Happy New Year! And welcome to the season finale of Bet On Yourself, Sis! Today, I reflect on the first season of this podcast and express my gratitude to you, my audience and every guest. I also emphasize the importance of community engagement and mental health advocacy, highlighting episodes that can serve as resources for finding therapists and mental health professionals. This episode serves as a heartfelt conclusion to the first season while looking forward to new beginnings in 2026.

I talk:

02:47 - Gratitude and community engagement

05:50 - Mental health advocacy and resources

Episode References:

Ep. 4 - Mental Health Advice, Tips, and Resources with Marquita S. Myrick

Ep. 17 - Rejection is Redirection: Walking in Purpose with Shirlz Rejouis

Ep. 18 - Trusting the Process and Embracing the Baby Steps with Derdine Brown

Ep. 19 - Exploring Mental Health Through Art and Dialogue with Vena J

The Loveland Foundation

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December was Mental Health Month here on Bet On Yourself, Sis! That was not done on purpose, but wow was it purposeful! This month I spoke to three different therapists and had three completely different conversations, but the one thing that stood out in every conversation was the power of authenticity! So let this be your reminder to BE YOURSELF and allow everything else to fall into place!

And that's a wrap! This has been an AMAZING first season of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, and this episode #19 is a great ending! Today I speak with Vena J, Licensed Social Worker/Therapist and the Producer, Creator and Host of The Konfession Korner, a platform that provides a cognitive and communal space to discuss the journeys of Black creatives, artists and entrepreneurs as well as the importance of mental health and wellness.

In this conversation, Vena J shares her journey from launching the Konfession Korner podcast and and its evolution in all that it has become, including Kreative Keynotes and Kreative Kompany. She discusses the importance of intentionality and vulnerability in conversation, emphasizes the role of community support and engagement in her creative endeavors, and reflects on her aspirations for the future.

Together we highlight the necessity of continuous learning, the courage to ask for help, and the challenges and rewards of being in the creative industry. We focus on the need for clarity and fulfillment and the value of providing resources and networking opportunities in both personal and professional spaces.

We also explore the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship, particularly from the perspective of Black women. We discuss the emotional challenges of rejection, the importance of authenticity in business, the journey of personal growth through alignment, and the value of mentorship and community support. Vena also shares her journey in social work and how it informs her entrepreneurial endeavors, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in both personal and professional realms.

Episode Reference:

MVEMNT®

Black Arts District

Motor House

Skin Deep

Roe Vision

oyindaSOLA

APOETNAMEDNATE

Amira Damani

Niajea R.

Connect with Vena J! - IG @thekonfessionkorner - Website thekonfessionkorner.com - YouTube @thekonfessionkorner

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Let's be real. When you think of intimacy, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Sex. Right? But intimacy is so much more and goes so much deeper than that. It's about human connection. And, let's be even more real, we could all use a little more connection these days! That is why I'm excited to share this conversation with therapist and yogi, Derdine Brown.

In this episode of Bet on Yourself, Sis, Derdine talks about her journey into yoga and the creation of her business: Sip and Stretch Date Night. We discuss the importance of community, intimacy in relationships, and the significance of trusting the process in both personal and professional growth. Derdine reminds us to embrace the baby steps, focusing on progress instead of instant gratification. And, she emphasizes the need for us ti sit in the discomfort so that we can heal.

In this conversation, Derdine and I delve into the significance of authenticity in entrepreneurship. We note that being authentic draws in your audience, while being for everyone just draw in a crowd. We also discuss the unique challenges faced by Black women entrepreneurs and emphasize the power of community and support among us. The conversation highlights the need for resilience and adaptability in the entrepreneurial journey, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and foster connections that uplift and empower.

We talk:

05:54 - The birth of Derdine's business: Sip and Stretch Date Night

12:01 - The importance of intimacy in relationships

24:07 - Understanding different types of intimacy

36:25 - The power of authenticity in entrepreneurship

49:35 - Entrepreneurship: mindset and resilience

57:28 - Empowering Black Women Entrepreneurs

Episode References:

Hippie Heathen

Black Men Heal

Connect with Derdine! - IG @doodoodoesyoga - TikTok @yoginginmy40s - Website sipstretch.com

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You never know the impact you will have on others. That’s why it’s so important to show up as your full self. So that you can be a possibility model for not only your peers, but the generations after you. And this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis! is a real-life example of just that!

Shirlz Rejouis and I have a heartfelt conversation about our experiences in the podcasting industry, the importance of community, and the challenges faced by Black women entrepreneurs. We discuss the significance of walking in your purpose, the impact of spirituality on entrepreneurship, and the need for authentic representation in media. Shirlz shares her journey of creating the audio scripted podcast "Black with Benefits," highlighting the importance of mental health and storytelling in Black culture.

We talk:

09:58 - Mental health, spirituality, and purpose

15:03 - Building Frequency973 Productions

25:02 - Authenticity and code-switching in professional spaces

35:09 - Integrating psychology and culture in storytelling

45:31 - Introducing 'Black With Benefits': A new project

52:09 - Inspiring the next generation of Black entrepreneurs

Connect with Shirlz! - IG @i__5urelyrejoice - TikTok @i__5urelyrejoice

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

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Why is wellness so important in entrepreneurship? I mean, it's important in life, period! But it is especially important for entrepreneurs to prevent burnout and increase creativity. So shout out to today's guest Rose James, yoga teacher and wellness entrepreneur, for reminding us to take care of ourselves!

In this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, Rose shares her journey from teaching a few yoga classes on the side to evolving into a full-time wellness entrepreneur. She discusses the importance of trying new things, staying relevant in business, and the challenges of transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship. She also adds her insights on listening to intuition and the evolving nature of wellness practices.

Rose and I highlight the significance of showing up in spaces where representation is lacking, ultimately inspiring others to pursue their passions and embrace their unique journeys. We emphasize the need for multiple income streams and the importance of planning and being present in your journey.

Together we explore the importance of self-care and the unique challenges faced by black women in business. We also discuss the significance of finding quiet time for reflection, the importance of community, and the emotional aspects of navigating challenges.

We talk:

10:04 - Staying relevant in business

19:50 - Listening to your intuition and planning for success

24:55 - Self-care and sustainability in a physically demanding career

38:57 - Navigating challenges and emotions

46:45 - The importance of self-care

53:09 - Embracing the entrepreneurial spirit

Connect with Rose! - IG @black_rose_yogini - TikTok @blackroseyogini

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

How often do you reflect on the progress you've made? Sometimes it feels like we are stuck, like we haven't gotten anywhere in all the time we've been working on the thing! But, when you reflect on your journey, it helps you to acknowledge your growth and continue to strive for more. And, this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis! is all about progress and growth.

In this episode, I talk to another one of my sister-cousins Ashana Jouti, a talented artist, creative, and visionary, and we discuss the journey from her early interest in art to her specialization in makeup, exploring the transformative power of beauty and special effects. The conversation delves into themes of self-care, confidence, and the importance of discipline in the creative process, but also in life.

Ashanna shares her insights on the art of makeup, and the significance of edifying others through her work, all while emphasizing the importance of trusting the process of growth and transformation. She also shares her journey of self-acceptance and faith on her entrepreneurial path. She emphasizes the need to embrace your full self, including your body and self-image, while you pursue personal goals.

Together, Ashanna and I highlight the distinction between motivation and discipline, encouraging listeners to find their 'why' to stay committed. Ashanna also offers advice for Black women entrepreneurs, urging you to be unapologetically yourself and to explore multiple avenues of income. The role of faith in her journey is underscored, illustrating how it has guided her decisions and provided strength.

We talk:

04:06 - The art of special effects makeup

12:46 - Building confidence through makeup

25:55 - Progress and discipline in personal growth

33:06 - Embracing self-acceptance

52:06 - Unapologetically being yourself

Episode References:

Bet On Yourself, Sis! Ep. 9 - Growing From Catering to Community with Amber Sims

Connect with Ashanna Jouti! - IG @ashanna_jouti - TikTok @ashanna1210

- YouTube @ashannasims8844

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Hey ya’ll Pink Lady here to let you know that Bet On Yourself, Sis! is taking a break!

I believe in rest! And, I put my money where mouth is. So I want to show you that, yes, consistency is important, but taking time for yourself is more important! And that is what I'm doing. :)

Bet On Yourself Sis! will be back next Wednesday, October 22nd. Be sure to subscribe and follow to be notified!