Shades & Layers

Melaney Oldenhoff, Founder and Creative Director of WhatWeCherish, a curated market place for handmade accessories and home décor from the African continent.  Melaney shares how she pivoted from New York-based fashion stylist to joining the  vanguard of African design in Johannesburg. Her story is a testament to endurance and vision, championing artisans while navigating the intricacies of e-commerce and forging a new path for women-owned and black-owned brands. 

In our conversation, Melaney outlines her amazing journey from inspiration to launch and discusses the importance of knowing when to pivot. Melaney recently transitioned WhatWeCherish  from direct-to-customer to a business-to-business model, which has been instrumental in her mission to amplify the voices of African creators in the world's creative economy.  Melaney's journey is bigger than just selling products; it's a vision that centers new narratives about African creators and reinforcing Africa's leadership in sustainably designed products.

Melaney's journey will inspire you to be curious about what the rest of the African continent has to offer.

LINKS AND MENTIONS

WhatWeCherish is on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whatwecherish/
Melaney will be happy to hear directly from you too - https://www.instagram.com/melaneyoldenhof/
Visit the company website and see the beautiful designs - https://whatwecherish.com/

Thebe Magugu - https://www.thebemagugu.com/

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Embark on an inspiring journey with the remarkable Kirstie Fleur, a Ghanaian-American beacon of creativity and advocacy. Our conversation explores her multi-disciplinary artistry that finds expression in all her life's pursuits, from her brave transition from the American Air Force to fashion's forefront, to her passionate embodiment of social entrepreneurship with her brand, Freedom Fleur.

Kirstie's story is one of resilience and transformation, illustrating the potency of fashion as a vehicle for change and the profound impact of her 'Soul Health' approach on advocating for justice and empowering women founders.

As we unravel the threads of Kirstie's multifaceted identity, we traverse the sacred terrain of 'soul health' and self-discovery. Kirstie opens up about the necessity of internal work, especially for women who often balance various roles and societal pressures. She illuminates the path to finding one's essence, emphasizing the importance of solitude in nurturing well-being and inspiring creativity. The dialogue offers a blueprint for listeners to pursue their desires and articulate their goals while harmoniously blending the many facets of their lives.

In the fluid dance of solitude and social impact, Kirstie's Freedom Fleur brand emerges as a symbol of luxury with a conscience—fashion that fosters freedom and fairness. We delve into the intricacies of ethical sourcing and the human connections that fortify her brand's foundation. And in a melodic twist, Kirstie's foray into music as a form of creative activism offers a resonant close to our episode. Her Spotify playlist, a curated collection of freedom and justice, awaits in the show notes, inviting you to experience the rhythms that drive her mission. Join us, and let Kirstie's narrative awaken your own aspirations for change.


Everything Kirstie - https://kirstiefleur.com
Kirstie's Socials - https://www.facebook.com/kirstie.f.horton (FB) and https://www.instagram.com/kirstiefleur/ (IG)

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Unlock the secrets of securing investment and mastering entrepreneurship with our esteemed guest, Jennifer Dyer. As a five-time CEO and seasoned mentor, Jennifer brings a treasure trove of insights from her experience in raising over $13 million, particularly for women and minority entrepreneurs. This episode is a candid exploration into the world of alternative funding, where we unravel the nuances of securing capital from high net worth individuals—quite a different ballgame from the traditional venture capitalist approach.

The journey to entrepreneurial success is fraught with challenges, yet it's rich with opportunities for growth and learning. Jennifer shares her professional evolution, from leading businesses to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs through her innovative online education platform, E100 Clubs. Discover the pivotal criteria for entrepreneurs looking to scale their ventures and how the E100 Clubs provide the crucial knowledge and community support to propel businesses forward. If you're seeking to enhance your entrepreneurial acumen, this episode is your gateway to actionable education tailored to the dynamic world of business.

We also delve into Jennifer's personal odyssey, a testament to resilience and the power of mentorship. Her transition from an aspirant TV presenter facing a non-diverse UK media landscape to a flourishing entrepreneur is not just inspiring—it's a masterclass in pivoting and perseverance. Hear how encounters with influential mentors like Matthew Knowles helped shape her resolve to carve out a place at the table for herself and others. This episode is more than just a conversation; it's a rallying cry for all who dare to persevere in the face of adversity on their entrepreneurial path.

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Dr. Margaret Towolawi is a physician whose canvas stretches from her medical clinic to the entrepreneurial landscape of wellness and skincare. Her story is an inspiring tale of transition, as she harmonizes the six pillars of lifestyle medicine with heartfelt entrepreneurship. In our conversation, we discuss the nurturing environment of her Nurture Well Center, the innovative skincare solutions she offers through her SkinStat MD med spa, and the personalization at the heart of her direct primary care model, designed to educate and connect with patients more deeply.

Dr. Towolawi is also a published author and her first children's book, "Ayomide's Train Ride to Graceland" was her way to transform a personal loss into solace for others. She addresses her grief with grace and offers families a way to discuss child loss and remember the lost siblings. Her second book "Ayomide and Seyi's Kitchen" plants the seeds of healthy eating in young minds. Her books help to guide and support families with sensitivity and strength through a vibrant blend of her Nigerian heritage, medical expertise, and the profound experiences of motherhood.

We also find out what she would include in her future memoir "You Think You Know, But You Have No Idea," ....


DR. TOWOLAWI'S WORK AND OTHER RESOURCES

To learn more about Dr. Towolawi's Work you can visit the pages listed below:
Skinstatmd.com - https://www.skinstatmd.com/
Nurturewellcenter.com - https://www.nurturewellcenter.com/
Buy her books HERE
You can also visit her Instagram Page

Remember to Rate and Review this show so that others can find us. Five Stars would be amazing. Thank You!

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We've come to the end of Season 7 and we end it with a special episode featuring the creation of the first inclusive swimming cap.

Swimma Caps is founded with inclusion at heart. They are more than a product company, they are a catalyst for change. Since inception, the Swimma team have been challenging hair discrimination in many areas including South African schools and making waves in the Black community. 

Founder, Nomvuyo Treffers shares the impact of her work on people's lives, revealing how her brand is not just about accommodating hair, but about encouraging swimming despite limited access to pools for Black and Brown folks. We also unpack her expansion into the American market, the growth of her product line to include shower caps and swimming goggles, competitive markets, and how she remains authentic as her business grows.
 
 We also get personal with Nomvuyo, delving into her life beyond the business. From her supportive parents to her life mantra and her passion for swimming that bloomed late in her adult years, Nomvuyo's story is encouraging. Plus, we discuss the importance of social media presence for her business and where to get your hands on these inclusive swim caps.

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Instagram Account - https://www.instagram.com/swimma_caps/ 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/swimmacaps 
Essence Festival of Culture - https://www.essence.com/efoc23-soko-mkt/ 
 

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Today’s episode is about overcoming fear of uncertainty, getting out of your comfort zone and pivoting with purpose. 

My guest on Shades and Layers is Stefanie Julia Moton, a business coach for online fitness coaches who shares how she transitioned from a career in federal law enforcement to becoming the founder of Catch Flights and Fitness and Profitable Passion and Purpose (P3). 

Stefanie has always loved sports and she used this passion to create a thriving online business with clients who affectionately called her the Fitness Challenge Lady. At the same time, she was navigating a full-time job which came with a very busy travel schedule. She candidly shares how the global pandemic became a catalyst for her to address burnout and refocus on her wellness passion. Stefanie accredits mindset and self-care to her success as a side hustler. She also gives us a glance into her transition from solopreneur to organizational leader and the significance of a solid support system.

Among the issues discussed during our conversation, is the fact that only 10% of the online fitness and wellness market is owned by black women leaders. Stefanie shares her thought-provoking reflections on this fact, how she’s working to increase the representation and celebrate the success of black women in this space. We uncover the systemic barriers and mindsets contributing to this disparity, highlighting the need for increased support and representation. 

I hope you will be inspired by Stefanie’s career transformation and mission to bring about meaningful change in the fitness industry. 

LINKS AND MENTIONS

@thestefaniejulia - Instagram handle for Stefanie Julia where you can find a link.tree to all of her work
Catch Flights and Fitness - Facebook Page for Julia's online challenges

The Retreat Maven - Katherine Searcy is Stefanie Julia's life coach and credited with setting Stefanie on this path to becoming a coach herself. 

Profitable Passion Purpose - Facebook Page for P3, Stefanie's private group for online fitness coaches. You can connect with her here if you aspire to be an online fitness coach. 

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Elevate your style and gain cutting-edge insights into the fashion-tech industry with our special guest, Evelina Kauna Nailenge , the trailblazing co-founder of The Closet Runway.

This Cape Town-based luxury fashion rental company seamlessly blends affordability, sustainability, and luxury, serving as a beacon for circular fashion. As we journey through Evelina's entrepreneurial adventures, we delve into the company's unique business model, its commitment to diverse representation, and its innovative approach to styling consultation services.

We discuss challenges like shipping, customer base expansion, and the unique dynamics of e-commerce businesses in Africa. She highlights that it's not simple to navigate the intricacies of shipping logistics while adhering to a sustainability mission. Through a candid chat with Evelina, you'll discover how she and her co-founder, Ange Mahoro, have transformed these challenges into opportunities, and how their complementary skills have driven the business to new heights.

Finally, get ready for a rapid-fire session that illuminates the inspirations behind Evelina’s journey, unveiling the people and businesses that have shaped her path. From Mellody Hobson's influence to the role of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Cape Town, Evelina's story is rich with surprising twists.

Join us to uncover the colorful threads that make up the fabric of The Closet Runway, and perhaps find a spark of inspiration for your own fashion-tech dreams.


LINKS AND MENTIONS

Take A Lot – South Africa’s equivalent to Amazon

Superbalist – online fashion and lifestyle market 

Seth Shezi – Art and lifestyle strategist. Travel and Foodie content creator.

Maxhosa  Africa - Founded by designer Laduma Ngxokolo, the brand is known for its distinct patterns and craftsmanship.

Mmuso Maxwell - Johannesburg-based ready-to-wear fashion brand founded by two partners Maxwell Boko and Mmuso Potsane

Thebe Magugu – South African designer and LVMH Prize winner 2019

Maria McCloy – South African fashion & accessories designer and Publicist

Sweep South – think Uber or Lyft for home cleaning, gardening, and odd jobs around the house. A platform that has taken the gig economy to home care. 

Emma Grede – serial entrepreneur, co-founder at Skims with Kim Kardashian and CEO of the inclusive, body positive body clothing brand, Good American. 

Mellody Hobson – first black woman to head up a black-owned mutual fund, Ariel Investments. She teaches the Strategic Thinking class on the Master Class Platform. and 

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Ever felt trapped in the corporate hamster wheel, yearning for something more meaningful? Alison Hall, founder of Change Agent Coaching for Women and co-founder of the Boldest Me, certainly did and she joins me in this episode to share her remarkable journey.

It's not every day that you meet a corporate veteran turned personal trainer, real estate investor, and certified divorce financial analyst, and Alison's journey is nothing short of inspiring. She candidly discusses the role of self-worth in decision-making, how to overcome that pesky imposter syndrome, and the importance of following your passion. Alison's story serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to reinvent yourself and live the life you've always desired. Listen in to catch a glimpse of Alison's vision for her future and her wealth of advice for those embarking on their own journeys of self-discovery and change.

Alison's personal story of transitioning from a 25-year corporate career to becoming a successful entrepreneur is packed with valuable insights for anyone standing at the crossroads. She breaks down the unique challenges faced by women in their late 40s and early 50s, and the importance of harnessing your inherent strengths to break through societal expectations and carve your unique path.

Alison's coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that every woman can transform their lives regardless of age. Her holistic approach to life coaching challenges you to take your ego out of the equation and reassess your life choices. We delve into a much-neglected stage of women's development during their transitional years and discuss how Allison's one-on-one coaching and group-based retreats foster self-awareness and personal growth. Whether it's a career change, a divorce, or any other life-altering experience, Allison's guidance helps women to navigate these waters with grace and competence.

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Whitehall Divorce Solutions - https://whitehalldivorcesolutions.com/
Alison Hall Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonhall-coach-women/

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Today, we are excited to bring you a candid conversation with the unstoppable force that is Shalita Grant - a Tony Award-nominated actress, an NCIS New Orleans alumna, and the mastermind behind the disruptive haircare brand, Four Naturals Hair.

Have you ever wondered about the hair journey of black actresses, the hurdles they face, and the lack of specialized hair care options for them? Shalita peels back the curtain on this significant issue, sharing her personal struggles with traction alopecia, the resulting inspiration to create a formula that would solve her own complex Type 4  hair problems, and her development of a patent-pending hair detangling technique.

We delve into Shalita's life story that includes attending the prestigious Julliard school, traverses through a high-profile role in a popular television show, to her leap of faith into the world of entrepreneurship. Journeying with her, you'll understand the complexities of the hair care industry, the challenges black actresses face with specialized hair care, and how one woman sought to bring change with her own innovative solutions. Shalita's story is not just about business or haircare, it's about resilience, healing, and a burning desire to uplift black women.

Finally, Shalita opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, the growth and freedom it brings, and her dream of living off the grid in Thailand. She shares her vision for Four Naturals Hair, a future where black women and children could have a consistent and empowering experience with their hair care. So, join us for a deep dive into the life of this trailblazing actress turned entrepreneur, and learn how she's challenging the status quo in the hair care industry.

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Bronner Brothers’ Convention - https://www.bronnerbros.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fournaturalshair/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FourNaturalsHair
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@4naturals_hair
NCIS - Shalita discusses her exit from the series in this article

NEWSLETTER

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It’s impossible not to be inspired by Taryn Gill, the go-getter behind the phenomenal haircare brand The Perfect Hair. Her insights and experiences are an education in and of themselves. From her journey in scaling her brand through strategic partnerships, to her lessons on the power of letting go for brand expansion, Taryn candidly shares how her entrepreneurial journey has evolved since our last sit-down two years ago. Her origins story goes beyond a product line, weaving an authentic connection between the brand and its consumers, a testament to her deep understanding of her audience and their needs.
 
 Taryn also offers her perspective on the role that technology and social platforms like TikTok influence the beauty industry. As we explore the evolving beauty landscape, we delve into the consumer's quest for liberation and the significance of a brand's approach to sustainability. Taryn's new brand, Curls in Bloom, is a fascinating player in this dynamic field. Our discussion about the hair conversations in South Africa and the US touches on the inclusive nature of the natural hair movement as it transcends genders, and regional boundaries.
 
 Taryn gives us insights on consumer behavior, the emergence of hair supplements, and the further blurring of lines between beauty and wellness. She also tells us about her return to the classroom and how this fuels her ambition and creativity, ultimately contributing to her vision of creating a holistic health brand.  

Beauty, wellness and self-love is that it’s all about. 

Don’t miss this awesome MasterClass + Sit-Down. 

LINKS AND MENTIONS 

GIBS Business School  

Cherie Blaire Road to Growth - https://cherieblairfoundation.org/what-we-do/programmes/road-to-growth/

Taryn Gill’s social handles: TikTok, Instagram and Facebook

The Perfect Hair

Curls In Bloom 

LOST IN TRANSLATION

You may have heard us talk about shopping at a garage, this simply means a gas station. 😁 South African English is a thing. We even have our own dictionary.

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If you haven't already, please give us a rating (five stars would be great) on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 

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Kenyan-born entrepreneur Vava Angwenyi is a specialty coffee exporter, producer and roaster. She founded Vava Coffee Inc, which is B-Corp Certified entity and later co-founded Gente Del Futuro with a Tanzania-based Colombian partner, with the mission of having a meaningful impact on the monopolized coffee trade in East Africa.

This episode takes us deep into the rich tapestry of the African coffee industry, as Vava recounts her personal journey and the transformative initiatives she's launched. Vava’s passion for coffee is not just about savoring its taste. She's dedicated to educating local youth about the industry, empowering them with practical skills and opening doors of opportunity.

Her story takes us through the rough terrains of global trade standards, shedding light on how they shape the continent's coffee sector. We also discuss  how colonial legacy lingers in  Africa's coffee consumption habits and highlight how the Gente del Futuro project is having a positive impact on this factor and unlocking other areas of  potential within the African coffee industry. Through education, Gente del Futuro is addressing unemployment, elevating women and girls' exposure to the coffee industry and serves as a career launchpad into the industry young people.

We celebrate the opening of the first-ever coffee house in Lamu, a historic milestone in promoting agriculture and coffee. Wrapping up our discussion, we explore the role of ancestral wisdom in decision-making and the profound influence of authenticity in our lives. And don't miss out on hearing about Vava’s book 'Coffee, Milk, Blood' - a celebration of African culture and Vava's journey in the coffee industry. So, are you ready for a cup of brewed insights?

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Vava Coffee Inc. - https://www.vavacoffeeinc.com

Kuijenga - a Vava Coffee project showcasing their impact work in Lamu, Kenya - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmrdTvPrkgs

Coffee Milk Blood - An insider's view of Kenya's coffee industry - https://www.coffeemilkblood.com/new-products-1/swahili-soul-event-lamu 

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We're back for a new season! Are you ready to start the conversation with some insights on how we think about and how we speak more openly about menstrual health?

Leading the charge shift attitudes in South Africa is Zizipho Ntobongwana, the dynamic founder of Sheba Feminine. Our conversation sheds light on the importance of organic and biodegradable products and we discuss her mission to reframe menstrual health. We get into the details of her entrepreneurial journey - from fair competition in the personal hygiene industry, to Decolonizing Sustainability, and fostering a community that takes pride in their bodies and the products they use.

Zizipho also introduces us to Sheba Feminine's innovative 'Pay for a Pal's Pads' program and the need for intergenerational dialogue to remove the stigma surrounding menstruation and women's sexual health. We navigate the difficulties of pricing high-quality menstrual products, the diverse range of products Sheba Feminine offers, and the societal change in attitude towards these topics.

Zizipho eloquently breaks down the Westernized perception of sustainability and the urgency to reconnect with our ancestral practices. In the conversation, you'll also hear how Sheba Feminine is challenging the norm, as well as how they are tackling the intergenerational gap between educators and school pupils. We wrap up the conversation up with Zizi's personal story of overcoming societal taboos and her mission to empower women through her amazing brand.

So, be sure not to miss it!

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Indlela Yethu - a short film produced by Zizipho for the sustainable Cape Town brand, Rewoven 

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Today my guest is Keziah Dhamma, founder and CEO of Swirly Curly Hair, a luxury natural hair care and education company. 

So, what started out as a company making snap-on hair ties (Snapees) for curly and kinky haired folks, has evolved into a fully-fledged product company with an education platform to support individuals on their natural hair journey.  

With more than 10 thousand members in its community, Swirly Curly Hair is looking to go even bigger in the next few years, as they contemplate getting into the retail space.  

In our conversation, she gives the details of exactly what the Swirly Curly method entails, how she went about developing the curriculum for members of her community and how she transitioned from one stage of the company to the next.  She also gets into surviving Covid, writing a book and balancing all that with having three children in quick succession. 

Enjoy the episode!

LINKS, MENTIONS AND GIFTS

Keziah Dhamma is also the host of Hey Curlfriend, a podcast dedicated to the Swirly Curly community and others who want to learn more about caring for their natural hair. 

Curl College is where you can learn how to take care of your curls using the Swirly Curly Method. You can also buy  Keziah's book which outlines this method with illustrations. 

And just for being a Shades and Layers listener, you get a 15% discount on your order when using the code podcast15 at checkout.

Shades and Layers Newsletter - Join the squad and let's have some meaningful conversations about black women in business and entrepreneurship as the key to economic freedom.

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Personal care conversations/discussions for black and brown people are still largely dominated by hair care, but now we see more and more conversations about skin care concerns that are specific to people of color. 

Today we are focusing on a black-owned skincare brand that uses science-based solutions to address the needs specific to people of color and encourages us to Love Your Brown Skin. 

Beauty of the Nile is also a  family business and Jasmine Mobley, my guest today, is a co-founder with her parents in this venture. She is also the host of the brand’s eponymous podcast and fulfills other customer facing activities, like managing the brand’s vibrant community of skincare enthusiast. She also points out that even though she has this official role in the company, it's all hands on deck when you're a startup.

The brand is a reboot and Jasmine will tell us all about that and how she finds working with her forward-thinking parents. We talk about her entrepreneurial journey, the tokenization of diversity in the beauty industry, colorism and how the "Love your Brown Skin" tagline became the brand’s North Star.

Don't miss this one 😊🤎

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Beauty of the Nile Podcast - A great way to explore conversations around  beauty standards and Jasmine is a fantastic host!

Shades and Layers Newsletter - Join the squad and let's have some meaningful conversations about black women in business and entrepreneurship as the key to economic freedom.

A GIFT FOR YOU

Learn More about Otrium and their mission to sell all unsold clothing and get a 20% discount when you shop brands on their platform. Use the code SHADES20 at checkout to enjoy this offer.

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There is so much available out there  in the personal development space and if you are not careful, you will be taking a new course and following a new guru or coach every week. And so, this week, you will get a glimpse into what makes a good personal development curriculum from my guest, Naketa Thigpen, Founder and CEO of Thigpro Balance & Relationship Management Institute.  

She is on a mission to build stronger families and she encourages her clients (power couples and potent individuals) to be “intentionally selfish” while pursuing balance in their life. 

Naketa’s story is inspiring. She used her personal adversity to propel herself into a career of service. An overachiever by nature and survivor of horrors no child should go through, she can empathize with her clients no matter what they are dealing with in different aspects of their lives. She’s also a healer, who not only works with private clients but serves her community as a minister.

I hope you enjoy this episode and that you will feel that transformation and a better life, however you envision that, is possible for you, no matter where you are in your healing or life or professional journey.

Thank you for sharing your story so generously Naketa 🤎🤍 

 LINKS AND MENTIONS

Balance Boldly – Naketa’s Podcast for Ambitious Women - http://thigpro.com/

Shades and Layers Squad – Join us for a fortnightly dose of discussions and news from the studio - https://shadesandlayers.beehiiv.com/

A GIFT FOR YOU

Learn More about Otrium and their mission to sell all unsold clothing and get a 20% discount when you shop brands on their platform. Use the code SHADES20 at checkout to enjoy this offer.

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The idea to create Black Beauty Collective was planted 10 years ago and quickly became a project that was dear to founder and CEO, Leslie Roberson’s heart. The growing ownership and access disparities within the beauty industry posed a deep concern for her. For example, despite spending 9 times more than any other beauty product consumers, black ownership in the space only accounts for 2,5% . Creating a collective to ensure broader impact is Leslie’s solution to this deep-rooted issue.

In today’s conversation, Leslie takes us on a journey of how the idea came to her in the first place, how she’s gone about recruiting the founders who will be tenants at her flagship store, her business model AND her vision for the collective.

Leslie has a corporate career in Talent Acquisition, this is her second venture into entrepreneurship and she’s also a US military veteran. She will tell us how she’s leveraging all these aspects of her background to make the collective a success. 

Enjoy the episode 💜

A GIFT FOR YOU

Learn More about Otrium and their mission to sell all unsold clothing and get a 20% discount when you shop brands on their platform. Use the code SHADES20 at checkout to enjoy this offer.

JOIN THE SQUAD - Stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter

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Today we conclude our fashion conversations by visiting, Changing Narratives  in Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique. 

Changing Narratives is the love child of Mozambican business and creative partners, Wacy Zacarias and Djamila DeSousa. These Mozambican textile and accessirues designers are on a mission to preserve traditional Mozambican and more broadly, African craft and knowledge through their brands, Karingana Textiles and Woogui. 

 Wacy and Djamila started working together in 2015, back when wax print was still the most visible representation of African textile. And as we’ve previously mentioned, these fabrics are, ironically, not even African-made or owned. 

In this context, these two women took inspiration from their local natural environment, existing production systems, local traditional designs and stories and decided to do things differently. 

In this conversation, we focus on their journey as pioneers in textile design, the sustainable fashion movement, we discuss one of their projects working with refugees in northern Mozambique, they also give their take on what “Made In Africa” means for fashion labels and designers.

Enjoy the episode 💜💜💜

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Made51 - Karingana Textiles is the 1st Mozambican Local Social Enterprise to be part of the platform MADE51, a platform by UNHCR that puts refugee-made products into the global market.

Capulana/Kapulana - versatile traditional cloth used in Mozambique and other parts of Southern Africa as either a skirt or baby carrier. Apart from practical uses, it is also a status symbol as mentioned in the article linked here.

Taibo Bacar  - famous Mozambican designer who introduced Wacy and Djamila when they were forging their careers.

Ambiente - massive annual international consumer goods trade show in Germany.

Maison & Object - international decor and design marketplace

A GIFT FOR YOU

Otrium is  digital platform that’s on a mission to sell all unsold clothing. What that means for you, is that you can buy end of season clothes from top brands, at prices that suit your wallet and the clothes don’t end up in a landfill. Shades and Layers listeners get a 20% discount at checkout when using the code SHADES20.  Go to otrium.com for top fashion brands at affordable prices and use the code SHADES20 at checkout 

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My guest today is Lydia Endora, Founder, Creative Designer and Buyer at her self-titled fashion label. 

The seeds of a love for fashion were planted in Lydia’s heart at a very young age by her grandmother. Combined with education and a work ethic modeled by her mother, she has tapped into her creative spirit and skills to find her own corner in the athleisure space of the fashion market. 

 With a focus on quality and obsession with the customer, Lydia has created a fashion line that features multifunctional pieces for the busy woman to seamlessly switch between activities during her day.  

 She says that this is a discerning and conscious fashion buyer who does not want to be forced to throw away clothes after a few cycles in the washing machine. And so, Lydia puts a lot of thought into who her customer is, right down to the activities she’s engaged in as she goes about her day. 

 In addition to her process, we talk about hopes and dreams, listening to the whispers of your life and following your gut.

 We talk about  some of the challenges that smaller fashion houses encounter while trying to implement ethical business practices and of course, we talk about Lydia’s personal story.

LINKS AND MENTIONS

 Some of the fashion designers and exciting fashion leaders and spaces that Lydia mentions:

Christopher John Rogers

Brandon Maxwell 

Telfar 

Brandince Daniel 

Harlem's Fashion Row – An exclusively black business bricks and mortar fashion marketplace in Harlem

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A GIFT FOR YOU 🥳🎁 - Otrium is a digital marketplace on a mission to sell all unsold clothes from top fashion brand that you love. Learn more about them on their website and Get 20% off at checkout when you use the code "SHADES 20"

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SAVING WALLETS AND LANDFILLS

We are continuing with our focus on fashion and this week my guest is  Zuhairah Washington, President and COO of Otrium, a Dutch-born  end to end marketplace that she calls, the best kept secret in fashion. 

Otrium is a digital platform where you can buy end of season clothing at accessible prices. 

What does that mean? 

All those clothes that brands were unable to sell for whatever reason, can be discretely uploaded onto the platform and given a second chance at finding their way to being bought and used, rather than ending up in a landfill or a burning pile. 

This of course should give you a hint that sustainability is one of the topics I discussed with Zuhairah. It is one of many huge problems associated with fashion, but things are starting to move in the right direction, and she will explain a bit more in our interview.  

Zuhairah started her career in private equity, she has founded her own tech company, had a stint at Uber as well as at Expedia and now here she is telling us about how she’s leading  Otrium’s expansion into the US market.

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Use the code SHADES20 and get 20% off at checkout when shopping on Otrium.com 

Uber
TJ Maxx
Nordstrom
Expedia

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