In this high-energy, full-circle episode, host Felicia Johnson welcomes one of her very first professional mentors, Tricia Messeroux-Curwen (affectionately known as "T-Mez"). Tricia is an elite creative director, producer, marketing executive, and the powerhouse founder of the T-Mezz Creative Group. After spending 15 years living out of a suitcase and shaping iconic global campaigns for household names and celebrities, Tricia chose to pivot into entrepreneurship so she could be fully present for her daughters.

In this episode she gives a masterclass on what it truly means to build a thriving business while seamlessly directing a family legacy. We dive into how she integrates her husband ("Mr. Fantastic") and her daughters into her media empire, the strategy behind starting children in professional spaces early, and the importance of showing positive, joyful portrayals of Black family life in the media.

• The Breaking Point of the Travel Grind: Tricia recalls the emotional turning point after a two-week shoot in China when her three-year-old daughter barely recognized her—sparking her definitive pivot into entrepreneurship.
• The "Momager": How to balance nurturing your child's confidence while teaching them professional accountability, maintaining boundaries, and honoring commitments.
• Uplifting the Next Gen Early: Why Tricia believes in preparing kids for the workforce with practical resume-building, networking, and transferable skills long before they reach college.
• Fearless Authenticity: Why showcasing positive, joyful Black family structures is the only way to lead effectively in both the media and your community.

• Instagram: @allthingstmezz_
• TikTok: All things tmezz
• LinkedIn: Tricia Messeroux

• Follow on Instagram: @promamapod for behind-the-scenes clips and daily affirmations.
• Connect on LinkedIn: Join the ProMama LinkedIn Group to network with other high-achieving mothers.

Subscribe on YouTube: Watch the full visual interview on the ProMama YouTube Channel.

In this inspiring episode of the ProMama Podcast, host Felicia Johnson interviews Dr. Dawn Hicks Tafari a powerhouse community organizer, educator, and mother. Dr. Tafari doesn't just talk about "the village", she actively designs it. As a co-founder of the Greensboro Kwanzaa Collective and a leader in higher education, she provides a masterclass on how to move from "doing it all" to building a collective responsibility that supports both your career and your family.

We explore how the principles of Kwanzaa can be applied to daily living, why vulnerability is a leadership superpower, and why Dr. Dawn believes your career should be an extension of who you are, not just a line on a resume.

• The Village Architect Mindset: Why a support system doesn't just happen by accident you have to build it with intention and clear communication.
• Kwanzaa in the Home: How the principles serve as a blueprint for raising grounded, community-oriented children.
• The Doctorate & The Diaper Bag: The grit required to balance high-level academic pursuit with the daily realities of motherhood.
• Fearless Authenticity: Why "practicing what you preach" is the only way to lead effectively in both your household and your community.

• Instagram: @love.eat.build
• YouTube: The Tafari Family
• Organization: Greensboro Kwanzaa Collective

• Follow on Instagram: @promamapod for behind-the-scenes clips and daily affirmations.
• Connect on LinkedIn: Join the ProMama LinkedIn Group to network with other high-achieving mothers.
• Subscribe on YouTube: Watch the full visual interview on the ProMama YouTube Channel.

In this episode of the ProMama podcast, host Felicia Johnson interviews Shirley Dor, a new mom and entrepreneur, discussing the intersection of motherhood and career. They explore Shirley's journey as a Haitian-American, the cultural influences on her parenting, and the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. The conversation highlights the challenges and joys of being a new mom while managing a business, as well as practical parenting hacks and the significance of nurturing relationships. Shirley shares her insights on the unique experiences of being a girl mom and the importance of maintaining a strong partnership with her partner amidst the demands of motherhood.

Listen in as Felicia & Shirley Discuss:

• The "Firm No" Philosophy: Why establishing boundaries in business like no work weekends was the ultimate training ground for the demands of motherhood.
• Heritage as a Unique Selling Proposition: How Shirley uses her Haitian descent and multicultural fluency to stand out in the marketing industry and how she is intentionally embedding that same pride in her daughter.
• Healing the Mother Wound: A candid look at being a "girl mom" and how raising a daughter provides a unique opportunity to heal past traumas and become the mother you once needed.
• Postpartum Rituals & Ancestral Care: The importance of honoring cultural traditions, from Haitian postpartum baths to "patting the body," and how these rituals bridge the gap between generations.
• The Hot Girl Walk: Using movement as a threefold tool for vanity, wellness, and the essential mental escape required to keep from pouring from an empty cup.

Connect with Shirley Dor:

• • Instagram: @shirleydor_ / @haitianswhoblog / @dorsainvilcreative
  • YouTube: Shirley Dor (for Vlogs & Journey updates)
  • Tiktok: Shirley Dor

Watch & Connect with the ProMama Community

• Follow me on Instagram @promamapod for a look into my ProMama life.
• Let’s connect on LinkedIn, and be sure to join the ProMama group!

Join our community on the ProMama YouTube channel to watch our visual interviews and grab extra resources.