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In this episode of All Things Melanin, we’re talking about finding joy in the season you’re in—even when it’s not where you thought you’d be. We discuss being single while desiring marriage, protecting your peace at work, setting boundaries, and making space for your personal goals and dreams. In Mentor Moment, we answer a listener’s question about overcoming the fear of failure and finally starting the creative business they’ve been thinking about for years. We close with encouragement from Joshua 1:9 about being courageous, taking the next step, and trusting God along the way. Have a question for Shelby and Erica? Email [email protected] or DM @allthingsmelanin__.Stay Connected with Us Visit our websiteFollow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on Threads @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on YouTube Keep up with Erica Keep up with Shelby

In this episode of All Things Melanin, we’re talking about what it means to choose yourself, build intentional relationships, and keep pursuing your goals through seasons of discouragement. We discuss how friendships and sisterhood change as we get older, what makes a friendship meaningful, and why quality often matters more than quantity. We also talk about staying committed to your dreams when motivation fades and learning how to keep going when you’re tempted to quit. In Mentor Moment, we answer a listener’s question about prioritizing yourself without feeling selfish, including how to set healthy boundaries while still showing up for the people you love. We wrap up with encouragement from Hebrews 10:35–36 about patience, perseverance, and trusting God through the process. Have a question for Erica and Shelby? Email [email protected] or DM @allthingsmelanin__.Stay Connected With Us Visit our website Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on Threads @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on YouTube Keep up with Erica Keep up with Shelby

What happens when love becomes an addiction, your career path feels uncertain, and the people closest to you don’t support the dream you’re pursuing? In this episode, we’re having an honest conversation about love addiction and unhealthy relationship patterns, making intentional career moves in corporate America and business, and navigating what to do when your family doesn’t believe in your dream. We close out this week's episode with Words of Encouragement from Isaiah 55:9, offering a reminder to trust God’s plans. Let's Stay Connected Visit our Website, All Things Melanin Follow us on Instagram @allthingsmelain__ Follow us on Threads @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on YouTube Follow us on Facebook Keep up with Erica Keep up with Shelby

Are you becoming the person you’re hoping to attract? In this episode of All Things Melanin, we’re talking about how to become the partner you’re praying for, including healing before dating, dating yourself, setting standards, and building a fulfilling life that doesn’t depend on a relationship. We also discuss reinventing yourself professionally and whether it’s ever too late to change careers. From learning new skills to making a career pivot, we’re sharing practical ways to navigate a professional reset. For our Mentor Moment, we answer: “How do I stop feeling behind in life?” We unpack comparison, timelines, and the pressure to have everything figured out in your 30s. We close with Jeremiah 29:11 and a reminder that your life doesn’t have to follow someone else’s timeline—God has a plan for your future. Let's Stay Connected: Visit our Website, All Things Melanin Follow us on Instagram @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on Threads @allthingsmelaning__ Follow us on YouTube Follow us on Facebook Keep up with Erica Keep up with Shelby

What does it really mean to put yourself out there—in dating, your career, and your personal life? In this episode of All Things Melanin, we’re talking about dating, vulnerability, personal branding, networking, and professional boundaries. We discuss the challenges of putting yourself out there in dating, including fear of rejection, dating apps, vulnerability, and opening yourself up to love. We also explore how to build a personal brand while working in corporate America, including understanding company policies, protecting confidential information, and pursuing your goals strategically. For our Mentor Moment, we answer: How do you build authentic relationships at work without oversharing? We talk networking, executive presence, authenticity, and maintaining healthy boundaries. We close with Lamentations 3:25 and a reminder to seek and depend on God through every season. Let's Stay Connected: Visit our website, All Things Melanin Follow us on Instagram @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on Threads @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on YouTube Follow us on Facebook Keep up with Erica Keep up with Shelby

Do you need closure to move on from a relationship? In this episode of All Things Melanin, we explore how to move on without closure, let go of relationships that no longer serve you, and find peace when you don’t get the answers you hoped for. We’re also sharing the story behind the relaunch of our YouTube Channel, All Things Melanin TV, including why we stopped, why we’re starting again, and what you can expect from the new channel. Plus, we discuss how to overcome imposter syndrome when starting over or stepping into a new season, and reflect on Romans 12:12 and what it teaches us about hope, patience, and prayer. In this episode, we dive into: Is closure necessary to move on?How to move on without closureHow to let go and move forwardWhy we’re relaunching All Things Melanin TVHow to overcome imposter syndromeRomans 12:12 and trusting God through changeLet's Stay Connected: Check out our website, All Things Melanin Follow us on Instagram @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on Threads @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on Facebook Follow us on YouTube Keep up with Erica Keep up with Shelby

In this episode of All Things Melanin, Erica and Shelby talk about dating with purpose in your 30s and building the life and relationships you truly want. They discuss recognizing when someone is serious, chemistry vs. compatibility, overlooked green flags, and making sure you’re not settling out of fear of being alone or starting over. Plus, they share time management tips for side hustlers, including creating an intentional schedule, setting boundaries, staying consistent, and avoiding burnout. In Mentor Moment, they answer a listener’s question about balancing a demanding full-time job with a newly launched business without burning out. Words of Encouragement: Habakkuk 2:3 — Trusting the timing of the vision, even when the wait feels long. Have a question for us? Email: [email protected] | DM: @allthingsmelanin__ to have your question answered on our Mentor Moment segment. Stay Connected With Us Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on Threads @allthingsmleanin__ Follow us on YouTube Keep up with Erica Keep up with Shelby

In this episode of All Things Melanin, Erica and Shelby celebrate 9 years of conversations, growth, and community. They discuss what they’ve learned about dating and relationships, what they’re committing to do for themselves, and the lessons that come with building something meaningful. Plus, they tackle a real-life girls’ trip friendship dilemma in Mentor Moment and share encouragement from Psalm 37:5.Connect With UsFollow Us on YouTube Follow Us on Instagram @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on Threads @allthingsmelanin__ Follow Us on Facebook Keep up with Erica Keep up with Shelby

Are you tired of "entertaining" people who don't fit your future? In this episode of All Things Melanin, Erica and Shelby help you distinguish between intentional dating and simply dating out of boredom, and much more. Dating & Relationships: The signs of “entertaining” someone when dating vs. being intentional The Journey: Navigating the "slow seasons" of building a brand, business, or ministry. How do you maintain your fire when the results aren't immediate? Mentor Moment: We answer a listener's letter about navigating the search for true love when your options seem slim.  Words of Encouragement: Joshua 1:3 - Remembering God’s promises. Have a question for us? Email: [email protected] | DM: @allthingsmelanin__ to have your question answered on our Mentor Moment Segment. Sermon Mentioned: Subtle Until Suddenly - Sarah Jakes Roberts  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izGXLEZVaZE&t=5270s  Follow us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on Threads @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on Facebook Keep up with Erica Keep up with Shelby

Are you struggling to navigate dating and relationships, or wondering how to change your career after a long gap year? In this episode, Erica and Shelby discuss how to navigate various transitions occurring in life. This episode tackles: Dating & Relationships: Unlearning bad dating habits to improve future dating experiences The Journey: Navigating following trends vs. staying authentic to your brand and/or business Mentor Moment: Navigating your career goals when your family doesn’t agree with your career path  Words of Encouragement: Lamentations 3: 22-23:  - Having faith in throughout every season Let’s Stay Connected

Are you standing at a crossroads? Is it ever too late to change your career? From the heartache of post-breakup recovery—deciding whether to go back or move on—to the courageous leap of starting a career from scratch, we explore how to rebuild with intention. In this episode, we tackle: Dating & Relationships: Going Back vs. Moving On The Journey: How to create relevant content consistently Mentor Momen: Sharing advice on changing career paths and starting over when you’re not fulfilled Words of Encouragement: Psalm 126:5  Let’s Stay Connected Visit our website at www.allthingsmelanin.org Follow us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on Threads @allthingsmelanion__ Follow us on Facebook Keep up with Erica Keep up with Shelby

Are you actually seeing a red flag, or are you just projecting past fears onto a new situation? This week, Erica and Shelby dive deep into the psychology of discernment—both in our relationships and our creative journeys. We’re exploring what it looks like to "do your best" when your "best" changes every single day. In this episode, we discuss: The Check-In: Redefining what "doing your best" looks like in this current season of life. Dating & Relationships: How to distinguish between an actual red flag and your own internal defense mechanisms. The Journey: The honest reality of staying obedient to your vision without burning out. We share personal stories of "doing too much," trying to prove our worth through our work, and the warning signs of resentment and exhaustion. Mentor Moment: "He checks every box, but I don't feel peace." We help a listener navigate the difficult decision to walk away from a "perfect on paper" partner. Words of Encouragement: A grounding reflection on Romans 12:12—remaining joyful in hope and faithful in prayer through every affliction. Have a question for us? Email: [email protected] | DM: @allthingsmelanin__ to have your question answered on our Mentor Moment Segment. Let's Stay Connected Visit our website at www.allthingsmelanin.org Follow us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on Threads @allthingsmelanin_ Follow us on Facebook Keep up with Erica Keep up with Shelby

Is your plate full, but your cup empty? This week, Erica and Shelby are talking about the art of the "pour"—how we invest in ourselves to keep the momentum going without burning out. We’re getting practical about the tools that keep All Things Melanin running and getting personal about the relationships that might be running their course. In this episode, we cover: The Check-In: What "pouring into yourself" looks like in this current season. Dating & Relationships: How to identify the "enough is enough" moment in both romantic and platonic relationships. The Journey : We’re pulling back the curtain on the tech stack that runs our brand while we work 9-5s. From Later and Canva to using AI for brainstorming, we discuss how to choose tools that actually make you more efficient. Mentor Moment: A 6-figure earner asks: "My childhood friend is making snide comments about my success and calling me greedy. How do I handle the 'it must be nice' energy?" Words of Encouragement: A grounding reminder from Matthew 6:24 on why today’s grace is enough for today’s troubles. Have a question for us? Email: [email protected] | DM: @allthingsmelanin__ to have your question answered on our Mentor Moment Segment. Connect With Us: Visit our website at www.allthingsmelanin.org Follow us on YouTube Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on Threads @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on Facebook Keep up with Erica Keep up with Shelby

Is privacy the new "flex" in dating? In this episode, we explore whether you should keep your romantic relationship off social media and how much of your relationship you should actually share online. We dive into The Journey of getting back to business basics to avoid burnout and scale with intention. Plus, we tackle the big question: Is it time to take a leap of faith and apply for your dream job? This episode dives into: Dating & Relationships: The pros and cons of keeping your partner private. The Journey: Why returning to the basics is the ultimate power move for your brand and/or career. Mentor Moment: How to overcome the fear of "the leap" and have the audacity to go after your dream role. Words of Encouragement: Zechariah 4:10—The importance of never despising small beginnings. Visit our website at www.allthingsmelanin.orgFollow us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on Threads @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on Facebook Keep up with Erica Keep up with Shelby

Ever feel like you’re working on a vision that only you can see? This week, Erica and Shelby get vulnerable about dating, the journey of building a brand and/or business, and much more. Inside this episode, we discuss: Dating & Relationships: Are you protecting your peace, or are you just unavailable? We discuss how to identify if you're operating from high standards or emotional armor. The Journey: We share the raw reality behind All Things Melanin. From late-night self-doubt to praying over ideas no one else sees yet—how do you build when no one is clapping? Mentor Moment: A listener in her late 30s asks: "I’ve been single for 10 years and I’m hyper-independent. How do I soften for a future spouse without shrinking myself?" Words of Encouragement: A powerful reminder from Habakkuk 2:3 on trusting the timing of your vision. If you have a question that you want us to answer, send us an email [email protected] or slide in our DMs @allthingsmelanin__ Connect With UsVisitour website at www.allthingsmelanin.org Follow us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram @allthingsmelanin__ Follos us on Threads @allthingsmelanin__ Follow us on Facebook Keep up with Erica Keep up with Shelby