Ordinary Thoughts

We're so happy to be in community with Massiel Alfonso, a Dominican writer, poet, and author of the soul-stirring book, "Handful of Poems."

Her book was awarded First Place in the Poetry Collections category of the 30th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards. Massiel's verses delve into the complexities of love, scars of trauma, and the profound journey of self-love. Her work has been published in Dominican writers Cuenticos Chapbook, La Libreta, Spanglish Voces, The Acentos Review, and more.

In today's conversation, we cover what it's like growing up New York-Dominican, diving head-first into your craft, betting on yourself above all else, and so much more.

Moments:

1:25 Meet Massiel

3:35 Childhood fashion phases

5:00 Discovering writing as a talent

13:20 How our upbringing shapes our creativity

17:50 Publishing her first book

21:15 Advice to first-time authors

25:05 Favorite writers

33:40 Poetry and music

47:10 Massiel's writing workshops

1:01 Quitting your 9-5 to pursue your passion

1:18 Massiel's favorite quote, singer, and more.

Connect with Massiel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mas_si_el/

Visit her website to order her book, register for workshops, and more: https://massielalfonso.square.site

In a world built to break Black women down, Jen’s commitment to collective healing is an act of resistance. 

Jennifer Myers wears multiple hats as a life coach, certified women’s circle facilitator, owner and host of the Open Heart Raw Story podcast, and seasoned yoga teacher and movement motivator. 

With her certification in women's circle facilitation, Jen orchestrates transformative experiences through moon circles and her women-only group coaching program, Journey to the Sacred Self, guiding participants toward profound self-discovery and personal growth. 

In this conversation, we celebrate a woman who has dedicated her life to helping individuals feel empowered and live purpose-driven lives. We discuss overcoming our need for perfection, setting boundaries, and building community are among the many topics of this healing conversation.

Moments:

1:35 Meet Jen

8:00 Jen's professional journey in public relations

10:40 Burnout and setting boundaries

18:40 Imposter syndrome

24:40 Code-switching in Corporate America

27:50 Advice to women who want to pursue non-traditional paths

35:45 Isaiah & Jen talk about overcoming the need for perfection

45:60 Cybele shares the serendipity of meeting Jen

50:00 Building and fostering community

55:25 Jen's favorite quotes, books, movies, and more

Connect with Jen:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennesis_86/
Listen to her podcast, Open Heart Raw Story:  https://linktr.ee/Openheartrawstory

Cybele and Isaiah had the pleasure of talking to Shakira Hunt, the Owner and Chief Creative Director of Philly-based Shakira Hunt Creative Studio

Shakira is an interior designer by training, graduating from Moore College of Art & Design, with a BFA in Interior Design, and a photographer by trade. After side hustling in photography while working a full design job, Shakira decided to take a leap of faith into full-time entrepreneurship. 

Plus! At the time you’re listening to this, Shakira’s “Give My Flowers: Soft Petals” exhibition is currently on display at the Delaware Art Museum from March through September 2024. Stay tuned for more information about the inspiration behind the project. 

Moments:

1:45 Meet Shakira Hunt

6:30 The spark that led to Shakira Hunt Studio

8:50 Shakira's creative process

12:30 Balancing the personal and professional

16:30 Behind "Give Me My Flowers"

20:20 Black masculinity, vulnerability and mental health in Black & Brown households

34:20 The mother wound, and "Give Me My Flowers: Soft Petals"

35:40 Shakira's favorite artist, podcasts, and film

38:30 Advice to other up & coming creatives

Connect with Shakira:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakirahunt.creativestudio/

Website: https://www.shakirahunt.com/

Give Me My Flowers: Soft Petals Exhibition: https://delart.org/event/give-me-my-flowers/

Our first guest on Ordinary Thoughts is poet, mentor, community facilitator, and author Dhayana Alejandrina! 

She began her literary journey at 9 years old in Santo Domingo, continuing to write as her family migrated to the United States in 2009. Her work explores the transformative power of words, delving into inner growth, culture, identity, and healing. Alejandrina recently assumed the role of Lead Poetry and Cultural Collaborator for Afriqué Noire Magazine and is working on her second poetry collection.

Tune in for a winding conversation about writing, migration, identity, hair, healing, and much more! Don’t forget to support Dhayana’s work and follow along on her journey in the links below. 

Moments: 

Connect with Dhayana: 

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