This season's final guest was the one, the ONLY Mr Kofi Smiles!!!

Born in Beverley, Yorkshire to Ghanaian parents. Kofi studied English and Journalism at Northumbria university where he was heavily involved in the student radio station and “Kofi Smiles” was born- as one could “hear” his smile as he broadcast down the airwaves.

Fast forward to late 2016 when he fought off competition from almost 200 other hopefuls to be crowned “The BBC’s FACE of Hull”. Kofi is a natural presenter both on tv and radio, but don’t let this fool you- this man works hard and is totally dedicated to his craft.

Completely passionate about music, he continues to work for BBC Radio Humberside. He launched his successful “No Filter” evening show and digital platform - this radio show was full of awesome, eclectic music, pop culture and input and discussion from local people covering a range of topics. He is now the radio humberside Breakfast show host! Check him out weekdays from 6-10am or listen again on the BBC sounds app!

This week's guest and former "man crush Monday" post is a fabulous husband, father, teacher (former-principle no less✊🏾✊🏿✊🏽) and author... Mr Jeffrey Boakye! He was born and raised in Brixton, of Ghanaian heritage, and now resides in Yorkshire.

Jeffrey has written several books- his most recent “I heard what you said” is a timely exploration of how we can dismantle racism in the classroom and do better by all our students. Jeffrey shares his insights as a former Black student, English teacher and headmaster who has often felt on the margins of the British education system. The book includes enlightening encounters based on the often challenging and sometimes outrageous things people have said to him or about him.

2023 is earmarked for the first of 3 fictional books due to be released: “Kofi and the rap battle summer” we are here for this!

Jeffrey was a delight to speak to and get to know more and the pearls of wisdom which filled our conversation were fascinating and enlightening. We hope you enjoy listening to this fabulous man and author whose current and up and coming publications are a beacon of light for all society.

Hello listeners! Thanks for coming back and boy, do we have a treat in store for you this week!

Our guest this episode is interior designer and entrepreneur Ms Rochelle Dalphinis! After graduating in 2009 from her degree in interior design and environmental architecture, she worked in design studios in London and Bangkok.

Whilst purchasing and decorating her own home, Rochelle noticed a lack of affordable wall art and set about making her own. Her enterprise "luna spot" @lunaspotdesign was born!

The brand offers an array of “beautiful, unique home design, accessories and gifting” options- most designed or made by Rochelle or thoughtfully curated by her. Find; wall prints; cutlery; tote bags bearing her key phrases from the show “champagne taste lemonade money” & “mould to gold”; candles; cups and saucers and much more!

We thoroughly enjoyed getting to meet and speak with Rochelle - her positivity, warmth and wisdom are as infectious as her laughter- a real gem of a person! Happy listening!

This week's guest is Dan Sheriffe – a King who is a business owner and man with a passion for community projects in his home city of Leeds.

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We first became aware of Dan’s passion for the Black community through a simple Whatsapp group – and like many, became involved with business conversations, enterprise meetings and supporting Black business ventures across the city.

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Those that know Dan, know that it’s not always been plain sailing. During his youth, he had a promising career playing international football, having football scholarships and many eyes awaiting his professional football career. Unfortunately, an incident in his early twenties led to his life and work taking a different direction. He did not allow disappointment to be his legacy however. He spent his time reading and educating himself and carved the foundations of his own successful Gas Engineer enterprise.

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Conversation with Dan is always enriching - enjoy the listen!

We were honoured to have Kandace Chimbiri (who writes under the name K. N. Chimbiri) – an incredible author of Black history books for children as our guest on this week's podcast!

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Her books include:

"Secrets of the Afro Comb: 6,000 Years of Art and Culture"; "The Story of Early Ancient Egypt"; "Step Back in Time to Ancient Kush";

"The Story of the Windrush", (a tribute to the Windrush Generation pioneers) and her latest book, "The Story of Britain’s Black Airmen" is out now!

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She has also worked with museums on children’s trails, workshops, outreach projects and tours. In 2013 she was part of the community committee for the Origins of the Afro Comb: 6,000 Years Of Art and Culture exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.

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Kandace Chimbiri really embodies being the change you want to see. We couldn’t be more honoured to have her on our podcast!

Today's guest is entrepreneur and co-founder of "By Aaron Wallace", Lina Barker!

The is a brand was originally launched in 2016 from the "Shear and Shine" Barbershop in South London. It uses top quality natural ingredients in it's vast range of products for skin, hair and beards for Black men.

Years of innovation, investigation and development by Lina and her business partner- Aaron Wallace, has paid off -By Aaron Wallace is a multi award winning brand that caters for Black men! We love to see it!

It was fascinating to meet and talk to Lina to discover more about her, the brand and how it continues to evolve and grow! Enjoy listening!

Designer and entrepreneur extraordinaire Tihara Smith is wonderful - everything about her vision, passion, heritage and motivation is soooooo #afroleads.

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She studied for her BA Fashion at the University for the Creative Arts Epsom. Her Windrush inspired collection is inspirational... have a look on her page to see the influence of social history and political slogans in her work. It’s plain to see the references to the #windrush movement of people from the Caribbean to the UK in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s, celebrated across her work... provoking her own identity or stamp across each stunning piece.

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One of our favourites??? 👀 The ‘You Called, We Came’ statement that is emblazoned on her stylish embroidered bags, recognising the HUGE contribution the Windrush generation have made and continue to make to the British society and the responsibility of decision makers in the industry to hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

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It was a pleasure and honour to meet the creative behind the brand and to get the opportunity to delve a little deeper- enjoy the listen!

This week we are joined by the lovely Natel Allen, CEO of indie nail polish brand "Télle Moi".

It was a genuine pleasure to meet and connect with a modest and quietly determined entrepreneur who is wired to create and discover how to do most things herself- limited colour palate for nude nail polishes and lacquer's? Natel worked out how to make her own. Website- no problem, Natel googled how to code one and it is so sophisticated! Incredible MO and the results are impeccable and Natel has done the hard work so you don't have to! An inspiring listen!

Our first guest for this new season was such a blessing- such a passionate woman clearly walking in her purpose and through it, enabling others to do the same.

Bayile Adeoti is an inspiring social entrepreneur and hospitality industry expert who founded Dechomai Ltd - a social enterprise which works to empower women and youth form diverse ethnic backgrounds in leadership and enterprise through education and employment.

Sit back, relax and receive the words of wisdom from this hardworking businesswomen, social entrepreneur, wife and mother.

Yes, we are BACK!

Sisters Julie and Steph are on a mission to celebrate and elevate Black British Business and culture and boy do they have a season in store for you!

Join them as they reflect on the journey so far and update on hopes and aspirations for the future.