She Rocked It

Nikia Phoenix is a courageous, multi-talented creative known for celebrating self-love as a meditation guide, model, and creator of the Black Girl Beautiful initiative. Enjoy this 8-minute meditation from Nikia, and be sure to check out her full She Rocked It podcast episode.

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She Rocked It is a media and mentorship platform where creative, courageous women rock it together. We are eager to learn from, listen to, and lift one another up — driven by the belief that women’s voices are essential. On our podcast and Instagram Live interview series, She Rocked It host/founder and creative entrepreneur Karen Gross gets trailblazing women leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs to reveal how they rock it – and their insights may surprise you. Their behind-the-scenes stories, best-kept secrets to success, and actionable tips are sure to inspire the rockstar in all of us! 

Please subscribe and leave a review! 

• Join our community at https://www.sherockedit.com 
• Join us on Instagram @sherockedit 
• Download our FREE guide “SECRETS TO ROCKING IT” 
• Ready to transform your creativity into a career that rocks? Check out our group mentorship program, Rock-It Launcher! 

Support the show

If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/

Mark Bryan has been seen on the pages of Vogue and Interview magazine and has over 650,000 followers on Instagram, where he describes himself as a straight, cis man who loves wearing heels and skirts daily. In this revealing interview – our first with a man – Mark unpacks how he developed his rockstar sense of style and why he chooses to upend traditional expectations of men’s and women’s fashion, even in the workplace. The conversation raises meaningful questions about gender, sexuality, safety, and how expressing your most creative self can inspire others, too. Tune in to find out how Mark rocks it in stilettos and shows up with unapologetic confidence.

In this episode, you'll hear...
[2:14] How Mark developed his sense of style – and how he loves the confidence of wearing stilettos 
[3:58] How Mark rose to fame as an influencer 
[5:50] Why Mark doesn’t worry about what others think
[12:47] Why Mark thinks wearing skirts and heels has nothing to do with gender or sexual orientation 
[15:34] How Mark feels about being called sexy 
[19:15] Why Mark looked to Meghan Markle and Harry Styles for fashion inspiration
[26:16] Mark’s One Tip To Rock It

Links from this episode:

• More from Mark Bryan: https://www.instagram.com/markbryan911/?hl=en
• Mark Bryan in Interview magazine: https://www.interviewmagazine.com/fashion/can-you-walk-a-mile-in-mark-bryans-louboutins 
• Here's a resource from the ACLU on supporting all people's right to be themselves:
  https://www.aclu.org/issues/lgbtq-rights/transgender-rights/three-ways-be-informed-advocate-transgender-people

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She Rocked It is a media and mentorship platform where creative, courageous women rock it together. We are eager to learn from, listen to, and lift one another up — driven by the belief that women’s voices are essential. On our podcast and Instagram Live interview series, She Rocked It host/founder and creative entrepreneur Karen Gross gets trailblazing women leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs to reveal how they rock it – and their insights may surprise you. Their behind-the-scenes stories, best-kept secrets to success, and actionable tips are sure to inspire the rockstar in all of us! 

Please subscribe and leave a review! 

• Join our community at https://www.sherockedit.com 
• Join us on Instagram @sherockedit 
• Download our FREE guide “SECRETS TO ROCKING IT” 
• Ready to transform your creativity into a career that rocks? Check out our group mentorship program, Rock-It Launcher! 

Rockstar energy – you know it when you see it. And Tina Kerekes just HAS IT. A walking magnet for music and art, and well-known for her rockstar sense of style, Tina is dedicated to following her own artistic path and mentoring other creatives along the way. She’s an artist, designer, one-time owner of a skate shop, and she even styled the music video for Khia’s iconic anthem “My Neck, My Back.” For the past several years, Tina has been the manager and curator of the Transparent Clinch Gallery in Asbury Park, NJ, where she’s cultivated a nurturing space for the community with a vibe best described as part gallery, part music venue, and part local living room. ️Transparent Clinch Gallery features photography, books, and more by Danny Clinch – one of the music world’s premier photographers and music video directors who has captured a wide range of artists, from Björk to Bruce Springsteen.

No doubt you’ll be inspired by Tina’s own rockstar energy, and how she continues to rock an artistic path. Tune in to get the inside story!

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

• [2:25] Tina's chance encounter with rock'n'roll photography legend Danny Clinch
• [5:45] The importance of community to Tina's artistic practice
• [7:40] Tina on her rockstar style 
• [8:39] What does it mean to have "rockstar energy"?
• [11:10] Tina's work as a stylist 
• [13:41] Proving people wrong who want to obstruct the artistic path
• [15:41] How Karen and Tina first met...in 1997
• [17:00] Being ahead of the curve on body positivity
• [18:50] The importance of mentoring up-and-coming artists
• [21:40] Tina’s One Tip to Rock It

Links from this episode:

• Tina Kerekes: https://www.instagram.com/tinakerekes/?hl=en
• Transparent Clinch Gallery: https://www.transparentclinchgallery.com/
• Danny Clinch: https://www.instagram.com/dannybones64/?hl=en 
• Danny Clinch, Still Moving book: https://bookshop.org/books/danny-clinch-still-moving/9781419708701
• Dentist: https://www.dentistband.com/
• Khia’s “My Neck, My Back” music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T6Fnwbtzp8

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She Rocked It is a media and mentorship platform where creative, courageous women rock it together. We are eager to learn from, listen to, and lift one another up — driven by the belief that women’s voices are essential. On our podcast and Instagram Live interview series, She Rocked It host/founder and creative entrepreneur Karen Gross gets trailblazing women leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs to reveal how they rock it – and their insights may surprise you. Their behind-the-scenes stories, best-kept secrets to success, and actionable tips are sure to inspire the rockstar in all of us! 

Please subscribe and leave a review! 

• Join our community at https://www.sherockedit.com 
• Join us on Instagram @sherockedit 
• Download our FREE guide “SECRETS TO ROCKING IT” 
• Ready to transform your creativity i

Support the show

If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/

Dr. Robin Smith has raised her voice and rocked it as a New York Times bestselling author, the on-air therapist-in-residence on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and currently as an in-demand speaker and the host of The Dr. Robin Show on SiriusXM. In this revealing and wisdom-packed episode, Dr. Robin shares why she’s careful about who she allows “in her ear and in her sphere” – and why an empowering community is essential to rocking it! She also reminds all of us how adversity can be transformed into purpose and power, and how persistence, patience, and self-compassion are crucial on the path to our biggest dreams. 

​​In this episode, you’ll hear:

[2:47] Dr. Robin’s prescription for transforming adversity into purpose and power

[6:23] How Karen and Dr. Robin connected and how they collaborate 

[12:32] The importance of who’s in your ear and in your sphere

[15:55] The patience and persistence required on Dr. Robin’s path to becoming an on-air TV personality 

[22:35] Letting go of the “exhausted woman” card and embracing self-care to show up fully

[27:15] Dr. Robin’s 2-part Tip to Rock It 

Links from this episode: 

• Dr. Robin Smith: https://www.drrobinsmith.com/ 
• Karen Gross: https://www.karengross.com/ 
• Gabrielle Sellei: https://selleilaw.com/gabrielle-sellei
• Tune into The Dr. Robin Show on SiriusXM Urban View: https://www.siriusxm.com/channels/siriusxm-urban-view

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She Rocked It is a media and mentorship platform where creative, courageous women rock it together. We are eager to learn from, listen to, and lift one another up — driven by the belief that women’s voices are essential. On our podcast and Instagram Live interview series, She Rocked It host/founder and creative entrepreneur Karen Gross gets trailblazing women leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs to reveal how they rock it – and their insights may surprise you. Their behind-the-scenes stories, best-kept secrets to success, and actionable tips are sure to inspire the rockstar in all of us! 

Please subscribe and leave a review! 

• Join our community at https://www.sherockedit.com 
• Join us on Instagram @sherockedit 
• Download our FREE guide “SECRETS TO ROCKING IT” 
• Ready to transform your creativity into a career that rocks? Check out our group mentorship program, Rock-It Launcher! 

Support the show

If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/

Do you show up for others before you show up for YOU? In this inspiring episode, you’ll hear from Nikia Phoenix on why self-care is essential to rocking it. Nikia is a courageous, multitalented creative known for celebrating self-love as a meditation guide, model, and creator of the Black Girl Beautiful initiative. If you follow her on Instagram, subscribe to her emails, or enjoy her guided meditations, you know that the energy she puts into the world is truly a breath of fresh air. Tune in as Nikia reveals the reasons she came to embrace self-care, why she’s empowered by the rockstar women in her family, and how you can learn to put yourself first.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [02:20] How Nikia discovered the importance of self-care while struggling with depression
• [07:59] How Nikia finds balance as a social media personality
• [09:57] Why it’s important for women to tap into the sacral chakra 
• [12:45] The Black Girl Beautiful mural and movement, and how Nikia’s experiences modeling led her to start it
• [18:50] What gives Nikia Phoenix confidence? Why she’s inspired by her family
• [21:50] What is reiki? Exploring energy healing
• [23:26] How Nikia rocks a multi-hyphenate creative career
• [26:50] Nikia’s One Tip to Rock It

Links from this episode: 

Nikia’s website https://nikiaphoenix.com/

Nikia’s Instagram @nikiaphoenix or https://www.instagram.com/nikiaphoenix/?hl=en

Nikia’s meditations https://nikiaphoenix.com/meditate

Black Girl Beautiful https://www.blackgirlbeautiful.com/

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She Rocked It is a media and mentorship platform where creative, courageous women rock it together. We are eager to learn from, listen to, and lift one another up — driven by the belief that women’s voices are essential. On our podcast and Instagram Live interview series, She Rocked It host/founder and creative entrepreneur Karen Gross gets trailblazing women leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs to reveal how they rock it – and their insights may surprise you. Their behind-the-scenes stories, best-kept secrets to success, and actionable tips are sure to inspire the rockstar in all of us! 

Please subscribe and leave a review! 

• Join our community at https://www.sherockedit.com 
• Join us on Instagram @sherockedit 
• Download our FREE guide “SECRETS TO ROCKING IT” 
• Ready to transform your creativity into a career that rocks? Check out our group mentorship program, Rock-It Launcher! 

Support the show

If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/

Ready to rock it, but don’t know where to start? Turn on this episode for a jolt of inspiration right now! In this solo episode, She Rocked It founder and host Karen Gross shares the Rock-It Roadmap™ – a series of six top tips for a creative, courageous life and career. These empowering lessons are drawn from Karen’s decade of experience as a successful creative entrepreneur, her many She Rocked It interviews, and her time as a speechwriter and journalist writing for and about trailblazing women leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs. This is the kind of roadmap you’ll want to hang on your fridge as a reminder to rock it every day (head to our website to print it out)! Let’s all rock it – together.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [00:58] Introducing the Rock-It Roadmap and She Rocked It host and founder, Karen Gross 
• [3:39] “R” = Raise your voice
• [6:15] “O” = Own your value 
• [10:01] “C” = Commit to your creativity 
• [14:08] “K” = Kick out your inner critic
• [19:12] “I” = Imagine and Implement
• [24:22] “T” = Tribe vibes 
• [27:59] Roadmap recap and how to rock some empowering apparel

Links from the episode: 

• Learn more about Karen at karengross.com
• Keep up with Karen on Instagram @communicationthatsings
• Mary Jelkovsky's episode:  https://youtu.be/5Eod2yMzm9k
• Divinity Roxx's episode: ​https://youtu.be/H7Wt9HbLkoA
• Mallory (MJ) Hank Johnson's episode: https://youtu.be/qOTnETVxAAY
• Ashley Berke's episode: https://youtu.be/Cgrslv6VXxM
• Jennifer Blaine's episode: https://youtu.be/Tf_D2GGVeB8
• Learn more about the Rock-It Launcher group mentorship program for creative, courageous women at https://sherockedit.com/rock-it-launcher
  
  

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She Rocked It is a media and mentorship platform where creative, courageous women rock it together. We are eager to learn from, listen to, and lift one another up — driven by the belief that women’s voices are essential. On our podcast and Instagram Live interview series, She Rocked It host/founder and creative entrepreneur Karen Gross gets trailblazing women leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs to reveal how they rock it – and their insights may surprise you. Their behind-the-scenes stories, best-kept secrets to success, and actionable tips are sure to inspire the rockstar in all of us! 

Please subscribe and leave a review! 

• Join our community at https://www.sherockedit.com 
• Join us on Instagram @sherockedit 
• Download our FREE guide “SECRETS TO ROCKING IT” 
• Ready to transform your creativity into a career that rocks? Check out our group mentorship program, Rock-It Launcher! 

Support the show

If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/

Why are so many women opening businesses in Philadelphia’s East Passyunk Avenue neighborhood? And what can we all learn from these rockstar women entrepreneurs? Tune into this episode to hear what went down at She Rocked It’s first-ever live panel discussion and networking event, held in partnership with the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District during Women’s History Month 2022. Get ready for lots of real talk, inspiring stories, and actionable tips to rock it! Whether you’re looking to start a business, level up your business, or just need a jolt of inspiration from some truly courageous women – this episode has it all.  

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [03:13] The lowdown on East Passyunk Avenue’s many women-owned businesses
• [05:43] Dr. Robin Smith on transforming adversity into purpose and power 
• [10:29] Introductions from women entrepreneurs 
• [17:40] Why women opened businesses on East Passyunk Avenue in Philadelphia
• [22:35] How women entrepreneurs overcame challenges in their businesses
• [24:41] Why is entrepreneurship worth it for women business owners? 
• [30:47] Q&A 1 What these women business owners wish they knew when they first started out
• [36:56] Q&A 2 What keeps these entrepreneurs motivated

 
Links from this episode: 

• Chef Jennifer Zavala, Juana Tamale https://juana-tamale.square.site/
• Cara Stipa, The Utopia Collective https://theutopiacollective.com/
• Elissa Kara, Nice Things Handmade  https://www.instagram.com/nicethingsphila/?hl=en
• Shana Heidorn, Society Hill Dance Academy https://societyhilldance.com/
• Dr. Robin Smith, https://www.drrobinsmith.com/
• Karen Gross, https://karengross.com/
• East Passyunk Avenue: http://www.visiteastpassyunk.com/ 
• This episode was recorded by PhillyCAM: https://phillycam.org/

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She Rocked It is a media and mentorship platform where creative, courageous women rock it together. We are eager to learn from, listen to, and lift one another up — driven by the belief that women’s voices are essential. On our podcast and Instagram Live interview series, She Rocked It host/founder and creative entrepreneur Karen Gross gets trailblazing women leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs to reveal how they rock it – and their insights may surprise you. Their behind-the-scenes stories, best-kept secrets to success, and actionable tips are sure to inspire the rockstar in all of us! 

Please subscribe and leave a review! 

• Join our community at https://www.sherockedit.com 
• Join us on Instagram @sherockedit 
• Download our FREE guide “SECRETS TO ROCKING IT” 
• Ready to transform your creativity into a career that rocks? Check out our group mentorship program, Rock-It Launcher! 

Support the show

If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/

For the final episode of our first season, we are thrilled to share an uplifting message of hope by way of the acclaimed children’s musician and singer-songwriter Sonia De Los Santos. Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Sonia moved to New York City with the dream of becoming a singer; within a few years, she was touring the world with Grammy Award-winning group Dan Zanes And Friends. In 2019, Sonia was nominated for a Latin Grammy for her family music album, ¡Alegría!.

Her recent release, Esperanza, is a bilingual collection of vibrant, all-ages songs that explore hope, joy, community, togetherness, curiosity and celebration, written during a time of great change in all of our lives. In this heartfelt and candid interview, Sonia shares the behind-the-scenes stories of following her dream to the Big Apple; how a community of women supports her success; and how she transformed a hateful comment into the deeply personal song “This Land Is Also Mine.” And, after years of performing with her band in renowned venues and festivals (Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, and more), she shares how she has pivoted to rocking it right at home.

BONUS: Check our YouTube channel (link below) for Sonia’s She Rocked It exclusive live performance of Esperanza.

Links from the episode:

• Sonia De Los Santos website: https://www.soniadelossantosmusic.com/ 
• She Rocked It EXCLUSIVE live performance of Esperanza: https://youtu.be/WkBDXJTb_I0 

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She Rocked It is a media and mentorship platform where creative, courageous women rock it together. We are eager to learn from, listen to, and lift one another up — driven by the belief that women’s voices are essential. On our podcast and Instagram Live interview series, She Rocked It host/founder and creative entrepreneur Karen Gross gets trailblazing women leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs to reveal how they rock it – and their insights may surprise you. Their behind-the-scenes stories, best-kept secrets to success, and actionable tips are sure to inspire the rockstar in all of us! 

Please subscribe and leave a review! 

• Join our community at https://www.sherockedit.com 
• Join us on Instagram @sherockedit 
• Download our FREE guide “SECRETS TO ROCKING IT” 
• Ready to transform your creativity into a career that rocks? Check out our group mentorship program, Rock-It Launcher! 

Support the show

If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/

Jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon believes in following a “path of purpose,” and hers has led to multiple GRAMMY® Award nominations and performances at The Kennedy Center and The White House among other prestigious venues. Her path took a very different turn after the loss of her soulmate and husband, renowned architect Phil Freelon, which prompted her to question everything she thought she knew about living, dying, faith, healing, and her art. Nnenna’s experiences led her to a new journey, down the path of grief. Today, she’s sharing her voice once again through a heartfelt new album (Time Traveler) and a powerful, poignant podcast (Great Grief with Nnenna Freelon). In this honest, inspiring, and deeply moving conversation, Nnenna reveals how it has felt to rediscover and raise her voice anew, how she has balanced the life of a performing artist and mother, and why it’s crucial to define your own vision of success.

Links from the episode:

• Nnenna Freelon website: https://www.nnenna.com/ 
• Great Grief with Nnenna Freelon podcast: https://www.wunc.org/podcast/great-grief 

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She Rocked It is a media and mentorship platform where creative, courageous women rock it together. We are eager to learn from, listen to, and lift one another up — driven by the belief that women’s voices are essential. On our podcast and Instagram Live interview series, She Rocked It host/founder and creative entrepreneur Karen Gross gets trailblazing women leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs to reveal how they rock it – and their insights may surprise you. Their behind-the-scenes stories, best-kept secrets to success, and actionable tips are sure to inspire the rockstar in all of us! 

Please subscribe and leave a review! 

• Join our community at https://www.sherockedit.com 
• Join us on Instagram @sherockedit 
• Download our FREE guide “SECRETS TO ROCKING IT” 
• Ready to transform your creativity into a career that rocks? Check out our group mentorship program, Rock-It Launcher! 

Support the show

If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/

Divinity Roxx has raised her voice -- and her bass -- as a Grammy-nominated recording artist, composer, and musician. She’s rocked it onstage alongside Beyoncé as her bassist and musical director, and has appeared on countless television shows including The Grammys, Saturday Night Live, and Good Morning America. Divinity’s career as a bass player skyrocketed after meeting the legendary bass virtuoso, Victor Wooten -- and in this revealing and rockin' interview, she shares (and sings) the song that first captured his attention! You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes stories about Divinity’s hip hop roots; how she abandoned journalism for a full-fledged music career; and why she’s now focusing her talents on children’s music. You’ll no doubt be inspired by Divinity’s courage, creativity, and pursuit of big, bold dreams -- and how she’s committed to spreading light wherever she goes. EPISODE BONUS: A live performance of her latest single, “Ready, Set, Go!”

Links from the episode:

• www.diviroxxkids.com
• youtube.com/diviroxxkids

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She Rocked It is a media and mentorship platform where creative, courageous women rock it together. We are eager to learn from, listen to, and lift one another up — driven by the belief that women’s voices are essential. On our podcast and Instagram Live interview series, She Rocked It host/founder and creative entrepreneur Karen Gross gets trailblazing women leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs to reveal how they rock it – and their insights may surprise you. Their behind-the-scenes stories, best-kept secrets to success, and actionable tips are sure to inspire the rockstar in all of us! 

Please subscribe and leave a review! 

• Join our community at https://www.sherockedit.com 
• Join us on Instagram @sherockedit 
• Download our FREE guide “SECRETS TO ROCKING IT” 
• Ready to transform your creativity into a career that rocks? Check out our group mentorship program, Rock-It Launcher! 

Support the show

If you’d like to join us for future podcast recordings and other empowering live events, head over to our website and subscribe to our email list! https://sherockedit.com/