SweetTalks

Emotions have been at an all-time high the last few days. I want to acknowledge that this particular #SweetTalks episode was recorded in regards to COVID-19, prior to the most recent killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and the protests and other demonstrations of pain across our nation and the world. We are facing and have been facing one pandemic for much longer than the most recent, but both are still ravaging through the black community. RACISM and COVID. This particular episode highlights my personal perspective of recognizing that time is precious and when faced with new trauma, we are all entitled to react differently and in our own way. I almost hesitated in sharing this episode because it does not truly embody the anger, hurt, pain, fear and sadness that I have felt even more so in the last week versus the last few months. I almost hesitated in sharing this episode because it was initially meant to announce how excited I was to share with my listeners some good news about launching my own business as BLACK woman and the purpose behind it. Almost. If there is one thing that I have learned and seen with my very own eyes as of lately, it’s that we as a people are strong and able to push forward during uncertain times. We have the power to fight for what is right and to do it with a smile on our face in joy in our hearts despite the pain that in inflicted on us daily. We have the right to be happy and enjoy this God-given life as much as the next. I say that to say, yes recognize those feelings, do your part, do what’s right, but don’t let the evil of this world steal your moments, your happiness, your prosperity as you push forward to the prize and purpose that awaits you. What now?

This episode of the #SweetTalks “What Now” mini-series features Yoga Therapist and Founder of BareSOUL Yoga, Ashley Williams. Ashley is an advocate for self-care, social justice and community building that bridges yoga, mindfulness and trauma-informed initiatives in a wide range of local/state government agencies, universities and community organizations. She is full of inspiration and light, and uses her time and efforts to create spaces for people to be empowered and healed. Ashley’s intention is to provide a safe, alignment and somatic-based class that guides individuals through all levels of their being by offering tools to ignite and empower them to their most authentic, balanced self. Tune in to hear her break down how shifts in our lives are occurring right before our eyes during COVID-19 as she shares with us some ways to manage through self-care. “Self-care is a routine and daily journey of intentional living and being mindful about your physical state as well as your mental and emotional well-being.” - Ashley Not to mention we talk about some go to desserts we’ve been having during quarantine. Yum! Tune in now.

This episode of the #SweetTalks “What Now” mini-series features serial entrepreneur, brand strategist and founder of the Power Collective, Kyshira Moffett. Kyshira is also a member of the Forbes Coaches Council and is the Pittsburgh Grow with Google Digital Coach. Join us as we talk “business” during COVID and how she has been able to remain successful and find some unique and rewarding collaborations! Also, Kyshira shares some valuable insight on ways to stay relevant using digital platforms and tactics for entrepreneurs. Listen up as she stresses the importance of seizing the opportunity, rather than letting it just go by and instead encourage yourself to change things up a bit or take on something new during these unforeseen times. “Now is huge opportunity for a new era of influencers, a new era of leaders, coaches, consultants, business owners in general to rise up.” - Kyshira Not to mention we talk about what our go to desserts and snacks have been during quarantine. This is a good one! Tune in now.

This episode is the intro to the #SweetTalks “What Now?” mini-series! As you know, we are facing some challenging and unforeseen times and I wanted to create space to think through what now? I have invited some very special ladies to be a part of the conversation and cannot wait for you to listen to them gems they drop for you over the next few weeks! Check it out!

This #SweetTalks episode features Jay Ell Alexander, CEO of Black Girls Run. Tune in to hear Jay Ell share many personal and professional experiences as a PR professional, becoming a CEO, and now a new mother. Jay Ell speaks on the ups and downs of an everyday life scenario and how she stresses the importance of planning and being mindful of your time when working behind the scenes! This episode was sponsored by Cupcake Vineyards and the dessert featured is an interesting pie choice from Proper Pie Co. in Richmond. Also, Make sure to hang back at the end to enjoy a one-minute mediation from Ashley Williams, Founder of BareSOUL Yoga!

This #SweetTalks episode recognizes how getting to know yourself can be self-care. What are your beliefs? Values? Likes? Dislikes? What do your close friends and family think about you? All of these things are valuable to know in helping you to grow and become more aware of the person you are, often noticing things that you may need to work on or change to be the best you. Tune in to hear some exercises you can do or questions you can ask to do just that. It may not always be easy, but let me show you “how getting to know yourself can is self-care.” This episode was sponsored by Cupcake Vineyards and the dessert featured is a delicious treat or snack you can make at home. Make sure to hang back at the end to enjoy a one-minute mediation from Ashley Williams, Founder of BareSOUL Yoga!

This #SweetTalks LIVE episode recorded at Gelati Celesti of Scott’s Addition in Richmond, VA features Shayla Varnado, Founder of Black Girls Wine. Tune in to hear Shayla share why she felt the need to create the Black Girls Wine society, which is ultimately a brand and community that offers experiences for black women. Listen as she shares the accomplishment and challenges with leading this venture as well as some ways she seeks self-care through all of the busy moments. Shayla is a connector and she knows what she’s doing, so take a listen and see “the beauty of community and connection.” This episode was sponsored by Cupcake Vineyards and the desserts featured were from Gelati Celesti in Scott’s Addition RVA. Also, Make sure to hang back at the end to enjoy a one-minute mediation from Ashley Williams, Founder of BareSOUL Yoga!

This #SweetTalks episode talks about the importance of de-cluttering your space. If you are anything like me, you have too much going on sometimes and hold on to things in life that you need to just get rid of altogether. Being cluttered can really take a toll on you mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. Tune in to listen as I share with you 4 ways to “de-clutter your space!” This episode was sponsored by Cupcake Vineyards and the desserts featured were from the Treat Shop RVA. Make sure to hang back at the end to enjoy a one-minute mediation from Ashley Williams, Founder of BareSOUL Yoga!

This #SweetTalks episode features Stacy Hawkins Adams, Author and Publisher of 11 books of fiction and nonfiction that have been featured nationwide. Tune in to hear Stacy share many personal and professional tips about her journey as a journalist and author over the years. She also shares with listeners the pros and cons of it all, as well as speaks about the publishing process. If you are interested in writing your own book, this is the episode to listen to…Stacy truly inspires us to “do what works for you and write that book.” This episode was sponsored by Cupcake Vineyards and the dessert featured is more of an interesting combination of flavors.

This #SweetTalks episode walks you through my Ask, Seek, Knock rule. Based off of biblical scripture (Matthew 7:7), I live by this is every situation of life, helping me to reach goals and achieve dreams I never thought were possible or even imagined. Tune in to here just how it’s worked for me and how it can work for you too. This episode was sponsored by Cupcake Vineyards and the dessert featured is something tasty you can find at your local grocery store. Also, Make sure to hang back at the end to enjoy a one-minute mediation from Ashley Williams, Founder of BareSOUL Yoga!

This #SweetTalks LIVE episode recorded at Urban Hang Suite in Richmond, VA features Monica Wilson, Creator and Founder of Oath and Aura, a non-toxic skincare line. Tune in to hear Monica share how she started her own business and created her own skin care products at home. Listen as she shares the ups and downs of her journey, as well as why it’s okay to change it up and just how she discovered who she was by stepping out on faith and not listening to everyone around her. Her genuine spirit is evident in the advice she shares in regards to steps one should take before making such a risky decision, but ultimately you must “Live the life that you want!” This episode was sponsored by Cupcake Vineyards and the dessert drinks featured were from the Urban Hang Suite in RVA. Also, Make sure to hang back at the end to enjoy a one-minute mediation from Ashley Williams, Founder of BareSOUL Yoga!

This #SweetTalks episode recognizes the importance of giving yourself grace, especially in the moments when we are too hard on ourselves and begin to make unnecessary comparisons. Take a listen as I share with you three important things to remember and encourage you to “Chill, give yourself grace.” This episode was sponsored by Cupcake Vineyards and the dessert featured was from a local favorite ice cream shop, Scoop right here in Richmond, VA. Also, Make sure to hang back at the end to enjoy a one-minute mediation from Ashley Williams, Founder of BareSOUL Yoga!

Season 3 of #SweetTalks sponsored by Cupcake Vineyards is officially here, starting off with this VERY LONG OVERDUE intro episode! Take a listen to why a much-needed break was needed after last year’s live podcast in Richmond, VA and what “making necessary sacrifices” for YOU can do in your life! I love sharing with you my personal journey and hope you walk away having hear something that inspires you to take action towards your dreams and life's work.

This #SweetTalks episode features Rakia Rolle, Creator and Founder of Key to Curls. Tune in to hear Rakia share how she turned her personal passion for DIY projects and crafting up her own deep conditioners in the kitchen into a real “do it yourself” mentality by creating her very own hair care line! Rakia shares the story of how after much prayer, she stepped out on faith and turned her passion into a thriving and fulfilling full-time career. Her genuine spirit is evident in the advice she shares in regards to steps one should take before making such a risky decision. At the end of the day, one must “do it yourself”… “You constantly have to remind yourself…that we all have something to offer…” -Rakia Rolle Don’t forget to get your tickets to the #SweetTalks Live Retreat here in #RVA on Saturday, April 13th! Just go to sweettalkspodcast.com/liveretreat. See you there! This episode’s official Sweet Sponsor was Red Eye Cookie Co. and I featured the last two cookies in the box…Tune in to hear my total Red Eye experience.

This #SweetTalks episode features Breanna Aponte, Founder of Shameless LLC, CEO of Shameless Ladies (non-profit), Co-owner of All About It LLC Social Media Management and Consulting, and has a YouTube and Couples Brand called “Worth Thee Wait” (Waiting for Marriage). Tune in to hear Breanna share how she found her purpose through her unconventional journey and life decisions, that had many family and friend questioning her, but how her personal growth stems from her faith and relationship with God. Her incredible story is definitely one you want to hear and many of us can relate to… She learned to say no to many things in life, and now she has room for all of the blessings she’s receiving. “I said no to college, I said no to the (Cleveland) Cavaliers, and I kind of just quit everything…” -Breanna A. Don’t forget to get your tickets to the #SweetTalks Live Retreat here in #RVA on Saturday, April 13th! Just go to sweettalkspodcast.com/liveretreat. See you there! This episode’s official Sweet Sponsor was Red Eye Cookie Co. and I featured the next two cookies in the box…there will be two more on the next episode as well! Tune in to hear my total Red Eye experience.

This #SweetTalks episode features Jasmine Betts, Host of the Melanin Uncorked Podcast, a podcast that pairs wine and authentic conversations about all things Melanin! Tune in to hear us talk about the many ways as an entrepreneur, we find ourselves juggling not only a full-time job, but side jobs, involvement in the community, and even for her, being a mom. Jazz is authentic in being herself, figuring it all out along the way, and shares some tips on how she keeps it all together. She proclaims herself as a “Natural Born Hustla” and totally lives up to the hype! “You’ve got to live truth to yourself…” -Jazz B. Don’t forget to stay tuned for the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT at the end of the episode. I have been cooking up some things for my listeners in the #RVA area, so listen up! You DON’T WANT TO MISS IT! This episode’s official Sweet Sponsor was Red Eye Cookie Co. and I featured a few of their classics, just for starters…there will be more! Tune in to here my total Red Eye experience.

Happy 1 year Anniversary #SweetTalks! Wow, I can’t believe it’s been one year…Join me in this celebration episode as I touch on how I recently had to “hit the off button” in order to gain some control in my life. Let me share with you the many unconventional ways I created, loosened, and pinpointed where I needed control in order to refocus for the future. Don’t underestimate hitting the off button…I may just convince you to do it yourself!

This #SweetTalks episode features Yasmine Salem Hamdan, attorney, advocate, advisor and founder of YSH Law Firm, a law firm that offers Business Development and Trademark Protection Services that help you build and grow a thriving business, all while taking protective and preventative measures to shield yourself, your family, and your future from liability and financial uncertainty. Tune in to hear us dive into the value and importance of protecting your brand and the things you should know to do so. Yasmine is a genuine and honest attorney whose passion is to help young entrepreneurs, so make sure to get your pen and paper to take notes because she is dropping gems all episode long! By the end of the episode, you’ll be ready to begin the process of protecting yourself and your brand! One of my favorite things she said was… “There is a gap of information between the business world and the legal world, so I glady fill that gap... When you don’t know what you don’t know, you don’t even know what questions to ask.” -Yasmine Salem Hamdan This episode’s dessert was a birthday gift from a neat candy company out of California. Listen up to hear about some unique flavors and concepts that have me wanting to try more!

This #SweetTalks episode is a celebration! Join me as I celebrate #Briday (my birthday!) and enter into the last year of my twenties! It’s also the season finale episode to the first season of #SweetTalks! This past year has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster at times and I’d love to share with you some of the things I plan to do this time around to just BE BETTER! With another year, comes more wisdom and many more blessings. Will you join me? It’s a good one, yall! This episode also features a special surprise birthday dessert from The Sweetest Thing in Richmond, VA! You will have to tune in to see which of the four cupcakes I chose to celebrate with…yum!

This #SweetTalks episode features Pauleanna Reid, a journalist, author, celebrity ghostwriter, contributor on forbes.com and the co-founder of New Girl on the Block, a mentorship platform for millennial women who are dealing with major life and career transitions. Tune in to hear us dive into the value and importance of mentorship and how it has helped her get to where she is in many ways. Pauleanna is a straight shooter and there is no sugar-coating or pity parties going on during our conversation as she encourages listeners to BOSS UP and go out there and take what you want, or somebody else will. One of my favorite things she said was… “You should never follow someone who has not gone where you are trying to go.” -Pauleanna Reid This episode’s dessert is an at home, nostalgic childhood favorite. It’s so easy, I even give you the quick recipe. It’s time for an all-around sweet treat, so tune in now!

This #SweetTalks episode features Kelli Lemon, a phenomenal women and social entrepreneur that is passionate about changing how people "LIVE" Richmond, Virginia! Tune in to hear us chat about a bit of everything from how #RVA is continuously thriving to recognizing your place and “knowing when to make your move” while recognizing the importance of inclusivity throughout it all. Kelli’s track record and impressive career speaks for its self and her spirit and personal passions are what drives her to do exactly what she does…and all with a smile on her face. Why? Because she focuses on what makes her happy! “I think that you will know in your gut when it’s time for you to move on and do something else…”- Kelli Lemon This episode’s dessert in is honor of our guest and is a personal favorite. You’ll have to check out to see exactly what it is. Let’s just say get ready for some southern soul food that’s warm and gooey. Grab your paper and a pen and go listen now!

This #SweetTalks episode features – Shanel Ashley, better known around Richmond, VA as Shanel the DJ! Tune in to hear how she is walking proof that patience and persistence can create a full-time career out of your passion. We chat about the power of words and how what you declare over and throughout your life moves you in the right direction. At the young age of 25, Shanel shares the challenges and highlights of being a woman in the music industry, the hustle behind the scene, as well as she speaks on her passion about entrepreneurship that continuously pushes her to shoot her shot and make her dreams into a reality. This episode’s dessert an old-fashioned, country style bite of deliciousness...you’ll have to listen to see what it is and where you can find it! Go listen, now!

This #SweetTalks episode features Aisha Herring of The Strength of SHE in Indianapolis, Indiana! Tune in to hear her personal, yet relatable story of dreaming of and creating her blog site that now connects 26,000 women and all that comes with it, while juggling motherhood and being a wife. Aisha shares her profound reasoning of why she does what she does and how you too can live fearlessly SHE. This episode’s dessert is a holiday favorite that I could not resist sharing in the middle of summer. Go listen, now!

This #SweetTalks episode features Chef Keva Miller of FeedShine in Richmond, VA! Tune in to hear her incredibly inspiring story to entrepreneurship and how she describes her personal mission in helping people understand that "it’s okay to be you, it’s okay to be different." Keva shares her knowledge on how business is very intuitive, but if you don’t know who you are, you won’t know what you want, and can’t create a road map to get it. Can you relate? This is definitely a soul-searching episode that gives you chills, so make sure you grab some pen and paper and be prepared for a few moments of revelation. “There is nobody who is going to express my soul in it’s fullness the way that I can.” - Chef Keva Miller Don’t forget, I am also sharing one of my favorite, healthy desserts from around the way. It's something you can have any way YOU would like and it's pretty darn delicious if I do say so myself. Go listen, now!

This #SweetTalks episode discusses 4 new ways to better and build your brand and your business! Join me as I share with you some very practical practices that can help to create some newness and revive your brand and/or help to build a new business, podcast, blog, event, or even just an idea you my have right now. Let's say “out with the old and in with the new (results)!" Are you ready? I KNOW I AM! This episode features one of my new favorite ice creams from Gelati Celesti here in Richmond, VA. You already know this episode's dessert is one to talk about and I have a special surprise for listeners, so tune in and see for yourself!

This #SweetTalks episode is LONG-AWAITED and features my powerhouse of a sister, Ashley Williams of Bare Soul Yoga in Richmond, VA! Make sure you grab some pen and paper for this truth-telling episode of finding your purpose and living in it. Ashley touches on some amazing points through her personal stories and relays just how you should have a plan, BUT never be “tied to it,” but instead let go when necessary and watch everything fall into place. Don’t forget I am sharing a special dessert made from my mama’s kitchen….and it’s vegan! It’s a family affair and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

This #SweetTalks episode discusses one of the most relevant topics with this generation..DEBT! Join me as I share with you a very personal testimony of how financial discipline can pay off in the long run and some of my personal suggestions of helping you in the journey of becoming debt-free. Let's “put your money where your mouth is” and break away from our debt into a more fulfilling life. Are you ready? I KNOW I AM! Oh, and you already know this episode's dessert is one to talk about, so tune in and see who and what was featured!

This is one of my favorite #SweetTalk episodes yet with Dorian Johnson of The Femme Focus! Listen as we discuss the important role transparency can play when sharing your personal story and truth with others. Hear her story and advice on what to do when trying to expand your personal brand by building meaning relationships with the people around you! Also, I share one of my all-time favorite local desserts with you in the beginning. Make sure to check it out...you don't want to miss it!

It's the first #SweetTalks episode with only me your host, Bri! Join me as I share with you about a recent journey I began around the topic of changing your life in ways you've never imagined. Let's get rid of that 'remaining the same mentality' and find a new way of living the life we know is for us. Now, grab a pen and paper...this is going to be good!

Dive into this delicious #SweetTalk with Patricia Bradby of Miss Priss Tea and become inspired by her story as she highlights how powerful connecting with the people around you can be in both your personal and professional life. Hear her story and advice on starting a business that is not so common, but fun and unique and leave with a special treat from me! Also, I share a HUGE announcement and one of my new favorite desserts for you in the beginning. Make sure to check it out...you don't want to miss it! *Forgive me if the sound is a bit off...I am still trying to figure out my different mics! :)

It's OFFICIAL! This is the 'Season Sneak Peek' of #SweetTalks! What's better than a podcast featuring dessert and phenomenal women entrepreneurs? Tune in to check out exactly who I am, why I began this podcast and get a sneak peek into my very first episode along with who will be my first guest! Who could it be? You will have to listen to find out... Merry Christmas everyone! #MyGiftToYou