You can find Liz on Instagram at Remember Me Accessories.

Thanks for being a part of the UY conversation.  

The Unabashed You website has a page for each guest of photos, quotes and a blog with embedded audio at unabashedyou.com. You can find the show on other podcast platforms.  Want to lend your support and encouragement? We invite you to follow, rate, review and share.

Social media (direct links):

Facebook

Instagram

If you have questions or comments email us at: [email protected].

We build upon on website visits, social media and word of mouth to share these episodes.  We appreciate growth knowing these conversations help you think, celebrate who you are, and move you in some way.

So continue to listen, read and be inspired. 🍐

Transcript

00:00:00

Rechelle

While Unabashed You started for women, it became clear men are benefiting from the content, so we've decided to refresh the brand a bit. You will still see the pear with the teal background and the name Unabashed You stays the same. Instead of women talking about stuff, because that is no longer accurate, we've moved to conversations to become who you already are. On the website it goes on to say, “be who you are without apology as you are one of a kind without equal.” These conversations will help you think, celebrate who you are and move you in some way. So, listen, read and be inspired. And today I say, thanks for joining us. 

Zest. This woman has it in spades. She is fun, funny and vivacious. You'll be able to hear all that and more in this conversation with Liz Fletcher. We met in an Instagram course -- honestly, I had to be schooled in social media as there was so much to figure out. Liz has gone from men's to women's fashion and now she's celebrating 25 years in the jewelry business. She has some remarkable things to say. 

Intro Music

Uh huh Liz loves jewelry, and her posts are beautiful. I was delighted when we made a connection on Instagram. She's a consistent, warm, thoughtful engager. She is our guest today for insta-summer, but as she pointed out in Australia it is winter. I haven't thought of that being in the U.S. It did take us a while to schedule with a 17-hour difference. We persevered as women do and now, we get to have the long-awaited conversation. Welcome to the show, Liz. 

Liz

Thank you. Thank you for having me. I think it’s my first podcast.

Rechelle

Oh, that just makes me so happy. That makes me so happy. Really does. All right. Anything you want the listeners to know before we get started?

00:02:11

Liz

Um, well my name is Lizzie Fletcher and I've been in the jewelry industry for 25 years and I just celebrated it the other day. 

Rechelle

Yes. And we're going to circle back to that because I definitely wanted to talk about the big milestone. It's really wonderful. What three words would you use to describe yourself? 

Liz

Yeah. Um, fun, loving, cheeky. 

Rechelle

I can't even tell you how perfect those words are because your posts and everything you do are fun and loving and cheeky. So that's just perfect. You know yourself well, that's great, that comes across for sure. All right, so this is like an ice breaker: you're gonna say three things about yourself. One of them will not be true. We call it two truths and a lie. So, I have to kind of see if I can guess which one is not true. So, three things about yourself.

00:03:17

Liz

Um, I drive 55 km 55,000 km a year. Uh huh. I have been in the fashion and jewelry industry for nearly 50 years and the third one is, I love working on the computer. Uh huh. 

Rechelle

Okay. You drive 55,000 km a year. You've been in the fashion and jewelry industry for 50 years and the last one is you love to work on the computer. I'm gonna guess the lie is that you love to work on the computer? Is that the lie? 

Liz

Yes, definitely. I'm not a computer person. I much prefer to either speak on the phone or do writing and I do everything by hand. So, I do use my mobile phone for the Instagram. But I am not really big on computers. My partner has brought me a computer in every color trying to get I've got a white one and black one, a red one, a tablet, you name it. But my attention span only lasts for about half an hour to an hour and then I'm off because I can't even still, I’m full of energy and like to move around.

Rechelle

Oh, and I can see that. I bet you're a dancer Liz are you a dancer? 

Liz

Yes, I think I've always liked dancing. 

Rechelle

Yeah, I think I've seen some posts about, about dancing. Well, you know, for somebody who doesn't really love the computer, I will say you have a very strong and consistent presence on Instagram. I mean you really, especially if you're doing it from your phone, which is, let's face it, that is a small computer, I mean it just is. And you really you get a lot of great content out there. So, you're hitting a home run right there. Okay, so the other things are true. So, I'm gonna guess that the 55,000 km has to do with your business. 

Liz

Yes, I do. 

Rechelle

So, because you're getting out and making sure that everybody sees your stuff buys your stuff. Stores are carrying your stuff, that sort of thing. 

Liz

Exactly. 

Rechelle

All right. And that's and that's good because you want to be able to get your stuff out there. And your stuff is really unique, and we'll get more into that later. And then your second one, we know you've been in the jewelry business for 25 years, so you've also been in the fashion business as well, what does that look like? 

Liz

Well, that's how it all started. When I was about 15, I got into working for a menswear store. They asked me would I like to work there, And I said yes, not knowing there are the days when they only paid you $2 an hour. I learned I was in my school uniform at the time. So, I made sure I dressed up and I learned a lot about menswear, naturally being young you know the guys sort of like me, but I discovered that I was good at dressing men and then later on I went into dressing women.

00:06:38

Rechelle

Isn't that something that you were just asked to do this on a whim and that you actually had a natural gift for this and here you still are in an extremely related industry because jewelry is a part of fashion. I don't even know how you have fashion without jewelry. 

Liz

Exactly. It all goes together. It all goes together, anything about anything of a dormant you can put on and then, you know, you can change your whole look and you can then add something like some jewelry, or you know, different handbag or different accessories and it can make you look so much better. 

Rechelle

Yes, I agree. Okay, we're going to get to more of that in a minute. One of your favorite movies of all time?

Liz

Bombshell. 

Rechelle

Oh, bombshell, is that Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron and who's the third one? 

Liz

Um I can't remember, I can't remember it now, I see them, but I can't remember the name I can’t even remember who the guys about. But the reason I liked it so much is that when I was watching it, I had no idea that it was a real story. And then, and then my girlfriend halfway through the movie (because we went to the opening before everyone else saw it) and she said, “this is a real story,” and I said, “really?” I thought it was just, you know, another story. And then I actually went back and so it again with my daughter, Bianca, and then I went, it really said a lot; I mean with the Me-Too movement and all the things that men were getting away with. And somehow it resonated with me and I was very glad that they wrote a movie and made it clear, and you know you can't do that anymore. 

Rechelle

Right and you having been in those especially started in the men's part of fashion. You have I have no doubt seeing this and experienced this firsthand on some level whether it was you know a huge or minor. . . 

Liz

I really learned early not to mix business with pleasure. I always kept it separate. Of course, you know a few guys might like you or fancy you. But I grew up with two brothers, so I knew how to handle them, and no one got the better of me. 

Rechelle

Yeah, you could hold your own. No problem, I can see that. Yes. And I bet you have imparted that to your daughter, Bianca, as well. That she's her own woman and she does not have to take any kind of business from anybody that she. . . you know. 

Liz

Exactly. I've got two daughters, yes. I've got Bianca and Sophia. And I gave them lots of choices which I didn't have when I was growing up. But the good thing is that are responsible with their choices. So, they had all the freedom, but they didn't go crazy. 

Rechelle

That sounds like you did a really fabulous job allowing them to learn and find their way a little more independently maybe than the average parent would do it and I think in hindsight, looking back at, you know, our kids that we raised everything, I think if I had to do it over again, I probably would have done more of that, certainly we did some of that, but I think I would have done even more of that. So that's a good one. Is that how you were raised, or you just thought, no, I want to do this very differently than the way I was raised? 

Liz

Yeah, totally. I was brought up in a very religious household. My parents, my father was actually a preacher and also, he was in sales. So that's where I get my personality and um, and the drive because I saw him always on the move. And my mother also ran a business, she started doing it at 45 and she looked after elderly people. We had a beautiful massive, big house and eight bathrooms, 10 bedrooms and we looked after elderly people. It was like a very, very luxurious retirement village before you went into the, you know, the rest home, this is before that transitional time, they don't do it now, they've cut all that out. But those days they were available, and my mother started her business at 45, so she worked seven days a week. So, I really, a bit of a workaholic. My mother working and my father working, it was a go-go household.

Rechelle

Well, those are good qualities, good qualities to have, but I imagine though as you as you've gotten older as we all are getting older that you have very much incorporated play into who you are now. . . 

Liz

Definitely. I was always cheeky from a little girl. I always got told I talk too much all my life, but it still didn't stop me. When I stop talking that's when everyone would worry because they think what's the matter with Liz she's not talking. 

Rechelle

That's so funny. That's so funny. So, speaking of inspiration, because it sounds like both your parents inspired you, can you name a woman that inspires you? 

Liz

My best girlfriend, her name was Deborah, I met her when I was 19 and I worked in this most beautiful upmarket boutique that you could ever imagine called Halsey Marivel in Melbourne in Collins Street, which is the street, and before that I was doing modeling and then I was sort of you know how actors do waitressing jobs. So, I was doing modeling and then I thought oh just you know pop back into retail, because I've been doing retail off and on, and before you even work there you have to get two hours a free trial -- they didn't you know they didn't pay you -- to see if you were good enough. And luckily Deb, she was my manager. Um she saw the potential in me, and I was also lucky on that day because a lady came up and said I'll just take this and handed me this cardigan, that was worth about $300 -- and this is in the late 70s -- she said I'll take that and that really helped my sales. You know, I got the job through her and Debbie seeing the potential in me and then you know, eventually we became best friends and I used to look forward to seeing what she would wear every day and make up and her hair. I was just in love with her and eventually we became friends, and you know, we were together on and off for a long time. I mean she sadly passed away when she turned 60. I'm also friends with her daughter, just like a mother.

Rechelle

Oh, that's wonderful, A piece of her and that way lives on. That's beautiful. Really beautiful. I'm really glad you got to have that friendship with her for those many years. And of course, you remember her and hold her close to your heart. Now, a piece of wisdom you keep handy. Maybe this is something that Deborah taught you or your hard-working parents. But what's something you keep handy? 

Liz

Um Mine is never be afraid to ask. 

Rechelle

Yes. 

Liz

Every job opportunity in my life I got mainly by asking. And I say that to my daughters, they can only say no, but then they might say yes, most of the time they do and it's a bit like asking the universe to you know, if you need something or want something, you put out to the universe because I listened and then it comes true.

00:15:01

Rechelle

Yeah, it doesn't hurt to ask. You're absolutely right. That is really good piece of wisdom for I think, you know, people are afraid to put yourself out there, but you're right if the worst thing they can say is no, no, thank you. So that obviously wasn't the right direction for you anyway, so move on to another way. 

Liz

That's it. It's just like, you know, with all my customers, jewelry retailers that I have to see, you know, I have to make an appointment with them first. I just don't drive out there and hope for the best and uh, you know, you talk to them, and they might be saying no, no, no and somehow, you know, you turn it around and you know that yes, I love to see you Liz. So, there you go, you have to be consistent too in the, in the asking but not pushy. I'm not pushing at all. But I know you have to have that focus and then things will become real.

Rechelle

The word finesse comes to my mind when I think of how you probably operate in the world is that you've, you've got the finesse, I mean you, you can read the room, you, you know, you have high quality products and you know that their customers are going to want what you have, they just you just you know just You know you are able to be who you are in that moment of making the appointment and then showing them and I'm sure nine times out of 10 or more you know they love what you have because it's so unique which brings us to your passion. As you said, you are celebrating 25 years of being in the jewelry business. And then on your Instagram bio you say knowing happiness never goes out of style, which I thought was really a beautiful way to talk about yourself your life and then also jewelry. And then I love that you say jewelry speaks a story because different pieces do bring up different stories for us. So how did you decide or maybe you asked, how did you, how did you make the shift from clothing -- You went from men to women's and then over to jewelry -- how did that shift happen?

Liz

Um it was all through one recommendation. I had a girlfriend who I met on the road called Lisa and she was sitting down with this jewelry designer called Monique and Monique said I'm looking for a sales rep. Do you know anyone? And my girlfriend said Liz fletcher. Overnight. I went from the fashion, and I went into fine jewelry. So, I need to sell costume jewelry. I've sold belts, beautiful shoes, clothing, knitwear, everything wholesale and retail. And then I just got sick of fashion a bit because everything started to be made in China and everyone wanted lower quality and I don't like, you know, mass produced of anything to be honest. So, I went into the jewelry industry. So, I learned along the way, and I went to all the different states, I went to Victoria Queensland, that's where all the driving came into it. And so, you know, finally met all my made some new customers and built up my base from there. I always change and do things and it's like a week in between. It's like when I went from working full time at a fashion boutique after I came back from Crete and then got this opportunity offer to me. So, within a week I'd open my own boutique.

Rechelle

Oh, my goodness, you are a go getter. 

Liz

Well, it just happens, you know, when it just comes to you and you don't even realize at the time that if you think about it too much, you can talk yourself out of it. 

Rechelle

That's absolutely true. Absolutely true. 

Liz

So, I opened my own boutique at 22. And then I got into the jewelry industry at 35. 

Rechelle

Okay, so I want to know as somebody who doesn't really necessarily understand um you know, the jewelry industry, do you search out like particular pieces or kinds of jewelry? How do you end up with the jewelry that then you turn around and either sell to other jewelry people or directly to a client? 

Liz

Um with jewelry, it's all very in house. They don't advertise because of the trash value. You know, they just can't hand over to a complete stranger all this jewelry that's worth fortune. But once I started with Monique from there, I found other supplies and I thought, oh my God, I love their jewelry. So once again, I would ask “hi, I'm looking, I'm looking for another range and I'm, I do, I go here and I go there and I have lots of clients” and, and then, you know, you all come together. So, at the moment I have about five different designers. Some are made in Melbourne. I try and keep things made here, which it's more personalized and you're supporting other people. And then I have other ranges from Germany, Italy, Greece. Um yeah, those countries. 

Rechelle

Wow! Okay, so you're representing these five different lines and I love the focus on local being one of them. That's a great way to give back. Does that mean then that you have to travel the world? Like to those places? 

Liz

No. Any traveling I do I’m seeing my customers. It's like, it's like you having a beautiful jewelry range that you created, you love, but you don't have any customers where I have all the customers. So, you put them together and then I get the beautiful job of making the appointment driving to their beautiful, gorgeous jewelers stores that you know, just gorgeous to be in. And then I show them all the collections. Sometimes some want the diamonds or other times they want the pearls. You all have different customers for different ranges too.

Rechelle

Wow. That is so fascinating. And then I'm guessing this is like mid to higher end range jewelry in terms of cost. You're not, you're not doing inexpensive stuff you're doing like unique. . .

Liz

Middle to upmarket. 

Rechelle

Yeah.

Liz

I want my, I want my customers to come back to me. I don't want them coming back to me saying the stones fallen out or it's broken. You know, if they sell it to a customer. I mean you get a few of those, but generally, and I only can get excited about something that I like myself. 

Rechelle

Oh, I like that. That's a good barometer. Right? Deciding if you like it. 

Liz

And that's it. How can you show something someone and you don't like it? It would show for me. That's a good point. Yeah. It's like with fashion, you know, if I put you in a beautiful outfit and I don't like it. I'll pull a face and get now take that off. Well, especially be honest because customers come back. I remember. 

Rechelle

Yes. Okay, so you liked jewelry that speaks a story. So, do you have a favorite piece of jewelry that speaks a story for you?

Liz

Yes. I love art deco is one of my favorites and I have a beautiful art deco and diamond ring, which I designed. But the designers from Russia and -he learned with the fab a shape. So, his workmanship is extraordinary, and he does all the beautiful feel, filagree work. So, I've been with him for 21 years longer than some marriages I say. And um, we've been working together. He does most beautiful art deco inspired designs -- because he specializes in that -- and that's one of my favorite things too. Just like I also like black and white movies and anything that's got a bit of an art deco flavor. 

Rechelle

Okay, so that speaks the story to you of the friendship you have, the craftsmanship he has and then also that period of time, the style that you love so much. That's the story it tells. Have you given your girls special pieces of jewelry that are, that have become a story for them? 

Liz

Yes. Um, both. I’ve given them both beautiful antique heart pendants on a gold chain because I used to style antiques to one stage, which was fantastic. Um, so I've given those as gifts and along the way, I've given them jewelry because they've got different styles to me. They've got their own style and they're just really in their twenties are starting to get into it where I fell in love with it at 13 and couldn’t wear enough. And I had no influence from anyone either. My parents didn't wear jewelry, my mother never wore jewelry, didn't wear makeup, didn't do anything. I don't know where I got it from. But trust me, when I discovered it, there was no stopping me. 

Rechelle

Well, you came that way because some don't you think sometimes like you've got two girls and I imagine that they are very different and that they came the way you could see in them, you know, differences and they were their own people already from the get-go. 

Liz

Exactly, yes, they're totally different. But there intelligent. Um they can see through people much better than me – they’re really clever. Um and they're both, you know, in doing art too. So, I'm artistic also. So, and I also mama daughter does has done her degree in biochemical science because my partner is very scientific. So that's sort of the best of both worlds.

Rechelle

Oh, my goodness. Oh, my goodness, What's next for you, Liz? I mean, you're just doing so well, you love what you do that that much is evident. Are there still some things you're trying to do? 

Liz

Yeah. Well, because I haven't been able to go on the road since last March when the lockdown started, this is locked down in Melbourne. So that prevents me from going on the road. So, I thought what can I do to get out there because I'm so used to seeing everyone face to face including, you know, I also do private showings sometimes with my friends. So, I decided that Instagram was the way to go, and I started doing that and then in I just started up with Carla and that's how I met you and all those gorgeous other amazing women were all on the same journey together. So, I absolutely love that. Both of you, you all are in America, but that's alright, one day we'll all meet. With my partner Stefan, we've been building a website and soon we will be launching that. So, I've been very busy every day taking photos and writing captions and I actually did my first real the other day, so I've got to start doing more of that. It's not so much, I'm not afraid of being in front of the camera, but it's just um keep thinking you look good enough on the day. Oh no, I couldn't do that now. When you see yourself you think, oh my God, I look like a wreck! Not that I really am, but you know when you're in lockdown you're in a different mode, you're not getting, getting dressed up to go anywhere, you're just sort of thinking, oh I can be really relaxed and but I have been very creative, I do love doing display merchandising because I did all that when I was in the fashion retail, and it's all coming together now.

Rechelle

That was so fantastic that you are going to launch a website and that, that came, that was a good thing that came out of Covid, and I find that as horrible as that time was, there have been a lot of really good things to come out of that. So, I'm very thankful and grateful for that and I can't wait to come back around with you when you have the website so that we can, you know uh send people there and help, help you make it a success. 

Liz

Yes, I'm looking forward to that because everyone said to me for years, you know, go online, go online. But you know, I don't need to, you know, I didn't see everyone face to face, why do I want to go on a computer. Um but here we are, and everyone goes online now. So, like I say, if you can't beat them, join them.

Rechelle

That's right. But this, this has been such a treat. I'm so um I'm just so excited that you said yes that you wanted to come on the show and that we got to connect in real time and this insta-summer, of course it's winter for you, but the series has been so much greater than I thought it in my mind. It was like, oh my gosh, how is that going to be able to be talking to people I've never talked to before and yet it has been guest after guest after guest. It has blown me away with the connection that we've already established. We're just bringing it another layer, another dimension to the connection we already have, and it's been a fantastic, wonderful adventure and I'm glad I said yes to myself because I could have talked myself out of that you know like well you can't do that. You know the self-talk of doubt and all that's like no, yeah, I can -- I'm doing it. 

Liz

Yeah. That's fantastic. I love it and I admire it and I've listened to so many of your podcasts and there's so inspiring and you talk to all sorts of people in different walks of life, and I just love people and I love listening to their stories. I find people fascinating and if I do meet people I remember everything about them. You know they're star sign what they wore, what they said, sometimes it freaks people out, but have incredibly good memory which really helps when you're in sales. 

Rechelle

Yes!

Liz

Because everyone wants to be remembered and that's why I called it -- Remember me accessories – because we all love to be remembered. And we also love to remember what we wore or how we felt on that day, how we look. I mean it's not just a superficial thing, I'm talking about how you feel inside and within yourself because I dress and love dressing up -- I make sure I always feel comfortable. So, you can still look fantastic, but you don't have to be in pain. 

Rechelle

Oh, absolutely. I'm with you on that. 

Liz

I don't wear super high shoes anymore. 

Rechelle

No, me neither. It's got to be comfortable or forget it. Comfortable and cute can go together. They absolutely can. 

Liz

It was so funny. I was looking, I found this – because pandemic you know, there's so much time on your hands -- I found this folder in it when I had my boutique. I used to write in the for the local paper had fashioned by Liz and a little picture of me. And then I talk about fashion. And I had a little laugh because it says something about shoes are saying “now if you're going out wearing shoes, it's a good idea to have them on.” I mean silly, but it's obvious, you know when you go out you do wear shoes, but I wrote about your shoes and make sure you wear comfortable shoes way back then. I must have been into it and saying, you know, because you don't want your poor feet to feel the consequences of wearing high shoes for a long period of time. 

Rechelle

Exactly, it's not worth it. It's not. And I think a lot of women have to go through that to come out the other side to say, you know what, it's not worth it. I don't care. 

Liz

I gave them up when I had my children. Oh yeah, you can't run out wearing high shoes and then breaking your neck with your baby in your arms. It wouldn't go down. 

Rechelle

No, that would not go down well at all. Well thank you. I am celebrating with you, congratulating in for your 25 years has been in the jewelry business and all of the wisdom and fun that you bring to your Instagram posts. And I'm so happy that we connected. I thank you for this time. And a big shout out and thank you to Stefan for helping us launch and get this conversation going. So, it's you know what? That's great. Yeah. Give him a big thank you and a hug from me and one last thank you, Liz – you, as I said in the intro, you are so kind and so generous and so very consistent with your encouraging words. I'm very grateful for that because you don't necessarily have that or get that, I don't want to say from everyone, because obviously everyone can't be that way. But you know, it's not like we were friends before and now of course, I'm expecting you to be encouraging. No, no, no, that's not it. We connected through Instagram and now we are encouraging one another in our in our different paths. And I think it's wonderful. And thank you also for being an avid listener of Unabashed You, so that, you know, women can be who they are without apology. And men, now we've got men listening to, but just be who you are, be who you are. That's it, that's it, that's it. That's it. But thank you, Liz, my dear, I'm so grateful. And we will be in touch very soon and see you on Instagram. 

Liz

Fantastic Thank you. Bye.

Rechelle

Bye bye.

Outro Music

Rechelle

One of my favorite takeaways from our time together is the wisdom of never be afraid to ask. The worst thing to happen is you will get a no. And if you do dust yourself off and carry on, you will survive. You may even thrive. Just ask Liz. Almost every opportunity she has had has come from putting herself out there and I love that she has taught that same life principle to her daughters. Like Liz, let's not be afraid of No. 

The unabashedly website has a guest page of photos, quotes, a blog with embedded audio; at unabashyou.com you can find the show and other podcast platforms. Want to lend your support and encouragement. We invite you to subscribe, follow, rate, review and share. Still waiting on west Virginia and Rhode Island to discover us. Our social media accounts are Instagram and Facebook Unabashed You. If you want to connect the email is [email protected] for questions, comments, etcetera. If you want to be on our weekly email list highlighting that week's episode, give me a shout, I'd be happy to add you and we will not share your information. We build upon website visits, social media, word of mouth to share these episodes. We are grateful for growth knowing these episodes and conversations help you think, celebrate who you are and move you in some way. So, continue to listen, read and be inspired. Our blessing: harness the power of today, cease the blessings of today, make something happen, enhance your life, make someone laugh, help a friend, love, love, love -- that is by Steve Maraboli and amen to that. So go on, go love, be unabashed, be you.

As Bijou shared, you can learn more about how to help women and children in Congo on the website Moseka Action Project.

You can find Bijou on Instagram at Viuongo Seasoning and Moseka Action Project.

Thanks for being a part of the UY conversation.  

The Unabashed You website has a page for each guest of photos, quotes and a blog with embedded audio at unabashedyou.com. You can find the show on other podcast platforms.  Want to lend your support and encouragement? We invite you to follow, rate, review and share.

Social media (direct links):

Facebook

Instagram

If you have questions or comments email us at: [email protected].

We build upon on website visits, social media and word of mouth to share these episodes.  We appreciate growth knowing these conversations help you think, celebrate who you are, and move you in some way.

So continue to listen, read and be inspired. 🍐

Transcript

Rechelle

While Unabashed You started for women, it became clear men are benefiting from the content. So, we've decided to refresh the brand a bit. You will still see the pair with the teal background and the name Unabashed You stays the same. Instead of women talking about stuff -- because that is no longer accurate -- we've moved to conversations to become who you already are. On the website it goes on to say be who you are without apology as you are one of a kind without equal. These conversations will help you think, celebrate who you are, and move you in some way. So, listen, read, and be inspired. And today I say thanks for joining us. Bijou -- boy do I love saying her name -- Bijou is our Insta summer guest this week. I'm still marveling at the woman she is humble yet accomplished, creative with intention, and generous while making it look effortless. 00:01:05 Honestly, that is just the beginning. In addition to loving her large family, she's found a way to give back to her country of origin. It is inspiring to say the least. 

Intro Music

Bijou is our Instant summer guest this week. We had a challenging time scheduling our conversation together, as she's in the midst of a move and needed some time to wrap things up. I couldn't wait to have her on; why do we feel so connected to people we haven't actually met. I find it fascinating. Here are a couple of things I know about Bijou. She's a foodie. She loves to cook. And is an artist and displaying what she has created. Each post on Instagram is a thing of beauty. We will get into that in a bit. Welcome to the show, Bijou. 

Bijou

Thank you, Rechelle, thank you for having me. Such an honor and pleasure for me to be here today and I really can’t wait to dig in. 

Rechelle

Me too. I’ve really been looking forward to connecting because I do find it very interesting that there are certain people you just feel like a kinship with or a connection with and I can't really, you know, fully explain it.  I just know that it's there. 

Bijou

Yes. I personally just believe it's God because one time I was listening to the podcast and my husband came in, I was like who is that? And I talked to him about you. He’s like how do you know her? I'm like on Instagram and he was like really? Yes, and like you say it's some connection, you just can't explain. But I believe it's just God's way of bringing people together.

Rechelle

Yeah, that's really beautiful. Is there anything you want the listeners to know before we get started? 

Bijou

Um maybe um the fact that I was born and raised in Congo. So I am originally from Congo, Born and raised in Congo. I Uh move out of my country when I was like 23 after college, I moved to France to do my master’s degree and in that time period my husband who was an American citizen.  He was born and raised here. But we met in high school in Congo because his parents came back, went to Congo to work for the government over there and we, we went to the same school. So, we met in high school and after high school he came back here and after college I went to France to do my master’s degree and when he learned and I was in France, he came to see me and he was like Bijou, I want you to be with me in America. And I was like, but I'm here to do my masters. And then, yeah, so we decided to get married and that's how I moved in America and, and now we have five beautiful kids. 

Rechelle

Oh my goodness. I kind of knew you had four, but I didn't realize it was five. five. That's wonderful. Well, what three words would you use to describe yourself?

Bijou

Three words to describe myself.  I'll say caring. Mm hmm. Uh, creative. Thank you. Just said I can't, I'm always bubbling up in my mind and finding ideas and stuff and uh, loyal. 

Rechelle

Oh gosh, those are so good. Yes, so good. Okay, are you familiar with this? It's not really a game but kind of like an ice breaker. It's two truths and a lie. You say three things about yourself and two of them are true and one isn't true. And then I have to see if I can guess which one, it's not true. 

Bijou

So, this was really hard. This can be really hard for me. Uh, let me think. Um, I love working out. Um, I speak four languages. I love teaching. 

Rechelle

Teaching. Okay. Um, you love working out. You speak four languages, and you love teaching. Okay, so I'm going to walk through them out loud. I think you do love teaching and I'm going to say, gosh, I bet you do speak four languages, whatever the native dialect is for Congo, which I'm talking about that a minute, plus English plus French and maybe something else. I'm gonna say if I'm going to say the lie is maybe that you don't love working out. I certainly don't love it. 

Bijou

You got it right! Working out it's like a punishment for me. I love, I love cooking and, but the good thing is I as much as I cook, um, I don't necessary eat. I'm just the kind of person who like to host, and make people feel good and comfortable, but myself, I don't really eat that much. 

Rechelle

Okay. 

Bijou

Yes. It's many of my husband and the kids, so I don't have to work out. 00:06:44 It's just not my thing. 

Rechelle

Okay. I understand that I understand. Yes. Okay. One of your favorite movies of all time?

Bijou

Okay. I don't know if you, you know about this movie, but it's called La Bamba. Have you heard about it?

Rechelle

Is that the one with Lou Diamond Phillips?

Bijou

Yes. Yes, yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Uh This movie, I loved it so much. I know I was young when it came out, but my dad had it and we used to watch it on the weekend and it's something that really stay deep in my heart. And when I think about it, it kind of brings up memories of so much that happened in our society. Just to think about how this young man, which he was in love with Donna and Donna's parents wouldn't let him because he was a Latino and uh socially speaking, it couldn't match you know that family because Donna was coming from a very rich family, but you just don't know what someone's tomorrow will be like.

00:08:00

Rechelle

That's right. 

Bijou

Just 1 song and Richie became famous. Uh and then when you think about it, and you realize how his brother became jealous. It opens eyes to see how you can have enemies sometimes even within your own family because of a blessing. So that that story always connects me sometimes to the story of joseph, how his brother was jealous of him for all the blessings that he was getting from his father. And the story of Richie really catches me in that area, and I was like, so yeah, I will never forget that story. 

Rechelle

Oh, That's a good one. I haven’t seen that in a long time. That is a really good one. I'm so glad you brought that one up and I think it sounds like it also brings up memories of when you were younger and watching it with your father.

00:09:01

Bijou

Exactly. Exactly. 

Rechelle

Yeah. That’s really sweet.

Bijou

And that love story of two teenager, and I met my husband when a teenager and yeah.

Rechelle

That's so sweet. Name a woman that inspires you. 

Bijou

Yeah, Rechelle, I remember one time, I don't know, you posted something on your Instagram, and it was that question, and I said my grandmother, her name was Lydia. 

Rechelle

Yes. Yeah, Lydia. Yes. Yeah. Alright, why does your grandmother inspire you? Lydia. 

Bijou

Uh that woman, she had such a presence, and I would say she was just the embodiment of the proverbs 31 woman: very wise um virtuous woman and the prayerful woman. Every time I spoke to her, I came out with a word of wisdom from her. So, and then you know, that's how I even decided to name my daughter after her -- Lydia. I only have one daughter; I have four boys and one girl, and I decided to name her after my grandmother because of the connection that I personally had with her. She was like my best friend and when I lost her, it was really hard for me, but God blessed me with my daughter, and I decided to name her Lydia just like her.

Rechelle

Gosh, that's so beautiful to keep that legacy going and I'm sure when you see your daughter, you’re thinking of her and that connection? That is really beautiful. Okay, so this next question. A piece of wisdom you keep handy. Maybe it's something Lydia your grandmother shared with you or not. What's a piece of wisdom you keep handy? 

Bijou

She always told me, um, do everything with a good heart and expect nothing in return. And there is the scripture I think it’s Ecclesiastes 11:1 that she always mentioned. Uh, do not expect anything. Do not expect anything to give you back from whatever you do for them because you don't know where your blessing will actually come from. And you know, expectation always leads to disappointment, and I hate to disappoint myself. I don't like to disappoint myself. So, I don't expect anything and whatever right to, to uh, to do to people around me, I just do it with a good heart. And uh, and there's something that I always tell my kids, sometimes they ask me about my food. They're like, mom, what do you put in your food? They say I cook it with love. I put all my heart in everything I do. And I mean that's really, um, a piece of wisdom that's always, you know, I kept in my heart, and it really ties to my grandmother, and I just take it as a way of living.

Rechelle

Well because if we're giving something that really should be the act itself is exactly not expecting something acknowledgement or something in return. The focus should be on us giving the gift, whatever that might be. 

Bijou

You know, I'm gonna tell you this one time, like you said, when we give, we give it from our heart, I saw a program of this woman she runs a nonprofit on Facebook on Instagram; so sometimes she does like a call for action and occasionally when I can give her something. And she used to acknowledge me on her stories. And one time I told her, please don't do that when I give, I'm not giving for you to acknowledge me on your page, you can acknowledge for anything else, but that's between me and my God -- it's not something I want people to know publicly that I gave to this charity. I supported your charity. It just not the way I work. 

Rechelle

Well, that was really lovely of you to kindly gently let her know I'm not doing it for the acknowledgement I really want just to give out of my heart, and please don't you know, publicly acknowledge me because then people might think that that that's the focus when it's not at all.

00:13:56

Bijou

Exactly  

Rechelle

All right. So here we go to the deep dive, this is your passion. Now, I know that you have two passions. I want to get to both of them. So, I started following you. I'm not a foodie like you are now I love good food don't get me wrong, don't get me wrong. You love to cook and let me tell you listener these pictures of her food should be hanging in a museum. I've never seen anything like this. So artful. So, I mean the design, sometimes the cemetery, the colors, the textures, it's all there in every picture. And one time I remember I think you put this on stories where you show that it it really takes a lot of pictures for you to pick the one. And of course, I'm thinking oh my gosh snaps a picture and here it is. 00:14:58 I'm not realizing that no, behind the scenes you take a lot of pictures you get that one that you really really like. So, you know walk us through how you got interested in cooking. Um let's start there and then I'll go ahead and say that. And I want to be gosh I want to be sure I'm saying this right viungo. Oh, so close. Yes that’s V. I. U. N. G. O. And that means spice or seasoning in Swahili. So, Swahili is the language you grew up speaking I'm guessing?

Bijou

Not really. It's I think I'll say to my second language growing up.

Rechelle

Because I know there's four languages -- I forgot to ask about that! 

00:16:01

Bijou

I grew up speaking French. I grew up speaking French and in Congo when you live in the capital which is Kinshasa mainly people speak, you speak two languages there: French and Lingala, Lingala which is like a common language for everybody who lives in the capital. But then everybody will live in the capital came from another states. And in their states, they have their own languages in their province, they have their own languages. So, Swahili is the languages spoken in my province, which is the eastern Congo. So, if all the eastern Congo people speak Swahili. So, my parents spoke Swahili and that's how I learned Swahili from them. And uh, so I grew up speaking French and Lingala from the capital and now English yes.

00:17:03

Rechelle

You speak four languages. . . Oh my God wondering, Okay, because not too long ago you switch the name of your Instagram account from, I think mama's blessed kitchen or something to Viungo?

Bijou

Yeah, viungo means seasoning

Rechelle

Okay, viungo seasoning. Okay, so okay, so now tell us how you ever started, you know being interested in cooking, learning about cooking. How did that happen? Or has it always been that way since a little girl?

Bijou

That's what I wanted to say. I grew up, my, my grandmother was a great cook. My mom is I think maybe 10 times better than what I do. So, I grew up in that environment. I grew up in that environment and it kind of built my character and my taste.  So you asked me a question about switching the name of my page? It was because at some point, I will be sharing when I will share my recipe on my page, I don't necessarily share my recipe, I just took pictures. But sometimes on my phone I have an app called WhatsApp. Have you ever heard about it? So, I use WhatsApp. Sometimes I share my pictures on money on WhatsApp. And I noticed that a lot of my friends will ask me for the recipe and when I give them my recipe, sometimes they are not able to reproduce exactly what I did. Or when I have guests in my house and they eat, they asked me for recipe. I'll give them the recipe, but they are not able to produce exactly what I did. And then I was like, you know what, why not doing my own spices that way. If someone asked me for a recipe, I can tell them exactly what to use to have the same taste.

00:19:13

So, I started making my own recipe and the story behind uh, the, the viungo thing, it's just um, I think you're going to talk about it maybe at some point I have the nonprofit, a nonprofit that helps women and children in Congo. And I wanted to bring up something. Um, that will help me to talk in a positive way about my country because I didn't want for my case to always hear about the negative things are happening in my country. So that's how I started making my spice. So, when I have events, I can have them taste food and talk about the taste for food in Congo. And so, they can discover the beauty of my country and discover the other side besides only learning about what's not working, what's going on. So that's how I started making those the spices and that and cut in connection with also helping my friend has made beautiful food and the recipe. So that's kind of background story. And that's how when I started making them, I decided to change the name of the page. 

Rechelle

Well that is just so moving because you're taking the spices from your country from Congo and you're, you know, mixing them together and you're actually packaging and selling them now. So, people really can replicate your recipes and exactly taking some of that and you're pouring it back into your country. 

And that's what I want to see to just try this name. Moseka Action Project?

Bijou

You’re right, Moseka Action Project.  

Rechelle

So that's your other passion. That's your nonprofit.

Bijou

Exactly. 

Rechelle

Okay. So, tell us about that. 

Bijou

Well, like I said, I was born and raised in Congo. I left my country, um in 2003.  And uh, and that right after I finished college, I went to the, in the eastern part of my country and there was war over there. Women were raped like every single day. About 200,000 women have been raped. And when I'm talking about rape, it's not like an action of men trying to find pleasure and no, it was like the body of women were used as a weapon. Rape was used as a weapon of war. So, I started volunteering at a hospital that my uncle leads in the eastern Congo. It's called Panzi Hospital. And my uncle worked so hard to help those women in the eastern Congo that he even got economic peace prize in 2018. Yes Dr. Denis Mukwege. So, after volunteering there and I moved to France and then I moved to America.

I always had that in my heart that I wanted to do something more to have those remain because what happened afterwards, some women found themselves pregnant and they have kids and those kids that didn't ask to be there, they didn't ask to be born, but they just, you know, finding themselves in a situation, they have no one to care for them. They can't go to school and I as a mother, I have five kids. I'm working hard to have my kids to achieve their dream and goal to be good man for the good citizen for this country. So, I just imagine how beautiful it could be for me to help those kids born out of rape to have education and at the same time help their mother to become independent to empower them through business literacy and small activities. So that's how I started Moseka.

Rechelle

Wow okay, so you're giving back to those women and the children.

00:23:26

Bijou

Exactly. 

Rechelle

And is that through like clothing, shelter, microloans, health care, I mean how is there or is there a particular area that you're targeting? 

Bijou

Oh God… (laughing)

Rechelle

You’re telling us four areas start again with the first area. 

Bijou

So, the first one is um a Dream Come True which is focused on education. So, we provide education for the kids, we send them to school, we have them with after school program and we give them some lunch, we just want to give them the opportunity to feel like there are normal kids, they didn't do anything wrong, it's not their fault. So, you know, Rechelle, I always say that if I can even get one child from those kids to become a doctor or a lawyer or a teacher or someone in his life, I will say Lord, I have done what you asked me. Maybe Marceca was created just for that one particular person or one particular child. 

So that's the way I see it. So, with the Dream Come True program, we provide education for the kids. Uh we have a family empowerment program which is focusing on empowering women. So the models of the child, we walked with them through the entire year with business literacy and at the end of the business literacy, we give them like micro loan to start a small business but they can they take the microloans it's only once when they get into the program because we are already working with the child and our goal is to have them to take ownership of their life and to move on. They can't stay in the state of feeling victimized the entire life. We want to have them, it's not like a handout but we are hand up so we have them to become to feel like you know I can participate in my community and that's what's happening because when those women start participating in the community, they found the value and space in the community.

Yes, so that's what we're doing and the third one is called club for Panzi with clothes for Panzi was a year we connect clothes here, you know I usually do it with my kids, when they have birthday. Um we talked about it the as the parents we offer them whatever they want as a gift but then we asked them to ask their friends to bring gift that we can send to the kids in the Congo. Because I came to realize that they don't really need the kids for a gift from friends. You know usually parents spent $20/$30 dollars to buy gifts for you know the kids, but they can play with just one day or two days and then the next day it’s in the trash and I realized you know, but this money can be used to help another child, why not? And I made them understand that now. They are always excited when their birthday is coming.  They ask what are we doing? Sometimes we do some screen, we collect some screen for people with Albany Zoo in Congo. Sometimes we collect clothes that we send to Pansy hospital for the babies and their mothers, and my kids love to do it especially when they see the expression on the kids on the other side when they received the clothes, they feel like they have accomplished something. To me I think it's also a way to teach them compassion. They are learning how to have compassion for others. And the 4th one is our community development program where we participate in activities that are about helping people with disability. It's also faithfully and wonderfully made. We help people with disability. We help people with albinism with scholarship and any other activity that they can maybe be interested in.  So those are the four things that we do. 

Rechelle

Wow! You are one busy woman. You've created, you created this nonprofit, you've also got the viungo seasoning spices, spices that you sell, plus you're cooking up a storm for a family of seven. I'm trying to figure out how; I'm marveling at how all the many balls that you have in the air and, and that you are just an incredible example for your Children. And that's not why you're doing it, but you are setting this example. You're like you said a hand up not a handout. That is really just so well said. I love too how you've woven all of those things together. 

Bijou

Exactly. They are all connected. 

Rechelle

All connected. All, every part of your life is connected to another part. And even though you don't live in the Congo, you are really active and wanting to, you know, give back to particularly the women and the Children there and that is a very vulnerable population and clearly very much needed. Yes. Well, so you've adjusted to living in the States, you've been here a while now and um recently made a move and are the kids, they're kind of getting adjusted to their new surroundings and all?

Bijou

Yes. And I mean, it's a blessing to have five kids. I realize that now, you know with the Covid situation, you, you may have heard about kids getting depressed because they can’t see their friends and all that. And uh, it was hard, and I must say that I have realized how blessed I am during the covid situation, the pandemic, and now they're moving because honestly my kids are really friends among themselves, they played together, they spend time together. 00:30:00

And uh so they didn't really feel that lack of not seeing people around them. So, they are really adjusting. But they can't wait to go back to school. They really can't wait. 

Rechelle

Well yeah, that's you know, that's a sense of normalcy for them and all of that. 

Bijou

We can't wait for that. 

Rechelle

Right? Yes. Yes. Okay. So, do you post seven days a week or do you do you have a set schedule? 

Bijou

Uh Usually for my page I usually post maybe three times a week. But with the moving and everything things got shuffled and I've been posting maybe twice a week or once a week depending. And so, I get all my extensive because I'm in a small apartment and like I just have what is needed for this season. So, I am not getting myself, you know overwhelmed with all you know the fancy thing that I usually do.

00:31:05

Rechelle

Um Yeah, I know that you have this picture. I think they were all cheering each other with tacos. 

Bijou

Yes. Yes. Yes. So cute. How do you come up with your ideas? I mean do you take pictures of what you're already going to cook, or do you know what you want to take pictures of?

Bijou

You know, I don't, you know with the pandemic situation, my husband you know and everybody working from home, it was funny because my husband usually uh we just come out of his office and ate his lunch and then like he was really having fun. And now he's really hating going back to office. He is really hating going back to office. I don't really plan in advance what I'm going to cook. It's just like I opened my fridge and I start having ideas or in the midst of cooking, I started having ideas or sometimes after cooking, like the presentation comes after cooking like I can do this.

00:32:12

Rechelle

Yes. They really are so truly very artistic. Is your art or your creativity? Is it elsewhere in your life? I mean do you paint or draw or?

Bijou

I don't paint, I don't draw. But I am really into house decor and um fashion. Okay, so those three, those three areas I'm like cooking, house décor, and fashion? And that's why even for my page, my page at the beginning, I didn't know what to do. I was like, and I don't want to confuse people, and I was like, do I do fashion? Do I do house decor? I'm like, okay, I don't want to put my house out there and then fashion, I'm like, oh no, I don't want to put my personal life, you know, so I'm like, ok, food, nobody will look at my face on the food. So that's how I decided to go for food. 00:33:15 And occasionally I can make me posted my story, my picture and uh yes.

Rechelle

That's wonderful. Is there anything I missed? I'll be sure and have all your contact. And so, do you have an Instagram account for Moseka? 

Bijou

Oh yes, yeah, it's Moseka Action Project. 

Rechelle

Okay. I'll be sure to have all your influence there so everybody knows how to get in touch with you. Uh, this lady is absolutely just a golden, just a golden, wonderful woman. I'm so, I feel very blessed and very privileged to have connected with you through Instagram and then now in real life. It was worth the wait. You are a giving gracious, classy, elegant, beautiful woman.

Bijou

Thank you.

00:34:19

Rechelle

I'm so grateful and I look forward to whatever other good things you're going to put out there and I really want to support your efforts now that I actually understand better what you're doing. So, I want to be sure and be supportive.

Bijou

Thank you so much. I appreciate it, Rechelle.

Rechelle

When I found out your name was Bijou, I was like, oh that is such a great name. 

Bijou

You know what it means? 

Rechelle

No!

Bijou

Oh, it means jewel.

Rechelle

I was debating whether to call you golden or a diamond. Yeah, you are a jewel. I love saying it -- Bijou. It's such a wonderful thing to say, great name. Well, thank you for spending this time with me. I'm looking forward to putting this together and getting it out into the world. 

Bijou

Thank you so much for having me, Rechelle. 

Rechelle

We'll be in touch soon. Thank you, alrighty, goodbye.

Outro Music

I found the weaving of all the things that matter most to Bijou exhilarating. 00:35:31

She's taken every part of her life and created a beautiful tapestry of serving, compassion and using her gifts for the greater good of others. Her heart for the women and Children of Congo has been put into action. Bijou knows that love does, so she loves and she does. Let's be more like that. The Unabashed You website has a guest page for each guest of photos, quotes in a blog with embedded audio at unabashedyou.com. You can find the show on other podcast platforms. Want to lend your support and encouragement -- we invite you to subscribe, follow, rate, review, and share. Still waiting on west Virginia and Rhode Island to discover us our social media accounts Instagram and Facebook Unabashed You. If you want to connect the email is [email protected] For questions, comments etcetera. And if you want to be on our weekly email list highlighting that week's episode, give me a shout. I'd be happy to add you, your info will not be shared.

00:36:38

We do build upon website visits, social media, and word of mouth to share these episodes. We are so grateful for growth. Knowing these conversations, help you think, celebrate who you are, and move you in some way, so continue to listen, read, and be inspired. Our blessing for this week: The thankful heart will find in every hour some heavenly blessings, and that is by Henry Ward Beecher. Amen to that. Follow your heart, go be unabashed, be you.

You can find Shaun on Instagram at Shaun Conde.

Thanks for being a part of the UY conversation.  

The Unabashed You website has a page for each guest of photos, quotes and a blog with embedded audio at unabashedyou.com. You can find the show on other podcast platforms.  Want to lend your support and encouragement? We invite you to follow, rate, review and share.

Social media (direct links):

Facebook

Instagram

If you have questions or comments email us at: [email protected].

We build upon on website visits, social media and word of mouth to share these episodes.  We appreciate growth knowing these conversations help you think, celebrate who you are, and move you in some way.

So continue to listen, read and be inspired. 🍐

You can find Toby at SurfnToby.

Thanks for being a part of the UY conversation.  

The Unabashed You website has a page for each guest of photos, quotes and a blog with embedded audio at unabashedyou.com. You can find the show on other podcast platforms.  Want to lend your support and encouragement? We invite you to follow, rate, review and share.

Social media (direct links):

Facebook

Instagram

If you have questions or comments email us at: [email protected].

We build upon on website visits, social media and word of mouth to share these episodes.  We appreciate growth knowing these conversations help you think, celebrate who you are, and move you in some way.

So continue to listen, read and be inspired. 🍐

Here is Sara’s website/podcast: The Wedding Dish and her podcast with Kristina: Laughing with Gingers. On Instagram: The Wedding Dish and Laughing with Gingers.

Thanks for being a part of the UY conversation.  

The Unabashed You website has a page for each guest of photos, quotes and a blog with embedded audio at unabashedyou.com. You can find the show on other podcast platforms.  Want to lend your support and encouragement? We invite you to follow, rate, review and share.

Social media (direct links):

Facebook

Instagram

If you have questions or comments email us at: [email protected].

We build upon on website visits, social media and word of mouth to share these episodes.  We appreciate growth knowing these conversations help you think, celebrate who you are, and move you in some way.

So continue to listen, read and be inspired. 🍐

You can find Jamie on Instagram at Jamie and at her podcast Positive on Purpose.

Thanks for being a part of the UY conversation.  

The Unabashed You website has photos, quotes and a blog for each episode.  Each episode’s audio is embedded on its own page at unabashedyou.com.  You can find these episodes on other podcast platforms.  We invite you to follow, rate, review and share. 

Social media (direct links):

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

If you have questions or comments email us at: [email protected].

We build upon on website visits, social media and word of mouth to share these episodes.  We appreciate growth knowing these conversations help you think, celebrate who you are, and move you in some way.

So continue to listen, read and be inspired. 🍐

You can find Celine at Celine Marie.

Thanks for being a part of the UY conversation.  

The Unabashed You website has photos, quotes and a blog for each episode.  Each episode’s audio is embedded on its own page at unabashedyou.com.  You can find these episodes on other podcast platforms.  We invite you to follow, rate, review and share. 

Social media (direct links):

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

If you have questions or comments email us at: [email protected].

We build upon on website visits, social media and word of mouth to share these episodes.  We appreciate growth knowing these conversations help you think, celebrate who you are, and move you in some way.

So continue to listen, read and be inspired. 🍐

You can find Tanyette at Instagram at Tanyette Colon.

Thanks for being a part of the UY conversation.  

The Unabashed You website has photos, quotes and a blog for each episode.  Each episode’s audio is embedded on its own page at unabashedyou.com.  You can find these episodes on other podcast platforms.  We invite you to follow, rate, review and share. 

Social media (direct links):

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

If you have questions or comments email us at: [email protected].

We build upon on website visits, social media and word of mouth to share these episodes.  We appreciate growth knowing these conversations help you think, celebrate who you are, and move you in some way.

So continue to listen, read and be inspired. 🍐

You can find Vivienne on Instagram at vivienne_stallwood_and her website is viviennestallwood.com.

Thanks for being a part of the UY conversation.  

The Unabashed You website has photos, quotes and a blog for each episode.  Each episode’s audio is embedded on its own page at unabashedyou.com.  You can find these episodes on other podcast platforms.  We invite you to follow, rate, review and share. 

Social media (direct links):

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

If you have questions or comments email us at: [email protected].

We build upon on website visits, social media and word of mouth to share these episodes.  We appreciate growth knowing these conversations help you think, celebrate who you are, and move you in some way.

So continue to listen, read and be inspired. 🍐

You can find Shelley on Instagram at amibeingtrav and her website is amibeingtrav.

Thanks for being a part of the UY conversation.  

The Unabashed You website has photos, quotes and a blog for each episode.  Each episode’s audio is embedded on its own page at unabashedyou.com.  You can find these episodes on other podcast platforms.  We invite you to follow, rate, review and share. 

Social media (direct links):

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

If you have questions or comments email us at: [email protected].

We build upon on website visits, social media and word of mouth to share these episodes.  We appreciate growth knowing these conversations help you think, celebrate who you are, and move you in some way.

So continue to listen, read and be inspired. 🍐