Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer

I believe in the importance of commitment in achieving our goals, so when I saw this quote "Motivation will follow commitment," it resonated with me, particularly as I continue on this journey of building Pamoja. This episode is a reflection and celebration of the commitments we make for ourselves. The sky is the limit and anything is possible!Topics Covered:Reflection of our biggest accomplishmentLittle by little, a little becomes a lotDrawing inspiration from Beyonce Knowles CarterPreparing for Pamoja's first collection launchFollow Us:Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer BlogFollow us on Instagram Sponsors:Thanks to Pamoja for supporting Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer

In this episode of "Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer," I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Kamilah Thomas, a licensed mental health therapist, motivational coach, and women empowerment advocate. Together, we delved into Kamilah's inspiring journey, from her initial aspirations of becoming an attorney to her transformative shift into social work and entrepreneurship.Kamilah shared her personal experiences and insights, reflecting on the challenges she faced and the pivotal moments that led her to where she is today. We explored the concept of being a Strong Black Woman, discussing the characteristics and struggles that often come with this identity. Kamilah emphasized the importance of self-care and total wellness, highlighting the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical health.Throughout our conversation, Kamilah shared practical tips and advice for prioritizing self-care and maintaining well-being, from deep breathing exercises to the power of stillness and mindfulness. We discussed the significance of addressing emotional baggage and the impact it can have on our overall health and success.Looking ahead, Kamilah expressed her excitement for expanding her therapy practice, coaching female entrepreneurs, and engaging in more speaking engagements. She emphasized the importance of resilience and perseverance, encouraging us to embrace the unexpected twists and turns of life with an open mind and a positive attitude.Overall, this episode was a heartfelt and empowering conversation, filled with valuable insights and encouragement for anyone on their journey to personal growth and fulfillment. Join us as we navigate the path to success and well-being, one step at a time!Topics Covered:My transformative shift into private practice as a therapistThe Strong Black WomanPrioritizing total wellness for sustainable successThe practice of deep breathing to reduce anxietyThe surprising things you'll learn about yourself by sitting in silenceEmbracing life's unpredictabilityGuest Info:KBT Counseling and ConsultingBoss Up Wellness Coaching and ConsultingShe Can Work - Rooted Workshop (Feb 23rd)Kamilah's InstagramKamilah's LinkedinFollow Us:Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer BlogFollow us on Instagram Sponsors:Thanks to Pamoja for supporting Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer

This year I'm operating on abundance, and as we wrap up the first month of the year I'm sharing what that means to me. Sometimes it can be scary to have big dreams and put yourself out there. But for me, what's the worst that can happen if I continue to push through, doing something that I love and enjoy?Topics Covered:Recognize the Power of Your ThoughtsSurround Yourself with People with an Abundance MentalityCreate Win-Win SituationsIncorporate Gratitude in Your LifeRecognize Opportunities Around YouFollow Us:Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer BlogFollow us on Instagram Sponsors:Thanks to Pamoja for supporting Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer

Born in Cairo, Egypt with aspirations to become an archaeologist, Jovanna later shifted focus stepping into the world of business launching a career in consulting, eventually merging her interest in technology and retail leading teams at Apple and Rent The Runway.In addition to being a highly motivated career driven individual, Jovanna shares how she entered a new phase in life in 2023, becoming a mother while being intentional with prioritizing self and family.Jovanna is a woman of many hats that will leave you motivated to explore your untapped potential.Topics Covered:How my American and Egyptian upbringing molded meCareer: Following the impact and the importance of sponsorsTransitioning into motherhoodMy Partner/Husband is my secret weapon in balancing lifeUtilizing systems to measure personal goals and outcomesFitness for longevity, stamina, and mental healthAcknowledging it’s ok if I didn't achieve the goal as long as I made progressImportance of keeping receipt of your winsLeaving space for the unknown/untapped opportunities in your lifeGuest Info:Jovanna's InstagramJovanna's LinkedInOrganizational Resources/Tools:Google SpreadsheetsApple NotesNotionFollow Us:Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer BlogFollow us on Instagram Sponsors:Thanks to Pamoja for supporting Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer

I recorded this episode on my Birthday, November 27th.As I celebrate my birthday today, I reflect on where I was a year ago and where I am today. I have a lot to be thankful for. Life is not black and white, and it's never going to be a straightforward path to achieve what you want.I'm learning to appreciate the hurdles because it's growth at the end of the day. And that's what makes my story unique, but yet relatable. And I truly hope that you're able to take tidbits of what I'm sharing and apply it to your life.Topics Covered:What I'm Thankful ForNot Falling Into The Trap of Self SabotageCelebrating The Growth & Wins - Design PatentYour Door is a Platform for OthersFollow Us:Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer BlogFollow us on Instagram Sponsors:Thanks to Pamoja for supporting Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer

Being a multi-hyphenate creative at heart, Adrienne Blanks has always balanced multiple projects at a time.If you ask Adrienne, Nail Polish chose her and it ultimately became the vessel that steered her into business coaching after experiencing burnout in her very own creative venture. Adrienne has pushed the boundaries, and now she’s entering into a new era of purpose working with entrepreneurs to help find clarity and strategy in launching their business projects, so they are set up for success in the long run.Topics Covered:The one way ticket to NY to pursue my dream career in mediaHow unemployment forced me to pivot into entrepreneurshipAcknowledging burnout and when it’s time to move onEmbracing the numbers when you’re a creativeDismantling the lack of capital and access for minoritiesWorking from an empty cup, learning to slow down and pour into myselfGuest Info:Adrienne's WebsiteBrainstorm Sesh - Mindful Business PlanningResources:Backstage Capital Catalyst ProgramNews Article - Fearless Fund Legal ChallengesFollow Us:Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer BlogFollow us on Instagram Sponsors:Thanks to Pamoja for supporting Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer

If you've been tuning into this podcast, you know I've been very adamant about hitting a big milestone, which was to present a collection this month in September during Fashion Week. Well long story short, that didn't happen.I’m not going to lie, I felt defeated, but that feeling lasted for a short period of time. Because I realized I’m exactly where I need to be. There is so much more for me to observe and learn over the next few months so I’m ready for Fashion Week in February!Topics Covered:Remaining Focused On My GoalsTaking Time Off To Rest & ResetBeyonce Renaissance Tour & Bey Good FoundationSetting Goals and Taking ActionFollow Us:Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer BlogFollow us on Instagram Sponsors:Thanks to Pamoja for supporting Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer

Taking the biggest leap of faith, Sasha Simmons shares the battles and the fears she faced when deciding to no longer associate herself with everything she knew and everything that defined her as a person growing up. She stepped away from her religious cult.Today, Sasha is a professional speaker and empowerment activist helping people navigate life to the absolute fullness.Topics Covered:Being raised in a very strict religious cultThe eye opening move to New York from Jacksonville, FLThe journey with Semester at SeaBeing strategic and intentional to reach your North StarLiving my life for Me and deciding to leave my religionHow I learned so much about myself with Vipassana 10 day meditationGuest Info:Sasha's WebsiteSasha's InstagramResources:VipassanaGarrain Jones TEDx Talk, Using Artist Power to Reclaim Your Authentic SelfFollow Us:Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer BlogFollow us on Instagram Sponsors:Thanks to Pamoja for supporting Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer

In the ninth episode, you’re hearing from yours truly, Stephanie—the Originator of this podcast and the Founder of Pamoja.I'm being honest on this podcast about where I stand and what I'm going through because I want to share this journey. I want people to understand where I started, where I'm coming from, and witness the great progress of what it is I'm executing.Not everything is rosy. Not everything goes as planned. But it’s not an excuse to throw in the towel and give up. Failure is inevitable, but it is also a great opportunity to learn and grow for the better.So what are you waiting for? Sit back. Have a listen. And be inspired.Topics Covered:The key is persistenceWhat I’m reading Walking blindly in faith doing what you’re called to doWhere I stand with the vision I set for myself in 2023The importance of not holding out on opportunities for yourselfFollow Us:Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer BlogFollow us on Instagram Sponsors:Thanks to Pamoja for supporting Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer

In this episode, I have a seat at the table with my Great Aunt Lil, my Maternal Grandma’s youngest sibling of twelve.At 89 years young, Aunt Lil is what I call a Modern Trailblazer, with the wit and grit to do anything she sets her mind to. It was such a treat hearing her story and endless determination to reach her ultimate career goal of becoming a Social Worker. It was also a great privilege to have access to some of my family’s history that traces back to the mid 19th century. It is such an honor to be able to discuss the significance of Juneteenth for my late Great Grandma “Mamma Myrt,” and learn the history of Willow Grove, TX, a community founded by  A. W. Crawford and my Great Great Great Great Uncle Buck who sought more opportunity as an ex-slave migrating from the Manning Plantation in Shubuta, MS.There is always so much to learn from the generations before us. If you have the opportunity, I encourage you to take the time and unleash your curiosity. Topics Covered:Setting goals and making them a realityThe draw and determination to become a Social WorkerWillow Grove, TX familial rootsThe importance of JuneteenthAcknowledging the detours in life before reaching your destinationFollow Us:Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer BlogFollow us on Instagram Sponsors:Thanks to Pamoja for supporting Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer

Hailing from New York to Houston at a young age, Rozella Haydée White is the rose that grew from concrete. Rozella is none other than the Love Big Coach who focuses on nurturing and cultivating the transformative power of love, publishing her first solo book in 2019, “Love Big: The Power of Revolutionary Relationships to Heal the World.”I’ve known Rozella for nearly a year and have learned so much from this phenomenal individual I would describe as an Optimist, Romantic, and Inspiration. So what does it mean to “Love Big” you ask? Tune into our 7th episode to find out!Topics Covered:The powerful lessons and growth from intergenerational livingThe origin of Love BigLiving life in abundance - mindset, present moment, gratitudeThe push to write the first solo bookThe correlation between loving others and loving selfElements of a successful relationshipFree will is ultimately choiceGuest Info:Rozella’s WebsiteRozella’s InstagramBook: Love Big: The Power of Revolutionary Relationships to Heal the World Resources:Tricia Hersey, The Nap Ministry Sonya Renee Taylor, The Body is Not an Apology Adrienne Maree Brown, Emergent Strategy Follow Us:Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer BlogFollow us on Instagram Sponsors:Thanks to Pamoja for supporting Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer

Episode Summary: The seeds were planted in high school—the thought of starting a fashion brand. Who knew that would stick with me. A thought that seemed so far fetched for a young girl from Texas City is starting to shape up as I mold this fashion brand, Pamoja, into something great.Topics Covered:My daily affirmationOne thing leads to another, the journeyThoughts being the pre-requisite to manifestationFollow Us:Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer BlogFollow us on Instagram Sponsors:Thanks to Pamoja for supporting Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer

Episode Summary:Joanna shares her fruitful journey in building Soko Kenya, diving into the world of fashion as a vehicle for poverty reduction, positive change, and positive impact. Her idea to build a clothing factory in Kenya started off with 4 employees and has now grown to 150 employees with a sewing training program for employment, a charity, and period poverty school program. Joanna truly embodies success in the sense of doing what she always wanted to do with more great things to come!Show Notes:In this conversation Joanna shares how she dived into the world of fashion as a vehicle for poverty reduction, positive change, and positive impact. With the mindset to just give it a try, Joanna muscled enough courage to uproot herself to Kenya at age 24, which has now become 14 years in Kenya.With a little knowledge on fashion and clothing manufacturing, Joanna's eagerness to learn and adapt allowed her to hit the ground running building Soko Kenya with 4 employees, which has now grown to employ 150 people. In this conversation, Joanna shares her take on success as continuously learning, improving, and addressing the challenges of her employees and the community, which has allowed her to further push the envelope and branch out into new initiatives and partnerships, while doing what she loves.Topics Covered:The trip to Kenya that sparked the idea for Soko KenyaDefining success as doing what you always wanted to doSustainability put into practice, not just ticking off a checkboxThe Kujuwa Initiative and addressing period povertyThe power of the unconscious mindDisconnecting career from self worthGuest Info:Joanna's LinkedInSoko KenyaKujuwa InitiativeFollow Us:Follow us on InstagramSponsors:Thanks to Pamoja for supporting Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer

Episode Summary: I dedicate this episode in memory of my father, Jerome Evans who made it very clear I can do anything I set my mind to. I am recording this episode in the home I just purchased in Houston, and sharing the hurdles I’m overcoming in product development which is a huge step towards progress in growing Pamoja. I have big plans, strong faith, and I believe anything is possible.Topics Covered:Walking in faith, stepping into opportunities unimaginableTesting and learning, growing from my mistakes in product developmentBeing Intentional around Time, Myself, and RelationshipsMantras by Yvonne OrjiFollow Us:Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer BlogFollow us on Instagram Sponsors:Thanks to Pamoja for supporting Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer

Episode Summary: I’m joined by one of my amazing friends from college, Christine Baptise-Perez, a mother and a lawyer who holds multiple hats on a journey making her life and community better.Show Notes:In this conversation Christine shares her story. Originally from Brownsville, Brooklyn NY, Christine shares how the pursuit for higher education as a first generation college student was ignited by her father who pushed her to be the best and accomplish what he wasn’t able to do. A career in law was always in the cards, but Christine pivoted to a career in education with Teach for America after graduating in 2010 during a challenging economic climate. In a full circle moment, Christine currently serves as Vice Chair of Bridgeport, CT Board of Education while growing her litigation experience across multiple areas of law.In this conversation, Christine reveals the complexities around identity and representation as a Black and Hispanic Woman, why breaking barriers and showing up is critical to inspire the next generation of leaders, and a quick glimpse into what’s next on Christine’s horizon.Topics Covered:Being a first generation college studentIdentifying as Black and Hispanic in educational and professional spacesCreating purpose around passions in law and educationWhy representation matters across the board with lots of trails to be blazed!Mindset: I am more, and I can do anythingCalendaring to balance among the many priorities in lifeMoving the needle through educational policy to support the next generation of leadersGuest Info:Christine's LinkedInChristine’s InstagramChristine’s FacebookFollow Us:Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer BlogFollow us on Instagram Sponsors:Thanks to Pamoja for supporting Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer

Episode Summary: In this episode, I take a step back at the end of the year and reflect on what I’ve accomplished as the founder of Pamoja and this new venture and leap of faith I’m stepping into, launching this podcast. Stepping outside of my comfort zone is only leading to continued growth. I have faith and the utmost belief that I can do anything I put my mind to. Great things are to come in the future!Topics Covered:The inkling for entrepreneurship and why I launched leather goods brand PamojaWhy this podcast came aboutOptimism for the great things to come in the futureFollow Us:Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer BlogFollow us on Instagram Sponsors:Thanks to Pamoja for supporting Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer

Episode Summary: I’m joined by Zawadi Bryant, my amazing mentor who is the former CEO and Co-Founder of NightLight pediatric urgent care clinic, to discuss her entrepreneurial journey all the way from her humble beginnings. Show Notes:In this conversation Zawadi shares her story. Prior to NightLight, Zawadi had a successful corporate career as an engineer. Entrepreneurship was not in her sight at all, but the opportunity came while helping a church member (a Pediatrician) create the business plan for NightLight. Building a business from the ground up proved to have its ups and downs, but it created flexibility as Zawadi grew her family and has ultimately placed her in a position to now focus on other passions after selling NightLight—one being bridging the income and wealth gap for black households.In this conversation, Zawadi reveals what she wishes the younger version of herself knew, the decision to sell NightLight and ultimately step away after 1 year into the acquisition, taking time to reflect and shift focus, and what’s on the horizon in this next chapter of her life after 15 years of major hustle.Topics Covered:Why your circumstances don’t dictate your capacity or capabilities Early career influencesLessons learned while expanding NightLightNavigating motherhood as a co-founder of a growing business Shifting focus during different times and seasons of your lifeWhat’s next for Zawadi Guest Info:Zawadi's LinkedInFollow Us:Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Tik TokSponsors:Thanks to Pamoja for supporting Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer