycle (12:36) Quotes: “Just like we measure heart rate and breathing for women, our menstrual cycle is kind of like a fifth vital sign, if you will.” “We give birth to humans. We give birth to ideas. We give birth to visions. And I think our fertility, our menstrual cycles are a physical representation of that.” “Let's love ourselves and our bodies. And I mean that in the deepest intentional way possible.” /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/26354124

Episode 35: Cecile's Bath & Body - Jackie Granchamps 03/27/2023

Episode 35: Cecile's Bath & Body - Jackie Granchamps Jackie Granchamps is the founder of Cecile's Bath and Body. Jackie's journey began in 2011 when she started making soap as a hobby while unemployed. However, as she began experimenting with different formulas and ingredients, she quickly realized the profit potential of luxury handmade skincare and decided to turn her passion into a business. Despite starting with only old pots and pans and a small investment of $250, Jackie's dedication and drive helped her business snowball. She spent two years developing her formula, refining her techniques, and creating her brand. She shares her insights and experiences in building a successful business from scratch, including the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned along the way, and the importance of resilience, determination, and staying true to her vision. Quote from interviewee for callout box: “I hope at least this gives people a sense of hope that you can start with nothing. $250 is nothing to start a business. But you have to have the passion and the drive and the follow through.” Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: People's passion may not match yours, and it is crucial to have enough skills and confidence to move and make the first step in the business, even if you are scared or doubting yourself. Nature has everything that we need and that chemicals are imitations of the real thing. Red beans have a natural enzyme that helps to balance melanin production in the skin and also helps with skin damage and aging. Check Out These Highlights: Jackie explains how as women, we are often taught to ask for permission and get community buy-in, but it's important to break that stigma and trust in our skills and abilities. (5:39) Jackie shares what was the biggest fear that she had overcome to create her brand (15:12) Jackie emphasizes the importance of following your passion and being guided by an ancestral voice and intuition (23:09) Quotes: “I started my business with old pots and pans, stainless steel pots and pans and maybe $250, but it snowballed quickly. But it was good. It's been a good experience.” “So as women, we're always taught to ask for permission we're put into this box and being a nice Caribbean girl from a strict family, it's almost like you got to get community buy in, right. And you shouldn't do things alone. It doesn't look right for a woman to do things by herself.” “Make the move even if you're scared, even if you're doubting, because three months down the line, guaranteed you're going to be kicking yourself.” /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/26353488

Episode 34: Vigor Roots - Nathalee DuRose 03/27/2023

Episode 34: Vigor Roots - Nathalee DuRose Nathalee DuRose, Chief Executive Officer of Vigor Roots, aims to help women struggling with hair loss, poor hair growth or scalp issues regain healthy and vibrant hair. Nathalee's journey to redefine hair and scalp care began with her struggles with prolonged scalp irritation and delayed hair growth. After her daughter was born, she knew she wanted to protect her daughter from going through the same problem she experienced with her hair. Nathalee's commitment to revolutionizing hair care practices is further evident from her observation of the lack of healthy hair products and scalp care information available for her and her daughter's hair type, ultimately leading to the creation of Vigor Roots. She emphasizes the significance of educating people on preventable hair loss and shares her challenges and how she implemented self-care into her life to allow room for growth. Quote from interviewee for callout box: “The scalp is where the life is, and that's where we really need to nurture, just like our plants.” Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: The scalp is like the root of a plant in the sense that they both provide the foundation for growth. Without a healthy scalp, the hair follicles may not receive the necessary nutrients and blood flow needed for healthy hair growth, just as a plant without healthy roots may not receive the necessary nutrients and water to grow properly. Having a simple hair care routine that works for you is more important than following complicated routines that you can't maintain. In educating young women about preventable hair loss and promoting healthier scalp care routines younger generations will be able to prevent scalp damage and have healthier hair growth. Check Out These Highlights: Nathalee shares preventable measures that you could practice to help make your hair healthy (9:36) Kristian and Nathalee discuss the beauty of self-care, constant change and learning, and the importance of being nimble and adaptable. (13:10) Nathalee talks about the challenges of balancing a full-time job and running her own business and emphasizes the importance of time management and self-discipline. (6:10) Quotes: "I feel like constant change is growth. So, if it's changing, I'm growing.” “I truly believe if we educate younger women like teenagers coming up from today about preventable hair loss, they will be in a better space than a lot of women my age today.” " I'd like to be the place where customers are able to come just to get into information on what to do for scalp care.” /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/26353050

Episode 33: Gently Soap - Kristen Dunning 03/27/2023

Episode 33: Gently Soap - Kristen Dunning Kristen Dunning, the founder of Gently Soap, shares her journey of creating a natural soap product that is both science-backed and clean. Growing up in a family with direct roots in sustainable farming and aquaculture, Kristen witnessed firsthand the connection between black farmers and nature. As someone with sensitive skin, Kristen struggled to find a product that was both natural and effective. She realized that there were limited products that combined both natural ingredients and science-backed research, so she decided to create her own. After studying agricultural communication and horticulture at the University of Georgia, Kristen pioneered her own research project utilizing her horticulture work and herbal knowledge to create a solid foundation for building an influential brand that ensures customers feel good about the products they use on their skin. She highlights the importance of minorities returning to agriculture, transparency, natural remedies, and what is next for her brand. Quote from interviewee for callout box: "It was interesting how things can be marketed and portrayed to not be natural. But when you dig down to it, it actually isn’t." Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: Returning to heritage and agriculture is crucial for minority communities to reclaim what was taken away from them and restore a sense of cultural identity and empowerment, building resilience and strength in the face of ongoing oppression and discrimination resulting from the lasting impact of white people's exploitation and harm towards other communities. Avoid greenwashing, where products are marketed as natural or sustainable but contain harmful ingredients and are not ethically sourced. Calendula is a versatile and natural ingredient that can provide various health benefits with anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and soothing properties; It can also be used in tea to improve digestive health. Check Out These Highlights: Kristen talks about her background and familial history in black farming, sharecropping, and sustainable farming (1:28) Kristen's shares how her grandmother's entrepreneurial spirit inspired her, and she became an accidental entrepreneur after realizing the need for a product that didn't exist in the market (7:00) Kristen discusses the importance of good sourcing, which includes knowing where the product originated from and whether it is sourced ethically and sustainably (24:14) Quotes: "People are starting to really understand that what we put on our skin is just as important as what we put in our bodies." " I am very driven by making sure people have options within sensitive skincare, especially within something that's so ingrained into our daily lives.” "I became an entrepreneur by accident. I always say that I didn't decide to be there. It kind of chose me." /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/26352792

Episode 32: Adrina Fanore - Adrina Nelson 03/27/2023

Episode 32: Adrina Fanore - Adrina Nelson Adrina Nelson is the mastermind behind Adrina Fanore, a chic lifestyle brand that seamlessly blends slow living, health and wellness, and sustainable living into high-end fashion and vegan beauty products. Having founded the brand in 2012 in Brooklyn, New York, Adrina decided to redefine her brand's purpose during the pandemic, leading to a newfound focus on the pursuit of a high-quality lifestyle, and the addition of her vegan nail polish collection. Raised in the south, Adrina was captivated by the elegant aesthetics of femininity and the luxurious experience of nail polish. She recognized that nail polish was a powerful form of self-expression and a means of empowering women to embrace their individuality. This speaks about how this realization inspired her to create a nail polish collection that celebrates the multifaceted boldness and softness that embodies different aspects of black womanhood, using a diverse range of colors to do so. Quote from interviewee for call-out box: “[My brand] stands for a very high quality of life. I think that is very important. And by that, I mean when you look at my products, they're sustainable. So, what I sell is not harmful to you. It hasn't harmed anyone, any animal or anything in the process of being made.” Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: Capitalism has led to the promotion of products that promise immediate solutions to skin problems but are not always safe and can cause long-term health issues. Historically, the black community did not have the wealth to buy commercialized products, and hence relied on more natural and organic products. Using natural products can be a way to combat health disparities and other issues affecting the black community. Check Out These Highlights: Adrina explains what makes her nail polish different from others (11:21) Adrina shares why she believes Black women are multifaceted, and how she chose colors that represent various aspects of black womanhood (13:11) The commitment to veganism is coming from Adriana's heart and is based on the belief that organic living is better for black women (22:31) Quotes: “Also, just the media and the messages that I put out, whether that's in marketing or whatever, it's always a story. It's always something that people can relate to on a basic human level, however that is.” “Nail polish is a representation of growing up as a little girl in the south and having to, I guess you can say, abide by certain aesthetics for to present femininity.” “I think a lot of black women who own businesses are like that in general because we just typically like, we see an issue and you can check it out the list. Like we're going to find a solution for it.” /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/26352255

Episode 31: Yawoni - Diara Chukuigwe 02/15/2023

Episode 31: Yawoni - Diara Chukuigwe For Diara Chukuigwe, starting her own brand, Yawoni, has been a deeply personal endeavor. She infuses the brand with her passion for natural remedies and oils, which she learned about from her mother and grandmother, who imported them from Mali. The brand name, Yawoni, is a combination of her mother's nickname, "Ya," and the word "woni," which means "beloved" in her grandmother's Moorish language. Diara is driven by her desire to honor the West African traditions of her heritage and share her connection to nature with others. As an expectant mother, she wants to create a legacy she can pass down to her children. Despite the challenges of starting a business, Diara finds balance by incorporating self-care rituals and valuing family. Quote from interviewee for call-out box: “My dream and my vision is to also have this two way communication with Mali where I empower the people back home because I sourced some of my ingredients from back there.” Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: Yawoni's products include Shea butter, mango butter, and cocoa butter, which are staples in traditional beauty products from Mali. Personal care and beauty products contain several ingredients that often include a wide range of endocrine-disrupting (hormonal system) chemicals like phthalates, parabens, phenols and toxic metals. Body butters can be used in your self-care rituals not only to provide moisture but also a spa-like and healing experience. Check Out These Highlights: How Daria is balancing self-care (18:55) The motivation that drives Daria to keep pursuing her vision and brand (25:13) Daria expresses gratitude for transparent all natural products and BLK+GRN (34:14) Quotes: “You have to give yourself these times where you allow yourself to take breath, because it's not a race, it's a marathon.” “Growing up, my mom, my grandmother were very into natural remedies and oils and shea butters and all kinds of natural ingredients that we would import from my home country, from Mali.” "So [my brand] was very personal it was definitely more than just business. It was something that I could put my soul into and share with the world and not focus on loss, but just creating.” “I just want to create a path for women back home to become more independent and have something of their own.” /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/25941378

Episode 30: Mar Na’s Body Shop - Mar Na Carter 02/15/2023

Episode 30: Mar Na’s Body Shop - Mar Na Carter Mar Na Carter’s is on a mission to demystify skincare with a more holistic approach so that people can experience non-toxic and less complicated skincare. Her journey in creating natural body care products began after witnessing her family members battle with skin issues. With no luck or relief from store bought products, Mar Na took matters into her own hands by researching natural alternatives and, as a result, successfully created a body butter that rejuvenated and cleared up her family member’s skin. After receiving a high demand for her natural creations from family and friends, Mar Na’s Body Shop was created based on natural health and wellness principles. She speaks on many fascinating topics, such as her challenges with starting her brand and her natural hair journey, and also goes into detail to share how the importance of her “setting the mood” and making time for herself has helped her in her self-care journey. Quote from interviewee for call out box: “Once you find out the research of what's in certain name brands in the store, it's kind of scary.” Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: Self-care is vital for building resilience toward those stressors in life that you can't eliminate. Trusting yourself means treating yourself with love and compassion, rather than strive for perfection Hair relaxers alter the curl pattern of the hair by breaking down the structure of the cuticle making it straighter. However, this process can damage the hair, leaving it weak, brittle, and more likely to break. Check Out These Highlights: Some of the self-care practices that Mar Na does to stay rounded and in balance (8:55) What inspired Mar Na to create more products in addition to body butters (15:05) Some tips to help women find out their hair type (20:03) Quotes: “I wanted to explore different things that you can be proud to put on your skin, your hair, on your body, and know that I'm not adding certain chemicals to it that can harm your skin.” “You have to trust yourself and trust your judgment and your discernment. Always discern. Your discernment will not steer you wrong.” “I always call it God winks because sometimes you're ready to give up and God will give you a wink to let you know to keep pressing.” /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/25941000

Episode 29: Suki Suki Naturals - Linda Gieskes-Mwamba 02/15/2023

Episode 29: Suki Suki Naturals - Linda Gieskes-Mwamba Linda Gieskes-Mwamba, founded the South African brand Suki Suki Naturals to solve a personal need for natural hair products that were affordable and accessible for people with Black hair types. After making her hair care products using ingredients found in her kitchen, like avocados, ripe bananas, and yogurt, she realized that through Suki Sukie naturals, there was a way to share her traditions of raw ingredients sourced from the earth. As a South African native, she wanted to showcase that an African brand can be scientifically based, well researched, well formulated, and has a place in the global market. She incorporated her love, tradition, and knowledge into Suki Suki Naturals to showcase a specially formulated, harm-free premium brand, revealing a perspective on beauty that most of the world hasn't yet seen. While sharing her journey with her brand, she shares information to help listeners determine their hair prosperity, offers transparency on where her ingredients are produced and grown, and educates people on how to make healthier purchase decisions. Quote from interviewee for call-out box: “The idea is to just showcase that an African brand doesn't have to be like an artisanal brand. It can be very scientific based; it can be very well researched and very well formulated.” Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: Kalahari Melon seed oil is rich in vitamin E and can be found in the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa. Black hair types require more attention to texture and dryness because the scalp produces natural oils for the hair, but the hair texture may make retaining those oils down each strand more difficult. Prickly pear oil is native to countries with arid and dry soil and climate, and it has 150 times more vitamin E than argan oil, which is celebrated for its vitamin E content. Check Out These Highlights: How you can determine the porosity level of your hair (7:20) Linda educates on some of the powerful properties of the raw botanical ingredients sourced from Africa (17:53) Linda shares some of her skincare products (24:15) Quotes: “Today we definitely feel like things have changed and it's also a question of knowledge and education that you realize that actually my kind of hair loves this ingredient and it's not specifically expensive…” “The idea is to really educate and then the consumer can make better choices.” “At the time, there was so little on the South African market. The haircare industry was definitely more geared towards Caucasian hair types and we didn't have the knowledge as well.” /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/25940442

Episode 28: Loveleaf - Shani Lincoln 02/14/2023

Episode 28: Loveleaf - Shani Lincoln Shani Lincoln's motivation behind her haircare and skincare business, Loveleaf, stems from her passion for discovering the healing effects of using nature's most beneficial and nourishing ingredients. After spending a lot of time perfecting her formulations for her family and friends and seeing results, she was ready to share her creation. As she continues to navigate the barriers of maintaining a business, showing up for herself and practicing wellness is reflected in each product she offers and paves the way for others to do the same. Loveleaf has blossomed into the cultivation of botanical-forward products that offer healing and self-acceptance. Quote from interviewee for call-out box: “I want to make sure, no matter what the product is, that self-care is the key message behind them.” Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: Loveleaf’s products are free of any synthetic man-made materials and use natural ingredients to address different health issues. Natural ingredients such as arnica help to reduce swelling and discoloration caused by bruising, while Calendula helps heal common skin irritations. By practicing gratitude, we can strengthen our relationships, improve our health, amplify our positive feelings, celebrate the present, and deal with adversity. Check Out These Highlights: What natural herbs people should know more about (4:47) Information on the calming butter sold on BLK + GRN (11:01) Shani shares some powerful words for anyone on their self-care journey (20:55) Quotes: “Loveleaf really spoke to my love of nature and plants and the fact that all my ingredients are natural plant-based materials” “My key message is I want folks to understand that they are a priority in their own lives” “I want everyone to be moisturized all day with my skin and products of course, but I also want to address skin concerns and use herbs that really support healthy hair and healthy skin.” /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/25933167

Episode 27: Tianna Christine - Practicing Yoga 11/04/2022

Episode 27: Tianna Christine - Practicing Yoga The practice of Yoga has been around for centuries, but it has become increasingly popular in today’s busy society to help relieve mind pollution. The practice of Yoga is about more than just bending and stretching the body into different poses. Yoga is a spiritual practice that connects us to our bodies and souls and helps us find peace and calm, improving our physical and mental health. Get inspired with yoga instructor Tiana Christine who strives to empower, inspire, and ignite presence, purpose, and intention in your day. She openly discusses her inspiration behind becoming a yoga instructor after realizing the lack of people practicing Yoga. She also shares how she applies her practices on and off the mat while teaching others the gifts of Yoga and self-care. Quote from interviewee for call-out box: “I will say with yoga, there's the eight limbs of yoga, and you are not just practicing yoga on the mat. You're taking it off the mat with you.” Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: Yoga cultivates awareness of your mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and emotional state and can ultimately put you in a better frame of mind to make healthier choices. You can actively practice yoga in the car, at school, at work, during conversations, and more Every morning is a new beginning. Wake up remembering it is a new day and another chance for opportunity, no longer looking behind at what hasn’t served you. Check Out These Highlights: Tiana shares how the spiritual connection exists with yoga (4:02) Insight into how to carry Yoga practice off the mat (6:56) Details on the activity cards Tiana created that helps women focus on mindfulness, creativity, reflection (7:24) Tiana talks about her vegan journey (17:14) Quotes: “Every single day, you're a new person. So, you have to just keep going. The consistency is where you need to thrive in.” “When you are sinking your breath, your body, and you're really getting in alignment. “If you mess up today, it's okay. Tomorrow is another day. It's a new day so, start where you are.” “A lot of the postures not only take “oh, I'm just flexible, I can get into it”, it takes some focus with balance, with strength so, it's a whole total body experience.” /episode/index/show/blkgrn/id/24888228

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