#311: Have you ever hit a wall—mentally, creatively, emotionally—and wondered how you were going to get through it? I have, many times.

When I’m low on motivation or facing something that feels bigger than me, I’ve started asking myself a simple question: What would Beyoncé do? Not in a “she’s perfect” kind of way, but because she embodies discipline, reinvention, and showing up even when it’s hard.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing why Beyoncé is one of my go-to sources of inspo when I need to recalibrate, plus a few lessons I’ve pulled from her rehearsals, performances, and fearless approach to business. Whether it’s a new creative project, a tough decision, or just getting through a blah week—channeling a little Bey energy can go a long way.

If you’ve been needing a mindset reset or a reminder that you’ve got this (even when it feels like you don’t) this episode is for you.

Links:

• Subscribe to the She’s So Lucky newsletter and get my free Best Case Scenario Journal Template
• Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Follow on TikTok @shessoluckypod @lesalfred

Sponsors:

• Cotton: Cotton is the fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com.
• Nutrafol: Get stronger, healthier hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.
• Grüns: Grüns are comprehensive nutrition packed into a snack pack a day. Visit gruns.co and use the code LUCKY for 52% off your first order.
• Mood: Visit mood.com and use code LUCKY for 20% off your first order of functional gummies.

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#310: Self-love is a popular topic, but what does it actually mean in practice?

In this episode I’m joined by content creator and creative powerhouse Simi Muhumuza for a conversation that’s honest, affirming, and full of softness. We talk about what it means to return to yourself, especially after a year that asked you to slow down and start over.

Simi shares why 2024 and 2025 have been life-changing years, chronicling her journey of releasing fear, surrendering to joy, and trusting her body again. We also talk about her breast reduction experience, the emotional healing that came with it, and what it means to feel at home in your body after a big shift.

If you’re in a season of resetting, reclaiming, or just figuring out what your version of growth looks like, this episode is for you.

Resources:

• Follow Simi on Instagram @simimoonlight
• Follow Simi on TikTok @simimoonlight
• Subscribe to Simi’s YouTube Channel
• Subscribe to Simi’s Substack
• Subscribe to the She’s So Lucky Newsletter and get our Best Case Scenario Journal Template

Sponsors:

• Quince: Elevate your fall wardrobe essentials with Quince. Go to quince.com/balancedles for free shipping on. your order and 365-day returns.
• Mosh: Support your brain health with Mosh. Head to moshlife.com/lucky to get 20% off plus FREE shipping on the best sellers Trial Pack or the plant-based trial pack.
• Shopify: Start your online business with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial at shopify.com/balancedblackgirl.
• Grüns: Grüns are comprehensive nutrition packed into a snack pack a day. Visit gruns.co and use the code LUCKY for 52% off your first order.

Keep in touch:

• Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Follow on TikTok: @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#309: Is it possible to maintain visibility and authenticity at the same time?

In this episode I’m joined by content creator and entrepreneur Jaz Smith to talk about what it actually looks like to build a brand around your real life.

We get into her evolution from working in real estate to becoming a full-time creator, what shifted when she started treating social media like a business, and how she balances visibility with authenticity in a world that often demands both.

Jazmyn shares the behind-the-scenes of growing her platform with intention, the pressure of always being “on,” and why some of the most powerful career moves don’t look like work at all.

This conversation is such a refreshing reminder that growth can be strategic and human.

We Talk About…

• Her pivot from real estate to full-time content
• The exact moment she started treating TikTok like a job
• How she planned her dream wedding on her own terms
• The parts of her life she doesn’t post
• Navigating friendship changes in your 20s and 30s

Resources:

• Follow Jaz on Instagram @justjazzzyidk
• Follow Jaz on TikTok @justjazzzyidk
• Listen to Jaz’s podcast Delusional Diaries
• Download my free Best Case Scenario Journal Template

Sponsors:

• Cotton: Cotton is the fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com.
• Nutrafol: Get stronger, healthier hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.
• Cakes: Sticky Cakes are comfortable, seamless, adhesive nipple covers that can be worn with every outfit. Go to cakesbody.com and use code LUCKY for 20% off your order.

Keep in touch:

• Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Follow on TikTok @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#308: Is working in fashion as glamorous as it seems?

This week, I’m joined by fashion consultant and PR powerhouse Sandrine Charles for a conversation that I know is going to stick with you. From working her way up in the fashion industry to starting her own agency and co-founding the Black in Fashion Council, Sandrine has built a career rooted in intention, integrity, and impact.

We talk about what it actually takes to grow a career in fashion PR, how she knew it was time to branch out on her own, and why representation in fashion goes way beyond who’s walking the runway.

Whether you’re in a creative industry, figuring out your next career move, or just trying to build something that feels more aligned—you’ll get so much out of this conversation. This episode is for anyone who's craving a more values-aligned path—and wants the inspiration to go after it.

We also talk about:

• How Sandrine broke into the fashion industry
• The not-so-glamorous truth about PR
• Why she started her own agency (and how she knew she was ready)
• How the Black in Fashion Council came to be
• Why fashion is about so much more than just clothes

Resources:

• Follow Sandrine on Instagram @sandrinecharles
• Learn more about Sandrine’s agency https://www.sandrinecharles.com/
• Follow the Black in Fashion Council on Instagram @blackinfashioncouncil
• Download my free Best Case Scenario Journal Template

Sponsors:

• Quince: Elevate your fall wardrobe essentials with Quince. Go to quince.com/balancedles for free shipping on. your order and 365-day returns.
• Nutrafol: Get stronger, healthier hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.
• Opill: Opill is birth control in your control, and you can use code BALANCEDLES for 25% off your first month at www.opill.com.

Keep in touch:

• Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Follow on TikTok @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#307: This week, I’m diving into something that’s been coming up a lot in my own life and in so many conversations with friends, too: the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways we sabotage ourselves.

In this solo episode, I’m unpacking why other people don’t actually have the power to block what’s meant for us—but we do. Whether it’s through self-doubt, procrastination, perfectionism, or just plain fear, we can end up being our own biggest haters.

I’m also sharing some mindset shifts and honest reflections that have helped me recognize when I’m getting in my own way and how I try to move through it with a little more self-compassion and a lot more clarity.

If you’ve ever had that gut feeling that you might be the one holding yourself back… this one’s for you.

Resources:

• Follow me on IG @lesalfred
• Follow She’s So Lucky on IG @shessoluckypod
• Follow me on TikTok @balancedles
• Follow She’s So Lucky on TikTok @shessoluckypod
• Download my free Best Case Scenario Journal Template

Sponsors:

• Dove & CVS: Let’s keep beauty Positively Real. Learn more at https://creatoriq.cc/3JgXMvE
• Cotton: Cotton is the fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com.

Keep in touch:

• Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Follow on TikTok @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#306: I usually keep things pretty neutral on She’s So Lucky, but today I’m spicing things up with some unpopular opinions you didn’t see coming. From the phrases we need to retire, to my unfiltered thoughts about your favorite TV shows, to the truth about influencer culture, join me for a casual kiki dishing some hot takes.

Resources:

• Download my free Best Case Scenario Journal Template
• Episode 297: How to Be More Lucky: Lucky Girl Commandments You Need to Thrive
• Episode 304: Stop Being So Realistic:Why You’re Playing Yourself While Playing It Safe

Sponsors:

• Shopify: Start your online business with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial at shopify.com/balancedblackgirl.
• Cotton: Cotton is the fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com.
• Function: Take charge of your health through lab testing with Function. Visit functionhealth.com/lucky or use the gift code LUCKY for a $100 credit towards your membership.
• Rula Online Therapy: Visit rula.com/lucky to get connected with a licensed therapist.
• IM8: IM8’s Daily Ultimate Essentials is my go-to drink for getting all the nutrients I need. Go to IM8health.com/lucky and use code LUCKY for a free welcome kit, five free travel packs, and 10% off your order. 

Keep in touch:

• Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Follow on TikTok: @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#305: What does it mean to actually understand the media you’re consuming—and how does that shape how you move through the world? That’s what we’re getting into this week with our guest, Nikki Ogunnaike.

Nikki is the Editor in Chief of Marie Claire **US, host of Marie Claire’s Nice Talk podcast and one of the sharpest voices in fashion and culture today. Having held roles at Harper’s Bazaar, GQ, Elle, Glamour, InStyle, and Vanity Fair, she’s spent years helping people not just look good, but think critically about what they’re watching, reading, and sharing.

In this episode, we talk about the power of media literacy, why your personal style isn’t a destination, and why having your own lens is one of the most underrated success tools out there.

We Also Talk About…

• How we can be more conscious consumers of fashion and media
• How running has helped her find clarity and community
• Her “Ins and Outs” for 2025—and whether they still hold up
• Why media literacy is a non-negotiable in today’s world
• The difference between copying style vs. cultivating it

Resources:

• Listen to Nice Talk on Apple Podcasts
• Listen to Nice Talk on Spotify
• Follow Marie Claire on Instagram @marieclairemagazine
• Follow Marie Claire on TikTok @marieclairemagazine
• Download my free Best Case Scenario Journal Template

Sponsors:

• Quince: Elevate your fall wardrobe essentials with Quince. Go to quince.com/balancedles for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
• Simply Pop is a new fruit-forward bevy of prebiotic sodas with 6 grams of fiber. Go to cokeurl.com/simplyPOP to find out where you can try it.
• Function: Take charge of your health through lab testing with Function. Visit functionhealth.com/lucky or use the gift code LUCKY for a $100 credit towards your membership.
• Nutrafol: Get stronger, healthier hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.

Keep in touch:

• Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Follow on TikTok @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#304: Is being too “realistic” keeping you stuck?

This week, I’m getting into something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately: how being “realistic” can actually be a form of shrinking our goals to fit our fears.

In this solo episode, I’m unpacking why being realistic isn’t always the wise or grounded choice it’s made out to be, and how it might actually be self-sabotage disguised as protection.

I also share some mindset shifts that have helped me stop shrinking my goals to fit what feels “safe” and start thinking bigger again—without spiraling into overwhelm. If you’ve ever talked yourself out of something because it felt too bold or too unlikely, this one’s for you.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why “being realistic” can be a trap
• How I’ve noticed it showing up in my own life
• What to do when your big goals start to feel too far away
• The difference between grounded strategy and self-sabotage
• Encouragement to stop playing small and dream a little bigger

Resources:

• Follow me on IG @lesalfred
• Follow She’s So Lucky on IG @shessoluckypod
• Follow me on TikTok @balancedles
• Follow She’s So Lucky on TikTok @shessoluckypod
• Download my free Best Case Scenario Journal Template

Sponsors:

• Nutrafol: Get stronger, healthier hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.
• Shopify: Start your online business with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial at shopify.com/balancedblackgirl.
• Simply Pop is a new fruit-forward bevy of prebiotic sodas with 6 grams of fiber. Go to cokeurl.com/simplyPOP to find out where you can try it.
• The Real Real: The Real Real is attainable luxury that upgrades your personal style. Get $25 off your first purchase when you go to therealreal.com/lucky.
• Function: Take charge of your health through lab testing with Function. Visit functionhealth.com/lucky or use the gift code LUCKY for a $100 credit towards your membership.

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Real Stuff is a weekly podcast series hosted by Lucie Fink who has spent the past decade getting curious and creating engaging and educational content for an audience of millions. On this show, you won’t hear your favorite guests talk about things they typically share — rather, Lucie pulls them deep into some of the world’s most taboo topics, asking intensely personal questions about sex, money, and mental health, all in an effort to help you feel less alone as you navigate through the world.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#303: What does it look like to build a brand that’s rooted in real community, not just clout? That’s what we’re diving into this week with our guest, Nana Agyemang.

Nana is a journalist-turned-entrepreneur, founder of EveryStylishGirl, and the visionary behind Sip N’ Slay — one of today’s most sought-after events for women creatives and media professionals.

In this episode, we talk about building an authentic personal brand, why community is the best business strategy, and how Nana is planning for early retirement (at 40!) without sacrificing joy or alignment.

We Also Talk About…

• What it really means to build an authentic brand
• How Sip N’ Slay became the go-to event for women creatives
• Mapping out your long game (and making peace with slow growth)
• Shifting your money mindset for legacy and wealth
• Knowing when to say no, and why boundaries are essential

Resources:

• Get your tickets for Sip N’ Slay NYC on August 23
• Follow Nana on Instagram @itsreallynana
• Follow Nana on TikTok @itsreallynanaaa
• Follow EveryStylishGirl on Instagram @everystylishgirl
• Download my free Best Case Scenario Journal Template

Sponsors:

• Function: Take charge of your health through lab testing with Function. Visit functionhealth.com/lucky or use the gift code LUCKY for a $100 credit towards your membership.
• Cotton: Cotton is the fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com.
• Opill: Opill is birth control in your control, and you can use code BALANCEDLES for 25% off your first month at www.opill.com
• Simply Pop is a new fruit-forward bevy of prebiotic sodas with 6 grams of fiber. Go to cokeurl.com/simplyPOP to find out where you can try it.
• NOCD: NOCD offers accessible OCD treatment. Go to nocd.com and schedule a free 15-minute call with their team.

Keep in touch:

• Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Follow on TikTok: @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.