Shades & Layers
Shades and Layers is a podcast focused on black women entrepreneurs from across the globe. It is a platform for exploring issues and challenges around business ownership, representation and holistic discussions about the meaning of sustainability in an increasingly complex global context. Conversations are wide- ranging and serve not only as a Masterclass in Entrepreneurship but also provide wisdom and tools for Successful Living. It is a space for meaningful conversation, a place for black and other women of color to be fully human and openly share their quirks and vulnerabilities.
Guests include prominent figurers in the beauty, fashion and wellness industries both in the Northern Hemisphere and the Global South.
Dr. Theo Mothoa-Frendo of USO Skincare discusses her journey from being product junkie to creating an African science-based skincare range. Taryn Gill of The Perfect Hair is a brand development whizz who discusses supply chain and distribution of her haircare brands. Katonya Breux discusses melanin and sunscreen and how she addresses the needs of a range of skin tones with her Unsun Cosmetics products.
We discuss inclusion in the wellness industry with Helen Rose Skincare and Yoga and Nectarines Founder , Day Bibb. Abiola Akani emphasizes non-performance in yoga with her IYA Wellness brand and Anesu Mbizho shares her journey to yoga and the ecosystem she's created through her business The Nest Space.
Fashion is all about handmade, custom made and circular production with featured guests like fashion designer Maria McCloy of Maria McCloy Accessories; Founder and textile/homeware designer Nkuli Mlangeni Berg of The Ninevites as well as Candice Lawrence, founder of the lighting design company Modern Gesture. These are just a few the conversations on the podcast over the past three years.
Shades & Layers
Mindful Hip-Hop with Toni Blackman(S2, E8)
EPISODE 8 OF SEASON 2
If like me, lo-fi beats have given you the peace of mind you need while working during this pandemic, then you already know something about mindful hip-hop.
And that is the topic of my conversation with Brooklyn-based hip-hop artist, Toni Blackman., who is an advocate of mindful hip-hop.
Our conversation is a journey that takes us to the start of her career in the 90s as a recording artist, through the years while using her platform for education and healing.
Toni has also been wearing many hats throughout the years; from consulting/facilitating workshops for corporates, co-creating work with A-list celebrities and using hip-hop cyphers as a tool for healing and education in her immediate community of Brooklyn, and other parts of the world.
She was one of the first US global hip-hop ambassador selected by the State Department, and continues this work through her artist residencies throughout the world. So far, she has taken her various hip-hop projects to 47 countries and worked with a countless number of artists in Africa, South America and Southeast Asia.
Toni's work and commitment to hip-hop has now led her to mindfulness and meditation, where she creates safe spaces for healing on various platforms including a YouTube Channel, a podcast and a theatrical performance called 'Let The Cypher Say Amen'.
This is an awesome conversation about dedication, commitment and above all, well-being.
LINKS TO TONI'S OTHER WORK
How To Freestyle: https://youtu.be/SJWqZcewxsU
The Wisdom of the Cypher: https://youtu.be/8W4yro7ESWU
MORE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/user/ToniB104
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