Mindful Hustler

#31 This week, we sit down with Wendy Ekua Da’Cruz—award-winning tech strategist, food entrepreneur, and co-founder of The Mushroom Angel Company and VGC Group. Wendy’s journey spans global consulting and a mission to rewrite how we eat and lead. Together we dive into:

If you feel ready to lead from alignment, create from purpose, and build a legacy that nourishes both business and well-being, this episode is for you.

#30 In this episode, we sit down with Chesney Blue, a Registered Dietitian and co-founder of Blue Counseling and Wellness Center, a holistic mental wellness hub dedicated to helping communities of color heal mind, body, and spirit. Chesney shares her journey from childhood experiences that shaped her relationship with food and mental health to building a thriving integrative practice that bridges nutrition, therapy, and community care.

We explore what it really means to create a wellness business rooted in cultural awareness, compassion, and purpose and how to sustain yourself while serving others.

If you’re a founder or aspiring female founder dreaming of launching your own wellness brand or private practice, this conversation is filled with grounded wisdom, practical tools, and soul-centered insight to guide your path forward.

You can connect with Blue Wellness here:

https://www.bluewellnesscenter.com/

#29 In this episode, we sit down with Mishelle Ekunsirinde, founder and CEO of Play and Oak- a design-forward boutique curating children’s play spaces that are as intentional as they are beautiful.

In this heart-centered conversation, Mishelle shares:
Her journey from idea to brand rooted in identity and motherhood
The courage it takes to quiet the inner critic and embrace the unknown
Why creating spaces of play and belonging is more than design , it’s soul work, what she’s learned about entrepreneurship, alignment, and honoring both function and feeling.

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting something of your own, this episode will remind you that the most powerful brands begin from within.

You can find Play and Oak here:

https://playandoak.com/

#28 In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Ebokosia, founder & CEO of The Gem Project and The Civil & Human Rights Commissioner of Bloomfield Township. This episode is an inspiring look at her 15-year journey building an award-winning nonprofit that empowers youth of color through healing-centered leadership.

Amanda shares her origin story, the courage it takes to disrupt outdated systems, and how she uses art, storytelling, and wellness as tools for social change.

If you’re a female founder, a mission-driven leader, or someone ready to turn your passion project into a movement, this conversation will give you the insight and encouragement to keep going.

You can find The Gem Project here:

https://thegemproject.org/

#27 If you’re ready to stop second-guessing, start owning your story, and finally find alignment in your work, this conversation is for you.

Are you struggling to find your niche or figure out what direction your business should take? You’re not alone. In this episode, I share how lack of clarity is often rooted in the fear of being seen. We’ll explore how your inner child might still be running the show and keeping you stuck in confusion, and how healing that part of yourself can unlock the clarity you’ve been craving in your brand, business, and calling.

#26 In this episode, we sit down with the fabulous and always inspiring, Nashima Harvey. Nashima is an educator, mentor, entrepreneur, and founder of The Little Green House, an educational consultancy reimagining how we approach learning with creativity, inclusivity, and soul.

Nashima takes us on her journey from classroom to CEO, sharing how she leans on universal laws, the power of attraction, and the practice of embodying desires to build a life and business rooted in purpose. We dive into the vision behind Girls of Decision, her youth empowerment program helping girls step into their power, lead with confidence, and thrive within their communities.

This conversation is a reminder that clarity, abundance, and impact come when you align your inner world with your outer work. If you’re ready to create from a place of authenticity and attract the life you desire, this episode will speak straight to your spirit.

You can find Nashima Here:

https://learnlivegreen.com/

Instagram: The Little Green House

#25 In this episode, I unpack the truth about “building the plane as you fly it”, the messy, imperfect, but deeply necessary process of starting before you have all the answers.

We’ll explore how procrastination often isn’t laziness, but your inner child (aka secret business partner) holding onto fear, self-doubt, or old subconscious feelings. I’ll share how to recognize these inner roadblocks, gently work through them, and take aligned action even when things feel uncertain.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect plan, or the perfect confidence to start, this episode is your reminder to just begin. Because the clarity, confidence, and freedom you’re craving are built mid-flight, not on the runway.

#24 In this episode, I sit down with Ora Kemp, food equality advocate, policy and education leader, and founder of The Bodega Bites, a brand dedicated to ‘feeding the fight for food as a right.

We dive into her journey of turning passion into purpose, the realities of building a mission-driven brand, and how she’s changing the conversation around food justice and accessibility. If you’ve ever dreamed of creating a business that blends impact with entrepreneurship, this soulful conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to take your next step!

You can find Ora & The Bodega Bites here:

Instagram & TicTok: @Thebodegabites

#23 Ever start something with all the excitement in the world… only to hit a wall, ghost it, and repeat the cycle all over again?
I know that pain all too well.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing my real story of a decade-long battle with inconsistency, how childhood conditioning was secretly running the show, and the surprising way I finally learned to trust a process- and stick with it.

We’ll talk about:

If you’ve ever felt stuck, rebellious against structure, or frustrated that you can’t seem to stay consistent- this episode is for you.

Connect with me here:Instagram: @TahniaRogersEmail: info@therootsstudio.com

#22 Discover how Salimah Scott, founder and CEO of Urban GLŌ, transformed a passion project into a thriving self-care brand. In this episode, we talk about how launching with just three candle scents and a dream turned into owning a brick-and-mortar shop ,hosting in-person candle-making experiences, and creating unforgettable candles for the heart & home. Salimah opens up about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, honoring self-care, and building from authenticity. Tune in for inspiration, realness, and a candle-lit journey you won’t want to miss.

You can find Urban Glo here:

https://www.urbanglobrand.com/

#21 This week, we sit down with the radiant Lissette, founder and CEO of Amazing Spaces,a professional organizing company dedicated to turning chaotic, dysfunctional spaces into peaceful sanctuaries.

Lissette opens up about her journey as an entrepreneur, wife, and mom of two, and what it really takes to start a business from scratch. From learning to trust herself to creating systems that support her family and her clients, she shares the soulful truths behind her success.

We talk about:

How physical clutter often mirrors emotional overwhelm
The inner work behind creating outer order
What no one tells you about starting a service-based brand
Making organization a sacred act of self-love
Balancing purpose, profit, and parenthood

If you’ve been sitting on a dream or waiting for the “perfect” moment to begin, this episode is a warm invitation to start (messy, scared, and all).

You can find Lissette here:

https://amazingspacesnj.com/

Instagram & TikTok: Amazing Spaces NJ

#20 In this episode we sit down with realtor and entrepreneur Kiyah Clark to talk about what it really takes to bet on yourself and build a brand from scratch, especially in a competitive industry like real estate.

Kiyah shares the emotional and mental shifts she had to make to walk away from the safe, predictable path and say yes to her calling. We talk about her journey, what it's like being a woman of color in real estate, and how she’s building a brand rooted in trust, authenticity, and legacy.

If you’ve ever felt torn between “stability” and soul alignment, this episode is for you.

You can find Kiyah here:

Instagram: @kiyah_clark

#19 What do you do when things just don’t go as planned?

In this solo episode I’m sharing a very real, very raw moment where nothing went right -tech failed, emotions flared, and I was left questioning everything. But here’s the truth: sometimes, the unraveling is exactly what we need to realign.

From tech crashes to self-doubt spirals, I walk you through the behind-the-scenes of a day that tested my patience and my purpose, and the lessons I’m taking with me. If you’ve ever felt like your momentum just disappeared, or like you’re failing before you’ve even begun, this one’s for you.

In this episode, I unpack:

How I almost spiraled into shame after podcast tech issues

What my body told me that my brain was ignoring

Why breakdowns often mean you’re on the right path

A powerful mindset shift to carry into your next setback

This is your reminder that “falling apart” might just be your invitation to rebuild something better. Let’s talk about it.

#18 In this solo episode, I’m getting real about the invisible forces that keep so many future female founders stuck, not because they lack ideas, passion, or purpose… but because they’re tangled in perfectionism, fear, overthinking, and old psychological patterns that haven’t yet been healed.

I break down the core psychological blockers that show up most often in my work as a licensed therapist and founder of The Roots Studio, especially for ambitious women who are smart, self-aware, and still second-guessing themselves.

If you’ve ever felt like you were doing all the mindset work and still not showing up, launching, or claiming your vision… this one’s for you.

Let’s talk fear of visibility, nervous system responses, and why your inner child might be secretly running your business dreams. It’s not about fixing yourself. It’s about freeing yourself so you can build from your truth, not your trauma.

#17 Ready to stop playing small and start showing up in your full power?

In this episode, we sit down with the one and only Dr. Ijeoma — brand strategist, coach, and founder of Dr. Ijeoma & Co., where she helps minority-owned businesses turn their vision into magnetic visibility. We talk all things strategy and soul on how to find your true brand voice, stop blending in, and how to build a business that actually reflects who you are.

If you’re a founder, creator, or visionary woman of color who’s done shrinking, this episode is your permission slip to be louder, clearer, and more you than ever.

You can find Dr. Ijeoma here:

Instagram: @drijeomaandco

Website: https://www.drijeomaandco.com/

#16 This week, I’m joined by none other the amazing community strategist and purpose-led powerhouse- Hannah Tall. She’s the brilliant mind behind Grow Tall, a trailblazing social impact consultancy transforming how corporations and nonprofits serve communities of color with authenticity, innovation, and deep-rooted equity at the core.

Hannah has worked behind the scenes of some of the most iconic brands and institutions, helping them move beyond performative promises into real, measurable change. But her story isn’t just about business, it’s about becoming.

In this powerful conversation, we talk about breaking free from traditional career paths, building a brand that feels like home, and what it really means to rise in systems that were designed to keep us small.

She shares the raw, real, and revolutionary wisdom behind growing a purpose-driven business — one that’s not built on burnout, but on soul work, strategy, and service.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to create impact, disrupt the status quo, or build something bigger than you, this episode is your blueprint and your permission slip.

You can connect with Hannah here:

https://letsgrowtall.com/

#15 In this episode, I’m joined by Amira—a powerhouse mama, marketing queen, and creative visionary making major waves in the media world.

We get into the real behind-the-scenes of what it takes to juggle motherhood, marriage, and multi-million dollar campaigns while staying rooted in purpose. Amira shares how she’s carved out a thriving personal brand, landed leadership roles at iconic media companies, and still makes space for faith, family, and fun.

Whether you’re dreaming of breaking into the entertainment industry, landing brand deals, or learning how to show up fully as you—this episode will speak to your soul. Tune in for a raw, uplifting conversation on ambition, alignment, and redefining success on your own terms.

#14 In this episode of Mindful Hustler, I sit down with the incredibly talented Carletta Girma, a soulful photographer whose lens is rooted in authenticity, intention, and legacy. From her first camera to becoming a sought-after brand photographer, Carletta shares how she built a business that not only reflects her creative genius, but also her values.

We explore how she turned her passion into purpose, the behind-the-scenes of building a personal brand, and what it really takes to stand out in a saturated industry without losing your soul. Whether you're dreaming of launching a creative business or want to lead with more authenticity in your brand, Carletta’s journey is full of wisdom, warmth, and creative courage.

You’ll learn:

How to honor your story while building a brand that’s true to you

The power of aligned visuals in business

Navigating self-doubt, perfectionism, and pivoting with purpose

Why soulful entrepreneurship is the future

You can find Carletta here:

www.carlettagirma.com

Instagram: @carlettathegreat

#13 In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Adjoa Smalls-Mantey- a board certified psychiatrist, lifestyle medicine physician, immunologist, and trusted medical voice on many national platforms like ABC News and Fox 5 DC. Dr. Adjoa opens up about the soul of her journey and brings her multi-dimensional expertise to the table, showing us how she balances clinical excellence with soulful storytelling. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your professional expertise into a purpose-driven brand or wondered how to show up as your full self in high-level spaces, this one’s for you.

You can find Dr. Adjoa here:

Instagram, Tik Tok, Youtube : @doctoradjoa

Book website: https://anjalithebrave.com/

#12 Today we sit down with the brilliant Briana Taylor- an AI product marketer who’s on a mission to help small and medium-sized businesses work smarter with the power of AI. We talk about everything from breaking into the tech world as a woman of color, to how she balances her dynamic career with her love for travel, creativity, and personal style. Briana is the kind of person who turns curiosity into strategy and soft life moments into sources of inspiration.Whether you're dreaming of a career in tech, learning to build your personal brand, or just trying to understand how AI fits into your business — this conversation is for you

You can find Briana here:

Instagram: @creativelybri.ai

#11: What happens when a woman refuses to ignore her calling—and decides to build an empire instead?

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we sit down with Keri Smith, Founder and CEO of Progressive Home Care. Keri shares how her early experiences as a caregiver led her to create one of the most impactful home care organizations in the tri-state area. But this isn’t just a story about healthcare—it’s a story about vision, service, and the power of answering your call.

From providing compassionate care to building real career paths for other women in healthcare, Keri’s journey is a blueprint for what’s possible when purpose meets leadership. We talk about the highs, the hardships, and the heart work of building something that changes lives—starting with your own.

Whether you’re in healthcare or just someone trying to live in alignment with your purpose, this episode will remind you that your calling is never too small to spark a movement.

#10: In this episode, I sit down with Janet Pierre Toussaint, LCSW, MBA—psychotherapist, founder, and CEO of Progressive Healing Co.—to talk about what it really takes to stop playing small and start building the vision you’ve always poured into others. Janet shares how she transitioned from supporting someone else’s dream to finally creating her own, and the internal work required to believe she was worthy of more.

We talk about the cost of staying silent, the fear of taking up space, and the moment Janet realized, “I can't allow myself to stay in a space where my silence causes chaos and confusion for myself and it holds other people at peace.” If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt while building something for everyone but yourself—this episode is for you.

#9: In this episode, I sit down with beauty entrepreneur and master stylist Shantise Michelle to talk about the real journey from employee mindset to empowered CEO.

She shares how she learned the craft, built confidence in her skills, and made bold decisions to do business her own way—even when it meant breaking the rules she was taught.

We explore:

The mindset shift from working for others to betting on yourself

What it really takes to master your craft and stand out

How to lead with authenticity in a crowded industry

Why doing it your way is the most powerful business strategy

This is a must-listen for any woman who’s ready to turn her skill into a brand and her calling into a career.

You can find Shantise on IG (@Shantisemichelle) or on her website at www.shantisemichelle.com

#8: In this powerful episode of Mindful Hustler, I sit down with Vanessa, the founder of BlackGirl Yoga and The Zen Lounge, two transformative spaces that are redefining what healing looks like for Black women and women of color.

We talk about: The journey from personal healing to community impact
How Vanessa turned her passion for wellness into thriving businesses
The power of creating safe, soulful spaces for underrepresented communities
Overcoming fear, perfectionism, and self-doubt on the path to purpose
What it really means to lead with authenticity—and build a brand that liberates

Vanessa’s story is a reminder that your healing isn’t just about you—it’s about the lives you’re called to touch.

If you’ve ever felt the tug between your comfort zone and your calling, this conversation will light you all the way up!.

#7: In this heart-centered conversation, I sit down with holistic health and wellness expert, Finda, to explore what it really means to feel well—not just in your body, but in your soul. From navigating burnout to reconnecting with your intuition, Finda shares powerful tools and rituals for creating balance, healing deeply, and honoring the wisdom of your body.

We dive into how modern hustle culture disconnects us from our true needs and how slowing down can actually move us forward. Whether you're a busy side-hustler, an over-giver, or just craving more alignment in your day-to-day, this episode is a gentle reminder that you are worthy of wellness—not just survival.

Join the conversation if you're ready to nourish your mind, body, and spirit on your journey to freedom and fulfillment.

#6: In this powerful episode of Mindful Hustler, I sit down with Chey, a trailblazing holistic doula and advocate for Black maternal health and wellness. As the founder of her own practice, Butta The Holistic Doula, Chey has dedicated herself to empowering Black women through every stage of their motherhood journey—using holistic healing practices that honor the mind, body, and soul.

We dive deep into Chey's personal story, her inspiration for creating her business, and the challenges she’s faced and overcome as a Black woman entrepreneur. Chey also shares the importance of culturally competent care, why she’s so passionate about making holistic wellness accessible to her community, and how embracing her authentic purpose has allowed her to create real impact.

Tune in to discover how Chey is paving the way for other aspiring entrepreneurs to birth their dreams and build businesses rooted in authenticity, empowerment, and healing.

Topics Covered:

The journey from passion to purpose: Chey’s path to becoming a holistic doula.

The importance of culturally relevant, trauma-informed care in Black maternal health.

Overcoming imposter syndrome and mental roadblocks as a Black woman entrepreneur.

How Chey integrates holistic practices to create a thriving business that serves her community.

Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs feeling stuck or afraid to follow their dreams.

This episode is a must-listen if you’re ready to step into your purpose, break generational patterns, and create the impact you were meant to make.

#5: Not all aspiring entrepreneurs are the same—and understanding who you are can be the key to unlocking your success.

Are you the Side-Hustler Ready to Go Full-Time? The Creative Trapped in a 9-to-5? Or maybe the Burned-Out Helper Searching for Purpose?

In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the six entrepreneur archetypes I’ve identified and how knowing your type can help you:
Gain clarity on your next steps
Overcome mindset blocks holding you back
Take aligned action toward the business (and life) you truly want

If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure about your path, this episode will help you discover your entrepreneurial identity and move forward with confidence.

#4: I lost 40 pounds—not from crash diets, but with consistency and discipline. And here’s the thing: the same habits that helped me transform my body are the exact ones that have helped me grow my business.

In this solo episode, I’m breaking down:
The mindset shifts that made weight loss and business success possible
Why consistency beats motivation every time

How discipline creates freedom—both in health and entrepreneurship
The small, daily habits that lead to massive results

If you’re struggling to stay committed—whether in your wellness journey or business—this episode will show you how to build the habits that lead to real, lasting success.

Press play and let’s get into it!

#3: Are you living the life you want—or the one you think you should be living? Society, family, and even our own inner critic place expectations on us that can keep us stuck, fearful, and disconnected from our true purpose. In this episode, we’re unpacking how to recognize these invisible expectations, break free from them, and start building a life that truly aligns with who you are. If you’ve been feeling trapped in a career or life that doesn’t feel like yours, this episode is for you.

#2: In this episode of Mindful Hustler, we sit down with Flora Ekpe-Idang, the visionary founder of Corage Dolls, a company on a mission to elevate, educate, and encourage girls of color. Flora shares how she’s redefining the American doll industry by creating dolls and products that inspire confidence, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the beauty and power of diversity. From the signature Aaliyah doll to affirmation cards, books, apparel, and more, Corage Dolls is more than just a toy brand—it’s a movement. Tune in as we discuss representation, entrepreneurship, and what it means to be unstoppable.

#1: Welcome to the first episode of Mindful Hustler! Join me on this journey as we kick off the first episode with my personal my entrepreneurial journey and how I went from soul-sucking corporate jobs to purpose-driven work as an entrepreneur and why I chose to leave corporate America behind.