We all know we need self-care. But how much thought do you put into your routine? How deep does it go? When is the last time you’ve re-evaluated if your routine is working for you?I get into that and more in this episode with master life coach, Cassandra Hill. There is no better time than the present to prioritize caring for yourself. Self-care isn’t just an excuse to get a mani-pedi, massage or take a bubble bath. Not hating on those methods as long as we have self-care actions that penetrate deeper.Connect with Cassandra Hill@live.healthyforlifewww.cassandrahill.comLike. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

Before I interviewed @carolynskincare, I asked for listener questions. ✅ What are the best procedures for facial sagging?✅ How do you get rid of darkness in your underarms?✅ Can chemical peels get rid of acne scars?✅ I have eczema, so I’m hesitant to get facials. Is this fear unfounded?✅ How to reduce eye puffiness and dark circles under your eye?✅ And more…Head over to Apple or Spotify to hear rapid fire skincare Q&A.Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

If skincare hasn't been a priority for you, maybe it's time to reprioritize. Having a consistent, healthy skincare routine in your 40s can set you up for great skin in the decades to come. My guest this week is Carolyn Cyprian, a licensed esthetician and medspa owner. We discuss how to take care of your skin as your body is undergoing hormonal changes (hello perimenopause).About My GuestCarolyn did not let the struggles of being a teenage mother sway her determination for success – she always knew God had a bigger plan for her life. Years later, while at a nail salon, a stranger planted a seed that allowed her to envision herself in a different career. The woman presumed Carolyn was an esthetician, when in fact, she didn’t know what an esthetician was. This set her on a path to learn more. Today, Carolyn is a licensed esthetician of 16 years, owner of Carolyn Skincare Medspa in Central Florida and has curated her skincare line Skin Salvation by Carolyn. Additionally, she has an online course “The Aesthetics Tool” to teach other professionals how to develop and grow their business. Connect with Carolyn:@carolynskincarewww.carolynskincare.comLike. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

They say knowledge is power, right? Well, I want to keep talking about menopause so we all feel powerful, not powerless. It’s coming, so let’s figure this out…together.This week, I’m in conversation with board certified OBGYN, Dr. Cheryl Johnson, and I want to know how she helps her patients through this stage of life. You’ll definitely learn a thing or two.What we discussed: The benefit of a long-term relationship with a gynecologistWhat is happening in the body during the 3 stages of menopauseCommon – and not so common – symptoms of menopauseHow doctors navigate the changing landscape of menopause research and treatmentsHow genetics and lifestyle play a huge part in menopause will affect youAbout Dr. Cheryl Johnson Cheryl J. Johnson, M.D. is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and obtained her medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health. Most recently, she was appointed to sit on the Ohio Commission on Minority Health-Medical Expert Panel. Dr. Johnson leads the population health response to alleviate infant mortality through programing at Summa’s Center for Health Equity. The goal is to impact the health of our most vulnerable patients that in time will reduce the infant mortality rate. Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

What, if anything, would make you pack your bags and move to another country? You wouldn’t be alone – the State Department estimates that 9 million US citizens live abroad. On this episode, my guest, Zarah Charm @zarahcharm has spent the last few years living internationally, most recently Chiang Mai, Thailand. Prior to taking the leap, she owned a successful natural hair salon in Baltimore, and sold it all to pursue something deeper. About My Guest:Zarah Charm is a natural hair stylist and salon owner who sold it all to move abroad and to better understand the body-mind connection. Now as a world-traveler and NLP Practitioner, she helps others heal while still being able to share her passion for hair and all things beauty. Connect with Zarah:Instagram: @zaracharm, @blackinchiangmaiWebsite: www.zarahcharm.comInternational hair show: www.fluidityhair.com Hair collection: www.allurehaircollection.comLike. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

Resentment is on my mind this week on the #GetToGrowing MiniPod.  I feel like resentment in relationships isn’t talked about enough. It’s something I had to learn to deal with…or my marriage wasn’t going to make it. Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

Boundaries…how many of us have them?  Healthy boundaries that is. Yes, we all have boundaries, but when is the last time you’ve checked-in to see if your boundaries are still effective.Dr. Nicole Monteiro (@iamdrnicole) is a clinical psychologist and researcher who has helped women with establishing healthy boundaries for over 10 years. If you’re feeling stressed or burned out, still battling with people-pleasing, or you want a different dynamic in one of your relationships, this episode is for you. About My Guest: Dr. Nicole Monteiro is a licensed psychologist, life transformation coach, and author/speaker. After her own run-in with burnout, she decided to take her message of holistic well-being to a wider audience.  After years of working with women from diverse backgrounds as a therapist, she branched out to teaching in higher education, writing, training, and public speaking.Dr. inspires people from all walks of life to take care of their mental health and live fulfilling lives. Dr. Monteiro earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Howard University.  She has trained at Columbia University, Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma, and the Washington School of Psychiatry.Connect with Dr. Nicole:@iamdrnicole  Boundaries to Bliss SocietyCenter for Healing and DevelopmentLike. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

I am a realist through and through. It served me pretty well up to this point in my life. But now I want to see how the other half lives.Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

In my last episode (epi 60), we focused on recovering from a divorce or breakup. This week, it’s only right that we discuss what it takes to restore a marriage. My guest is certified life and relationship coach Jeanell Greene @jeanellgreene77. She is a true believer in marriage, and uses her compassionate (but intense) approach to help couples who want to stay married. Even if you’re not married, I think there is something for everyone who wants more loving relationships.  About My Guest:Jeanell is a certified life and relationship coach who's on a mission to save marriages and heal families from generational trauma. With over 20 years of experience, she is well known for helping couples return from the brink of separation and ultimately divorce. She loves to help her clients live their best lives NOW and to strive to be better parents, partners, and people. Her amazing marriage of 17 years is one of my greatest achievements. Having an extraordinary life and partner has brought so much joy, love, and peace to her life. Connect with Jeanell:https://jeanellgreene.com/Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

Divorce and bad break-up can leave you reeling for days, months or even years. My guest is Tonya Carter, a marriage and relationship exit strategist, author and podcast host. We discuss Tonya's own experience with divorce nearly 10 years ago, and how she is now helping women overcome baggage connected to a divorce or break-up. About My GuestTonya Carter teaches women how to navigate the process of uncoupling by providing support, advice, resources and tools that will help mitigate interruptions in their business, work performance, household obligations, and families.Since being called to do this work, Tonya's clients have excelled in their personal and professional lives. From financial increases, debt reduction, co-parenting consciously, building healthier relationships, managing conflict intelligently, discovering their natural gifts/talents, prioritizing their health and needs, and cultivating stronger bonds with their children, parents, friends and family.In addition to being marriage and relationship exit strategist, Tonya is the author of "Divorcing Your Story" and host of the podcast Purposely Thriving.Connect with Tonya CarterWebsite: https://www.tonyacarter.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtonyacarter/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mstonyaspeaksLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mstonyacarter/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyWknAeYLmdbWdMfGcP0tiALike. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to Get to Growing.  I want to connect with my listeners more frequently than every other week when  full new episodes of Grown and Growing drop. I have a lot of great interviews coming up on important topics, but it doesn’t give me time for solo episodes. Get to Growing will be short takes - about 5 minutes or so - about small steps to grow or sharing ways I've grown. So full episodes of Grown and Growing will drop on Tuesdays of one week, and a short episode of Get to Growing the next week. Let’s see how it goes, ok?This week, I'm sharing what I've learned having a birthday on Valentine's Day.Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

Most times, it's easy to spot when obstacles are in your way, but are you aware when you are the obstacle? This episode is about getting out of your own way.  There are many ways you can become a barrier to your own success or growth.  I breakdown a few ways we tend to get in our own way and how we can break the cycle. Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

Dr. Lexx talks about why sex positive parenting in a shame-free environment offers more benefits than just educating about the act of sex. It's a discussion benefits both adults -- whether you're a parent or not -- and children.About My Guest:Dr. Lexx Brown-James, LMFT, CSE, CSES is a phenomenal sex therapist and sexuality educator who created The Institute for Sexuality & Intimacy, LLC where she features her education skills, therapy services, keynotes, research and sex positivity training for caregivers. She has a best-selling children’s book These are My Eyes, This is My Nose, This is My Vulva, These are My Toes that is also featured in a curriculum for kindergarteners and first graders in the New York City School District.Dr. Lexx also serves on the board of The American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and is primed to be the first Black woman president of the organization in 2024. She has been featured on podcasts like NPR, ScaryMommy, Therapy for Black Girls, and New York Pix 11 news. Her column, Better Sex with Dr. Lexx for SheKnows has been picked up numerous times by yahoo.com and other news outlets. Dr. Lexx has been featured in articles from MindBodyGreen, Essence Magazine, BuzzFeed, and The American Journal of Family Physicians. Connect with Dr. Lexx:Website: lexxsexdoc.comInstagram: @lexxsexdocFacebook: @lexxsexdocLinkedIn: @lexxsexdocLike. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

Plastic surgery isn't taboo - and hasn't been for a while. It's not uncommon to see a curvy woman and wonder “did she or didn’t she?” I have no problem with women (or men) who decide to have work done. I’m a part of the do you crew. If you’re considering or just curious, this episode is for you. I’m joined by board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Chukwuemeka Onyewu @therealdr.o, and I asked as many questions as possible.This was fun. About My Guest:Dr. Chukwuemeka Onyewu, aka Dr.O, is a seasoned surgeon who has successfully performed thousands of procedures for patients seeking to enhance their beauty, correct defects, or improve function. As owner of Jamachi Plastic Surgery and Medispa in Maryland, Dr. Onyewu is one of the nation’s leading plastic and reconstructive surgeons.Born in Washington, DC, Dr. Onyewu graduated from Boston University cum laude at the age of 19. He then attended Boston University School of Medicine as a Commonwealth Scholar, completed his general surgery residency at Howard University Hospital, and completed his plastic surgery fellowship at Georgetown University Hospital.Dr. Onyewu has a special interest in body sculpting using liposuction and  fat transfer and breast surgery, including augmentations, reductions, lifts, and reconstruction for breast cancer.Connect with Dr. O.@therealdr.oJamachi.comLike. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

In this bite-sized episode, I’m checking-in to wish you a happy new year, share my intention for 2024, and let you know what’s in store for January!Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

At 43 years old, Devine Overton @welltrainedhair, decided it was time to follow her passion: healthy hair! Now as a licensed cosmetologist she’s making plans to pivot from her career as a financial analyst for the FAA. We talk about her decision to do what she loves…and about all things HAIR. Relaxers. Braids not being a protective style (huh?). Is healthy hair genetic? We discuss a lot. About My Guest:Devine Overton has been a full-time financial analyst for FAA for 20+ years and recently pivoted into cosmetology in the Washington DC Metro.  Devine owns and operates Well Trained Hair, a healthy hair-conscious brand devoted to helping women of color proudly embrace their hair, whether chemically straight or natural, by implementing simple, healthy hair practices. Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

If you've been feeling stuck, this is your sign that it's time to do something about it.  Whether it's your career, relationship, or personal development, you owe it to yourself  to get UNSTUCK.My guest this week, certified professional coach, Daniela de la Piedra, specialized in helping people transition to a more fulfilled life. Life will sometimes get you stuck. You owe it to yourself not to stay there too long. About My Guest:Daniela de la Piedra is an attorney and Certified Professional Coach. For 13 years, Daniela represented low-income seniors in Washington, DC in public benefits and Social Security cases at Legal Counsel for the Elderly, an affiliate of AARP. At the height of the pandemic, Daniela left her legal career and launched Everyday Daniela Professional Coaching Services. Daniela is a helper at heart and now runs a coaching practice dedicated to helping busy professionals take positive and sustainable action to create a more joyful and fulfilling life. Daniela works with private 1:1 clients and presents trainings and workshops to companies and organizations.Daniela received coach training through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). She is trained in the proprietary Core Energy Coaching methodology, which empowers people to dig deeply, honestly, and objectively into their energy and unconscious thought patterns, to assess who they are, and who they want to become, at any given moment. Daniela helps her clients establish and achieve new goals, raise their level of awareness, and open up to new possibilities. The result is sustainable, long-lasting transformation. Daniela holds a BA from the University of Virginia, a JD from American University, Washington College of Law, and a MPA from George Mason University. She also holds a Certified Professional Coach Certification from iPEC. She lives in Gaithersburg, MD with her husband and two young children.Website: www.everydaydaniela.comInstagram: @everydaydanielacoachingLinkedIn: Daniela de la PiedraLike. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

While student loans are easy to get, they aren’t easy to understand or easy to pay off. It doesn’t help that interest rates keep the balance growing despite consistent payments.It is predatory and unfair. Natalie Jean-Baptiste (@slaystudentloandebt), a wellness advocate and student loan relief attorney, who got her start by getting her own $120,000 in student loans discharged in bankruptcy. Today, she helps other borrowers manage and eliminate their student loans.We talk about bankruptcy, the new loan repayment programs, loan forgiveness, and one-time account adjustments, and so much more. About My Guest:Natalie Jean-Baptiste is a financial wellness advocate who works with student loan borrowers to manage and eliminate debt. Prior to launching her consumer bankruptcy practice, Natalie worked for many years in the music industry where she handled various contracts for superstar acts like Alicia Keys & Janet Jackson. Her personal struggle with student loan debt led her to become a bankruptcy attorney. After nearly a decade in private practice, Natalie joined The Legal Aid Society as a Staff Attorney where she represents low-income New Yorkers burdened with debt. Natalie is committed to economic empowerment and advocacy for student loan borrowers. She has had a lot of success with discharging student debt in bankruptcy, which is notoriously difficult to do.  Natalie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Fordham University, where she majored in Communication and Media Studies and minored in Business Administration, and her J.D. from New York Law School.  When she’s not advocating for student loan borrowers, Natalie enjoys event planning, the beach, matcha lattes, 90s R&B, traveling and spending time with friends and family. Connect with Natalie:Website: slaystudentloandebt.comLinkedIn: Natalie Jean-BaptisteInstagram: @slaystudentloandebtLike. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

I share a few key life experiences that shaped my perceptions and philosophies about money. Share how my money management style has evolved, leading me to feel the most comfortable, confident, and secure with money than I’ve ever been in my life.  Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

We live in a chaotic world. That’s why I feel it’s the perfect time to have my next guest, Celine Kheir @celine_kheir_, on the pod to talk about how we can relieve ourselves of overthinking, procrastination and anxiety. Celine takes us through her journey and shares techniques on how she achieved a calm mind, which is detailed fully in her book “How to Calm Your Mind: The Ultimate Guide to Overcome Overthinking, Procrastination and Anxiety.” About My Guest:Celine Kheir is the founder of Celine Kheir Life Coaching, the author of How to Calm Your Mind and Declutter Your Home, Declutter Your Life, and an advocate of female empowerment through self-care. In the past, Celine was trapped in a cycle of overthinking, procrastination, and anxiety. As an overthinker, she was obsessed with planning every detail of her life. Procrastination prevented her from carrying out her plans and when plans failed, anxiety and depression took over. The sheer weight of her anxiety caused her heart to pound and made it hard to breathe. Celine explored various tools and techniques to start calming her mind and took back control of her life. By taking what she has learned from her personal life and combining it with her professional training and qualifications, Celine wants other women to gain the same empowerment as they discover the root causes of their chaotic minds, reveal their inner strengths, find inner peace, and lead a fulfilling life.Connect with  Celine Kheir:https://www.celinekheir.com/pages/homeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/celine_kheir_/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091482481916Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/281194654001257Buy book: How to Calm Your Mind: The Ultimate Guide to Overcome Overthinking, Procrastination and AnxietyLike. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowing.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com