Our Playground

Madi Baldwin is the founder and host of Gen Z Girlies - a podcast dedicated to inspiring Gen Z women and non-binary folk to pursue their dream careers. They've interviewed guests including Forbes 30 under 30 CEO's to filmmakers and artists. In our conversation, Madi and I talk about the power of peer-to-peer conversations and what it really means to be an entrepreneur. We also dive into Madi's early-stage startup, Zentrepreneurs, and her advice for discovering your passions. Connect with Madi here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madibaldwin/ Listen to Gen Z Girlies: https://open.spotify.com/show/78yRePvZlDeCTjiIBbn3fs For podcast updates and more, follow @ourplaygroundpod + @allyphan_

Rachna Kumar is a recent graduate from the University of Washington Foster School of Business and is now a full-time strategy consultant. She is also a content creator with a community of over 17k on TikTok where she shares life in Seattle, college advice, and so much more. In our conversation, Rachna shares how she landed her first brand deal with Mejuri, if you really need a niche in order to grow, and her top five spots if you're visiting Seattle. We also dive into Rachna's time at UW - how to make friends and find a balance between work and play. Connect with Rachna on TikTok: @rachnaxo For podcast updates and more, follow @ourplaygroundpod + @allyphan_

It's the annual SUMMER RECAP episode!! It's been 365 days since the previous summer recap so go and listen to 2022's episode, you know, for funsies! Jaylah and I talk about how we spent our summers, our favorite reads, and what we're looking forward to for our senior year. We also tease a super exciting project that is launching SOON! For podcast updates and more, follow @ourplaygroundpod + @allyphan_

Today, we are joined by Alex Ellsworth who is the current DECA High School Division President serving over 220,000 DECA members!! She previously served as a two-time Nevada DECA Association officer and is now a student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas studying hospitality and international business. In this episode, we unpack what DECA is, how members can make the most of their DECA experience this school year, and Alex also shares her advice for being a successful leader. Connect with Alex: @hsdecapresident Learn more about DECA: deca.org For podcast updates and more, follow @ourplaygroundpod + @allyphan_

Today, I am joined by Julia Dixon, the founder of ES.AI, a startup creating AI tools that help students tell their authentic stories in their college essays. In this episode, we dive into how Julia's background in college tutoring led her to create this company, why we should all implement AI into our daily routines, and her advice for crafting a unique college essay. Try out ES.AI: https://esai.ai/ Follow ES.AI on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@es.ai_toolkit For podcast updates and more, follow @ourplaygroundpod + @allyphan_

If you aren't into reading then you NEED to listen to this episode. I sit down and share my ultimate guide to becoming a reader this summer. From my favorite books that will get you addicted to reading, my personal reading journey, how I read so many books (hint hint...may involve my Kindle), and so much more. For podcast updates and more, follow @ourplaygroundpod + @allyphan_ THINGS MENTIONED: Youtubers - Haley Pham, Sara Carrolli, Destiny Sidwell, and Rachel Catherine Madison Kait Reads on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lettersfrommads?lang=en Bookmark'd Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/1eYmQ9azOF2tQ0JrbIqQcb Books - We were Liars - e. Lockhart Verity - Colleen Hoover TSITP Trilogy - Jenny Han Summer of Broken Rules by KL Walther Better Than The Moves / The Do Over by Lynn Painter Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by TJR The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes Dial A For Aunties by Jessie Sutanto

Have you ever thought about the impact of the single-use cotton rounds and makeup wipes that we use in our daily beauty routines? Turns out, 75% of the population wants to be more sustainable. Today, I brought on Lena Chao, the founder, and CEO of Clean Circle - a low-waste personal care brand that creates products to tackle beauty waste and address the environmental impact on our skin. We chat about Lena's background in college admissions and how her experience with DEI work led her to the beauty industry, discovering the ✨north star✨ of her business, and easy ways to make your daily routine more sustainable! Check out Clean Circle: https://clean-circle.com/ LET'S BE FRIENDS! @ourplaygroundpod and @allyphan_

Today's episode is a special one! After two years of Our Playground, I sit down and share 4 lessons that I've learned after speaking with nearly 50 guests and producing 50 podcast episodes. From realizing that podcast growth is s l o w to the importance of giving yourself space to experiment when starting out. This episode is perfect if you have a podcast, or have been thinking of starting one (do it!), or if you just enjoy Our Playground :) Thank you to everyone who has supported the show and here's to another 50 episodes! LET'S BE FRIENDS! @ourplaygroundpod and @allyphan_

This week, I am joined by Julia Diaz, founder of Abitare Collective -- a brand that creates apparel that inspires you to get outside and celebrate the world that we live in. In our conversation, we talk about Julia's start in entrepreneurship running lemonade stands, why she felt like she needed to pivot her business, and we unpack what it's really like having businesses as high schoolers. The challenge of setting priorities and how it can sometimes be weird when someone from school finds out about your side hustle. Check out Abitare: @abitarecollective LET'S BE FRIENDS: @allyphan_ + @ourplaygroundpod

This week on Our Playground, I am sitting down and doing a solo episode! I recap how the end of the school year is going, including my favorite things recently (The Inheritance Games, Girl Scout Thin Mint Pretzels, and Cocokind!), and I answer all of your questions that were submitted on Instagram! If you want to have your questions answered in the next solo episode, follow @ourplaygroundpod on IG. Things mentioned: https://www.instagram.com/drinkbenny/ https://www.instagram.com/waveformsocial/ https://www.instagram.com/homefromcollege/ https://www.instagram.com/gen.she/ LET'S BE FRIENDS: @allyphan_

Today, I am joined by Anna who is the entrepreneur behind Anna Made Design Co - a handmade greeting card shop - and the creator of Soaring Together - a platform empowering teen business owners. Anna also recently started Soaring Stories, a podcast sharing biz bestie-style chats! In today's conversation, we talk about how Anna's passion for entrepreneurship came about, how to grow a business on Etsy, and Anna's best advice for balancing a ton of things as a high schooler. Connect with Anna @soaring.together LET'S BE FRIENDS: @ourplaygroundpod + @allyphan_

Today, Jaylah and I are sitting down and doing a HUGE life update. We talk about work and school (ofc) and we also talked about our time in Florida for DECA ICDC - including Disney World, sprinter van drama (windshield wiper malfunctioned??), and Jaylah's near-death experience (don't worry she is fine :) Also, you have to listen to the whole episode for all of this to make sense!!! LET'S BE FRIENDS: @ourplaygroundpod + @allyphan_

Meet Nikita Charuza, the founder of Squigs, a brand that makes effective products rooted in Ayurveda and a mission of "happy headcare". Their two hero products include the Double Shot Face Serum and the Gooseberry Delight Hair Oil, all of which has gained the attention of Vogue, Allure, and Glamour. Prior to starting Squigs, Nikita was a full-time beauty editor at Popsugar and last year, she decided to go freelance. Today, we talk about what Nikita's relationship with beauty was like growing up, how she got the idea for Squigs, and her go-to beauty rituals and products. We also talk about representation in this industry and what she wishes she knew before starting a brand. Explore the Squigiverse here: https://squigsbeauty.com/ Connect with Nikita @nikitacharuza LETS BE FRIENDS: @ourplaygroundpod + @allyphan_

Today's guest is Emily Bach, a sexual violence prevention advocate and the co-founder of Stories of Consent. Stories of Consent which was formerly Space To Speak is a platform contextualizing what consent actually looks and feels like through personal stories and education. It aims to destigmatize the conversation around consent because unfortunately, most of us don't learn enough about it in school. In today's conversation, Emily talks about why she and her co-founder started the project, what consent actually means, and the power of sharing personal stories when it comes to sexual violence prevention. Learn more at https://storiesofconsent.online/ LET'S BE FRIENDS @ourplaygroundpod + @allyphan_

Anushka Joshi is the founder and editor-in-chief of GEN-ZiNE, a global grassroots community for young voices rewriting the future. It started as a print-only zine in 2018 and has since then evolved into a multimedia collective inspiring young leaders. Today, we chat all about Anushka's a-ha moment when she realized she wanted to be a voice in media, how she's built GEN-ZiNE to where it is today, and the challenges of creating a print platform in the age of TikTok and IG Reels. We also dive into why she decided to also work at a media startup and her advice for zooming out and not taking things too seriously. Check out GEN-ZiNE https://www.gen-zine.com/ Connect with Anushka @anushkajoshi LETS BE FRIENDS @ourplaygroundpod + @allyphan_

Today's guest is Paige Cey, who is a community and brand builder. She was previously the marketing coordinator for Girlboss and currently, she's in the process of building a beverage brand! In this episode, Paige talks about what it was like growing up as a triplet, how she got her foot into marketing and brand consulting, as well as how she landed her first job with Girlboss right out of college. We also chat about her advice for entrepreneurs and what it's been like building Benny. Connect with Paige @paige.cey LETS BE FRIENDS @ourplaygroundpod + @allyphan_

Today, we are joined by Gigi Robinson, a Gen Z chronic illness and mental health advocate. Through her work as a digital creator, public speaker, and overall a voice for the next gen, Gigi has been featured in all the major publications including Forbes, Vogue, and NBC. In this episode, she shares how she turned her early diagnosis into an advantage, her favorite platforms to create on, and why she doesn't think Instagram is dying. We also talk about networking as a Gen Z and why you need to get on LinkedIn ASAP. Connect with Gigi @itsgigirobinson @ourplaygroundpod + @allyphan_

Sophie Beren is the founder of The Conversationalist, a non-partisan educational platform that is empowering a community of over 100,000 Gen Z to step outside their bubble, have the difficult conversations, and most of all unify together. And how do they do this? Through the first Gen Z talk show, “POVz” and a digital network on Geneva. Prior to this, Sophie founded TableTalk, a conversation club that has grown into a movement that has been adopted by over 60 schools across the nation. Sophie's incredible work as a unifier has been featured on Good Morning America, NBC and most recently, she was named to the 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 List. In this episode, Sophie shares what is was like growing up in a Jewish household, how the Conversationalist began, and a few of her thoughts on why it's more important than ever that Gen Z has difficult conversations. We also get into some fun hot takes! Check out The Conversationalist: https://www.theconversationalist.com/ Connect with Sophie @sophieberen Catch the latest on IG @ourplaygroundpod LET'S BE FRIENDS @allyphan_

Shirah Benarde is the co-founder and CEO of NightCap, a brand that makes drink spiking prevention products. If you didn't know, drink spiking is something that happens in nightclubs, bars, and parties and mainly targets young women. Not only can drink spiking lead to hallucinations and blackouts but it can also lead to sexual assault and robbery. NightCap is loved by their community of over 400k on TikTok, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Forbes, and personalities like Emma Chamberlain and Julia Michaels. In today's show, Shirah talks about how NightCap came about through one of her dreams, what it was like going on Shark Tank at 17, and why it's important to diversify your marketing strategy. We also get into the ins and outs of entrepreneurship as well as what is currently in the works at NightCap. Check out NightCap at https://nightcapit.com/ Catch the latest on IG @ourplaygroundpod LET'S BE FRIENDS @allyphan_

This week, Ally is bringing back one of her favorite episodes you do not want to miss out. Meet Larz May, the founder of #HalfTheStory, the first nonprofit on a mission to empower the next generation's relationship with technology. Larz started #HalfTheStory in college as a way to share her experience navigating social media and mental health. Now, #HalfTheStory is making waves in schools, state and federal governments, and has partnered with Fortune 500 companies to create a safer digital universe. In this episode, Larz shares how she turned one of the most challenging times in her life into a successful non-profit, why shouldn't focus on eliminating technology altogether, and where #HalfTheStory is going next. Learn more at halfthestoryproject.com Catch the latest on IG @ourplaygroundpod LET'S BE FRIENDS @allyphan_

This week is the inaugural SOLO episode! Ally dives into her current favorites (Gilmore Girls, books, etc.) and her tips for thriving as a busy student. She also shares a little message about academic validation and mental health of course. Even if you aren't a student, hopefully these tips are still helpful or simply entertaining ;) Catch the latest on IG @ourplaygroundpod LET'S BE FRIENDS @allly.phan

Today's guest is Gia Lee, the co-founder of NinetyEight, an LA-based marketing agency run by Gen Z. They've worked with brands including PepsiCo, Meta, Paul Frank (if you guys remember Julius The Monkey) and Fabletics on creative strategy, Gen Z consulting, and social media. In this episode, Gia shares how NinetyEight came about, what Gen Z is looking for in brands, and her best lessons as a young entrepreneur. Find NinetyEight here. LETS BE FRIENDS - TikTok

Stockholm-based interior architect Alyssa Anselmo is joining us on Our Playground this week! Now, while I'm not an expert in this industry, Alyssa has designed some pretty insane spaces. She's the founder of Studio Anva and has a TikTok community of nearly 150k followers. In this episode, Alyssa shares when she first knew that design was her calling, how she designed a dreamy childcare center, and her thoughts on the future of this industry. *thank you for bearing with the audio in this episode;)* Connect with Alyssa - TikTok Studio Anva - anva.studio LETS BE FRIENDS - TikTok

This week, Jaylah and I are going all in and doing a summer recap. We talk about our current fixations (the new Glossier Balm Dot Com

Today we are joined by Rachel Shea. She's a full-time model, content creator, and medical student with content that is truly unmatched. In this episode, we talk all things modeling, how she got started, her experience in the industry as well as what it has been like growing her TikTok. We also get into her recommendations for first time readers (she has the coolest bookshelf), why she turns down almost 75% of the brands that reach out, and her advice when it comes to setting boundaries and putting yourself out there. Follow Rachel on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@rachelshea_?lang=en. Connect with Ally - https://www.tiktok.com/@alllyphan?lang=en

Today we are diving into everything that has to do with brand design with Alyssa Nguyen. At just 22 years old, the graduate from Princeton decided that she didn't want to take on the conventional corporate route. Instead, Alyssa has built a successful WOC focused brand design studio, where she helps brands with their creative direction to the best social media strategies. In this episode, Alyssa shares how she went from pre-med in college to then starting her studio during the pandemic, after working three minimum wage jobs by the way. We also get into how her Vietnamese culture has played into building her career and her best advice for getting into brand design, which actually involves building fake brands, believe it or not. For more, check out https://alyssatnn.com/ and follow Alyssa @atnndesign. Don't forget to follow and review the show and connect with Ally on TikTok.

Have you ever thought about deleting Instagram? Today's guest did just that. Meet Anastasia Vlasova. At 19-years old, she is a digital wellness activist, the host of the Our Turn To Talk Podcast, where she has conversations around mental health and self-acceptance, and a student at NYU Gallatin. In this episode, Anastasia walks us through her childhood living in Moscow, how her first experience with mental health started with her tennis account, and how periodic digital detoxes eventually led to her to getting rid of social media permanently. We also talk about her first year at NYU (hint: it's been amazing!) and where she is at right now in her mental health activism journey. Don't forget to follow and review the show! Connect with Ally on TikTok.

Afshan Nasseri is the founder of Aam Creative, a digital marketing and PR agency run by women of color that bring brands to life through ripe storytelling. On the show today, Afshan takes us through her childhood growing up as a South Asian and Muslim girl in North America, the role that mangoes have played into building the agency, and why Aam Creative is breaking the molds on what it means to build a brand. We also get into what she thinks is the future of digital marketing and her thoughts on being less emotional when it comes to your career. Learn more about Aam Creative here: https://www.instagram.com/aamcreative/ Don't forget to follow and review the show! Follow Ally here: https://www.tiktok.com/@allyphann?lang=en

This week, Ayla and Ally sit down to catch up about their thoughts on Harry Styles' new album, Harry Styles as a whole, and Ayla's quest to save up for a front row seat at his next concert. Please enjoy our ramblings. This is not sponsored by Harry Styles or Pleasing. Don't forget to follow and review the show! Follow us at https://www.tiktok.com/@ourplaygroundpod?lang=en

Hayley Caddes is the founder and CEO of the recently launched mental health app Chill Pill. Her first experience with mental health started in the troubled teen industry at 16 and after years of inpatient therapy, Hayley went on to earn a masters in chemical engineering at Columbia and was the director of a STEM and entrepreneurship program for high school students. Now, she's building something she wished she had, a community of people who just get it. In this episode, Hayley talks about navigating her unique mental health journey through the troubled teen industry which Paris Hilton has spoken about on her platform, what she hopes Chill Pill will bring to the conversation, and Hayley's genius advice for boosting your self-esteem. Follow Chill Pill here: https://www.instagram.com/chillpill_app/ Download Chill Pill: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/chill-pill-mental-health-app/id1600090754?utm_source=chillpill&utm_medium=LIB&utm_campaign=launch Don't forget to follow and review the show!

A storyteller at heart, Gaby Ulloa left her position as assistant to the editor-in-chief at Architectural Digest to pursue freelance writing full-time. Her work is centered around stigmatized topics in marginalized communities and her podcast Thoughts May Vary alongside her co-host Meadow focuses on stories and lessons all about the one thing that connects us all, mental health. She's also been featured in publications including The Local Optimist, The New York Times, and Byrdie. In this episode, Gaby talks about growing up in Miami, how her move to freelance has impacted her mental health, and her best advice for trusting your gut when it comes to career and just life in general. Follow Gaby here: https://www.instagram.com/gabyulloa_/ Don't forget to follow and review the show!

Jaylah and Ally recap their trip to Atlanta and their thoughts on the future of social media. Is Instagram dead? Why Pinterest is the superior platform...Don't forget to follow, rate, and review the show! Find Our Playground here: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourplaygroundpod?lang=en

Meet Fiona Chan, the founder and CEO of Youthforia, a Gen-Z brand that makes products that are so good for your skin, you can sleep with it. And yes, Fiona tested all the lab samples themselves. The makeup is made with with at least 90% renewable ingredients which means no fossil fuels and its free of liquid plastic which is found in most makeup products. In this episode, Fiona talks about the process creating the brand, how she's used TikTok to grow a loyal fanbase of Youthforia lovers, including Vogue, and why it was so important for her to create makeup that is not only inclusive and really is transforming the future of this industry. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review the show! Find Our Playground on TikTok @ourplaygroundpod.

Today, we are joined by Stephanie Lee who is the founder of SELFMADE - a personal care brand at the intersection of mental health and beauty with a mission to inspire you to explore emotional wellness and self-worth. The brand has even earned the likes of publications like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Before creating the brand, Stephanie was a field organizer on the 2008 Obama Presidential Campaign and was an assistant to First Lady Michelle Obama. In this episode, Stephanie shares how growing up Asian American shaped their view on mental health, what it means to be self-made, and Stephanie's best career and life lessons so far. Follow SELFMADE @beselfmade.co on Instagram and TikTok. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Find Our Playground on TikTok @ourplaygroundpod.

Today we are joined by Kayla Cabilin who is a strategist at Snapchat as well as the host of the In Our Network Podcast where she sits down with women like Scout Sobel, founder of Scouts Agency, Melanie Masarin, former Head of Retail at Glossier, to journalist and author, Carley Fortune to have to empowering conversations around career, mental health, and sustainability. In this episode, Kayla shares how she got into the advertising world, her tips for landing cool guests, and how we can support BIPOC business and creators. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Find Our Playground on TikTok @ourplaygroundpod.

Today, Ally and Abby breakdown our current top 5 from It Ends With Us, We're Not Really Strangers, these insane chocolate covered strawberries, Pley Beauty by Peyton List, a super cute Patagonia-esque pullover Abby just got, and the viral salmon-rice bowl. Of course, we also get into social media. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Find Our Playground on TikTok @ourplaygroundpod. Intro/Outro Music - Rose (Prod. by Lukrembo)

Today we are joined by singer-songwriter Nicole Han. Growing up in an art-driven environment, songwriting was something that Nicole has always been passionate about. And just last year, she released her debut single 'aftertaste'. One of her songs “make a scene” was featured in NPR's 2021 Tiny Desk Contest and don't worry, you can find her on TikTok where she shares little bits and pieces of what she's working on. In this episode, Nicole shares how quarantine led her to using songwriting as a creative outlet, her thoughts on social media and graphic design, and her advice for exploring all different forms of creativity. Go stream her music after this episode, and spoiler alert, especially if you're a fan of Olivia Rodrigo. Follow Nicole @nic0lehan. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Find Our Playground on TikTok @ourplaygroundpod. Intro/Outro Music - Rose (Prod. by Lukrembo)

Today we are joined by Donne Roisin who is the founder of Female Startup Club, your hype girl, a podcast and all-in-one resource for female entrepreneurs. The podcast is ranked in the Top 1% of podcasts globally and recently ranked in the Top 10. In each episode, you get to meet one of the world's most successful female founders to hear their best advice and insight into building a brand. In this episode, Doone shares her story of how she got into the start-up and podcasting space and her gems for creating a business that speaks to you. Follow FSC on Instagram @femalestartupclub. Order Doone's book, YOUR HYPE GIRL HERE! Don't forget to follow, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Find Our Playground on TikTok @ourplaygroundpod. Intro/Outro Music - Rose (Prod. by Lukrembo)

Larz is the founder of #HalfTheStory, the first youth nonprofit with a mission to empower future generation's relationship with social media. She is also the former Director of Brand Marketing at Kin Euphorics (founded by Jen Batchelor and Bella Hadid by the way) and has been named one Business Insiders Rising Stars in Brand Marketing and dubbed Digital Wellness activist by Time, Forbes, Refinery29, Good Morning America, and NBC. In this episode, Larz shares her story battling depression, and how that led to #HalfTheStory, as well as her vision for a future of tech-life harmony. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Find Our Playground on TikTok @ourplaygroundpod. Intro/Outro Music - Rose (Prod. by Lukrembo)

Today we are joined by sustainability content creator Delilah Isabel. On her platform, you can find sustainability tips that are broken down into actionable items, the latest on our climate, ways we can be a part of the change, the coolest brands doing amazing things for the world, as well as ideas for human connection. She has also partnered with brands such as Grove Collaborative and the IPCC. Her feed is truly a burst of optimism and knowledge we all need. In our conversation, Delilah shares how she went from being against TikTok to realizing how much she enjoyed it and what she hopes to take into 2022. Connect with Delilah on Instagram and TikTok! If you resonate with this episode, be sure to follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Find Our Playground on TikTok @ourplaygroundpod. Intro/Outro Music - Rose (Prod. by Lukrembo)

Jules Acree is a wellness entrepreneur, founder of the lifestyle brand Om and The City, and certified yoga and mindfulness teacher based in Austin, Texas. Her content revolves around bringing wellness down to earth and helping her community simplify and find more joy in their daily lives. She is also the founder of Homebodies, a curated concept shop for sustainable goods from small businesses and brands that inspire joyful daily rituals and that "less but better" mindset. Today, Jules shares her tips for creating space to do things that matter to you, her journey as a wellness entrepreneur, and how she is tapping into her Korean roots. Find Jules on Instagram and Tiktok @julesacree. If you resonate with this episode, be sure to follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Find Our Playground on TikTok @ourplaygroundpod. Intro/Outro Music - Rose (Prod. by Lukrembo)

For the last episode of 2021, we have on Kate Williams who is the ice cream connoisseur behind Kate's Ice Cream. Based in Portland, Oregon, Kate's is vegan ice cream focused on elevating your favorite childhood flavors like Triple Chocolate Brownie and Salted Peanut Butter Brittle. They also collaborate with women and minority owned businesses as well as sourcing seasonal ingredients from local farmers in the PNW. In this episode, I got to chat with Kate about her journey creating her business and what goes into being an entrepreneur. If you are in the area go check them out! If you resonate with this episode, make sure to follow the show and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Connect with me @allyphann. Intro/Outro Music - Rose (Prod. by Lukrembo)

Today on the show, I am joined Mady Dewey who is one of the co-founders of Herd Social alongside Ali Howard. Herd a non-toxic social media space that was created so that users can connect with like-minded individuals and bring more inspiration into their lives all without the addictive features of most social platforms and the constant comparisons that come with the numbers and unrealistic beauty standards. In this episode, Mady shares the behind the scenes of building an app, how she finds balance between the startup world and her personal life, as well as what she has learned from this entrepreneurial journey. If you resonate with this episode, make sure to follow the show and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Find Our Playground on TikTok @ourplaygroundpod. Intro/Outro Music - Rose (Prod. by Lukrembo)

Kayla Vine is currently a student at Vanderbilt University, a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and the founder of Mighty Blendz. As a busy college student, she needed to find a way to have access to healthy food at all times. It's basically a smoothie powder packed with nutrients and complete with leafy greens, collagen protein, prebiotic fiber, and healthy fats that will actually keep you full! After all, food should make you feel mighty so that you can focus on being your best self. Kayla gives us an insight into how she started Mighty Blendz, what she has learned so far on this entrepreneurial journey, and her tips for balancing life as a busy student. Follow Mighty Blendz on Instagram @mightyblendz. If you resonate with this episode, make sure to follow the show and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Find Our Playground on TikTok @ourplaygroundpod. Intro/Outro Music - Rose (Prod. by Lukrembo)

Heather Hodge and Emily Kim are the co-founders of The Pastry Project, a social enterprise based in Seattle to make pastry education and careers more accessible. They partner with Seattle non-profits to find their students and lead them through a 14-week training on baking and pastry skills. In this episode, I got to talk to them about how they got started, the ins and outs of being in the baking and pastry industry as well as their advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. You can support them by making a donation or even purchasing their GoodyBox Membership or their Pastry Kit Subscription. If you resonate with this episode, make sure to follow the show and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Find Our Playground on TikTok @ourplaygroundpod. Intro/Outro Music - Rose (Prod. by Lukrembo)

This week, Jaylah joins the show to talk about our first impressions of each other, high school in a covid world, why we don't vibe with small-talk and plans after high school. We also share advice for navigating social life, healthy habits from journaling to creating a grounding morning and night routine. It's your late-night catch-up with the girls! If you resonate with this episode, make sure to follow the show and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! For more, follow Ally on TikTok @allyphann. Intro/Outro Music - Rose (Prod. by Lukrembo)

Today we are joined by a returning guest, Ayla! We caught up on all things school, a haunted maze, thinking about college. and our zodiac signs! For more, follow Ally on TikTok @allyphann. If you resonate with this episode, make sure to follow the show and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Intro/Outro Music - Rose (Prod. by Lukrembo)

Kyslee Greve is the mastermind behind Playground Active, a brand redefining activewear. After realizing how activewear was tied to working out and performance, she decided to create something for the everyday girl From going on your morning run to pairing it with your favorite denim, Kyslee also created Playground Active with sustainability in mind. Not only are they carbon neutral but they also partner with Trees For The Future where with every purchase a tree is planted in sub-Saharan Africa. In this episode, Kyslee shares how the idea came about and her biggest lessons as an entrepreneur. We also get into what goes into the entire brand from the design process to how a brand is considered sustainable. Check out their website and follow them on Instagram and Tiktok @playgroundactive. For more, follow Ally on TikTok @allyphann. If you resonate with this episode, make sure to follow the show and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Intro/Outro Music - Rose (Prod. by Lukrembo)

Gabby is the creative behind @gabrielasage on instagram and tiktok and is a Japanese-American sustainability advocate and mental health educator. Her outfits are so colorful and they really show that sustainability doesn't have to be boring. In this episode, I got to talk to her about her Japanese roots and how that influences her own style. We also got into her work as a mental health advocate and her insight on setting the tone for the next generation. See more of Gabby's work on Instagram and Tiktok @gabrielasage. Connect with me @allyphann on TikTok. Intro/Outro Music - Rose (Prod. by Lukrembo)

Abby and I talk about our lives now that school is starting, our thoughts on the Olympics, the positives and negatives of social media, and we also answer lots of questions! If you enjoy this conversation, then make sure you follow the show and take the time to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It truly helps us grow! Post a screenshot of you listening and post it on your socials and don't forget to tag me! Find Abby @ab.byadams on TikTok and Instagram! Connect with me @allyphann on TikTok and check out my linktree! Intro/Outro Music - Go by Ikson www.iksonmusic.com

I am sure when quarantine hit last March, we were all in the kitchen baking banana bread and finding the best chocolate chip cookie recipe. Today's guest turned this into her own baking business. Lara Adekoya, you may have heard of her as LA's cookie queen. After being furloughed from her job working at Nordstrom due to the pandemic, she took her passion for cooking and connection and started baking cookies, specifically sea salt chocolate chip, to deliver to friends around Los Angeles. Though what began as a way to bring a little more sweetness to these challenging times, her cookies quickly gained notice and in April of 2020, Lara created Fleurs et Sel, a local baking company that creates sweet treats in small batches. Some of the signature flavors include Brownie Noir Extreme to Oatmeal Raisin. She's hosted pop-ups and concept shops including at the Grove where she sold out in just two hours! And not only are her treats adored by celebrities but also by studios like Netflix and National Geographic. In this episode, Lara shares what it was like creating Fleurs et Sel and how she cultivates connection and relationships through baked goods! She also share's her gems for all entrepreneurs and culinary creatives out there. If you love the show then give us a follow and leave a review. Share the show on your socials. Love to see new listeners! Follow Fleurs et Sel on Instagram and check out their website! Connect with me on TikTok @allyphann. For more go to my linktr.ee/allyphan. Intro/Outro Music - Go by Ikson www.iksonmusic.com