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Send us a text Bisila Bokoko is an international business woman who got her start in the  corporate world in Spain and then eventually in the USA. Today she shares her journey from corporate executive to international entrepreneur, wine brand founder, and creator of the Bisila Bokoko African Literacy Project.  Born to African parents from Equatorial Guinea in Spain, she jokingly calls herself a Decaf African and had a tough time navigating her African identity within a European culture. She now sees herself as a a bridge between the two cultures. Over the years she has also learned to understand and embrace her own fears, and learned how to transform obstacles into opportunities.   Today, we get into the scope of her work as an entrepreneur, author and philanthropist. We discuss her latest book: The Fear and I: An Unexpected Story, how she founder her wine brand Bisila's Wines and her philanthropy work with the Bisila Bokoko African Literacy Project.  For the candid moments of our chat, she talks about mindset and how she rejects the phrases "I don't have time" and "I don't have money" to advance her aims. She also recommends surrounding yourself with cheerleaders, mentors, and accountability partners. Find Bisila Bokoko on Instagram, LinkedIn, or through her website.  Support the show NEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter SUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

Send us a text What if business success isn't about endless growth? Sundra Essien, co-founder of Isang's Hair and Body, returns to Shades and Layers for our 100th episode for this discussion. Sundra and I first spoke in 2020 during the first season of the podcast and a period of uncertainty in the world. Today, she returns to once again challenge everything you think you know about entrepreneurship, sustainability, and success.   Sundra's Copenhagen-based personal care company manufactures hair and body products using organic, fair-trade ingredients in an open workshop where customers can witness production firsthand. Their true mission, however, extends far beyond making and selling body care products. Isangs is a platform for addressing critical issues from supply chain transparency to social justice. As Sundra explains, these everyday products provide the perfect vehicle for sparking deeper conversations: "It's a space where people aren't expecting to have discussions about de-growth and justice and politics." Today’s conversation serves as a reflection on how far Isang's has come since our last conversation, how they’ve leveraged social media not only to stay in business, but to continue addressing all the issues that are central to the company's founding philosophy. The company's philosophy centers on de-growth—the radical notion that businesses should question the imperative for constant expansion.  Listen now to discover how rethinking success might lead to greater satisfaction in business and life. Follow Isang's at @Isangs on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to learn more about their mission-driven approach. Support the show NEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter SUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

Send us a text BONUS EPISODE 📣 INTRODUCING our new podcast bestie Madame Speaker Says hosted by Magogodi oaMphela Makhene.  For this special bonus episode, we did a podswap and the featured guest is skin educator, beauty editor and founder of ThisThatBeauty, Felicia Walker.  The skin is your largest living organ and Felicia believes it is not vanity to care for your skin. It needs care like any other part of your body and she'll tell you how you can radiate beauty from the inside out in every space you enter.  You'll love this episode which is about a personal and professional journey, because it features all the themes you've come to expect from and love about Shades and Layers: being seen, representation, authenticity and successful living. ✨ GET: Your Glow Up Guide 📲 FOLLOW Felicia: @thisthatbeauty  ABOUT MAGOGODI AND MADAME SPEAKER SAYS Author, Speaker and Storytelling Coach Magogodi oaMphela Makhene helps helps women founders become famous experts.  She knows that being an "expert" isn't about being perfect - it's about being brave enough to share what shaped you, often the experiences that felt most shameful.  🎧 Listen to Magogodi’s podcast, Madame Speaker Says and subscribe to her newsletter for bare truths, storytelling tips and plenty of F-bombs. Support the show NEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter SUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

Send us a text We celebrate five years of Shades and Layers by reflecting on the top entrepreneurial lessons from dozens of women who have shared their journeys on the podcast. This special birthday episode distills key insights that transcend industry, geography, and experience level to help entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey. • Embrace change - the pandemic forced entrepreneurs to adapt, from converting to remote work to pivoting business models • Don't reinvent the wheel - learn from others' experiences and adapt their playbooks to your context • Experience is the best teacher - no amount of planning substitutes for hands-on work in your business • Don't walk alone - find community through co-working spaces, industry events, and online networks • Take care of the back end - ensure financial and legal foundations are solid, using available tools and support Thank you for listening! If you found this episode useful, please share it with your friends. If you have a moment, please give us a five-star rating and review wherever you're listening, so that others can find the podcast. Support the show NEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter SUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

Send us a text In this week's episode, Isha Gaye shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to founder and CEO of Afrique Noire Magazine, a print publication celebrating African creativity and connecting the diaspora to the continent.  As a 2020 college graduate, nothing unfolded as planned for Isha and so lockdown forced her to reflect on her true wishes for her own future. Isha has always known that she wanted to stay connected to the African continent and to bridge the gap between the continent and the diaspora. That's when she came up with the idea for the Afrique Noire social media platform, which evolved into a recently launched print and digital publication. The magazine fosters dialogue by showcasing African designers, artists, and visionaries.  Here is a summary of the main topics in our conversation: • Founded to address the disconnect between African immigrants and Black Americans in the US • Launched as a social media platform before evolving into a print magazine by popular demand • Publishes three times annually with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and traditional arts • Self-funded with a creative fund that supports featured artists' projects • Designed as an art piece meant to be kept and shared rather than quickly consumed • Creating "Afrique Noire Edits," an e-commerce platform launching soon for African creatives to sell their work • Committed to never charging creatives to be featured in the publication • Deeply personal connection to African heritage despite 15 years of separation from her homeland Isha Gaye also talks about how she's managing her newfound role as an entrepreneur and the leader of an organization. She also speaks more about her mentors and the family dynamics that have led her down this path.  Support the show NEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter SUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

Send us a text What happens when the dream your mother sacrificed everything for becomes your personal nightmare? Johannesburg-based filmmaker Karabo Lediga joins us to explore this haunting question through her debut feature film "Sabbatical" – a raw, honest portrayal of mother-daughter relationships in post-apartheid South Africa. A 30-something year old woman called Lesego, is the compelling main character of this story. She is forced to return to her childhood home in the township in Pretoria after a professional downfall. While living in her mother's house, she has to reckon with having become alien to her own mother, how her Model C school experience has facilitated the fragility of that relationship, and the psychological cost of having being thrown in all-white spaces in order to achieve the success or dreams that parents desperately want for their children.  Our conversation ventures beyond the film into Karabo's amazing film and television career. Her credits include  Netflix's "Queen Sono" and the touching short film "What Did You Dream?" that was inspired by her own grandmother's story.  Karabo shares invaluable insights about sustaining a creative career in South Africa's evolving film landscape. Bonus: she shares the different funding mechanisms available to South African filmmakers—a system that is relatively unique to the country—and her commitment to authentic storytelling despite industry pressures. Sabbatical is a much needed voice from South Africa's so-called born free generation. It's entertaining, it offers deep cultural insights and serves as an amazing showcase of Karabo's unique voice.  Whether you're a film enthusiast, a creative professional, or someone navigating complex family dynamics, Karabo's perspectives will resonate long after the credits roll. LINKS AND MENTIONS  Model C - Formerly whites-only public schools that were desegregated after Apartheid.  Matwetwe - seminal film of the film production house Diprente, who collaborated with Karabo on Sabbatical.  Support the show NEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter SUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

Send us a text In 2020, then nurse practitioner, Shaina Rainford got seriously ill from COVID. She survived the illness, but lost all her hair and found nothing on store shelves that could help with her condition. Then, she remembered that her younger sister went through something similar – not COVID – five years prior, and their mother had made a concoction that helped little sister to grow her 4C Hair to waist length. Shaina tried the hair oil on her own hair, documented her journey on social media and Bask and Lather was born. The story is about more than creating a hair care brand. It’s also the story of how one woman’s go-getter spirit moved her into the next level of her professional journey. It’s also a story about centering community and building a legacy.  Here are some key discussions from my conversation with Shaina Rainford:  • Bask and Lather launced in December 2020, and within three months, the company was generating the same amount as Shaina's annual nursing salary • The business focuses on natural ingredients with no fragrances, using essential oils that each serve a purpose  • Shaina maintains 100% ownership of her company with zero debt and manufactures millions of units annually  • Her 17-year-old son now leads the marketing efforts, creating a true legacy family business  • Baskin-Lather holds top-seller positions on TikTok Shop for multiple hair care categories  • The brand maintains direct-to-consumer focus to control distribution and maintain healthy profit margins  • Their community-centered approach prioritizes authentic engagement with customers both online and offline Support the show NEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter SUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

Send us a text One of the most effective ways to succeed in entrepreneurship is mindset. To help you get in the right frame of mind for your new or existing venture, The SAL Podcast gets you a coach to answer some challenging questions on your journey to success. This time we have Performance Coach and Happiness Expert, Brandi Hudson. In this episode, she breaks down her B.A.S.E. framework that she uses to help her corporate, entrepreneurial and individual clients to reach the next level.  Here are the main topics we covered during our conversation:   -Shifting Her Own Mindset -Moving from personal to business success -How she works with entrepreneurial clients  -The problem with the notion of manifestation -Agency -Navigating systemic barriers to success  -Honoring your heritage -The power of intuition  MORE ABOUT BRANDI HUDSON Performance Coach and Happiness Expert, Brandi Hudson is passionate about helping women embody their own magic and step into a life of purpose through the power of performance and happiness. As an intuitive with extensive executive experience and a strong educational background, she brings a powerful combination of spiritual insight and real-world savvy to her work. “My unique blend of spiritual wisdom and practical wisdom helps women tap into the quantum field and align with the laws of the universe, making the pursuit of their dreams feel effortless and fulfilling”    LINKS AND MENTIONS Power Versus Force by David Hawkins Kerry Washington Michelle Obama If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others. You can also compliment this session with coach Neketa Thigpen, who believes that one should be Intentionally Selfish to change their narrative.    Support the show NEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter SUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

Send us a text IN CONCLUSION In the second part of this conversation with Palesa Mokubung, we discuss some of the challenges facing African designers, particularly when it comes to serving a market that is more and more shopping online.  We also get into the behind the scenes at Mantsho, Palesa's fashion brand as well as the Shades and Layers Rapid Fire.  Mantsho has been making waves in the fashion industry for the past 20 years, both in Palesa's home country, South Africa and more recently globally with an international collaboration with H&M. You can hear more about this in Part I of our conversaiton here:  From Passionate Intern to World Class Designer (Palesa Mokubung Part 1) Support the show NEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter SUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

Send us a text This is the first part of a two-part conversation with renowned South African fashion designer Palesa Mokubung. In this conversation, she shares her 20-year journey with Mantsho by Palesa Mokubung, the fashion brand she founded after working as an intern at another iconic South African fashion house, Stoned Cherrie.  This episode is both a celebration and a walk down memory lane with Palesa and here are some of the topics we discussed during our conversation:  • Founded Mantsho without formal education, working for seven years before hitting a ceiling • Returned to school at 30, studying alongside teenagers to formally train in fashion design • Describes education as transformative, bringing focus, technical knowledge, and business structure • Collaborated with H&M in 2019 • Uses authentic South African cultural elements in designs, from specific color palettes to layering techniques • Defines success as making a visible impact on African lives • Attending trade show in Paris as a first step in global expansion for Mantsho • Values sustainability and conscious production in fashion • Maintains an informal "board of directors" to guide her in her business decisions Keep an eye out for the second and final part of this conversation. Subscribe to the Shades and Layers newsletter on shadesandlayers.com or follow wherever you get your podcasts. LINKS AND MENTIONS Shweshwe (Seshoeshoe) - Traditional Bashoto printed colorful fabric Stoned Cherrie - Iconic and seminal post-Apartheid South African fashion brand inspired by African aesthetics, as well as 50s and 60s urban African style with echoes of the Harlem Renaissance as seen in Janet Jackson's 'Got 'Til It's Gone' video H&M Advert controversy - In 2018, the Swedish fast fashion brand faced a backlash over a racist advert featuring a Black child model wearing a sweatshirt that read "Coolest Monkey In The Jungle" Amapostoli - United Apostolic African Church known for its iconic blue and white uniforms. Support the show NEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter SUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

Send us a text Amanda Sebolai is the founder of the South African natural haircare brand, Dignify Afro Beauty and my guest in this episode of Shades and Layers.  Amanda's personal journey of embracing her natural hair led her to create a line of innovative haircare products that celebrate African beauty and self-love. Inspired by her daughters, Amanda's products are helping to transform hair care for African women in post-apartheid South Africa. Her story gives insight into how long it takes and exactly what it takes to build a brand step by step. There is no entrepreneurial journey that is totally smooth and Amanda's is no different. In our conversation she highlights some of the bumps she hit while transitioning from homemade formulations to becoming a thriving business that seeks to own its entire value chain. She also credits customer engagement and feedback as the core of Dignify Afro Beauty's success. According to her, one of the most important pillars of her brand is being rooted in cultural identity and empowerment. Amanda wants to build a legacy company and leave a meaningful imprint on the world. Find out how she plans to do it all. Support the show NEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter SUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

Send us a text In this essential episode of, we sit down with Palesa Segomotso Motsumi, a trailblazing creative social entrepreneur and curator. She is the founder of Sematsatsa Library, a creative consultancy and curatorial agency based in South Africa.  Palesa's work occupies a space where art, culture and technology meet - she uses dialogue as a tool for change, storytelling as social infrastructure, and uses feminist design thinking to reimagine how creative ecosystems on the African continent function.  She shares her journey from the corporate grind to the world of art and social change in her hometown of Bloemfotein and major centers like Cape Town and Johannesburg. Through her groundbreaking work with Sematsatsa Library and projects like "Hashtag That's What She Said," a fundraising initiative honoring Black women in art, serve as radical acts of archiving, advocacy and community funding.  This is a journey through the process of building cultural platforms, designing new futures and how to center equity in African storytelling. It's also a personal narrative that touches on how to balance between the need for financial stability while making a social impact.  Highlights from our conversation include:  -What  it takes to build a cultural enterprise outside South Africa's major creative capitals -The role of dialogue as a form of social and political technology -African feminist leadership and the art of curating safe, critical spaces -The power of art and storytelling in funding and healing communities  LINKS AND MENTIONS Palesa's Social Media Accounts - Sematsatsa Library and Personal Profile Lawrence Lemoana Mary Sibande Ruth Motau William Kentridge Zanele Muholi Ibrahim Mahama Support the show NEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter SUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

Send us a text Today I'm in conversation with Zimbabwean-born and Italy-based serial startup founder and entrepreneur, Tadiwa Mwashita. Her latest venture is the Italian Social Impact Startup, Feedel Africa. They provide services to innovation hubs and non-profit organizations on the African continent, with a special focus on women led startups.  Some of the services Feedel Africa offers include fund raising, grant writing and AI education. Join us and hear all about Tadiwa's ability to combine profit with purpose, and how she is elevating African innovation to global heights in the fields of B2B SaaS, fintech, and AI. Our conversations takes us on a journey from Tadiwa’s home country, Zimbabwe, where she stumbled on entrepreneurship as a high school student. We discover that she hasn't stopped experimenting with ideas ever since, and how being in Italy forced her to fully embrace her entrepreneurial roots. It has been nothing less than a complex journey of navigating language barriers and prejudice that has led her to the level of nimbleness and adaptability you will hear about. She also discusses her latest and soon-to-be launched venture in the pet space, which she created using a methodology she has mastered: .the magic of turning local insights into innovative business solutions Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of the most creative and resilient entrepreneurs you will meet. LINKS AND MENTIONS Tadiwa's LinkedIn Profile Feedel Africa - Social Impact Startup founded by Tadiwa Feedel Ventures - The Investment company that funds and provides other resources to Tadiwa's venture Support the show NEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter SUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

Send us a text Naeemah LaFond, a celebrated editorial hairstylist, is not just styling hair but shaping the future of the beauty industry. Her journey from a court clerk to working alongside icons like Beyoncé and Amapiano singer Tyla is a testament to her passion and dedication. Naeemah's journey in the hair industry is heart driven and intentional, this extends to all that she does, including her partnerships. Learn how Naeemah’s partnership with the global haircare brand Olaplex emphasizes her belief in the importance of science-backed products, particularly for textured hair. She believes that such initiatives are essential in the movement to creating an inclusive industry. Naeemah shares compelling stories about overcoming challenges and underestimations, turning them into opportunities to mentor aspiring Black women hairstylists and create a supportive community in beauty and fashion campaigns.She also shares her definition of success or fulfillment, which is an inspiring takeaway for all aspiring stylists and all who listen. Join us and discover the what the future of hair care looks like. LINKS AND MENTIONS Olaplex Naeemah on Insta: @naeemahlafond Amapiano Star @tyla Beyoncé's hair brand @cecred For more info on Naeemah's work, visit her website https://naeemahlafond.com Support the show NEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter SUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

Send us a text SUMMARY This week, I'm speaking to Barbara Clark Ruiz, a multifaceted solopreneur known for her activewear designs and dog treat brand 'Lick You Silly.' Barbara shares her journey from childhood in Portsmouth, Virginia, to designing for global brands like Ralph Lauren and Adidas, and collaborating with Venus Williams on her activewear brand Eleven by Venus. During the pandemic, her dog treat business rose in rankings on the Amazon platform and this opened opportunities for growth and naturally, challenges that come with a sudden need to scale. Emphasizing love and kindness, Barbara discusses her ventures in pitching reality shows, animated shorts, and working with Amazon's Accelerator for Black businesses. Barbara works hard and plays hard. She also networks like a boss and takes care of her professional relationships. In our conversation, she also talks about personal experiences like meeting the Obamas, sharing a blanket with Star Wars creator, George Lucas in Oprah Winfrey's backyard and eating tacos with the Williams sisters. TAKE AWAYS -There are many pathways to a creative career -Multiple streams of income are the way to go -Easy does it - take your time and do what you love LINKS AND MENTIONS Barbara's Website - https://barbaraclarkeruiz.com Barbara's LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaraclarkeruiz/ Barbara's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/barbaraclarkeruiz/ Lick You Silly - https://lickyousillypetproducts.com  Pratt Institute - https://pratt.edu Give Butter Fundraising - https://givebutter.com Savannah College of Art and Design: https://www.scad.edu/ Support the show NEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter SUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook