Ever wished there was more inclusivity in the fashion world? Stephanie Thomas, our remarkable guest for today's show, is making this dream a reality. Born with a disability, she's transformed her personal challenges into a mission aimed at changing the fashion industry. Listen in as we peel back the layers on her personal journey, her battle against internalized ableism, and her advice to young people with disabilities on establishing their self-worth.

Stephanie guides us through her path as an entrepreneur in the fashion sector. She shares her perspective on the industry's slow response to inclusivity and her experiences on adaptive clothing projects. We wade into the importance of representation and understanding the specific needs of people with disabilities when designing clothes. Join us as we unearth how fashion can serve as a confidence booster, and why it's crucial to see more voices with lived experiences in the fashion industry.

Finally, we expand the conversation by touching on disability representation in the Black community. We discuss the importance of grassroots initiatives and including people with disabilities in discussions about entrepreneurship and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI). Stephanie generously shares her passion for advocacy, intersectionality, and her mission to shift culture. This captivating conversation is both empowering and enlightening, providing valuable insights about self-definition and the power of creating your own reality. Listen now, and be part of this transformative journey.

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Join me, Wesley Hamilton, and immerse yourself in a journey of powerful narratives at the crossroads of being Black and disabled. We've got the dynamic Lauren Lolo Spencer in the studio, an award-nominated actress and disability lifestyle influencer, who has been rewriting the script since her diagnosis at 14. Tune in as we peel back the layers on navigating the world from this unique intersection, particularly exploring barriers and opportunities within business, wealth accumulation, and representation.

We'll pull no punches as we dissect societal attitudes and generational traumas that have woven a complex web around disability and Blackness. Lauren and I will ponder the power of words, self-worth, and the struggles inherent in relationships when you're disabled. Fasten your seatbelts as we maneuver through the dizzying world of dating apps from the perspective of a Black, disabled individual.

Our discourse ranges from the importance of controlling our narratives to the need for creating safe social spaces for individuals with disabilities. You'll hear raw, unfiltered insights on how media and popular culture shape our experiences and perceptions. We round up by exploring the dynamics of taking action, persevering, and shattering societal barriers. Brace yourself for an enlightening ride through advocacy, representation, and barrier-breaking. Lauren’s story will not only inspire you but also challenge you to see the world from a different perspective.

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Ever had to navigate a venue with a disability? Ever consider the challenges that disabled individuals face each day? Join me, Wesley Hamilton, as I sit down with my brave and inspiring friend, Anna Cyril, a spinal cord injury survivor turned passionate disability advocate. Together, we tackle the everyday nuances of living with a disability, from the vital importance of emergency preparedness to the often-overlooked aspects of attending events.

Anna sheds light on her personal journey, highlighting her educational challenges, her transition from high school to college, and how she's turned her experiences into a powerful voice for the disability community. We dive beneath the surface of air travel and explore it from the lens of a disabled passenger, uncovering the complexities and emotional toll of airline accessibility for wheelchair users. Anna's resilience and determination are a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and her story serves as a beacon of hope for all navigating life with a disability.

In our conversation, we underline the critical role of disability laws and debunk the myths surrounding them. We emphasize the need for advocacy and the potent influence that individual stories can wield in shattering societal barriers and promoting inclusivity. Anna's tireless advocacy for an accessible and inclusive future is the representation the disability community needs. So, listen in and join us on this enlightening journey, and let's build a more inclusive future together.

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Ever thought about what it takes to rise from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent figure in the non-profit sector? Tune in this week as we navigate the transformative journey of Dan Smith, an entrepreneur whose heart beats for the Black and Brown communities. Born and bred on the East side of Kansas City, Dan has weathered life's storms, emerging as a beacon of hope and perseverance. Experience his raw and powerful insights about his life, the impact of generational trauma, and the importance of venturing beyond one's familiar surroundings. 

In our heartfelt conversation, we unravel Dan's path from struggling with poverty to becoming an inspiring father and a successful entrepreneur. We discuss his experiences in the cutthroat world of corporate America and how it's compelling companies to rethink their strategies and amplify the voices of their employees. Together, we explore the sacrifices he's made, his involvement in outreach programs, and the honor he received through the Community Giver Award. 

Dan's remarkable journey is a testament to the power of sacrifice, struggle, and unyielding dedication. His story reminds us that embracing technology and stepping outside comfort zones are crucial elements on the entrepreneurship trail. Prepare to be moved as we delve into his passion for creating positive change in the Black and Brown community. Join us as we share, learn, and get inspired by Dan's relentless pursuit of his dreams and his unwavering commitment to making a difference.

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Looking for a story of resilience, passion, and success? Join me as I sit down with Raul, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and ex-Army medic and nurse, who turned his troubled childhood into a rich tapestry of experiences for his storytelling. We delve into Raul's past, his upbringing in an immigrant family, his time at a state-sanctioned correctional facility, and how these experiences fueled his journey towards becoming a successful filmmaker. His determination, innate toughness and the unwavering support from his parents led him to work with Netflix and Lowrider.

Raul and I explore deeper into his artistic passion and the importance of exploration in life. He opens up about a life-changing encounter in an ER where a doctor’s words sparked an epiphany, causing him to rethink his career path. We also discuss the power of storytelling and its ability to help people see themselves in the experiences of others. Raul then reflects on the cultural barriers he had to break and the significance of providing a range of experiences for his future children.

In our conversation, we discuss the importance of following your passion and the power it has on your life and the lives of others. We touch upon the significance of recognizing what makes you happy and how it can elevate your position in life. We then move on to Raul's current projects, including his campaigns to raise awareness about distracted driving and his philanthropic efforts in providing bug nets and insect repellent to those affected by malaria. This conversation with Raul is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and the human capacity to transform adversity into a beacon of hope and inspiration. Tune in to hear his remarkable journey.

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Join Wesley Hamilton and Toyia Mays, co-founder of The Laya Center, as we discuss our personal healing stories and holistic health benefits. Toya shares how her past shaped her and the safe healing space she's created at the Layla Center.

In these challenging times, we touch upon the impact of significant events like the COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd's incident, especially on Black and Brown communities. We also explore the Laya Center's cool cryotherapy chamber and how it helps overall well-being. Plus, we discuss how emotional pains from our past might show up as physical pains now.

We also talk about the magic of nature in healing. The Laya Center isn't just a place to get better; it's a place to grow in mind, body, and spirit. Toyia shares the wonders of things like herbal teas in keeping us healthy. One key takeaway? Starting your healing journey helps you take control of your life. 

Listen, get inspired, and join us on this healing journey!

• Guest: Toyia Mays, Co-founder of Laya Center

• Topics Covered:
  • Personal healing stories
  • Advantages of holistic health
  • Societal influences from events like COVID-19 and George Floyd's incident
  • The innovative cryotherapy chamber at the Laya Center
  • The connection between physical and emotional pain.
• Connect with Toya:
  • Laya Center Website
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
• Feedback & Questions: Your feedback matters to us! Please share your comments and pose your questions via our email.

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Join me, Wesley Hamilton, for a heart-to-heart chat with talented visual artist Ayala. Ayala's artwork tells her personal story of reconnecting with her roots and her love for painting, and it's so powerful that big names like Coca-Cola and Comcast have taken notice.

We'll dive deep into how teaching herself and embracing her Latino heritage have shaped her work and life. Ayala's art gives a voice to those often overlooked, highlighting the challenges and beauty of identity in today's world.

We'll also explore the healing power of art and how Ayala uses it to understand herself better. She'll share her beliefs about staying true to oneself, dreaming big, and connecting with the past. And for a fun twist, we'll find out which three artists, from any period, she'd love to have dinner with. Curious?

Take a listen to the episode.

Show Notes:

Guest: Ayala

Topics Covered:

• Rediscovering passion for painting
• The interplay of Latino heritage in art
• The role of self-education in personal growth
• Art as a medium for voice and representation
• Triumphs and tribulations: Getting noticed by industry giants
• The therapeutic dimensions of artistic expression

Connect with Vanessa:

• Personal Art Portfolio Website
• Instagram
• TikTok

Feedback & Questions:
Your perspective enriches our discussion! Share your feedback, or forward your questions to our email.

For more conversations like this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. 

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Meet Christina Perry, the heart and soul behind Body Love. Faced with her asthma challenges, she transformed adversity into a passionate journey toward health and wellness. Even amid a global pandemic, Christina chose to step away from a steady job to embrace her dream fully. She candidly shares her personal experiences, from harnessing the power of affirmations to finding balance in emotional turbulence. With a switch to a vegetarian lifestyle, she's not only bettered her health but also found a way to manage her endometriosis. Christina's story isn't just about her transformation; it's packed with practical tips and heartfelt advice for anyone looking to lead a healthier life. Dive into a conversation filled with genuine motivation and learn from Christina's inspiring journey.

Episode Notes:

• Guest: Christina Perry, Founder of Body Love.
• Topics Covered: Personal health journeys, the impact of affirmations, emotional management, benefits of vegetarianism, dealing with endometriosis, and the power of self-belief.
• Recommended Reads: Titles by Rick Ross and Tabitha Brown.
• Connect with Christina: Body Love Website, Instagram, Facebook
• Feedback & Questions: We value your insights! Share your thoughts, and send in your questions to our email.

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