leaders x design

This week we talk to Safia Abji, an international development consultant and Trauma-Informed Transformation Coach based in Nairobi, Kenya. She works directly with folks who are curious, and truth, freedom, and fulfillment seekers. We discuss the importance of self-love and development, how the universe has no coincidences, and how we all can shift our perceptions and educate ourselves.

In this bonus episode, Allie and Krista talk about their experiences of “Yes Culture.” Spoiler alert, it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows in their opinion. Especially so in Krista’s opinion.

This week, we talk to Ericka Chambers, the creative co-founder of Puzzles of Color (@puzzlesofcolor)—The home-made, family-run, company that exploded overnight. We discuss balancing family with starting a business, how representation in the products we experience daily matters (no matter how small the pieces are), and why taking time for self-care is always important.

Anna and Sarah are the creative minds behind Musea Faction (@musaefaction) -- an agency that inspires creativity and authenticity in advertising. We discuss the impact of media on representation and cultural damage, and why authentic diversity and representation matter. We can’t wait for you to hear about their work and how they’re making our world a little bit better, one step at a time.

Also, Sarah has provided a humungo discount for her course about Stress-Free Style: Everyday Elegance With Minimal Effort. Type in the code LEADERS for $100 off! You know we love coupons and living stress-free.

This week, we talk to Yvette Wilson (@vettie969), a writer and creative based in Philadelphia, PA. We cover tapping into creativity, the importance of representation in media and advertising, the struggle of BIPOC people to be seen and heard, and the impact of the political climate on culture and media. We’re so excited to bring you her perspective and words of wisdom.

In this episode we speak to Arinna Pongrey (@arinnap) who has worked her way from the ground up as a woman in tech. We talk about how being your own best advocate is essential and how to not forget about the little joys in life that keep us going. Though operations might not be the flashiest job out there, we think this interview has some high-resolution quality.

Lauren Priori (@lpriorijewelry) is a jewelry designer and small business owner in the Philadelphia area. We discuss Lauren’s business growth: she started from a shared workspace and is now expanding to a third studio location, you’ll get some advice on how to just go for it, and as a bonus find out what the staple piece that every woman should have in their jewelry box is.

Rebecca Aronow is an event producer and activist in the Philadelphia area. Their event Feminist Flea (@feminist_flea) creates space for artists marginalized by gender to include women, trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming folks, to give them a safe space to shop locally. We talk about the importance of curating a community and being inclusive. We discuss how folks should be empowered to educate themselves by listening to marginalized people within their own communities.

Today we talk to Steph Littlebird (@artnerdforever), an Indigenous artist who is modernizing the native voice through their art, writing, and activism. We discuss their process of creating a space for their community, the impact of intergenerational trauma in today’s world, and what non-natives can do to support and protect the true history of the land Americans call home.

This week Allie and Krista chat about their experiences with balancing work and personal life, and how sometimes one affects the other. At the end of the day, you are not replaceable to yourself, or those who love you, so take the time you need when you need it. You won’t regret it.