Self-Regard

Archives 2: Reshaping Narratives with Torri Yates-Orr, Jane Hervey, and Shauntavia Ward

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 13:22:58 GMT

In this episode, we uncover conversations from the archives with Torri Yates-Orr, emmy nominated historian and storyteller; Jane Hervey, creative director, recording artist, and the founder of Future Front Texas; and Shauntavia Ward, the founder of eleMINT. You'll learn how to combat shame, the real story of Cleopatra, why cellulite is sexy, how to move through difficult relational dynamics, what practicing antiracism actually looks like, and why the beauty industry needs an overhaul. They all share their insights on how reframing and reaffirming culture can help celebrate history and promote social justice in storytelling and advocacy. We also discuss the importance of redefining holistic wellness in the context of identity, and how these concepts intersect with broader conversations around culture and representation.

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Archives 1: Transformative Insights from Alex Elle, Arielle Estoria, and Leah Thomas

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 03:01:22 GMT

A fresh series featuring interviews from the archives. The conversations have been condensed and arranged to highlight especially notable themes such as creative writing, resilience, motherhood, environmentalism, and social justice. You will hear from Alex Elle, Arielle Estoria, and Leah Thomas – writers, artists, and advocates – who share their wisdom on a range of topics that explore the transformative power of storytelling for personal growth, community care, and social change. Through their inspiring stories and insights, Alex, Arielle, and Leah remind us of the importance of self-reflection, self-care, and self-expression. They invite us to be curious, compassionate, and creative in our own lives, and to use our voices to make a positive impact in the world. Join us for a journey of self-discovery and inspiration with these three remarkable individuals.

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Reflections 7: Finding a Place for Your Creative Self

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 19:43:46 GMT

In the first episode of this series, I discussed the importance of solitude. This episode represents a key ingredient to getting the most out of time spent alone: creativity. And yet, as we pursue our creative passions–whether personally or professionally–it's important to avoid getting consumed by them and losing ourselves in the process. I share my personal journey of using storytelling to drive social change and how I found a home within myself through creativity. Despite doubts about the industry being saturated and lacking uniqueness, we all possess unique intricacies that can be expressed through art. Through self-regard and balancing our individuality with the well-being of others, we can use creativity to expand ourselves and our collective.

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Reflections 6: The Balancing Act of Being Both Black and Biracial

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 08:00:32 GMT

In this episode, I discuss my experiences with racial bias and colorism as a Black and biracial woman, as well as my feelings of not belonging and the paradoxes of my identity. The privilege of dancing cross-culturally requires a rare skill to adapt.

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Reflections 5: The Paradox of Labels: Empowerment or Limitation?

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 16:38:46 GMT

This episode explores the power and pitfalls of labels in defining our identity. While labels can help us understand ourselves and connect with others, they can also reinforce biases and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. It's important to use labels as a starting point for self-exploration and personal growth, recognizing that our identities are fluid and constantly evolving.

Labels are a powerful tool for personal and societal growth, allowing us to find a sense of belonging while also challenging systemic injustices. By expanding our understanding of different labels and identities, we can create a more inclusive and empathetic society. But we must use labels thoughtfully, acknowledging their potential for both clarity and division, and not allowing them to limit or define us in overly simplistic ways.

Follow @rileyblanksreed for more.

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Reflections 4: Identity in Physical Form

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT

The complexities of body image and identity run deep. I have always had a pull towards body neutrality; focusing on celebrating and appreciating my body for what it can do, apart from its appearance. This is a tricky practice. It's hard not to care about the way my body looks. I'm not sure I ever won't. But the language I attach to thinking about my body has proven to be incredibly important. It starts with observation, acceptance, and compassion for every part of Self.

Resources: Claire Siegel of Flourish, No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz and When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron

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Reflections 3: Intentional Love; The Intersection of Connection and Individuality

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Part 2 of Reflections. In this episode, I expand on the definition of love as an active word; a verb that isn't solely about attraction or compatibility, but moreover: effort, intention, and understanding. While this episode is relevant to all relationships – friendships, familial ties, romantic flames, and platonic connections – I largely use my 13 year long relationship as my lens. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that there has to be a balance between individualism and connection, an element of reciprocity and mutual appreciation, and giving and receiving graciously.

A few key takeaways:

Life's challenges don't always have to be fixed, and planned visions are not certain.
Love is not determined by personalities, but by creating a fascinating harmony that keeps bonds in tact while fortifying your individual selves.
Other people's behavior towards you is not a reflection of your own worth. Instead, it is a reflection of their relationship with themselves.
Love requires a balance between separateness and togetherness. Commitments are voluntary agreements, while attachments are attempts at control.
Communication is important, but comprehension is key. Ensure that the other person truly understands you.
Cultivate fascination and curiosity in your relationships to keep them alive and interesting.
Spend time alone to know yourself better and to therefore be more present in your relationships and your communities.
Ask yourself: "does this person make me happy?"

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Reflections 2: Grieving the Loss of My Faithful Shadow

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 10:00:13 GMT

I lost my dog baby, George, suddenly; and I am devastated. Everything feels unfamiliar without him. As his primary caregiver, he offered me pure, unconditional love and unselfish devotion. This part of the series was intended to cover the importance of relationships in our identity and livelihood. It felt relevant to share this grief because the loss of George – the loss of a relationship – has challenged my home life and compelled me to wonder who I am without him following me into every room. My partner and I haven't experienced this kind of rupture in our environment. It has challenged us to grow and support one another in newfound ways. This loss looks like heartbreak and emptiness. But, within any container is an opportunity to expand. I know there are ways George will remain with us, even if not in physical form. And we will get to that evolution of the grieving process together.

“Form is emptiness, emptiness also is form. Emptiness is no other than form, form is no other than emptiness. Form is that which simply is before we project our beliefs onto it. ‘Form is emptiness’ refers to our simple, direct relationship with the immediacy of the experience. First we wipe away our preconceptions and then we even have to let go of our belief that we should look at things without preconceptions. In continuing to pull out our own rug, we understand the perfection of things just as they are. But ‘emptiness also is form’ turns the table. Emptiness continually manifests as war and peace, as grief, birth, old age, sickness, and death, as well as joy. We are challenged to stay in touch with the heart-throbbing quality of being alive. That's why we train in the relative practices of limitlessness and tonglen. They help us to engage fully in the vividness of life with an open, unclouded mind. Things are as bad and as good as they seem. There's no need to add anything extra." –Pema Chodron

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Reflections 1: The Innate Pleasure in Solitude

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 10:00:36 GMT

There is a deep connection between solitude and self-regard. When they are in harmony, we can collectively lead more fulfilled lives. In this first episode of the series on Reflections, Riley ponders the peace and quiet that solitude brings and how it allows us to elevate our identities to a place of contentment. Sharing her personal experiences, she discusses the difference between the ego and the self and the importance of having a healthy self-regard.

Riley also introduces a core pillar of this show: identity; unraveling how sports and life events have influenced her sense of self and how she has navigated changes and loss in her life. The healing power of self-expression is emphasized but not without acknowledgment of the harm that can come from commodifying trauma.

Solitude is an important aspect of our lives. It does not have to conjure up loneliness but rather, can facilitate a space in healing, growing, and loving alone time. After all, it provides us with wide open space and blank canvas to connect with ourselves and explore our thoughts and feelings. Whether it's in front of grandiose mountains or sitting against a tree, there is solace and peace to be discovered in solitude.

Listen further for resources and tactics for finding comfort in times of aloneness.

“The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have.”

"You are not the voice of the mind–you are the one who hears it. There are two distinct aspects of your inner being. The first is you, the awareness, the witness, the center of your willful intentions; and the other is that which you watch. The problem is, the part that you watch never shuts up. If you could get rid of that part, even for a moment, the peace and serenity would be the nicest vacation you’ve ever had.”

"The will to extend one’s self for the purpose of nurturing one’s own or another’s spiritual growth. Love is as love does. Love is an act of will–namely both an intention and an action. Will also implies choice. We do not have to love. We choose to love.”

“Care is a dimension of love, but simply giving care does not mean we are loving.”

"We need to look at things deeply in order to understand their own true nature, so that we will not be misled into suffering and bad feelings.”

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Unveiling Self-Regard with Riley Blanks Reed

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 10:00:25 GMT

We’re back with a brand new name. Self-Regard will delve into the intersection of mental health, identity, and creativity, with the underlying truth that: a strong self-regard affects our approach to challenges, relationships with others, and views of our place in the world; and a healthy self-regard is marked by faith in the unseen, resilience, and self-compassion.

In this first series, over the next few weeks, I am drawing back the curtain on how I contextualize identity and the thoughtful meaning behind self-regard. Self-Regard Reflections is composed of six parts – essentially six pieces of identity – that I consider most profound and considerable; starting with solitude; the peaceful, quiet, singular experience of being alone.

While the majority of these episodes are autobiographical, I will also leave you with tactics, quotes, and resources I’ve personally used to better understand myself and the world around me. My hope is that you will feel seen and called to discover a broadened perspective.

Consider gathering a writing tool, a notebook, and a warm cup of something you love. Ideally, you will leave with thoughts that expand beyond this podcast.

Best regards x

Please subscribe to stay engaged

Follow along on Instagram @rileyblanksreed

And reach out with kind words to riley@wokebeauty.com

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Melissa Urban – Setting Boundaries to Expand Your Life

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 01:25:09 GMT

Boundaries are not restricting. In fact, they are the contrary. Boundaries lead to expansiveness. In this episode, Melissa Urban and I talk about: setting boundaries even when it's uncomfortable, the key to maintaining boundaries, and managing resentment when you don't. We also dive deep on therapeutic methods, processing trauma, her commitment to ally ship and so much wisdom in between. Melissa’s voice is powerful and has been a guiding force as I’ve navigated health, wellness, and boundary setting. Her book, The Book of Boundaries, is releasing on October 11 (which, yes, is next week!) and you can preorder now. Please visit the Journal on Woke Beauty's website for show notes and links. @wokebeauty @melissau @rileyblanksreed

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Finding Peace in the Melancholic

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 16:54:19 GMT

Melancholy is a kind of longing, a bittersweet sensation swept up in sadness, beauty, and an obscure cluster of sensations. We don't necessarily welcome it and thus it arrives uninvited. But there is something so seductive about the sensation of melancholy. And there is much to gain. Melancholy creates room for us to simmer, explore, and self reflect. Because it emerges from nowhere, melancholy has the power to strip away any semblance of expectation. I find a lot of discovery in interconnectedness, a nondual state of being, and a deep relationship to nature. While you will hear my own anecdotes and experiences, I'll also share knowledge from Virginia Woolf, Frederic Malle, and Thich Nhat Hanh.

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Hypomania Explained

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 23:21:56 GMT

Hypomania could have its own show. With that in mind, I did my best to keep this segment punchy, full, and personal. A few key things to keep in mind: Hypomania is a period of over-active and excited behavior that can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life. It is extended and involves at least three core symptoms. Hypomania is not to be confused with mania–it manifests with unusual gaiety, excitement, flamboyance, or irritation, along with other characteristics such as inflated self-esteem, extreme talkativeness, increased distractibility, reduced need for sleep, and having racing thoughts–as it does not involve psychosis. You can make decisions and life choices that can significantly decrease your chances of having a hypomanic episode or prevent them entirely. This episode is for anyone who lives with bipolar II, for anyone who has a loved one who lives with the condition, or for anyone curious to expand their knowledge on the topic. Quote by David Lovelace: I know the empathy borne of despair; I know the fluidity of thought, the expansive, even beautiful, mind that hypomania brings, and I know this is quicksilver and precious and often it’s poison. There has always existed a sort of psychic butcher who works the scales of transcendence, who weighs out the bloody cost of true art. Book recommendation: I'm Lying but I'm Telling the Truth by Bassey Ikpi.

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Moving Through Depression

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 04:59:06 GMT

No one term, diagnosis, or feeling fully encompasses one's essence. And depression is no different. The nature of the feeling, however, is all encompassing. In this episode, I talk about my experience with depression and the tools I've found helpful to get me through the tunnel. All feelings are like waves, they must go up in order to come down, but the ride can certainly be smoother. I reference an amazing book I'm reading right now called No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz. And I also recommend a book called The Depression Cure by my friend, Stephen Ilardi. A couple of quotes I've been loving: "If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility." & "I suspect that beneath it all is not an acceptance of but the longing for an acceptance of the elemental interplay between darkness and light, beauty and sorrow, mortality and meaning — the longing we transmute into meaning, that great act of creation." Follow me @rileyblanksreed and learn more about Woke Beauty at www.wokebeauty.com

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Practicing Better Sleep

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 00:40:34 GMT

Every kind of sleep serves some functional, evolutionary, fundamental significance. In this episode, I break it down in sections: why it’s hard to get to sleep, terms like "revenge bedtime procrastination" and "sleep debt", the effect of lack of sleep, the relationship between sleep and mental health conditions–and bipolar disorder specifically–and ways to improve both sleep and mental health including my favorite strategies and rituals. A few resources I've found helpful: Matthew Walker's interview with The Knowledge Project: https://fs.blog/knowledge-project-podcast/matthew-walker/; Leona Lewis' sleep story: https://www.calm.com/blog/drift-of-to-sleep-with-leona-lewis-and-save-lives-with-red, Bipolar Disorder and Sleep Issues on very well health: https://www.verywellhealth.com/bipolar-insomnia-5221108, Reclaim A Good Night's Sleep: https://www.npr.org/2022/06/14/1105122521/stop-revenge-bedtime-procrastination-get-better-sleep

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Alex Elle – Lessons on Healing

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 06:16:02 GMT

Tune into a conversation with Alex Elle about the importance of morning walks, seasonal shifts, grounding rituals, and self acknowledgement. Her new book, How We Heal, is available for preorder in November.

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Creative Writing as a Form of Therapy

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 02:54:40 GMT

My writing practice is everything. It’s how I sift through my thoughts in a way that feels meditative, and it helps me put words to what’s intangible.

I have found many answers and had epiphanies about the world around me and the world within me through writing.

Paper holds power. The most beautiful thing about it is that it doesn’t talk back – not really. It sits there holding crystal clear space, so that you can pour your mind onto its surface. Through my creative writing process, I’ve developed a few techniques that are tools in developing self awareness and personal growth. The work is intricate, sometimes difficult, but the relationship between you and yourself deserves nothing less.

Open your heart and grab some paper. You’ll want to take notes for this one.

Follow @rileyblanksreed and explore www.wokebeauty.com to read more of what I have to say (about most things).

Ocean Vuong said, “If you’re working on a poem or a story, when you’re hitting a dead end, when it’s not going, take it with you. Get away from the desk. It means something is not happening. It doesn’t mean you’re blocked — I don’t think writer’s block is real. I think it’s the mythos of capitalism — that you’re always supposed to be producing; this anxiety of being productive and quantifying your self-worth through page counts and word counts. You’re working, but you have to work differently now. Now you have to work with your body. Maybe there’s questions you’re not asking. Maybe you have to recite this poem and walk with it.”

Explore the VIA diagram in the book, Belong, by Radha Agrawal.

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Talking About Mental Health (When It's Uncomfortable)

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 21:11:19 GMT

An unfiltered monologue from your hostess, Riley Reed, about the discomfort that can arise around mental health conversations – especially on the topic of mental illness. Follow @rileyblanksreed @wokebeauty to stay connected.

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Sequoyah Johnson – Connecting Functional Artwork to Self Love

Thu, 12 May 2022 16:18:52 GMT

Learn more about Sequoyah's homage to her inner child @thecoycollection.

Connect with Riley @rileyblanksreed and dive in at www.wokebeauty.com.

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Giving Yourself Grace

Sun, 08 May 2022 12:21:17 GMT

Sometimes life has other plans.

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Live at SXSW with Nicole Cardoza – Reclaiming Wellness and Detaching Self

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 01:16:54 GMT

Get to know Nicole Cardoza on Instagram @nicoleacardoza. Learn more about Woke Beauty at www.wokebeauty.com.

Thank you Gucci Equilibrium for supporting this live recording at SXSW.

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Part 3: Demystifying Mental Health Medicine

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 17:26:08 GMT

A stream of consciousness monologue on three aspects of mindset I've been thinking about a lot lately: identity, the state of arrival, and neglect of comparison.

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Part 2: Demystifying Mental Health Medicine

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 00:25:48 GMT

This episode is part two of demystifying mental health medicine. Please note, I am not licensed. My knowledge is derived from social psychology education, personal experience, medical consulting and persistent research. While listening keep in mind. I am just a resource, a well read girl with a story. If you need help beyond this podcast, please contact a certified professional.

I recently heard a great quote about patience in a newsletter I receive every week from Farnam Street. It says:

“Patience is not passive, on the contrary, it is concentrated strength.” ― Bruce Lee

"People wait in different ways. Some are passive. Others are active. These two approaches are as different as the results they yield.

Passive patience is waiting for the world to give you the thing you want. A lot of people live their life with passive patience. Rather than go after the promotion at work they expect it to fall in their lap. Rather than go after the love of their life, they sit back and expect to be courted. Rather than chase their dreams, they wait for just the right opening that always seems around the corner but never comes. These people have the wrong kind of patience.

Active patience is different. Active patience demands action and intention, even while waiting for results. Active patience means not only applying for the promotion but taking your time to build the skills you need to put yourself in the best position to succeed. Active patience means starting the business, writing the book, going after the love of your life.

Active patience puts you in the best position to get what you want. There is almost always an action you can take to improve the odds.

Active in the moment but patient with the results.

Active patience."

In many ways, my relationship with my therapist is the medicine. She has taught me how to have a personal connection that has strong boundaries, feels safe, involves respect, care, understanding, maturity, and has the power to grow which maintaining its foundation. I am keenly aware of the cost of therapy and I do my best to prepare deeply for every session. However, oftentimes, as soon as I end up sitting in front of her, I am flooded with all of the things I might otherwise neglect in my usual conversations. Still in those instances she knows how to reel me in, distill, and focus so that I leave our time together feeling at ease and well equipped to move through pressing issues. Though I leave the room, I find that, in many ways, she remains with me. I am able to directly apply her lessons, reconfigure thought patterns in my mind, and find healthy ways to feel better.

Oftentimes, we concern ourselves with the minute details. Like, we have to get up at 5am on the dot or else. I think rituals become more fluid, more possible, when they are less strict. Maybe it’s just earlier. Maybe it’s a timeframe. Or maybe it’s altering another aspect in your life to incentivize an earlier day. For me, building little routines in my life that have positive effect is one of the most effective ways I create rituals that support me.

A while back I learned a really great lesson. I must, no matter what, carve out time in the morning just for myself. Once I get going, even if I solo-task, I really get going. Other things. Other people. They will undoubtedly come first. Which makes me less happy, less fulfilled, less of my best self. So, I have 2 hours carved out in my calendar, everyday, from 6-8am that are labeled: “I am focused on me.” It is a non-negotiable time frame that I’ve set aside for me to sleep, do nothing, walk, read, drink coffee, lift weights, talk to a friend, literally whatever. It doesn’t matter so long as it is not work related, so long as it is purely a form of therapy. Let this serve as your reminder: take care of you first.

Resources: Remedy Place, Psychology Today

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Part 1: Demystifying Mental Health Medicine

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 01:06:47 GMT

While listening, please keep in mind: I am just a resource, a well-read girl with a story. If you need help beyond this podcast, please contact a certified professional.

You can meet me on Instagram @rileyblanksreed, learn more about Woke Beauty at wokebeauty.com. And you can always drop some feedback in my inbox at riley@wokebeauty.com. I’d love to hear from you.

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Drawing Back the Curtain

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 19:32:20 GMT

This episode serves as a recap of what this show is all about, an introduction to what’s head, and a vulnerable share of the mental health disorder I struggle with.

Notable Quotes:

"Ultimately, whatever is in your reality is your responsibility." -Nisandeh Neta

"You do not have to be a fire for every mountain blocking you. You could be a water and soft river your way to freedom too." -Nayyirah Weed

Truths to Remember:

Your perspective determines your reality.

Authenticity comes down to integrity, responsibility, and alignment.

Mental health is the health of the mind. Everyone has it.

Bipolar II is characterized by two poles: hypomania and depression. Hypomania is marked by elation and hyperactivity.

Though bravery is a bridge to the other side of fear, it does not mean the fear goes away. And it is not a badge of honor. You do not have to be brave. You do not have to be certain. You do not have to share. There is no obligation. This is only my choice, my authenticity. It does not have to be yours.

Follow @rileyblanksreed and @wokebeauty. Learn more at wokebeauty.com.

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Allegra Brantly – Attaining Financial Freedom for the Precious Gift of Time

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 19:28:22 GMT

Allegra Moet Brantly is on a mission to lead 1 million women to $1 million in net worth. To do so, she founded Factora Wealth, an online course & community that educates and empowers women to build real wealth, together. A serial entrepreneur, real estate investor, dog lover, and Texan since 2017, Allegra’s deeply passionate about helping women learn how to invest in financial freedom.

Learn more at www.factorawealth.com and follow on Instagram @factorawealth.

Check out our new site (!!!) at www.wokebeauty.com.

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Arielle Estoria – Sharing Words from the Soul

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 17:02:33 GMT

Read Arielle's feature on the Beyond Skin Deep column: https://camillestyles.com/wellness/poet-arielle-estoria/

Read my post on why I changed my last name: https://www.instagram.com/p/CIeIW8YM1BI/

Follow @arielleestoria

Keep in touch @wokebeauty @rileyblanksreed and learn more at www.wokebeauty.com

Notable quotes from Arielle:

"My brain responds in poetic form. It's how I process everything I experience."

"Words not for the ears but for the soul."

"If anything, gratitude is more of an action than it is a word."

"For a lot of us, where you were first rooted stays a part of you, no matter how much you uproot as you change. That place will always be the place that 'grew you'."

"Purpose is: you see a void and everything in you has a desire to fill it with something. What is it? Usually it's not what we went to school for or what we were told we would become. But rather, this innate existence and ability to fill something that we have been made and designed to fulfill."

"To truly embody words creates a whole different appreciation for them. Being able to memorize and take in words like that is a way of paying gratitude to the word itself."

"Other people will have ideas of who you are. We need to have our view, and to own it entirely, especially as Black people."

"The whole process of failure starts with reframing. What is failure to begin with? The moment you said 'failure', I heard 'pivot'. It's: that didn't work. What else could work? Especially in the creative world, if we just sat in every failure, we would be buried by it. The reframing of words is really important. Ask yourself, what is this word? And why do we give it so much power?"

The book she loves: Untamed by Glennon Doyle

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Leah Thomas – Advocating for Social Justice and Sustainability

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 23:28:35 GMT

Leah Thomas is an intersectional environmental activist and eco-communicator based in Southern California. She's passionate about advocating for and exploring the relationship between social justice and environmentalism. She graduated from Chapman University in 2017 with a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy with a cluster in Comparative World Religions. Leah is the founder of eco-lifestyle blog @greengirlleah and The Intersectional Environmentalist Platform, which is a resource + media hub that aims to advocate for environmental justice + inclusivity within environmental education + movements. Her articles on this topic have appeared in Vogue, Elle, The Good Trade and Youth to the People. Before pursuing environmentalism full time, Leah worked for the National Park Service and Patagonia headquarters. Her mission is to inspire others to explore new places, live more sustainably and practice radical self acceptance.

This conversation was recorded last Fall on a rainy day in Austin while the sun shone brightly in Ventura.

That was intersectional environmental activist and eco-communicator Leah Thomas. You can find Leah on Instagram @greengirlleah .

Follow @wokebeauty @rileyblanksreed

"For me, the pen and paper... that is my microphone. I want to show the younger generation that activism doesn't need to look a certain way. We can all contribute whatever our strengths might be. It takes all of us."

"I am just one small expression of Blackness. My methods are not the only way to practice activism. Just because I have a certain outlook doesn't mean other perspectives aren't valid."

"I think joy is an act of radical resistance to the world that we live in."

"I learned to appreciate failure because it taught me so much about myself—who I want to be and who I don't want to be. And I know the person I want to be isn't perfect."

"I would rather see a million imperfect sustainability enthusiasts than five militant people living perfectly and existing off of sunshine and water alone. That's just not healthy."

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Keon Saghari – Letting Go and Skating Freely

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 01:42:03 GMT

Keon Saghari is a roller skating dancer extraordinaire. She thrives off of connecting with people in her community through movement, joy and liberation. From roller skating in Venice Beach to making incredible dance films for her thriving Instagram audience…well that’s not all. Keon also manages to find time to work a 9 to 5 on the employee experience team for a tech company, developing and curating their wellness program and planning events. She recently proposed to her now fiancé (he said yes!) and continues to shine like the sun. At the end of our interview she reminisced on where she was in her career just 1 year ago…it was so beautiful to hear her expand on her evolution, I just had to throw it here at the beginning.

Follow @neonkeon @rileyblanksreed @wokebeauty

Learn more at www.wokebeauty.com

Read the feature at https://camillestyles.com/wellness/roller-skate-dancing-keon-saghari/

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Hi 2021

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 22:56:26 GMT

Happy New Year! A few notes...

“I once heard Pema Chodron explain that no emotion lasts longer than 90 seconds. You heard that right: no emotion we feel lasts longer than a minute and a half if we let it run its course without interference. Emotions, the result of chemical response to a thought, appear, intensify, de-intensify, and subside: and they do this in less time than it takes to microwave a frozen burrito. What prolongs them isn’t emotional wiring gone awry but the stories we lay on top of them that keep our brains dumping more of those chemicals into our system. A prolonged emotional experience is the result of the stories we keep alive in our heads.” -from Holly Whitaker’s book, Quit Like A Woman

“I don’t think we talk enough about the sadness and the grief that can come when we set boundaries with those we love.” -unknown

Book mentioned:The Writing Life, Annie Dillard

Follow @wokebeauty @rileyblanksreed

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Heidi Childers Jones – It's Ok to Not Be Ok

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 08:15:03 GMT

Heidi Childers Jones is a Birthworker, Bodyworker, & Strength Coach based in Austin Texas. She is a full-spectrum birth and postpartum doula, meaning she provides culturally-sensitive support and advocates for all birthing people across all birthing experiences and preferences. She has studied with Birthing Advocacy, Mama Glow, and Doula Training International. Heidi’s life philosophy, which carries over into all aspects of her work, is flow. It’s about shifting, transforming and being receptive and adaptable to change. What washes up, good or bad, will always wash away. She is guided by the knowledge and practices of her ancestors, with strong Thai and Southeast Asian influences found in her birth and bodywork; in an effort to keep traditions alive and respected.

Book Heidi: flowbirthandbody.com

Follow Heidi: @heidi.flowbirthandbody

Follow Woke Beauty: @wokebeauty

Follow Riley Blanks Reed: @rileyblanksreed

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Miranda Bennett – Giving Worth to Women Through Sustainability, Community Building and Allyship

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 13:27:07 GMT

Miranda Bennett is a pioneer of ethical manufacturing, local and transparent production models and sustainability through design and materials. A graduate of Parsons’s School of Design and Eugene Lang College, Bennett’s thesis and senior collection were rooted in local, maker economies that eschew mass production and the exploitation of workers. Bennett began her career in Fashion in 2006 with her first eponymous collection, designed, cut and ethically sewn by woman owned production facilities in New York City. Her current brand, Miranda Bennett Studio, highlights plant dyed, zero waste women's apparel, made under one roof in Austin, Texas. A pilgrim of myth, Bennett is often captured by the invisible, underlying thread that connects us all. An awareness of this connection, and that no actions exist in a vacuum, is the foundation of her approach to fashion and environmental stewardship.

Her recommended book: After the Rain by Alex Elle

Her morning routine: supplements, strong black tea and social media engagement

Her lesson to her younger self: Value yourself more.

A favorite quote: "I think at the core of all of my decision making and the intention behind all of it is how do I create environments, products, situations where women feel of value? That is always what I go back to. I consider the Earth to be one of those women."

To learn more about Woke Beauty visit www.wokebeauty.com

To learn more about Miranda Bennett Studio visit shopmirandabennett.com

Follow @wokebeauty @rileyblanksreed @mirandabennettstudio

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Jules Acree – Living Intentionally

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 14:05:56 GMT

Jules Acree is a wellness writer, content creator, and certified yoga + mindfulness teacher. Her daily mission is to bring wellness down-to-earth and to help others simplify life to find more joy in this digital age. Through her journey, she’s learned it’s about the small shifts made consistently that add up to sustained change. She aids her readers and watchers with finding more ease and ditching the all-or-nothing mindset through incredible content that incentivizes you to live a more intentional lifestyle - one that motivates you to slow down, cut the clutter and tune into your own channel.

Mental health – 10:42

Mindfulness – 17:15

Morning routine – 19:38

Evening routine – 23:52

Social media process – 27:49

Home organization – 32:35

Launching your brand – 44:28

Family and Culture: 48:44

Her go to book: Essentialism by Greg McKeown

Follow @wokebeauty @rileyblanks @omandthecity

Check out Jules' blog: www.omandthecity.com and her online store: www.thehomebodies.co

Learn more at www.wokebeauty.com

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Shohreh Davoodi – Filtering Out Voices That Are Not Our Own

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 23:13:39 GMT

Shohreh Davoodi is a rainbow glitter bomb of a human who exudes thoughtfulness and creativity. Within the clutches of capitalism, Shohreh makes her living as a coach, consultant, and podcast host, helping people redefine health and wellness in the ways that feel most nourishing for them. Shohreh currently feels particularly passionate about queer TikTok, having a bookshelf full of physical books she hasn't read yet while continuously turning to audiobooks, sending snail mail, expanding her collection of fancy sprinkles, and trying her best to human, even when it hurts.

Follow @shohrehdavoodi @wokebeauty @rileyblanks

Visit https://shohrehdavoodi.com

Listen to Shohreh's podcast: Redefining Health and Wellness

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Reminiscing Summer: A Recap

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 19:58:20 GMT

To all of our guests and listeners, thank you for a beautiful summer! See you October 7. Some words to ponder till then...

Not fitting is okay.

Our memories and what we choose to remember can also speak to what we choose to forget.

Your skin is your skin. Your body is your body. Cherish it.

It is just so interesting how you can tether or untether yourself from the place that you were born or the place where you grew up. I find that really interesting how it plays a role in our identity.

Exposure and experiences across the spectrum will teach you to process the world and the people who live in it.

Accept then situation for what it is. Find peace in the things that you can control. Be grateful and celebrate the happiness that you can find.

You can change the value of stories by giving them attention. We can literally create culture.

We deserve the right to live in our bodies and we deserve the right to exist... in the way that we were created. That is a fundamental human right.

To be a black woman of mixed race is rather nuanced.

Leave this earth empty. Empty yourself of every gift you have.

Laughter will keep you young and beautiful. Laughter will heal you.

Food is medicine.

Really healthy and really imperative things are often basics, foundational elements of health that cost zero dollars.

Typically, history is written by the winners. Historically, because of colonialism, the winners have not been Black. We need to tell our stories. It’s time to get another point of view.

You have to know why you do something or it has no meaning.

Oftentimes, mixed race people can’t claim any part of themselves. Thus, they have to create their own identity.

Being green is seen as feminine trait, by both men and women... it's really for white women in the suburbs...in urban cities some of the biggest minorities are African American communities.. I was interested in how black men perceive green consumption, do they think it's mascuine or not? We have no research on black men.”

Me phrasing a sentence in a way that's privileged or irresponsible could be super damaging to somebody. On one hand i'm very nervous to be just another white lady contributing to the bullshit and oppression and the system and thats been really me struggling with the okay you do really look like a white lady, you do have those privileges, and you have walked through the world this way so how can you be the white lady and also be the black lady that gets it, how can you be both things?

I want to preserve this feeling, this feeling of fulfillment, this feeling of happiness, so if i have to take risks, travel, do whatever i need to do, jump outside of my comfort zone in order to preserve that feeling, in order to grow that feeling, of waking up everyday and being at peace with what i'm doing, i'm going to do it.

Those things really enable you to astonish people; your intelligence, your timing, how much you listen to people I think is really important.

1.) You can never be too prepared.

2.) Don't be afraid to take up space.

3.) Set boundaries, especially in the work space.

Using someone else’s suffering as a prop to kind of minimize your own doesn’t benefit the person who is suffering, any person who is suffering in the equation.

Truly what other advice is there, other than that? Be humble and trust that inner voice. KNow that you can be wrong and trust that inner voice.

You don't always have to be in people pleaser mode... as a woman especially... we tiptoe around certain people, from a genuine place, not wanting to inconvenience somebody or burden somebody with something that you’re wrestling with. Sometimes someone else will resonate with struggle and sadness and with emotion in a way that brings you closer. It is not a burden, it is an ability to be human together.

I learned from an early age to really understand that there is not a right or wrong way to be, as humans. There are so many different ways to exist.

If we’re in the thick of Fall and no one is hanging out by the pool – whatever – it’s totally fine to go to a pool, put your feet in the water and have a cocktail like it’s summer. I’m huge on living your best life unapologetically no matter what season it is and no matter what somebody says you have to do. A lot of the SAD comes from sitting inside and watching things change on the outside. So, break yourself free from the home. Create the life you want and live it.

When people started to tell me that I was confident, honestly, for a while I actually wasn’t. I was putting myself in situations where I didn’t feel comfortable nor confident engaging in those spaces. But after I had some accomplishments and survived I started getting used to it – to those uncomfortable spaces. It started to bother me less. That evolution is different than putting on a red lipstick and a loud outfit. I started putting on those looks before I felt confident. Those aesthetic choices are an extension of me now but then, it was just me trying to find a way to feel good. Confidence, in general, is always just…becoming.

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Burn Out

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 23:44:48 GMT

Note: Please see a professional if you are in need of emotional support. I am not an expert, just a storyteller. Two definitions of burn out that may resonate: 'to be completely consumed and thus no longer aflame' and 'fatigue, frustration, or apathy resulting from prolonged stress, overwork, or intense activity.' Acknowledge and embrace, monitor what you allow into your being, take care of yourself in the mornings and nights, make things basic and easy, take small breaks, eat food as medicine, find therapy in small acts and rely on external tools to organize your thoughts and priorities. Remember that you are small. Your troubles are small.

"Art is never finished, only abandoned." -Leonardo da Vinci

Full Focus Planner: https://fullfocusplanner.com/

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Shauntavia Ward – eleMINT, A Lifestyle for Skincare

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 07:20:11 GMT

Shauntavia Ward founded eleMINT as a Nurse Practitioner, who after 8 years in medicine, craved a deeper connection with inspiring people to feel good about themselves, in their most natural state, beyond the needle. With an extensive knowledge in skin health, anatomy & physiology, wellness and preventive education, Shauntavia is deeply invested in helping you cultivate healthy skin habits and become your own #skingoals. eleMINT is driven to shift the conversation to highlight overall wellbeing, and make skincare inclusive, accessible and affordable, so every person, of every hue, can put their best face forward; empowering you to look good, feel good and do good in the world. Through crowdfunding, resourcefulness and a lot of grit, Shauntavia just finished opening a brand new studio in east Austin where she continues to cultivate a lifestyle for skincare through her warm, welcoming, infectious aura.

Explore more on Woke Beauty: www.wokebeauty.com.

Book a consultation and facial at eleMINT: www.elemint.com.

Follow @wokebeauty, @rileyblanks, @elemint, @shauntaviaaaa

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Angélica Rahe – Nurturing Your Creative Spirit and Coming Home to Yourself

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 06:07:17 GMT

Angélica Rahe has an artistic journey that truly spans the globe. Her music and art reflects her journey of femininity, sensuality, and self-love.Born of a Spanish-musician father and American theater-actress mother, Angélica split her childhood between Spain, Japan and landed in the U.S. as a young teenager. While her early singles show an impressive range of vocal talent and songwriting abilities, it's the intimacy and sensuality in her debut album, REINA, that has media and fans likening her to artists ranging from Sade to Solange.

A pioneer for self love, Angelica seamlessly speaks and sings about her personal journey of reflection and rebirth. She reminds me that though life holds pain, a sense of ease and comfort can be manifested. You might hear in her voice that she talks through smiles.

Follow @wokebeauty @rileyblanks @angelicarahe

Listen to Angélica: https://open.spotify.com/artist/75OOnlOyG0Rwt3hp2JJJGy?si=P05DgE5rSpWBe-zU_VbVRA

Explore more on Woke Beauty: https://www.wokebeauty.com

A favorite quote from Angélica: "There is no good or bad, just color."

The book that nurtures her creative spirit: The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

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Chelsea Francis – Be Humble and Trust Your Inner Voice

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 15:50:04 GMT

Chelsea Francis is a multi-hypenate creative type. She got her degree in Marketing and PR and knew the traditional desk job would keep her away from what she loves most: profound connection. She has been photographing and consulting professionally for over seven years. Her heart is open and her soul is good. She believes that any story doesn’t begin and end with a brand. It begins and ends with a person. Her goal is to capture a story with the images she creates. Her trade as a creative individual isn’t limited to just one thing. She offers photography, brand direction, public speaking, community events and writing. She is grateful to have worked with many prominent platforms such as Tribeza, Glitter Guide, Yellow Giggles and Texas Style Council. She is the founder of Fluffi, a space that allows humans to embrace their full selves. Chelsea is a content creator and truth teller. She has partnered with powerhouse brands such as Madewell and Doc Martins. I am beyond grateful for her heartfelt presence, honest stories, shameless tears, colorful expression and unrelenting allyship.

Follow @wokebeauty @rileyblanks @ohhhchelsea @lovefluffi

Read about (Re)learning to read: https://www.lovefluffi.com/all-posts/building-a-reading-habit

Explore more on Woke Beauty: https://www.wokebeauty.com

Some favorite quotes from Chelsea:

"Using someone else's suffering as a prop to minimize your own doesn’t benefit the person who is suffering."

"For a long time I thought I needed a lot of other stuff to get me to God - whatever that was, whoever that was - now i understand that I don’t need all of that stuff. And that’s about as much as I’ve got figured out about it."

"This time is about the island that you’re building for yourself that no one else gets to live on."

"Nothing matters as much as the moment after you fail."

"Be humble and trust your inner voice."

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Paola Mathé – Open Your Eyes and You Will Find Beauty

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 05:00:10 GMT

Haitian by birth and an artist at heart, Paola Mathe uses her inspiring style to encourage others to live unapologetically. In her formative years, the self taught photographer nurtured the dream of living within full creative expression and upon moving to New York City, Paola began chronicling her adventures with bold colors and style on lifestyle blog, Finding Paola. Producing statement making outfits has earned Paola features in many online and print publications such as The New York Times, Vogue, A Cup of Joe, NY Magazine/The Cut, Oxygen, and Essence.com. However, it is Mathe’s flair in shaping important narratives around identity, culture, womanhood, and beauty that have made her the center of campaigns for GAP and L’Occitane as a champion of self love. In 2014, Paola launched Fanm Djanm, a collection of headwraps and popular lifestyle brand meaning “strong woman” in Haitian Kreyol. She regularly touches on the proud Haitian heritage that initiated her love affair with color and delivered a Tedx Talk aptly named “Sharing My Colors With the World” at her alma mater Drew University. Paola lives in Austin, TX with her husband Tyler and daughter Zuli.

Follow @wokebeauty @rileyblanks @findingpaola @fanmdjanm

Read https://camillestyles.com/wellness/mind/beyond-skin-deep/paola-mathe-finds-beauty-everywhere/

Explore Woke Beauty: https://www.wokebeauty.com/

Watch Paola's Tedx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UTnyKG7VwY&list=UL5knODmUhgbc&index=53754

26:58 // Quote from Zadie Smith: “I am seized by two contradictory feelings: there is so much beauty in the world it is incredible that we are ever miserable for a moment; there is so much shit in the world that it is incredible we are ever happy for a moment.”

Paola's favorite authors:

Ocatvia Butler

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Edwidge Danticat

Paola's methods:

Patience with myself, questioning things around me, being curious about my intentions and doing things that make me feel uncomfortable. I try to do things that scare me.

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Akili King – You Must Write Your Own Story

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 19:45:34 GMT

Akili King, the Beauty Editorial Assistant and writer at Vogue Magazine, is a 25-year-old graduate of the NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Studies, where she focused on Creative Writing, Africana Studies, and Journalism, along with a French Minor. She was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, until she moved to Paris for her freshman year of college for the NYU Paris program. She is currently based in Brooklyn, New York. Her writing covers the spheres of beauty, wellness, and culture, and her bylines can be seen in the likes of Milk Makeup, Fashion Fair and DRØME. She writes the weekly column Best Beauty Instagrams of the Week for Vogue where she aims to push the envelope of what beauty is considered to be. Her newest series, Texture Diaries, gives space to Black women in the industry to celebrate and affirm their beauty.

Akili is passionate about poetry, film, screenwriting, yoga, and pole dancing. Her poetry can be found in her book, Awakening. She started writing when she was 5 years old. As she grew up, she gained a fascination for the world of beauty and reading magazines– but noticed there were rarely diverse images represented in either spheres. Starting in college, she was inspired to be a part of changing that. Her mission is to continue writing meaningful pieces– through a beauty and wellness lens– that uplift those who don’t often feel seen in the media.

Follow @wokebeauty @rileyblanks @akili_

Read Texture Diaries: https://www.vogue.com/tag/franchise/texture-diaries

Explore more on Woke Beauty: https://www.wokebeauty.com

25:49 // Tweet from Erica Williams Simon: “Best career advice that I can give: Don't ever attach yourself to a person, a place, a company, an organization or a project. Attach yourself to a mission, a calling, a purpose ONLY. That's how you keep your power & your peace. It's worked pretty well for me thus far.”

37:47 // Ancestral healing expert: Ash Johns, @ashinspires

Authors:

Nikki Giovani

Sonya Sanchez

Don Miguel Ruiz

Podcasts:

So What Do You Do Again

Naked Beauty

Next in Line

Akili’s advice:

don’t be afraid to take up space, set your boundaries and attach yourself to purpose

beauty is an internal harmony

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Kim Cowans – Part 2: Cultivating SKIMDO

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 04:26:10 GMT

A continuation of part 1; Kim elaborates on the ingredients of Skimdo - literally and figuratively. We get a beautiful, generous peek into business ownership, branding, adult healing and pivoting on your toes despite a pandemic.

Explore more about Woke Beauty: www.wokebeauty.com

Learn more about SKIMDO: www.skimdo.com

Follow @rileyblanks @wokebeauty @skimdo

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Kim Cowans – Part 1: Creating SKIMDO

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 04:46:54 GMT

For Kimberley Cowans, the bi-racial identity crisis came in waves. A trip to Brazil aged 17 changed the way she saw her curly hair forever, and after wave number two hit, she left architecture to start the cult indie haircare brand SKIMDO.

When you’re Russian and Jamaican, born in London and raised in Thailand, things are anything but smooth. (Well, everything but the hair.)

Explore more about Woke Beauty: http://www.wokebeauty.com

Learn more about SKIMDO: https://www.skimdo.com/

Follow @rileyblanks @wokebeauty @skimdo

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Laolu Onabanjo – Going Somewhere Else to Discover Yourself

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 02:15:51 GMT

Just a heads up, to focus on quality over quantity content, I’ll be posting episodes once weekly on Wednesdays. Thank you so much for supporting us. It means the world!

Today’s guest, Laolu Onabanjo, is a Nigerian-American travel blogger, model and food connoisseur. She has visited 18 countries and boasts that the most equally expensive and cheapest thing she owns is a piece of paper from Tufts University that says she studied Political Science for 4 years. Laolu is passionate about mental health, physical well being, feminism, fashion, culture and of course…food. Humility and charity keep her humble while food criticism keeps her busy. She currently hosts and produces a show, Girls v. Food, where she converses with unique individuals about their path to success as a means of progressing their hobbies into financially successful careers. She believes, if you take ownership over your life, you can live on your own terms.

Explore more on Woke Beauty

Learn more about Laolo Onabanjo

Follow @rileyblanks, @wokebeauty, @lifeabanjo

Watch Girls v Food

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Fortify Yourself

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 04:59:18 GMT

Listen to Riley elaborate on the language she's discovered to take care of herself in a way that's nurturing, fortifying and plentiful.

Resources:

Getting Clear, Body Work for Women

All About Love, Bell Hooks

Explore more at www.wokebeauty.com

Follow @wokebeauty and @rileyblanks

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Liv Hadden – Choosing Blackness and Holding While Being Held

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 02:41:02 GMT

Liv Hadden is a clarity guide, graphic designer, uninhibited dancer, the author of Get Your Joy On: Unleash Joy in Your life, One Small Action at a Time and the host of Self-Aware Millennial, the podcast and community for people seeking a joyously authentic life. She is an award-wining fiction author and entrepreneur and has acquired a variety of skills and experiences that allow her to explore personal leadership on a deep and spiritual level. Liv’s purpose and passion in life is to help others wake up to all of the magic in the world, especially the unique brand of magic you carry inside yourself.

Today, we touch on a really interesting dynamic: what does it mean to feel black but present white? Liv Hadden’s journey through identity, trauma and self actualization is deeply layered and will leave you feeling enlightened.

Notable tattoos: Know Thyself, The Time Will Pass Anyway

Explore more on Woke Beauty at: http://wokebeauty.com

Learn more about Self-Aware Millennial at: https://selfawaremillennial.com/

Follow @wokebeauty and @rileyblanks

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Elaine Almeida – Finding Strength in Tenderness

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 05:01:52 GMT

Elaine Almeida is an artist and scholar deeply interested in healing, race and tenderness. A doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, her work asks, "what are the public realities of pleasure in marginalized bodies: how is it practiced, how is it stolen, and how does liberation reimagine these realities?” She extends this through her artistic practice, where her axiom "strength in tenderness" guides her work. Prints and tattoos can be found across the globe.

I interviewed Elaine last summer in her cozy studio apartment just before she received her graduate degree from the University of Texas. When we met, Elaine had hired me for a Woke Beauty session. Our initial consultation revealed that we would be friends and this past February I hired her on as associate producer for Woke Beauty. Elaine is truly a rare soul. Every time I hear her I learn something. And I guarantee you will too.

Explore more on Woke Beauty at https://www.wokebeauty.com

Learn more about Elaine Almeida at https://www.almeidaagain.com/

Follow @wokebeauty @rileyblanks @almeidaagain

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Heather Gallagher – Inventing a Language and Living Across the Spectrum

Sun, 28 Jun 2020 06:46:48 GMT

Today’s guest, Heather Gallagher, is a Chinese American family photojournalist and birth and death doula.

Heather speaks frankly and transparently about her experiences as a biracial CODA (Child of Deaf Adult) and how this has inspired and informed her work as a witness and emotional support person to individuals and families in all transitions in life. Heather's work serves to make all people feel seen and heard without judgement, hold a mirror up to current social structures and question the status quo.

I interviewed Heather last summer on her couch in her lovely home with her pup nearby and a set of chimes just outside her front door. We lingered on her work, her family and her unique lens on all things life.

Explore more on Woke Beauty at: http://wokebeauty.com

Learn more about Heather Gallagher at http://heathergallagherphotography.com/

Follow @wokebeauty @rileyblanks @lifesaspectrum @hg_editorial

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April Kayganich – Don't Let Anything Hold You Back, From 2018

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 05:00:09 GMT

Born in LA, but raised in a suburb of Detroit, April began calling Austin home in 2008. Her background is in Fine Art and Graphic Design, but she knew that her real passion would lead to a career in hair. At 26 years old, April put herself through Cosmetology school and graduated from Avenue Five Institute, a Vidal Sassoon partner school. April considers herself a Texture Specialist, meaning she can work with an array of hair types, from very straight to extremely curly, and particularly loves Balayage, Color Corrections and creating new shapes for anyone that sits in her chair. One of her clients coined her, “the Curl Whisperer” and it has stuck.

In this episode, we discuss all kinds of topics from conquering bodily pain to attending school while working full time; from afro culture to money management. April is endearing and grounded. Though incredibly talented, what sets her apart in the realm of hair is her will to work hard and her genuine desire to make others happy.

Explore more on Woke Beauty at: http://wokebeauty.com

Follow @wokebeauty, @rileyblanks and @torriyatesorr on Instagram.

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Torri Yates-Orr – We Are Not "Free"

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 20:59:32 GMT

Torri Yates-Orr is an Emmy nominated on-camera host/producer and history communicator based in Nashville. Her mission is to make history education engaging, entertaining and accessible for the public. She's the host of the Skeleton Keys Podcast and her history lessons can be found on twitter and instagram at @torriyatesorr.

In this conversation, we dive deep on Torri’s identity and family makeup. With candor and transparency, she describes her path to a career in media and how she's braved the industry. We talk about today's racial climate, what freedom really means and how anger can move mountains.

Explore more on Woke Beauty at: https://wokebeauty.com

Follow @wokebeauty, @rileyblanks and @torriyatesorr on Instagram.

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Carly Johnson – Living Holistically, from November 2018

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 06:31:28 GMT

Listen to evergreen gems from Riley's time with Carly Johnson, recorded two years ago on a chilly November morning. Carly expands on her health journey, free medicine tactics, intentional lifestyle and all things holistic health. Carly Johnson is a non-toxic living expert, Certified Health Coach, Hashimoto’s patient and advocate and the creator of Frolic & Flow. Frolic & Flow is a space for simplified, reliable wellness information for those in pursuit of taking care of their own health and the health of their families from a natural point of view. Carly is the co-creator of The Healing Hashimoto's Course and host of the Doing It Different Podcast. She lives in sunny Austin, TX with her husband. Her approach on genuine, accessible wellness and easy going life enhancers is refreshing and inspirational.

Explore more on Woke Beauty at https://www.wokebeauty.com

Learn more about Carly Johnson and her business, Frolic and Flow, at http://www.frolicandflow.me/

Follow @wokebeauty, @rileyblanks and @frolicandflow

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Nikisha Riley — Waking Up to Love, from May 2018

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 05:05:54 GMT

A reminiscence of my conversation with Nikisha Riley two years ago. Though Nikisha now lives in Los Angeles with a man she’s deeply in love with, nothing about her honest, powerful, endearing, unapologetic spirit has changed. Where we see carefully curated essays and words placed with ever so delicate care, Nikisha breaks from this with her calls for black folks to be seen and heard and loved, and wholly so. Founder of Folie Apothecary and a holistic education and wellness coach, Nikisha is not interested in trendy wellness fads or fashions, but things that truly make you feel good, make you smile big, make you come back to your center. Holding an MA in education and a bachelors in psychology, Nikisha counts herself as a teen mom who beat the statistics, as a woman of color on a path towards healing anxiety, and as one deeply feeling the journey along the way. She is so vibrantly open and unapologetic about her life and journey. And it’s infectious.

Explore more on Woke beauty at https://wokebeauty.com/

Purchase from Folie Apothecary

Follow @wokebeauty, @rileyblanks and @nikishariley

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Shaleiah Fox – Being Biracial, Navigating the Foster System and Lifting Others As She Climbs

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 06:08:30 GMT

One of our favorite topics on the show, biracial identity, is covered in this intimate interview with philanthropist and community advocate, Shaleiah Fox. Being biracial comes with its own territory and the journey towards clarity and comfort isn't always pretty. This raw interview portrays a typical afternoon in Shaleiah's home as she elaborates on growing up in the foster care system and turning that experience into positivity; not just for herself and her family but for her community as a whole.

Explore more on Woke Beauty at https://www.wokebeauty.com

Learn more about Fresh Chef Society at https://freshchefssociety.org/

Follow @wokebeauty, @rileyblanks, @sistahfox and @freshchefs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not Ok

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 05:52:09 GMT

An unedited, mini monologue from Riley on a personal experience of overt racism, the interiority of black identity and how she's feeling and dealing.

Explore more on Woke Beauty at www.wokebeauty.com

Follow @wokebeauty and @rileyblanks on Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane Hervey – Exemplifying Antiracism and Owning Imperfection

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 08:27:59 GMT

This episode was recorded over a year ago. However, with the murder of George Floyd and our world's uproar, Jane Claire Hervey's words remain evergreen. This interview is a testament to her commitment to antiracism, authentic inclusivity, defeating the binary and embracing body positivity. She's been on the road much longer than the current trend. Jane expands, boldly and vulnerably, about her struggle with abuse and her path to enforcing boundaries – unapologetically. She admits that she is an artist learning while reminding us that we deserve to exist in the way we were created. To soak up Jane's presence is a gift so long as you open, absorb and act.

Explore more on Woke Beauty at https://www.wokebeauty.com/

Learn more about #bossbabesatx at https://www.bossbabes.org/

Follow @wokebeauty, @rileyblanks, @byjaneclaire and @bossbabesatx on Instagram.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bryn Blanks – Sisterhood, Storytelling and Celebrating the Simple Things During CoVid-19

Sun, 31 May 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Peak into the loving relationship between sisters, Riley Blanks and Bryn Blanks, as they break down the ramifications of life during CoVid-19. Many of their reflections are realities in life at large: we have always had control over our voices, actions and decisions yet we've never had complete control over our environment and how we move about within it. Tune in as Bryn elaborates on her sustained appreciation for our built environment, virtual storytelling and meaningful social connections. You're sure to leave this episode with a glimmer of hope.

Explore more on Woke Beauty at https://wokebeauty.com/

Learn more about Procore at https://www.procore.org/

Follow @wokebeauty, @rileyblanks, @brynbee and @procoreorg on Instagram.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

[Uncut] Live with Riley Blanks and Virginia Cumberbatch

Wed, 27 May 2020 05:00:48 GMT

A live discussion between Woke Beauty hostess, Riley Blanks, and creative, scholar and organizer, Virginia Cumberbatch celebrating the debut of Riley Blanks’ self portrait series, Manifest. Here, they share in dialogue focused on identity, representation and claiming space.

Manifest speaks to the lack of authentic representation of women of color in Austin and further, our country at large. Through compelling imagery and writing, Riley dispels the notion that in order for black and brown women to be acknowledged in a cosmopolitan space, they must faultlessly perform. The silver lining around her series proclaims that women of color have the capacity to claim space with their presence alone.

Virginia Cumberbatch’s work sits at the intersection of community advocacy and storytelling. Virginia has served as Director of equity and community advocacy for The University of Texas at Austin's Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, since 2016, helping drive the university's vision to become less of an ivory tower, and more of a community anchor addressing issues of access and equity. Virginia is also the co-founder of Rosa Rebellion, “a platform for creative activism by and for women of color that launch at SXSW 2019.

Miranda Bennett Studio is an ethical women's apparel brand based in Austin, TX. They make exceptional, plant-dyed clothing with an all-woman team in the USA. Their considered apparel is Zero Waste and sustainable by design, prioritizing style, versatility, and comfort. They are a female-founded and independently owned.

Explore more on Woke Beauty at https://wokebeauty.com/

Read a feature on Manifest: https://medium.com/@elaine96almeida/loving-the-liminal-riley-blanks-manifest-and-the-claiming-of-space-9f265274ae1b

Get involved with Rosa Rebellion at: https://www.rosarebellion.com/

Learn more about Miranda Bennett Studio at: https://shopmirandabennett.com/

Follow @wokebeauty, @rileyblanks, @vacumberbatch and @mirandabennettstudio on Instagram.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Woke Beauty

Wed, 13 May 2020 19:08:30 GMT

Woke Beauty is a storytelling platform reimagining the everyday act of self celebration, for and by all women.

Learn more by visiting:

https://wokebeauty.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.