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.

In this episode of the ProMama Podcast, host Felicia Johnson celebrates a major milestone: the inaugural LinkedIn Live stream of the show. Felicia is joined by Nathelie Zetrenne-Norman a powerhouse author, coach, athlete, and creator of the Dear Beautiful The Brand. Nathelie shares an honest, unfiltered look at the transition that comes with motherhood. From navigating therapy to rediscovering her identity outside of the "Super Mom" trope, she discusses how she uses an athletic mindset to manage three children, a corporate career, and multiple entrepreneurial ventures.

Listen in as Felicia & Nathelie Discuss:

• Selfless Self-Discovery: Why healing and rediscovering your identity is the greatest gift you can give your children, and how to navigate the shift from "who you were" to who you are becoming.
• The Art of the Pivot: Reframing failure and perfectionism to teach children resilience, proving that "doing things scared" is a vital part of personal and professional growth.
• Athletic Discipline in the Household: How a background in track and field provides the framework for managing a busy schedule, setting boundaries, and maintaining a high-performance household.
• Rest as Resilience: Breaking through the guilt of "doing less" and understanding that rest is a requirement for leadership, not a reward for burnout.
• Building Your Village: The importance of intentional community from sororities to retreats and how connection reduces the loneliness often felt in modern motherhood.

Connect with Nathelie Zetrenne-Norman:

• TikTok: @dearbeautiful__
• Instagram: @DearBeautiful___
• LinkedIn: Nathelie Zetrenne-Norman

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.

In this episode of the ProMama Podcast, host Felicia Johnson sits down with Jennifer Shayne, co-founder and coach of TeamWRK. As a high school teacher, community leader, and new mother, Jennifer shares an unfiltered look at navigating the wellness space while re-learning her body post-pregnancy. The conversation explores the raw challenges of reclaiming your "game" after baby, the significance of representation for women of color in fitness, and why she insists on bringing her son along for the run proving that motherhood isn't a hurdle to a legacy, but a vital part of it.

Listen in as Felicia & Jennifer discuss:

• The Post-Pregnancy Pivot: Navigating the mental and physical hurdles of returning to the sport of running when you don't feel like your "fit" or "fast" former self.
• The Power of the Village: How the TeamWRK ecosystem serves as a support system for motherhood and why building a community is essential for long-term motivation.
• Legacy in the Stroller: The intentional decision to include her son in training’s and races, teaching him the value of health and community from day one.
• Radical Self-Care & Agency: Why running is a non-negotiable for mental health and the importance of mothers taking up space in the wellness industry.

• Managing the Burnout: Practical strategies for recognizing the signs of exhaustion and choosing grace over guilt while balancing a 9-to-5 and a growing movement.

Connect with Jennifer Shayne:

• Website: TeamWRK
• Instagram: @jenn_shayne / @teamwrk
• LinkedIn: Jennifer Shayne

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.

In this episode of the ProMama Podcast, host Felicia Johnson welcomes singer-songwriter and mother of three, Carlitta Durand. The conversation dives into the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood with a creative career. Carlitta shares her journey of taking a hiatus from music to focus on her children, emphasizing the importance of being present during their formative years. As the discussion unfolds, Carlitta reflects on her return to music, the impact of her organized lifestyle on her parenting, and how she nurtures her children's interests while maintaining her own creative pursuits.

Listen in as Felicia & Carlitta discuss:

The Creative Hiatus: The intentional decision to step back from the spotlight to be 100% hands-on during the formative years.

The "Pro" in Professional Musician: How a background in the music industry teaches lessons in organization that translate directly to motherhood.

Mental Preparation: Strategies for switching gears from "Mom Mode" to "Creative Mode" without losing your momentum.

Entrepreneurial Kids: How being a working artist teaches your children the value of hard work, dedication, and following their own passions.

The "Selfish" Necessity: Why carving out personal time and claiming a "day off" isn't a luxury, it's how you stay alive for yourself and your family.

Connect with Carlitta Durand:

• Spotify: Carlitta Durand
• Instagram: Carlittadurand

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.

In Episode 2 of the Pro Mama Podcast, host Felicia Johnson sits down with Dr. Rhonia Brooks-Gordon, a board-certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and mother of three boys.

This conversation explores the unique logistics and mindset required to thrive in a high-stakes medical career while managing a busy household of five.

Dr. Rhonia shares the reality of being part of a "dual-physician" couple, diving into how she and her husband navigate demanding schedules, three active sons under the age of six, and the constant need for intentional planning. From advocating for herself in the workplace to the power of a "village" that includes hired help, she provides a masterclass in professional career design.

As the episode unfolds, Dr. Rhonia reflects on the lessons learned from her own mother and how those values inspire the way she raises her sons today. She emphasizes that being a "Pro Mama" isn't about doing it all alone, but rather having the strategy to ensure both your career and your family receive the best of you.

Listen in as Felicia & Dr. Rhonia discuss:

• Workplace Advocacy: Why mothers must be their own best advocates in demanding professional environments.
• The Logistics of Support: How to build and manage a support system that actually works.
• Partner Communication: Navigating career decisions and household management with your spouse.
• Intentional Parenting: Managing children’s social calendars and staying engaged with their individual interests.
• The Self-Care Mandate: Why making time for yourself is a non-negotiable for high-performing moms.

Connect with Dr. Rhonia Brooks-Gordon:

• Instagram: obgyn_inthecity

• LinkedIn: Rhonia Brooks-Gordon, MD, FACOG

Watch & Connect with the ProMama Community

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

Welcome to Episode 1 Woot Woot!

In Episode 1 of the ProMama Podcast, host Felicia Johnson welcomes her friend and first guest, Nykia Spradley, a seasoned journalist and content strategist. The conversation dives into the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood with a demanding career.

Nykia shares her journey from a structured full-time job to freelancing, a decision inspired by her desire to be more present for her son as he transitions into his teenage years.

As the episode unfolds, Nykia reflects on how her approach to work has evolved since becoming a mother, noting the societal pressures and expectations that can make it difficult for working moms to feel validated.

The discussion highlights the emotional complexities of motherhood, including the guilt that often accompanies the need to juggle work and family responsibilities.

Listen in as Felicia & Nykia discuss:

• workplace dynamics and double standards
• setting boundaries within the workplace and with your kids
• the necessity of self-care.
• Being Role modes for your children
• The pursuit of a fulfilling career while being an engaged parent

Connect with Nykia Spradley

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Watch & Connect with the ProMama Community

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

• 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!

Keywords

Pro Mama Podcast, motherhood, work-life balance, freelancing, mom guilt, parenting tips, Nykia Spradley, Felicia Johnson, self-care, career transitions

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pro Mama Podcast 03:14 Nykia's Journey into Motherhood and Career 05:33 Transitioning to Freelancing and Work-Life Balance 08:15 Navigating Workplace Dynamics as a Mother 11:03 The Challenges of Aging Children and Career 13:53 Managing Guilt and Expectations as a Working Mom 16:47 The Impact of Freelancing on Family Life 19:29 Self-Care and Setting Boundaries 22:15 Pro Mama Essentials and Final Thoughts