On this episode of Full Circle, host Ms. Wanda sits down with Shayla Walker, Founder of Sistah Soul Brunch & Mixer (SSBM), a growing nonprofit creating powerful spaces for Black women entrepreneurs to thrive. From brunches to business-building, Shayla is leading a movement rooted in community, empowerment, and access.

We talk about:

• The origin and purpose of SSBM

• Common challenges Black women face in entrepreneurship

• The impact of their Chase Bank-sponsored workshop series

• What’s in store at the upcoming June 25th Business Showcase & Networking Event

• How to tap into the SSBM network and grow your own venture

Whether you’re a small business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone who believes in the power of community, this episode is for you.

Event Info:
Business Showcase & Networking Night
Wednesday, June 25 | 🕕 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Capsity Coworking, 3810 Broadway, Sacramento
Space is limited – register now!

Special thanks to sponsors Chase Bank and SMUD.

In this inspiring episode of Full Circle, Ms. Wanda sits down with Roberta Stensrud, owner of Smudge Nail Bar, the first Black-owned commercial nail salon in Sacramento. Roberta shares her remarkable transition from ICU nurse to beauty entrepreneur, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of launching a small business rooted in wellness, community, and inclusivity.

Listeners will hear how Smudge Nail Bar stands out through its:

• Eco-friendly, low-tox services

• Inclusive service menu that supports Muslim, Black, and LGBTQ+ clients

• Staff of skilled, like-minded technicians who prioritize respectful care

• New booking platform via Mevo

• Community partnerships, including pop-ups with local creatives and small businesses

Roberta also speaks candidly about the lessons she’s learned in payroll, real estate, and resilience, and offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs navigating similar paths.

Whether you’re new to structured manicures or just need a place that feels like home, Smudge Nail Bar is the spot.

Special Highlights:

• Benefits of structured manicures over acrylics

• 🏳️‍🌈 Pride Month specials: rainbow manicures + hydrating jelly pedis

• 📷 Upcoming events: flower pop-up, business headshots, pottery painting

• 🐾 Partnerships with Avery Alexander Boutique and B Suite Haven Candles

• 💻 New booking site: smudgenailbarsacramento.co

Call to Action:
Book your next appointment today!
Visit Smudge Nail Bar at 1831 Exposition Blvd, Suite 100, Sacramento
Follow @smudgenailbar_sacramento for updates on services, specials, and events
Support Black-owned, eco-friendly, and inclusive beauty spaces!

In this inspiring episode of Full Circle, Ms. Wanda welcomes Synthia Smith, the visionary founder of Sisters of Nia, a nonprofit transforming the lives of adolescent girls through Afrocentric programming. Celebrating 16 years of impact, Synthia shares how Sisters of Nia offers a three-year rites of passage program focused on cultural pride, self-esteem, and purpose for girls in grades 6–8.

We dive deep into:

• The structure and success of their 3-year rites of passage program

• Their vibrant Camp Nia performing arts camp (July 7–18) and how it builds confidence through music, theater, and creativity

• Parent-daughter relationship workshops, community events, and scholarship opportunities

• The upcoming Scholarship Awards Reception on June 22nd and the Women on Fire event on October 19

• Their bold vision for expansion into the future

Plus, learn how you can get involved—whether through donations, volunteering, or enrolling your daughter.

Call to Action:
Register now for remaining spots in Elk Grove and Camp Nia vocals/set design classes: sistersofnia.org
Support the movement through donations, in-kind gifts, or sharing their mission
Attend the June 22nd Scholarship Reception & Women on Fire Awards on October 19

Connect with Sisters of Nia:
Website: sistersofnia.org
📍 Locations: Sacramento & Elk Grove
💌 Subscribe to their e-newsletter for updates and events!

On this week’s episode of we sit down with the inspiring Jayda Irene, Founder of Healing Heels, a dance-based wellness organization on a mission to heal hearts and build confidence—one step at a time.

Jayda opens up about the painful personal loss that led her to launch Healing Heels and how dance became a path to purpose, mental health, and empowerment. She shares how her work is particularly important for youth, especially in a time when youth suicide rates have risen by more than 50% over the past decade. Jayda passionately discusses how movement, performance, and expression can help people of all ages manage grief, process emotions, and build resilience.

We also dive into her upcoming event, Transitions: Finding Light Through the Darkness, a powerful and heart-centered evening of dance, spoken word, storytelling, and healing. This is a family-friendly, all-ages event, and Jayda urges parents, educators, mentors, and community leaders to bring the young people in their lives.

If you care about mental health, youth wellness, and the transformative power of art—this is an episode you need to hear.

Learn more about Healing Heels

Follow on Instagram @healingheelsofficial

Get your tickets for Transitions

On this episode we’re talking about mental health, youth leadership, and parenting with the team from The Race and Gender Equity Project (RAGE) and their powerful youth-driven Never A Bother campaign.

This conversation centers Black youth and the adults who love them—while challenging us to reimagine how we support emotional wellbeing in our homes andcommunities.

We explore what healing-centered spaces look like, how teens are advocating for themselves, and what caregivers can do to show up with empathy, listening, and love. Whether you're a parent, mentor, teacher, or neighbor, this episode offers perspective and practical steps to better supportthe young people in your life.

In This Episode, We Cover:

* How RAGE supports Black youth mental health

* The alarming suicide rate among Black youth and how to provide support

* Questions to ask if you suspect someone wants to harm themselves

* The vision behind the Never A Bother Campaign

* The power of youth voices in shaping solutions & support

* Tools for parents and caregivers to provide emotional safety and honesty

* How to create spaces of connection and care

Key Quote:
"Our kids aren’t broken. They’re brilliant—and they just need room to be heard."

Resources & Links:

https://www.rageproject.org/ @rageproject

#FullCircle975 #YouthMentalHealth #RAGEProject #NeverABother #ParentingBlackYouth #SafeSpacesMatter #HealingJustice #ListenToYouth

In this deeply moving and insightful episode of Full Circle, I sit down with United States Army veteran, widow, and author Deborah R. Hamm to explore what it truly means to support ourselves and others through grief.

Drawing from her military background, faith, and lived experience with profound loss, Deborah shares the story behind her book Military Strong, Widow Brave: A Heart Speaks. Her approach blends structure and discipline with warmth and compassion—offering a much-needed roadmap for navigating the long, complex terrain of grief.

Deborah reminds us that grief is not something to “get over.” Instead, it’s a journey that can deepen our empathy, awaken our strength, and even lead us to renewed purpose. Whether you're grieving yourself or trying to support someone through loss, this conversation is filled with heart, healing, and practical guidance.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Deborah’s personal journey through loss and how it inspired her to write Military Strong, Widow Brave

• Why grief isn’t something to fix, but a process to honor and walk through

• The role of military discipline and faith in helping navigate loss

• Common mistakes people make when trying to support the grieving—and how to do better

• Age-appropriate ways to support grieving children and teens

• How churches, workplaces, and communities can create grief-sensitive environments

• The importance of presence over perfection when comforting someone in mourning

• How grief can lead to meaningful growth, compassion, and a deeper understanding of life

"Grief isn’t a journey that makes us smaller—it’s a profound transformation that can deepen our capacity for compassion, strengthen our resilience, and expand our understanding of life’s fragile beauty."

• Book: Military Strong, Widow Brave: A Heart Speaks by Deborah Renee’ Hamm

• Website: https://www.drhamm-author.com/home

Our conversation with Raheem Muhammad-Terrell and Aladria Brown still has me reflecting. They are cast members in Celebration Arts' newest production Before It Hits Home. This is more than a play — it’s a necessary truth.

We talked legacy, healing, family and how art helps us face what we’re afraid to say out loud.

Don’t miss this powerful production at Celebration Arts. The show runs June 6-22nd. Get your tickets, support local Black theatre, and let it hit home.

Get your tickets here

What a POWERFUL show with friend to the show, Dr. ReggaeAkambasi, Founder of Generationally Global Gardens (G3) Health & Wellness!

We discussed how food is really at the core of our healing,and explored the beauty and benefits of superfoods, plant-based skincare, and holistic healing practices rooted in ancestral knowledge and backed by today’s growing demand for clean living.

Let G3 inspire your wellness journey and elevate your mind,body & soul.

Like, share, comment and FOLLOW the show so that you never miss an episode.

Learn more at https://www.g3solutionscenter.com/

on Instagram @g3healthandwellness

#FullCircleRecap #G3GlobalGardens #HolisticHealth#WellnessTalk #NaturalLiving #RadioReplay

What an inspiring episode!
Thank you to the leaders of Melanin Day School Academy for joining us on Full Circle. Their commitment to nurturing culturally rooted, academically strong learners is a blueprint for transformative change in our communities.

From immersive learning to honoring every stage of life, theirvision of Black families healing and thriving together is powerful and necessary.

We were even treated to a performance by the Melanin Scholars; you’ve got to hear it family!

Like, share, comment and FOLLOW the show so that you never miss an episode.

Find out how your family can participate, volunteeropportunities or support and learn more at melanindayschoolacademy.org.

What an UPLIFTING and POWERFUL show! Deep gratitude to Safe Black Space for joining us on Full Circle!

As they celebrate 7 years of service, Safe Black Space continues to be a lifeline for Black healing and wellness in Sacramento and beyond. Their work—providing free Community Healing Circles, racial trauma support, and safe spaces for collective care—is not just necessary, it’s urgent.

In a world where Black communities continue to face systemic trauma and racialized violence, Safe Black Space offers refuge, restoration, and radical love. Their mission is more vital now than ever—and we all have a role to play.

Their 7-Year Anniversary Fundraising & Fun-Raising Gala is right around the corner!
It's an adult celebration of Black Joy—and YOU need to be in the room!
Get your tickets (VIP and general admission)
Become a sponsor or promotional partner
Donate if you can’t attend—every dollar goes directly to support this life-changing work.

But the support shouldn’t stop there...

Here’s how you can help ALL YEAR LONG:✅ Donate monthly – Become a recurring donor to help sustain free healing programs.
✅ Volunteer your time or skills – Whether it’s event help, admin support, or professional services, your time matters.
✅ Attend a healing circle – Show up for yourself and your community.
✅ Spread the word – Share Safe Black Space with your networks, friends, and family. Awareness = impact.

Let’s pour into the organizations that pour into us.

Learn more by visiting: safeblackspace.org

🖤 Thank you again to Safe Black Space for reminding us that healing is a community effort, and that Black wellness is resistance.

#SafeBlackSpace #FullCircle975 #CelebrateBlackJoy #BlackMentalHealthMatters #SupportBlackHealing #SBS7YearsStrong #SacramentoEvents #CommunityCare #BeTheHealing