She's So Lucky

Today, in partnership with BECU, I’m sitting down with millennial money expert Tonya Rapley of My Fab Finance to discuss the importance of financial wellness.    Tonya’s mission is to help millennials break the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck so they can become financially free and do more of what they love. Selected by TV One as a modern-day history maker, Tonya is a full-time entrepreneur and tours the country providing workshops for private and nonprofit clients. Her fierce financial advice has appeared in countless media outlets. Tonya currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and son, and I am so excited to share her approachable advice for achieving financial wellness with you.    BECU is Washington’s largest not-for-profit credit union and is owned by its 1.2 million members. They have been a partner of Balanced Black Girl since the beginning of the year, and have helped facilitate important conversations about financial wellness on balancedblackgirl.com. In this episode, we talk about…   How to create your own definition of financial wellness. Initial steps you can take to build financial wellness. Strategies for eliminating debt. How to stick to a budget without feeling deprived. Wealth-building for Black women. Finding affordable ways to practice self-care.    RESOURCES: Visit Tonya’s Website Follow Tonya on Instagram: @myfabfinance and @tonya.rapley Like My Fab Finance on Facebook Follow Tonya on Twitter: @myfabfinance Check out the My Fab Finance Blue Ribbon Club   EPISODE SPONSOR -- BECU Check out BECU.org Learn more about BECU’s free Financial Health Check Learn more about BECU’s online budgeting app, Money Manager   OTHER FINANCIAL WELLNESS ARTICLES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BECU:  5 Ways I Cut My Budget to Build Emergency Savings Money Management Tips for Side Hustlers Planning for a Summer Vacation: How to Achieve Travel Goals Adding Financial Wellness to Your Wellness Routine in the New Year: How to Set Realistic Financial Goals and Add Financial Wellness As A Key Pillar to Your Wellness Routine Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, we’re talking to Shayla Varnado. Shayla is a serial entrepreneur, entertainer, side hustle queen and the founder of Black Girls Wine. Black Girls Wine, affectionately known as BGW, is a lifestyle brand that celebrates Black girl magic by curating exclusive experiences for women who love wine. With over 11 chapters in 10+ cities, the brand is growing and the world is taking notice. A decade of creating businesses has led Shayla to her passion for teaching women how to increase their income by monetizing their gifts with online + offline strategies that actually move their business forward. She is the author of 44 prayers for the Christian Entrepreneur. And she is the host of a weekly podcast called "The Business Besties" where she shares the real deal of what it takes to run a business. In this episode, we talk about… The importance of creating community and experiences for Black women. The backstory of Black Girls Wine. Wine education tips for beginners. Knowing when to pivot in business. Favorite Black-owned wine companies.  RESOURCES: Visit the Black Girls Wine Website: https://www.blackgirlswine.com/ Join the Black Girls Wine Society: https://www.blackgirlswine.com/society Follow Black Girls Wine on Instagram: @blackgirlswine Like Black Girls Wine on Facebook McBride Sisters Wine: Black Girl Magic Rosé The Lotus and the Vines Divine Wineries Shoecrazy Wine Balanced Black Girl Partners: This episode is sponsored by Skinny Dipped Almonds. Use the code “BBG” for 15% off your first order at skinnydipped.com.  Organifi | Use the code “BBG” for 15% off Organifi supplements at balancedblackgirl.com/organifi.  If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE.Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today’s episode is a special one - it is the one year anniversary of Balanced Black Girl Podcast! To celebrate the first year of the show, we are diving into our favorite question: what does being a Balanced Black Girl mean to you?    Host Les is sharing what being a Balanced Black Girl means to her, and we are revisiting some of the most powerful responses to this question from previous episodes of the show, including:   Episode 11: Creating Your Own Lane with Falesha Johnson Episode 17: Buying Black and Living Green with Dr. Kristian Henderson Episode 18: Making Self-Care Accessible with Michelle White Episode 25: Creating a Foundation of Mindfulness with Nkenji Clarke Episode 36: Let Your Fears Make You Fierce with Koya Webb Episode 47: Healing from Burnout with Davia Roberts Honorable Mention: What being a Balanced Black Girl means to Michelle Obama (from our book club meeting with her in March 2019) -  RESOURCES: Our Website: balancedblackgirl.com Follow us on Instagram: @balancedblackgirlpodcast Like Balanced Black Girl on Facebook Follow Balanced Black Girl Twitter: @balancedblkgirl Balanced Black Girl Partners: BLK+GRN | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blkgrn.com Black Girl Sunscreen | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blackgirlsunscreen.com Methodology | Use code BALANCEDBLACKGIRL30 for 30% off your first Methodology shipment Organifi | Use code “BBG” for 15% off supplements at balancedblackgirl.com/organifi This podcast is edited by Bex Carlos of Explain to Me Podcast.  If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE.Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today’s guest is Jasmine RaShae, founder of Soulful Flow Yoga. Jasmine is a native of Baton Rouge, LA who currently resides in Seattle. She is a yogi, storyteller and a brand alchemist.    Her platform is used to authentically connect with her following and cultivate a sense of community. She achieves this through a three-prong approach, the creation and practice of Soulful Flow Yoga, custom curated content on her lifestyle blog, “Do It For the Story" and brand storytelling for an array of clients, as the female founder of a boutique consulting agency, The J. RaShae Project. In this episode, we talk about… Ways anyone can benefit from yoga.  Making yoga more accessible to communities of color and children. Why telling and sharing our stories is so important. Helpful tips for balancing self-care and still showing up for others.  RESOURCES: Visit Jasmine’s website: www.jasminerashae.com Follow Jasmine on Instagram: @jasminerashae Follow Soulful Flow Yoga on Instagram: @soulfulflowyoga Take Jasmine’s Class (Seattle area) Balanced Black Girl Partners: BLK+GRN | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blkgrn.com Black Girl Sunscreen | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blackgirlsunscreen.com Methodology | Use code BALANCEDBLACKGIRL30 for 30% off your first Methodology shipment Organifi | Use code BBG for 15% off supplements from Organifi. Go to balancedblackgirl.com/organifi If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE.Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today’s guest is Adrienne Thomas. Adrienne is an unapologetically Black educator who hails from the city of Chicago. She is a passionate social advocate with a focus on Black liberation.  While Adrienne is also a powerlifter and musician, her passion lies within classroom education, where her goal is to create inclusive curriculum that truly supports the lived experiences of our diverse students and children. In this episode, we talk about… How the US school curriculum can be more inclusive.  Why it is so important for all students to learn from diverse curriculum. Tangible ways to support educators.  How inclusion has evolved in the powerlifting space.  RESOURCES: Support Adrienne’s classroom library Follow Adrienne on Instagram: @adriennewhoo Episode 24: Elevating Marginalized Communities Through Fitness with Maria Rodriguez Organic Bath Co Body Butter Favorite of the Week: Organic Bath Co Body Butter Balanced Black Girl Partners: BLK+GRN all-natural products from Black artisans | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blkgrn.com Black Girl Sunscreen | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blackgirlsunscreen.com Methodology Prepped Meals | Use code BALANCEDBLACKGIRL30 for 30% off your first Methodology shipment Organifi | Use the code BBG for 15% off supplements from organifi.com If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE.Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, we’re talking to Kimjoy Long, esthetician at Spruce Apothecary in Seattle. Kimjoy specializes in sugar hair removal and offers high-quality holistic skincare and green beauty services.  Through her training to become an esthetician, she realized many beauty and skincare treatments are not designed with the needs of women of color in mind. She strives to provide products and services that are safe for melanated skin.  Kimjoy is a mother of three who is passionate about helping women, especially mothers, prioritize their own self-care. As an esthetician, she not only cares for clients’ skin concerns but strives to cultivate a loving safe space for them to thrive in.   In this episode, we talk about… Why you should consider visiting an esthetician.  Unique skin care considerations for Black women and other women of color.  How the beauty education space overlooks the needs of those with melanated skin.  Creating space for self-care as a mother.    RESOURCES: View Kimjoy’s services and book an appointment with her at Spruce Apothecary (Seattle area) Follow Kimjoy on Instagram: @lovesprucekimjoy Follow Spruce Apothecary on Instagram: @spruce.apothecary Balanced Black Girl Partners: BLK+GRN | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blkgrn.com Black Girl Sunscreen | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blackgirlsunscreen.com Methodology | Use code BALANCEDBLACKGIRL30 for 30% off your first Methodology shipment If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE.Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today’s guest is Davia Roberts.  As a certified yoga teacher and licensed mental health therapist, Davia uses her background to make mental health resources accessible. She is the voice and brains behind the AFFIRM podcast, a mental health and wellness podcast for women of color and founder of the wellness platform, Redefine Enough. Now based in Washington, DC, Davia travels the country bringing mental health and wellness education to millennials and corporate professionals. Her mental health work has been featured on stages like SXSW and major publications such as Bustle, NaturallyCurly, and Mash. She's using her expertise to help people get into therapy and teaching businesses how to use mental health education to erase burnout from the workplace. In this episode, we talk about… Common misconceptions believed about therapy. Why talk therapy isn’t for everyone and other types of therapy to consider. Healing from workplace burnout. How companies and organizations can support the mental well-being of their employees.  RESOURCES: Visit Davia’s Website: https://www.justdavia.com/ Follow Davia on Instagram: @justdavia Follow Davia on Twitter: @justdavia Listen to Davia’s podcast, AFFIRM Psychology Today Therapist Directory Open Path Collective Therapist Directory Therapy for Black Girls Therapist Directory Balanced Black Girl Partners: BLK+GRN | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blkgrn.com Black Girl Sunscreen | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blackgirlsunscreen.com Methodology | Use code BALANCEDBLACKGIRL30 for 30% off your first Methodology shipment If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE.Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, we’re talking to Klarke Foreman. Klarke is an energetic, God-fearing teen advocate, and businesswoman. The Houston-native is Founder and CEO of Kween to Queen, a mentoring organization for teen girls. Additionally, she is the Chief Operating Officer of Pink Productions, a platform dedicated to providing opportunities for women worldwide. She is also the co-founder of Foundation First, a digital marketing production company that helps entrepreneurs build a solid business foundation. She’s been featured in Teen Vogue, 979 The Box, Fox 26 and more for her efforts. In this episode, we talk about… What inspired her to create her mentoring organization Kween to Queen. The importance of role models for the next generation. Creating your own definition of what a “role model” is. Why queens have no size. RESOURCES: Klarke’s Website Follow Klarke on Instagram: @kweenklarke Follow Kween to Queen on Instagram @kweentoqueen Follow Klarke Twitter: @kweenklarke Read Klarke’s feature in Teen Vogue This episode is sponsored by Sound Craft Seltzer - the perfect drink for summer! To unlock exclusive Balanced Black Girl content including weekly bonus episodes, support Balanced Black Girl on Patreon.  If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook.   PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE. Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today’s guest is Minda Harts, author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table, which is out today.   Minda is a well connected, sought after speaker and thought-leader, frequently speaking on topics of Advancing Women of Color, Leadership, Diversity, and Entrepreneurship. In 2018, Minda was named as one of the 25 Emerging Innovators by American Express.  Minda is an assistant professor of public service of NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and the founder of The Memo LLC, a career development company for women of color. Minda was also chosen by General Assembly to serve as one of their Dream Mentors, alongside women like Cindy Gallop. Secure The Seat is her weekly career podcast for women of color. Minda is originally from Southern California and currently resides in New York City. In this episode, we talk about… Minda’s most valuable career lessons. Why we need to talk about race in the workplace. How Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts can better us. Advice for those looking for upward mobility in their careers. RESOURCES: Check out Minda’s new book, The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table.  Follow Minda on Twitter @mindaharts Listen to Minda’s podcast, Secure the Seat Today’s episode is sponsored by Sound Craft Seltzer, the drink of summer.  If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE.Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s summer rewind episode, we’re revisiting this conversation with Dr. Kristian Henderson of BLK+GRN. Dr. Kristian Henderson is a professor of public health, a natural lifestyle enthusiast, and the founder of BLK+GRN, an all-natural marketplace by all Black artisans. BLK+GRN curates products that are sold in categories like skincare, home, bath and body to meet the needs of wellness seekers who want to buy Black and live green. In the U.S. black women buy nearly twice as many body care and beauty products, with nearly 75% of the products marketing to black women containing toxic ingredients that can have a negative impact on our health. Through the creation of BLK+GRN, Dr. Kristian is tackling this issue head-on. She is an unshakable optimist who is passionate about helping women cultivate a lifestyle that’s free of artificial ingredients, toxins, and harmful chemicals. She believes that doing so is the only way to foster true happiness. In this episode, we dive into the importance of understanding what ingredients are in our body care products, and how doing so can have a profound impact on our health.  She and her team are leading their community into a Toxic-Free 2019 when it comes to products, mindset, and lifestyle. We had an inspiring, insightful conversation that will have a positive takeaway for everyone. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to share her story and mission.  In this episode, we talk about… How to make the switch to non-toxic products. Toxic ingredients we should avoid.  The importance of supporting Black-owned businesses. What inspired her to start BLK+GRN.   RESOURCES: Stay up to date on Dr. Kristian’s Recovery Send support to Dr. Kristian’s family BLK+GRN Website: www.blkgrn.com  Follow BLK+GRN on Instagram: @blkgrn Follow Dr. Kristian on Instagram: @drkristianh Follow Facebook: BLK+GRN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLKandGRN/  Follow BLK+GRN on Twitter: @blkgrn From the BLK+GRN Blog: The Black Girl’s Guide to Self Care Use the code ‘BBG20’ for 20% off your BLK+GRN order! To unlock weekly bonus episodes, support Balanced Black Girl on Patreon. If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE.Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.