In this episode of It Takes A Village, Delina speaks with Kendra Butler, founder of Alpyn Beauty. After feeling burnt out from the high-powered NYC lifestyle in the beauty industry, Kendra transitioned to a more relaxed pace in life in Jackson Hole. Personally experiencing the challenges of using beauty products in extreme climates, she was inspired to launch Alpyn Beauty, a skincare line blending wild, sustainably harvested plants with natural skincare benefits with clinically proven skincare ingredients.

Kendra shares with us her transition from working with beauty brands in NY to living and starting Alpyn Beauty Bar in Jackson Hole. She talks about the challenges of curating and then crafting beauty solutions for extreme climates, getting support from retailers like Credo and Goop before having her own product line, pitching to Sephora, and what partnerships with retailers look like. We dive into the experience of harvesting wild plants in the mountains, creating her own plant-based extracts, and the behind the scenes of her well-loved Alpyn products. Kendra also shares with us the importance of sticking with your skincare routine, understanding skin purging, and what it’s like working alongside her husband.

Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, beauty, or the journey of turning a passion into a thriving business, this episode with Kendra is filled with valuable lessons and inspiration that will motivate you to just go for it.

Learn more about Kendra:

A former Manhattanite and 20-year beauty industry veteran, Kendra Kolb Butler first created Alpyn Beauty for the clients at her Jackson Hole apothecary, Alpyn Beauty Bar. She’s led sales, marketing and public relations initiatives at leading luxury beauty companies from Givenchy and Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare to Clarins and Coty, yet her proudest achievement to date has been finding the courage to trade her high-power NYC lifestyle for (quite literally) greener pastures. In 2015, Kendra swapped her high-heels for hiking shoes, moving west to Wyoming in search of open spaces, fresh mountain air, and serenity—husband, baby boy, and German Shepherd in tow. She became instantly enchanted with the wild forests of arnica and chamomile, which make up her new backyard, and became the basis for Alpyn Beauty-a fast-growing skincare brand utilizing hand-harvested Jackson Hole wild plants combined with clinical ingredients. The brand is currently sold in all Sephora's nationwide as well as Amazon, Bluemercury and Credo Beauty.

Connect with Kendra:

@kendrakbutler

@alpynbeauty

Get Alpyn Beauty's Clarifying Facial Oil — a two-form retinol paired with salicylic acid + wild red raspberries from the mountains of Jackson Hole at alpynbeauty.com

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S3. Ep. 51 Wow, I can’t believe we’re here—50 episodes of It Takes a Village! 🎉 I’m sitting here reflecting on everything it’s taken to get to this moment, and I just feel so much gratitude. Gratitude for this journey, for every single guest who has said “yes” to being part of this, and especially for YOU, my village—for showing up, listening, and being part of this village we’ve built together.

When I started this podcast four years ago, it was honestly just me trying to figure out how to stay connected during one of the most disconnected times in our lives. It was raw, it was real, and it was just me and my voice—no fancy setups, just heart and zoom. :) And here we are now, 50 episodes later, and I can honestly say this journey has transformed me in ways I never imagined.

So today, I’m inviting you into my heart and head space as I share 50 Episodes, 10 Big Lessons: What I Learned About Manifestation, Integrity, and Leadership Might Surprise You. These lessons are personal. They’re moments that changed me, shaped me, and they wouldn’t exist without the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to sit down with. From learning how manifestation really works, to understanding how attachment styles show up in business, to being reminded of the power of storytelling and the importance of staying rooted in integrity—these lessons have been my lighthouses.

And because this is a celebration, I have to give a special shoutout to our 50th episode with the incomparable Tabitha Brown and Gina Woods. Honestly, sitting with them was like being wrapped in love and wisdom. It was the kind of conversation that reminds you why you started in the first place.

So, grab a cup of tea or coffee (you know I love a good cozy moment), and let’s dive in. This isn’t just about my journey—it’s about OUR journey. This village we’ve built together means everything to me, and I hope today’s reflections remind you of just how powerful, capable, and connected we all are.

I love you. Let’s do this.

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"It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin"⁠⁠ is a podcast series that uncovers the truth that being “self-made” isn’t real. Behind the success of each individual lies a supportive community that uplifts, guides, and encourages them to become.

Starting with Delina Medhin's journey to success as a creative entrepreneur, Delina introduces the people who have supported and inspired her along the way, including family, friends, mentors, and colleagues. Delina believes that everyone needs a village to pursue their dreams, and her story demonstrates the power of community in helping individuals realize their purpose.

The podcast is an honest and inspiring reflection on the importance of pursuing one's passions while building a supportive network of people to provide guidance and encouragement along the way.

Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin.

Join us in this episode of It Takes A Village as Delina sits with Tabitha Brown and Gina Woods, co-founders of Donna’s Recipe. Tabitha, known as “America’s Mom”, is an Emmy award winning actress, NYT bestselling author, and executive producer and host of Food Network’s “It’s CompliPlated.” Gina is a serial social entrepreneur, investor, and business mentor, leading a business mastermind program empowering women to kickstart and expand their ventures and has advised multiple businesses to multi-million dollar companies. Together they make up Donna’s Recipe, which consists of nutrient-rich, clean, vegan ingredients that will keep you coming back and staying consistent on your hair care journey.

Tabitha and Gina take us with them to the beginning of their friendship, Tabitha naming her hair Donna, developing their partnership, and the exciting story of creating Donna’s Recipe together. We get to learn about their journey together in creating content, community building, decision making in their business, making Sweet Potato Pie, challenges of going direct to consumer sales, making products affordable, being self-funded, and their roles and responsibilities as co-founders.

Whether you are one of Donna’s Cousins or eager to learn more about direct to consumer strategies, this episode is for you. Tabitha and Gina will inspire you and give you the push you need to start that business you’ve always wanted to.

Learn more about Tabitha:

Tabitha Brown satisfies the hunger of millions with her unique approach to veganism and her wholesome, comedic personality. From teaching people new recipes, giving a word of wisdom or enjoying a good laugh, she has become “America’s Mom” to her 13 million plus followers.

The North Carolina born, Emmy award winning actress, vegan food personality, mother and wife is a three-time, New York Times bestselling author, multi-NAACP Image Award Winner. She has acted in notable theatrical features on major networks such as Showtime’s, “The Chi", Executive produced and hosted Food Network’s first-ever, vegan cooking competition show, “It’s CompliPlated” and co-created and hosts her own children’s show, Tab Time.

Learn more about Gina:

Gina Woods is a social entrepreneur, investor, and business advisor with a 15-year track record of creating and developing successful beauty brands that prioritize community reinvestment. As a business mentor, Woods leads a business mastermind program empowering women to kickstart and expand their ventures. She has advised multiple businesses to multi-million dollar companies. Additionally, Woods established the LA Kids Entrepreneur Camp, an in-person hands-on educational program for young minds to engage with accomplished entrepreneurs and delve into the essentials of entrepreneurship.

Connect with Tabitha and Gina:

@iamtabithabrown

@ginalosangeles

Get their NEW Whipped Vanilla Cream Styling Collection with real vanilla and biotin at www.donnasrecipe.com

Listen to more episodes of It Takes A Village podcast:

⁠It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin⁠

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In this episode of It Takes A Village, Delina sits with long-time friend and colleague, Felicia Leatherwood. Felicia is among the world’s most celebrated and acclaimed beauty professionals in natural hair care and education. Counting notable clients such as Issa Rae, Lenny Kravitz, Simone Missick, Ryan Michelle Bathe, Sonequa Martin-Green, Ava Duvernay, and Viola Davis. Felicia also developed Texture Management and invented and founded her critically-acclaimed, award winning and patented product line, Brush with the Best.

Felicia shares with us her extensive experience being on set, doing international films, traveling for work and developing a love for travel, prepping before a big job, learning from all the people you work with, and giving back to the younger generation of artists. She tells us of Jill Scott and Lenny Kravitz’ impact in her career and how she stays grounded and close to hairstyling. We will also learn all about her starting Brush with the Best and Texture Management. With everything she has done and is doing, her learnings on self-worth and spirituality will also resonate with anyone who listens. Continuing her mission to spread her message of self-love ever further, Felicia is set to release her highly anticipated book with Simon & Schuster titled Root Therapy.

Whether you are listening as a fan of Felicia or simply wanting to absorb all the knowledge that comes with her experience in the industry, tune in to this episode. It has everything you’d expect and more coming from a full-fledged global hair guru and business founder.

Learn more about Felicia:

As the leading expert in natural hair, Felicia Leatherwood’s larger-than-life career goes beyond just Hollywood – she’s a full-fledged global hair guru. Numbering among the world’s most celebrated and acclaimed beauty professionals, Felicia’s well-established career is built on her fluency in – and deep love for – natural hair care and education. Counting notable clients such as Issa Rae and Emmy nominated productions such as Insecure, American Fiction and Barbie, Grammy winning Lenny Kravitz, Simone Missick (All Rise), Ryan Michelle Bathe (The Endgame), Sonequa Martin-Green (Star Trek: Discovery), Oscar-nominated director Ava Duvernay, and Oscar winner Viola Davis. In between conducting hair care workshops for audiences around the globe, Felicia developed Texture Management, a collective of premiere hair and makeup artists around the country specializing in celebrity clientele in the entertainment industry. Felicia also invented and founded her critically-acclaimed, award winning and patented product line, Brush with the Best, which has earned accolades from customers and industry pros alike. Continuing her mission to spread her message of self-love ever further, Felicia is set to release her highly anticipated book with Simon & Schuster titled Root Therapy.

Connect with Felicia:

IG: @Felicialeatherwood

FB: @Lovingyourhair

Brush with the Best and the Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush was the FIRST brush invented by Felicia that was strategically designed around the flexibility necessary to work with kinkier hair. Get yours at www.brushwiththebest.com.

Listen to more episodes of It Takes A Village podcast:

⁠It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin⁠

Stay updated on everything It Takes A Village podcast:

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In this episode of It Takes A Village we are joined by one of Delina’s good friends, Kayla Greaves, one of the most sought-after and authoritative voices in the beauty and wellness sector. From starting as a writer and editor in Bustle and InStyle interviewing celebrities to working with SheaMoisture, Ulta, and Augustinus Bader in brand campaigns as well as being an expert commentator on HBO’s The Beauty of Blackness and Netflix’s the Black Beauty Effect, Kayla has without a doubt established how her voice has weight in influencing the industry.

Kayla shares with us her experience growing up in Toronto and being encouraged to write from the support of one of her teachers. From writing in the classroom to becoming a successful journalist, getting her Extraordinary Ability Visa and moving to New York, working in Bustle and InStyle, she takes us with her through it all. We also learn a thing or two about being a writer, editor, journalist, and also how developing relationships and your network is important when getting expert sources for your work. As she continues on her journey, we pick up tips on transitioning to becoming an influencer and now an entrepreneur and working for herself. Learning all sorts of skills from all her careers has brought Kayla to now having a product collaboration with Brown Sugar Babe called It Girl.

Whether you are in the middle of a pivot in your career or interested in working in the media space, Kayla’s expertise and inspiring stories, coupled with her gift for storytelling, this episode is for you. Listen in and be part of this captivating conversation.

Learn more about Kayla:

With over 12 years of media experience, Kayla Greaves has become one of the most sought-after and authoritative voices in the beauty and wellness sector—both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Kayla can be seen in brand campaigns for major companies like SheaMoisture, Ulta, and Augustinus Bader as well as an expert commentator on HBO’s The Beauty of Blackness and Netflix’s The Black Beauty Effect. Starting her career as an editor, Kayla has interviewed dozens of notable celebrities over the years, like Tracee Ellis Ross, Pharrell, and Naomi Campbell, just to name a few. Previously holding the title of Executive Beauty Editor at InStyle—and with bylines at prestigious publications such as Vogue, ELLE, and Allure—Kayla’s expertise, coupled with her gift for sparking fun and captivating conversations, has launched the next phase of her career as a true multi-hyphenated storyteller, on-camera talent, and beauty authority.

Connect with Kayla:

@KaylaAGreaves

Listen to more episodes of It Takes A Village podcast:

⁠It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin⁠

Stay updated on everything It Takes A Village podcast:

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"It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin"⁠ is a podcast series that uncovers the truth that being “self-made” isn’t real. Behind the success of each individual lies a supportive community that uplifts, guides, and encourages them to become.

Starting with Delina Medhin's journey to success as a creative entrepreneur, Delina introduces the people who have supported and inspired her along the way, including family, friends, mentors, and colleagues. Delina believes that everyone needs a village to pursue their dreams, and her story demonstrates the power of community in helping individuals realize their purpose.

The podcast is an honest and inspiring reflection on the importance of pursuing one's passions while building a supportive network of people to provide guidance and encouragement along the way.

Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin.

In this episode of It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, we have Brooklyn native and Los Angeles-based Denise Vasi, founder of Maed Beauty. Denise has been known for her modeling and acting career before she pivoted to the digital sector and now as a brand founder. Her influence in the beauty and wellness spaces has brought her awards from Create & Cultivate’s Top 100 to Boss Women of the Year, paving new paths for all women to succeed.

Denise shares with us her journey as a young model and actress and how her experience also led to meeting her husband. She talks about the importance of networking and relationships in the industry and adapting to changes that happen in your life, including pivoting to social media and digital when the time called for it. As a great storyteller, we are captivated by her recalling every pivot of her journey from modeling, to acting, to growing her own community, creating Maed Beauty, creating a product, building her team, overcoming challenges in producing her formula, and manifesting getting in the Sephora Accelerate Program on her first try.

Whether you start listening to the episode as a fan or interested in learning how to pitch and get into programs like Sephora’s, this episode is meant for you. Denise’s life story, led with authenticity and passion, continues to inspire us and everyone around her.

Learn more about Denise:

Brooklyn native and Los Angeles-based Denise Vasi is the founder of Maed Beauty, a clean beauty brand that centers the importance of daily beauty rituals for people who lead multifaceted lives. Everything Maed Beauty creates and champions is through an elevated, experiential lens. The debut collection prioritizes the ritual of lip care with a modern, skincare-first approach.

Denise’s career began in the fashion industry, where she graced the pages of iconic magazines such as Vogue, Glamour, and Elle. She also made her mark on television as the star of VH1’s scripted show “Single Ladies.” Her successful pivot into the digital sector has further solidified her influence in the beauty and wellness spaces.

In 2018, Denise was recognized as one of Create & Cultivate’s Top 100, an annual list honoring 100 inspiring and successful women disrupting the digital industry. She was further celebrated in 2020 as one of the Boss Women of the Year, highlighting female entrepreneurs of color who are paving new paths for all women to succeed.

Denise’s latest venture, Maed Beauty, set to debut in 2024, marks a significant milestone in her career. This new chapter is underscored by her inclusion in Sephora’s prestigious Accelerate program, which supports and amplifies the work of innovative beauty entrepreneurs.

Denise uses social media to share her expertise in clean beauty, health and wellness routines, and self-care rituals with an ever-growing, dedicated audience. Her honest and intentional approach has attracted partnerships with like-minded brands such as Sephora, Amazon, Pampers, and American Express.

Denise splits her time between Los Angeles and New York City with her husband, Anthony, and their two children, continuing to inspire and lead with authenticity and passion.

Connect with Denise:

@denisevasi

@maedbeauty

Sign up at maedbeauty.com for invites to community events + early product testing as well as launch news!

Listen to more episodes of It Takes A Village podcast:

⁠It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin⁠

Stay updated on everything It Takes A Village podcast:

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Join us in this episode of It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin where we sit down and talk to Feven and Helena Yohannes, twin sisters and Co-Founders of 2•4•1 Cosmetics. This interview shows our shared love for our Eritrean culture and the similarities in growing up first generation in the United States.

Listen in as Feven and Helena tell us their birth story in a refugee camp in Sudan, immigrating to the United States, and growing up in Rochester. They share their twin-sense stories from getting a terrible feeling when one got into an accident, and being beside each other while Helena gives birth. The unconditional love and support they get from each other and their family is truly inspirational. We also dive into starting 2•4•1 Cosmetics, where the name came from, being self-funded, overcoming challenges during the pandemic, having Bobbi Brown as a mentor, and manifesting their Oprah moment where they earned spots on Oprah’s Favorite Things List in both 2020 and 2022

Whether you are listening for awareness or just love founder stories, you know this episode is for you. Tune in to this week’s episode and be inspired with Feven and Helena’s commitment to empowering women through beauty, one eyeliner at a time.

Learn more about Feven and Helena:

Feven and Helena Yohannes are the Co-Founders of 2•4•1 Cosmetics, an effortless and clean beauty brand that embodies confidence, kindness, and integrity. The privately-owned company, which they launched together, quickly carved out its niche in the beauty industry, earning spots on Oprah’s Favorite Things List in both 2020 and 2022. Today, 2•4•1 Cosmetics is available at major retailers such as Bloomingdale’s, Amazon, and QVC.

Originally from Eritrea, the twins were born in a refugee camp in Sudan and immigrated to the United States at the age of two through the American Refugee Resettlement Program. Feven earned her degree in Media & Communications with a minor in Art History from Hobart & William Smith Colleges, while Helena studied Government and Sociology at Skidmore College. Now based in Los Angeles, where their company is headquartered, Feven enjoys interior design and cooking plant-based meals, while Helena is in her girl mom era raising her little girl, Arsema and listening to audiobooks. Both are deeply committed to empowering women through beauty, one eyeliner at a time.

Connect with Feven and Helena:

@241cosmetics @thereal_Feven @thereal_Helena

Listen to more episodes of It Takes A Village podcast:

⁠It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin⁠

Stay updated on everything It Takes A Village podcast:

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In this episode of It Takes A Village, we are joined by Diann Valentine, President and Creative Director of Glow + Flow Beauty and founder of SLAYYY Hair. Diann is revolutionizing the shopping experience for black women and creating environments where they feel at home as valued customers.

Diann shares with us how she started her illustrious career from wedding and event planning to becoming an author, international public speaker, television host, and founder. She takes us with her as we feel all the emotions while telling her story of how she is always led by love and how it has inspired and moved her. Even starting Glow + Flow Beauty and developing the SLAYYY Secret Sauce was for her love of her neighborhood and self. Her love of personal touch and human interaction allows her to excite audiences and mesmerize them with her years of production and life experiences wrapped in an electrifying smile.

Whether you are in it to hear the amazing works of Diann or learn a thing or two about marketing and pitching to retailers, this episode is for you. Just like Diann and her inspiration for SLAYYY, this episode’s a little bit classy with just the right amount of hood to keep it black.

Learn more about Diann:

Diann Valentine founded SLAYYY Hair in 2021 after years of wearing braids and experiencing increased itching, scalp irritation, scabbing, and breakage regularly. Determined to find a healthier and non-toxic solution, she developed what has become known as the SLAYYY Secret Sauce. After two years of intense research, trial and error, and invaluable feedback from the strong community of braiders around the country, SLAYYY was born. “Women deserve more care and respect for our contribution to the hair and beauty industry, and I’m so proud to champion this movement on behalf of my sisters and now able to offer black women a superior product while wearing protective styles.," says Diann.

Diann is also the President and Creative Director of Glow + Flow Beauty, a beauty retail concept store in Inglewood and Hawthorne, California. Glow + Flow Beauty reimagines the shopping experience for black women, creating an environment in urban neighborhoods where they feel at home as valued customers. The expansion plan for Glow + Flow Beauty involves a franchise model of land and business ownership through collaborating with black women, financiers, and organizations. Diann believes that the best way to change the trajectory of a community is for the residents to own it, and every urban community needs a Glow + Flow.

Before entering the beauty space, Diann enjoyed an illustrious career as an internationally acclaimed wedding and event designer, producing celebrations for celebrities, high-net-worth individuals, and Fortune 500 companies across the globe. Her achievements include being a two-time author, international public speaker, and television host turning dreams into reality for women in love and those looking for love. With a flourishing business and career, Diann has inspired many during domestic and international speaking engagements. Her love of personal touch and human interaction allow her to excite audiences and mesmerize them with her years of production and life experiences wrapped in an electrifying smile.

As a proud black woman, Valentine is a pioneer. With many titles above her head, Diann is just getting started.

Connect with Diann:

@slayyy_hair_ and @diannvalentine

Remember to post your SLAYYY experiences on SLAYYY Day, July 1.

We are also happy to share that master braider, Pearl the Stylist, a trusted expert in the community, is now a SLAYYY Certified Braider!

Listen to more episodes of It Takes A Village podcast:

⁠It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin⁠

Stay updated on everything It Takes A Village podcast:

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⁠www.ittakesavillagepod.com⁠

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