Bet On Yourself, Sis!

What does wellness mean to you? Is it just something you hear white people talking about on social media? Or is it about living a fulfilling and healthy life? If you have no idea, that’s cool too, because on this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, my guest Zikea McCurdie drops all the gems you need to get you started on your wellness journey today. Zikea is a health coach and wellness advocate, and in this conversation, she discusses the multifaceted nature of wellness. Zikea highlights the importance of access to wellness resources, the various dimensions of wellness, and the significance of social connections. Our discussion aims to empower Black Women Entrepreneurs, to embrace our unique wellness journeys and prioritize ourselves. Together, we explore the journey of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of maintaining curiosity and childlike wonder. We discuss the challenges faced by Black Women Entrepreneurs, including mindset shifts related to scarcity and control. We also highlight the necessity of being adaptable and open to pivots in your career, while stressing the importance of self-investment and wellness. Ultimately, we encourage you to prioritize your own needs and dreams as you navigate your entrepreneurship. We talk: 3:13 - Understanding wellness beyond stereotypes 12:02 - Mindfulness and being present 26:56 - Embracing curiosity and childlike wonder 32:52 - Navigating challenges in entrepreneurship 45:09 - The power of the pivot 50:32 - Investing in yourself as a Black Woman Entrepreneur Takeaways for Black Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners: "Be where your feet are." "Curiosity drives entrepreneurship." "Scarcity mindset holds us back." "Don't be afraid of the pivot." "Baby steps are still progress." Bet On Your Community, Sis! Connect with Zikea! - IG @doseofvitamin.z - LinkedIn @zikeamccurdie Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

Depending on others is an important part of life, personal and professional. The problem is that many people have a one-sided point-of-view. They network to see what you can do for them, instead of building a mutually beneficial relationship. And, that is just one key that we talk about in this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, so I hope you caught it! Today I sit down with director, writer, and producer, Eboni Price. In this conversation, Eboni shares her journey in the entertainment industry, and how she balances it all. She emphasizes the importance of networking, discipline, and professionalism, and she provides valuable guidance for aspiring creatives navigating the industry. She discusses her experiences in both independent and studio filmmaking, the challenges of the starving artist mindset, and the necessity of setting boundaries to avoid burnout. Eboni and I explore the challenges and joys of creativity, the significance of mental health, and the need to harmonize work with self-care. Eboni also highlights her work and the creation of the film 'Hard', highlighting the importance of storytelling and representation in media. We talk: 06:51 - The starving artist mindset 19:40 - Discipline and boundaries in creative work 25:40 - Finding balance and avoiding burnout 33:20 - Navigating entrepreneurship 48:12 - Creating 'Hard': A personal journey Episode References: On The Set Camp 42 (2013) Bad Robot Shondaland D. Stevens Dawn Gilliam Noelle Green John Singleton Connect with Eboni! - IG @willfilm4food - LinkedIn @eboni-p - Website willfilm4food.com Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

This episode is for you. You have that idea on your mind, but you’re letting what you don’t have get in the way of what you could have. You feel fear, doubt, and all the other things holding you back. And, you just need that bit of encouragement. Well, here it is! In this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, I sit down with Denese Longsworth and we discuss the importance of asking for help, building visibility, and fostering community engagement. Denese is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, creator of community, podcast producer, voice over artist and public speaker. In this episode, Denese shares her journey in both navigating the podcasting industry and creating her own social work agency. She highlights the importance of community, collaboration, and support among Women of Color. And, she discusses her experiences and challenges in creating Podcasters of New Jersey and the PODWORK Virtual Summit. Denese and I emphasize the value of relationships and the lessons learned from rejections, ultimately advocating for supportive communities that foster growth and empowerment. We explore how to build confidence through authenticity, embrace your unique journey, and prioritize your well-being while pursuing your goals. We talk: 09:04 - The importance of asking for help 11:58 - The role of community in growth 21:10 - The value of relationships in entrepreneurship 34:58 - Visibility and community engagement 40:31 - Building confidence through authenticity 54:19 - Entrepreneurship: responsibility and freedom Episode References: Ann Smith Danielle Desir Corbett ABF Creative Shirlz Rejouis Black Podcasters Association Afros & Audio Dissecting Your Perspective Evergreen Podcasts Building Confidence and Success Through Affirmations with Deandre Raquel Bacon Black with Benefits Discovering Your Calling through Connection and Resilience with Erin Pompa From Dream Job to Dream Life: A Cannabis Journey with Lucille Verde Connect with Denese! - IG @deneseduran82 - LinkedIn @deneselongsworth Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

“Black with Benefits” is a new audio series that brings mental health theories to life in an engaging story about a modern day situationship. It highlights cultural expectations, family dynamics, and societal pressures, especially within Black and Brown communities. And, in this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, I get to sit down with its creators! Today I talk to Shirlz Rejouis and Denese Longsworth, and get all the details on the show. In this episode, Shirlz and Denese share the show’s writing process, their creative journey, and how they bridged theoretical knowledge with real-life examples. They also highlight the significance of their social work backgrounds in shaping the content of “Black with Benefits,” emphasizing mental health and community support. They reflect on their successful listening party, the challenges of work-life balance, and the need for boundaries in creative partnerships. And, they discuss the significance of community, support, and resilience in the entrepreneurial journey, encouraging you to embrace your identity and pursue your dreams despite the obstacles. This conversation truly highlights the importance of collaboration and sisterhood in your creative endeavors. Ultimately, we hope to inspire you to embrace your journey, learn from failures, and build meaningful connections. We talk: 10:40 - Sisterhood and collaboration 26:11 - Social work's influence on creativity 32:15 - “Black with Benefits,” a peak into the story 42:06 - Entrepreneurship: overcoming fear and building community Episode References: Ep. 17 - Rejection is Redirection: Walking in Purpose with Shirlz Rejouis ABF Creative bell hooks Frequency973prod Connect with Shirlz! - IG @i_5urelyrejoice - SubStack @i5urelyrejoice Connect with Denese! - IG @deneseduran82 Follow Black with Benefits on social media! - IG @frequency973prod - Threads @frequency973prod Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media! - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

My grandmother passed away a year ago. And it has been super hard to focus on anything but memories. So Bet On Yourself, Sis! is taking a break! But we will be back with new episodes on Wednesday, September 2nd! Make sure that you are subscribed and/or following the show so that you will be notified. And catch up on old episodes while you wait. Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis