The First Gems

It’s Nigerian Independence Day and you know we have to represent! 🇳🇬🎊🙌🏾 We’re back with a bonus interview with Naija Nation, an online community and brand focused on transforming the landscape of Nigerian representation. Join us as we discuss all things Naija and dig into the inspiration behind the Naija Nation brand. naijanation.org https://www.instagram.com/naijanation/.

On this episode, we connect with Teni-Ola Ogunjobi, a multi-faceted Georgia native and first-gen Nigerian American. Her story begins in Atlanta Georgia and ultimately leads her throughout the continent of Africa. Teni-Ola is an International Conflict Management PhD student at Kennesaw State University and the founder of the Intercultural Communities Project which aims to promote, engage, and bridge intercultural communities. She is passionate about inspiring the youth and adults to maximize their potential and is committed to serving diverse communities in international and domestic settings. Tune in to hear Teni-Ola's powerful journey and how she's making a huge impact across the globe.

In this episode, we talk to David Umeh (@umehzingrace) a self-proclaimed ‘Baygerian’ and serial entrepreneur currently living in Chicago. After gaining experience in the underground cannabis industry, David tapped into his business mind and launched his own venture, Highspeed. Highspeed was a juice delivery and cannabis startup that scaled to multiple cities across the US and grossed $4 million dollars over a few short years. Watch the full episode to learn how David has continued to leverage his mindset, his creativity and his identity as an Abiriba man to find success in entrepreneurship. _____________ The First Gems is a brand that aims to create a safe space for first-generation millennials to unite, discover, heal, and share their experiences. Join us as we explore first-gen stories through culture, community, and the come-up. ☞ Liked the episode? Tap the [LIKE] button and click [SUBSCRIBE] here on Youtube for more. You can also catch us on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ew8KSH... Anchor: https://anchor.fm/thefirstgems ☞ Wanna connect? Send all inquiries to our email or tap in with us on socials: Email: firstgemspodcast@gmail.com Website: https://www.thefirstgems.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefirstgems/​ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefirstgems?...

Ever felt like you wanted to do more to help back home but didn’t know how? Then this next episode is a MUST listen! On this episode, we sat down with Mina Bilkis, a digital creator, activist, feminist, and social entrepreneur from Sierra Leone🇸🇱. Mina is the founder of a community-based org called Girl Up and is passionate about sexual and reproductive health rights, digital rights, feminism, youth empowerment, and so much more! ——— The First Gems is a brand that aims to create a safe space for first-generation millennials to unite, discover, heal, and share their experiences. Join us as we explore first-gen stories through culture, community, and the come-up. ☞ Liked the episode? Tap the [LIKE] button and click [SUBSCRIBE] for more. You can also catch us on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ew8KSH... Anchor: https://anchor.fm/thefirstgems ☞ Wanna connect? Send all inquiries to our email or tap in with us on socials: Email: firstgemspodcast@gmail.com Website: https://www.thefirstgems.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefirstgems/​ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefirstgems?...

On this episode, we join Uba Obasi and reminisce on our recent trip back home to the LITTEST village in Africa: Abiriba🇳🇬. Abiriba pronounced [/E`biriba`/] is an ancient Enuda kingdom in Abia State, in southeastern Nigeria, traditionally an Igbo-speaking region (Wikipedia). Its close-knit community, rich traditions, and vibrant culture make it a unique and unforgettable place to experience. 🔥 Want to be dripped out in exclusive TFG gear? Grab yours here 👉: thefirstgems.com/shop ---------- The First Gems is a brand that aims to create a safe space for first-generation millennials to unite, discover, heal, and share their experiences. Join us as we explore first-gen stories through culture, community, and the come-up. ☞ Liked the episode? Tap the [LIKE] button and click [SUBSCRIBE] for more. You can also catch us on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ew8KSH... Anchor: https://anchor.fm/thefirstgems ☞ Wanna connect? Send all inquiries to our email or tap in with us on socials: Email: firstgemspodcast@gmail.com Website: https://www.thefirstgems.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefirstgems/​ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefirstgems?...

Building a brand isn’t for the weak! That’s why we make it a point to frequently check in with each other. On this episode, we discuss the ins and outs of building The First Gems brand.  If you’ve ever wanted to start a brand, then these are the gems you definitely want to pick up. _____ The First Gems is a brand that aims to create a safe space for first-generation millennials to unite, discover, heal, and share their experiences. Join us as we explore first-gen stories through culture, community, and the come-up. ☞ Liked the episode? Tap the [LIKE] button and click [SUBSCRIBE] for more. You can also catch us on : Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ew8KSH... Anchor: https://anchor.fm/thefirstgems ☞ Wanna connect? Send all inquiries to our email or tap in with us on socials: Email: firstgemspodcast@gmail.com Website: https://www.thefirstgems.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefirstgems/​ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefirstgems?...

Feeling burnt out lately from work, school, or your day-to-day lifestyle?😓  In our latest episode, we chatted with Kat Torres, a Puerto Rican American life and business coach who helps women escape corporate burnout, level up their mindset, and create the life they want. Kat has spent a decade working as a multi-hyphenated creative and through her life experiences, she discovered her calling as a coach. She’s mastered the art of content creation through various endeavors and recently founded @ilovesundaysclub as a way to make self-care and personal development tools more accessible for her community. Tune in to learn how you too can prioritize your self-care, grow and achieve the freedom and abundance you desire. This is a convo you don’t want to miss. ✨

We’re back with another fire episode. We sat down with Vietnamese American entrepreneur, Mylinh Nguyen. Alongside her brother, Mylinh founded Fluffy Bear Soft Serve, an ice cream shop based in Orange County, CA that offers an assortment of desserts from ice cream, to shaved ice to milk tea boba. Tune in to learn how Mylinh brought flavor to the OC and how she plans to expand her dessert empire! ——— The First Gems is a brand that aims to create a safe space for first-generation millennials to unite, discover, heal, and share their experiences. Join us as we explore first-gen stories through culture, community, and the come-up. ☞ Liked the episode? Tap the [LIKE] button and click [SUBSCRIBE] here on Youtube for more. You can also catch us on : Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ew8KSH... Anchor: https://anchor.fm/thefirstgems ☞ Wanna connect? Send all inquiries to our email or tap in with us on socials: Email: firstgemspodcast@gmail.com Website: https://www.thefirstgems.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefirstgems/​ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefirstgems?...

From Krumping on Crenshaw to Getting in Formation with the Queen Bey 🐝 On this episode, we sat down with Shellee Samuels, a Jamaican American and Inglewood native. Shellee is a dancer, actress, educator, philanthropist, and business owner. Her talents have led her to dance alongside some of your favs such as Beyoncè, Pharrell, Megan Thee Stallion, Rihanna, and more! 🤯👏 She’s got big moves and an even bigger heart. 💙 This year (2021), she founded her philanthropic initiative, Peace of The Pie🍕, where she has fed nearly 600 people living in the streets of Skid Row in Downtown LA. Shellee is proof that no goal is too big for you to accomplish. 🤩 Tune in to learn more about shellee’s journey and get inspired to dream BIG! ———- The First Gems is a brand that aims to create a safe space for first-generation millennials to unite, discover, heal, and share their experiences. Join us as we explore first-gen stories through culture, community, and the come-up. ☞ Liked the episode? Tap the [LIKE] button and click [SUBSCRIBE] for more. You can also catch us on : Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ew8KSH... Anchor: https://anchor.fm/thefirstgems ☞ Wanna connect? Send all inquiries to our email or tap in with us on socials: Email: firstgemspodcast@gmail.com Website: https://www.thefirstgems.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefirstgems/​ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefirstgems?...

Success doesn’t come without failure. ✍🏽 In this episode we speak to Hilart Abrahamian, co-founder and COO of Webjoint. Webjoint is a cannabis delivery software startup first founded in 2013 that has raised over $2.8 million in funding over the years and now powers over 1/3 of the cannabis delivery market in California. 🤯 Webjoint has evolved immensely since its early stages but it wasn’t an easy journey or a linear path. Tune in to learn how Hilart and his team identified a gap in the cannabis industry, built his company from the ground up and used lessons learned from failure to drive success. The First Gems is a brand that aims to create a safe space for first-generation millennials to unite, discover, heal, and share their experiences. Join us as we explore first-gen stories through culture, community, and the come-up. ☞ Liked the episode? Tap the [LIKE] button and click [SUBSCRIBE] here on Youtube for more. You can also catch us on : Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ew8KSH... Anchor: https://anchor.fm/thefirstgems ☞ Wanna connect? Send all inquiries to our email or tap in with us on socials: Email: firstgemspodcast@gmail.com Website:  https://www.thefirstgems.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefirstgems/​ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefirstgems?...

Have you ever wanted to make more of a difference in the world but didn’t know where to start? In this episode, we connect with Tracy Vertus to discuss social impact. Tracy is a Haitian American International development expert and founder of Reach Beyond Relief (reachbeyondrelief.org), an NGO that serves to empower young Haitians globally to build permanent resources to solve Haiti’s most challenging issues. You have the power to create change. So tune into this week’s episode and pick up these gems! 💎 The First Gems is a brand that aims to create a safe space for first-generation millennials to unite, discover, heal, and share their experiences. Join us as we explore first-gen stories through culture, community, and the come-up. ☞ Liked the episode? Tap the [LIKE] button and click [SUBSCRIBE] for more. You can also catch us on : Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ew8KSH... Anchor: https://anchor.fm/thefirstgems ☞ Wanna connect? Send all inquiries to our email or tap in with us on socials: Email: firstgemspodcast@gmail.com Website: https://www.thefirstgems.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefirstgems/​ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefirstgems?...

Ever wanted to know what goes on behind the scenes for what you see on the big screen? In this episode, we linked up with bilingual journalist and producer, Grecia Lopez. Grecia is a first-gen Mexican American who worked her way up the ranks in the media industry. From interning with NBC to red carpet interviews with talent such as J. Balvin, she has definitely cracked the code on living out your dreams. Tune in for her gems on navigating the media world and pursuing your dream life. The First Gems is a brand that aims to create a safe space for first-generation millennials to unite, discover, heal, and share their experiences. Join us as we explore first-gen stories through culture, community, and the come-up. ☞ Liked the episode? Tap the [LIKE] button and click [SUBSCRIBE] here on Youtube for more. You can also catch us on : Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ew8KSH... Anchor: https://anchor.fm/thefirstgems ☞ Wanna connect? Send all inquiries to our email or tap in with us on socials: Email: firstgemspodcast@gmail.com Website: https://www.thefirstgems.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefirstgems/​ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefirstgems?...

Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life! In this episode, we sat down with model, actor, and filmmaker Abasiono Adams to discuss pursuing your creative passion. Adams is an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria who relocated to Dublin Ireland to further pursue his education. While in Ireland, Adams developed a passion for video production and dived deeper into his love for arts and creativity. The First Gems is a brand that aims to create a safe space for first-generation millennials to unite, discover, heal, and share their experiences. Join us as we explore first-gen stories through culture, community, and the come-up. ☞ Liked the episode? Tap the [LIKE] button and click [SUBSCRIBE] here on Youtube for more. You can also catch us on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ew8KSH... Anchor: https://anchor.fm/thefirstgems ☞ Wanna connect? Send all inquiries to our email or tap in with us on socials: Email: firstgemspodcast@gmail.com Website:  https://www.thefirstgems.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefirstgems/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefirstgems?...

Thinking about adding Haiti to your travel list? In the season 2 opener of The First Gems podcast, we discuss our experience traveling to Haiti for the first time and share insight on what to expect in the new season. The First Gems is a brand that aims to create a safe space for first-generation millennials to unite, discover, heal, and share their experiences. Join us as we explore first-gen stories through culture, community, and the come-up. ☞ Liked the episode? Tap the [LIKE] button and click [SUBSCRIBE] for more. You can also catch us on : Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ew8KSH... Anchor: https://anchor.fm/thefirstgems Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LoUFUvMhW5A ☞ Wanna connect? Send all inquiries to our email or tap in with us on socials: Email: firstgemspodcast@gmail.com Website: https://www.thefirstgems.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefirstgems

In the Season 1 Finale of The First Gems podcast, we talk about our favorite travel moments and discuss the importance of finding your way back home.

In this episode, we discuss how millennials view the concept of marriage and potential roadblocks when considering traditional marriage customs.

In this episode, special guest and first generation Eritrean, Wintana Melake joins the gems in exploring the many challenges first gens face when going back to their native land. Is language one of your barriers? Tune in to this week’s conversation for tips on how to overcome it!

Ever felt pressured to neglect your passion to pursue a more “practical” career? Well we’re debunking that mentality in Episode 5 of The First Gems. Join us as we drop gems on how to secure the bag on your own terms.

In this episode, we talk #BlackisKing, Beyonce, and the effects of being a first daughter in an African household. 

In this episode, we explore the true value of quality friendships. Let go of people who hold you back and surround yourself with people that you can be your most authentic self with.

In this episode, we explore the effects of self betrayal on cultural identity

Welcome to our very first episode of The First Gems Podcast! Is the idea of perfectionism ruining your relationships? Tune in as we unpack the generational effect of striving for perfection.