OFF THE CUFF GEMS

Excited to kick off Episode 3 of Season 6 with storyteller, host, content creator @astoldbynneoma covering a range of topics such as lifestyle, beauty, and fashion. She is inspiring the world by showing up as her true authentic self in every video, skit, and message on all her platforms. With aspirations of being on TV since the age of 11, she manifested her acting debut on @yvonneorji Yvonne Oriji: A Whole Me comedy special on HBO. Nneoma and I discussed the pureness of her story and who she is. We tapped in the behind the scenes to her success and how she lives her life everyday. We discussed the blueprint of the “Delusional Mindset” and how to solely focus on the present and what it takes to truly live in the now. Through the challenges faced along the way, Nneoma speaks on how she was able to find her purpose and live in gratitude everyday. Nneoma is empowering the next generation to tell their stories and put their dreams first, and not on hold. Anything is possible and Nneoma is a living testament of it. This is a conversation you don't want to miss!

Excited to kick off episode 2 of Season 6 with filmmaker, Founder and Curator of Nuevayorkinos, a digital archival project documenting New York City Latino and Caribbean culture and their history through family photos and stories. Since the launch on February 14, 2019 it has evolved so much capturing these amazing stories from the people all over New York City. Djali and I talked about the foundation and the reason behind the creation of Nuevayorkinos. We explored her early upbringings and coming from a household that celebrated creativity and encouraged her to carve out her own path. Djali's work centers on conversations about the shift in Latino identity and the groups within this population that have gone underserved. She takes us on her own personal experiences and how it contribute to her success today. Djali continues to use Nuevayorkinos to amplify the stories of our community through powerful storytelling and the experiences of our people. Djali is not documenting history, but she is creating it. An episode you don't want to miss! #newyork #inspiration #community --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/offthecuffshow/support

Excited to kick off Season 6 with Founder & CEO of AfroFuture (formerly Afrochella) - a festival designed to elevate, celebrate and highlight the essence of African talent across the continent. It is the most anticipated and culturally align festival bringing the Disapora together through music, art, fashion, food, and so much more. AfroFuture has been featured in numerous publications such as CNN, BBC, Vogue, GQ, Essence, you name it — it is an experience you do not want to miss. We talked about Abdul's early upbringing's and how it shaped who he is today. Abdul walked us through the birth of Afrochella, the lessons he needed to learn to get it off the ground, and how he continues to pitch his business to brands in an authentic and meaningful way. Abdul gives us the behind the scenes on how it evolve overtime and the impact it has made in Ghana. In 2019, AfroFuture was responsible for 16% of Ghana's Tourism and it has increased every since. AfroFuture is making history and has turned into a cultural phenomenon changing the narrative of Africa. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

Season Finale with my brother @jveloz - a self-taught photographer whose bold, authentic approach is closely tied to his Dominican heritage. Juan became known for photographs capturing the authentic identity and personality of his subjects — initially people from his local community. Since those early days in New York, Veloz has moved to LA and collaborated with some of the most prominent names in fashion, music, and arts: from Vogue to Dior, Netflix to Nike. In his work, Veloz is committed to equality, representing the voices and narratives that often missing in the contemporary media landscape. It is this commitment that shapes Veloz's visual language, where honest cultural identity and authenticity take center stage. Juan keeps the root of his culture and identity at the forefront sharing some incredible untold stories in the most organic and genuine way. We talked about breakthrough moments from quitting his job at 21, having faith and embracing family through the process. Juan keeps the realness of his identity to show up as his true-self and hopes to inspire the next generation of photographers. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

Excited to kick off episode 3 with Rikki Mendias, Executive Director and Founder of Hav A Sole, a nonprofit organization, where their mission is to provide at risk youth and homeless people with quality footwear to encourage happiness, confidence, and health. They have touched thousands of lives across the country by providing over 40,000 pairs of sneakers to those in need. As a young boy, Rikki, spent over five years in a shelter so he knows what's it feels like to go without. His mother, who was struggling to make ends meet, couldn't afford to buy him a pair of much needed shoes. One day, a former resident spoke at the shelter and afterwards, offered to buy him two pairs of new Vans. Rikki never forgot that women's kindness or the confidence that came from having a fresh pair of sneakers to where to school. Rikki turned that moment into his life-long mission and now pay its forward by touching thousands of lives across the country providing shoes to those in need and has given over 40,000 pairs of sneakers. Rikki has appeared on the Ellen Show, has been featured in numerous publications, collaborated with Nike, the Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Mavs, and so much more. This is an episode you don't want to miss! #sneakerlover #community #payitforward --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffshow/support

Excited to kick off Episode 2 with Daniel Buezo, Community Leader, CEO & Founder of Kids of Immigrants — a Los Angeles based streetwear brand inspired by their roots, environments and life experiences. Their mission statement is simple — DO THE BEST WE CAN WITH WHAT WE HAVE. Daniel speaks on his upbringings, embracing culture and community, and how the brand has evolved over the years to serve as a medium to spread love and empower our people. As a first-generation Honduran-American his community, culture, and history serves as the vessel to keep going. We take a deeper dive into discovering the creation of some of their biggest ideas, manifestation, and his journey towards healing and self love. Kids of Immigrants has had collaborations with VANs, Hey Arnold, Nike, Hasan Minhaj, Awake, Buchanans, and many more. Tune in! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffshow/support

Excited to kick off Episode 1 of Season 5 with @alyciadelsol. She is an Actress, model, activist, and a podcast host of her new show @darewesay. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Alycia to learn more about her career and the behind the scenes that contribute to her success. Alycia started her entertainment career at the age of three where she began modeling for brands such as Neiman Marcus, JC Penny, Belks, and became the face of Hearts for Hearts Dolls. After much success in the modeling industry, she began commercial work for Telemundo, Univision, and later experienced her television debut in NBC's "Chase" and Gregory Allen Howard's "The Plug”. In 2020, Alycia was casted as Aisha Garcia in the Saved by the Bell reboot for two full seasons. Although her character was not originally an Afro-Latina character, it was re-written to be one after she was overheard speaking Spanish on set. Alycia has also starred in other films such as The Neighborhood and Moxie. She is a proud Afro-Latina and continues to advocate for Latinx representation in film. We spoke on so many breakthrough moments — Alycia getting her two biggest roles in a one month timespan from the last 12 years of acting and taking the leap of faith to walk in your purpose. Alycia takes us through her upbringings, early life principles by her mother, and speaking her truth and standing firmly in it. — Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/offthecuff Website: https://offthecuff.co/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is an episode you do not want to miss! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffshow/support

Excited to kick off the season finale with Kat Lazo, Director, #Producer, Content creator, and host of The Get up, Spotify's newest morning. Kat developed and hosted #TheKatCall series, where she debunked taboos and misconceptions about the #LatinxCommunity. Within 3 seasons the series has garnered over 15 million views. I had the pleasure of speaking with Kat on her upbringings of growing up in Queens and the importance of embracing identity and culture. We spoke on her early inspirations of acting, transitioning into media and the importance of representation within the industry. Kat continues to advocate for the Latinx community in her everyday work by challenging the media and questioning social norms. She speaks on the value of saying "no" to opportunities, social media breaks, self-affirmations, and creating space for community. She gives us a behind the scenes look into her story and the things we don't see that contribute to her success. Tune in! To Support & Follow Kat Lazo: Instagram: http://instagram.com/itskatlazo Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/offthecuff Website: https://offthecuff.co/ ------ Time Stamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:35 - Growing Up in Queens & Community 4:10 - Embracing Identity + Finally Fitting In 5:15 - The Road to Media & Early Inspirations 8:29 - Career Conversations in an Immigrant Household 11:45 - The Inspiration behind “The Kat Call” 15:34 - Debunk the Misconceptions 16:58 - Being the Only Woman in The Room 20:32 - Words to the Decision Makers 24:02 - The Value of saying “NO” 26:59 - Creating Space for Community 30:27 - What We Don't See 31:53 - Give People Their Flowers 33:38 - Hidden Gems --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffshow/support

Excited to kick off episode 4 with Josef Adamu, Creative Director, Visual Storyteller, Photographer, and Founder of Sunday School, a creative agency that started in the basement of his Toronto home. Sunday School focuses on telling narratives from a Black perspective, and integrating art and education at its core. We had the pleasure of sitting down wit Josef Adamu to discuss his numerous projects and the importance of shining light on the untold stories of mental health, the black hair experience, sports all within the black community. He speaks on the early moments of when Sunday School was just an idea and he was self-funding his projects after the rejections he was receiving. Josef focuses on the youth and empowers them by incorporating them into projects across the globe to feel and be seen. He is serving as a mentor to inspire the next generation of leaders. Josef reshapes the narrative of visual storytelling and educational institutions through authenticity, intention, and collaboration among others and brands such as Nike, Converse, Spotify, Facebook, and the list goes on. He gives us the behind the scenes look into his creative outlets, inspiration, self-affirmations, and the importance of investing in yourself mentality, spiritually, physically to achieve your highest version. To Support & Follow Josef Adamu: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josefadamu/ Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/offthecuff Website: https://offthecuff.co/ ------ Time Stamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:51 - Early Inspirations + Cultural Moments 3:29 - Details Matter + Presentation is Key 6:06 - Bridging the Gaps through History & Culture 7:32 - The Birth of Sunday School 9:14 - Empowering the next generation through storytelling 10:51 - Untold Stories within the Black Community 13:33 - Mind Matters: Importance on Mental Health 18:25 - Seeking Clarity & Self-Reflection 22:52 - With Community Nothing Is Impossible 27:07 - Collaboration Is Everything 29:48 - The Creative Process 32:30 - Legacy is Forever 35:22 - NFTs, Animations, & Film 37:37 - Give People Their Flowers 40:54 - Hidden Gems --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffshow/support

Nick Creegan, #Actor, Producer, Journalist, Model, and Motivational Speaker starring in some incredible films such as David's Makes Man, produced by Oprah Winfrey and Michael B. Jordan, NBC's hit Law and Order spin-off, Organized Crime, and now starring in Batwoman as the First Black Joker. We had the pleasure of connecting with Nick on so many different topics he has never shared before. We discussed his breakthrough moments of becoming an Actor, the will to keep going even when adversity piled up for two years, the power of #Manifestation, and how he continues to live with #Purpose and grace. Nick gives us a behind the scenes on what it took to fulfill his dream, meeting Oprah Winfrey, his ongoing inspirations, and advice to the next generation of creatives. He speaks on the power of mentorship, creating circles that help you build, and the lessons he learned from some of his lowest moments in life. Nick reminds himself that he is exactly where he is suppose to be and the marathon continues. This episode is filled with so many gems, wisdom, and #Inspiration. I promise you, this is a conversation you do not want to miss. To Support & Follow Nick Creegan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickcreegan/ Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/offthecuff Website: https://offthecuff.co/ ----- Time Stamps: (31:15-34:18 - Disclaimer: Please do your own research) 0:00 - Intro 3:17 - The Newspaper Moment 5:31 - Grandma's Legacy Lives On — Never Give Up 10:30 - Journalism days w/ Stephen A Smith & Derek Jeter 15:51 - Always Rooted for the Underdog 17:09 - Teachers Wrote Me Off In High School 17:55 - How Becoming an Actor All Started + Leap of Faith 22:22 - The Nick Mindset & Power of Manifestation 24:21 - Meeting Oprah Winfrey 26:47 - The Big Breakthrough Moment + God's Timing 31:15 - Ayahuasca Experience 34:20 - Advice for Actors, Journalists, & Creators 37:10 - Law & Order: Organized Crime Day-to-Day 40:44 - Mentors + Legends in The Industry 42:06 - Fulfilling One of My Mother's Dreams 44:50 - Batwoman: The First Ever Black Joker 47:36 - Lessons Learned: Be Your Biggest Fan 49:12 - Create Your Own Opportunities 51:52 - Give People Their Flowers 54:50 - Hidden Gems --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffshow/support

Phil Taitt, Digital Content Creator, Storyteller, Founder of the Phil Taitt show, and now News 12 Weekend Anchor and Nightside Reporter. We had the pleasure of connecting with Phil on so many topics that sparked inspiration. We discussed Phil reporting live on the ground through the largest civil rights movement in the summer of 2020 due to the death of George Floyd, the power of impact within the community, serving yourself, overcoming moments of adversity, and the importance of representation in Media. Phil gives us a closer look on his journey on how he got to where he is today, although it was not easy — it sure was worth it. It's a conversation you do not want to miss. To Support & Follow Phill Taitt: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philtaitt/ Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/offthecuff Website: https://offthecuff.co/ ________________ Time Stamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:35 - The Passion Behind Storytelling 3:53 - Make People Believe in You 5:57 - The Value in Your Story 7:21 - Breaking into the Industry 9:24 - The Impact on Representation 13:17 - Being at the Forefront through the Pandemic 15:04 - Create Space For Your Mental Health 17:42 - The Motivation To Keep Going 20:29 - Dream. Reach. Inspire 25:20 - What's Your Inspiration? 27:28 - Be Present & Enjoy The Moment 30:08 - What Would I Tell My Younger Self? 32:01 - Give People Their Flowers 34:21 - Hidden Gems --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffshow/support

Excited to launch Season 4! To kick things off we have Jully-Alma Taveras, Founder of Investing Latina. She is a 2x Award-Winning Personal Finance Expert, Writer, Producer, and Speaker on all things personal finance. She writes for publications like CNBC, Time's Next Advisor, HuffPost, and others. She breaks down the keys to investing and makes it so simple. Jully and I had the pleasure of speaking on building generational wealth, investment strategies, real estate, and so much more. Jully gives us a behind the scenes look into her day to day as a content creator, her early inspirations growing up, and her mission to continue spreading the wealth of knowledge to the LatinX community and people of color. There is so much to learn and be inspired by. We hope you enjoy! To Support & Follow Jully: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/investinglatina // Website: https://www.investinglatina.com/ Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/offthecuff // Website: https://offthecuff.co/ ___ Time Stamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:58 - Money Memories & Early Hustles 8:50 - Birth of Investing Latina & Overcoming Debts 11:45 - Inspiration Behind The Brand & Paying it Forward 15:51 - Obstacles in Investing & Building New Strategies 19:50 - Starting the Investing Journey & Lessons Learned 22:52 - Goal Setting & Building Relationships 27:34 - Driving Impact through Workshops 32:54 - Top 3 Recommendations to Investing 35:51 - Funding Our Community 37:37 - Give People Their Flowers 39:15 - Hidden Gems --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffshow/support

Closing out Season 3 with my brother, LB, (Shakespeare has nothing on him), Rashan Brown @_russian , Poet, Writer, & Founder of @poetrymeplease —a spoken-word poetry platform providing a stage for Poets to showcase their talent through creative verbal expressions. Rush enters a state of vulnerability and lets us inside his mind as he breaks down the stories to his most influential poems, his creative routine to write when feeling writers block, the preparation process before performing, and new projects coming soon for the platform. Rush understands there's so many people out there who write, but haven't had the chance or rather courage to share - poetry me, please is the perfect platform that not only give artists that autonomy and freedom but it brings people from all different walks of life to appreciate an undervalued art. Everything you need to know about the art form, connecting with your audience, and taking the first step into uncomfortable verbal expression. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffgems/support

Excited to kick off our 4th episode with Annelise Campbell @annelise.alexandra , CEO & Founder of CFG @cfgtalent —an influencer marketing agency with diversity, inclusion, and cultural relevance at its core. Annelise gives us a deeper dive into her journey on becoming a CEO through quitting her 9-5 to pursue her passion, the power of mentorship, and how culture does not move without Black creators and people of color. She gives us the tools on how to understand your value, hold strong to creative freedom while working with brands, and leverage the need for diverse representation in the workplace. Everything you need to know about building generational wealth, helping people of color take advantage of opportunities, and the impact CFG has on so many Black and Brown influencers. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffgems/support

Excited to kick off episode 3 of OFF THE CUFF with the inspiring Amanda Korina, content creator, fashion & lifestyle blogger, and Founder of From The Heels Up, an online boutique store inspiring women through fashion. Amanda speaks on her support system, what kept her going in moments of adversity, creating content for more than 5 years and not getting paid for it, building a foundation with family, empowering the next generation of women through her platform, and so much more. She shares so many gems, so many stories, and she gives us the real deal. It's a conversation you don't want to miss. For more information follow Amanda Korina (@AmandaKorina), Founder of (@FromTheHeelsUp). Pay it forward and give people their flowers! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffgems/support

Excited to kick off our second episode with the legend himself, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (@king_nk), New York Times Best-Selling Author of Friday Black. Friday Black is a collection of short stories exploring themes surrounding black identity as it relates to a range of contemporary social issues. Nana gives us a deeper look into how he overcame rejection for two years straight, finding new inspiration to keep him going, and paying it forward to the next generation of writers. This man has received every reward and acknowledgment you can name, but his humility is always front and center. It's a conversation you do not want to miss. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffgems/support

Excited to announce the first episode of season 3 is here! To kick things off we had the pleasure of sitting down with the one and only Aissata Diallo @aissatatdiallo — Content Creator, Model, & TV Personality. She has collaborated with so many notable brands such as, mastercard, essentiawater, subway, clinique, neutrogena, nordstrom, lyft and many more. She gives us a look into the behind the scenes on how she grew into the successful content creator she is today, brand partnerships, engaging with her audience on a deeper level, spirituality, and more... It's a conversation you don't want to miss. Join us on October 13, 2021 exclusively on youtube and wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. It's where conversations lead to inspiration! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffgems/support

Excited to announce the 5th and final episode of season 2 with Marie Powell, Fashion Designer & Founder of @maries_thrift an online boutique store redesigning vintage items to gives us the true definition of her passion for fashion. She brings her full self in a conversation that is honest, transparent and gives you a closer look into her grind and creative process that is unmatched. And it’s only the beginning... This is a conversation you don’t want to miss. It’s where conversations lead to inspiration. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffgems/support

Excited to announce the 4th episode of season 2 with Jose Rivera Entrepreneur and State Farm Agent who helps his community day in and day out by educating, inspiring, and providing job opportunities for the next generation. Join us as Jose speaks on his selfless efforts and contributions to families, first-responders, and what’s next for his personal and professional life. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffgems/support

Excited to announce the third episode of season 2 with Jayah Arnett, Founder, Unfiltered Storyteller, and Community lover of My Projects Runway — a storytelling platform that challenges the stereotypes of New York City Housing residents. Join us as Jayah speaks on her upbringings growing up in Public Housing, changing the narrative and perception of the community, and what’s next for the storytelling platform. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss. It’s where conversations lead to inspiration. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffgems/support

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Anthony Telford, Founder & Creative Director of CLUE to learn more about his early upbringing in Brooklyn, launching CLUE clothing at the age of 14, and his creative process in producing some of the most iconic pieces in hypebeast culture. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss. To learn more: Clue Clothing | https://www.clueclothings.com/ IG: @clueclothing | @_telford --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffgems/support

To kick off Season 2, we had the pleasure of sitting down with @jacquelyncornier the Founder of the @thegirlsroomnyc to learn more about the launch & development of this incredible multimedia hub inspiring women across the globe to discover their passions, share their stories, and embody their truths in the digital age. It's a multimedia hub for women by women. To learn more: The Girls Room | https://www.thegirls-room.com/ IG: @thegirlsroomnyc | @jacquelyncornier --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffgems/support

Today I'm joined by Artist and Entrepreneur, P. MUNA as he walks us through his humble beginnings, finding his voice in music and opening up for some of the biggest artists we know today — Snoop Dogg, 2 Chainz, Mac Miller (RIP), and many more. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffgems/support

Today, I am joined by my good friend, Kenny Burgos who is a Democratic Candidate for the 85th Assembly District in New York State as he speaks on growing up in the Bronx, how government shaped his perspective in life and his desire to give back to his community and be the voice of the people who need it most. Find out the hidden inspirations as to why Kenny embarked on this journey in the first place and how important it is to always remember where you come from, no matter how far you go. Home is home. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffgems/support

Today, I am joined by a great friend, Brittany Rae, Founder of Brittany Rae Productions as she celebrates her God moments and shares her journey in achieving success of becoming a Writer and Director. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffgems/support

Today, I am joined by an amazing friend, Munzzy Uddin, Co-Founder & Chef of The Table as she shares her secret ingredients to her success. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffgems/support

Today, I am joined by Samuel Deane — a financial advisor, entrepreneur, the founder and CEO of Deane Financial Partners, Inc., a modern wealth management firm for Millennials in tech. He is also an adjunct professional inspiring and motivating students to invest in their future self. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/offthecuffgems/support