Francheska Medina, lovingly known as Hey Fran Hey, has had to learn to find balance, say no, and discern what’s best for her life just like anyone else. In this episode, BGIO Founder and Creative Director Lauren Ash and BGIO Art Director Deun Ivory chat with lifestyle influencer and fellow wellness podcaster Fran about the power of establishing boundaries, recalibrating your energy, and being intentional about how and what you focus your energies on. Fran gets vulnerable in sharing her personal journey of self-healing from a life-threatening health scare and how listening to her body and reassessing her relationship to work and lifestyle choices ultimately led her toward holistic wellness. This episode is a must-listen for anyone standing at a crossroads in your career, lifestyle, and health, or anyone who needs a reminder about the power of intention and loving, supportive relationships.

This episode is sponsored by Afro Hair & Skin Co., an independent afro beauty and wellness business located along the beautiful English coast. Afro Hair & Skin Co. is dedicated to creating truly organic and natural products carefully crafted by hand, using fresh natural, and locally sourced ingredients that will feed your skin and hair with all the goodness necessary to blossom and be truly healthy. BGIO listeners get to enjoy 10% off using the code pureplantmagic, so shop their site today to find your new favorite skincare product!

In this episode, Black Girl In Om Founder Lauren Ash and Art Director Deun Ivory chat with singer-songwriter, poet and Chicago native Jamila Woods. They connect about their self-care practices and the meaning and powerful process behind Jamila's new music video for her single “Holy”. Lauren, Deun, and Jamila also explore why they create for women of color, their collaborative community in Chicago, and Jamila shares her poem “Black Girl Art”.

In this episode, Black Girl In Om Founder Lauren Ash and Art Director Deun Ivory share five challenges that they have faced in their journeys in becoming creative entrepreneurs and how they have overcome them. From how to stay committed and convicted in your craft to staying present through the lows and highs of working for yourself, Lauren and Deun drop knowledge gained from their own inspiring journeys. This conversation speaks to anyone who is interested in starting their own business, charing their creative work or learning how to stay true to themselves.

This episode is sponsored by Bantu, a free app which helps you find local hairstylists for kinky, coily, and curly hair. Bantu caters to women with both relaxed/natural hair textures and is available on iPhones and Androids! Download Bantu app today and follow them on Instagram @bantuapp for hairstyle inspiration.

In this episode, Black Girl In Om Founder Lauren Ash and Art Director Deun Ivory talk all things skincare with beauty writer and BGIO contributor Siraad Dirshe. Lauren and Deun ask their pressing skincare questions and the three ladies dive into how to become a beauty writer, the importance of representation in the beauty world, Siraad’s favorite beauty trends, DIY beauty and more! Be sure to continue to follow Siraad's journey on her Instagram page @sdirshe.

In this episode, Black Girl in Om Founder Lauren Ash and Art Director Deun Ivory chat with popular Atlanta based yogi Chelsea Loves Yoga. In this lively conversation, Chelsea shares how she turned to yoga, her passion for working with young women of color, and how she cultivates community through yoga. From studying black female ancestors to evaluating her own wellness practice, listeners will learn how Chelsea dives deep and brings her valuable work full circle. This episode is must-listen for anyone looking to learn more about yoga or deepen their yoga practice! Love this conversation? Follow along Chelsea's journey by following her on Instagram: @ChelseaLovesYoga. If you're ever in Atlanta, check out Chelsea's non-profit Red Clay Yoga.

In this episode, the Black Girl In Om podcast officially kicks off Season Two with BGIO Founder and Creative Director Lauren Ash and new BGIO Art Director Deun Ivory sharing what they have been up to lately. From discussing new directions with Black Girl In Om's online publication, to personal creative projects, both ladies give highlights about their lives in this moment. They share insights about how to remain present during times of transition and excitement and also give listeners tips about how to cultivate self-care and balance with a full plate. Lastly, they hint at some exciting guests and topics to come. This episode's sponsor is Piper Wai. Piper Wai is the first naturally powerful, aluminum-free deodorant that uses activated charcoal to absorb wetness and fight odor.

The Black Girl In Om podcast returns with Season Two featuring new BGIO Art Director Deun Ivory and BGIO Founder and Creative Director Lauren Ash as your co-hosts! This season, expect conversations about mental health, skincare, current issues, music, and, of course, yoga. An amazing line-up of guests join Lauren and Deun this season, including some of today's leading ladies in the wellness and beauty industries. Take a deep breath, open your heart, and get ready for necessary conversations about holistic wellness, self-care, and inner beauty as women of color!

In this episode, co-hosts Lauren Ash and Zakkiyyah Najeebah and special guest Deun Ivory take questions from the Black Girl In Om community in the season one finale of the BGIO Podcast. This lively and candid conversation covers several topics like some of their favorite books, advice on developing a consistent yoga practice, and their go-to self care practices for breaking out of a rut. Zakkiyyah gives a bitter sweet goodbye as she announces her transition out of the BGIO Team and meditates on her two years as Art Director. Look out for new episodes of the podcast in Feburary 2017 hosted by Lauren Ash and Deun Ivory.

In this episode, co-hosts Lauren Ash and Zakkiyyah Najeebah invite Tracy G., self-proclaimed “edutainer, emotional empowerer, and trillass individual” onto the show. They dive into the power of affirmations, Tracy’s unique origins empowering other women, and Tracy’s approach to her incredibly transparent and inspiring platform and podcast She’s Beauty and the Beast. Nod your head in agreement (and laugh!) with Tracy G., as she candidly and eloquently discusses emotional empowerment, the power of writing affirmations in battling imposter syndrome, how she stumbled (serendipitously) into sharing her once-private audio vision boards, and her suggestions for how we should approach our creative projects. After listening (and relistening) to this powerful episode, learn more about Tracy G. by visiting ShesBeautyAndTheBeast.com.

In this episode, Black Girl in Om goes live for the first time at the first annual Chicago Podcast Festival! Co-hosts Lauren Ash and Zakkiyyah Najeebah have an illuminating discussion inspired by BGIO's Visual Content Director and special guest Deun Ivory's blog post on comparison stifling creativity. They share their thoughts on avoiding comparison, avoiding burn out in creative entrepreneurship, and remaining authentic no matter what. Listeners will also find a guided meditation by Lauren to end one of their liveliest chats yet.

Thanks to our episode 012 partner Sir & Madame, a husband & wife owned brand and boutique, dedicated to styling the Urban Sophisticate through its offering of clothing, accessories & apothecary goods. Sir & Madame provided styling for this live episode.