In this episode of Sommer Time, host Sommer Hill sits down with Omar, the owner and curator of Metro Club Vintage, to explore the fashion culture of D.C. and his journey as a vintage shop owner. Located in the heart of DuPont Circle, Metro Club Vintage is more than just a clothing store—it's a curated experience. Omar shares the inspiration behind the store's name, how D.C.'s rich history of fashion influenced his style, and what trends he sees making a comeback in the city. From humble beginnings with a paper route to opening one of D.C.'s top vintage spots, Omar gives a raw and inspiring look into what it takes to succeed in the fashion world. Tune in for insights into vintage fashion, entrepreneurship, and how Metro Club Vintage is creating its own lane in a city known for its unique style.

In this episode of Sommer Time, host Sommer Hill sits down with the dynamic and unapologetically confident Dominique Da Diva. From ruling the airwaves as a top radio host to balancing the demands of motherhood and launching her own brand, Dominique shares her inspiring journey of hustle, confidence, and keeping it real. Get ready for a candid conversation about her rise in the radio industry, the challenges of managing life in the public eye, and how she’s taking the next step into entrepreneurship with her new stationery line. Whether you're looking for career advice, personal growth tips, or just some real talk, this episode has it all!

Key Topics:

• Dominique Da Diva’s path from intern to top radio host.
• Navigating motherhood while thriving in the spotlight.
• The importance of journaling, goal-setting, and self-reflection.
• Dominique’s new venture: launching a stationery brand.
• The art of setting boundaries in both personal and professional life.

I was joined by Marcus from Great Energy Group at 12 Stories to talk about his journey curating a unique mix of nightlife and wellness activities like yoga and hiking. We also discussed how he's using his connections to uplift artists and create spaces that prioritize safety, well-being, and a strong sense of community.

In this compelling interview, I sit down with D. Watkins, who shares his reflections on receiving the James Beard Award for his 2020 essay and the complex emotions that come with it. Despite the honor, D emphasizes the importance of hard work and continuous personal development.

We dive into his journey of sobriety, discussing how it has reshaped his views on social interactions and the drinking culture. D shares powerful insights from his work on 'The Wire' and 'We Own This City,' and how his Baltimore roots influenced his resilience and writing.

Join us as D opens up about childhood trauma, emotional intelligence, and the need for constructive opportunities for our youth. This conversation is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of understanding our past to shape our future.

Join host Sommer Hill as she sits down with rapper Bill$, a Detroit native who opens up about his upbringing in the vibrant, flashy culture of his hometown. Bill$ shares the profound impact of losing his mother and grandmother, and how stepping into the role of "man of the house" has shaped his perspective on life and death. Despite the struggles, he’s fueled by a desire to support his family and finds solace in their support.

Bill$ also talks about his transition from DJing to making music during the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges of marketing his work, and the importance of honest feedback. He reveals his discomfort with recording in front of others and how Detroit's raw music scene influences his style.

In this episode of It’s Sommer Time, we’re joined by Ari Davis, a D.C. native and Howard University alum who transitioned from a demanding career in Big Law to launching her own successful fashion brand, "STRIPT." Ari shares her personal journey, from the challenges of working in antitrust law and managing a toxic work environment to overcoming postpartum depression and balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship.

Ari takes us behind the scenes of starting a clothing line, navigating trademarks, LLCs, and marketing strategies, and how she merges her passion for fashion with community-building. She also dives into the importance of authentic friendships, enforcing boundaries, and her future plans for expanding her business.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a new parent, or someone looking to redefine success, Ari’s story will inspire you. Tune in to hear her insights on business growth, the rewards of motherhood, and staying true to your passion.

Kayla Austin is a senior at Howard University. At just 12 year old she founded her startup "My Gun's Been Moved," which provides monitoring technology for parents to protect their children from firearms in the home. Having musical artist Pharrell Williams as her first investor, Kayla commands the forefront of change. 

A luminary activist and social entrepreneur, Kayla's efforts have garnered recognition from industry giants such as Meta, Black Enterprise, Washington Post, Revolt TV, Nike, ABC 7, and Harvard Business School, attesting to the indelible mark she's leaving and Teen Vogue hailed her as one of the "21 Under 21 List of the Young Revolutionaries You Need to Know."

Kayla's impact reverberates nationally. Her book and website "How to Be a Teen Advocate" amplify the voices of youth nationwide, empowering them to champion a plethora of social justice causes. Kayla believes in using her innovative ideas to sculpt a brighter world for her community and beyond.

In this compelling episode of the Sommer Time Podcast, host Sommer Hill sits down with the legendary DJ Quicksilva. Known as one of the hardest-working DJs in the industry, Quicksilva opens up about his journey from the streets of East Baltimore to becoming a powerhouse in the music world. He shares his story of resilience, overcoming the devastating loss of both parents, surviving a near-fatal shooting, and how these experiences shaped his relentless work ethic. Tune in to hear how Quicksilva turned his passion for music into a successful career, the lessons he's learned along the way, and why he's committed to giving back through his DJ school, Quick and Easy DJs.

In this episode, Kevin Scooty Hollums shares his story of couch hopper to serial entrepreneur. He walks us through the feelings of hitting rock bottom that launched him to move and get back on his feet. Years later and Scooty is a popular name in the city with many businesses under his belt and many more to go!

I sat down with Patisdope, owner of What Should I Call My Store and he celebrates the stores 4th birthday!

We talked about what these 4 years have taught him, what shoes are hot and how many times you can wear a pair of shoes before getting new ones.

As someone who isn’t a sneaker head AT ALL, it was an interesting conversation. Check us out.

#ItsSommerTime #sneakers #sneakerhead #whatshouldicallmystore #highfashion