What does wellness mean to you? Is it just something you hear white people talking about on social media? Or is it about living a fulfilling and healthy life? If you have no idea, that’s cool too, because on this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, my guest Zikea McCurdie drops all the gems you need to get you started on your wellness journey today. Zikea is a health coach and wellness advocate, and in this conversation, she discusses the multifaceted nature of wellness.

Zikea highlights the importance of access to wellness resources, the various dimensions of wellness, and the significance of social connections. Our discussion aims to empower Black Women Entrepreneurs, to embrace our unique wellness journeys and prioritize ourselves.

Together, we explore the journey of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of maintaining curiosity and childlike wonder. We discuss the challenges faced by Black Women Entrepreneurs, including mindset shifts related to scarcity and control. We also highlight the necessity of being adaptable and open to pivots in your career, while stressing the importance of self-investment and wellness. Ultimately, we encourage you to prioritize your own needs and dreams as you navigate your entrepreneurship.

We talk:

3:13 - Understanding wellness beyond stereotypes

12:02 - Mindfulness and being present

26:56 - Embracing curiosity and childlike wonder

32:52 - Navigating challenges in entrepreneurship

45:09 - The power of the pivot

50:32 - Investing in yourself as a Black Woman Entrepreneur

Takeaways for Black Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners:

1. "Be where your feet are."
2. "Curiosity drives entrepreneurship."
3. "Scarcity mindset holds us back."
4. "Don't be afraid of the pivot."
5. "Baby steps are still progress."

Bet On Your Community, Sis!

Connect with Zikea! - IG @doseofvitamin.z - LinkedIn @zikeamccurdie

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

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Depending on others is an important part of life, personal and professional. The problem is that many people have a one-sided point-of-view. They network to see what you can do for them, instead of building a mutually beneficial relationship. And, that is just one key that we talk about in this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, so I hope you caught it! Today I sit down with director, writer, and producer, Eboni Price.

In this conversation, Eboni shares her journey in the entertainment industry, and how she balances it all. She emphasizes the importance of networking, discipline, and professionalism, and she provides valuable guidance for aspiring creatives navigating the industry. She discusses her experiences in both independent and studio filmmaking, the challenges of the starving artist mindset, and the necessity of setting boundaries to avoid burnout.

Eboni and I explore the challenges and joys of creativity, the significance of mental health, and the need to harmonize work with self-care. Eboni also highlights her work and the creation of the film 'Hard', highlighting the importance of storytelling and representation in media.

We talk:

06:51 - The starving artist mindset

19:40 - Discipline and boundaries in creative work

25:40 - Finding balance and avoiding burnout

33:20 - Navigating entrepreneurship

48:12 - Creating 'Hard': A personal journey

Episode References:

On The Set Camp

42 (2013)

Bad Robot

Shondaland

D. Stevens

Dawn Gilliam

Noelle Green

John Singleton

Connect with Eboni! - IG @willfilm4food - LinkedIn @eboni-p - Website willfilm4food.com

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

This episode is for you. You have that idea on your mind, but you’re letting what you don’t have get in the way of what you could have. You feel fear, doubt, and all the other things holding you back. And, you just need that bit of encouragement. Well, here it is! In this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, I sit down with Denese Longsworth and we discuss the importance of asking for help, building visibility, and fostering community engagement. Denese is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, creator of community, podcast producer, voice over artist and public speaker.

In this episode, Denese shares her journey in both navigating the podcasting industry and creating her own social work agency. She highlights the importance of community, collaboration, and support among Women of Color. And, she discusses her experiences and challenges in creating Podcasters of New Jersey and the PODWORK Virtual Summit.

Denese and I emphasize the value of relationships and the lessons learned from rejections, ultimately advocating for supportive communities that foster growth and empowerment. We explore how to build confidence through authenticity, embrace your unique journey, and prioritize your well-being while pursuing your goals.

We talk:

09:04 - The importance of asking for help

11:58 - The role of community in growth

21:10 - The value of relationships in entrepreneurship

34:58 - Visibility and community engagement

40:31 - Building confidence through authenticity

54:19 - Entrepreneurship: responsibility and freedom

Episode References:

Ann Smith

Danielle Desir Corbett

ABF Creative

Shirlz Rejouis

Black Podcasters Association

Afros & Audio

Dissecting Your Perspective

Evergreen Podcasts

Building Confidence and Success Through Affirmations with Deandre Raquel Bacon

Black with Benefits

Discovering Your Calling through Connection and Resilience with Erin Pompa

From Dream Job to Dream Life: A Cannabis Journey with Lucille Verde

Connect with Denese! - IG @deneseduran82 - LinkedIn @deneselongsworth

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

“Black with Benefits” is a new audio series that brings mental health theories to life in an engaging story about a modern day situationship. It highlights cultural expectations, family dynamics, and societal pressures, especially within Black and Brown communities. And, in this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, I get to sit down with its creators! Today I talk to Shirlz Rejouis and Denese Longsworth, and get all the details on the show.

In this episode, Shirlz and Denese share the show’s writing process, their creative journey, and how they bridged theoretical knowledge with real-life examples. They also highlight the significance of their social work backgrounds in shaping the content of “Black with Benefits,” emphasizing mental health and community support. They reflect on their successful listening party, the challenges of work-life balance, and the need for boundaries in creative partnerships. And, they discuss the significance of community, support, and resilience in the entrepreneurial journey, encouraging you to embrace your identity and pursue your dreams despite the obstacles.

This conversation truly highlights the importance of collaboration and sisterhood in your creative endeavors. Ultimately, we hope to inspire you to embrace your journey, learn from failures, and build meaningful connections.

We talk:

10:40 - Sisterhood and collaboration

26:11 - Social work's influence on creativity

32:15 - “Black with Benefits,” a peak into the story

42:06 - Entrepreneurship: overcoming fear and building community

Episode References:

Ep. 17 - Rejection is Redirection: Walking in Purpose with Shirlz Rejouis

ABF Creative

bell hooks

Frequency973prod

Connect with Shirlz!

- IG @i_5urelyrejoice

- SubStack @i5urelyrejoice

Connect with Denese!

- IG @deneseduran82

Follow Black with Benefits on social media!

- IG @frequency973prod

- Threads @frequency973prod

Connect with Pink Lady!

- IG @pinkladyprod

- Tik Tok @pinkladyprod

- LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media!

- IG @betonyourselfsis

- Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis

- YouTube @betonyourselfsis

My grandmother passed away a year ago.

And it has been super hard to focus on anything but memories.

So Bet On Yourself, Sis! is taking a break! But we will be back with new episodes on Wednesday, September 2nd! Make sure that you are subscribed and/or following the show so that you will be notified. And catch up on old episodes while you wait.

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

I’m not a mom yet, but I know that entrepreneur parents are amazing! You work, you build your business, you take care of your family, and you take care of yourself! Entrepreneuring as a parent is hard work and today’s guest on Bet On Yourself, Sis! is an expert! Ms. Jonna is a mama of 5 children and the daycare mama of many others. She is the owner of Ms. Jonna’s Play & Learn, a successful home-based daycare center, and she is currently working on her first children's book for publication.

In this episode, Ms. Jonna shares her journey of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship and the challenges she faced in establishing her daycare business. She is also a longtime vegan with 3 self published vegan cookbooks, so you know I had to learn more about that! She discusses her transition to veganism and the creation of her cookbooks.

Throughout the conversation, we emphasize the importance of authenticity, staying true to yourself in your entrepreneurial journey, and the personal growth that comes with it. We explore the significance of networking, the need for self-care, and the necessity of perseverance and hard work for achieving long-term goals, especially for Black Women Entrepreneurs.

We talk:

08:55 - Starting the daycare business

18:13 - Staying true to yourself in business

22:48 - The power of networking and authentic connections

30:25 - Personal growth through entrepreneurship

40:28 - Advice for Black Women Entrepreneurs: perseverance and self-care

Episode References:

Just VEGANIZE It: Vol 1

Just VEGANIZE It: Vol 2, Soups, Salads, & Sides

VEGANIZED for Kids: Vegan Cooking Simplified for Kids

Insight Timer

Connect with Ms. Jonna! - IG @Ms.Jonnas - FB @msjonnas - LinkTree @queenluv

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

We live in a world where Black birthgivers face a disproportionately higher risk of mortality, with a rate of 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births*. And Leah Hairston is on a mission to change that number to 0 deaths. Leah is a seasoned doula, health advocate, and the CEO and founder of Sweet Bee Services, Baltimore's concierge doula agency, with a 100% survival rate.

In this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, Leah shares her entrepreneurial journey into the field of doula services and creating a business that prioritizes community needs and well-being. She discusses the importance of autonomy and choice in maternal health and the challenges faced by Black women in the healthcare system. And she emphasizes the need for education and support in navigating maternal care.

Our conversation highlights the intersection of personal purpose and professional responsibility, and the necessity of addressing financial concerns in the pursuit of impactful work. We discuss the need for Black Women Entrepreneurs to embrace our unique identities and serve our communities. And, we advocate for rest, noting that it is imperative and not earned.

We talk:

8:53 - The importance of autonomy and choice

17:51 - Entrepreneurship in the doula space

29:20 - Sustainable business practices

37:40 - Entrepreneurship as a responsibility and privilege

45:13 - Advice for Black Women Entrepreneurs

Episode References:

Navigating Identity Shifts in Business and Life with Shervon Laurice

*CDC’s Data from the Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System

Connect with Leah! - IG @sweetbeeservices - LinkedIn @lhairston - Website SweetBeeDoula.com

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

This is another episode to remind you to build your dream life! Don’t focus on finding your dream job. Do what you have been called to do and the rest will fall into place. That is a running theme in this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, with Casaundra Freeman. Casaundra is a professional actor and director, and the founder of Work with Your Voice, a voiceover training program exclusively for Black women.

In this episode, Casaundra shares her transformative journey through motherhood and entrepreneurship. She discusses her career change from acting to voiceover, her move to Mexico to “worldschool” her children, and the importance of community and empowerment for Black women, especially in the voiceover industry. Casaundra also notes her experiences with grief, healing, and setting boundaries while navigating her career and motherhood.

Our discussion emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, the power of believing in yourself, the responsibilities that come with freedom as an entrepreneur, and the necessity of pursuing dreams without seeking external validation.

We talk:

12:45 - World Schooling and Healing Through Relocation

27:31 - Building Community and Setting Boundaries

38:28 - The Journey to Motherhood and Self-Discovery

48:45 - The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Pursuing Freedom and Responsibility

55:53 - Overcoming Adversity: The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence

1:09:37 Dreaming Big: The Importance of Believing in Yourself

Episode References:

Detroit Repertory Theatre

Alabama Shakespeare Festival

https:The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms - Audiobook

The Broken Kingdoms - Audiobook

The Kingdom of Gods - Audiobook

ExodUS Summit | For Black Women

The Official We Do Not Care Club Handbook by Melani Sanders

Adrienne Livingston

Connect with Casaundra! - IG @heycasaundra - LinkedIn @casaundra-freeman - Website heycasaundra.com

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis