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THE BLACK MERMAID

Zandile Ndhlovu is the founder of The Black Mermaid Foundation, an organization dedicated to changing mindsets and bringing people (particularly for Black and Brown people) closer to the ocean. She is South Africa’s first Black free-diving instructor and through this work, Zandi is providing equitable access to nature and showing that our beliefs about the ocean can coexist with exploring its depths. Our conversation is an exploration of how she came to this work and how it has evolved over the years. 

Zandi’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Before becoming a free-diving instructor, she was navigating racism in corporate South Africa. After exiting this world, she used her experiences as a catalyst for change, leading her to establish her own consultancy. And that was just the beginning. As you listen, you'll discover how she carved out her path to becoming a visible and prominent figure in the world of sustainability. 

 Dive into Zandi's world of storytelling, and you'll find yourself captivated by her tales of teaching children from townships about the ocean and the joy she finds in it. You'll also hear about her children's book, "Zandi's Song," a transformative story that has been essential to furthering her cause. She is a testament to the power of dreams, the beauty of the ocean, and the strength in breaking barriers.

LINKS AND MENTIONS

The Black Mermaid Film 

Zandi’s Ted Talk – You can watch Zandi’s Ted Talk here 

Explore other stories of black women doing incredible things in water here 

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Elevate your style and gain cutting-edge insights into the fashion-tech industry with our special guest, Evelina Kauna Nailenge , the trailblazing co-founder of The Closet Runway.

This Cape Town-based luxury fashion rental company seamlessly blends affordability, sustainability, and luxury, serving as a beacon for circular fashion. As we journey through Evelina's entrepreneurial adventures, we delve into the company's unique business model, its commitment to diverse representation, and its innovative approach to styling consultation services.

We discuss challenges like shipping, customer base expansion, and the unique dynamics of e-commerce businesses in Africa. She highlights that it's not simple to navigate the intricacies of shipping logistics while adhering to a sustainability mission. Through a candid chat with Evelina, you'll discover how she and her co-founder, Ange Mahoro, have transformed these challenges into opportunities, and how their complementary skills have driven the business to new heights.

Finally, get ready for a rapid-fire session that illuminates the inspirations behind Evelina’s journey, unveiling the people and businesses that have shaped her path. From Mellody Hobson's influence to the role of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Cape Town, Evelina's story is rich with surprising twists.

Join us to uncover the colorful threads that make up the fabric of The Closet Runway, and perhaps find a spark of inspiration for your own fashion-tech dreams.

For a transcript of this conversation, CLICK HERE


LINKS AND MENTIONS

Take A Lot – South Africa’s equivalent to Amazon

Superbalist – online fashion and lifestyle market 

Seth Shezi – Art and lifestyle strategist. Travel and Foodie content creator.

Maxhosa  Africa - Founded by designer Laduma Ngxokolo, the brand is known for its distinct patterns and craftsmanship.

Mmuso Maxwell - Johannesburg-based ready-to-wear fashion brand founded by two partners Maxwell Boko and Mmuso Potsane

Thebe Magugu – South African designer and LVMH Prize winner 2019

Maria McCloy – South African fashion & accessories designer and Publicist

Sweep South – think Uber or Lyft for home cleaning, gardening, and odd jobs around the house. A platform that has taken the gig economy to home care. 

Emma Grede – serial entrepreneur, co-founder at Skims with Kim Kardashian and CEO of the inclusive, body positive body clothing brand, Good American. 

Mellody Hobson – first black woman to head up a black-owned mutual fund, Ariel Investments. She teaches the Strategic Thinking class on the Master Class Platform. and 

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Ever felt trapped in the corporate hamster wheel, yearning for something more meaningful? Alison Hall, founder of Change Agent Coaching for Women and co-founder of the Boldest Me, certainly did and she joins me in this episode to share her remarkable journey.

It's not every day that you meet a corporate veteran turned personal trainer, real estate investor, and certified divorce financial analyst, and Alison's journey is nothing short of inspiring. She candidly discusses the role of self-worth in decision-making, how to overcome that pesky imposter syndrome, and the importance of following your passion. Alison's story serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to reinvent yourself and live the life you've always desired. Listen in to catch a glimpse of Alison's vision for her future and her wealth of advice for those embarking on their own journeys of self-discovery and change.

Alison's personal story of transitioning from a 25-year corporate career to becoming a successful entrepreneur is packed with valuable insights for anyone standing at the crossroads. She breaks down the unique challenges faced by women in their late 40s and early 50s, and the importance of harnessing your inherent strengths to break through societal expectations and carve your unique path.

Alison's coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that every woman can transform their lives regardless of age. Her holistic approach to life coaching challenges you to take your ego out of the equation and reassess your life choices. We delve into a much-neglected stage of women's development during their transitional years and discuss how Allison's one-on-one coaching and group-based retreats foster self-awareness and personal growth. Whether it's a career change, a divorce, or any other life-altering experience, Allison's guidance helps women to navigate these waters with grace and competence.

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Whitehall Divorce Solutions - https://whitehalldivorcesolutions.com/
Alison Hall Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonhall-coach-women/

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Today, we are excited to bring you a candid conversation with the unstoppable force that is Shalita Grant - a Tony Award-nominated actress, an NCIS New Orleans alumna, and the mastermind behind the disruptive haircare brand, Four Naturals Hair.

Have you ever wondered about the hair journey of black actresses, the hurdles they face, and the lack of specialized hair care options for them? Shalita peels back the curtain on this significant issue, sharing her personal struggles with traction alopecia, the resulting inspiration to create a formula that would solve her own complex Type 4  hair problems, and her development of a patent-pending hair detangling technique.

We delve into Shalita's life story that includes attending the prestigious Julliard school, traverses through a high-profile role in a popular television show, to her leap of faith into the world of entrepreneurship. Journeying with her, you'll understand the complexities of the hair care industry, the challenges black actresses face with specialized hair care, and how one woman sought to bring change with her own innovative solutions. Shalita's story is not just about business or haircare, it's about resilience, healing, and a burning desire to uplift black women.

Finally, Shalita opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, the growth and freedom it brings, and her dream of living off the grid in Thailand. She shares her vision for Four Naturals Hair, a future where black women and children could have a consistent and empowering experience with their hair care. So, join us for a deep dive into the life of this trailblazing actress turned entrepreneur, and learn how she's challenging the status quo in the hair care industry.

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Bronner Brothers’ Convention - https://www.bronnerbros.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fournaturalshair/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FourNaturalsHair
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@4naturals_hair
NCIS - Shalita discusses her exit from the series in this article

NEWSLETTER

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It’s impossible not to be inspired by Taryn Gill, the go-getter behind the phenomenal haircare brand The Perfect Hair. Her insights and experiences are an education in and of themselves. From her journey in scaling her brand through strategic partnerships, to her lessons on the power of letting go for brand expansion, Taryn candidly shares how her entrepreneurial journey has evolved since our last sit-down two years ago. Her origins story goes beyond a product line, weaving an authentic connection between the brand and its consumers, a testament to her deep understanding of her audience and their needs.
 
 Taryn also offers her perspective on the role that technology and social platforms like TikTok influence the beauty industry. As we explore the evolving beauty landscape, we delve into the consumer's quest for liberation and the significance of a brand's approach to sustainability. Taryn's new brand, Curls in Bloom, is a fascinating player in this dynamic field. Our discussion about the hair conversations in South Africa and the US touches on the inclusive nature of the natural hair movement as it transcends genders, and regional boundaries.
 
 Taryn gives us insights on consumer behavior, the emergence of hair supplements, and the further blurring of lines between beauty and wellness. She also tells us about her return to the classroom and how this fuels her ambition and creativity, ultimately contributing to her vision of creating a holistic health brand.  

Beauty, wellness and self-love is that it’s all about. 

Don’t miss this awesome MasterClass + Sit-Down. 

LINKS AND MENTIONS 

GIBS Business School  

Cherie Blaire Road to Growth - https://cherieblairfoundation.org/what-we-do/programmes/road-to-growth/

Taryn Gill’s social handles: TikTok, Instagram and Facebook

The Perfect Hair

Curls In Bloom 

LOST IN TRANSLATION

You may have heard us talk about shopping at a garage, this simply means a gas station. 😁 South African English is a thing. We even have our own dictionary.

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Kenyan-born entrepreneur Vava Angwenyi is a specialty coffee exporter, producer and roaster. She founded Vava Coffee Inc, which is B-Corp Certified entity and later co-founded Gente Del Futuro with a Tanzania-based Colombian partner, with the mission of having a meaningful impact on the monopolized coffee trade in East Africa.

This episode takes us deep into the rich tapestry of the African coffee industry, as Vava recounts her personal journey and the transformative initiatives she's launched. Vava’s passion for coffee is not just about savoring its taste. She's dedicated to educating local youth about the industry, empowering them with practical skills and opening doors of opportunity.

Her story takes us through the rough terrains of global trade standards, shedding light on how they shape the continent's coffee sector. We also discuss  how colonial legacy lingers in  Africa's coffee consumption habits and highlight how the Gente del Futuro project is having a positive impact on this factor and unlocking other areas of  potential within the African coffee industry. Through education, Gente del Futuro is addressing unemployment, elevating women and girls' exposure to the coffee industry and serves as a career launchpad into the industry young people.

We celebrate the opening of the first-ever coffee house in Lamu, a historic milestone in promoting agriculture and coffee. Wrapping up our discussion, we explore the role of ancestral wisdom in decision-making and the profound influence of authenticity in our lives. And don't miss out on hearing about Vava’s book 'Coffee, Milk, Blood' - a celebration of African culture and Vava's journey in the coffee industry. So, are you ready for a cup of brewed insights?

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Vava Coffee Inc. - https://www.vavacoffeeinc.com

Kuijenga - a Vava Coffee project showcasing their impact work in Lamu, Kenya - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmrdTvPrkgs

Coffee Milk Blood - An insider's view of Kenya's coffee industry - https://www.coffeemilkblood.com/new-products-1/swahili-soul-event-lamu 

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We're back for a new season! Are you ready to start the conversation with some insights on how we think about and how we speak more openly about menstrual health?

Leading the charge shift attitudes in South Africa is Zizipho Ntobongwana, the dynamic founder of Sheba Feminine. Our conversation sheds light on the importance of organic and biodegradable products and we discuss her mission to reframe menstrual health. We get into the details of her entrepreneurial journey - from fair competition in the personal hygiene industry, to Decolonizing Sustainability, and fostering a community that takes pride in their bodies and the products they use.

Zizipho also introduces us to Sheba Feminine's innovative 'Pay for a Pal's Pads' program and the need for intergenerational dialogue to remove the stigma surrounding menstruation and women's sexual health. We navigate the difficulties of pricing high-quality menstrual products, the diverse range of products Sheba Feminine offers, and the societal change in attitude towards these topics.

Zizipho eloquently breaks down the Westernized perception of sustainability and the urgency to reconnect with our ancestral practices. In the conversation, you'll also hear how Sheba Feminine is challenging the norm, as well as how they are tackling the intergenerational gap between educators and school pupils. We wrap up the conversation up with Zizi's personal story of overcoming societal taboos and her mission to empower women through her amazing brand.

So, be sure not to miss it!

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Indlela Yethu - a short film produced by Zizipho for the sustainable Cape Town brand, Rewoven 

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A quick update from host, Kutloano Skosana Ricci.  Have a happy summer 😎

LINKS

Visit the podcast website: https://shadesandlayers.com
Pitch your story to be a guest, subscribe to the companion newsletter and browse the back catalog of episodes. 

Follow the podcast on Instagram @shadesandlayerspodcast

If you haven't already, please consider subscribing to Shades and Layers on your favorite listening app. Also if you enjoy the show, it would also be great if you could help others to find us by leaving a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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Today my guest is Keziah Dhamma, founder and CEO of Swirly Curly Hair, a luxury natural hair care and education company. 

So, what started out as a company making snap-on hair ties (Snapees) for curly and kinky haired folks, has evolved into a fully-fledged product company with an education platform to support individuals on their natural hair journey.  

With more than 10 thousand members in its community, Swirly Curly Hair is looking to go even bigger in the next few years, as they contemplate getting into the retail space.  

In our conversation, she gives the details of exactly what the Swirly Curly method entails, how she went about developing the curriculum for members of her community and how she transitioned from one stage of the company to the next.  She also gets into surviving Covid, writing a book and balancing all that with having three children in quick succession. 

Enjoy the episode!

LINKS, MENTIONS AND GIFTS

Keziah Dhamma is also the host of Hey Curlfriend, a podcast dedicated to the Swirly Curly community and others who want to learn more about caring for their natural hair. 

Curl College is where you can learn how to take care of your curls using the Swirly Curly Method. You can also buy  Keziah's book which outlines this method with illustrations. 

And just for being a Shades and Layers listener, you get a 15% discount on your order when using the code podcast15 at checkout.

Shades and Layers Newsletter - Join the squad and let's have some meaningful conversations about black women in business and entrepreneurship as the key to economic freedom.

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Personal care conversations/discussions for black and brown people are still largely dominated by hair care, but now we see more and more conversations about skin care concerns that are specific to people of color. 

Today we are focusing on a black-owned skincare brand that uses science-based solutions to address the needs specific to people of color and encourages us to Love Your Brown Skin. 

Beauty of the Nile is also a  family business and Jasmine Mobley, my guest today, is a co-founder with her parents in this venture. She is also the host of the brand’s eponymous podcast and fulfills other customer facing activities, like managing the brand’s vibrant community of skincare enthusiast. She also points out that even though she has this official role in the company, it's all hands on deck when you're a startup.

The brand is a reboot and Jasmine will tell us all about that and how she finds working with her forward-thinking parents. We talk about her entrepreneurial journey, the tokenization of diversity in the beauty industry, colorism and how the "Love your Brown Skin" tagline became the brand’s North Star.

Don't miss this one 😊🤎

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Beauty of the Nile Podcast - A great way to explore conversations around  beauty standards and Jasmine is a fantastic host!

Shades and Layers Newsletter - Join the squad and let's have some meaningful conversations about black women in business and entrepreneurship as the key to economic freedom.

A GIFT FOR YOU

Learn More about Otrium and their mission to sell all unsold clothing and get a 20% discount when you shop brands on their platform. Use the code SHADES20 at checkout to enjoy this offer.

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