Making It Here

Imagine this: It’s the middle of the pandemic, you’re looking for a creative outlet, and a simple trip to Michaels sparks something big. That’s exactly how The Sourced Studio was born—starting with DIY chain belts and growing into a Latinx-owned accessories brand specializing in permanent jewelry, a charm bar, and statement pieces that celebrate heritage and underrepresented communities.

Today - I sit down with Source Studio founder, Tania Reyes, to learn more about the ups and downs of launching a business, from the first pop-up that made zero dollars to finding a niche that resonates. We’ll also talk about the power of authenticity in branding, the lessons learned as a first-generation entrepreneur, and how social media and community support helped The Sourced Studio grow.

https://thesourcedstudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/thesourcedstudio

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What does it mean to truly heal? Beyond talk therapy and surface-level self-care, how do we break free from inherited patterns and reconnect with our authentic selves? These are the questions at the heart of Inner Pttrn, a collective dedicated to deep, transformative healing through embodied movement, ritual, and community support.

Inner Pttrn was founded by Coreen Ruiz, a first-generation Mexican American and former corporate professional, whose own experience with burnout and chronic health issues led her to explore alternative healing practices. But what started as a personal journey evolved into a thriving community space for those looking for deep transformation.

Today - I sit down with Coreen to learn more about her experience building a mission-driven business, the challenges of making healing accessible, and the power of reclaiming ancestral knowledge.

https://bio.site/innerpttrn

https://www.innerpttrn.com/

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Located in Ridgewood, Fringe Records NYC is more than a record shop, it’s a queer-owned vibrant cultural hub, hosting everything from artist markets and comedy nights to noise shows and cult film screenings. It’s a space where niche music meets community connection — a sanctuary for music, inclusivity, and creativity. At the heart of it all is Andrew Hurtado, a longtime collector of underground music and first-time business owner. Today, we sit down with Andrew to learn more about his journey of turning a DIY distro into a brick-and-mortar shop and the lessons he’s learned along the way. 

Fringe Records-NYC on Instagram

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The U.S. healthcare system is often described as one of the most advanced in the world, yet it’s also one of the most expensive and fragmented. Millions of Americans struggle with navigating insurance networks, surprise medical bills, and soaring costs. For many, accessing basic healthcare feels more like solving a puzzle than receiving care.

So… why does the U.S. spend so much more on healthcare than other countries? What role do high prices, private insurance, and systemic inefficiencies play? And most importantly, what can we do to fix it?

To help us unravel these questions, we’re joined by Mustafa Hussein, an Assistant Professor of Health Economics at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health. Mustafa specializes in health inequalities, public policy, and the socio-economic drivers of health outcomes. 

Today – he discusses how our system got here and what it’ll take to create meaningful reform.

 

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Carlos Mercado — better known as Charly Hustle — is the proud owner of The Hustle Barbershop in Richmond Hill, Queens, and the founder of the Run Hustle Run club.

Today, he shares how his upbringing shaped his entrepreneurial spirit, the pivotal moments that defined his career as a barber, and how he turned a childhood nickname into a brand that stands for hustle, growth, and community. We’ll also talk about the evolution of The Hustle Barbershop into more than just a place for a haircut—but a hub for connection and inspiration. Later, Charly opens up about starting his run club, the role it plays in transforming lives, and his vision for the future of his business and beyond.

https://epicenter-nyc.com/the-convivial-hustle-of-a-barber-shop-in-richmond-hill/

https://www.thehustlebarbershop.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/thehustlebarbershop/

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The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has created a conversation about the health insurance industry. One consistent problem we’ve been hearing from community members is how often their claims or pre-authorizations are denied, even when their doctors say the procedures are necessary. 

We spoke with Diane K. Spicer, supervising attorney at the nonprofit Community Health Advocates, on what to do if you receive an insurance claim or pre-authorization denial.

• Community Health Advocates: 1-888-614-5400
• Community Service Society of New York: 212-254-8900
• Make the Road New York, Health Services: 1-866-365-2724

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Dr. Wendy Ward is an anesthesiologist, a coach, and the founder of Mpower Productions—a business built on helping others recognize their own power and potential. Her journey started on Doctor’s Row in Crown Heights, surrounded by the influence of community leaders and a family dedicated to service. From there, Dr. Ward's path took her through college basketball courts, medical training, and, ultimately, the creation of a platform for empowerment.

Mpower Productions is what Dr. Ward calls “CPR for empowerment,” focusing on stress management, resilience, and unlocking the unique strengths in each of us. 

Today - I sit down with Dr. Ward to learn more about her experiences breaking barriers as a Black female doctor, how she mixes science with spirituality to connect with clients of all ages, and her vision for a global empowerment mission.

https://epicenter-nyc.com/how-a-doctor-forged-multiple-paths-to-heal-and-mpower-others/

https://mpowerproductions.com/ 

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As New Yorkers brace for potential mass deportations and stricter enforcement, the city’s identity as a sanctuary for immigrants feels increasingly under threat. What does this mean for the communities that define New York—and the systems that support them? 

To help us unpack this, we’re joined by David Dyssegaard Kallick, director of the Immigration Research Initiative, who is the author of numerous studies and academic papers on the economic and fiscal aspects of immigration with a focus on New York.

https://epicenter-nyc.com/how-trumps-immigration-policies-could-affect-you-your-loved-ones-and-your-community/ 

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With the incoming Trump administration, a lot of uncertainty looms for New Yorkers who rely on federal housing assistance, like Section 8. Potential changes to affordable housing policy could significantly impact many families, particularly in a city as diverse and dependent on federal support as New York. So, how can tenants prepare themselves for the challenges ahead?

Today, we sit down with Leah Goodridge to learn more about the implications of HUD's proposed changes, including controversial ideas from Project 2025 that could reshape housing support in New York City and nationwide. Leah brings years of experience as a tenants' rights attorney and a deep understanding of how these policies impact the everyday lives of New Yorkers.

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Good Form Studios is a boutique gym in Rockaway Beach that's redefining what fitness means for beginners. Founder, Monice Small, has built a community-focused space where people of all fitness levels come to feel stronger, more confident, and more connected—to themselves and each other.

Today, I sit down with Monice to learn more about her journey from running track in high school to becoming a Pilates instructor and personal trainer, and ultimately, starting her own gym. She talks about the challenges she faced—like crowdfunding for her first 400-square-foot space during the pandemic and navigating the complexities of starting a business as an undocumented immigrant with DACA status. 

https://www.goodformny.com/

https://www.goodformny.com/contact-goodform 

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