Confidence & Creativity

For the final episode of the season, which just happens to be on "National Publicist Day," we decided to switch it up and let you hear from one of our expert instructors from the "Publicize Like a Pro!" masterclass coming up November 9 - 11.  Portia has been in social media for nearly 10 years and teaches professional women the mindset and systems they need to be taken seriously on LinkedIn - the most underrated social media platform, but the one where serious coins are made!  Tune in, take notes, and join us for Publicize Like a Pro on November 9 - 11 to learn more! Register here and use the code READY to get $100 off until 11:59 p.m. tonight! #NationalPublicistDay #publicrelations #publicity #branding #socialmedia #socialmediamarketing #socialmediastrategy

On today’s podcast episode, we’re talking with Kiara J. Mason, content marketing expert and recent winner of Ms. Mompreneur 2021. She talks about her unique transition from social worker to marketing agency owner and, most importantly, how God uses every part of our life story.  Kiara J. Mason is the Co-owner and Content Marketing Strategist of MTM Creative Imaging & Co., a full service social media marketing agency that she and her husband, Jerred operate together.   She is the proud mom of a daughter River and son Levi.  Something that sets Kiara apart is that she is a trained social worker and she uses her clinical and people skills to get to the heart of her client’s message to help them reach their targeted audience.   In 2016, Kiara and her husband started a YouTube Channel called Meet the Masons and was later picked up by a television network. As brand partnerships came, she and her husband decided to start their agency to help other business owners increase their visibility online.   Kiara is very open about the struggles she has had and she has used her story to bless others. Her experiences with postpartum depression led her to create Mommy Shower™, Inc., nonprofit that seeks to shower mothers with empowerment, resources, education and community in their prenatal and postpartum stages to ensure that mothers are prioritizing their well being and walking in the fullness of who they are.  Kiara uses her expertise and joy to serve high-achieving, well-respected female leaders and equip them  to put their best image forward online and scale their business through social media marketing.

On this episode, we speak with Keonna Shaw about her personal confidence journey and how she's been able to hold onto faith even in the midst of tragic situations.  Keonna Shaw is a Christian Blogger, Mentor, Public Speaker and Servant to the people and places God assigns her. Her mission is to equip Christian women on how to build godly confidence, develop an intimate relationship with God, and how to grow in your faith unapologetically. Her most rewarding role is as a wife and a mother to their two miracle sons.  Keonna  has been graced with resilience throughout her life’s journey and is confident that God has called her to be an encourager to those struggling with blooming where God has planted them.

Follow her on Instagram @keonnashaw and her website www.keonnashaw.com.

On today's episode, I chat with Aaron M. Tucker, a cinematographer and filmmaker who is passionate about simple human stories, told with bold perspective. He strives to create images that feel lived in, humanized, and convey a sense of art, soul and journey. 

Aaron is a recent graduate of American University’s graduate film program and currently works as a director of photography in the DMV area.  After trying several positions, he developed a passion for motion pictures. In this episode he shares how he started out making his own projects, collaborated with friends, and then worked his way up the camera department.   

Aaron is grateful to have filmmaking as an outlet for expression, as a way to connect with others, and to constantly challenge myself.

Connect with Aaron on IG at @aaronmichaeltucker. You can view the "Black Women in Opera" project he mentioned on his website aaronmtucker.com.

Tune in for the replay of my conversation last year with Tanna Abraham, Founder of Women on Purpose, a faith-based, non-profit organization that seeks to educate women to understand the meaning of purpose, provide them with the resources to discover their purpose and empower them to walk in their purpose. Women on Purpose is hosting its 2021 conference on October 8 and 9. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. For more details, follow @tannaabraham and @women.on.purpose on Instagram. 

Jewelry designer, graphic artist, and creative visionary Qwishuna "Shuna" Smith shares her journey and what she's learned about success, purpose, and how to kill comparison.  Shuna was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. Her attention to detail through brand identity, design, art, and production, brings a unique perspective to business and culture. She is the founder, artist and designer behind Lobe' Dangle, a Haute Couture Leather Accessory Collection that embodies edgy and classic styles. It is "wearable art" for the lady who loves to make a bold, fashionable statement with one-of-a-kind pieces, and has been featured on local and national media outlets, local galleries, festivals, and more.  Shuna’s background includes: studying Graphic Design, Industrial Sewing through Open Works’ Sew Lab, and Metal Fabrications at the Baltimore Jewelry Center. In 2019, she was selected as an official “Made In Baltimore” maker.   This year, Shuna was appointed as President of the DMV Chapter of the WJA (Women's Jewelry Association).   Lastly, she is the co-founder of Creative Development Studios (CDS), a major "vehicle" in which she creates brand designs that have garnered clients over a million dollars of sales inquiries, and the company she began alongside her husband 15 years ago.   All of these experiences, combined with her innate creativity, have helped to develop Qwishuna into the multi-faceted designer, business owner, and industry leader that she is today.  Follow her on IG @lobedangle or online www.lobedangle.com

As high achievers, we often find ourselves doing "all the things." How often do you make time for silence and stillness? Today, we're talking with life coach Rebbecca Bakre - we'll hear about her journey and the major life transitions that helped her build her confidence.  

She provides virtual one-on-one coaching sessions, guided retreats and workshops to women and women-focused organizations who desire to take the limits off.  Becca is also an author who writes to help women of color see their power and experience our fullest potential. Author of The Black Woman in Leadership’s Survival Guide, and Go Be HER!   This year, she started Captivative Coaching a based firm that exists to help women escape and heal from broken patterns.  Captivative Coaching also provides organizational coaching to companies seeking to align with healthier cultures and systems that do not oppress their most valuable player, the woman.

In between sessions, you can find her on her blog, outdoors tending to her earthy side, snuggled up under a book, or rocking out to something with a beat sampled from the 70’s.  

Follow Becca on Instagram @yourfavelifecoach and on Twitter @yourfaveLC.  

This year, people are quitting their jobs like never before! In April 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics calculated 4 million people in the US alone quit their jobs.  And a recent survey showed that 93%  of the people who are still in their jobs feel unfulfilled.    

So how do you know if it's time to go? What is the best decision - corporate or entrepreneurship? Is your personal brand strong enough to position you for your next opportunity, client, or position? We talk about all of this and more in today's episode.  

Melissa Fleury is an executive coach and founder of The Branded Career, a coaching and consulting agency focused on developing and retaining diverse millennial talent in the workplace. The Branded Career has helped clients secure on average 30% increases in salary, leadership roles, and strengthen soft skills to stand out in the workplace. The Branded Career’s mission is to provide services, programming, and content that empowers professionals and provides companies with resources and training to develop their top talent.   Professionally, Melissa currently works as a senior asset manager for a large REIT and has managed nearly $1B in property value across the country. She has a passion for all things real estate and leadership development. She received her B.A. in Economics from Stony Brook University and currently resides in Long Island, NY.  

How do you build the patience to cultivate your talents and move from gifting to mastery? Tune in for my conversation with Stephen Felton - pianist, keyboardist, composer, producer, songwriter, singer...all of the things! 

Stephen shares what helps him stay consistent and fight through the growing pains of going from amateur to expert.  Born and raised in Baltimore, Stephen began singing as a teenager. He studied classical piano at Morgan State University and served in various music ministry roles. After graduating, he transitioned his focus to R&B and jazz. In 2016, Stephen moved to Cincinnati, Ohio and began a career as a music teacher in the public school system. Since relocating, Stephen has maintained a dedication to church music while growing as a jazz artist.