This week, we welcome back Jessie-Sierra Ross, the self-taught cook, entertaining expert, and creator of Straight to the Hips, Baby, a blog that inspires confidence in the kitchen with from-scratch recipes and step-by-step guides. Jessie-Sierra first joined us in 2021 to share her journey from the stage to her passion for food photography.

Since then, her career has flourished with her debut cookbook, Seasons Around the Table. Tune in as we catch up with Jessie to talk about her evolution in food, photography, and creating unforgettable moments around the table.

Follow Jessie on Instagram or check out her Substack to keep up with her! Visit her website for more information about her brand and book and to see all her delicious recipes!

You can buy Jessie's new book, Seasons Around the Table, wherever books are sold!

If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!

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This week’s guest is Alishia Abodunde, a London-based, self-taught photographer whose work captures the authenticity and intimacy of honest storytelling through still imagery. Alishia first discovered her passion during the lockdown, creating her debut series, Locked Down, which documented the daily lives of two young children navigating a global pandemic. Her talent quickly garnered attention, leading to collaborations with Getty Images and Thomson Reuters, where her stories on South London’s Black-owned ballet school, Pointe Black, and the UK’s only Black Santa experience, Noir Kringle, gained widespread acclaim.

Named one of The Guardian’s Outstanding Agency Photographers of 2023, Alishia’s impactful work has been featured in BBC News, The Financial Times, The Times, and more. As a Black woman in the creative industry, Alishia is driven by a commitment to amplifying diverse voices and sparking meaningful conversations. Join us as we discuss her journey, the inspiration behind her projects, and how she’s using photography to champion underrepresented communities.

See Alishia's incredible work on her website and keep up with her projects by following her on Instagram!

If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!

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This week, we’re joined by Ayser Salman, a multi-talented producer, editor, comedy writer, and author dedicated to bringing stories of underrepresented voices to the forefront. From her Emmy-nominated and Clio-winning docuseries to her role as a writing instructor at LMU, Ayser has built a career around creating impactful, inclusive content. Her work spans major studios like Miramax Films, Disney, and Universal Pictures, where she’s crafted compelling documentaries and original productions. 

Born in Iraq and raised between the Southern U.S. and Saudi Arabia, Ayser grew up navigating the complexities of being "the other," an experience that deeply influenced her storytelling. Her comedic memoir, The Wrong End of the Table, chronicles her journey of growing up Iraqi Muslim in Kentucky and is now being adapted into a TV series. Join us as Ayser reflects on her unique path, her passion for telling untold stories, and how she uses humor and heart to connect with audiences.

You can keep up with Ayser by following her on Instagram or visiting her website!

If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!

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In this episode, Shelly is joined by Stephanie Swane, the publisher of Modernist Cuisine. With over 25 years in publishing, Stephanie has helmed numerous projects that dive into the science and art of cooking, leading global research trips focused on bread, pastries, and pizza. Her expertise is rooted in deep collaborations with baking experts and industry leaders to bring a comprehensive understanding of culinary topics to Modernist Cuisine’s audience. 

Before joining Modernist Cuisine, Stephanie worked with major publishers like Simon & Schuster and Reader’s Digest, collaborating with some of the world’s largest brands, including Disney, Amazon Publishing, and Warner Bros. She also actively highlights trailblazing women in the pizza industry, hosting the Women in Pizza IG Live series and moderating panels across the US, Canada, and the UK. Join us as Stephanie shares her journey and her dedication to celebrating culinary excellence and innovation.

You can keep up with Stephanie's Women in Pizza IG Lives by following their Instagram! You can also follow Stephanie's personal Instagram and check out the Modernist Cuisine website for more information about her books!

If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

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In this episode, we're talking with Jen Schmitz, an artist agent with REDEYE, an agency known for supporting voice-driven, art-focused work, blending commercial projects with the freedom for artists to pursue personal creative visions.
Jen shares how her diverse career path—from political science to administration—has shaped her approach as an agent and how every experience can lead to realizing your passion. Based in California, Jen is dedicated to connecting artists with opportunities that align with their dreams and unique creative voices.

You can keep up with Jen (and her adorable dog photos) on Instagram! See all her incredible artists on the Redeye Reps website!

If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!

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Say hello to Tori Spadaro Weintraub, a photographer, creative director, and producer for photoshoots and music video shoots! Tori's passion lies in crafting content that sparks wonder and captures authentic emotion. Her dynamic approach allows her to create visually compelling stories that resonate deeply with audiences.
 
After initially pursuing a career in nursing, Tori found her true calling in creative direction and visual storytelling. Tune in to learn about her journey, her creative process, and how she brings each project to life.

You can see Topri's incredible work on her website or by following her on Instagram!

If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!

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Today Shelly is chatting with Hollie Fraser, an award-winning multidisciplinary Creative Director with over 15 years of experience developing compelling concepts, repositioning brands, and garnering media attention for clients. Known for her ability to craft modern, talkable ideas that earn attention in today's media landscape, Hollie's work has been recognized by prestigious awards including Cannes Lions, Clio Image Awards, The Webbys, and BIMAs.

As the founder of We Are Shelance, a global network of female freelance creatives, Hollie champions the power of diverse, creative perspectives. Her career spans work with ad agencies, PR agencies, production companies, and startups, focusing on art direction, campaign development, and brand voice for industries ranging from beauty to tech.

You can keep up with Hollie and her incredible work by visiting her website or following her on Instagram! Be sure to also check out the We Are Shelance site!

If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!

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Today we're talking with Iri Greco,  a photographer and video producer whose journey into photography began after spending over a decade working as a chef and food stylist. From her time in restaurant kitchens and bartending to styling for TV shows like Martha Stewart and Food Network, Iri brings a deep understanding of food and the people who create it.

Now the co-owner of BrakeThrough Media, a photo agency specializing in active lifestyle, sports, and food culture, Iri’s work is a unique blend of visual storytelling that captures the essence of both movement and flavor. Tune in as we explore her fascinating career path and how her love for food informs her work behind the camera.

You can keep up with Iri and check out her incredible work by visiting her website or checking out her Instagram!

If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!

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In this episode, we’re joined by Helynn Ospina, a photographer, artist, and storyteller. Born in Colombia and raised in the U.S. as an undocumented immigrant, Helynn’s journey has been shaped by the search for identity. Her path has been anything but conventional, from serving in the U.S. Marines to working in scientific research, all while her passion for photography quietly grew.

Helynn’s work reflects her deep curiosity and connection to both the seen and unseen. Her unique perspective has led her to collaborate with brands like AirBNB, WeWork, and Martha Stoumen Wines, with her art featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Communication Arts. Tune in as we explore how her journey and creative vision continue to evolve, and how she sees each photograph as the start of a larger conversation.

You can see Helynn's beautiful work and keep up with her by following her on Instagram and checking out her website!

If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!

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Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Sandy Grigsby! Sandy started as a commercial model for major brands like T-Mobile, Apple, and Cadillac, and later transitioned into designing celebrity websites with top photographers in LA. Despite her success, Sandy faced her own struggles with self-image, but everything changed when she embraced photography.

She discovered a talent for capturing stunning portraits of people who hated being in front of the camera, helping them see the beauty and confidence they never knew they had. Today, she speaks on international stages and shares her journey of overcoming self-doubt and embracing her own greatness.

You can keep up with Sandy on Instagram, LinkedIn, or by visiting her website!

If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!

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