Candles have become a staple of self-care culture — especially in recent years as more people look for ways to slow down and decompress. For many, lighting a candle isn’t just about ambiance—it’s a daily ritual, a moment to reset, reflect, and create a sense of comfort at home. That was definitely true for Aminta Freeman, the founder of Moodie Vibes—a candle company she launched out of her Staten Island home during the pandemic. A Brooklyn native and daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, Aminta was looking for a way to manage the stress of a demanding job, single motherhood, and the uncertainty of the world around her. Blending scents started as a personal ritual, but soon turned into something much bigger.

Today, I sit down with Aminta to learn more about how she built her business from the ground up, why she chose to focus on scent and mood, and how her cultural roots and life experiences continue to shape her brand.

https://epicenter-nyc.com/moodie-vibes-the-scents-of-self-care/

https://moodievibes.com/ 

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In a world of mass-produced, trend-chasing accessories, it can be hard to find pieces that truly resonate — pieces that honor both tradition and craftsmanship while minimizing environmental impact. Enter Dominican-born jewelry designer, Nashira Arnó. Nashira’s career began in the corporate fashion world, collaborating with industry giants like Macy’s and Oscar de la Renta. 

But a pull toward jewelry design led her to start a side project in 2016. This soon evolved into a fully realized brand, drawing inspiration from her Caribbean heritage, her grandmother’s seamstress background with Diane von Furstenberg, and her own travels. Now, she partners with family-owned collectives worldwide, working with 90% recycled materials and championing age-old techniques in her stunning, story-driven pieces. 

Today - I sit down with Nashira to learn more about how she’s redefining sustainable jewelry — one carefully crafted piece at a time.

https://epicenter-nyc.com/nashira-arno-small-biz/

https://nashiraarno.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nashiraarnostudio/ 

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In her late 20s, frustrated with products that failed to treat her hormonal acne and hyperpigmentation, Priscilla Jiminian turned to the cherished skincare traditions of her Dominican roots. 

Recalling childhood memories of her mother's remedies, she went to the Dominican Republic, connecting with a local cosmetic formulator to craft what would become Skinergy’s flagship Dark Spot Correcting Cream—a breakthrough for people of color.

Today - I sit down with Priscilla to learn more about how this led to a transformative beauty brand. She shares her frustrations with one-size-fits-all solutions and why Skinergy’s community-focused products empower those who often feel overlooked in the beauty industry.

A Childhood Memory of Dominican Products Inspired an Award-Winning Skin Care Line

Skinergy Beauty

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Turning 40 is a milestone, but for many women, it's also a moment of transition—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Between navigating career pivots, caring for both aging parents and growing children, and adjusting to changes in their own bodies, women in this stage of life are often left searching for guidance and community. That’s where Redefining Wellness: Fit Over 40 comes in.

What started as a simple idea—bringing women together to openly discuss the realities of life after 40—has evolved into a movement. This multi-day event, co-created by two fitness professionals, is more than just about workouts. It’s about redefining what wellness truly means across every dimension—physical, emotional, financial, mental, and sexual well-being. Today, we hear from Tammeca Rochester, founder of Harlem Cycle and co-creator of this event.

https://www.redefiningwellnessfitover40.com/ 

https://harlem-cycle.com/ 

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Online harassment doesn’t always stay online—sometimes it turns into real-life danger. It might begin with rude comments, but it can quickly escalate into doxing, threats, or targeted campaigns that threaten someone’s home, workplace, or even physical safety. For marginalized communities, this kind of harassment can be especially relentless, adding more layers of risk to what’s already a vulnerable situation.

Still, there are ways we can push back – from stepping up our own security practices, to rallying community support when things feel unsafe. But how did we get to a point where these online platforms seem almost designed to amplify hate? And why do so many people, particularly those already at risk, end up as the primary targets? To understand how we got here—and what can be done—I sat down with Ari Waldman, a Professor of Law at the University of California, Irvine. 

Read our full story here

You can find more resources on preventing or defending against online harassment here.

Reach out to us at [email protected]

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This week is Reading Across America Week, a time to celebrate the power of books and the joy of reading. But for many kids growing up in bilingual households, reading can come with an extra challenge—balancing the language spoken at home with the one used at school. That’s something that hits close to home for Daniela Palacios. During the pandemic, while she and her younger brother were spending a lot more time with their family, she watched her brother struggle to understand some of their conversations in Spanish. Ultimately, she was inspired to create Para KIDS!, a media company that helps children embrace bilingualism through storytelling.

Today, we sit down with Daniela to learn more about how her personal experiences shaped Para KIDS!, why bilingual storytelling matters, and what she’s learned along the way as a young entrepreneur and writer.

Learn more: https://parakidsbooks.com/ 

Get in touch: https://parakidsbooks.com/contact-us/ 

Read our full story: https://epicenter-nyc.com/how-a-high-schooler-built-a-bridge-for-bilingual-kids/

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When the world feels overwhelming—whether it's due to the constant stream of bad news, policies that target marginalized communities, or the weight of everyday stress—how do we stay grounded? How do we protect our peace without disengaging?

Today, we're tackling these questions with someone who’s spent his career helping people navigate racial, ethnic, and cultural stress. Dr. Ryan DeLapp is a staff psychologist and the director of the Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Healing Program, known as REACH, at the Ross Center. He’s also the author of Empower Yourself Against Racial and Cultural Stress, a book designed to help young people—and really, all of us—build resilience and find agency in the face of adversity.

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Bird flu has been making headlines again, and if you’ve been wondering what’s really going on, you’re not alone. While the risk to the average person is still low, experts are keeping a close eye on the situation—especially as H5N1 spreads in mammals like cows, something we haven’t seen at this scale before.

At the same time, public health communication from the federal government has shifted under the new administration, leaving some experts concerned about transparency and the availability of critical data. So, what does that mean for us? Should we be worried about our food supply? How do we separate fact from misinformation? And what simple steps can we take to stay informed and prepared?

Today – I sit down with Jessica Malaty Rivera, an infectious disease epidemiologist and science communicator. Jessica has spent years making complex public health information easier to understand, and today, she’s here to help us make sense of what’s happening with bird flu, why testing matters, and how small actions—like getting a flu shot—can make a big difference.

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Today we explore the fight to preserve 227 Abolitionist Place, a rare Underground Railroad site in Brooklyn. Guests Shawne Lee and Raul Rothblatt discuss its history, the battle for landmark status, and ongoing efforts to protect its legacy from gentrification.

Read our full story here.

FAB’s tours are slated to resume in April 2025. For updates, sign up for the FAB newsletter.

Read more of our housing stories here.

 

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It’s New York Fashion Week, a time when designers, brands, and creatives take center stage. But beyond the runways, fashion is sparking conversation about identity, culture, and representation. So what does it mean to build a brand with purpose? One that reflects the communities it serves? 

Designer and entrepreneur Jean Guzman has done just that with Aura Heights, a Latina-owned lifestyle brand that highlights the diversity of the Latino community – including Afro-Latinos and LGBTQ individuals.

Today - we sit down with Jean to learn more about entrepreneurship, and how she balances creativity with the realities of running a brand. She also shares more about the faceless Dominican doll, a cultural symbol that inspired one of her first designs, and how she’s working to make fashion more inclusive and sustainable.

Learn more: https://auraheights.com/ 

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