Welcome back to Creatively Opposed, a podcast where we hear real-life stories from first-generation creatives about their journeys. I’m your host, Teneka King, and today I am joined by Lauren Harewood a design and art director.

After years of feeling unseen, unheard, and underpaid in the advertising world, Lauren decided enough was enough. We talk about the bold choice to opt out of traditional systems, the emotional labor of being “the only one,” and the joy of finally working with people and brands that reflect your values. If you’ve ever felt like the system wasn’t made for you—this episode is your reminder that you can build your own.

Ways you can connect with Lauren:

Follow her on Instagram here.

View her work here.

Ways you can connect with me:

Follow me on Instagram here and subscribe to my newsletter here. 

Welcome to Creatively Opposed, a podcast where we hear real life stories from first generation creatives about their journeys. 

I am your host Teneka King, and in today’s episode I am joined by Olu Gbenga Obafemi. He is a multidisciplinary creative, who works in music, film, production and more.  

In this episode we talk about the struggle—and power—of refusing to fit into a single box. From music to filmmaking to creative direction, Olu has built a career embracing every aspect of his artistry, despite the pressure to choose just one path.

We dive into how he navigated expectations, overcame doubts, and found confidence in his multifaceted identity. If you’ve ever felt like you had to pick one passion or justify your creative pursuits, this episode is for you.

Tune in as we explore what it means to own your creative gifts, break free from rigid labels, and redefine success on your own terms.

Ways you can connect with Olu:

Follow him on Instagram here.

Stream his music here.

Check out his work here.

Ways you can connect with me:

Follow me on Instagram here and subscribe to my newsletter here.

Welcome back to Creatively Opposed, a podcast where we hear real-life stories from first-generation creatives about their journeys. I’m your host, Teneka King, and today I am joined by Jayde Powell, a social strategist and content creator, who founded the creative agency, The Em Dash Co, and host of #CreatorTeaTalk.

Jayde shares her journey of leaving the corporate grind to embrace creativity and independence. We discuss navigating career shifts, overcoming people-pleasing tendencies, and using social media as a personal form of expression. And most importantly, we talk about the importance of joy in success, and why questioning the status quo is key for growth.

Ways you can connect with Jayde: 

Follow her on Instagram here.

Check out her work here. 

Ways you can connect with me:

Follow me on Instagram here and subscribe to my newsletter here. 

Welcome back to Creatively Opposed, a podcast where we hear real-life stories from first-generation creatives about their journeys. 

I’m your host, Teneka King and today I am joined by Dondre Green, a Bronx-based image maker, director, as well as, the CEO of Bronx Narratives and co-founder Salem production company.

Dondre opens up about his early influences, the challenges of pursuing a creative career as a first-generation Jamaican-American, and the importance of trusting the vision—even when the path isn’t clear. Throughout the conversation, we explore the power of representation, the struggles of navigating the creative industry without a blueprint, and the balance between purpose and artistic exploration. 

Ways you can connect with Dondre: 

Follow him on Instagram here and check out his work here. 

Follow Salem on Instagram here and check out their work here.

Follow Bronx Narratives on Instagram here and check out their publication here. 

Ways you can connect with me:

Follow me on Instagram here and subscribe to my newsletter here. 

Welcome back to Creatively Opposed, a podcast where we hear real-life stories from first-generation creatives about their journeys. 

In this special solo episode, host Teneka King reflects on the realities of rejection, the weight of perfectionism, and the beauty of embracing your unique story as a first-generation creative. From lessons learned through personal challenges to the inspiring creativity of global artists like Bad Bunny and Kendrick Lamar, Teneka explores how owning your individuality can make all the difference.

Tune in for encouragement, insight, and a reminder that your brilliance is worth celebrating.

Ways you can connect with me:

Follow me on Instagram here and subscribe to my newsletter here.

Welcome back to Creatively Opposed, a podcast where we hear real-life stories from first-generation creatives about their journeys. 

I am your host, Teneka King and in today’s episode I’m joined by Sutanya Dacres. She is a Paris-based writer, podcaster, and cook.

Sutanya shares her inspiring journey of resilience after a life-changing event, and reflects on how she rebuilt her life—and her identity—one meal at a time. Through her brand Dinner for One, which spans a podcast, a memoir, and a supper club, Sutanya has turned her love of cooking and storytelling into a powerful tool for healing, self-discovery, and connection. Together we explore themes of identity, embracing imperfection, and the freedom that comes from letting go of expectations.

Ways you can connect with Sutanya:

Follow her on Instagram here.

Get a copy of her book here.

Ways you can connect with me:

Follow me on Instagram here and subscribe to my newsletter here.

Welcome to Creatively Opposed, a podcast where we hear real life stories from first-generation creatives about their journeys.

I'm your host, Teneka King, and in this episode I am joined by Gladimir Gelin. He is a photographer, director and founder of New York Made, a production company based in New York City.

In this episode, Glad shares his creative journey, cultural influences, and the challenges of navigating the creative industry as a self-taught artist. We delve into topics like using social media as a tool, the impact of AI on creativity, and how cultural upbringing shapes one’s perspective on success and perfection and the importance of versatility in filmmaking. Glad also shares valuable insights on finding your "why" and the courage to take career leaps.

Ways you can keep up with Glad:

Follow him on Instagram here and check out his work here and here.

Ways you can keep up with me:

Follow me on Instagram here and subscribe to my newsletter here.

Welcome to Creatively Opposed, a podcast where we hear real life stories from first-generation creatives about their journeys.

I'm your host, Teneka King, and in this episode I am joined by Kamille Glenn. She is an incredible an interior designer, educator, and founder of DSGNRS WRKSHP.

Kamille shares her inspiring journey from designing world-class hospitality spaces to creating a community that uplifts Black makers in the design industry. Together, we discuss the challenges of being a Black creative, overcoming burnout, and finding purpose through intentionality and connection.

Ways you can keep up with Kamille:

Follow her on Instagram here and check out DSGNRS WRKSHP here and here.

Ways you can keep up with me:

Follow me on Instagram here and subscribe to my newsletter here.

Welcome to Creatively Opposed, a podcast where we hear real life stories from first-generation creatives about their journeys.

I'm your host, Teneka King, and in this episode I am joined by Stacy-Ann Ellis, a dynamic creative whose career spans journalism, advertising, photography, and more. Stacy shares how her Caribbean heritage, early love for writing, and supportive family shaped her creative aspirations. We discuss the challenges of navigating nontraditional career paths and finding success on her terms, mentorship, as well as, money and the importance of building confidence and self-worth.

Ways you can keep up with Stacy:

Follow her on Instagram here and check out her work here.

Ways you can keep up with me:

Follow me on Instagram here and subscribe to my newsletter here.

Welcome to Creatively Opposed, a podcast where we hear real life stories from first-generation creatives about their journeys.

I'm your host Teneka King, and in today's episode I am joined by Nate Nichols. He is the founder and Creative Director of the creative agency Palette Group and has worked with brands like Netflix, Footlocker, Puma, Xbox, and many more.

In this episode we discuss Nate's upbringing as a first-generation Jamaican-Haitian American in Connecticut, navigating cultural identities, and discovering his passion for creativity at a young age. He shares the highs and lows of his creative turned entrepreneurial journey, going from freelancer to agency founder, and why his experiences led him to create safe spaces for creatives that prioritizes inclusivity and authentic self-expression.

Ways to connect with Nate:

Follow him on Instagram here.

Check out Palette Group's work here and here.

Ways to keep up with me:

Follow me on Instagram here and subscribe to my newsletter here.