Today on the show is Laneka Leatutufu, Mother, Juvenile Probation Officer, and First-time Author of Ehsan Goes to Paris. Laneka found inspiration for the book in 2018 after she and her family traveled to Paris to celebrate her son Ehsan’s 1st birthday. Her vision for Ehsan Goes to Paris children’s travel book, is to change the narrative by telling stories from a multicultural perspective and ensuring traveling for Black, Indigenous children of color are represented in books as the main protagonist.

In this episode Laneka shares:

• While meditating the idea and title of the book came to her so vividly.
• Normalizing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & People of Color) children traveling abroad.
• Her process of writing and releasing children’s travel book with her 4-year-old son Ehsan as the co-author.
• How she discovered and collaborated with a children’s book illustrator.
• Why adding Black History Facts in Ehsan Goes to Paris, about famous landmarks in Paris was important.
• The importance of giving back to the less fortunate. She shares the importance with her son and they have a yearly Pajamas and Book drive called Ehsan Meaalofa. Meaalofa in Samoan Meaalofa means “Gift of Love.

If you love a good book and the behind the scenes of writing a book, this episode is for you!

Stay Connected!

Laneka Leatutufu

Website: https://www.lanekaleatutufu.com/   | Instagram: @urbanpractitioner  | Purchase the Book: Ehsan Goes to Paris

JUMP – Joy Unleashing My Purpose™

Instagram: @jumppodcast

Today we have Melanie Eggleston, Owner of Oh My Nails! (OMN Shop) on the show. Melanie shares how a voluntary corporate layoff propelled her decision to make a JUMP into launching her own nail salon. OMN Shop strives to create a balance between reducing toxins, saving the earth, and saving your nails. Melanie’s vision for OMN Shop is the nail experience reimagined. OMN Shop located in Owings Mills, Maryland.

In this episode, Melanie shares:

• The value of investing in herself throughout her journey of becoming a nail technician and nail salon owner.
• Her vision of owning a business that is a light in the community.
• When JUMPING into entrepreneurship get creative with your time.
• The importance of nail health not just aesthetics for her clientele.
• Roadblocks with penetrating the nail care market as a black woman.
• How to stay steadfast and strong in what you believe in.

Get a behind the scenes look at what it takes to start your own nail salon. Tune in now!

Stay Connected

Melanie Eggleston

Website: omnshop.com  | Instagram: omnshop | Facebook: theomnshop

JUMP – Joy Unleashing My Purpose™ Podcast

Instagram: jumppodcast

Today we have Darian Cozier on the show! Darian Cozier is the co-host of A Brotha’s Got Next podcast. Darian is an accomplished producer who has worked at ESPN, NBA, Sirius XM radio and CBS Sports.

If you’re trying to launch a podcast this episode is for you. Throughout the episode he shares the importance of having patience when launching creative projects that you are passionate about.

In this episode he’s sharing:

• The importance of getting feedback when launching a podcast.
• Surrounding yourself with positive people.
• Building your brand through podcasting.
• How his passion for sports led him and his co-host to launch A Brotha’s Got Next podcast.
• Keep grinding to follow your dreams and aspirations.

Stay Connected & Tune in to A Brother’s Got Next Podcast:

Anchor: A Brotha’s Got Next | Instagram: @abrothasgotnext | Twitter: @BrothaNext

JUMP – Joy Unleashing My Purpose™ Podcast

Instagram: @jumppodcast

Today we have Alisha Brooks and Elizabeth Austin Davis, founders of The Black Hair Experience an interactive pop-up art exhibit that celebrates black hair, black culture, and black joy on the show. The interactive art installations are filled with instagrammable spaces that spotlight positive affirmations and self-expression. Alisha and Elizabeth share how their love for photography and graphic design sparked this amazing idea to create the pop-up experience. The Black Hair Experience is guaranteed to bring you nostalgia while creating new memories.

In this episode Alisha and Elizabeth share:

• The journey to launching the Black Hair Experience.
• Take time to map out and hone your creative ideas.
• Being intentional with their creative projects to have Black women in mind. Their goal is to create projects where Black women feel seen, appreciated, and celebrated.
• The importance of investing in video for people to buy-in to their vision.
• Prepare for the No’s.
• Pivoting throughout the pandemic.

Stay Connected!

The Black Hair Experience

Website: theblackhairexperience.com  | Instagram: @theblackhairexperience | Facebook: The Black Hair Experience

JUMP – Joy Unleashing My Purpose™ Podcast

Instagram: @jumppodcast

Today we have Malachi Robinson, the Director of Creative Suitland on the show!

If you’re in the DMV area (DC, Maryland and Virginia), searching for creative programs that empower and inspire you, then this episode is for you. Creative Suitland is an inclusive safe space that provides events that appeal to all ages.

Malachi shares in this episode: 

1. How Creative Suitland’s events pivoted to a Mental Health & Wellness focus throughout the pandemic. Some of the events include: Writing to Wellness, Liberate Juneteenth Art Exhibit, CreateTEENS presented by Creative Suitland and sponsored by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Division M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation.
2. Poetry and Produce at the Capital Market, an outdoor farmer’s market that offers fresh produce and poetry every Sunday from 12-4pm now until October 31, 2021.
3. The importance of arts and creativity and how it transforms lives.

Also, a cool fact in the episode, artist Naturel, Suitland High School alum designed the mural that’s on the outside of the Creative Suitland building and encouraged the community to help paint during a recent Community Paint Day.

Reach out!

Creative Suitland

Website: www.creativesuitland.org  | Instagram: @creativesuitland | YouTube: Creative Suitland

JUMP – Joy Unleashing My Purpose™ Podcast

Instagram:@jumppodcast

Today's guest is Madison Moody. She's the Owner of Cozy Place Candles. Madison shares her journey of moving across the country during the pandemic, adjusting to virtual learning balancing extra curricular activities and her WHY behind launching a handmade vegan candle line. If you're trying to launch a business this episode is for you!

Reach out!

Cozy Place Candles

Website: https://cozyplacecandles.wixsite.com/cozyplace  | Instagram:@cozyplacecandles | Facebook: CozyPlaceCandles

JUMP-Joy Unleashing My Purpose™ Podcast

 Instagram: @jumppodcast

Today we have the Owner of Blu Ink Nail Lacquer, Keisha Cofield on the show! She chats about her entrepreneurial journey and words of wisdom on how to keep going in pursuit of achieving your dreams. Keisha is dropping gems this entire episode.

She is sharing the importance of writing your goals down and finishing what you started. If you’re trying to start a business, launch a beauty brand, get out of your comfort zone, this episode is for you. 

Blu Ink Nail Lacquer

Instagram: @bluinknailacquer | Facebook: BluInkNail

Jump -Joy Unleashing My Purpose™ Podcast

Instagram: @jumppodcast

A sneak peek on what you will hear weekly on Jump podcast. Our goal is to spotlight business professionals doing amazing things in their respective industries. Gain access to behind the scenes insights from forward thinking visionaries, and trailblazers that made a huge JUMP in their lives to fulfill their purpose.