You Don’t Have to Burn Out to Win: Brandi Hudson’s Blueprint for Soul-Aligned Success

Episode 186

✨ In this powerful episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, host Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Brandi Hudson, Founder of The Happiest Place Podcast, for a raw and uplifting conversation about redefining success, protecting your peace, and leading with intention.

Brandi shares her journey from burnout to brilliance—offering tangible insights for Women of Color ready to live and lead from a place of alignment, authenticity, and joy. If you’ve ever felt like success had to come at the cost of your well-being, this episode is your permission slip to choose yourself and win your way.

🔑 In this episode: ~ Why Brandi chose to walk away from burnout culture ~ How she built her business around joy & values ~ Strategies for tapping into alignment and purpose ~ Real talk on self-worth, visibility, and choosing peace ~ A behind-the-scenes look at The Happiest Place Podcast

💫 You’ll leave inspired to live your Dream Lifestyle™ ~ NOW.

🔗 Connect with Brandi Hudson 🌐 Website: https://brandibhudson.com 🎧 Podcast: The Happiest Place 📧 Email: [email protected] 🧵 X (Twitter): @brandibhudson 📸 Instagram: @brandibhudson 📘 Facebook: Hi Brandi Hudson ▶️ YouTube: @brandibhudson 💼 LinkedIn: Brandi Hudson

🔔 Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a Woman of Color who’s ready to reclaim her power and live boldly.

Full episode notes: https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/blueprint-for-success/

 

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𝗜 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 a 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲style𝗧𝗠 — 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲. Ready to start yours? ✨ Download my free 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝗶𝘁 + 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 for bold living. 🎤 Or hire me to speak at your next event, panel, or retreat. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gvjG9qXE ✉️ Email: [email protected]

Back Yourself: The Power of Standing in Your Truth ~ with Lildonia Lawrence

Episode 185

🎧 Episode Summary: In this powerful and affirming episode, I’m joined by well-being coach and activist Lildonia Lawrence, as we explore the vital themes of backing oneself, standing in one’s truth, and embracing rest as resistance. Through her lived experiences and deep work with BIPOC communities, Lildonia shares how identity suppression, racial trauma, and systemic inequities impact well-being — and how reclaiming joy, movement, and authenticity can become radical tools for healing and empowerment.

Whether you’re navigating workplace microaggressions, cultural expectations, or your own journey of self-acceptance, this conversation offers a reminder: You are worthy of rest. You are powerful in your truth. And you can back yourself.

✨ Episode Highlights:

• 🛡️ "Backing yourself" as a radical act of self-worth and resistance

• 👩🏾‍💼 Identity suppression in the workplace and its effects on self-esteem and well-being

• 🌀 Embracing rest as resistance, inspired by Tricia Hersey’s Rest Is Resistance

• 💃🏽 Movement, dance, and joy as forms of cultural and spiritual resilience

• 🌿 The essential role of community healing in personal empowerment

• 🤝 How allies can show up meaningfully in anti-racism work

• 🔥 Lildonia’s call to action: “You’ve got this. I believe that you can back yourself.”

💬 Favorite Quotes from Lildonia:

“Backing yourself means owning your identity unapologetically — especially in spaces that weren’t built for you.”

“Rest isn’t a luxury — it’s a right. Our ancestors weren’t given rest. We honor them when we reclaim it.”

“Joy is resistance. Movement is protest. And community is our strength.”

📚 Resources & Mentions:

     🔗 Connect with Lildonia Lawrence:

• • • Instagram: @Lildonialawrencewellness
    • Website: LaDonnaLawrence.com
    • Podcast: https://intersectionsthepodcast.podbean.com/
    • Lildonia’s Book: Back Yourself: A Wellbeing Guide to Healing from Racial Trauma https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWXSPS8M
    • Recommended Reading: Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey

🌍 Connect with Me: 🔗 Instagram | @deneensdreamlife 🔗 LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/deneenlgarrett 🌐 Website | deneenlgarrett.com

📌 Don’t Forget to Subscribe & Leave a Review! If this episode spoke to you, please rate, review, and share it with your community. Every listen supports our mission to uplift and empower women of color to live a Dream Lifestyle™ NOW.

 

Full episode notes: https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/standing-in-your-truth/

                         

                                 SHOUT OUT to my UK audience.

🚀Bold, Visible & Unstoppable: The Power of Community for Women of Color Entrepreneurs 🔥

Episode 184 Kris & Krew Part III

Episode Description: Community isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the backbone of success for women entrepreneurs. In this episode,Kris Gordon I tripod es us to Ambitious Women Eternity Sledge and Sonya Z. Phillips as they break down the power of visibility, the importance of relationships in business, and the resources available to help women of color thrive.

🎙️ Key Takeaways: ✅ Why community is everything in business ~ "Community has been huge for me." ~ Eternity Sledge ✅ The connection between mental health & business success ~ "If you are not doing good mentally, your business will suffer." ~ Kris Gordon ✅ The power of showing up boldly ~ "As Black women, we have to be audacious... We are the blueprint. We deserve to be there." ~ Eternity Sledge ✅ How strategic networks open doors globally ~ Sonya Z. Phillips shares her journey from the U.S. to Ghana

🔑 This is your sign to step into community, build visibility, and take bold action!

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform & don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review!

Full episode notes:  https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/bold-visible-unstoppable/

 

Want to live a Dream life?

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REST. REFUSE. RECLAIM.™️ The Blueprint for Boundaries, Wealth & Unapologetic Living

Episode 183

In this transformative episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, we explore the revolutionary power of rest, boundaries, and financial freedom. Black women have long been conditioned to equate worth with productivity, but this conversation is about shifting the narrative—because rest is resistance, boundaries are power, and wealth is reclamation.

💬 "Rest is not a luxury—it’s a revolution." ~ Elizabeth McCoy

Guest Speakers:

• Neomieka Harris | Speaker • Mentor • Boundaries & Wellness Advocate
• Krystal Norman | Chef & Culinary Entrepreneur
• Bridgett Springer | Founder, The Financial Lady (TFL)
• Elizabeth McCoy | Licensed Therapist & Rest Advocate

REST: A Radical Act of Self-Preservation

Therapist Elizabeth McCoy reminds us that rest is not just about sleep—it’s a form of protest, a reclamation of time, and an act of healing. When Black women prioritize rest, they dismantle generational cycles of exhaustion and step into a space of true self-care and empowerment.

REFUSE: The Power of Boundaries

Neomieka Harris emphasizes the necessity of saying no without guilt. Women have been conditioned to overextend themselves, but setting firm boundaries is the key to protecting their time, energy, and peace. Refusing to conform to toxic productivity culture allows for deeper fulfillment and intentional living.

RECLAIM: Wealth, Joy & Purpose

Financial expert Bridgett Springer discusses the intersection of financial literacy and self-care. By taking control of their money, women reclaim their freedom, confidence, and future. She shares practical tips on building financial security, breaking free from scarcity mindsets, and cultivating generational wealth.

Food, Culture & Wellness

Chef Krystal Norman shares how food connects us to our heritage, healing, and community. Through her culinary journey, she highlights the importance of nourishment—not just for the body, but for the soul. Her work in creating opportunities for adults with special needs further demonstrates how rest and inclusion go hand in hand.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Rest is a radical act—Prioritizing rest is an essential step in reclaiming time, joy, and well-being.

✅ Boundaries protect your peace—Saying no unapologetically is necessary for self-preservation and intentional living.

✅ Financial freedom is self-care—Understanding money, investing wisely, and setting financial boundaries empower women to build lasting wealth.

✅ Joy is non-negotiable—Restoring balance, embracing pleasure, and centering wellness are key to living fully and unapologetically.

Tune In & Reclaim Your Power

This episode is for every Black woman ready to step into her power, set boundaries, and build a life of rest, wealth, and unapologetic joy. Rest is not a luxury—it’s a revolution. Listen now and begin your journey toward radical self-care today!

Full show notes here. 

 

🎧 Listen to the full episode now! 📲 Subscribe, review, and share to empower more women to prioritize themselves!

 

    🆓 Get your 🆓 The Dream Lifestyle™ Starter Kit Now 🆓

 

Hollywood’s Gatekeepers Are Changing ~ How Black Women Are Taking Over Media with Ashley King

Episode 165

The entertainment industry is shifting, but for Black women and other marginalized creators, success isn’t about waiting for an invitation—it’s about building your own table. In this powerful episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, casting director and entrepreneur Ashley King shares the realities of Hollywood, the power of self-initiative, and why community is the key to breaking barriers.

Ashley’s journey from aspiring screenwriter to casting director and media entrepreneur is proof that you don’t need permission to create opportunities. With over 50,000 engaged creatives in her Digital Influence network, she’s redefining what it means to take up space in entertainment.

🔥 In this episode, we cover: ✔️ How Hollywood still locks Black women out—and how to break in anyway ✔️ Why building your own platform is the fastest way to success ✔️ The Issa Rae blueprint—what we can learn from her rise ✔️ How Ashley scaled her casting email list from 20 people to 50K+ ✔️ Why mentorship & networking are non-negotiable for career growth

🎧 Full episode notes here:  https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/black-women-taking-over/

✨ Join the conversation! Tag us on Instagram and Threads using

 #WomenOfColorPodcast and let us know your biggest takeaway!

🎙️ Unstoppable Grit: Tashana’s Journey from Military Jumps to Bodybuilding Glory 💪🏾🔥

Episode 182

🚀 What does it take to go from jumping out of planes to dominating the bodybuilding stage? In this episode, I sit down with Tashana, one of the Ambitious Women from Kris' Krew, an Army Airborne veteran turned 8X all-natural bikini bodybuilding champion, to uncover the grit, mindset, and resilience that fueled her transformation.

💡 Inside this episode: ✅ The mental toughness & discipline that took her from the military to the stage ✅ Overcoming loss, homelessness & self-doubt to reclaim her power ✅ The importance of sisterhood, community & mentorship for success ✅ How to set powerful intentions & stay committed to your goals

✨ Your dreams are valid. Your power is real. Your transformation starts NOW.

Meet Tashana Latrice: The Definition of Unstoppable Grit 💪🏾🔥

Mom, Pro Bodybuilder, Coach, Licensed Therapist & Oracle

From Army Airborne veteran to 8x All-Natural Bikini Bodybuilding champion, Tashana’s journey is all about strength, resilience, and pushing boundaries. With a deep background in the arts—music, dance, acting, and fashion—plus 20+ years as a competitive cheerleader, gymnast, and track athlete, she’s built a life rooted in discipline and passion.

Now, as a certified personal trainer and bodybuilding coach, she’s empowering others to step on stage with confidence. But above all, she’s a full-time mom raising the next generation of greatness.

🌟 DFAC Muscle Mayhem International Pro Title 2024 🏋🏾‍♀️ ISSA Certified Personal Trainer 🩰 HBCU Majorette & Competitive Athlete 🎭 Actress | Model | Performer

Ready to transform your mindset & body? Connect with Tashana today! ⬇️

🔗 Book a session: https://tashlafit.setmore.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashla_fit007?igsh=MW41b3Q4am03bHp3Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CG5m5VrNG/?mibextid=wwXIfr ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@tashanalatrice2935?si=k6CG7UqTBftxFKYK 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@locd_ndfitlightw3rker33?_t=ZT-8uEniveaD99&_r=1 🎬 IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13748277/

🔥 This is YOUR wake-up call to stop making excuses & start making moves! If you’re ready to step into your power, embrace your strength, and live your Dream Lifestyle™ NOW, this episode is for you.

🎧 Hit play NOW & get ready to be inspired!

🔗 Full Episode Show Notes: https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/unstoppable-grit/

📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who needs this motivation! 💬 DM me your biggest takeaway 

🚨 The Self-Care Revolution: Why Every Woman Must Prioritize Herself—Starting NOW! 💜

Episode 181 with Cassandra Juniphant

🔥 Sis, when was the last time you put YOURSELF first? 🔥

In this unapologetic, soul-stirring episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, I sit down with Cassandra Juniphant, founder of Ori Ara, to break down why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival! 💆🏾‍♀️

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✨ The dangerous myth about "hustle culture" that’s keeping you exhausted 🚨 ✨ 3 simple self-care habits that will change your life—starting today! 🌱 ✨ How to reprogram your mindset to stop feeling guilty about rest 😴 ✨ The hidden connection between self-care, success, and self-worth 💪🏾

💭 “Your dream lifestyle starts when YOU choose YOU.” – Cassandra Juniphant

👑 This episode is for you if: ✅ You’re a high-achiever but constantly feel drained ✅ You struggle with setting boundaries and saying NO ✅ You want to thrive in your purpose without burning out

🔊 LISTEN NOW & TAKE BACK YOUR POWER! 🎧

👉🏾 Full episode notes:  https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/the-self-care-revolution/

 

About Cassandra Juniphant

Cassandra Juniphant is a wife, mother, and the Founder of Ori Ara, a self-care company dedicated to empowering modern women with traditional wellness practices. A former HR executive, Cassandra’s journey began over a decade ago when she transformed her health through bodybuilding and discovered the profound connection between self-care, professional success and spirituality. She became a certified trainer, yogi, gym owner, and student of nutrition and martial arts. Today, she uses her expertise to help others elevate their well-being and make self-care an integral part of everyday life.

Website: https://www.oriara.com/

Join The Body Ministry here: https://www.oriara.com/the-body-ministry-home-page

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Turning Passion into Profit: Vida Robinson’s Entrepreneurial Journey with Vida Robinson

Episode 180 Kris' Krew, Ambitious Women

🎙️ Episode: Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation 🎧 Guest: Vida Robinson | Multi-Passionate Entrepreneur & CEO 🔥 Topics: Creativity, Entrepreneurship, Vision, Resilience

Full episode note here: https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/turning-passion-into-profit/

From Passion to Profit: Vida Robinson’s Inspiring Story

Ever dreamed of turning your creative passions into multiple thriving businesses? In this episode, I sit down with Vida Robinson, a powerhouse entrepreneur who transformed her love for design, food, and pets into three successful brands:

✨ Dream Holiday – A luxury holiday décor brand specializing in custom designs. 🧀 Onboard Charcuterie – A high-end charcuterie business born from a creative challenge. 🐾 Pawtastic Pups – All-natural pet treats co-founded with her daughter.

Vida’s journey is all about vision, creativity, and resilience, and she’s dropping game-changing insights for entrepreneurs, especially Women of Color.

 

🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

💡 How Vida turned her creativity into three distinct businesses 🛍️ The power of spotting gaps in the market & monetizing your passion 🌱 Why resilience & faith play a crucial role in entrepreneurial success 🎨 How to balance multiple ventures while staying true to your vision 🚀 Vida’s best advice: "Don't wait, just do it!"

 

🎧 Memorable Quotes

🗣️ "The board is like a canvas." – Vida Robinson 🗣️ "Sometimes the universe tells you first, and then you work into it." 🗣️ "Don't wait, just do it. I don't wait around for anybody, I just do it myself."

 

🚀 Connect with Vida Robinson

📍 Dream Holiday: dreamholidayllc.com 📍 Onboard Charcuterie: [email protected] 📍 Pawtastic Pups: Etsy Shop 📍 Instagram: @PawtastikPupz 📍 Facebook: Pawtastik Pups

 

🔥 Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Share this episode with a friend who needs inspiration to turn their passion into profit.

🎙️ Collaboration is Queen: Unlocking Success Through Sisterhood (Part II)

Episode 179

💡 The Power of Self-Advocacy, Authenticity & Collective Success

🔥 “Dear beautiful Black woman, I just want you to know you are more than enough. Do not fear success because it’s already yours.” 🔥

💬 What does true collaboration look like? How do Women of Color own their power unapologetically? In this episode, we dive into the strength of sisterhood, self-advocacy, and strategic partnerships—because when women build together, we rise together.

🌟 Key Takeaways from This Conversation: ✅ Self-Advocacy: Own your narrative and define success on your terms ✅ Unapologetic Presence: Show up as your full, authentic self—without shrinking ✅ Overcoming Stereotypes: Reclaim your power and challenge limiting narratives ✅ Collaboration Over Competition: Success is best achieved collectively ✅ Storytelling as Strategy: Use your voice to create impact and build your brand ✅ Visibility & Representation: Take up space, because you belong in every room

💡 “We need to understand that our power lies in our ability to control our own narrative.” – Shawnte Smith

💥 Featured Guests & Game-Changing Insights:

🎯 Kris Gordon | Chief Marketing Executive 📌 “Marketing is more than strategy—it’s about storytelling, connection, and elevating mindsets.” 🚀 Founder of House of PRVLG Inc., Kris specializes in digital marketing, branding, and content strategies that make brands unforgettable. 📧 [email protected]

🔗 Website 📸 Instagram 🎥 YouTube 💼 LinkedIn 📌 Pinterest

🎙️ Jackie Wallace | CEO & Media Personality 📌 “The power of voice can transform communities and create meaningful change.” ✨ Known as JackieLive, she has conducted 200+ interviews and brings energy, positivity, and advocacy to every stage.

🔗 📧 [email protected] 🔗 Facebook

🎨 Vida Robinson | CEO & Visionary Entrepreneur 📌 “Creativity fuels connection—whether in holiday decor, culinary arts, or pet wellness.” 🌟 Founder of DREAM Holiday, Én Board Charcuterie, and Pawtastik Pupz—her brands redefine celebration and lifestyle.

📧 [email protected]🔗 Website🐾 Pawtastik Pupz Instagram🐾 Pawtastik Pupz Facebook🛍️ Etsy Shop

👗 Shawnte Smith | Creative Director & Image Consultant 📌 “Empowering others to reach their highest potential through creativity and transformation.” 🎭 Helping clients refine their personal brand and step into their confidence.

📧 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Website: shesa10.net

📸 Instagram: @shesa10shop

📘 Facebook: Shesa10

About the Podcast

Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation (An Intimate Conversation with Women of Color) is a podcast about women empowerment stories and for Women of Color who want more out of life. This show is for women who have had enough and want change, especially those who have been waiting to choose themselves and live boldly. 

In each inspiring episode, hear from women from different backgrounds, countries, and ages who have embarked on personal journeys, sharing their stories of empowerment, overcoming, and their path to living a dream life (style).  

How to Live a Dream Lifestyle Series: 

• How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™: The Overview - Empowering Women of Color Through Podcasting
• How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™: Dream
• Dream Life: Living a Dream Lifestyle: Step 3 - Decide
• In Charge: Dream Series - Drive Towards Your Dream Lifestyle

 

🔗 LET’S CONNECT: Hire Deneen | Instagram | LinkedIn

 

🎧 Listen Now & Join the Conversation!

• ✨ What resonated with you most? Drop a comment below! 👇🏾💬

🔗 Subscribe Follow Comment: 🎙️ Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation is a podcast dedicated to empowering Women of Color to live boldly and choose themselves. Each episode features inspiring women from diverse backgrounds sharing their stories of resilience, empowerment, and success.

Full episode notes: https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/unlocking-success/

 

Episode 178: The Power of Our Stories – How Personal Narratives Inspire, Empower & Drive Success (Part I)

In this powerful episode, we bring together a dynamic group of Ambitious Women making waves in their industries. From marketing and media to finance and culinary arts, these trailblazers share their unique journeys, insights, and the passion driving their success.

✨ Key Takeaways: ✅ How personal narratives shape success and resilience ✅ The importance of financial literacy and generational wealth ✅ Turning hobbies into thriving businesses ✅ Overcoming obstacles as women of color in corporate and entrepreneurial spaces ✅ The power of storytelling in fostering community and empowerment

🚀 “Your story holds power—how you tell it determines how it transforms you and others.” – Deneen L. Garrett

🎧 Full Episode Show Notes: 🔹 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Your Favorite Podcast Player

Featured Guests & Insights

🎙️ Kris Gordon – Chief Marketing Executive 💡 "Marketing is about storytelling, connection, and elevating mindsets." 📧 [email protected] | 🔗 Website

🎙️ Jackie Wallace – CEO & Media Personality 💡 "The power of voice can transform communities and create meaningful change." 📧 [email protected] | 🔗 Facebook

🎙️ Vida Robinson – CEO & Visionary 💡 "Creativity fuels connection—whether in holiday decor, culinary arts, or pet wellness." 📧 [email protected] | 🔗 Website

🎙️ Miss Danisha Brown – Wealth Shield Advisor 💡 "Financial empowerment is about access, education, and legacy-building." 📧 [email protected] | 📸 Instagram

Today's Sponsor

🔥 Deneen L. Garrett LLC – Elevating the voices of Women of Color & empowering them to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ through podcasting, speaking, and coaching.

🎤 Hire Deneen For: ✅ Speaking Engagements (Leadership Development | Empowerment | Keynotes | Panels) ✅ Signature Talks: How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ | The Power in the Pause | Recognize Your Path and Rise Up!

🔗 Book Deneen Today! | Instagram | LinkedIn

About the Podcast

🎙️ Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation is a podcast for Women of Color who want more out of life.Through raw and inspiring interviews, we highlight stories of empowerment, resilience, and personal transformation.

✨ How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ Series: 🔹 [The Overview: Empowering Women of Color Through Podcasting] 🔹 [Dream Life: Step 3 - Decide] 🔹 [In Charge: Drive Towards Your Dream Lifestyle]

📌 Follow & Subscribe for More Inspiring Episodes! 🔗 Instagram | LinkedIn