Women of Color An Intimate Conversation

Two hundred episodes. And we're just getting started. Episode 200 of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation is here — and it arrives exactly the way it should: with a conversation that goes straight to the heart of what this podcast has always been about. Identity. Legacy. Leading as your full self. Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Kaila James — senior strategic global leader, cultural architect, and recording artist — for a milestone episode that doesn't celebrate by slowing down. It celebrates by going deeper. Kaila opens up about the dream role that nearly cost her everything, what she had to unlearn to step into her power, and why being multi-hyphenate isn't a distraction — it's a superpower. From AI strategy to music to the art world, she shows how culture and creativity don't compete with ambition; they complete it. Guest Profile: womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/guests/kaila-james/ In this episode: The takeaway: You don't wait for permission. You become it. 200 episodes of real conversations, real women, real impact. Thank you for being here since the beginning — and for every share, every listen, every moment you passed this show to a woman who needed it. Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation is a Top 20 Women's Empowerment Podcast produced by The Leon Thomas Group. New episodes every Thursday. Subscribe · Leave a Review · Share with a woman who needs this today. Join the Dream Lifestyle™️ Collective — the community built for Black women 50+ who are building in real time: skool.com/dream-lifestyle-collective

Santana Inniss walked away from corporate, looked around at the women being left behind, and decided to do something about it. In this episode, the Founder of The Glow Initiative (Glowi) joins Deneen L. Garrett to share how she is ending barriers to professional coaching and what it really means to build a legacy that opens doors for others. In this episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, we explore: The Corporate Pivot: The specific decision that shifted Santana from the corporate ladder to social impact leadership. Unlearning Excellence: What it takes to dismantle traditional ideas of who "deserves" high-level support and coaching. Legacy in Real Time: Why closing the access gap is a justice issue and how Santana is building for women she may never meet. The Power of Access: How The Glow Initiative (Glowi) is matching women in hard-to-reach communities with professional resources. This conversation is for the woman of color who has ever felt like the door was closed—and for the woman ready to be the one who opens it. Connect with Santana Inniss: Website: glowi.org Guest Profile: Santana's Full Bio Connect with Deneen L. Garrett: Join the Dream Lifestyle™ Collective: Join Here Website: deneenlgarrett.com Produced by: The Leon Thomas Group

What if the thing holding you back isn't your circumstances — it's the story you keep telling yourself about your circumstances? Dr. Brandy Peer has spent her career inside that question — and built an entire practice around helping women answer it, dismantle it, and move. In this episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Dr. Brandy Peer — CEO of BMPowered Consulting, LLC, Identity Architect, speaker, and consultant who has dedicated her career to dismantling the systemic and inner obstacles that keep high-achieving women playing small — for a conversation that will make you rethink everything you've been told about ambition, success, and what you're actually capable of. Together, Deneen and Dr. Brandy explore three powerful questions: Who were you before the title, before the credential, before the build — and what was the decision that shifted how you saw yourself as someone built to lead? The decision that cost her something to trust is the one that changes everything. She tells it here. What did you have to unlearn to fully step into what you're building — and how has that changed how you define legacy now? What she had to suppress, unlearn, and release to stop building someone else's version of success — and start building her own. What do you want the woman watching to walk away and build — or stop waiting to start? Because self-sabotage isn't just in your head. It's in the structure. Dr. Brandy names exactly where to find it — and what to do. Then she tells you what to build next. This episode is for the woman of color who knows she's built for more but keeps getting in her own way. Dr. Brandy gives you the language, the lens, and the permission to finally lead as yourself — and everything rises to meet you when you do. Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation is a Top 20, 100 Best Women's Empowerment Podcast. WOC Live streams every Thursday at 1:00 PM ET on YouTube. 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeneenLGarrett Produced by The Leon Thomas Group: https://www.theleonthomasgroup.com 📺 WATCH THE FULL REPLAY WOC Live streams every Thursday at 1:00 PM ET. Watch the full replay and join the live chat on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeneenLGarrett ✨ GUEST SPOTLIGHT: DR. BRANDY PEER Guest Profile: womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/guests/dr-brandy-peer/ Connect: Instagram [add once confirmed] | linkedin.com/in/drbrandypeer 👑 ABOUT YOUR HOST: DENEEN L. GARRETT Deneen is a Cultural Alchemist, International Speaker, and the visionary behind the Dream Lifestyle™️ Collective, the sanctuary for Black women 50+. Join the Collective: https://www.skool.com/dream-lifestyle-collective-1653 Website: https://deneenlgarrett.com | Inquiries: Deneen@deneenlgarrett.com Produced by The Leon Thomas Group: https://www.theleonthomasgroup.com GUEST LINKS LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drbrandypeer Website: womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/guests/dr-brandy-peer/ BMPowered Consulting: bmpoweredconsulting.com ABOUT THE HOST — DENEEN L. GARRETT Deneen L. Garrett is a Cultural Alchemist, International Speaker, Dream Lifestyle™ Coach, Writer, and host of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, a 100 Best Women's Empowerment Podcast amplifying the voices and journeys of Women of Color. She is also the Founder of the Dream Lifestyle™️ Collective, a sanctuary for Black women 50+. Dream Lifestyle™️ Collective: https://www.skool.com/dream-lifestyle-collective-1653 Website: https://deneenlgarrett.com Business inquiries: Deneen@deneenlgarrett.com

She arrived in the U.S. at 27. Never been on a plane. Left her entire family in India. Faked her accent so no one would notice where she came from. Worked harder than anyone in the room — and learned the hard way that hard work without a voice is invisible. Dr. Charu Chopra is a physical therapist of 17 years. For the past 7+, 100% of her patients have been women. She specializes in pelvic floor and breast rehab therapy — and she is one of the most honest, direct voices in women's health working today. In this episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Dr. Chopra for a conversation that covers far more ground than expected: from the intersection of identity, immigration, and entrepreneurship, to the pelvic floor truths most women have never heard from a healthcare provider. What Dr. Chopra covers in this episode: Dr. Chopra also shares the unlearning that shaped her leadership: how she moved from assimilation to ownership, from code-switching to speaking her full truth, and how she discovered that the same courage it takes to cross the world is the same courage it takes to advocate for yourself in any room. This episode is for the woman who has been dismissed. Who has normalized pain. Who has been waiting for a green light that was never coming. Own yourself. Set your boundaries. Never doubt yourself. Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation is a Top 20, 100 Best Women's Empowerment Podcast. WOC Live streams every Thursday at 1:00 PM ET on YouTube. 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeneenLGarrett Produced by The Leon Thomas Group: https://www.theleonthomasgroup.com ✨ GUEST SPOTLIGHT: DR. CHARU CHOPRA Website: https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/guests/charu-chopra/ 👑 ABOUT YOUR HOST: DENEEN L. GARRETT Deneen is a Cultural Alchemist, International Speaker, and the visionary behind the Dream Lifestyle™ Collective, the premier sanctuary for Black women 50+. Join the Collective: https://www.skool.com/dream-lifestyle-collective-1653 Website: https://deneenlgarrett.com Inquiries: Deneen@deneenlgarrett.com

You were built to lead. So why does the path keep feeling out of reach? In this episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Gia Warren — strategic operations and program management leader, MBA, and global executive with leadership experience at Lumen, Intel, Amazon, and AT&T — for a conversation about what it truly means to be built to lead. Gia shares the decision that shifted how she sees herself, what she had to unlearn on the road to operational excellence, and what she wishes more women understood before they start looking for the path forward. If you're a Black woman 50+ who knows you're meant for more — but keeps waiting for the right moment, the right room, or the right permission — this conversation is going to meet you exactly where you are. In this episode: → The decision that shifts how you see yourself as someone built to lead → What high-achieving women have to unlearn to claim their own success → What separates women who find their pathway from women who don't → Why operational excellence is as much a personal standard as a professional one → The permission no one gives you — and why you have to become it ───────────────────────────────────── CONNECT WITH GIA WARREN LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giawarren/ ───────────────────────────────────── ABOUT YOUR HOST — Deneen L. Garrett Deneen L. Garrett is a Cultural Alchemist, International Speaker, Dream Lifestyle™ Coach, Writer, and host of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, a 100 Best Women's Empowerment Podcast amplifying the voices and journeys of Women of Color. She is also the Founder of the Dream Lifestyle™ Collective, a sanctuary for Black women 50+. Dream Lifestyle™ Collective: https://www.skool.com/dream-lifestyle-collective-1653 Website: https://deneenlgarrett.com Business inquiries: Deneen@deneenlgarrett.com ─────────────────────────────────────

Deneen L. Garrett is joined by internationally recognized advocate and empowerment coach Kalyn Fahie for a powerful conversation on money, safety, and rebuilding self-trust. Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation — a 100 Best Women's Empowerment Podcast — continues its LIVE era by exploring what financial power truly means for women who are rebuilding their lives, identities, and futures. In this episode, Kalyn shares the deeper framework behind "Money as Safety" — and how women, particularly Black women over 50, can reclaim financial confidence without rushing their healing. Together, they explore: • Why money can represent safety — not just status • Rebuilding self-trust after survival • Economic empowerment as a pathway to agency • Expanding financially without abandoning emotional healing For women navigating transition, reinvention, or recovery, this conversation affirms a powerful truth: safety and freedom are not opposites — they are intertwined. WOC Live streams every Thursday at 1:00 PM ET. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeneenLGarrett Produced by The Leon Thomas Group: https://www.theleonthomasgroup.com/ Guest — Kalyn Fahie Kalyn Fahie is an internationally recognized advocate, author, and empowerment coach with nearly two decades of experience ending domestic and sexual violence. As founder of Sisters Acquiring Financial Empowerment (SAFE), she has served over 6,400 survivors and pioneered innovative economic empowerment programs. Her work has been featured by the White House in Essence Magazine, and she is a recipient of the Spirit of Advocacy Award from the National Network to End Domestic Violence. Website: www.KalynFahie.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mskalyn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalynfahie About the Host — Deneen L. Garrett Deneen L. Garrett is a Cultural Alchemist, International Speaker, Dream Lifestyle™ Coach, Writer, and host of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, a 100 Best Women's Empowerment Podcast amplifying the voices and journeys of Women of Color. She is also the Founder of the Dream Lifestyle™ Collective, a sanctuary for Black women 50+. Dream Lifestyle™ Collective: https://www.skool.com/dream-lifestyle-collective-1653 Website: https://deneenlgarrett.com Business inquiries: Deneen@deneenlgarrett.com

Luxury Personal Brand Strategy for Women 50+ | Stop Shrinking, Raise Your Standards, Episode 194 Deneen L. Garrett and luxury personal brand strategist Cheryl Pullins unpack visibility, standards, and positioning for women 50+ who are still building. A powerful conversation on authority, income, and legacy — without shrinking. Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation — a 100 Best Women's Empowerment Podcast — continues its LIVE era with a timely conversation for accomplished women ready to be seen, positioned, and paid at the level they've earned. In this episode, Deneen is joined by Cheryl Pullins, a luxury personal brand strategist and advisor for women over 50, to explore what it truly takes to build at a higher level — without apology. Together, they discuss: • How standards influence visibility, income, and authority • Positioning as the bridge between experience and being paid • Why accomplished women over 50 should never shrink their expertise • Building legacy through clear, elevated personal brand strategy For Black women 50+ who are still building and expanding, this conversation is a reminder: experience doesn't expire — it compounds. WOC Live streams every Thursday at 1:00 PM ET. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeneenLGarrett Produced by The Leon Thomas Group: https://www.theleonthomasgroup.com/ Guest Links — Cheryl Pullins Website: http://www.hericonicempire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylapullins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylapullins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamcherylpullins TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cherylapullins About the Host — Deneen L. Garrett Deneen L. Garrett is a Cultural Alchemist, International Speaker, Dream Lifestyle™ Coach, Writer, and host of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, a 100 Best Women's Empowerment Podcast amplifying the voices and journeys of Women of Color. She is also the Founder of the Dream Lifestyle™ Collective, a sanctuary for Black women 50+. Dream Lifestyle™ Collective: https://www.skool.com/dream-lifestyle-collective-1653 Website: https://deneenlgarrett.com Business inquiries: Deneen@deneenlgarrett.com

Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation — a Top 20 podcast on the 100 Best Women's Empowerment Podcast list — is entering a new era. In this episode, Deneen L. Garrett is joined by Leon Thomas (The Leon Thomas Group) to share the shift from a traditional podcast format to a LIVE weekly experience. Why go live? What changes? And what does this mean for Women of Color — especially Black women 50+ — seeking conversations centered in leadership, visibility, wealth, and legacy? This conversation breaks down: • The vision behind WOC Live • What to expect each Thursday • Why this shift matters now WOC Live streams every Thursday at 1:00 PM ET. Subscribe on your preferred platform and join us for what's next. Watch + Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeneenLGarrett Produced by The Leon Thomas Group: https://www.theleonthomasgroup.com/ About the Podcast Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation is a 100 Best Women's Empowerment Podcast hosted by Deneen L. Garrett, featuring honest, soul-centered conversations that empower women to choose themselves, heal deeply, and live boldly. All episodes: https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/ Dream Lifestyle™ Collective: https://www.skool.com/dream-lifestyle-skool-1061/about Connect: https://deneenlgarrett.com/ Business inquiries: Deneen@deneenlgarrett.com

EPISODE 192 — Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism: Grief, High-Functioning Binge Drinking & Life Beyond the Binge High-functioning doesn't always mean okay. Sometimes it's a mask for grief, binge drinking, and survival. In this episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation (a 100 Best Women's Empowerment podcast), host Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Colleen Clifford — author, speaker, coach, and commercial fisherwoman — for a deeply grounded conversation on alcohol as a coping mechanism, emotional resilience, and the hidden patterns many of us use to get through high-stress seasons. As a former binge drinker and suicide survivor, Colleen shares what it took to name her own patterns — and how losing her husband to alcohol-related suicide became a turning point that changed the questions she began asking about healing, truth, and finding steadier ground. In this conversation, we explore: • How "high-functioning" can hide real pain in plain sight • When alcohol becomes a coping strategy for grief and stress • What suicide survival teaches us about support, shame, and staying • The quiet ways women deny themselves while still showing up for everyone else • How to find your north star — and return to steadiness after loss Colleen also introduces the heart of her forthcoming book, Life Beyond the Binge, and invites listeners to consider one honest first step: naming what's real. If you've ever looked fine on the outside but felt unsteady within, this conversation is for you. Crisis support (U.S.): Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7. GUEST: COLLEEN CLIFFORD Colleen Clifford is an author, speaker, coach, and commercial fisherwoman. As a former binge drinker and suicide survivor, she explores the intersection of grief, resilience, and the hidden patterns we often use to cope. After losing her husband to alcohol-related suicide and acknowledging her own binge drinking habit, she began asking deeper questions about healing and finding solutions. She is the author of the forthcoming book, Life Beyond the Binge. Connect with Colleen: Website: https://lifebeyondthebinge.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purepotential.health/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Pure-Potential-Health/61567862578775/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pure-potential-llc-c-936735245/ About the Podcast Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation is a 100 Best Women's Empowerment Podcast hosted by Deneen L. Garrett, featuring honest, soul-centered conversations that empower women to choose themselves, heal deeply, and live boldly. All episodes: https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/ Dream Lifestyle™ Collective: https://www.skool.com/dream-lifestyle-skool-1061/about Connect with Deneen L. Garrett LLC: https://deneenlgarrett.com/ Business inquiries: Deneen@deneenlgarrett.com LIKE COMMENT SHARE SUBSCRIBE FOLLOW

In this powerful return conversation, Victoria Finch — known as The Heart Healer — joins host Deneen L. Garrett for an intimate, deeply reflective dialogue on inner child healing, emotional freedom, leadership, and the power of community. Victoria shares the origin of her healing work, the childhood moment that shaped her life's mission, and how decades of trauma recovery, hypnotherapy, and personal healing now inform the way she supports women at pivotal turning points. Together, Deneen and Victoria explore: Why so many high-achieving women struggle with feeling unseen How unresolved childhood experiences quietly shape adult relationships and leadership What happens in a woman's nervous system when she enters a truly safe community Why the next chapter of a woman's life deserves to be named, honored, and lived fully This episode also introduces a reflective ritual: choosing your Word of the Year for 2026 — not as a goal, but as an intention and compass for how you want to live and feel. Victoria reveals her 2026 word — Freedom — and invites listeners to begin listening for the word that's calling them forward. This conversation is especially resonant for women who have spent years caregiving, leading, surviving, and giving — and are now ready to choose themselves, their joy, and their next chapter with intention. ⏱️ EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 00:00–04:00 | Returning with intention & entering community 04:00–09:00 | Victoria's origin story & becoming The Heart Healer 09:00–14:00 | Defining moments that shaped her healing work 14:00–19:00 | Healing, leadership & choosing yourself 19:00–24:00 | What women carry at life's turning points 24:00–28:00 | The work Victoria is doing now & transformation in this season 28:00–31:00 | Community, nervous system safety & the Dream Lifestyle™ Collective 31:00–33:00 | Naming the next chapter of a woman's life 33:00–35:00 | 2026 Word of the Year: Freedom, intention & closing reflections 🌿 ABOUT THIS EPISODE Episode 191 This is the final episode of the year and a powerful closing reflection on: Healing forward, not backward Community as medicine Freedom, joy, and reinvention after 50 Listening to the quiet pull toward what's next 👩🏽‍🦱 GUEST BIO — VICTORIA FINCH Victoria Finch, known as The Heart Healer, is a transformational speaker, two-time bestselling author, songwriter, and master hypnotherapist with over 30 years of experience in inner child healing, childhood trauma recovery, mindset coaching, and personal development. She is the founder of Avalon Executive Assistants, a PR and marketing agency helping coaches, entrepreneurs, and mission-driven leaders expand their visibility and reach. Victoria's mission is simple and profound: to heal the world, one heart at a time. 🔗 CONNECT WITH VICTORIA FINCH 📧 Email: victoria@justaskvictoria.com 🌐 Website: https://www.justaskvictoriainternational.com 🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/justaskvictoria 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justaskvictoria_ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriafinch22 ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MotivationHighway 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriafinch/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justaskvictoria 📚 Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Victoria-Finch/author/B07HNKVCGV ✨ ABOUT THE DREAM LIFESTYLE™ COLLECTIVE The Dream Lifestyle™ Collective is a private community created by Deneen L. Garrett for Black women 50+ who have lived, led, caregiven, and carried responsibility — and are now choosing joy, softness, visibility, and reinvention in their next chapter. 🎙️ ABOUT THE PODCAST Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation is a 100 Best Women's Empowerment Podcast hosted by Deneen L. Garrett, featuring honest, soul-centered conversations that empower women to choose themselves, heal deeply, and live boldly. 🎧 Original episode with Victoria...

Episode 190 In this intimate and deeply necessary conversation, we're joined by Dr. Wendy Ashley — a nationally recognized Black and biracial clinician, professor, author, change agent, and Department Chair of the MSW program at Cal State Northridge. Her current book is a bold act of reclamation: a vulnerable exploration of biracial identity, anti-Blackness, white supremacy, and light-skinned privilege — and the healing that becomes possible when we stop suppressing our truths. Together, we unpack identity, belonging, silences within families, colorism, community tension, and the emotional labor of navigating a world that demands monoracial clarity. Dreamers… this one will sit with you. ✨ In This Episode We Explore What it really feels like to grow up biracial in a world demanding monoracial clarity — the isolation, identity confusion, and early pressure to "read" how others see you. The hidden silences inside biracial families — especially being raised by a white mother who never discussed race, and the emotional cost of navigating whiteness without language or protection. Anti-Blackness, white supremacy, and light-skinned privilege — how these forces shape belonging, community dynamics, and why many Black women test or police biracial identity. Global Blackness and identity abroad — how traveling to Toronto, Lisbon, and South Africa reveals cultural differences in how "Blackness" is defined, understood, and embodied. Reclaiming identity after decades of shrinking — Dr. Ashley's journey to stop apologizing, stop performing, take up space, and live fully as a Black biracial woman in all her complexity. 💬 Powerful Moments "I don't have to justify my belonging. I don't have to translate my existence for people who don't understand it." "I spent 50 years thinking these stories were just mine… then I learned how many people were lonely inside their identity." "Living fully means I'm no longer disappearing. I take up space — with all my complexity." 🌟 About Today's Guest — Dr. Wendy Ashley Dr. Wendy Ashley, Psy.D., LCSW is a Black and biracial clinician, professor, author, and Department Chair of the Master of Social Work program at California State University, Northridge. Renowned for her work in antiracist clinical practice, intersectionality, and trauma-informed care, she bridges scholarship, service, and healing. Her new book is an act of reclamation — breaking silence, building community, and inviting deeper understanding of biracial identity. Website: https://www.drwendyashley.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drwendyashley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drwendyashley Purchase: What Are You Mixed With? Navigating Anti-Blackness, White Supremacy and Light-Skinned Privilege — https://amzn.to/4oDlyAH 💫 About the Host – Deneen L. Garrett Deneen L. Garrett is a Cultural Alchemist, International Speaker, Dream Lifestyle™ Coach, Writer, and host of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation — a 100 Best Women's Empowerment podcast amplifying the voices, stories, and journeys of Women of Color. A Who's Who in Black Detroit Notable Professional, Deneen is recognized for her cultural leadership, storytelling, and her unwavering commitment to empowering Black Women to design and live their Dream Lives™ — boldly, joyfully, and without apology. A former Diversity & Inclusion leader at AT&T, she now leads Deneen L. Garrett LLC, where she merges art, culture, narrative, and empowerment to guide Black Women 50+ into their next bold chapter. She also serves on multiple boards at the Detroit Institute of Arts, supporting African and African American art initiatives and advancing representation within cultural spaces. Website: https://deneenlgarrett.com Instagram: @deneensdreamlife 📩 Contact / Speaking: Deneen@deneenlgarrett.com 🖤 Call to Action If you're ready to reclaim your creativity, joy, and reinvention, explore the Dream Lifestyle™ Collective — a sanctuary for Black Women 50+...

Episode 189 In this powerful conversation, Cultural Producer and Artrepreneur Dontae T. Muse joins Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation to explore his journey through creativity, community, and legacy-building in Black art. Dontae shares how getting fired became his catalyst for stepping into purpose, how he built Above Art Studios into a cultural home for creatives, why documenting knowledge became part of his mission, and how he is shaping the future through his roles at the Harlem Fine Arts Show and Newark Symphony Hall. This episode dives deep into self-trust, creative reinvention, community leadership, impact, and legacy — all themes resonating with The Dream Lifestyle™ Collective, your sanctuary for Black women 50+ designing bold next chapters. 🔥 Key Topics We Cover Dontae's origin story: choosing himself, trusting his gifts, and walking away from "stable" careers The early days of Above Art Studios and how he built legitimacy and community from scratch What he learned about legacy, consistency, and creating opportunities for others Why he writes, how he educates emerging artrepreneurs, and the myths that still hold artists back Inside the Harlem Fine Arts Show — the largest diaspora-focused art show in North America The Centennial Program at Newark Symphony Hall and preserving 100 years of Black cultural history The future of Black art entrepreneurship — and how creatives can adapt Wisdom for Black women 50+ reclaiming their creativity, power, and purpose What legacy means to him and what he hopes listeners take away 🎧 Listen If You're Interested In… Black art ecosystems Building legacy through creativity Leaving traditional careers for purpose-driven work Artrepreneurship, cultural leadership, and community impact Reinvention after 50 Stories of resilience, self-belief, and intentional design 💬 Memorable Quotes "I wanted to create opportunities for other people — that's legacy." "Whatever I've been able to do, a Black woman can do three times over." "Say yes — and figure the rest out later." "There's always a way to use your strengths and your perceived weaknesses." "Legacy is how people remember the way you touched their lives." 🌟 About Don'tae T. Muse Dontae is a Cultural Producer, Artrepreneur, and best-selling author whose work sits at the intersection of art, culture, and community. Former Owner, Above Art Studios Co-Founder, HEArt Festival Director of Artist Relations, Harlem Fine Arts Show Centennial Program Manager, Newark Symphony Hall Author of best-selling guides supporting emerging artrepreneurs He is a creative force shaping the future of Black cultural expression and creative entrepreneurship. 📍 Connect with Dontae Instagram: @iamdmuse YouTube: youtube.com/@iamdmuse LinkedIn: Dontae T. Muse, MPA 💫 Connect with Deneen If you're a Black woman 50+ ready to reclaim your creativity, joy, and reinvention, explore the Dream Lifestyle™ Collective — a sanctuary to Dream, Design & Drive™ your next bold chapter. 👉 deneenlgarrett.com

Episode 188 Audio Disclaimer: This conversation was originally recorded for CAA Conversations. CAA later shifted to a panel-only format and chose not to release individual interviews. I'm proud to share this important dialogue independently. Episode Description: This episode was originally recorded for CAA Conversations in alignment with their content structure at the time. After shifting to a panel-only format, CAA chose not to release individual interviews. I'm proud to share this dialogue independently because the stories, insight, and brilliance of Black women in the arts must be heard. In this conversation, I speak with Melanie Brister—arts marketing strategist, global PR expert, and cross-industry collaborator whose work spans museums, fashion, film, and Broadway. Together we explore how storytelling, partnerships, and creative strategy can shift the art world from visibility to legacy. We discuss the need for intentional representation, cross-sector collaboration, and sustainable opportunities for Black women in the arts, as well as the role of community and creative hubs like LA, NYC, and London. In This Episode, You'll Learn: • How PR and partnerships can "re-story" the art historical canon • Why cross-industry collaboration expands visibility and access • What sustainable representation looks like beyond trends • How creative cities shape community and opportunity • The importance of multigenerational networks and creative ecosystems Key Takeaways: • Art is an archive—creativity preserves cultural memory • Representation must lead to legacy, not just visibility • Black women must hold seats as artists, strategists, curators, and culture shapers • Partnerships create lasting access when built on authenticity • Community energy fuels creative momentum and impact About the Guest – Melanie Brister: Melanie Brister is an arts marketing strategist specializing in global PR, social media, and influencer relations across the visual and performing arts. She has supported The Studio Museum in Harlem, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Frieze, MOCA Los Angeles, The Getty Museum, and helped launch Sotheby's social media strategy. Her work bridges art, fashion, film, theater, and design to expand visibility and access for diverse audiences. Instagram: @mel_olivia About the Host – Deneen L. Garrett: Deneen L. Garrett is a Cultural Alchemist, international speaker, Dream Lifestyle™ Coach, and host of "Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation," a Top 100 empowerment podcast. A former D&I leader at AT&T, she now leads Deneen L. Garrett LLC, merging art, culture, storytelling, and empowerment. She serves on boards at the Detroit Institute of Arts, supporting African and African American art initiatives. Website: deneenlgarrett.com Instagram: @deneensdreamlife Call to Action: The Dream Lifestyle™ Collective is now in quiet launch on Skool. If you're a Black Woman 50+ ready to design and live your Dream Life™ NOW, join us. 🔗

Episode 187 This episode was originally recorded for CAA Conversations in alignment with their content structure at the time. When CAA shifted to a panel-only format, they chose not to release individual interviews. I'm proud to share this dialogue independently because Black women's stories, artistry, and cultural labor deserve to be heard. 3 of 3 recorded. In this final installment of the "Black Women in Art: Restorying the Canon" series, I speak with educator, children's author, entrepreneur, visual artist, and Vesey Lane Goods founder Robin Michelle Wilson. Rooted in the legacy of her great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother, Robin's work centers family memory, material traditions, and community care through crocheted story quilts, archival imagery, and literacy advocacy. We discuss how Black women's creativity and community-centered practices resist erasure, preserve lineage, and shape inclusive futures in the arts. In This Episode, You'll Learn: • How family legacy, lineage, and intergenerational craft shape identity • How artists can balance creativity and entrepreneurship sustainably • Why visual storytelling counters cultural erasure • What community-centered business models can teach the art world • What educators and institutions can do to support Black women in the arts Key Takeaways: • Legacy is a blueprint for creative and entrepreneurial purpose • Rest, boundaries, and structure protect creative practice • Community is cultural infrastructure, not an afterthought • Institutional courage is required to resist erasure • Visibility is a practice—artists must put themselves out there About the Guest – Robin Michelle Wilson: Robin Michelle Wilson is an educator, children's author, entrepreneur, and multidisciplinary visual artist known for crocheted story quilts and archival-inspired textiles. She is the founder of Vesey Lane Goods, a Detroit-based creative business and gathering space offering handcrafted goods, author events, workshops, and storytelling-based community programming. A lifelong literacy advocate, she founded the Josie Odum Morris Literacy Project at age 21, is a Fulbright-Hays Brazil Fellow, and a member of the Great Lakes African American Quilters Network. Her work has been exhibited across Metro Detroit. Instagram: @veseylanegoods About the Host – Deneen L. Garrett: Deneen L. Garrett is a Cultural Alchemist, international speaker, Dream Lifestyle™ Coach, and host of "Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation," a Top 100 empowerment podcast. A former D&I leader at AT&T, she now leads Deneen L. Garrett LLC, merging art, culture, storytelling, and empowerment. She serves on boards at the Detroit Institute of Arts, supporting African and African American art initiatives. Website: deneenlgarrett.com Instagram: @deneensdreamlife Call to Action: The Dream Lifestyle™ Collective is now in quiet launch on Skool. If you're a Black Woman 50+ ready to design and live your Dream Life™ NOW, join us. 🔗

You Don’t Have to Burn Out to Win: Brandi Hudson’s Blueprint for Soul-Aligned Success Episode 186 ✨ In this powerful episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, host Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Brandi Hudson, Founder of The Happiest Place Podcast, for a raw and uplifting conversation about redefining success, protecting your peace, and leading with intention. Brandi shares her journey from burnout to brilliance—offering tangible insights for Women of Color ready to live and lead from a place of alignment, authenticity, and joy. If you’ve ever felt like success had to come at the cost of your well-being, this episode is your permission slip to choose yourself and win your way. 🔑 In this episode: ~ Why Brandi chose to walk away from burnout culture ~ How she built her business around joy & values ~ Strategies for tapping into alignment and purpose ~ Real talk on self-worth, visibility, and choosing peace ~ A behind-the-scenes look at The Happiest Place Podcast 💫 You’ll leave inspired to live your Dream Lifestyle™ ~ NOW. 🔗 Connect with Brandi Hudson 🌐 Website: https://brandibhudson.com 🎧 Podcast: The Happiest Place 📧 Email: brandi@hibrandi.com 🧵 X (Twitter): @brandibhudson 📸 Instagram: @brandibhudson 📘 Facebook: Hi Brandi Hudson ▶️ YouTube: @brandibhudson 💼 LinkedIn: Brandi Hudson 🔔 Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a Woman of Color who’s ready to reclaim her power and live boldly. Full episode notes: https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/blueprint-for-success/ 🔗 LET’S CONNECT: Hire Deneen | Instagram | LinkedIn 𝗜 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 a 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲style𝗧𝗠 — 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲. Ready to start yours? ✨ Download my free 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝗶𝘁 + 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 for bold living. 🎤 Or hire me to speak at your next event, panel, or retreat. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gvjG9qXE ✉️ Email: Deneen@DeneenLGarrett.com

Back Yourself: The Power of Standing in Your Truth ~ with Lildonia Lawrence Episode 185 🎧 Episode Summary: In this powerful and affirming episode, I’m joined by well-being coach and activist Lildonia Lawrence, as we explore the vital themes of backing oneself, standing in one’s truth, and embracing rest as resistance. Through her lived experiences and deep work with BIPOC communities, Lildonia shares how identity suppression, racial trauma, and systemic inequities impact well-being — and how reclaiming joy, movement, and authenticity can become radical tools for healing and empowerment. Whether you’re navigating workplace microaggressions, cultural expectations, or your own journey of self-acceptance, this conversation offers a reminder: You are worthy of rest. You are powerful in your truth. And you can back yourself. ✨ Episode Highlights: 🛡️ "Backing yourself" as a radical act of self-worth and resistance 👩🏾‍💼 Identity suppression in the workplace and its effects on self-esteem and well-being 🌀 Embracing rest as resistance, inspired by Tricia Hersey’s Rest Is Resistance 💃🏽 Movement, dance, and joy as forms of cultural and spiritual resilience 🌿 The essential role of community healing in personal empowerment 🤝 How allies can show up meaningfully in anti-racism work 🔥 Lildonia’s call to action: “You’ve got this. I believe that you can back yourself.” 💬 Favorite Quotes from Lildonia: “Backing yourself means owning your identity unapologetically — especially in spaces that weren’t built for you.” “Rest isn’t a luxury — it’s a right. Our ancestors weren’t given rest. We honor them when we reclaim it.” “Joy is resistance. Movement is protest. And community is our strength.” 📚 Resources & Mentions: 🔗 Connect with Lildonia Lawrence: Instagram: @LildonialawrencewellnessWebsite: LaDonnaLawrence.comPodcast: https://intersectionsthepodcast.podbean.com/Lildonia’s Book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWXSPS8MRecommended ReadingRest is Resistance 🌍 Connect with Me: 🔗 Instagram | @deneensdreamlife 🔗 LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/deneenlgarrett 🌐 Website | deneenlgarrett.com 📌 Don’t Forget to Subscribe & Leave a Review! If this episode spoke to you, please rate, review, and share it with your community. Every listen supports our mission to uplift and empower women of color to live a Dream Lifestyle™ NOW. Full episode notes: https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/standing-in-your-truth/ SHOUT OUT to my UK audience.

🚀Bold, Visible & Unstoppable: The Power of Community for Women of Color Entrepreneurs 🔥 Episode 184 Kris & Krew Part III Episode Description: Community isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the backbone of success for women entrepreneurs. In this episode,Kris Gordon I tripod es us to Ambitious Women Eternity Sledge and Sonya Z. Phillips as they break down the power of visibility, the importance of relationships in business, and the resources available to help women of color thrive. 🎙️ Key Takeaways: ✅ Why community is everything in business ~ "Community has been huge for me." ~ Eternity Sledge ✅ The connection between mental health & business success ~ "If you are not doing good mentally, your business will suffer." ~ Kris Gordon ✅ The power of showing up boldly ~ "As Black women, we have to be audacious... We are the blueprint. We deserve to be there." ~ Eternity Sledge ✅ How strategic networks open doors globally ~ Sonya Z. Phillips shares her journey from the U.S. to Ghana 🔑 This is your sign to step into community, build visibility, and take bold action! 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform & don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Full episode notes: https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/bold-visible-unstoppable/ Want to live a Dream life? 🆓 Get your 🆓 The Dream Lifestyle™ Starter Kit Now 🆓 → https://deneenlgarrett.podia.com/dream-lifestyle-starter-kit-your-quick-start-guide-to-living-a-dream-life

REST. REFUSE. RECLAIM.™️ The Blueprint for Boundaries, Wealth & Unapologetic Living Episode 183 In this transformative episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, we explore the revolutionary power of rest, boundaries, and financial freedom. Black women have long been conditioned to equate worth with productivity, but this conversation is about shifting the narrative—because rest is resistance, boundaries are power, and wealth is reclamation. 💬 "Rest is not a luxury—it’s a revolution." ~ Elizabeth McCoy Guest Speakers: Neomieka HarrisKrystal NormanBridgett SpringerElizabeth McCoy REST: A Radical Act of Self-Preservation Therapist Elizabeth McCoy reminds us that rest is not just about sleep—it’s a form of protest, a reclamation of time, and an act of healing. When Black women prioritize rest, they dismantle generational cycles of exhaustion and step into a space of true self-care and empowerment. REFUSE: The Power of Boundaries Neomieka Harris emphasizes the necessity of saying no without guilt. Women have been conditioned to overextend themselves, but setting firm boundaries is the key to protecting their time, energy, and peace. Refusing to conform to toxic productivity culture allows for deeper fulfillment and intentional living. RECLAIM: Wealth, Joy & Purpose Financial expert Bridgett Springer discusses the intersection of financial literacy and self-care. By taking control of their money, women reclaim their freedom, confidence, and future. She shares practical tips on building financial security, breaking free from scarcity mindsets, and cultivating generational wealth. Food, Culture & Wellness Chef Krystal Norman shares how food connects us to our heritage, healing, and community. Through her culinary journey, she highlights the importance of nourishment—not just for the body, but for the soul. Her work in creating opportunities for adults with special needs further demonstrates how rest and inclusion go hand in hand. Key Takeaways: ✅ Rest is a radical act—Prioritizing rest is an essential step in reclaiming time, joy, and well-being. ✅ Boundaries protect your peace—Saying no unapologetically is necessary for self-preservation and intentional living. ✅ Financial freedom is self-care—Understanding money, investing wisely, and setting financial boundaries empower women to build lasting wealth. ✅ Joy is non-negotiable—Restoring balance, embracing pleasure, and centering wellness are key to living fully and unapologetically. Tune In & Reclaim Your Power This episode is for every Black woman ready to step into her power, set boundaries, and build a life of rest, wealth, and unapologetic joy. Rest is not a luxury—it’s a revolution. Listen now and begin your journey toward radical self-care today! Full show notes here. 🎧 Listen to the full episode now! 📲 Subscribe, review, and share to empower more women to prioritize themselves! 🆓 Get your 🆓 The Dream Lifestyle™ Starter Kit Now 🆓

Hollywood’s Gatekeepers Are Changing ~ How Black Women Are Taking Over Media with Ashley King Episode 165 The entertainment industry is shifting, but for Black women and other marginalized creators, success isn’t about waiting for an invitation—it’s about building your own table. In this powerful episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, casting director and entrepreneur Ashley King shares the realities of Hollywood, the power of self-initiative, and why community is the key to breaking barriers. Ashley’s journey from aspiring screenwriter to casting director and media entrepreneur is proof that you don’t need permission to create opportunities. With over 50,000 engaged creatives in her Digital Influence network, she’s redefining what it means to take up space in entertainment. 🔥 In this episode, we cover: ✔️ How Hollywood still locks Black women out—and how to break in anyway ✔️ Why building your own platform is the fastest way to success ✔️ The Issa Rae blueprint—what we can learn from her rise ✔️ How Ashley scaled her casting email list from 20 people to 50K+ ✔️ Why mentorship & networking are non-negotiable for career growth 🎧 Full episode notes here: https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/black-women-taking-over/ ✨ Join the conversation! Tag us on Instagram and Threads using #WomenOfColorPodcast and let us know your biggest takeaway!

🎙️ Unstoppable Grit: Tashana’s Journey from Military Jumps to Bodybuilding Glory 💪🏾🔥 Episode 182 🚀 What does it take to go from jumping out of planes to dominating the bodybuilding stage? In this episode, I sit down with Tashana, one of the Ambitious Women from Kris' Krew, an Army Airborne veteran turned 8X all-natural bikini bodybuilding champion, to uncover the grit, mindset, and resilience that fueled her transformation. 💡 Inside this episode: ✅ The mental toughness & discipline that took her from the military to the stage ✅ Overcoming loss, homelessness & self-doubt to reclaim her power ✅ The importance of sisterhood, community & mentorship for success ✅ How to set powerful intentions & stay committed to your goals ✨ Your dreams are valid. Your power is real. Your transformation starts NOW. Meet Tashana Latrice: The Definition of Unstoppable Grit 💪🏾🔥 Mom, Pro Bodybuilder, Coach, Licensed Therapist & Oracle From Army Airborne veteran to 8x All-Natural Bikini Bodybuilding champion, Tashana’s journey is all about strength, resilience, and pushing boundaries. With a deep background in the arts—music, dance, acting, and fashion—plus 20+ years as a competitive cheerleader, gymnast, and track athlete, she’s built a life rooted in discipline and passion. Now, as a certified personal trainer and bodybuilding coach, she’s empowering others to step on stage with confidence. But above all, she’s a full-time mom raising the next generation of greatness. 🌟 DFAC Muscle Mayhem International Pro Title 2024 🏋🏾‍♀️ ISSA Certified Personal Trainer 🩰 HBCU Majorette & Competitive Athlete 🎭 Actress | Model | Performer Ready to transform your mindset & body? Connect with Tashana today! ⬇️ 🔗 Book a session: https://tashlafit.setmore.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashla_fit007?igsh=MW41b3Q4am03bHp3Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CG5m5VrNG/?mibextid=wwXIfr ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@tashanalatrice2935?si=k6CG7UqTBftxFKYK 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@locd_ndfitlightw3rker33?_t=ZT-8uEniveaD99&_r=1 🎬 IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13748277/ 🔥 This is YOUR wake-up call to stop making excuses & start making moves! If you’re ready to step into your power, embrace your strength, and live your Dream Lifestyle™ NOW, this episode is for you. 🎧 Hit play NOW & get ready to be inspired! 🔗 Full Episode Show Notes: https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/unstoppable-grit/ 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who needs this motivation! 💬 DM me your biggest takeaway