If you need inspiration to get off the couch and make things happen in your life, look no further than today’s show. Join us to hear our inspiring guest who is making big contributions in the world of education, children’s books, fashion, and vodka. Yes–vodka!

Ann Lawrence is intentional about getting out in the world to turn her passions and interests into new streams of income. She is a busy educator, author, and entrepreneur whose superpower is staying organized, motivated, and prepared. 

Show Highlights:

• Ann’s background: an undergrad degree in sociology and two graduate degrees in counseling and school leadership
• How Ann worked in mental health counseling with children and adults before moving into education
• Ann’s current work to mentor teachers to help with lesson plans, classroom management, and counseling
• How Ann uses her summers for writing and travel
• Ann’s children’s books (four of them so far!): I Remember; My Dad, My Granddad, & Me; Dana the Diva; and Our Dog Dino
• How Ann navigates the publishing process
• What motivated Ann to take action on her writing dreams
• Why Ann turned her love of fashion into Top Level Boutique, which she introduced in 2015
• How Ann handles time management and organization for her 9-5 and entrepreneurship
• Ann’s tip for entrepreneurs: Dedicate one hour each day for your side hustle.
• How a new virtual assistant and an intern have helped Ann greatly
• Ann’s latest endeavor–Ego Organic Vodka
• Ann’s best lessons learned along the entrepreneurial path:
• “There will be NOs; don’t let them get you down.”
• “Don’t be afraid to learn as you go.”
• “Ask for help when you need it.”

Resources:

Connect with Ann:  www.amlbooks.com  and Instagram

        www.toplevelboutique.com and Instagram

        www.egovodka.com (website under construction) and Instagram

Welcome! As we are in the planning stages for the 90th birthday celebration for Gayle’s mother, it brings up the experience that many people are having in assisting their aging parents. Caring for them and navigating through the available options can be challenging and emotional for all those involved. Join us for a conversation about these tough issues.

Natalie Chantal McGrady is helping her five sisters lovingly care for their 95-year-old mother while they hold jobs and other responsibilities. Chantal has worked in corporate America for over 25 years, currently focusing on supplier diversity at a large agricultural company. She’s been married for over 27 years and has three children who are almost out of the house. We met Chantal as college freshmen together, and we are fortunate to have maintained friendship with her. Join us to meet Chantal and hear her story!

Show Highlights:

• How Chantal’s dad passed away 23 years ago at age 74, and her mom has been living on her own since then
• How Chantal’s mom took classes through the Office of Aging with a group of friends to learn to “age in place” and navigate living on her own
• How a two-story house became too much for her in the past two years
• How a variety of resources are available for aging and related issues
• How Chantal and her sisters had to deal with the problem of getting their mom to move from her home of 50+ years to a more appropriate place
• Why planning ahead is key in understanding resources and options as you age
• How Chantal and her sisters are dividing up the responsibilities to make it work
• How the emotional piece of caring for their mother can lead to arguments and disagreements–but they have to work together
• Why they take a 30-day rotation to live with their mom full-time since her recent fall and femur break
• How organizations like Visiting Angels offer help and support–though it is expensive and somewhat unpredictable
• How Chantal and her sisters participate in activities and TV shows with their mom that she enjoys so she can keep her routine
• How to prepare aging parents to watch out for scams and telemarketers
• Chantal’s advice about preparing for your own “Golden Years”:
• Know your numbers (social security, 401K, retirement, insurance, etc.).
• See a financial planner and discuss goals.
• Why it is essential to get medical proxy and power of attorney in place
• Takeaways from Chantal about caring for aging parents: “Respect the parent’s need to be independent for as long as possible. Understand the safety issues. Don’t get into analysis paralysis. Explore the resources that are available in your area. Be flexible. Understand their physical and mental limitations with empathy. Be patient.”
• Why self-care is important when caring for an aging parent–along with keeping a sense of humor

Resources:

Connect with Chantal:  Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Everyone faces difficulties in life, but it is truly a gift to use those challenges to inspire and motivate others. Join us for a megadose of creativity and inspiration from our guest!

Kayla Nixon is a blogger, first-time author, and former PreK teacher. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Old Dominion University, and she has written A Black Woman’s Coffee Table Book: Commentary on Life, Loss, and Love. Even at her young age, Kayla uses her digital platform to showcase her work as a photographer and writer, broadly addressing themes of travel, black womanhood, loss, love, and more. 

Show Highlights:

• Kayla’s inspiration to write her book and fulfill a lifelong dream
• How Kayla realized that her journal writing of encouragement to herself could become a book to help others
• Why Kayla decided that her book should be a coffee table book for black women
• How Kayla shares her personal experiences in her book, which are highlighted by her uterine cancer diagnosis and her mom’s cancer journey and subsequent death
• How Kayla realized that, even at a young age, her story could be inspirational and helpful to others
• Why Kayla wanted to encourage people to think about how to change their approach to life, love, and loss
• How Kayla learned to be specific about what she needed in a time of loss
• Why you need to identify your “top three” or “top five” people whom you can count on
• How therapy helped Kayla face her difficult challenges
• What it means to “choose abundance”
• What healthy love looks like
• How meditation and prioritizing herself have brought peace and abundance to Kayla
• Why and how Kayla began traveling, even in the time of COVID, and has seen different perspectives and insights from people around the world
• Life lessons from Kayla:
• “You have to learn how to pivot and be OK with it.”
• “Listen to yourself–and not all the other voices.”

Resources:

Follow Kayla on Instagram.

Find A Black Woman’s Coffee Table Book at regular booksellers or at www.blackwomanscoffeetablebook.co.  

Are you in a pandemic funk? If you feel like life has been reduced to dragging yourself to the computer every day for endless Zoom meetings, this is the show for you. If pajama pants and an old college t-shirt have become your everyday attire, help is on the way! It’s time to do life differently! Join us to learn more!

Dr. Camille Jones, aka “Mrs. Doc Jones,” is a well-known therapist in the Washington, DC, area. She is the perfect person to help us get out of the funk we may feel due to the continued monotony of the COVID pandemic. She teaches everyone to approach each new day as an opportunity to embrace wellness. 

Show Highlights:

• How a big part of the population is having a difficult time with the new face of socialization, while introverts are thriving
• How Dr. Camille’s practice and work with couples have changed over the last couple of years
• How even the way we dress and approach each day have changed as more and more people work from home
• How getting up and getting dressed is part of the prescription for wellness, along with fresh air, sunlight, and self-care practices
• Why Dr. Camille teaches black women to stop wearing the “strong black woman badge” that is only stalling us and telling us we never need help
• Why we need emotional wellness and need to raise our hands when we need rescue
• How it’s OK to depend on Christ and your faith—along with therapy
• How the “George Floyd effect” has added to emotional stress by making politics an unavoidable conversation and thrusting some black people into unfair leadership positions
• How the division and inclusion movement is falling short
• Dr. Camille’s other endeavors include being a mediator in family court in divorce situations and promoting workplace wellness and cultural transformation
• Her book, The Divorced Land of Sam’s, and Clinicianfest, a platform for mental health practitioners to help stamp out the stigma about mental wellness
• Key takeaways from Dr. Camille, Gayle, and Tia: 
• Take charge of your mental wellness. Get up and get dressed each day. Take time off when needed, and prioritize self-care.
• Take an emotional wellness inventory of what makes you feel good and brings you joy. Make a list and plan to do at least three of those things right away. Schedule and participate!
• Check on others and make sure they are OK. Watch for the warning signs of mental health problems. Be nosy when you need to!

Resources:

Connect with Mrs. Doc Jones on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Find her book, The Divorced Land of Sam’s: Sam Has Two of Everything Now by Dr. Camille Adams Jones.

Check out her mental health and wellness platform for practitioners at www.clinicianfest.com. 

Life is full of adventures, and we don’t know what’s coming next. We can have a plan for the future, but the unexpected is sure to come. It’s important to approach each new step with purpose. Join us for an inspiring conversation in today’s show!

Denise Cliatt is a dear friend from our college days. She is a mother, businesswoman, entrepreneur, and author who lives in New Jersey. Denise has asked herself the question about what’s next, and she’s answered it in powerful ways. Her inspiring story teaches us all how to “turn it up” in life!

Show Highlights:

• How Denise has tackled new things in recent years after a 30-year career with Prudential
• How Denise’s retirement came about in miraculous timing as she asked God to help her do more—right before COVID-19 hit the world
• How Denise’s post-retirement plan was changed because of the Beauty Counter business
• How Denise’s unprecedented success with Beauty Counter came about
• Denise’s newest endeavor with her business partner to encourage others in entrepreneurship, Twelves@12
• Why Denise, as a single mom, loves the flexibility and freedom that come with life as an entrepreneur
• How God kept confirming to Denise that she was on the right path
• How Denise handles the fears that come with entrepreneurship and new leaps of faith
• How Denise co-authored the anthology called Unstoppable Black Woman: Sisterhood Edition
• How the book is uniquely structured to feature writings by more than 30 authors
• Denise’s advice: “Be open to a different route than what you have planned, and never give up on your dream.”
• How Denise became a mom through adoption
• How Denise has battled mental health issues and looks forward to what’s coming next for her in life
• Final takeaways from Denise, Gayle, and Tia: “Be open to how things can happen in unexpected ways. Keep moving forward and be positive.” 

Resources:

Connect with Denise: Instagram and Facebook

https://twelvesat12.com  

Unstoppable Black Woman: Sisterhood Edition, a compilation by Donna Izzard

Do you live your life according to a to-do list? If so, you know that list can be overwhelming amidst the busyness of everyday life. Join us to learn why goal-setting isn’t just for the workplace anymore but can transform our personal lives and help us feel more productive.

Yolanda Mitchell Williams is a two-time bestselling author, pastor, and personal results coach. Her desire is to help women move from the hustle in their lives, operate in their unique flow, and accomplish their big goals and dreams. 

Show Highlights:

• Why it is important to have goals for our personal lives
• Why we, as women, have a hard time putting our own goals first
• Why change is a good thing when it comes to accomplishing goals
• Why you should share your goals with others and write them down
• The difference in a goal and a wish
• How to apply SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals in your personal life
• What happens when we don’t follow through with our goals
• Why accountability is a key in accomplishing goals
• How to break down big goals into realistic steps along the way
• How to consider the WHY of your goal: Is the WHY big enough? Are you clear on the WHY?
• How COVID has played into our goal achievement
• The importance of giving yourself grace each day and giving space for your plan to change
• Why it is important to get input from your family members–because they can help you
• How the WHY of your goal is tied to the reward, which will keep you motivated
• Why Yolanda wrote her latest book, Prioritize Your Life
• Key takeaways from Gail, Tia, and Yolanda: “Give yourself grace, change your plan, course correct, and keep it moving! Even in the hustle of life, you can still achieve and go after the goal you want!”

Resources:

www.prioritizeyourlifebook.com  

Traveling to new places is the dream of many people, but we are so hesitant to take risks. As women, we usually sacrifice for our families to the point that we can’t explore like we want. Join us to meet today’s inspiring guest who has taken the leap to leave familiarity behind and live an amazing life in Europe!

Tamika Stidham is an acquisitions professional by day and a Curvy Haute Curator by night. Overriding all her endeavors is her love of traveling the world, meeting new people, and exploring new places. You’ll hear Tamika’s inspiring story of leaving her humble homebody life in Cleveland behind–with no regrets and no looking back. 

Show Highlights:

• Tamika’s life in Stuttgart, Germany, and why she was inspired to leave Cleveland and explore the world
• How Tamika handles travel in Europe by car, plane, and train, finding it very inexpensive and affordable
• How she navigates language barriers and cultural differences
• Why she tries not to be the “ignorant American” in her communication
• What it was like to pack up and leave her family and country behind
• Why black people are characteristically hesitant to leave family and take new risks and opportunities in new places
• How she has found her “tribe” since moving to Stuttgart in early 2021 and learned to be intentional and communal in forming new relationships
• Among Tamika’s favorite places visited are in Greece: Mykonos, Crete, Corfu, and the Paxi islands; another favorite area is the Champagne region of France
• Life lessons learned by Tamika include:
• “Don’t allow fear to get in the way.”
• “Be open to the unknown and try new things.”
• “Enjoy the beauty of where you are–wherever you are.”
• Tamika’s online boutique, Curvy Haute Designs–and how she runs it to help other women

Resources:

www.prettyhautedesigns.com   

Instagram

Stay tuned for Tamika’s travel and lifestyle blog coming soon at _hautegirltravels. 

Hair. It can drive us crazy, cause us to spend a lot of money, and make us feel beautiful. We know that there is so much more to any woman besides her hair, but that doesn’t stop us from spending the time, money, and effort to get it just right. Join us as we do a deep dive today into healthy hair, healthy eating, and healthy living.

Maria Roach is the Executive Producer of Documentary & Investigation for Black News Channel. She’s a natural beauty enthusiast who is also a wife, mom, breast cancer survivor, and sun-drenched Floridian. 

Show Highlights:

• How black women have been physically harmed by hair products in their efforts to conform to societal norms and expectations
• Why Maria has been digging into Ayurvedic practices for healthy hair, scalp, and skin
• How to figure out what products work best for you
• Maria’s #1 beauty and haircare secret: Go to Target (Listen in to hear why!)
• The importance of moisturizer and proper hydration for healthy hair, along with proper nutrition, rest, and exercise
• How a plant-based diet can help in many ways, along with vitamin supplements
• How Maria took the steps to go to a 75% plant-based diet, using Impossible Foods meat substitutes, Gardein products, and Purple Carrot meal delivery
• How the dietary shifts have helped Maria feel better and function better on a daily basis
• Maria’s current endeavors, like her Instagram page, blog, and her work at Black News Channel
• How the pandemic has brought a disconnect in the black community that has been difficult to navigate
• Why Maria looks forward to having more loving and open conversations in her community about health and wellness
• Maria’s advice to women about going natural with their hair: “Do your research. Know what’s comfortable for you. You can transition using braids or locks. Your natural journey starts where you want it to start, but it can be fun if you have a community around you.” 

Resources:

Connect with Maria for tips, videos, and encouragement: Instagram.

Join the Black At It Vibe Tribe on Facebook

In this first episode of Black At It, you get to meet the women behind the podcast. Gayle Brown and Tia Price have a beautiful friendship that has survived for decades. They actually met in college and all these years later, are still each other's "ride or die".

In this episode, you'll learn about their vision for the show and why after all these years of friendship, they are finally creating this podcast.

Through corporate jobs, marriages, babies, breakups and more, these Gayle and Tia has remained close and they can't wait to share their adventures with you! Join them each week as they bring you an interesting guest, and share some of their adventures with you.

Gayle and Tia want to invite you to join their Vibe Tribe on Facebook. Just search for the Black At It Vibe Tribe.