The Inclusive Business Lab

In this episode, we explore the vital topic of hiring help in your business with Chelsea, founder of the Virtual Collab. 

Discover when to seek assistance, how to choose the right support, and the importance of having systems in place. We discuss the nuances of hiring in the social justice and public health sectors, and how to ensure your business remains sustainable while allowing you the freedom to step back when needed. 

Join us for insights that will empower you to grow your business effectively!

In this episode, we explore the vibrant world of Black-owned businesses in Clarksville, Tennessee, with Tiffany Perkins, a passionate entrepreneur and advocate for local wealth-building. 

Join us as we discuss the importance of creating a supportive ecosystem for minority-owned businesses, the challenges they face, and how the Black Clarksville Business Group aims to foster growth and success through community engagement, education, and collaboration. 

This insightful conversation emphasizes the need for authentic connections and the power of collective progress in the entrepreneurial landscape.

In this episode, host Lekeshia Hicks, also known as Just Keisha, shares her journey of embracing authenticity and letting go of perfectionism. 

She discusses the importance of creating a safe space for conversations about identity, corporate culture, and personal growth. 

Join us as we explore the mission behind the Inclusive Business Lounge and how it aims to empower individuals to show up as their true selves in both personal and professional environments.

Black women’s hair is more than just hair—it’s history, culture, and identity.

In this episode of The Inclusive Business Lab, I sit down with my very own hairstylist, Bethany of Book by Bee, to talk all things winter hair care. From the importance of moisture to protecting your curls from heat damage, Bethany shares expert tips to keep your hair healthy all season long.

But this conversation goes beyond products and styling. We dive into the challenges of finding the right stylist, the lack of curly hair education in cosmetology schools, and the way Black hair has been commercialized sometimes at our expense.

Bethany keeps it real about the industry, from overpriced ‘curly cuts’ to the rise of scam bookings. And yes, we talk about that struggle of finding a stylist who actually respects your time and your hair.

Whether you're rocking a silk press this winter or staying curly all year long, this episode is packed with knowledge, laughs, and those “yes, girl!” moments. Bethany also shares details on her new eBook, designed to help beginners (and parents of curly-haired kids) master natural hair care at home.

Tune in for expert hair advice, honest conversations, and a whole lot of love for Black hair!

Book an appointment with Bethany and grab her eBook here: https://booked-with-bee.square.site/product/basic-curly-hair-care-for-beginners-e-book/30?cs=true&cst=custom

Find Bethany: https://linktr.ee/bethanytinalea

So many of us were raised with the unspoken rule: "What happens in this house stays in this house."

But at what cost? 

In this episode of The Inclusive Business Lab, I sat down with Carolyn J—author, mental health advocate, and life coach—to have the conversation too many of us never got to have growing up.

We talk about:
+ How shame & fear keep us silent
+ The connection between faith & mental wellness
+ Why healing is messy—but necessary

Carolyn shares her personal journey, what pushed her to finally break the cycle, and how we can move from managing trauma to true healing.

✨ Your story matters. Your emotions matter. Your healing matters. ✨

We always hear it takes a village—but have we ever really felt that village?

In this episode of The Inclusive Business Lab, I sat down with Classie Watson—business strategist and intentional life coach—to unpack the reality of connection, competition, and what it truly means to build a safe and supportive community for women.

We talk about:
- Why the ‘village’ has become more concept than reality
- How competition and fear block real collaboration
- What i actually takes to create spaces where women can thrive together

If you’ve ever struggled to find your people—your real village—this conversation is for you.

____

Looking for more? Find me here: https://linktr.ee/lekeshiaangeliqueconsulting

From people asking to touch your hair to "you speak so well", women of color have been victims to the challenges of micro and macro aggressions in corporate for a very long time. But what happens when you want to speak up for yourself yet you don't know how? You hire Emily Williams!

Emily Williams has led transformative change processes with organizations and community stakeholders in more than 20 countries to further Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. She has experience leading organizations through change and to greater impact as Founder, Executive, and Consultant. Emily is an expert Trainer, Speaker, and Consultant with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Beloit College and Master of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies from DePaul University. She is an organizer at heart and relishes working on projects that create a foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth.

Join me and Emily as we discuss:

• Microaggressions
• Career goals
• Ambitions
• Community
• Microaggressions
• Toxicity at work
• Empowerment
• Systems of Oppression 
• Voices of Women of Color
• DEI Programs
• Courageous conversations
• Weaponizing white woman tears
• Systemic Change

Honorable Mentions

Women in the Workplace Study

Toxic Femininity: When So-Called Allies Curb Your Career

Emily Williams' LinkedIn Post about the word "Empower"

Women are advancing in the workplace, but women of color still lag behind

5 ways diversity and inclusion help teams perform better

Where can you find Emily Williams 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyforwardever/ https://www.instagram.com/heyemilyraquel/ https://forwardeverglobal.com/services

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This podcast is hosted Lekeshia Angelique. Lekeshia's mission Is to empower not just black women but every human to have a powerful voice and an equitable seat at any table they desire to sit! Lekeshia is an Army Veteran, Mom, Coach, Taco Aficionado, and creator of safe spaces to educate folx. The key to change is knowledge and empathy. Ready to learn more? Contact Lekeshia here!

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Lekeshia wants us all to start a conversation! She invites you to leave a review and a five-star rating wherever you listen to this podcast!  Don't forget to tell your friends to listen as well!

Want to learn more about Lekeshia and/or her guests?  Follow her on Instagram and Twitter. Are you ready to activate your allyship? Join us in the Activation Program now! 

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!!! I could not let this month pass without showcasing an amazing LGBTQ+ company named The Noun Lounge! I am so fortunate to bring you one of the founders, Aiden Howery, a 24-year old trans man. Aiden started his first clothing brand when he was 17 called Mistaken Artists. But he wanted to create something different and unique. The other co-founder, Taylor Ray came to him saying he would love to start a business, but didn’t know what. One day he was like “you know what would be dope? An LGBTQ+ inspired streetwear brand…” aaaaand The Noun Lounge was born!

The Noun Lounge is a trans-owned all inclusive LGBTQ+ streetwear brand based out of the Midwest. The main goals are to bring awareness to LGBTQ+ community by spreading a positive message through apparel. 

Join me and Aiden as we discuss:

• Why the name "The Noun Lounge"
• The importance of pronouns
• Coming out
• Helping pay for gender transitioning surgery
• The danger of existing
• Afraid of failure
• Being an artist
• Inclusive sizing

Honorable Mentions

"Say it with your chest" collection

Understanding Pronouns

Explaining the Latest Texas Anti-Transgender Directive

Where can you find Aiden Howery 

@thenounlounge

@beastinme816

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This podcast is hosted Lekeshia Angelique. Lekeshia's mission Is to empower not just black women but every human to have a powerful voice and an equitable seat at any table they desire to sit! Lekeshia is an Army Veteran, Mom, Coach, Taco Aficionado, and creator of safe spaces to educate folx. The key to change is knowledge and empathy. Ready to learn more? Contact Lekeshia here!

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Lekeshia wants us all to start a conversation! She invites you to leave a review and a five-star rating wherever you listen to this podcast!  Don't forget to tell your friends to listen as well!

Want to learn more about Lekeshia and/or her guests?  Follow her on Instagram and Twitter. Are you ready to activate your allyship? Join us in the Activation Program now! 

With all of the devastation that has been happening health-wise, one would think people were able to set aside their racist ideologies and come together especially if they are on their death beds in a hospital. NOPE!! In today's episode, I speak with Rev. Dr. Vickie L. Hughes. 

Vickie is a DEI Facilitator/Consultant and refers to herself as a “safe space creator.” Vickie also works as a chaplain at a hospital in East Tennessee. Rev. Hughes is an Ordained Deacon in the AME Zion denomination. While in Seminary, Vickie served as a cross-cultural Supply Pastor of a Nondenominational Church. Prior to seminary, she worked with various female empowerment ministries, including her own 501c3 female youth nonprofit organization. Vickie has years of management/territory management experience with both for-profit and nonprofit entities.

Join me and Rev. Dr. Vickie L. Hughes as we discuss:

• Discrimination in health care
• Dealing with racist patients
• Setting boundaries
• Spiritual Guidance
• Being open minded
• Intersectionality in religion 
• Sensitivity in the health care industry
• Christianity dominating industries

Honorable Mentions

Racism and discrimination in health care: Providers and patients

Racial Discrimination in Healthcare: How Structural Racism Affects Healthcare

Let Freedom Ring, Violence Cease, Peace Be Still, and Justice Prevail

Where can you find Rev. Dr. Vickie L. Hughes?

Instagram

Twitter

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This podcast is hosted Lekeshia Angelique. Lekeshia's mission Is to empower not just black women but every human to have a powerful voice and an equitable seat at any table they desire to sit! Lekeshia is an Army Veteran, Mom, Coach, Taco Aficionado, and creator of safe spaces to educate folx. The key to change is knowledge and empathy. Ready to learn more? Contact Lekeshia here!

👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏿👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏿👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏿

Lekeshia wants us all to start a conversation! She invites you to leave a review and a five-star rating wherever you listen to this podcast!  Don't forget to tell your friends to listen as well!

Want to learn more about Lekeshia and/or her guests?  Follow her on Instagram and Twitter. Are you ready to activate your allyship? Join us in the Activation Program now! 

Do you identify as a change maker in one form or another? Do you consider yourself an ally? If you do, do you know all the encompasses? If you said "Hell Yes, Lekeshia!", do I have a treat for you today! My conversation with Emily Johnsson will have you yelling at your computer and pumping your fists so if you are listening to this at work, let your coworkers know to mind their business. Revelations are happening in your ears!

Emily Johnsson is a founder, guide, mentor and co-creator at Wish Tree. Wish Tree's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive, vibrant global community of change makers to take action on their purpose so collectively we can leave a legacy of hope, healing prosperity and peace. 

Join me and Emily Johnsson as we discuss:

• Living in Sweden
• Global perspective in the narrative
• Safe Spaces
• Conditional Conversations 
• Showing up fully and sharing support
• Policies and Practices to ensure inclusivity 
• Courage and Values
• The invention of the word race

Honorable Mentions

Lekeshia's Courses

Where can you find Emily?

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wishtreelife/

Website: https://wishtree.life

👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏿👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏿

This podcast is hosted Lekeshia Angelique. Lekeshia's mission Is to empower not just black women but every human to have a powerful voice and an equitable seat at any table they desire to sit! Lekeshia is an Army Veteran, Mom, Coach, Taco Aficionado, and creator of safe spaces to educate folx. The key to change is knowledge and empathy. Ready to learn more? Contact Lekeshia here!

👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏿👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏿

Lekeshia wants us all to start a conversation! She invites you to leave a review and a five-star rating wherever you listen to this podcast!  Don't forget to tell your friends to listen as well!

Want to learn more about Lekeshia and/or her guests?  Follow her on Instagram and Twitter. Are you ready to activate your allyship? Join us in the Activation Program now!