It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin

In this solo episode, Delina dives into feminine money energy and what it means to move from chasing to attracting. She shares how burnout reshaped her relationship with ambition, the difference between selling and marketing, the importance of community, the transformative power of gratitude, and the power of only wanting what truly wants you back.Delina reflects on how influential people in her life have guided her career and offers thoughts on finding alignment in your personal and professional life. She discusses the balance between marketing and sales, emphasizing the importance of being overdoing. Delina also addresses the challenges of burnout and the significance of prayer, meditation, and self-reflection in aligning with opportunities and achieving personal goals. From selling Krispy Kreme donuts in her early days to navigating the modern pressure to “always be doing”, this episode is a reminder that success doesn’t have to feel hard; it can feel honest.Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders & creatives share ‘who I built this with’. Have you ever asked yourself…“how can I be happier, healthier, peaceful, famous, powerful, or successful?” When you want change, your life will shift, you let go, and begin to trust other people. This new energy will attract new people & create momentum in your life that reveals your purpose. Awareness is life’s balancing tool, and you are in the right place at the right time, always. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:04 About the Show and Its Purpose03:04 The Power of Alignment13:12 Marketing vs. Sales21:37 Personal Growth and Authenticity23:33 Final ThoughtsConnect with Delina: ⁠Instagram https://www.instagram.com/delinamedhin TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@delinamedhin ⁠YouTube https://www.youtube.com/delinamedhin Threads http://threads.net/@delinamedhin Website ⁠www.delinamedhin.com

Wende Zomnir, a beauty industry disruptor and co-founder of both Urban Decay and Caliray, joins us today to talk all about breaking beauty in two different decades, the serendipitous aerobics class connection that led to partnering with Cisco Systems co-founder Sandy Lerner, and how finding plastic trash on a deserted island in the Maldives sparked her mission to create truly sustainable beauty.She breaks down the wild early days of Urban Decay - from tracking down Shirley Manson through Minneapolis phone books to creating the first social media campaign by paying cool New York girls to pass out makeup to their friends. Wende also opens up about her extensive wellness routine that includes surfing, weightlifting, yoga, and competitive tennis, and why she believes hormone replacement therapy should be accessible to all women. Plus, she shares the origin story behind Urban Decay's legendary All Nighter setting spray (spoiler: it involved spraying her face with actual hairspray during beauty pageants).Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders & creatives share ‘who I built this with’. Have you ever asked yourself…“how can I be happier, healthier, peaceful, famous, powerful, or successful?” When you want change, your life will shift, you let go, and begin to trust other people. This new energy will attract new people & create momentum in your life that reveals your purpose. Awareness is life’s balancing tool and you are in the right place at the right time, always. 00:00 Introduction00:09 Wende's Career Beginnings at Cisco Systems00:37 Sandy Lerner's Influence and Female Empowerment01:19 The Evolution of the Beauty Industry03:58 The Serendipitous Meeting with Sandy07:43 Wende's Son and Family Life08:53 Wende’s Passion for Surfing and Sports12:27 The Birth of Caliray and Sustainability in Beauty14:10 Challenges and Innovations in Sustainable Packaging18:33 The Evolution of Beauty Marketing and Social Media31:27 The Iconic All-Nighter Setting Spray35:24 Mitigating Life Drift: Hormone Replacement Therapy37:18 The Beauty Drink: A Lifestyle Brand38:55 The Importance of Wellness and Exercise41:26 Fundraising and Building Relationships45:05 The Caliray House: A Unique Workspace47:05 Exciting New Products: Lip Guards49:19 Challenges and Team Dynamics in a Startup55:01 Leadership Lessons and Personal Balance57:58 The Magic of Yoga and Beginner's Mind01:00:41 SPF Routine and Product Recommendations01:05:26 Global Aspirations and Brand Identity01:09:05 Advice for Aspiring FoundersLearn more about Wende Zomnir:Wende Zomnir is a modern beauty industry pioneer. She unleashed Urban Decay in 1996, filling the void with makeup that fueled a beauty revolution. Urban Decay democratized beauty and wellness, and Wende paved the way for the indie beauty movement and future beauty entrepreneurs. After running over plastic bottles with her surfboard, she turned her sights on another beauty revolution: sustainability and performance clean formulas. In January 2022, Wende founded Caliray, a West Coast beauty and wellness brand serving face and planet. Caliray creates performance clean beauty products with skincare-level ingredients, and infuses the products with sexy sustainability and innovative packaging solutions. Connect with Wende:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wendezomnir TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@wendezomnir Instagram https://www.instagram.com/caliray/ Website https://caliraybeauty.com/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@caliray Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/caliray/ Connect with Delina:⁠Instagram @delinamedhin⁠TikTok @delinamedhin⁠YouTube @delinamedhin⁠Threads @delinamedhin⁠ Website ⁠www.delinamedhin.com

Naeemah LaFond, a powerhouse hairstylist and global ambassador, joins us today to talk about her journey from playing with Barbie hair in Brooklyn to revolutionizing texture education in the beauty industry. She opens up about the pivotal 2020 guide that sparked industry-wide conversations about supporting Black hairstylists, the creation of her game-changing Black On Set mentorship program, and how she built Texture On Set into the must-attend event for professionals.Naeemah also shares deeply personal stories about her life-threatening health scare that led to an emergency blood transfusion, growing up between East Flatbush and Haiti, and how meeting her husband changed everything about what partnership could look like. Plus, she talks about why community building has become her superpower.Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders & creatives share ‘who I built this with’. Have you ever asked yourself…“how can I be happier, healthier, peaceful, famous, powerful, or successful?” When you want change, your life will shift, you let go, and begin to trust other people. This new energy will attract new people & create momentum in your life that reveals your purpose. Awareness is life’s balancing tool and you are in the right place at the right time, always. 00:00 Welcome00:37 The Influence of Crystal Wright02:11 Early Inspirations in Hair03:54 Growing Up Between Brooklyn and Haiti07:34 Finding Love and Support11:40 Career Challenges and Breakthroughs14:44 Health Scare and Resilience21:21 Rising Through the Ranks at Amika24:16 Becoming a Global Ambassador26:53 Advocating for Black Hairstylists32:41 The Impact of Black Squares on Social Media34:56 The Role of Allyship in Activism35:53 Immediate Changes and Industry Response38:25 Creating Black On Set: Mentorship and Masterclasses50:41 The Evolution of Texture On Set57:40 The Importance of Community in the Hair Industry01:00:57 Personal and Professional InfluencesResources:Crystal Wright’s episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s1-ep-3-why-you-need-a-business-mentor/id1580081881?i=1000539012807 Learn more about Naeemah LaFond:Naeemah LaFond is an internationally acclaimed hairstylist and the 2024 North American Hairstylist Awards Editorial Hair Stylist of the Year. Celebrated for her iconic runway looks and high-profile global ad campaigns, she is renowned for her mastery of all hair textures. As a platform artist and on-air beauty expert, LaFond has played a pivotal role in launching top beauty brands and has trained thousands of professionals across 15 countries, redefining industry standards.In 2013, LaFond made history as the first Black woman appointed Global Artistic Director for a major international beauty brand, shattering barriers in an industry long marked by exclusivity. She currently serves as the Global Brand Ambassador for Olaplex, one of the most prestigious and innovative haircare brands in the world. A powerful advocate for diversity, she authored a viral guide on inclusivity and co-developed Pinterest’s groundbreaking hair texture search tool. LaFond is also the visionary founder of Texture On Set, the first professional industry event championing texture education in fashion and beauty, and leads Black On Set, a groundbreaking mentorship program transforming the careers of Black women in fashion. She is represented by The Wall Group, one of the most sought-after artist representation agencies in the industry.Connect with Naeemah:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/naeemahlafond/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/textureonset/ Website https://textureonset.com/ Connect with Delina:⁠Instagram @delinamedhin⁠TikTok @delinamedhin⁠YouTube @delinamedhin⁠Threads @delinamedhin⁠ Website ⁠www.delinamedhin.com

Sanja Komljenovic, a strategic powerhouse and founder of ONA agency, joins us today to talk all about building brands that matter, the art of empathy-driven marketing, and how her refugee experience shaped her problem-solving mindset. She breaks down the real work behind successful campaigns for Nike, Ulta Beauty, and other major brands, plus the importance of hiring people with lived experience to tell authentic stories.Sanja also opens up about fleeing Bosnia during the genocide as a child and how sports taught her resilience and leadership. Plus, she talks about launching South Central Wine while running a 30-person agency, and why she's the friend you call when you need the cold hard truth and a strategic game plan.Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders & creatives share ‘who I built this with’. Have you ever asked yourself…“how can I be happier, healthier, peaceful, famous, powerful, or successful?” When you want change, your life will shift, you let go, and begin to trust other people. This new energy will attract new people & create momentum in your life that reveals your purpose. Awareness is life’s balancing tool and you are in the right place at the right time, always. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:08 Feeling Behind Despite Achievements01:43 Sanja’s Bosnian Background01:50 War and Refugee Experience04:04 Adjusting to Life in America06:36 Sibling Dynamics and Confidence10:08 Sports and Life Lessons12:40 Mindset and Problem-Solving14:26 Friendship and Empathy24:11 Starting Ona Agency28:24 Balancing Personal and Professional Life33:17 The Benefits of a Three-Day Reset34:44 Managing a Growing Team35:41 Opening a New Office Space36:49 The Importance of Discipline in the Workplace38:38 Working with Freelancers and Overseas Talent40:25 Building a Brand Strategy43:48 Launching a New Brand46:26 The Role of Empathy in Marketing51:23 Choosing the Right Influencers57:34 Starting South Central Wine01:01:41 Personal and Professional Influences01:05:17 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources:Digital Detox Guide: https://delinamedhin.myflodesk.com/digitaldetoxguide Learn more about Sanja Komljenovic:Sanja Komljenovic is the Founder, CEO, and Executive Creative Director of ONA Creative—an advertising agency and production company based in Los Angeles.ONA, which means “her” in Bosnian, was born out of Sanja’s desire to create socially driven, culturally resonant work—especially around women’s rights and representation for marginalized communities, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Since launching in 2015, ONA has worked with global brands such as Nike, Jordan Brand, Converse, US Soccer/USWNT, WNBA, Ulta Beauty, Oakley, Meta, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), multiple pro sports teams, and women-led startups. Over the course of her career, Sanja has helped lead campaigns featuring world-class athletes and cultural icons including Serena Williams, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Jennifer Lopez. In 2024, she was inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Achievement.Connect with Sanja:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sanjak LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjakomljenovic/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onacreativeLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/onacreative/ Website https://www.onacreative.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/southcentralwine/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/southcentralwine/ Website https://southcentralwine.com/ Connect with Delina:⁠Instagram @delinamedhin⁠TikTok @delinamedhin⁠YouTube @delinamedhin⁠Threads @delinamedhin⁠ Website ⁠www.delinamedhin.com 

Alisa Carmichael, a powerhouse investor and partner at VMG Partners, joins us today to talk all about the world of venture capital, private equity, and growth equity for founders who want to understand what they're actually signing up for. She breaks down the different stages of investment, from early-stage VC checks to multi-million dollar growth equity partnerships, and explains why most investors don't want to be married to your business forever.Alisa also opens up about being one of the few Black women in investment, her journey from Yale to investment banking to finding her calling working with founders, and how she co-created Parity Collective to support early-stage founders of color. Plus, she shares what she's really looking for when founders pitch her (hint: it's all about the "we" not the "I"), why you need to build relationships before you need them, and how she balances being a mom of two while traveling for work. Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders & creatives share ‘who I built this with’. Have you ever asked yourself…“how can I be happier, healthier, peaceful, famous, powerful, or successful?” When you want change, your life will shift, you let go, and begin to trust other people. This new energy will attract new people & create momentum in your life that reveals your purpose. Awareness is life’s balancing tool and you are in the right place at the right time, always. 00:00 Introduction00:23 Understanding Venture Capital and Private Equity01:24 Alisa's Educational Background and Early Influences04:31 Journey into Investment Banking08:09 Transition to VMG Partners08:41 The Role of Founders and Investment Strategies14:49 Stages of Investment Explained18:35 Focus on Consumer Fund and Parity Collective21:58 Navigating the Beauty Industry22:28 The Challenges of Trade Shows23:05 The Importance of Gratitude in Business23:30 The Beyonce of Beauty24:32 Key Traits of Successful Founders25:00 Understanding the Beauty Market25:59 The Role of Self-Awareness in Partnerships27:55 Building a Strong Business Plan30:39 The Benefits and Risks of Retail Exclusivity33:05 Direct-to-Consumer Strategies36:40 The Goal of Exiting a Business37:42 Alternative Funding Options42:04 The Importance of Relationships in Business44:24 Personal and Professional Mentorship47:01 Balancing Parenthood and Career48:20 Conclusion and Future TopicsLearn more about Alisa Carmichael:Cited as one of “The Beauty Industry’s Most Powerful Financiers” by WWD, Alisa is a veteran consumer investor who has been a key member of the VMG Partners team for 10 years. While at VMG, she has been a key leader on investments in companies including The Honey Pot Company, Briogeo, Danessa Myricks Beauty, BeautyStat, and Rowan. She is a trusted advisor to many founders, a wife, and a mother to two toddler boys!Connect with Alisa:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alisacarmichael/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisa-carmichael-26114973/ Connect with Delina:⁠Instagram @delinamedhin⁠TikTok @delinamedhin⁠YouTube @delinamedhin⁠Threads @delinamedhin⁠ Website ⁠www.delinamedhin.com

Beatrice Dixon, founder and CEO of The Honey Pot Company, joins us today to talk all about building a $380 million wellness empire that started with a dream visit from her grandmother. She opens up about her year-long struggle with bacterial vaginosis, the ancestral wisdom that led to her first product formulation, and how she scaled from making vulva wash in her kitchen to securing major retail partnerships with Target and Walmart.She also gets real about the business side of success, breaking down venture capital versus private equity funding, and the realities of being a Black female founder. Plus, she dismantles the romanticized version of entrepreneurship we see on social media, shares why focus beats having five different businesses, and talks about the importance of caring for your body while building wealth.Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders & creatives share ‘who I built this with’. Have you ever asked yourself…“how can I be happier, healthier, peaceful, famous, powerful, or successful?” When you want change, your life will shift, you let go, and begin to trust other people. This new energy will attract new people & create momentum in your life that reveals your purpose. Awareness is life’s balancing tool and you are in the right place at the right time, always. 00:00 Introduction00:20 Celebrating Achievements00:51 The Honey Pot Company01:49 Empowerment and Womanhood03:55 The Origin Story11:00 Building the Business14:59 Acquisition and Growth19:36 Insights on Investment20:22 The Reality of Business Investments21:16 The Stress and Sacrifice of Building a Business22:03 Indicators for Raising Capital22:36 Scaling Strategies and Personal Preferences24:14 The Concept of Conscious Capitalism25:02 Misunderstandings About Black Women Founders26:46 Protecting Your Peace as a Leader27:46 Future Trends in Wellness and Skincare29:15 New Product Launch: Calming Herbal Pads30:39 The Realities of Entrepreneurship31:35 The Importance of Focus and Intuition36:29 The Role of Humility and Gratitude in Success38:53 Understanding and Caring for Our Bodies42:43 Acknowledging the Support System43:27 Where to Find Honey Pot ProductsLearn more about Beatrice Dixon:Bea Dixon is the CEO, Co-Founder, and Chief Innovation Officer of The Honey Pot Company, the personal wellness brand “made by humans with vaginas, for humans with vaginas.” ®Bea created The Honey Pot Company in 2014 out of great personal need during an eight-month battle with bacterial vaginosis. The constant symptoms and fruitless search for solutions led her to formulate what became The Honey Pot Company’s first product, a vulva-safe wash. The Honey Pot Company currently offers feminine washes, wipes, tampons, pads, and products for personal health and wellness. Today, The Honey Pot Company’s plant-derived products can be found in 4.6 million U.S. homes and in retailers nationwide.Connect with Beatrice:Instagram @iambeadixon  X @iambeadixonLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/beatrice-dixon/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehoneypotco/Instagram @thehoneypotcoWebsite https://thehoneypot.co/ TikTok @thehoneypotcoConnect with Delina:⁠Instagram @delinamedhin⁠TikTok @delinamedhin⁠YouTube @delinamedhin⁠Threads @delinamedhin⁠ Website ⁠www.delinamedhin.com

In this episode, Delina Medhin welcomes Franchesca Ramsey, an award-winning writer, actress, and digital creator, for an open conversation about her ability to see the potential in others and learning to trust your instincts. Franchesca shares how her love of helping others succeed has shaped her career, from connecting friends with opportunities to supporting emerging talent behind the scenes.We dive into Franchesca’s reflections on overcoming imposter syndrome, as a Black Queer woman in entertainment, and the journey to trusting her own voice. She opens up about the importance of authenticity, pouring into friendships, and why believing in your gut can be the best gift of growing older.This mini episode is filled with thoughtful insights, personal stories, and practical wisdom on how to support those around you, trust your intuition, and create lasting connections in your personal and professional life. If you’re seeking inspiration to lead with generosity and self-belief, this episode is for you.Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders and creatives share ‘who I built this with’.00:00 Championing Women and the Power of Pouring Into Others01:00 Building Chosen Family Through Friendship02:00 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Trusting Your Gut03:10 Spotting Talent and Creating CommunityLearn more about Franchesca Ramsey:Franchesca "Chescaleigh" Ramsey is an acclaimed actress, writer, and public speaker known for creating and starring in the award-winning web series MTV Decoded. She gained viral fame with her groundbreaking video “Sh*t White Girls Say…to Black Girls,” which has amassed over 11 million views and influenced academic discourse. With nearly 20 years in digital media and over a decade in film and television, Franchesca has written for Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, co-produced the iCarly reboot, and guest-starred on NBC’s Superstore. Her debut book, Well That Escalated Quickly, was nominated for an NAACP award. Franchesca is also a sought-after speaker and consultant, engaging audiences on topics including social justice, content creation, and personal branding, and she currently co-hosts the podcast Lemme Fix It! Her debut feature was selected for the 2024 Sundance fellowship program.Link to the full episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3bNx... Link to the full episode on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Connect with Franchesca Ramsey:Instagram   / chescaleigh  TikTok   / franchesca_leigh   Facebook   / chescaleigh   YouTube    / chescaleigh   X (Twitter)   / chescaleigh  Website: https://www.franchesca.net/Lemme Fix It! PodcastApple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5qKcw24... YouTube    • Lemme Fix It!   Connect with the Host, Delina Medhin:Instagram:   / delinamedhin  TikTok:   / delinamedhin  YouTube:    / @delinamedhin  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@delinamedhinWebsite: https://www.delinamedhin.com/#ittakesavillage #franchescaramsey #community #womenempowerment #impostersyndrome #personalgrowth

In this episode, Delina Medhin welcomes Deepica Mutyala, the Founder and CEO of Live Tinted, for an open and heartfelt conversation about self-growth, self-care, and raising the bar in life, relationships, and work. Deepica shares her journey of stepping back from the constant demands of social media to find stillness, clarity, and a new baseline for success. Her story is one of learning to slow down, set boundaries, and prioritize what truly matters.We dive into Deepica’s reflections on the importance of creating space for rest and reflection, and how that pause helped her redefine growth on her own terms. She also opens up about raising standards in her relationships, letting go of toxicity, and cultivating love and connection that support her evolving self. Deepica’s honesty about the challenges of balancing ambition with well-being offers invaluable lessons for anyone navigating a busy, fast-paced world.This mini episode is filled with thoughtful insights, personal stories, and practical wisdom on how to embrace stillness, set boundaries, and raise your own bar, whether in your career, relationships, or personal growth journey. If you’re looking for inspiration to slow down, reflect, and grow with intention, this episode is for you.Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders and creatives share ‘who I built this with’.00:00 The Power of Digital Detox and Finding Stillness00:55 Navigating Love, Boundaries, and Letting Go of Toxicity01:55 Setting a New Baseline for Growth03:10 Balancing Ambition with Rest and Self-CareLearn more about Deepica Mutyala:Deepica Mutyala is the founder and CEO of Live Tinted, a beauty brand dedicated to inclusivity and representation for all skin tones. As an entrepreneur and advocate for diversity in beauty, Deepica champions self-care, mental clarity, and raising standards in both personal and professional spaces. Her journey reflects a commitment to growth, balance, and cultivating meaningful connections.Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-ep-58-10-million-views-to-time-leader-founder-deepica/id1580081881?i=1000695882255Link to the full episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2viBuDofWlhDLyIdNkPqet?si=-OlxKGGUTkuwIAmErRStIAConnect with Deepica Mutyala:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepicaFacebook https://www.facebook.com/deepica/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@deepicaX (Twitter) https://x.com/deepicamWebsite: https://deepica.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/livetintedFacebook https://www.facebook.com/livetinted/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@livetintedYouTube https://www.youtube.com/tintedWebsite https://www.livetinted.com/Connect with the Host, Delina Medhin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delinamedhinTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@delinamedhinYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@delinamedhinThreads: https://www.threads.net/@delinamedhinWebsite: https://www.delinamedhin.com/#ittakesavillage #selfgrowth #selfcare #boundaries #personalgrowth #deepicamutyala

In this episode, Delina welcomes hairstylist and entrepreneur Yene Damtew for a meaningful conversation about intuition, boundaries, and navigating relationships in the world of beauty and celebrity. Yene opens up about her instinct for spotting opportunists, the importance of keeping a tight circle, and how her upbringing shaped her approach to trust and connection, especially as someone who’s worked with high-profile celebrities like Sasha, Malia, and Michelle Obama.We explore the challenges of maintaining professionalism and humility in an industry where proximity to fame can blur boundaries. Yene shares honest stories about learning to trust her gut, and why she values authentic connections over quick friendships. She also reflects on the difference between being a service provider and seeking the spotlight, offering invaluable wisdom for anyone working behind the scenes..This episode is filled with honest conversation and practical insights on protecting peace while building a successful creative career. Whether you’re a beauty professional, entrepreneur, or someone navigating complex relationships, Yene’s journey will resonate with you.Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders & creatives share ‘who I built this with’.00:00 Spotting Opportunists & Trusting Your Gut01:20 Defining Real Friends vs. Associates03:45 Working with High-Profile Clients 04:20 Building Authentic Connections in the Industry06:10 Service Provider vs. Celebrity MindsetLearn more about Yene Damtew:Yene Damtew is a renowned hairstylist, salon owner, and entrepreneur known for her work with high-profile clients and her commitment to authenticity in the beauty industry. As the founder of Aesthetics Salon, in DC. Yene champions professionalism, mentorship, and creating spaces where both clients and creatives can thrive.Link to the full episode on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-ep-55-michelle-obamas-hairstylist-yene-damtew/id1580081881?i=1000688726500Link to the full episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1r5pJmG3Z61v64ETvHTeG4?si=_LNckuVOSTe1HVHxjqkksA Connect with Yene Damtew:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/yenedamtew/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/YeneDamtewHair/Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@yenedamtew Website: https://yenedamtew.com/Book an Appointment at Aesthetics Salon https://aesthetics.salon/Connect with the Host, Delina Medhin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delinamedhinTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@delinamedhinYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@delinamedhinThreads: https://www.threads.net/@delinamedhinWebsite: https://www.delinamedhin.com/#ittakesavillage #yenedamtew #michelleobama #sashaobama #maliaobama #theobamas #michelleobamahair #michelleobamahairstylist #salonbusiness #beautysalon #beautyindustry #intuition #boundaries #entrepreneurship

In this episode, we welcome the multi-talented Issa Rae for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, creative growth, and the power of collaboration. Issa shares her journey from the early days of Awkward Black Girl to becoming a trailblazer in entertainment and business. Issa’s passion for building community shines through her investments and partnerships, including her work with Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen and her commitment to uplifting South LA.We dive into Issa’s experiences navigating Hollywood, building successful businesses, and the importance of finding the right people to support your vision. She shared candid stories about meeting her business manager “by chance,” learning to manage her finances, and the importance of patience and trust in every partnership. Issa also highlights the unique strengths of her collaborators, Ajay and Yonnie, and how their shared vision helped bring Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen to life.This episode is filled with laughter, honest reflections, and invaluable lessons on staying true to your purpose while expanding into new ventures. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative, or someone who loves inspiring stories, this episode is for you.Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders & creatives share ‘who I built this with’.00:00 Balancing Acting and Business01:09 The Power of Finding the Right People03:20 The Start of Hilltop Coffee4:35 The Dynamic Between Ajay & YonnieLearn more about Issa Rae:Issa Rae is an Emmy® and Golden Globe®-nominated actress, writer, producer, and entrepreneur. She first gained attention with her award-winning web series and New York Times best-seller, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. As the founder of HOORAE Media, Issa champions diverse storytelling across film, TV, and music. Her investments in local businesses, including Hilltop Cafe + Kitchen and Sienna Naturals, reflect her dedication to empowering her community and reimagining Black wellness and creativity.Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-ep-54-issa-rae-the-entrepreneur/id1580081881?i=1000686268868Listen to the full episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/59XpGGDYM5VihvMXaqfCmR?si=8ad0ad72fdf94d4eConnect with Issa Rae:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/issaraeYoutube https://www.youtube.com/issaraeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/issarae/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/findyourhilltop/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/findyourhilltopTiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@hilltopfortheclimbX (Twitter) https://x.com/findyourhilltopFacebook https://www.facebook.com/HOORAEMedia/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hooraemedia/​Youtube @HOORAEMedia  Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@hooraemedia X (Twitter) https://x.com/hooraemedia Website https://hoorae.co/Connect with the Host, Delina Medhin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delinamedhinTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@delinamedhinYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DelinamedhinThreads: https://www.threads.net/@delinamedhinWebsite: https://www.delinamedhin.com/#ittakesavillage #issarae #entrepreneurship #partnership #businessgrowth