Got InSpiration Podcast

This episode is a celebration of the unconditional love parents have for their children. Mrs. Dajuana Rowe-Mayers and her son Mr. Malcolm Mayers join the podcast to share their ongoing journey of healing. They share their journey through Malcolm's traumatic brain injury and how it has transformed Dajuana and her husband's perspective on parenting and the meaning of opportunity. Malcolm shares how he stays motivated through his healing journey, and we discuss the importance of being intentional when seeking help for your loved ones. Get ready to be inspired!!!  

I'm excited to share a special episode for Alopecia Awareness Month with 3 wonderful guests: Dr. Sheron Jefferson, Dr. Dakira Starks Watkins, and Mrs. Nasha Shandri. They're all amazing women, Alopecia warriors, and members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Hear their journeys with Alopecia, how they learned to thrive with it, learning the world of wigs vs. rocking bald in public, how they turned struggles into triumphs and started opening up about their stories. Get ready to be inspired!!!  

Ms. Tsia Moses will take you on a journey of her life.  First, we have known each other since we were 12 years old and attended The Hamlin School in San Francisco, CA.  She then gives an in-depth view of her life beginnings of wanting to be a professional dancer, then going to Howard University, changing her major to English and then on to an amazing career - from working with Dave Chapelle and Kevin Hart just to name a few.  She gives so many examples of why networking is so beneficial.  She then speaks about her biggest gift her son and choices she has to make as a single mother and why she's so excited to be at PBS.  Get your listening ears ready because I guarantee you will be INSPIRED!

Ms. Nadiyah Spencer is truly an amazing woman.   She's a wife, mom and consultant.  Both of us have roots in the Atlanta University Center as she is an Alumna and I am an Alumna of Clark Atlanta University.  I am also excited to say that she and I are both members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.   She's a new initiate...Spr. '23 She's the Founder of TinkPoo which is a Diaper Brand Company.  I had heard about this company prior to knowing her and wanted to learn more about it.  God would have it that Nadiyah and I would be connected for life.  In this episode, you will learn about the wonderful career experiences, how she started her consulting company and how TinkyPoo came to be.  Get ready to be inspired!!!

Miss Raina Ford is an 18-year-old, from the metro Chicago area.   She is an amazing student and an athlete and can now add an entrepreneur to her resume.  In this episode, she speaks about her life and growing up with a sibling that has ADHD.  Her reality influenced her to start her own company called Project, I See U and write a children's book called I See U.  Children and Parents, please visit her website www.projectiseeu.com to get more information and purchase the book.  She is truly an inspiration.

Mr. Jimmy Locust is a Dance Studio Owner, Choreographer, Master Teacher, and my friend.  I have known Jimmy since the early 90's back in my Atlanta Days and working at then Total Dance Theatre.  In this episode, he speaks about how he became a dancer, getting into the professional world, opening his own dance studio and of course dancing with Ms. Janet Jackson and so many other great opportunities.  He's such an amazing person with a beyond giving heart.  If you are a dancer, interested in opening your own dance studio, interested in entrepreneurship in general, or just love hearing inspirational stories that will jumpstart your day you will be truly inspired by Jimmy's story.

I met Ms. De'Neia Mabry Whitted while she was a student at Clark Atlanta University and I was leading an aerobic program there.  She is an amazing Wife, Mother, Sorority Sister, and Entrepreneur.  She is the Owner of Events By Day.  I was blessed to work with her personally three years ago this November 2019 at the launch of my children's coloring book and then again in January 2020 for the Grand Opening of InSpira's second location in Newark.  In this episode, De'Neia speaks about her beginnings and how she has grown her business to where it is today.  She is passionate and very intentional about what she does when she works with her clients.  Follow her on Instagram and Facebook at @eventsbyday.  Get Ready to Be Inspired!!!

My next two episodes focus on ladies that have an event planning business.  Ms. Lisa Haygood is my CAU and D9 Sister.  She is in the Start Up Phase of her business ICE - Innovative Creative Experiences.  In this episode she speaks about how ICE came to be and how she balances her 9 -5 and her side hustle.  If you are in the start phase of your business or thinking about starting a business, get ready to be inspired by Lisa.

Ms. Adrienne Fudge is the Chef/Owner of 40 Dreams Catering.  40 Dreams provides fresh, high-quality meals to NJ Seniors and disabled adults.  Adrienne and I participated in an entrepreneurship program with Rutgers University and have remained forever connected.  In this episode, she speaks about 40 Dreams, her beginnings of why food is important, how she managed through the pandemic, and how things are going now.  Her story is truly inspirational.  Visit her website at 40dreams.com to learn more.  

Mr. Michael Dones and I have known each other since we were Freshmen in High School at Bishop O'Dowd.  After high school, he and I both headed to the Atlanta University Center for College.  He at Morehouse and I at Clark Atlanta University (then Clark College).  He is an amazing Husband to his wife Judy (whom I adore and she also went to O'Dowd and college at Spelman), Father, Son, and just a wonderful person.  I am grateful to call him my Brother.  In this episode, he speaks about how he has been on a one-year sabbatical.  After receiving an MBA from Clark Atlanta University, he has had an amazing career.  He has been a Corporate Exec for Fortune 100 Companies and living his best life.   The pandemic and other factors caused him to take a pause.  He's so glad he did.  Get ready to be intrigued and inspired!  Be sure to check out his Blog on LinkedIn #MichaelDones, #EastOakland, #Oakland, #BishopODowd, #MorehouseCollege, #ClarkAtlantaUniversity, #sabbatical 

Ms. La Shonda Tyree is the Owner of Nyah Beauty a plant based skincare line of soaps, scrubs, and lotions.  She also makes candles and offers classes for the public to learn how to make their own soaps.  In this episode, she discusses how Nyah Beauty came to be and the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.  She has such a sweet spirit and a giving heart.  I am forever grateful to La Shonda becuase she is the person that got me into a podcasting class to learn how to become a podcaster.  Learn more about her at www.Nyahbeauty.com and follow her on Instagram @nyah_beauty and FB Nyah Beauty  

On August 12th and 13th, 2022 the Heart Festival events will take place in New Brunswick.  This concept of bringing the arts and people of all different cultures came together in early 2020 and then the pandemic began.  I had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Tracey O'Reggio, Interim Executive Director with New Brunswick Cultural Center, Ms. Sarah Ferreira Content Manager with the New Brunswick Cultural Center, Ms. Kelly Blithe, Director of Communications, State Theatre of New Jersey, and Mr. Dontae Muse Co-Owner and Creative Director, Above Art Studios.  We have a wonderful discussion why the heart festival is important and what it means for the city of New Brunswick and Middlesex County.  Be inspired by the Arts!

Miss Gabriella Robinson is a seventeen-year-old young lady that has just completed high school and her Gold Award.  In this episode, she discusses how she overcame a major health scare,  her Gold Award project, and her future.  Get ready to be inspired!!!

Ms. Lori Lindsey is truly an inspiration.  She and I are connected becuase she is a graduate of Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University).  She is my Big Sister in our Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Both of us were initiated at Sigma Chapter (her in Fall 1983 and me in Spr. 1991).  She is has an amazing story about her business The Natural Root.  TNR is body butters and hair products which I truly love to use.  She shares how TNR came to be and how she has overcome many obstacles in her business.  She speaks about her latest project "Let's Hair it Out" to help people of color that struggle with their hair.  You are truly going to be uplifted when you hear Lori's story.  Visit her website at www.tnrbeauty.com  Also, follow her on Instagram and FB at The Natural Root.

Courageous and Proud Miss Rayna Wyatt is seven years old!  She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age one.  She is truly amazing and will capture your heart right away.  She and her Mom Hanae Wyatt are the authors of I am Princess Rayna.  They want everyone to know about Type 1 Diabetes. You will truly be inspired!!!  Please visit her website at: https://www.raynaexplainsitall.com  Her Instagram is @raynaexplains and Facebook is Rayna Wyatt

My 40th podcast guest is truly an inspiration.  Donovan Bazemore is 10 years old.  He currently plays "Young Simba" in The Lion King on Broadway.  He has starred in FBI: Most Wanted and The Last O.G.  At his age he already has a mindset that I have never witnessed before.  His wonderful family are beyond supportive and keep him grounded.  In this episode, he talks about his life and what he's done thus far and I guarantee you are going to be inspired.  You can follow Donovan on Instagram at dlbaze_theactorofficial

Miss Laila Quallis is truly an inspiration.  This fourteen-year-old has her own Haircare line called You're Beautiful Too.  She has been featured on the Local News 12 Station in NJ and is getting plenty of highlights everywhere she goes.  She is a gem and shares her story of balancing being an entrepreneur, her other activities and school, and her future plans.  Get ready to be inspired!  Visit the website at www.ybtkids.com and follow on Instagram @ybtkids and on FB at You're Beautiful Too

Alyea Pierce is a Spokenword Poet and Researcher, National Geographics's Into the Depths.  An alumna of the Fulbright Program, Alyea uses her creative work with poetry, spoken word performance, audio, & photography to examine oral storytelling and folklore traditions across the African diaspora.  She has performed internationally from the UK, Trinidad, and Tobago to South Africa and at numerous Tedx events.  Her work has been published online and in print, including the Guardian, New York Daily News, and the Caribbean Writer.  

Miss Valenica Julian is a 17-year-old Junior at Morristown High School that is doing some impactful work.  Recently she was on News 12 which is a local tv station here in NJ speaking about her new book entitled " Giselle Learns About Alzheimer's.  Writing this book was her project for her Girl Scout Gold Award.  She totally inspired me and I know that you will be inspired as well.  Visit the site lulu.com to purchase the book and visit her on Instagram @gisellelearnsabout  

Ms. Monique Robinson is a meteorologist with WFMY News in Greensboro, NC.  Community, and impacting the lives of young people especially girls of color is really important to her.  We discuss how she chose her career as well as discussed highs and lows thus far.  This young lady is grounded and you are truly going to be inspired by her story.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Ms. Daphne Lee since 2006.  Currently, she is a Company Artist with the World Renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem, Entrepreneur, and Caregiver to her Dad.  In our wonderful conversation, you will learn about her professional dance career, handling being a caregiver for her late Mom and currently for her Dad, and making sure that she cherishes all the precious moments in life.  You are truly going to be inspired by her story and her wonderful attitude about life.  Learn more about her at www.daphnemlee.com    

This is our final conversation in our three-part series with the wonderful ladies from the WOCIP.  I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Monique Adams Ph.D. who is the Dir., Janssen Clinical Innovation in Global Development at Janssen Pharmaceuticals a Johnson & Johnson Company.  Ms. Adanna Davis, Head/Director of Clinical Strategy and Operations in Oncology at Bristol Myers Squibb, and Ms. Michelle Williford Head of Marketing at Adaptimmune.  These ladies are truly in different areas of the pharmaceutical industry and each gives their own twist of why they do what they do.  Get ready to be inspired.

This is part 2 of my great conversations with ladies that are members of Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP).  In this episode, I spoke with the amazing Dr. Imara Charles who is the Head of Strategy Sourcing & Procurement for Product Development at Bristol Myers Squibb, Ms. Annie Harris, who is the Director in Technology Enablement department at Covance, and Ms. Rachel Grace, Sr. Director at Quest for Health Equity.  You will get to hear about work-life balance and their why for choosing their careers.  These ladies are beyond an inspiration!  

I had the pleasure of speaking with 9 Dynamic Ladies at the Women of Color in Pharma Conference in the Fall of 2021.  Today in the first of three series you will hear from Dr. Ozama Henry, M.D., Ms. Patricia Cornét(Co-Founder of WOCIP), and Dr. Stephanie Taylor Ph.D.  I have to give a BIG Thank you to Dr. Charlotte Jones-Burton for giving me an inside into her brainchild organization!  Get ready to be INSPIRED!

Ms. Dawn Fitch is the Founder of Pooka Pure and Simple.  She and I met when we were both being honored as Entrepreneurs for an event that young people who started a non-profit had back in 2006.  She and I have been connected ever since.  in this episode, she touches on her career in Corporate America, her health and living with MS, and how her health influenced her business Pooka.  She shares some serious business and life gems in our conversation,  Get ready to be inspired.

Mr. Everett Oliver and I have known each other for 30+ plus years.  He and I were both Mass Media Arts Majors at Clark Atlanta University.  In this episode, he speaks about his journey and move to LA and being in the business of animation, casting, and eventually opening his own business as the International Voice Acting Director of voiceactingdirector.com  Get your pen and paper ready to take some notes because you are definitely going to be inspired by this!

Ms. Mari Bell wears a lot of hats.  In our conversation, she discusses her day job as a Senior Care Consultant for Hospice, being a former caregiver of her late Mom, being an author, and her big venture of being the Founder of "No Ma'am Nation" an International community of women over 40.  Mari and I both attended Clark Atlanta University and she is my Sorority Sister in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

Ms. Jacqueline Edmond is one of my dearest sister-friends in the world.  She was my Freshman Guide at CAU, and she is my Sorority Sister in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  She shares her passion about education and being an entrepreneur as President of Edmond Educational Enterprises.  Get ready to be inspired!!

This 27th episode with my sister-friend Mrs. Valerie Mason Robinson is unique.  She discusses working in Corporate America, being an entrepreneur, and going back to Corporate America again.  Aside from business, she speaks about being an adoptive parent.  You are in for a treat and will definitely be inspired by her story.

My sister-friend Natasha Wright Eldridge is a serial entrepreneur.   She and I were in the same cohort for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.   She is the Founder and CEO of Kidcare Concierge and is also invests in real estate.   In our conversation, she speaks about education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and having power in our purpose.  Get ready to be inspired!

Ms. Yolanda McKinney and I have over 30 years of friendship and sisterhood.  She and I are both graduates of the Illustrious Clark Atlanta University and she is one of my Sorority Sisters in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  In this episode she touches on balances her 9-5 corporate job and being an entrepreneur.  For years she was a caterer and then during 2020 she made the big leap and officially started 2 Spicy Kids, a wonderful seasoning company.  Be sure to visit her website at 2spicykids.com to purchase. On Instagram & FB @2spicykids If you are trying to balance working and having your entrepreneurial dream, this episode is for you.

Hey Got InSpiration Fam, Today I had to share some inspirational quotes with you that may inspire you to do something to take yourself, your business that a position that you want, a new hobby that you want to start or help get you through a particular situation.  I hope that they stir something inside of you to help you continue to be your best self.    

Mr. Marcell Pickens known as the Film Marketer has a story to tell.  He and his family have been linked to my family since 2013 and he has been InSpira's photographer and so much more since that time.  Today you will learn about what got him into photography, his company marketing and branding company Blachwood and so much more.  Get ready to be inspired.  You may learn more about him on @thefilmmarketer on Instagram & Twitter & visit his website at blachwood.com

Ms. Jill Johnson is my mentor, sorority sister and friend, that is truly an inspiration.  She is the CEO of The Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership. In the episode she speaks about growing up with entrepreneurial parents, graduating from Harvard, and starting her businesses.  Learn more about her organizations by visiting her brand websites:  www.weareifel.org , www.woccon.org, www.makingblackangels.org, www.smallbusinessesneedus.org  

I met the amazing Mr. Nathaniel Stampley in 2009 due to his also amazing wife being on faculty at my dance studio. InSpira.  This Brother is an actor that mesmerizes audiences with his talent whether he is on Broadway, Off Broadway,  Concerts, and TV. His Broadway credits include Cats, The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess, The Color Purple (Original & the Revival), & The Lion King. He discusses auditioning, his biggest influences and why it's vital to be your best self.  You will definitely be inspired. He's on instagram & Twitter @stampleyN & visit his website  www.nathanielstampley.com

My friend Metra Lundy is a Coach, Speaker, Author, Producer, and Entrepreneur.  You will be moved by her life journey from working in a 9 - 5 to beginning her business to now having multiple businesses.  You will learn how a traumatic experience helped move her forward into a impactful journey.  Get ready to be inspired.  You can learn more about her at metralundy.com as well as on FB and Instagram @metralundy.

My Sister and Soror Dr. Lisa Herbert, MD has a story to tell.  She shares with the Got InSpiration Fam, of what led her into medicine, her personal touch with her patients.  She then speaks about why she left practicing after twenty five years to pursue being an author, Executive Coach to help future Physician Leaders and now a fellow podcaster.  Get ready to be inspired.  Learn more about her at www.justherrightbalance.com

My dear friend Ms. Audrey Davis - Dunning has been a part of my life since 2004.  She is taught African Dance at InSpira for a little over ten years.  She has been an educator for twenty seven years and started her business Get Your Goddess in 2015.  If you want a to be inspired or have a young daughter, niece, mentee,  that you want to be inspired you are going to want to listen to what Audrey has to say.  Her passion for making a difference in the lives that she comes across is infectious.  You can learn more by following her on Facebook and instagram @getyourgoddess or visit her website at www.getyourgoddess.com  

My friend Kathleen Ciroli has an amazing story.  She owned her dance studio for 50 years.  She has overcome serious bouts of a variety of cancers from ovarian cancer at age 19, breast cancer in 1999 and most recently lung cancer.  She has a very giving heart and gave me direction when I moved into my first commercial location of InSpira.  You will be inspired.

Ms. Janell Stephens is the Founder and CEO of Camille Rose.  We have been friends for almost twenty five years through our husbands, it has been a true pleasure seeing her business grow from an idea to reach international markets.  You can find her brand in Target, Whole Foods, and Walmart to name a few.  Be sure to listen as she gives some nuggets that will definitely inspire you.  Her website is www.camillerose.com and on Instagram and Facebook @camillerosenaturals

Dr. Elizabeth Henry MD is a Pediatrician turned Consultant that is making a true difference with pre teens/teens/young adults and their parents.  She was my twin daughters Pediatrician and is truly an amazing person.  You will definitely enjoy her story.  Learn more about her at drlizconsulting.com and on FB at Dr. Liz Consulting and Instagram @_drliz

Cliff Ward and Autin Wright are amazing sculptors and painters that I had the pleasure of meeting while I was working at Sculpture Magazine.  With now 20 years of friendship, they take us behind their life and how they got into the their field.  Sit back and enjoy this one Got InSpiration Fam.  To learn more about Cliff you may visit his website at cliffward.net and autinwright.com.  You may also discover their work at Grounds For Sculpture. www.groundsforsculpture.org

My dear friend and mentor Jeff Nathanson is the Executive Director of the Museum of Sonoma County.  Our paths crossed when he hired me to work at the International Sculpture Center as the Dir. of Advertising for Sculpture Magazine.  You will be inspired by his story and dedication to the visual arts.  His career journey will truly inspire you.

Rev. C. Jessel Strong was one of the first spiritual leaders that my husband Leon and I had when we were a young married couple in Southern California.  Listen to his story of how he got into the ministry, how he grew to be a Presiding Elder in the A.M.E. Church and his favorite Bible Verse Proverbs 3:4-5.  You will hear a lot of wisdom here today and how appropriate as it's Christmas Day.  

Mrs. Glynis Albright "The Waffle Queen" is the CEO of Glynis' Products.  She and I met while I was living in Moorpark, CA.  Even though she has always loved to cook, Glynis discusses how being diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia changed her life from studying to become a surgeon to creating food that she and other suffering from cancer and other types of chronic diseases could eat.  She speaks about entrepreneurship and being a giving person.  She is truly a blessing.  People from John Legend, Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell, the late Former President Ronald Reagan, and Former President Bill Clinton are just a few of the people that love her desserts and food.  Learn more and purchase her delicious products at www.glyniskitchen.com

Dr. Ann Wead Kimbrough is an educator, biz journalist, and environmental leader.  Our paths crossed as she was one of my favorite professor's when I was a student at Clark Atlanta University.  In this episode, she discusses why she loves being an  educator, and an award winning financial journalist.  She also speaks about how she got selected to be a member of the Olympic Committee for the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 and lastly her current role as Dir. of Stormwater Management in Rockdale County, GA.  Get ready to hear some wonderful stories that will inspire and impact you for your life.   

In this episode you get to know a little bit the host Kristine Smith, why she started Got InSpiration and some of her other business endeavors.  She speaks about her dance and music center InSpira. If you are interested in taking dance classes & music lessons in person or virtually visit www.InSpiraArts.com  check them out on Instagram @inspirapacc or on FB @inspiraarts  You can purchase "Let's Dance" An Inspirational Coloring Book for Kids that Love to Dance on Amazon.

Terrie Ajile Axam is the Founder/Artistic Director of Total Dance/Dancical Productions located in Atlanta, GA.  She is my mentor and she gave me my first dance teaching job at age nineteen while I was a college student at Clark Atlanta University.  In this episode she discusses her early days at Barnard College and Princeton University as well as her Graduate work at Rutgers University and how those times influenced what was to become Total Dance and Women Hold Up Half the Sky.  She communicates about her dance technique "MOJAH" and about the impact COVID-19 has had on her organization.  Get ready to be inspired!!!

Mr. Leon Smith II is my AMAZING husband of twenty four years.  As we are still in the people who have impacted my life when I lived in Atlanta, of course Leon is in this conversation.  We met just days after both becoming members of our sorority and fraternity.  Leon has a work ethic like no person I know and in this episode, he reveals where he gets his inspiration growing up in Albany, Georgia.  He touches on the impact attending Clark Atlanta University for Undergrad and Tennessee State University for Graduate School.  In the science field where he is often the only African American or one of a few, he speaks about the responsibility he takes on with making a difference in drug discovery.  Lastly, he discusses why growing and leading in his fraternity Omega Psi Phi is so important and what our business, InSpira truly means to him.  Get ready to be inspired.

“VINX is the gift you give to someone you really care about” – Stevie Wonder.  Vinx has been a part of my life since I interned at WCLK FM radio during my Senior year of College at Clark Atlanta University.  His music stirs your soul.  You will get to hear a little bit of his life story as a track star in the 70's and 80's,  how he evolved into a musician and then leaving the US to live in France. VINX is undoubtedly one of the most gifted improvisational vocalists performing today.  With songs that range from jazz to funk, bossa nova to blues and back again, each audience takes a world tour with VINX as their private guide.  Soaring vocals, intricate layered melodies and grooves, and his primal hand drum holding it all together mark the signature style that makes VINX a stand out. Visit Vinx.com to learn more about this AMAZING man who is truly an inspiration.

Rev. Mark Tyler is the 52nd Pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia, PA.  Born and raised in Oakland, CA, Rev. Tyler speaks about his life and time in the 80's as a former drug dealer and how he turned his life around to attend Clark Atlanta University, transitioned into ministry and the amazing story of how he became the Pastor of the Oldest AME Church.  You will truly be inspired.