One Minute with Monee

In this episode, host Monée Williams sits down with Dr. Tope Mitchell, the visionary founder of Reflekt Me, to discuss the intersection of sociology, technology, and inclusive commerce. Dr. Mitchell shares her journey from corporate strategist to tech founder, explaining how her background in sociology helped her identify the "neurological damage" caused by a lack of representation in the beauty and fashion industries. We dive deep into the concept of "symbolic annihilation," the "art of the pivot" in business, and the vital importance of building a "village" for both personal and professional success

About Our Guest: Dr. Tope Mitchell Dr. Tope Mitchell is a powerhouse at the intersection of sociology, strategy, and technology. As the CEO and co-founder of Reflekt Me, she is redefining personalization by helping brands turn "browsers into buyers" through inclusive social proof. She is a published author, professor, and VC-backed tech founder whose leadership has been recognized by top accelerators like Techstars and Backstage Capital.

Dr. Mitchell holds a PhD and Master's in Sociology from Indiana University Bloomington and a BA from the University of Washington. Before founding Reflekt Me, she served as a multicultural insights leader for Fortune 500 companies at firms like Mintel and Kantar Futures. Driven by a mission to "humanize the dehumanized," her work is deeply inspired by her two children and her desire for authentic representation in the digital world.

Key Topics Discussed

The Problem of Symbolic Annihilation: Dr. Mitchell explains the sociological theory that when groups are absent from media and advertising, they are effectively "annihilated" from existence in the public consciousness, which can lead to dehumanization and trauma.

The High Cost of Exclusion: How the standard "5'10 size two model" causes literal neurological trauma for consumers, with 80% of shoppers blaming their own bodies for bad shopping experiences rather than the retailer.

The Reflekt Me Solution: A look at the social selling app that allows customers to see products on people who share their size, hair texture, and skin tone, creating a "mirror" for self-love and a "window" into other communities.

The Startup Journey & The Pivot: Transitioning from "whale hunting" enterprise clients like Levi Strauss & Co. to building a Shopify app that supports women-owned brands like Puff Cuff and Rapalock.

Community as a Superpower: The role of groups like Black Women Talk Tech and Visible Figures in navigating the challenges of being a Black woman founder in a space often filled with microaggressions and high perfectionist standards.

Finding Harmony: A candid discussion on the myth of "balance" and the necessity of leaning on a community village for childcare and emotional support

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Memorable Quotes

"Research can provide this seat at the table and marketing can provide this mirror and this window."

"Look in the mirror every day and tell [yourself] that [you are] your ancestors' wildest dreams."

"The art of the pivot... just take those pieces and find your own path."

Connect with Dr. Tope Mitchell

Website: www.reflektme.com

Instagram: @reflekt_me

LinkedIn: Dr. Tope Mitchell

Shopify: Download the Reflekt Me app directly in the Shopify Marketplace

Mentions: Lizzo, T.I., Andrew Young, Harriet Tubman, Rihanna, Savage x Fenty

In this episode, Monée Williams interviews Ceandra James, the owner of The Candie Factory, who shares her inspiring journey from helping her mother in the family candy business to establishing her own brand. Ceandra discusses the challenges of being a woman-owned business, the impact of personal loss on her entrepreneurial journey, and the importance of community support. She emphasizes the need for persistence, adaptability, and learning from mistakes while navigating the ups and downs of running a business. Ceandra also shares her future aspirations for scaling her brand and the innovative ways she is adapting to market changes.

@the_candie_factory

https://www.thecandiefactory.com/

Takeaways

• Ceandra's journey began with her mother's candy business.
• Cooking was a family affair that sparked her passion.
• Loss of her son motivated her to find purpose in her business.
• Being a woman-owned business comes with unique challenges.
• Persistence and consistency are key to entrepreneurship.
• Adapting to market changes is crucial for survival.
• Learning from mistakes is essential for growth.
• Building a supportive team can alleviate stress.
• Economic fluctuations can impact sales significantly.
• Future aspirations include scaling her brand globally.

In this episode, Monée Williams interviews Janel Stringfellow, the founder of Kahaba Luxury Goods, who shares her journey from struggling with eczema to creating a line of luxurious skincare products. Janel discusses the importance of using quality ingredients, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and her philosophy of providing a little luxury in everyday life. The conversation highlights the significance of self-care and the personal touch behind handcrafted products.

 Janel is the founder of Cahaba Luxury Goods, a Southern-made brand creating artisan soaps, candles, and body care for sensitive skin. What started as a love for beautiful ingredients turned into a mission to help people feel confident in their skin—without toxins or shortcuts. She blends craftsmanship, calm, and a little everyday luxury into everything she makes. 

www.cahabaluxurygoods.com

 Takeaways

•  Janel started Cahaba Luxury Goods to find relief for her eczema.
• She emphasizes the importance of using quality ingredients without fillers.
• The soap-making process requires patience, as it takes weeks to cure.
• Body butter became a popular product due to its effectiveness for dry skin.
• Market demand led Janel to transition from personal use to a business.
• Luxury in self-care is essential for managing stress and daily challenges.
• Janel faced challenges in entrepreneurship, including inconsistent income.
• She believes everyone deserves a moment of luxury in their day.
• Handcrafted with care is a core philosophy of her brand.
• Building a business takes time and persistence.

Chapters

 00:00 The Birth of Cahaba Luxury Goods

03:04 Ingredients and the Soap-Making Process

06:10 From Soap to Body Butter: A Journey of Discovery

08:55 Transitioning to a Business: Market Demand

12:01 The Importance of Luxury in Self-Care

15:03 Challenges of Entrepreneurship

17:54 Handcrafted with Care: The Philosophy Behind the Brand

In this conversation, Monée Williams interviews Myra Deshmukh, founder of the Leadership Lab, discussing her journey from retail to entrepreneurship, the challenges faced by women in leadership, and the importance of advocating for oneself. Myra shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, building effective teams, and the significance of networking and focus in career development. She emphasizes the need for practical skills in the workplace and how her Leadership Lab aims to fill that gap through workshops and coaching.

About Myra:

Myra is the founder of Leadership Lab, where she helps ambitious professionals and corporate teams accelerate growth through practical coaching and high-impact workshops. She specializes in critical skills you need to be successful at work but are never taught like communication, influencing without authority, and navigating complex career moments. Her approach is action-oriented and immediately applicable, designed for busy, high-performing leaders who want results. Before launching her firm, she spent 17 years at Amazon and Gap in marketing, product, and L&D leadership roles. She’s also a mom of two feisty girls and a proud member of AAPI NJ.

Instagram & TikTok: @leadershiplabco

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myra-deshmukh/

Takeaways

• Myra Deshmukh is the founder of the Leadership Lab, focusing on essential workplace skills.
• She transitioned from a successful career in retail and tech to entrepreneurship.
• Imposter syndrome is common, but it's important to recognize your qualifications.
• Building a strong team is crucial for success as a leader.
• Networking with former colleagues can open new opportunities.
• Focus on one career path to avoid diluting your efforts.
• Advocating for yourself is essential in career advancement.
• Entrepreneurship can be lonely; finding a supportive community is vital.
• Progress over perfection is key in launching new ideas.
• Understanding client needs requires asking the right questions and listening. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Myra Deshmukh and Her Journey

02:44 Transitioning from Retail to Learning and Development

05:39 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in New Roles

08:13 Building a Successful Team and Leadership

10:52 The Birth of the Leadership Lab

13:20 Challenges of Selling Services as a New Entrepreneur

16:06 Navigating Women in Leadership and Entrepreneurship

18:38 Advice for Those Feeling Stuck in Their Careers

21:20 Engaging with Clients and Understanding Their Needs

23:48 Setting Boundaries with Clients

26:32 Finding Balance as an Entrepreneur

30:46 OMM Video Outro Slide.mp4

In this conversation, Dr. Jon Parker discusses the importance of men's mental health, particularly within the African American community. He shares his journey into counseling and therapy, emphasizing the need for parents to equip their male teens with coping tools. The discussion highlights the significance of community, emotional regulation, and the changing stigma around seeking help. Dr. Parker offers practical advice for teens and men, encouraging them to embrace vulnerability and celebrate their achievements while navigating the challenges of life.

Get in touch with Dr. Parker: https://www.atlantablackmenscounseling.com/

Takeaways

• Men's mental health is a crucial topic, especially in the African American community.
• Parents should provide tools for their male teens to cope with life stressors.
• Finding an anchor in life is essential for young men.
• Community and stability play significant roles in mental health.
• Teens should assess their online presence and peer groups for better mental health.
• Black men face unique mental health challenges, including stress and societal pressures.
• There is a shift in awareness and acceptance of mental health issues among men.
• Stigma around therapy is changing, making it more acceptable to seek help.
• Vulnerability is a strength when seeking therapy or counseling.
• Joy and celebration of achievements are important for mental well-being.

Keywords: men's mental health, African American community, counseling, emotional regulation, parenting, therapy, community support, mental health awareness, vulnerability, joy

In this episode of One Minute with Monee, host Monet interviews Sheree Adams, a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in functional psychiatry. They discuss the importance of mental health, the differences between traditional and functional psychiatry, and the significance of integrative care, particularly gut health. Sheree shares her personal journey and the development of her Serenity Reset program aimed at helping individuals regain balance and harmony in their lives. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care, the power of saying no, and the importance of checking in with oneself regularly.

 Contact Eunoia Wellness Collective: www.eunoiastateofmind.com

Takeaways

• Functional psychiatry focuses on root causes and whole-person approaches.
• Insurance often limits the time and resources available in traditional psychiatry.
• Gut health plays a crucial role in mental health and overall well-being.
• Self-care is a biological necessity, not just a luxury.
• The Serenity Reset program is designed for high-achieving individuals seeking balance.
• Saying no is a powerful wellness tool that preserves energy.
• Reflection and introspection are important during the darker months of the year.
• Curiosity about one's health can lead to better outcomes.
• Integrative care combines various aspects of health for optimal living.
• Community support can enhance the journey towards mental wellness.

In this conversation, Monée Williams interviews Andrew Anderson and Tane Patrono from Elite Personalized Medicine, discussing the principles of functional medicine, the unique approach of their practice, and the importance of personalized care. They explore the journey to functional medicine, the significance of understanding root causes, and the patient experience, including initial visits and treatment plans. The discussion also touches on trends in health, detoxing, and sustainable habits, along with success stories that highlight the transformative power of functional medicine. The episode concludes with insights into the future of their practice and tips for listeners to take control of their health.

 For any listener who goes in for an initial consultation or weight loss treatment, you will receive a discount of $100.

 Website: https://epmlife.com/

Instagram: @epmlife

Takeaways

• Functional medicine focuses on root causes rather than just symptoms.
• Personalized care is essential for effective treatment.
• The initial patient visit is comprehensive and takes time.
• Functional medicine can address complex health issues.
• Detoxing can be beneficial after holiday indulgences.
• Sustainable health habits include diet, sleep, and stress management.
• Hormonal balance is crucial for overall health.
• Functional medicine is becoming more mainstream post-pandemic.
• Collaboration with other healthcare providers is important.
• Patient education is a key component of functional medicine.

If you are in need of concierge services for yourself, your business, or your employees, contact Time Managed LLC. Our website is www.timemanagedllc.com and we can be reached on the phone at 612-314-9336.

In this conversation, Dr. Verlisha Goins discusses her journey in the wellness and aesthetics industry, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health and self-care. She shares insights on foundational wellness practices, the benefits of integrative services like IV therapy, and the role of cosmetic procedures such as Botox. Dr. Goins also addresses men's health, the significance of root cause medicine, and her approach to hormone optimization. Additionally, she explains the concept of direct primary care and encourages listeners to prioritize their wellness amidst busy lives.

Takeaways

•  Prioritize wellness as you only get one life.
• Integrative services can enhance overall health.
• IV therapy offers immediate benefits for recovery.
• Self-care should be a regular practice, not an afterthought.
• Men's health is equally important and requires attention.
• Root cause medicine focuses on underlying issues, not just symptoms.
• Hormone optimization is crucial for women, especially during perimenopause.
• Direct primary care allows for personalized and accessible healthcare.
• Wellness should be integrated into daily life, not sidelined.
• Utilizing social media can help find wellness resources. 

In this episode of One Minute with Monee, host Monee engages in a heartfelt conversation with transformational coach Tamara Nikole. They discuss the importance of intentional living, the power of connection, and how Tamara empowers women to reclaim their identities and overcome life setbacks through her unique Spark framework. The conversation also highlights the significance of community support and the launch of the Queen Bestie movement, aimed at creating a safe space for women to share and grow together. Tamara shares her personal journey and insights on coaching, emphasizing the need for authenticity and self-awareness in personal growth.

Tamara Nikole: Transformational Life Coach and Empowerment Catalyst

Tamara Nikole, the dynamic CEO of Tamara Nikole Corp and SparkGoal, LLC, is a revered Women’s Transformational Coach based in Atlanta, GA. With a passion for empowering women globally, Tamara dedicates her life to helping individuals break free from life's setbacks and reclaim their inherent power. Through her innovative tools and techniques, she ignites the inner S.P.A.R.K within her clients, enabling them to become their truest selves.

Tamara’s mission is clear: to help women rediscover their sparkle and transform their lives. Her unwavering commitment to personal growth and empowerment has inspired countless women to overcome challenges and embrace their full potential. Join Tamara on a transformative journey and let her guide you to a life filled with purpose, confidence, and unparalleled brilliance. 💖✨💖

FB: https://www.facebook.com/TamaraNCole

Contact: https://blinq.me/IZ55bziwja9VdW4a8q3Z

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SparkGoalLLC

IG: OfficialTamaraNikole 

Website: QueenBestie.com

Takeaways

• Balance doesn't happen overnight, but it does happen one intentional minute at a time.
• I help women get unstuck from life setbacks.
• It takes a village to get unstuck, especially for women.
• You have to be careful of how you coach people, considering cultural differences.
• You cannot fight what you don't name; awareness is key.
• Goals never get done if they're based on someone else's expectations.
• Reclaiming identity is crucial for building confidence.
• The Queen Bestie movement aims to empower women to feel comfortable being vulnerable.
• As a coach, pouring into clients also fills my own cup.
• It's important to curate the clientele I take for coaching. 

00:00 Introduction to Intentional Living

02:51 The Power of Connection and Collaboration

03:36 Transformational Coaching: Helping Women Get Unstuck

06:37 The Journey to Becoming a Coach

09:50 Understanding Cultural Sensitivity in Coaching

12:34 The Importance of Vulnerability in Transformation

13:36 The SPARK Framework: An Overview

14:19 Seeing the Reality: The First Step in SPARK

18:45 The Importance of Pausing for Reflection

22:54 Taking Action: The Role of Accountability

25:00 Authenticity in Goal Setting

27:44 Reclaiming Identity After Divorce

31:47 Empowering Women Through Authenticity

35:27 The Spark Framework: A Path to Self-Discovery

37:29 The Journey of Working with Women

40:22 The Queen Bestie Movement

45:01 Building Connections and Community

48:36 Future Aspirations and Projects

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Monée Williams and Dr. Tiffany Packer discuss their upcoming trip to Egypt in 2027, celebrating their long-standing friendship and shared experiences. They delve into the significance of the trip, the importance of intentional travel, and the enriching experiences they hope to provide for participants. The discussion also highlights their personal travel adventures, the planning process for the Egypt trip, and the measures taken to ensure safety and excellence throughout the journey.

Booking Details: https://yourtravelmaven.com/egypt-2027-experience

Instagram: @yourtravelmaven and @DrKillaT 

Takeaways

•  The trip to Egypt is a manifestation of a long-held dream.
• Traveling with family creates lasting memories and perspectives.
• Intentional travel can shape individuals and communities.
• Flexibility is key when traveling with groups.
• The eclipse in 2027 will be a unique experience in Egypt.
• Safety measures are prioritized for travelers.
• The trip is designed to be family-friendly and inclusive.
• Excellence in service is a core value of the trip.
• Personal experiences enrich the travel experience for participants.
• The itinerary includes significant historical sites and cultural experiences. 

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties

06:00 Celebrating Friendship and Founders Day

08:08 The Intentionality of the Egypt Trip

10:01 Travel Experiences and Family Adventures

14:10 Planning for the Egypt Trip

16:22 The Significance of the Eclipse

19:09 Traveling with Family and Friends

21:48 Ensuring Safety and Excellence in Travel

30:10 Trip Itinerary and Final Thoughts