RareMaven: The Podcast

RareMaven: The Podcast is back with a powerful new episode just in time for #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, featuring Nycole Key — Atlanta native, yoga instructor, therapist, and founder of @theexpressive_self.

✨

On this episode we have Troyonna Adams, Charlotte based Photographer and Founder of Zenith Creative Media (@zenithcreative.media). With over eight years of experience in the design & photography industries, Troyonna's passion for brand identity is contagious. Her goal is to make the design and photography processes as seamless as possible for her clients, taking the stress off their shoulders and delivering exceptional results every time. Troyonna shares why it's important to "absorb" creative content on the daily as creatives and her instant tips on stylizing branded photoshoots from the comfort of your home! To keep up with #RareMavenPodcast follow us @RareMavenMedia and like and share!

#RareMavenThePodcast is ALL NEW with Singer/Songwriter La Fleur!⠀La Fleur, formerly known as Keisha Marie, is a singer songwriter from Pittsburgh, PA. Now based in Los Angeles she prides herself on making music that is 100% true, healing, and otherworldly. “Song Therapy” officially started in 2018 when she got my first home studio set up from Guitar Center. ⠀⠀More over from her own artistry, She has even written songs for some heavy hitters in the music industry such as Macy Gray's “Undone”. ⠀⠀As an Independent underground artist, La Fleur plans on taking the world by storm and shes off to a “Crazy” start with her first 2 singles since her name change “Hurricane” and “Crazy Then” now available on all streaming platforms.⠀⠀Check out this episode as she shares her journey in becoming a singer/songwriter, the power of belief in your artistry, trademarking yourself as an #indieartist & what song therapy is truly all about! 

On this episode we have Chanel Dupree!Chanel Dupree is an award winning Screenwriter and Director based in NYC and Founder of Artistic Laughter production company. Chanel has written in several writers'rooms, including her web series, "Black Retail" that earned her "Best Web Series" & "Best Comedy". Her second film “Next Stop” earned her “Best Female Director” and screened in over eleven festivals.She's a winner of Spec that Scene, a finalist for Women Write Now, finalist of BLACK BOY/GIRL WRITES MEDIA and A fellow of BRIC's Screenwriters Lab.In her latest documentary film, “You Think You Grown,” Chanel provides a deep scope into the adultification of Black girls and the impact on their lives through time. #blackwomenowned #businesspodcast

We're celebrating #BlackMusicMonth this June on #RareMavenPodcast w/Performing Artist @ashleyyymusic !!!With over 150 live performances, AshleYYY is a seasoned performer, harnessing a voice that seizes hearts and stages alike. But her skill-set extends beyond vocals. AshleYYY is a triple threat, penning lyrics that resonate deep and choreography that ignites. On this episode we'll hear all about AshleYYY's musical journey from her start in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Atlanta where she's dedicating her craft to performing arts & music!Tune in for AshleYYY's tips on creating an indie album, creating multiple streams off of your creative talents + MORE! @raremavenmedia 

Cylla Senii, P.G.A., is the owner of Featherstone Entertainment, LLC. and an award-winning artist who shines both on and off screen as an actress, producer, director, and writer. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Her digital series “SITUATIONSHIPS”, was written, directed, produced, and starred in by Cylla and made its first debut on BET Digital NOW Cylla is currently in development for even more TV series & feature films under her company ⠀ ⠀ On this episode of the podcast we hear all about Cylla's journey in entertainment, her relentless spirit in producing series and films and what it takes to develop + pitch your own! ⠀

On this episode of the podcast host Kareemah speaks with Moon Lee Ferguson. Moon is an award-winning filmmaker + founder of Filled with Magic Productions. She is known for her award-winning fantasy series, Juju. Some of her past work includes Street Food on Netflix, Family Karma on Bravo, and the Emmy-nominated docu-series The 1619 Project on Hulu. Moon's most recent work includes her horror anthology series, Criblore, A Horror Anthology + she's currently in post-production for her film, Skettel - a coming-of-age story about a first-generation Jamaican American mother working as a bottle girl to care for her special needs child.

Guest Farah Severin joins us on this episode of the podcast. Farah, the founder of Kreyol Soul Pieces, embarked on a self-taught jewelry design journey in 2012. Inspired by embracing her natural hair and seeking confidence through bold earrings, she transitioned from personal crafting to launching an online jewelry business. Paying homage to her Haitian roots, “Kreyol” signifies her heritage passed down by her mother and grandmother. Each meticulously handcrafted piece, by Farah or skilled artisans, radiates timeless beauty and cultural pride—inviting wearers to embrace heritage and craftsmanship for years to come.

On this episode of the podcast RareMaven host Kareemah chats with R&B/Pop Artist Ame'.

Diva Dionne is an Essence Bestselling Author, Singer, Poet & Owner of Character Hollywood who is releasing a new self-published book called, “You Better Got Your Dream.” The book centers around women discovering their creative power as a force to empower them & embrace what life has in store through the acts of journaling and reciting affirmations. She wants women to release what has been holding them back, be bold and pursue their undeveloped dreams. In this episode, we discuss why the book is so vital in creating this way of life for women and how her work in the arts has shaped the way she inspires and creates her own signature life.

Analisa Wade is the Founder & Chief Creative Officer of Asilana Marketing & Events an agency that focuses on creating content & strategies in marketing and branding for businesses & entrepreneurs such as logos, web design, re-branding and event planning. In this episode, host Kareemah Muhammad and Analisa chat about Analisa’s journey in entrepreneurship from age seven to working in corporate at Macy’s & international law firm Kirkland & Ellis LLP where she transferred her skills to launch the AME Agency. Plus, Analisa shares why it’s important to show up as your authentic self when it comes to your life and business in order to embrace true happiness.

K. Marie is an award-winning lifestyle and commercial photographer who produces beautiful imagery of women of color in all our glory & essence! She is also the owner of ESSENTIALS by K. Marie a luxury aromatherapy brand and Co-Founder of BRWN GIRL TALK, a community and safe space for healing and celebration for black women rooted in the south. Through her work she is committed to the empowerment, self-care & wellness of black women. Join us as we discuss self-love among black women and the power we have in putting ourselves first, living unapologetically and how to capture images that reflect our true hues, tones & beauty.

Danielle Martin is an Accredited Small Business Consultant who runs Smart Solution Consulting, launched in 2017 for small business owners which now includes The Smart Business Consultant for business owners who seek to connect virtually. She’s worked with over 400 businesses, ranging from funeral homes to construction where she has helped them build strategies, marketing solutions and obtain over $3 Million in funding within the last 3 years alone! In this episode we chat all about Danielle’s journey in launching and scaling her business, what it takes to launch a new business & how to secure funding! If you want your one-stop shop for launching & scaling your business Danielle Martin is your girl!

Jackie Clarke is a Creative Communications Publicist and Founder and CEO of The Well Connected @WellConnectedTO, a creative communications agency that supports entrepreneurs, start-ups, and businesses in acquiring sponsorships, event management, brand activations and influencer management. In addition, under her Well Design brand, she creates visual aid tools including pitch decks, wrap reports and EPKs to market brands. In this episode, Jackie shares her journey in leaving her corporate role to take a chance on herself as an entrepreneur in public relations after proving she had the creativity and ingenuity to do so. She tackles the importance of trusting in yourself and your brand, immersing yourself in your work and why it’s important to “just keep swimming.”

Octavia Gilmore, a.k.a The Millennial CEO, is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Creative Juice, LLC. a creative design, marketing and branding agency with clients including The Home Depot, Cox Enterprises, Medtronic and Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. She is also the owner of Midnight Wave a swimwear and fitness line. On this episode we chat about how Octavia launched Creative Juice after a year working in corporate and why being raised within a creative family sparked her passion to become a creativepreneur. And we hear what it takes to build a marketing & branding business, why it’s important to re-invest into your brand and the importance of being a lifetime learner in your craft.

Brandee Byrd is a Designer with her brand, Brandee Byrd Interiors where she provides interior design with a customer centric focus. From creating e-designs to sourcing custom home pieces, Brandee ensures each of her clients unique needs are met based on what supports their lifestyles. She’s always had a love for design whether it was transforming her personal space or designing for friends and family. And in 2016 she made the leap to launch her business after being laid off where she decided to follow her true passion in design.

Carrie Anderson is the co-founder of #Macscientists, a platform dedicated to providing insights through educational content on what it’s like to work in STEM. Each of the four founders of #Macscientists represent one area of STEM, with Carrie representing technology. In this episode, we hear all about how #Macscientists seek to empower the current & next generation of black women in STEM and how Carrie’s personal journey working in tech has been one where she lives on her own terms & makes an impact on her community.

Quiana Darden is a freelance writer who discovered a way to replace her full time job in education after 6 months of launching her writing business. Now, not only does Quiana work part time making a full time earning in writing, she’s created the Write For Profit program, teaching current and aspiring writers how they can do the same! She teaches writers how to pitch, find a niche & build proper systems that drive and scale their businesses! She believes in defining what freedom is to her, living it & helping others do the same.

Erica Johnson is the CEO & Creative Director of E-Partners Marketing Inc. Her work includes marketing, design, public relations & brand strategy to guide entrepreneurs in attracting their key customers. She also has a podcast called, “The Content Cure.co” where she covers topics from social media to blogging, addressing key issues entrepreneurs have when it comes to creating content. Plus, Erica shares all about not giving up on yourself & why 2020 was her best year yet in business!

On our final episode of Season 1 of RareMaven: The Podcast we are thrilled to have Gabriella Layne-Avery, Founder of Strut Communications, LLC.! Gabriella lives, breathes & helps women & minority owned businesses "strut to success" in content marketing & PR. ⠀ ⠀ In this episode we learn about why we must pivot in what we do & how aunthentic content and signature PR strategies can move your brand forward no matter what you dream to do!⠀ ⠀ To keep up with the podcast subscribe to our podcast & follow us @raremavenmedia on IG for updates! ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #raremaven #girlboss #contentmarketing #pivot #struttosuccess #blackwomeninbusiness #femaleempowerment #PR #businessstrategy #beyourownboss

Janice Miyoshi Days is the Founder of Hate The Dot, a wellness company that is turning menstrual cycles into self care rituals! Janice is on a mission to educate and empower women about how we can be more in tune with our bodies & why it connects to our overall physical, emotional, spiritual & mental well-being. In 2021, Hate The Dot is launching their subscription service where each month customers will receive carefully selected feminine and self care products to ensure each period is an experience of rest, relaxation & recharging. Janice is committed to women’s health & well-being, especially black women and she advocates for us to have access to feminine care products & for our voices to be heard when it comes to our health because it is a need and it’s our right.

Faith is the author of A Word to the Wise: Lessons I Learned at 22, a book dedicated to helping young women conquer life after graduation. She uses the book’s social media platform, @awordtothewisebook, to expound on topics in her book and continue to share wisdom to help women in their 20’s. Faith serves as an in-house production editor for LifeWay Christian Resources and does freelance work as well. When she is not working with words or dancing, Faith enjoys attending sporting events and volunteering in her local church. To learn more about Faith, visit www.yvonnefaithrussell.com

Esi Gillo is the Co-Founder of DIFFvelopment and she is all about building generational wealth, starting with the youth in mind.⠀ ⠀ On this episode we chat all about Esi's passion in providing resources and financial education for college students in becoming entrepreneurs & building healthy money habits. Also, we hear how she came to learn about the realities of employment discrimination among black people in America & why entreneurship is key for us to have true upward mobility.⠀ ⠀ To keep up with the podcast follow us @raremavenmedia & be sure to like, share & comment! #raremaven #blackentrepreneurs #blackwomeninbusiness

Jendayi Jackson is the CEO & Founder of Jendayi Asha Creative & Honey Social Co. Her work includes photography, brand strategy & design for businesses and brands. From the corporate world to a complete boss, Jendayi creates signature content for her clients that’s beautiful, polished and purposeful. Her brand Honey Social Co. provides stock imagery primarily for black women owned brands, that she says gives, “honey, brown sugar and cinnamon for the soul.” Jendayi encourages spiritual grounding & her love for the arts & culture fill her with constant inspiration to keep creating & empower the masses.

Elizabeth A. Strickland, M.A. is a speaker, business coach and CEO & Founder of a non-profit 501c(3) organization, Women Anointed to Lead in the Kingdom, also known as W.A.L.K., Inc. Hailing from Chicago, IL, Elizabeth is determined to walk in purpose and pursue her passions. Elizabeth specializes in teaching women how to discover their purpose by taking a strategic Christ-centered approach. She is passionate about the leadership development of women in various leadership capacities and enjoys working with emerging female leaders.

Koereyelle is a former educator who managed to turn her $32K teaching salary into a six-figure brand. She’s the Founder of WERK University – the First Black-Woman-Owned trade school for women of color. It’s program shows students how to start a new stream using their existing skills. At Werk University the mission is to connect women of color with the resources they need so they can save themselves, stop living paycheck to paycheck and make impact on the world.

Ferriss Mason is the Founder and CEO of Come Up Markets aka Come Up LA. Come Up LA is a monthly marketplace for focused on local Black owned brands, businesses, creatives and entrepreneurs. The collective goal of Come Up Markets is to harness our shared spending power and work communally to achieve this. Doing so in a supportive and organized fashion so as to affect and effect change and create active socio-economic transformation, while working towards creating generational wealth within our community.

Allison Retina Stewart is a creative entrepreneur, Parsons School of Design honor Alumni and New York City transplant from Houston, Texas; currently working in Media. Her background includes Creative Direction, Branding, and Visual Content Development for elite media and sports brands including Nike, Jordan, NBA, Refinery29, Fightball, and Glossier amongst others. Allison founded Free Juice as a platform for like-minded individuals, who are established or aspiring entrepreneurs, to connect and share ideas and resources. Her goal is to create a space that facilitates building a strong, diverse network in conjunction with providing knowledge on building an independent business.

Tiffany Drysdale-Lombardo is the founder and CEO of Knotty NYC, a luxury mobile beauty bar based in NYC. As seen in Refinery29, The Zoe Report and Squarespace, Knotty NYC is an innovative niche beauty brand offering at-home hair, nails, and makeup services. After you book an appointment, they send a professionally trained and licensed beauty pro to your front door! What makes the brand unique are the services catering to the needs of women of color! They focus on offering natural hairstyling options like box braids, faux locs, and feed-in cornrows. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Tiffany identified a gap in the beauty space, and her idea for the brand grew out of her own need for mobile beauty services.

D’Shonda Brown is a Publicist, Writer, Mental Health Advocate and the Founder of Gold Blooded Communications. D’Shonda started out from humble beginnings in Brooklyn, NY where she was engulfed in the arts, culture and community. After graduating college, D’Shonda launched Gold Blooded Communications upon realizing that she had acquired all she needed to build her own empire. The goal of her company is to promote an understanding and highlight positive representations of millennial artists of color in music, entertainment and lifestyle brands. Some of her clients include rapper Mulatto from the hit series the rap game, reality star Chinese Kitty and one of our beloved RareMavens, Alechia Reese. D’Shonda also has her own blog called, “Signed, Shonda,” and she’s a freelance writer for publications including Blavity, XO Necole and Hello Beautiful. In 2019, she became Mental Health First Aid Certified for adults and children, and graduated from the Advocacy Ambassador Program by National Alliance on Mental Illness. She says, she wants people to think of her as “the bestie that they feel like they have when they can’t talk to other people.”

On this episode of "RareMaven: The Podcast," we have Glenda Lezeau who is an Author, Mental Wellness Advocate and Founder of “Rising From Bipolar.”⠀ ⠀ Rising From Bipolar is Glenda’s brand that she started to educate and empower others about Mental Health & Wellness. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Glenda made this her mission after enduring a mental breakdown in 2011 where she was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Since then, Glenda has written articles on mental wellness and her own journey. She also recently hosted her first ever virtual mental wellness retreat called, "Mentally Rejuvenate." ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Plus, Glenda released her first book this year called, “Letters to My Bipolar Self.” In the book, Glenda shares her mental health & wellness journey while intertwining a series of letters to herself as a form self-love.⠀ ⠀ ⠀

Lindsey Walker is the CEO & Founder of Walker + Associates Media Group, a boutique public relations agency specializing in media relations and event coordination for brands in entertainment, beauty and lifestyle. Since starting her agency out of college, Lindsey has established herself as an expert in PR working with brands including BET, Interscope Records and FX Networks to name a few. Walker is also the Author of “Thriving Through The Storm: How To Survive Life’s Lowest Moments.” Walker wrote this book after being a stage four cancer survivor, healing in 6 months! Lindsey wrote the book as a way to guide women on how to endure and find the strength to overcome any challenge they may face. Walker is also the Founder of PR Girls Do It Better, making it her mission to help women in PR + Business thrive and feel empowered.

Tanisha Colon-Bibb is the Founder & Principal Publicist of Rebelle Agency (@rebelleagency), a full service communications agency that provides services including public relations, advertising, event management, integrated marketing and more. Tanisha embarked upon her journey in entrepreneurship after being let go from a role in 2012 but it wasn’t until 2018 that she let go and put all her faith into her business. Since then, she hasn’t looked back. Tanisha works with clients including Elle Varner and Hamilton Park and prides herself on opening her headquarters in her hometown of Harlem. One of her inspirations is celebrating all the wins both big and small from the women in her life. To keep up with the podcast and all things RareMaven, visit us at www.raremaven.media

Christa Aiken is the Founder & CEO of Sapphire Vision, LLC. (@sapphirevisionllc). Sapphire Vision, LLC. is an operations firm where Christa helps her clients, primarily in the creative industries, develop a strong and efficient administrative structure so they can scale and have ample opportunity to create. Christa sought this venture after working in media production for 10 years & noticing that with her expertise in assistant directing and coordinating for film & television, she could help other creatives produce work to catapult them. Christa prides herself on being a phenomenal woman and entrepreneur as her aunt was. She knows from seeing her excel and build a community around her work that she’d do the same. Now, Christa works with other women of color who are creative entrepreneurs to provide opportunities to connect, inspire and support one another. To keep up with the podcast you can subscribe or follow us on Instagram @raremavenmedia

Avery Jones is the Creator & Concept Engineer of AblazePR, LLC. (@ablazepr). At AblazePR, Avery merges her expertise in public relations and event management to offer her clients an array of services to enhance their brands. From media relations and graphic design to event design, staffing and event management, Avery believes that each brand or event has a story to tell. Avery has worked on events including The BET Live Experience, The 2019 NBA All Star Game and the 2017 Women's March in Washington D.C. which gave her the vision to expand her efforts further than she could imagine.

Akia Williams is the Owner of Akia Nicole (@akianicole), a fashion brand with made to order designs that are vibrant, feminine and perfect for any island getaway. Her collection includes uniquely designed kaftans and kimonos. As an avid traveler, Akia found it difficult to find clothes that represented her style. She used her experience in the fashion industry and sowing skills to launch her brand that inspires women of color to slay their vacay and cherish each signature piece for a lifetime.

Kyla & Mecca are the Owners of Melanin and Magic Productions (@melaninandmagicproductions). Their mission is to encourage the flourishing of creativity from black women all across the world by helping them to expand their platform while ultimately influencing more positive change in the world. They’ve produced a web series, “Finding Our Way,” “The Way Out,” a short film and their most recent project, “The Black Banshee.” They want black women at the forefront when it comes to content creation and representation.

Diva Green is the Creator of I Got Your Black (@igotyourblack_). I Got Your Black is a Pan-African travel guide to global black culture and black businesses around the world. Diva is on a mission to connect, excite and empower black people throughout the diaspora & embrace both our similarities and differences. After traveling to Europe and seeing all the racial injustices upon arriving to the U.S. in 2014, Diva knew it was within her purpose to find a solution. She's already created a travel guide to Cuba and an Afro-Latin travel guide for NYC. Diva is just getting started and has her sights on strengthening & promoting black culture one destination at a time.

Britney Porter (@hellobritneyinfo) is a brand and business consultant and Founder of the N3xtexperiment (@n3xtexperiment). Britney merges her knowledge in finance, business, tech and legal to come up with creative strategies for businesses and brands. She is adamant about supporting businesses led by black women and has a firm belief in utilizing economic development for true upward mobility in our culture. Britney understands the power of economics as a source of self-actualization. She wants us to know that creativity is a key component to success!

Tamika Harden is the owner of Body By Tamika (@bodybytamika) where she empowers women & men to transform their lives not only through fitness, she focuses on building their self-esteem, health & wellness and advocates for safe cosmetic procedures. Tamika is also very passionate about supporting at-risk youth and has mentored countless of them in her community. One of her dreams was to become a foster care parent and in 2013 she did so. In fact, two of her greatest inspirations come from the two boys that she has now adopted. She wants to continue to be that example of success & strength for them. Please like, share and comment about what you think of this episode. To keep up with RareMaven: The Podcast follow us @raremavenmedia on IG.

This week on the podcast we have Alicia & Paris, Owners of BK Yoga Club (@bkyogaclub). The yoga club is in Brooklyn, NY and is where Alicia & Paris foster community and promote self-confidence through the art & practice of yoga. Within a year of meeting each other, Paris & Alicia opened BK Yoga Club where they have yoga classes, host events and build community partnerships. In December 2019 alone, the two raised $30,000 dollars in 29 days to support all of their efforts! All this they coin to the power of faith and trusting in one another. To keep up with all things RareMaven visit us at www.raremaven.media

On this week's episode we have Desiree Booker Owner of ColorVizion Lab. Desiree is a career strategist for mid level professionals who makes it her mission to support people of color who may find it challenging to grow professionally & acknowledges the importance of their representation as leaders and executives within their industries. Starting as a recruiter for major companies like BET Networks and NBCUniversal Desiree catapulted her own business as a career strategist after being let go from a toxic work environment & it was after this that she realized what truly served her & now she’s on a mission to share it with others. To keep up with all things RareMaven visit us a www.raremaven.media

Calisa Cole (@realtorms.cole) is a Realtor and Real Estate Agent from New Haven, CT who helps her clients buy, sell and rent residential properties. Calisa always wanted to work in real estate and after having a thriving entrepreneurial career as a hairstylist, Calisa knew she had to fully live out her passion. Now, Calisa has created a new brand name for herself, coining the name "Realtor Ms. Cole." With her expertise, she wants to help educate women and those from poverty stricken communities about real estate and how it can change their lives for the better. To learn more about RareMaven: The Podcast please visit our website at www.raremaven.media. You can also find us on Instagram @raremavenmedia.

On this episode we have Dominique Shabazz, Head Baker & Decorator at Grandma’s Hat Box Bakery (@grandmashatboxbakery ) Dominique creates her business as a way to pay homage to her grandmother who taught her how to bake as a young girl. Now, Dominique makes decorative cakes and treats in doing so taught herself how to decorate making fabulous insta-worthy designs! Dominique prides herself on putting self-care at the forefront of all she does and wants other business owners to know that they must always practice when it comes to their craft. Keep up with all the podcast episodes @raremavenmedia and by checking out our website www.raremaven.media. Also, please let us know what you think & don’t forget to hit Subscribe! #raremavenmedia

Tianna Ottley is the Owner of Chef RoyalTee Catering & Events (@chefroyalteecaters) a full service catering company that connects through cuisine and is all about empowering women of color. Tianna is a firm believer in receiving knowledge to elevate as an entrepreneur and the art of perfecting your craft. She knew from a very young age that she wanted to become a chef and upon graduating from culinary school she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. Tianna is passionate about supporting women of color, her community and leaving a legacy for her daughter who inspires her through it all.

Braisha Owens (@kissedbybo) - Designer of wearable arts and stylist for all from the social misfits to the ultra-conservative, SHE IS a model, creative visionary and entrepreneur. A dream promoter in her own right, She is DETERMINED to follow her dreams. She created the vision behind Kissed by BO in 2013 and since then has developed custom denim wear, produced numerous fashion shows and hosts "style parties" for clients. In addition, Braisha is the Founder of The Paper Bag Chronicles (@thepaperbagchronicles_) where she helps women uncover their self-confidence & beauty within by hosting self-love photoshoots and CONFIDENCE fashion shows. How you may ask? Simply by styling a paper bag. To learn more about Braisha visit www.kissedbybo.me To learn more about RareMaven: The Podcast, check out www.raremaven.media

Lily Doxy started The Eve Brand (@theevebrand_) in 2018. As a Marketer for a Fortune 500 Company, Lily worked with many different companies and people seeking sponsorship. She saw a need for assistance as many people had no idea what companies like hers were looking for when seeking sponsorship. She quickly realized many small business owners were missing out on potential sponsorship dollars because they did not know how to properly present themselves. Lily is no stranger to hard work and entrepreneurship. She is the child of Haitian immigrants who were entrepreneurs since before she was born. Her father has been a serial entrepreneur since 1983 and she learned quickly that it is possible for you to garner success by running your own business and following your passion. As a Fortune 500 Marketer, she has used her education and real-world experience to create The Eve Brand. To date, she has assisted her clients to obtain sponsorship from Verizon, Google, and Black Enterprise to name a few. To learn more about "RareMaven: The Podcast" visit us at www.raremaven.media/podcast

Alechia Reese (@alechiareese) is equal parts warm tea and Hennessy, the Chief Brand Strategist of 360 Gateway Brands, author of the award-winning book, Eating Elephants, and the director of PR & creative marketing of Soledad O'Brien's PowHERful Foundation. Alechia is the recipient of the Woman of Power award presented by Bank of America and NABA NYC. She is the former strategic marketing director of Disney star, Zendaya Coleman’s fashion line, Daya by Zendaya and transformed her life from a domestic violence victim to thriver. She specializes in brand identity, strategic marketing, public relations, and execution. A media personality and certified professional international speaker, her skilled, fun and energetic speaking style has afforded her the opportunity to partner with and speak for a myriad of organizations from the entertainment stage to the corporate boardroom including Progressive, UPS, BET, the Miami Marlins, Grey Goose, Vogue Italia, Verizon, and others. She also co-founded The STEAM Up Initiative to cultivate the STEM learning experience for marginalized, inner-city youth and believes beyond empowerment it is necessary to properly equip all people to succeed.

Keshia Rice (@keshiarice) is a dating coach & Founder of the Cherished Method where she coaches women on attracting “Cherished Love” by first looking within and changing their mindset to heal from the past. She also helps women discover what she calls their “Feminine Charm” in order to increase their self-confidence and create a life of their dreams. Keshia is a 2 time Emmy Award winning journalist who turned her experiences and challenges in dealing with toxic relationships to coach women from all walks of of life. She refers to her work as a ministry that was within her from early on.

On this episode we speak with Chioma & Uchenna Ngwudo, Owners of Cee Cee’s Closet NYC. These two sisters share their journey about how the beauty of West African culture and style inspired to design and sell beautiful headwraps, clothing and accessories. Their bold prints and handmade pieces are crafted by women in Nigeria and is a source of inspiration for the sisters and connects to their mission in building black wealth. Their pieces have been sold throughout the world and featured in major publications such as Essence and BuzzFeed and they’re just getting started!