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Guest: Philip Kwoka

Episode Host: Clarita 

We’re joined by Philip Kwoka, President and Founder of the Bronx School for Music. Philip is a Polish American pianist who began his studies right here in New York and went on to train at some of the most prestigious institutions in the country, including the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Mannes School of Music. Along the way, he studied with world-renowned teachers, performed on NPR’s From the Top, earned first prizes in multiple international competitions, and received numerous grants and scholarships. Now, he’s extending those same kinds of opportunities to students through his school.

Philip shares the story behind launching the Bronx School for Music during the height of Covid, a moment when most people believed it wasn’t the right time to start anything new. But with vision, conviction, and a deep commitment to community, he built a school that continues to grow and make an impact.

We explore:

• How he got started during Covid and why he moved forward despite doubt from others
• Building a team and creating a culture aligned with purpose and excellence
• The joys and pressures of running a mission-driven music school
• Generosity in business; what it means, what it looks like, and how he leads with it
• The ripple effect of every decision and how today’s choices shape tomorrow’s legacy
• What support truly looks like when you’re building something that serves a community

Contact Philip:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipkwoka

Email: [email protected]

This is a thoughtful, inspiring conversation about vision, discipline, and the power of choosing to create opportunity even in uncertain times.

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In this special episode, we’re joined by three returning guests — Shanita Joy Murray (RN & Doula), Naa Adoley Pappoe (Maternal Mental Health Specialist), and Janice Leonard-Garcia (Licensed Counselor & Sex Therapist).

Together, we explore women’s wellness across various life stages, from our 20s through our 50s and beyond, covering early health considerations, fertility and postpartum support, perimenopause, emotional well-being, intimacy, and the importance of holistic care.

These women are leaders and business owners making a real impact in their communities, and this conversation is filled with insight, honesty, and powerful reminders of how caring for ourselves strengthens how we lead and live.

Contact Info

Shanita Joy Murray

Website: https://www.iamchoosingjoy.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thee_rndoula

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shanitachoosingjoy

Janice Leonard-Garcia
Website: https://www.cognitiveshiftstherapy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cognitiveshiftstherapy

Naa Adoley Pappoe
Website: https://www.naapappoe.com

Instagram (Private Practice): https://www.instagram.com/naapappoelmsw

Instagram (Single Moms Club): https://www.instagram.com/iamsinglemomsupported/

 #WomensWellness #WomensHealth #BeginBuildBlossom 

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Guest: Megan Spencer

Episode Host: Clarita 

Today’s guest is Megan Spencer, Founder and Principal Interior Architect of Meg + Grace Design Studio, a boutique interior architecture and custom art practice based on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

With over 15 years of industry experience spanning hospitality, healthcare, workplace, and community projects, Megan has built a practice rooted in creating human-centred spaces that balance identity, purpose, and functionality. Through Meg + Grace, she blends interior architecture with custom artwork including murals and commissioned pieces to craft environments that tell a story and leave a lasting impression.

In this episode, we dive into the real journey of building a business in the creative space, the passion behind it, the lessons that shape it, and the practical insights that help it grow.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Her first 6 months in business — the surprises, the stretch moments, and the early wins that showed she was on the right path.
• What led her to entrepreneurship after 15 years in the industry and the key moments that pushed her to take the leap.
• The highs and the challenges — from standout projects and client highlights to navigating capacity, uncertainty, and the realities of running a creative studio.
• What makes Meg + Grace unique — blending interior architecture with custom artwork to create purposeful, human-centred spaces.
• What creatives should consider when stepping into entrepreneurship.
• How she approaches collaboration and building her project team to bring each design to life with intention and cohesion.

Whether you’re a designer, a creative entrepreneur, or someone navigating the early seasons of business ownership, this episode is packed with insights that will resonate with your own journey.

Connect With Megan

• LinkedIn (Megan): https://www.linkedin.com/in/megangracespencer
  
  
• LinkedIn (Meg + Grace): https://www.linkedin.com/company/meg-plus-grace-design-studio/posts
  
  
• Website: https://megplusgrace.com.au
  
  

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Happy International Men's Day 2025! 

Guest: Dr. Joachim Jimie, Consultant Urological Surgeon & Andrologist

Episode Host: Angela 

Episode Partner: Saint Lucia High Commission, the official representative of the Government of Saint Lucia in the United Kingdom

Listener Note:

This episode includes references to men’s health, wellness, and medical terms   that may not be suitable for younger listeners.
 
Episode Description:
In commemoration of International Men’s Day 2025, Begin, Build, Blossom presents a powerful and timely conversation on men’s health in partnership with the Saint Lucia High Commission. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Joachim Jimie, a Saint Lucian Urological Surgeon and Andrologist whose journey embodies passion, purpose, and service.

Born and raised in Saint Lucia, Dr. Jimie began his medical journey in Cuba before returning home to serve in the surgical department at Victoria Hospital, where he discovered his calling in Urology. His pursuit of excellence later led him to a prestigious fellowship at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London, one of the UK’s top centres for urological care.

This conversation explores his path, his mission, and the vital importance of men's health across communities.

In This Episode, We Cover:
 
✔️ Dr. Jimie’s journey from Saint Lucia → Cuba → the UK
 ✔️ What sparked his calling toward Urology and Andrology
 ✔️ Lessons from training, cultural transitions, and serving communities
 ✔️ Misconceptions and taboo topics in men’s health
 ✔️ Why early check-ups matter more than most men realize
 ✔️ His mission to educate, empower, and encourage healthier conversations among men
 ✔️ What families and partners should know when supporting men’s wellness
 
 Why This Episode Matters:
 Men’s health isn’t just a medical conversation, it’s a family conversation.
 A community conversation and ultimately, a legacy conversation.
 
Dr. Jimie brings clarity, honesty, and compassion to topics that men often shy away from, opening the door for better habits, stronger relationships, and healthier futures.
 
Whether you're listening from Castries, London, New York, or anywhere across the Caribbean, or the World, this episode will give you insight, perspective, and the encouragement to prioritize wellness for yourself or the men you love.
 
 Where to Find Dr. Jimie:
 
X: @jimiedean1

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Guest: Trix Worrell

Episode Co-Host: Angela

In this episode of Begin, Build, Blossom: Your Business Journey, we sit down with BAFTA nominee, British Comedy and the Royal Television Society award winner,  Trix Worrell.  A screen writer, director, producer, academic, cultural activist, and proud Saint Lucian whose work has shaped British media for over 40 years.

From creating the iconic sitcom Desmond’s to championing representation behind the scenes, Trix has dedicated his life to shifting narratives, opening doors, and telling stories that reflect the real, diverse fabric of our communities.

In this conversation, we unpack:

• His creative journey — how he became a writer for stage and screen, why he focuses on uplifting Black stories, and the inspiration behind telling the stories of the UK’s migrant population.
• Themes that shape his work — from generational struggles to the real-life impact of representation and why accurate portrayals on screen matter more than we think.
• The business behind the art — how he built his company, the biggest leap in his career, and the mindset and habits that have contributed to his long-term success.
• Life behind the legacy — how he balances professional demands with personal life while staying grounded in his purpose.

Learn more about his work:
www.distantvoicesgroup.com

A powerful conversation for anyone building in business and creativity — and shaping culture along the way.

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Hosts: Angela & Clarita

In this episode, we chat about:

- The evolution of our partnership; exploration of new partnerships to expand the reach of the podcast

- Plans for more in-person & on camera episodes

- Reveal of a few incredible guests featured this season

- Our upcoming merchandise line (yes, it’s happening!)

- New opportunities to advertise, partner or sponsor episodes

- How you (or someone you know) can become a guest on the podcast

- Special themed episodes including conversations on women’s health and men’s health that you won’t want to miss

We’re so excited to continue growing this community and sharing stories that inspire, inform, and empower entrepreneurs on every part of their journey.

Stay Connected:
We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us via email ([email protected]) or connect with us on social media to share your feedback, guest recommendations, or just to say hello.

Don’t forget:
Subscribe now so you’ll be the first to know when new episodes are released and join us for a season filled with real conversations, valuable insights, and community connection.

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We’re honored to welcome our first in-person guest on Begin Build Blossom: Your Business Journey, the internationally celebrated artist Winston Branch OBE.

Born in Saint Lucia and trained at the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art in London, Winston has carved out an extraordinary career in painting, earning accolades such as the "Prix de Rome" from The British School at Rome (1971) and a John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship (1978). His work has been exhibited and collected around the world, including by institutions like the Tate Britain (London, UK), The British Museum (London, UK), and The Legion of Honor, DeYoung Museum (San Francisco, California).

From Europe to the United States, Winston has also shaped the next generation of artists through academic roles at the University of California Berkeley, Kansas State University, and beyond.

In this episode, we explore Winston Branch’s early days and the lessons that shaped his remarkable journey. He shares insights on:

- The importance of asking questions and seeking support;

- Reframing challenges such as being strapped for cash;

- His key ingredients for success; and

- The role of courage in pursuing a creative path.

Connect with Winston Branch
- Email: [email protected]
- Gallery Contact (VAVARA ROZA GALLERIES): [email protected]
- Website: https://www.winstonbranch.com
- Instagram: @winston_branch
- Facebook: Winston Branch
- LinkedIn: Winston Branch
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston_Branch

Episode Sponsors
Brought to you by:
- CME Accounting LLC – Bookkeeping and accounting for service-based entrepreneurs.
- Future Fit HR – We bridge the gap between human potential and technological innovation.
- IslandSlice – Authentic Caribbean Rum crafted in Scotland.

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In this solo monologue episode, Angela takes you behind the mic to share some honest reflections and recent milestones made possible by gentle nudges. Inspired by superhero-themed prompts Angela explored using ChatGPT to discover which superhero or public figure best represents her, she delves into how these explorations helped her think differently about her influence, strength, growth, and possibilities.

You’ll hear about:

The results of ChatGPT prompts exploring who she would be as a public figure or superhero;

Some of her personal “firsts” over the past 8 to 12 months; some big, some quiet, all meaningful;

The real-life factors and considerations that made these “firsts” possible;

Heartfelt acknowledgment of her mother’s unwavering support;

Shoutouts to loyal listeners; your presence means more than you know;

A preview of the exciting interviews coming up in Season 3; and

A reminder that we all have an inner superhero; it just takes intention, action, and support to bring it forward

Why listen?
This episode is about celebrating growth in all its forms. If you're navigating change or need encouragement to take your next step, you'll find inspiration and connection here.

To help us grow, like, subscribe, and share if this episode resonates with you!

#BeginBuildBlossom #PodcastBehindTheScenes #WomenInPodcasting #BusinessJourney #CreativeGrowth #BuildInCommunity #IslandGirl #CaribbeanWoman

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What really happens behind the mic when you're building a podcast and a vision in real time?

In this candid and reflective episode, Clarita and Angela peel back the curtain on their journey as co-hosts: how it started, what’s surprised them, and the growing pains and wins along the way.

Tune in to hear:
 ✨ How their friendship evolved into a podcasting partnership
 ✨ Behind-the-scenes lessons; from scheduling struggles to tech mishaps
 ✨ The systems they’re putting in place to make the show more sustainable
 ✨ What’s next: in-person events, panel episodes, and maybe even merch

Whether you're here for the inspiration, the business gems, or the honest moments, this one’s for you.

Tap play and reflect with us.

#BeginBuildBlossom #PodcastBehindTheScenes #WomenInPodcasting #BusinessJourney #CreativeGrowth #BuildInCommunity

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As we near the end of Season 2, Clarita takes a moment to reflect on the journey so far — from launching this podcast solo to now co-hosting with Angela St. Denis — and shares what’s ahead for the show and for you.

In this solo episode, Clarita opens up about building with community, embracing support, and introduces an exciting new offering from CME Accounting, the accounting arm behind this podcast. Whether you're just getting started in business or looking for a support system to help you manage your bookkeeping with confidence, this episode is full of encouragement and practical insight.

In This Episode, Clarita Talks About:

• The journey from solo host to collaborative growth
• Why bringing others along is a core value
• The upcoming episode featuring Winston Branch, OBE
• The launch of Let’s Figure It Out: The Entrepreneur’s Circle
• What’s included in the 12-week group program
• Why community and support are essential for success

Introducing: Let’s Figure It Out — The Entrepreneur’s Circle
A 12-week guided group program for entrepreneurs who have been in business 3 years or less, who want to:

• Understand and manage their bookkeeping
• Get organized and prep for tax season
• Stop doing it all alone and start making informed decisions
• Join a supportive community of like-minded business owners

Founding Member Rate: $597 per person for this cohort ONLY. Rates will never be this low again.

Deadline to Sign Up: Sunday August 31, 2025

​Starts the week of Monday September 15, 2025

Runs through the week of December 08, 2025

Spots Limited to 15 Participants

Learn more and register
Questions? Email [email protected]

Connect with Clarita & CME Accounting
Website: www.cmeaccountingllc.com
Instagram: @cmeaccountingllc
Podcast: Begin, Build, Blossom: Your Business Journey (available wherever you listen)

Register for the 12-week guided program here: https://www.cmeaccountingllc.com/lets-figure-it-out

Don’t miss Upcoming Episodes
Be sure to tune in for upcoming episodes including Angela’s conversation with Winston Branch, OBE - an inspiring close to Season 2.

Reminder from Clarita:
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
Let’s figure it out — together.