Style Therapy

Overpromising and underdelivering can do more than delay a project—it can erode trust and make collaboration feel like more trouble than it's worth. Sam reflects on the importance of integrity, honest communication, and following through on commitments, including why she makes mental notes when people's actions don't match their words.

• Be honest about your capacity. Don't say yes just to appear helpful when you aren't sure you can deliver.
• Clarity is kindness. If circumstances change, communicate early so others can adjust their plans.
• Your word carries weight. Good intentions matter, but follow-through builds trust.
• Pay attention to patterns. One missed commitment may be an oversight; repeated behavior should inform your expectations.
• Adjust accordingly. You can remain open to collaboration without continuing to depend on someone who consistently lets you down.
• Be honest with yourself. Before making a promise, consider whether you genuinely have the time, resources, and capacity to follow through.
• An honest no beats an unfulfilled yes. You don't have to do everything, but you should be clear about what you can offer.

Sometimes excitement can move faster than discernment. Inspired by a lesson from her mother, Sam reflects on learning to slow down, trust her instincts, and give people and opportunities enough time to reveal what’s beneath the shine.

• Take your time with new people, opportunities, and relationships.
• Pay attention to what people show you through their behavior, not just what they say.
• Excitement is not always evidence that something is right for you.
• Give yourself space to process after the initial interaction before making a decision.
• Notice when someone consistently avoids accountability or makes themselves the victim in every story.
• Trust is earned slowly. You don't have to rush closeness.
• Not every hesitation is fear—sometimes it's discernment asking for more information.
• Everything that sparkles deserves a closer look before you decide it's gold.

Motherhood has a funny way of turning everyday moments into unexpected lessons. In this episode, a simple moment with her daughter reminds Sam that the lessons she’s teaching—focus, listening, slowing down, and putting things down—are lessons she’s still learning herself.

• Slow down enough to be present, especially when your child is asking questions or trying to understand.
• Motherhood can be a mirror, revealing the habits and patterns we’re still working through ourselves.
• Multitasking can make us feel productive while leaving us scattered and overwhelmed.
• You don’t have to carry everything at once. Put something down.
• Focus on what’s directly in front of you and let the rest wait.
• Sometimes the lesson you’re giving your child is the lesson you need to hear, too.

NYFW can inspire us, but it can also quietly shape what we believe we need, creating pressure to constantly update our wardrobes. This episode takes a closer look at how external influences can create desire—and offers a simple way to pause, check in with yourself, and make more intentional purchases.

• Notice where your desire is coming from before making a purchase.
• Inspiration is welcome; it doesn't have to become an instruction.
• Ask yourself: “Did I want this before I started seeing it everywhere?”
• Before buying a trend, envision 3 different ways you’ll style and wear it.
• Shop your own closet, vintage, and secondhand before buying something new.
• Buy what you love—but make sure the love starts with you.

Tiaa B. Rutherford is an environmental scientist, urban planner, and creative entrepreneur who believes in providing natural body products that nourish the skin while preserving the environment. With a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health Science and a Master of Environmental Planning, Tiaa has long been committed to improving her community and the environment.

Tiaa also loves artist, art, music, museums, and all things creative! She is proud member of  Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and formally a Jack & Jill of America, Inc member (now an Associate level member).

Tune in to this short discussion about sisterhood and what it means to feel safe within those relationships.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Carmelita as she shares her journey through music, entrepreneurship, spirituality, and wellness. Discover how she mastered her process, overcame fears, and embraced her authentic self to create a meaningful life and career.

Keywords:

Music journey, entrepreneurship, spirituality, wellness, mastering process, overcoming fear, authenticity, creative process, legacy, self-discovery

Key Topics:

Mastering processes in music and business

Overcoming fear and stage fright

The role of spirituality and energy in success

Building a legacy through wellness and creativity

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Carmelita Simone

02:45 The Journey of a Creative Mind

05:24 The Evolution of Music and Performance

08:08 Nail Art and Entrepreneurship

10:41 The Impact of Crystals in Art

13:16 Navigating the Music Industry

14:13 Finding Grounding in Creativity

14:13 Introduction and Spiritual Connection

14:13 Journey to New York and Early Career

17:39 Struggles and Breakthroughs in Music

20:09 Transition to LA and New Opportunities

24:29 Spiritual Growth and Influences

31:29 Uncle Leon's Wellness and Purposeful Living

36:50 Navigating the Evolving Music Industry

40:39 Focus and Manifestation in Creativity

42:06 The Journey of Self-Discovery

43:02 Personal Style and Fashion Therapy

46:51 Thrifting and Vintage Finds

47:21 The LA Experience and Its Lessons

52:25 Redefining Success

54:03 The Essence of Success

59:26 Creating Positive Change

01:02:25 lifestyle-outro-low.wav

In this engaging conversation, Sam Smith and Nina B explore themes of personal growth, authenticity, and the importance of community.

Nina shares her journey through various life seasons, including her transformation from a full-time entrepreneur to a creator of the 52 Week Experience, a healing journey that encourages self-discovery and emotional unpacking.

They discuss the challenges of loneliness, the significance of vulnerability in relationships, and the evolving nature of dating in today's world.

The conversation also touches on the importance of self-expression through fashion and the need to romanticize everyday life, ultimately emphasizing the value of connection and authenticity in all aspects of life.

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting and Celebrating Life's Seasons

02:35 Navigating Personal Growth and Authenticity

05:14 The Journey of Healing and Transparency

07:47 The Birth of the 52 Week Experience

10:23 Unpacking Emotions and Personal Growth

12:46 Dating and Authentic Relationships in Modern Times

15:56 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity

18:45 Building a Supportive Community

20:53 Expressing Love and Appreciation

24:08 Finding Balance in Life and Work

25:49 Encouraging Mindfulness and Connection

29:12 Romanticizing Everyday Moments

30:03 lifestyle-outro-low.wav

In this engaging conversation, Sam Smith and Nina B explore themes of personal growth, authenticity, and the importance of community. Nina shares her journey through various life seasons, including her transformation from a full-time entrepreneur to a creator of the 52 Week Experience, a healing journey that encourages self-discovery and emotional unpacking.

They discuss the challenges of loneliness, the significance of vulnerability in relationships, and the evolving nature of dating in today's world. The conversation also touches on the importance of self-expression through fashion and the need to romanticize everyday life, ultimately emphasizing the value of connection and authenticity in all aspects of life.

Takeaways

Nina emphasizes the importance of self-love and authenticity.

The 52 Week Experience was born from personal trauma and healing.

Transparency in sharing struggles fosters community and connection.

Growing through loneliness can lead to self-discovery.

Authenticity in relationships is crucial for genuine connections.

Dating today requires self-awareness and personal growth.

Building emotional connections with friends is essential.

Fashion can be a form of self-expression in professional settings.

Romanticizing everyday moments enhances life experiences.

Creating space for emotional health is vital for personal growth.

Titles

Reconnecting with Nina B: A Journey of Growth

The 52 Week Experience: Healing Through Journaling

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting and Celebrating Life's Seasons

02:35 Navigating Personal Growth and Authenticity

05:14 The Journey of Healing and Transparency

07:47 The Birth of the 52 Week Experience

10:23 Unpacking Emotions and Personal Growth

12:46 Dating and Authentic Relationships in Modern Times

15:56 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity

18:45 Building a Supportive Community

20:53 Expressing Love and Appreciation

24:08 Finding Balance in Life and Work

25:49 Encouraging Mindfulness and Connection

29:12 Romanticizing Everyday Moments

30:03 lifestyle-outro-low.wav

Read more about the 52 week experience here.

In this engaging conversation, Sam Smith speaks with Jelisa Glanton, a licensed clinical social worker, about her journey into social work, the importance of authenticity in therapy, and the healing power of curiosity.

They discuss the significance of creating a safe therapeutic space, the concept of softness in healing, and how self-expression through fashion can enhance one's mental well-being. Jalisa shares her upcoming projects, including Therapeutically Crafted, which focuses on the therapeutic benefits of crafting and journaling.

Read more about Therapeutically Inclined here.

In this conversation, Sam Smith explores themes of authenticity, communication, and personal growth. She shares her journey of overcoming perfectionism, navigating family dynamics, and finding her voice in a world that often discourages self-expression. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, she emphasizes the importance of clear communication and the value of sharing one's experiences to foster understanding and connection