More Than A Pretty Face

On this week's episode of More Than A Pretty Face, I get to chat with one of the coolest and talented ladies I know - Jennifer Meadows! Jennifer is a makeup artist for MSNBC and NBC News! She also has her own business called Phenomenal Faces where she does makeup for everything from weddings to events! After college, Jennifer stumbled into a job working at the MAC counter at a department store - but who knew it would change everything? We chat about her journey into the world of makeup and the incredible people she's met along the way, including the queen herself - Ms. Dionne Warwick! You don't definitely don't wanna miss hearing about this rad lady's life and us reminisce on the stresses of network tv!

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On this week's episode, I get to chat with fellow Clark University alum and all-around amazing human Hannah Martin! Hannah is the Founder and Creator of The Fashion Cookbook! Starting the blog in high school, it's now grown into a full-blown style, brand, and image consulting business. From her beginnings styling the professors at Clark to now, Hannah's always kept the idea of making people feel their most authentic selves at the forefront. Because of that, she's used her talents to also become the Director of Marketing and Sales at Liquid Riot. We talk about imposter syndrome, believing in your dreams, and the importance of authenticity. You definitely don't wanna miss my conversation with this gem of a human!

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This week's episode is a real treat! I get to talk with the beautifully talented and inspirational Kanisha Tillman! Kanisha is the Founder of Tutus & Tennis Shoes. Her business works with transracial adoptee families and people of all kinds on Black hair care. When Kanisha got into cosmetology she didn't expect it to lead her here. She tells me about the tough conversations she's had with white parents and the importance of hair in the Black community - focusing on little Black girls and boys. We even talk about her own trials from being a single mom, experiencing homelessness, losing her salon, and rising to build the business she has today. Honestly - I'm not doing her justice so this is definitely an episode you don't wanna miss!

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On this week's episode of More Than A Pretty Face, I have a conversation with the ever-charming and talented Nanette Trujillo! Nanette is an up-and-coming fashion designer and recent graduate of the Parsons School of Design. We talk about all things when it comes to her journey into the fashion world and her latest collection titled Our Spatial Imprint. Studying the concepts of Feng Shui and her love of prints brought her collection to life. I can honestly say - I can't wait to see where this designer goes next! This is an episode you definitely don't wanna miss!

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On this week's episode of More Than A Pretty Face, I chat with the brilliantly talented Julia Seales! Julia is a screenwriter and author of the forthcoming mystery novel A Most Agreeable Murder. This being her debut book, Julia has also managed to have her novel optioned for a movie with TriStar Pictures. We talk about her love of storytelling, our shared passion for mystery shows, and Mary-Kate and Ashley movies. She tells me about all the jobs she's had (including painting mailboxes) getting to this point - getting paid doing what she loves: telling stories. This is an episode you definitely don't wanna miss!

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On this episode of More Than A Pretty Face, I get to chat with the incredible Sarah Baumann. Sarah is an illustrator, animator, founder of Signet Sealed - and of course - creator of Sarah Sums it Up! Known for classic designs and amazing yet informative animation videos on Tik Tok - Sarah has accomplished so much! In this episode, we talk about how she started Signet Sealed and got into illustration. We dive into how it led to her Sarah Sums It Up videos and the responsibilities that come along with having a platform. Through all our jokes and giggles - there's a great conversation in there and an episode you definitely don't wanna miss!

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This week on More Than A Pretty Face, I get to talk with the amazing Imani Barbarin. Imani is a race and disability advocate and writer. In this episode, we talk about her journey as a disabled person and her work in advocacy. We dive into the treatment of disabled people in the world today and the importance of disabled visibility. Imani is a powerhouse and this is definitely an episode you don't want to miss!

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Starting off season 5 of More Than A Pretty Face, I get to chat with the incredible and ever lovely Rosie Day! Rosie is an actress, writer and director based out of London. In this episode we chat about everything from mental health to the Queen of England. Rosie fell into acting by accident but has loved it ever since. Taking her talents beyond the screen, Rosie has written and directed. She even turned her one woman show, Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon, into book! You definitely don't wanna miss my chat with AH-mazing Rosie Day! 

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On the season 4 finale of More Than A Pretty Face, I talk with the incredible Julie Waters! Julie is a Vice President of Development & Production at Temple Hill Entertainment. She is currently a producer on Dave on FX and (my favorite) Love, Victor on Hulu. In college, Julie decided that she wanted to work in TV and heard the title 'Development Executive' and knew that's who she was going to be. Getting to chat with Julie about her path into the world of TV and film was such a treat. And we both obsess over our favorite 90's and early 2000's shows like Gilmore Girls, Friday Night Lights, and Dawson's Creek. She opens up about her special passion for highlighting queer love on screen and making a diverse range of content. I could have talked with Julie for HOURS! You definitely don't wanna miss this episode of More Than A Pretty Face!

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On this week's episode of More Than A Pretty Face, I talk to the ever-talented actress, writer, and director Priyanga Burford! Priyanga, known for her work in HBO's Industry, Avenue 5, Press, and more, never fails to deliver versatility in her roles. Having south Asian parents, Priyanga's family not initially on board with her dream of becoming an actress. We talk about having self-confidence and the need to be a constant learner as an actor. Of course, we chat about her role in the upcoming James Bond film - but not too much or she may have to kill me. We also dive into her work as a writer and her upcoming short film Monster Heart. This is definitely an episode you don't wanna miss!

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On this week's episode of More Than A Pretty Face, I get to chat with international touring poet, author, and activist Ebony Stewart! Ebony turned her love of words into her life's work. From teacher to a poet, Ebony didn't know she could make her passion into her profession. Her poetry connects to everything from identity to sexuality. In this episode, we talk about Black women owning their narratives, how she's flipping the script with the poetry she writes, and more! I am obsessed - and after this episode, you will be too!

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This week's episode of More Than A Pretty Face is a real treat! I get to talk with actress Amy Manson! Amy shines as "Maladie" in the highly anticipated upcoming series The Nevers on HBO! I gush over her playing "Merida" in ABC's Once Upon A Time. In this episode, we talk about her falling in love with acting and fears of rejection. Amy shares her way of dealing with mental health and bringing awareness to mental health struggles. She makes fun of me for not knowing what Netball is, we touch on her role in the upcoming movie Spencer starring Kristen Stewart, and more! Amy Manson is a rare gem and this is definitely an episode you don't wanna miss!

*The Nevers premiers on HBO Sunday, April 11th at 9p EST/12a PST

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On this week's episode of More Than A Pretty Face, I chat with Video Music Award-nominated choreographer, director, writer, and an all-around gem of a human Galen Hooks! Growing up in LA, Galen has been working and dancing in the entertainment industry since she was seven. At just 14, Galen choreographed her first dance. From there, she's danced for Brian McKnight, Janet Jackson, Hilary Duff, and more - touring across the world. We discuss her unique brand of acting through dance and the creation of the Galen Hooks method. This is definitely an episode you don't wanna miss! 

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On today's episode of More Than A Pretty Face, I talk with the immensely talented and angelic soul that is Ali Russo! She is currently a theater actress based in New England. Ali and I went to Clark University together and I had the pleasure of acting in plays and musicals alongside her. We cover her journey from the stages at Clark to the New York auditions to finding her theater home in Rhode Island. In this episode, we discuss the hard truths about what the pandemic has been like for the theater community, mental health - but also finding the bright spots! You definitely don't wanna miss this episode of More Than A Pretty Face!

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On this episode of More Than A Pretty Face, I get to chat with the incomparable Tara Setmayer. While spending most of her career in conservative politics, Tara left the Republican party. She's never been one to hold her tongue. In this episode, we discuss her reckoning with politics, being a woman of color in that space, and willingness to call people on their BS!  Tara is a CNN political contributor, a commentator for ABC. The former Republican Communications Director has been a guest host for popular talk show - The View and now hosts her own podcast "Honestly Speaking with Tara Setmayer" and serves as a Senior Advisor for the Lincoln Project. She's definitely more than a pretty face!

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On this week's episode of More Than A Pretty Face, I talk with the incredible, internationally known spoken word poet and lyricist Lady Brion! Lady Brion's dynamic flow and words allow for everyone to connect with her poetry. In this episode, we cover how she became Lady Brion, where her poetry has taken her, and how she uses her words for activism. She uses her poetry to speak up for her community and being unapologetically Black - this is definitely an episode you don't wanna miss!

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On this week's episode of More Than A Pretty Face, I talk to the ever lovely and inspiring Bushra Amiwala! Bushra is the youngest Muslim elected official in the country. She ran for the Cook County Board of Commissioners at just 19! Her campaign gained national recognition. Even though she lost that race, Bushra decided to run again just a few short months later for the Board of Education for Skokie School District and won! At just 22, Bushra's managed to become a leader in public service, an elected official, be named one of Glamour Magazine's 2018 College Women of the year and so much more! Bushra is such a treat that you definitely don't wanna miss this episode of More Than A Pretty Face.

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On this week's episode of More Than A Pretty Face, I talk to the incredible and amazingly talented Alix Wilton Regan! Alix proudly hails from London and stars in A Nightmare Wakes as the famed author of Frankenstein - Mary Shelley! Alix is an actress, voice actress, director, activist, and more. We talk about everything from acting, voicing video games, politics to our love of Oprah and Beyoncé and so much more. If that wasn't already enough, Alix created a mentoring group to break young, female voice actresses of color into the business! Alix is such a rare and beautiful gem - you definitely don't want to miss her episode of More Than A Pretty Face.

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Plot twist for this week's episode of More Than A Pretty Face: I'm the one being interviewed! My dear friend, Cory Lancaster, interviews me for this episode of the podcast. I talk about mental health, carving out my space in the world of storytelling, and changing your dreams. Cory gets me to be vulnerable in this interview and surprisingly - I think we only make one Beyoncé reference. While being interviewed is weird - you definitely don't wanna miss this episode of More Than A Pretty Face!

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And More Than A Pretty Face is back for Season 4! Kicking off the season is the incredibly talented Kemi Adegoroye! Seven years in the making and Kemi has officially released her debut EP: For the Record. Kemi joins me to talk about her EP release, the passion behind the music, and of course it wouldn't be a Kemi episode without mentioning Beyoncé. You don't wanna miss this premier episode of More Than A Pretty Face!

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Hey all you MTAPF listeners!! I've started a new podcast called The Lede Graf. It comes out today and of course, I want y'all to hear it! So I'm dropping it here in the MTAPF feed. Make sure to rate, review, subscribe, and share the show!! Thanks to you all for being such rad listeners! 

Listen to The Lede Graf wherever you get your podcasts!

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In this first episode of The Lede Graf, I do a quick deep dive into Parole Boards. Parole boards are often left out of the discussion when it comes to criminal justice reform. Now while there is a lot to discuss when it comes to parole boards, today I’m mainly going to focus on the political and cultural nature of the boards. And the story of Henry Montgomery.

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There's more going on in the world than just politics and witty comebacks on Twitter. That's where the Lede Graf Podcast steps in! A podcast that takes the stories that are buried after the crossword puzzle and makes them the main headline. The first episode drops on December 21st! 

In this episode of More Than A Pretty Face, I get to speak with the incredible Kat Armas. Kat is the host of the Protagonistas Podcast, author of the forthcoming book Aubelita Faith, and finishing up her MDiv & MAT. We discuss going against the grain, having those difficult conversations in church settings, and the time a pastor called her not submissive enough. Kat consistently uses her platform to create discussion and elevate thought. We dive deep into her work on amplifying minority voices and her faith journey. You definitely don't wanna miss this episode!

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This week on More Than A Pretty Face I get to talk with a dear friend and the all-around genuine soul that is Hannah Malone. Meeting Hannah when we were both Desk Assistants with NBC News, I got to see her passion for storytelling and how she discovered that journalism may not be her direct road to that passion. In this episode, we talk about how Hannah, in pursuit of change, moved towards the marketing side of storytelling. She packed up her apartment in DC, moved cross country to Los Angeles, and started a job with NBC Entertainment within two days of getting there. While marketing might not be the end all be all - storytelling definitely is. Hannah's ability to engage and champion for what she believed in was more realized in her new role. We talk about the path of getting to your passion, why she left journalism, and it's ok to still be figuring it out. Because, hey - we're still in a pandemic right?

*Bonus* -- Hannah is the sister of MTAPF alum Madison Malone!

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On this episode of More Than a Pretty Face, I talk with the radiant spirit that is Beatrice "Bea" Dixon. Bea is the co-founder and CEO of The Honey Pot Co. - a rapidly growing feminine care product line. Bea has been hustling for a long time and that hustle paid off in a multitude of ways. One of her most recent successes was getting  The Honey Pot in Target stores! The Honey Pot motto: "Made by humans with vaginas for humans with vaginas." Bea is an incredible entrepreneur who got the idea for her company when her grandmother came to her in a dream and told her to write down a recipe. We cover everything from business to being fulfilled within yourself. Bea doesn't believe The Honey Pot is her last stop and wants to be out here working for humanity. You don't want to miss this conversation with such an incredible kick-ass lady!

Mentioned in the Show!

This week on More Than A Pretty Face, I get to speak with the amazing and all-around sweet soul that is Alli Collier! Alli is a real estate agent based in the DMV area. Three years ago, Alli wanted a change and to become her own boss. Coming from careers in journalism and marketing, she decided to get into real estate. In this episode, we talk about her passion for working with first time home buyers and her own house hunting journey. Alli shares some tips and tricks she's learned along the way and joy of being your own boss. This is an episode you definitely don't want to miss. 

Mentioned in the Show!

On this week's episode of More Than A Pretty Face, I get to talk with the delight and complete joy that is Rina Shah. Rina is a longtime conservative commentator and strategist who just recently launched Republican Women for Biden. Unlike many conservatives, Rina is outspoken in her support of Black Lives Matter, marriage equality, being pro-choice for women. We discuss how she navigates as a woman of color, being a person who practices Jainism in conservative spaces, and why she's chosen to still rock with the Republican party. No stranger to controversy, Rina was pushed out as a GOP delegate in 2016 for criticizing then-candidate Donald Trump. Not letting anyone other than herself define her, Rina has carved a unique path through her work. This was an incredibly thought-provoking and deep conversation that you don't want to miss!

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This week on the podcast I talk with the incredible poet and writer Kyle Jenée Lacey. Kyla's iconic poem "White Privilege" recently went viral for the second time. We discuss what it was like creating that poem and the passion she puts into her words. Kyla and I discuss our natural hair journeys, being a black woman, our experiences of misogynoir, and the power of our 'no's'. She shares stories of heartbreak and creative process - Kyla is hysterical and never afraid to speak her mind. You don't want to miss this episode of More Than A Pretty Face!

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This week on the podcast, I get to talk with the incredible Neera Tanden! Neera is currently President of the Center for American Progress. Daughter of a single Indian-immigrant mother, Neera went on to graduate from law school, work in both the Clinton and Obama administrations, and become a regular progressive contributor on MSNBC. Neera is a force to be reckoned with as we talk about working in male-dominated environments and often times being the only woman of color in the room. You definitely don't want to miss my conversation with this incredible lady!

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This week on More Than A Pretty Face, I talk with the incredibly talented spoken word poet and singer Theresa Tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D (Sound Of a New Generation Believing In Realized Destiny)! Theresa is the author and creator of the viral poem 'You So Black'. Having gone viral after her performance on the Trumpet Awards, Theresa and I talk about her life as a poet and creator.  She even claims 'You So Black' isn't her best work. Theresa has so much more to give the world with her words. When I tell you this is not an episode you wanna miss - I mean it!

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This week on the podcast I get to talk with the incredible Sloane Tucker! Sloane is a wedding photographer currently based out of the Hudson Valley in New York. Sloane started her photography business when she was only 19. But her passion for the craft started in high school. In this episode, we talk about what it's like not only being a woman photographer but being a black woman in the business. We cover what it's been like to build her business from the ground up, demanding her worth from clients, and what it's like being an independent artist during a global pandemic. You don't want to miss this episode of More Than A Pretty Face!

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This week on the pod I talk to the queen, the dream, and comedienne supreme that is Bethany Burgess. Bethany is a budding comedienne based out of New York. We discuss how she got started on her journey into the improv world. Starting from humble beginnings cracking jokes as a way to avoid social interactions with family members to earning a spot on one of The Peoples Improv Theater's house teams, Bethany is a true treasure. She takes me through what it's like to pursue your dream but still having to make the 9-5 grind. You don't want to miss this episode of More Than A Pretty Face!

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In this episode, I talk with the incredibly smart and funny Shawna Thomas! Shawna has literally done all the things. Having spent 10 years at NBC News, getting her dream job with Meet the Press, decided to change focus, and went on to become DC Bureau Cheif at Vice News. Now she is a Content Executive for Quibi. Shawna talks about coming up in the world of news as a black woman and the unique path she took to get there. We talk about the hard lessons she's had to learn along the way to becoming the badass woman she is today! Bonus: Shawna finally explains what a Quibi is!

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This week on the pod I talk with the incredible soul that is Madison Malone. Madison is a singer, songwriter, composer, and producer based in Los Angeles. Little did she know after her uncle asked her to sing in his bar, that she'd discover her passion.  Her senior year of college, Madison made the decision that music was it and moved to LA only a few months later. Madison and I talk about her life as a performer, her journey from being a singer in Wisconsin to writing songs for Celine Dion, being a demo singer, and her passion for helping people through music. You don't want to miss this episode of More Than A Pretty Face!

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And we're back for another episode with the amazingly talented and beautiful soul that is Rachel Beaureguard! Rachel is a singer-songwriter, touring, and recording artist based out of Nashville but came from the DMV.  Just off a whirlwind international tour being the background vocalist for acclaimed star Hozier, Rachel and I talk about the tour life and living out her dream. She gets real about adjusting back to normal life. Rachel started like many singers - in the church. But changed her focus to acting before going back to her first love - singing. She toured and recorded with her band Native Run for 8 years sharing stages with Lady Antebellum, Rachael Lampa, and more. Her biggest advice to aspiring artists is to not have a Plan B - you have to want this. It truly was such a treat and a dream to listen to Rachel share her story and passion for music. You don't want to miss this episode.  *Bonus: the music in this episode is Native Run's*

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This week on the pod I get to talk with the incredible Kat Lundie! In this episode, Kat talks about her identity being half Filipino and half white and what drives her to work in the immigration community. She describes her struggle with finding ways to identify with her Filipino culture growing up in a mostly white community. We dive deep into what it's like being a woman of color navigating white spaces and how the 2016 election sparked her passion to commit to a life of service for immigrants. All this and more on this week's episode of More Than A Pretty Face.

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On this week's very special episode of More Than A Pretty Face, I interview Obi Okolo and Jonathan Tolbert! That's right: they're MEN! I let my two very dear friends Obi and Jon come on the podcast as a follow-up to last week's episode with their lovely partners Maggie and Rebecca in Ebony and Ivory: 2020 Edition. We expand on the conversation of inter-racial relationships - this time from the guy's perspective. Obi and Jonathan dive deep into their identity as black men as it relates not only to their relationships but to the world around them.  We cover everything from race, identity, Ahmaud Arbery, the beauty of black women, the beauty of their relationships, and more. What an incredibly vulnerable, honest, and at times, funny conversation we had. This may be a long one but you definitely don't wanna miss this episode of More Than A Pretty Face.

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In this week's episode, I had the opportunity to speak with my dear friends Maggie and Rebecca! On this week's pod, we cover a very important and timely topic: interracial relationships in 2020. Maggie is dating a Nigerian man while Rebecca is married to a black DC native. We cover the beauty and difficulties of their relationships within a 2020 context. I was so honored to have such a vulnerable and honest conversation with these two ladies surrounding the complexities of race and identity. It's so good you're just going to have to listen for yourself!

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Support my friend and local Creative Director Obi!

This week's episode of More Than A Pretty Face is a very special one. This week I get to talk with one of my closest friends, roommate for the past three years, and returning guest Lydia Cardona. We reflect on what it's been like to not only be roomies for the past three years but what it was like becoming friends. As we enter into these new chapters of our lives, we discuss what brought us together and how we've grown. In this episode, we laugh (a lot), make jokes, reminisce, and of course cry. Listen as I talk with the Gayle to my Oprah and how I'm the Frankie to her Grace on this episode of More Than A Pretty Face.

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And More Than A Pretty Face is back! In this new episode, I have a great conversation with the incredible Carolina Soto! Carolina and I talk about her faith journey over the past few years - how she had to leave to come back. We dive deep into what it's like to grow, change and be vulnerable. Somehow we cover everything from having immigrant parents, faith, and even chat about the new season of Insecure! Carolina learned how to find God in the ordinary - an ordinary coffee shop to be more specific. Listen and hear more about this incredible lady and us tell you why Molly is being trifling! 

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It's been a while but MTAPF is back and with an amazing guest! A force to be reckoned with - the Jackie Carter, creator of the Not Reaching pouch. This past April, I wrote an article for NBC News talking about Jackie creating the pouch and the impact of police traffic stops on minority communities. Graciously, Jackie agreed to sit down with me again for this in-depth conversation about the Not Reaching pouch, violence at traffic stops, and the impact the stories like that of Philando Castile has on the black community. You do not want to miss this amazing conversation with activist, inventor, non-profit starter and all-around inspiring Jackie Carter. 

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This week on the pod, I get to chat with the delightful Katina Mountanos! Katina is a kick-tush lady entrepreneur. She is a graduate of NYU Stern School of Business. Katina knew within the first few weeks of her finance career in New York, that it wasn't her passion. She started by sending a newsletter to her friends and family and they said 'girl we love you but...' She quickly grew her blog following on Medium.com - cue the birth of On Adulting - and now is her own full fledged brand! Katina wants to see people achieve their fullest potential. She focuses on mindset and conscious decision making coaching. Hear about Katina's beautiful journey to entrepreneurship on this episode of More Than a Pretty Face!

Connect with Katina!

On this episode of More Than A Pretty Face, I get to talk to the beautiful soul that is Zhaklina! Zhaklina is a 26 year old singer-songwriter from New York but who has found her home in Nashville. She has a soulful voice with a powerful message. We talk about her faith journey and how it's influenced her incredible music. Dropping her latest EP, 17 Reasons Why, in January, was meant to make people feel connected and that they deserve to feel loved. Each song shares a story and a message. Getting the chance to talk with Zhaklina was such a powerful experience! Please join us on this episode of More Than A Pretty Face!

P.S. All the music you hear on today's episode is her's!!

Connect with Zhaklina!

This week on the pod I get to talk with the incredible multi-hyphenate professional, Kemi Adegoroye! Kemi is the Co-Founder and CEO of Indicoe - an artist based website and company promoting, uplifting and providing tips and tricks to and from emerging and veteran creatives. She, herself, is an accomplished singer. She is also the founder of her own production company. And if that wasn't enough - she's also a lawyer! Join us this week as we act like two foolish goats and discuss black experiences. We dive into what it means to accomplish your dreams and not paying attention to the challenges thrown in your face. Kemi is so much more than a pretty face!

Connect with Indicoe and Kemi!

This week on More Than A Pretty Face I'm joined by the sweet bb angels that are Laura Orsi and Clara Mitchell. These incredible young ladies are the masterminds behind the Pass the Skirt movement at their high school. However, this movement quickly spread beyond their Arkansas school and has reached as far as some parts of Europe and Singapore. Clara shares how she was "dress coded" and how that inspired Laura to birth Pass the Skirt. Listen as both ladies talk about the over sexualization of girls' bodies in their school and how they've made allies out of their male classmate. This movement embodies body positive vibes, standing up for your friends, and fighting racial prejudice. Let's pass the skirt with these pretty face ladies!

Pass the Skirt

This week I'm joined by my dear friend, the pepper to my salt, Kelsey Clary. Currently, Kelsey is a Research Coordinator at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. (But she's also on her way to becoming Dr. Kelsey!) In her line of work she focuses on mental health specifically in minority communities and those who are or were formally incarcerated. In this episode we talk about her forged path into the mental heath field and what it's like being an effective ally and advocate as a white woman. We even dive into the difficulty of getting mental health help and the barriers that keep so many, herself included, from getting the help they really need. Join me for this episode of More Than A Pretty Face with the amazing Kelsey!

And we're back! In the season two premier, I get to chat with the one, the only, the roommate extraordinaire Lydia Cardona! Lydia is an all around bad ass lady. We discuss our origin story - becoming roommates, close friends and to now. In this episode we dive into our feelings about identity and family. Lydia talks about what it's like to be a white-presenting Latina and still trying to be a voice in her community. We keep it real about growing up in ethnic and immigrant households.  We're staring off season 2 off with a bang!