In this powerful episode of Black Girl Burnout, Kelley sits down with writer, strategist, and visionary Rachel Hislop to talk about rest, creativity, and what it means to truly opt out of struggle.

From leading Beyoncé’s digital presence to becoming one of Mozilla’s “25 Visionaries Shaping the Future of the Internet,” Rachel has lived at the intersection of culture, creativity, and relentless grind. But when burnout knocked her down, she rebuilt her life—and career—on a foundation of joy, balance, and radical honesty.

This is not just a conversation about recovery—it’s a roadmap for every Black woman ready to rewrite the rules of success, reclaim her time, and center her happiness.

This episode is for every Black woman who’s ever asked:

“If I stop grinding, who am I?”
“How do I choose myself without disappointing everyone else?”
“What does joy look like when I’ve been in survival mode for so long?”

Here’s your answer.

Key Takeaways

Struggle is not a prerequisite for success—burnout is not a badge of honor.
Prioritizing joy and well-being is not selfish; it’s revolutionary.
Boundaries aren’t just about saying no to others—they’re about saying yes to yourself.
Creativity thrives when you lead with honesty, rest, and alignment.

Episode Highlights

[04:53] Rachel reflects on how hustle culture tied her worth to constant struggle.
[12:32] The pandemic as a breaking point—and a turning point.
[20:11] Choosing responsibility over blame in healing from burnout.
[25:14] The practice of setting—and keeping—boundaries with yourself.
[30:44] Rediscovering creativity and writing as a tool for honesty and healing.
[40:12] Joy as intergenerational healing and the legacy of documenting Black women’s wholeness.

🔗 Connect with Rachel Hislop

Instagram: @amazingrach
Website: rachelhislop.com
Read her Pocket collection: Saying the Quiet Parts Loud

Support the Show

Are you stepping into a “Summer of No”? Whether you’re canceling plans for rest, setting fresh boundaries, or saying no to what drains you, you don’t owe anyone guilt. Take a moment this week to capture what freedom looks like for you. Snap a pic or video of your joy and tag us:

📱 @blackgirlburnout

📧 Subscribe to our newsletter: blackgirlburnout.com

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube

💌 Show some love—don’t let Kelley’s mama be the only one dropping hearts!

Have a question for our upcoming Q&A episode? [Click here to submit your questions!]

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