the BLK + GRN podcast

Summary: In this soulful and deeply affirming conversation, we explore the importance of rest, softness, and self-trust as acts of liberation and resistance. The guest shares her personal journey from burnout and self-neglect to embracing a slower, more intentional way of living rooted in joy and balance. Together, we reflect on the beauty of honoring our needs, rejecting urgency, and making peace...

In this episode, Kristian welcomes Barella Roberson as her guest. Barella dives into her business ventures and shares her insights on why "sex is a taboo topic in the Black community." The conversation delves into profound subjects such as "The art of letting go" and "Overcoming societal expectations." Tune in for an enlightening discussion that challenges norms and empowers listeners.  

In this episode, Kristian is joined by massage therapist Khetnu Nefer to delve into the vibrant Gullah Geechee culture and the profound impact of compound living on family unity. They discuss how modern capitalism has shifted our focus away from our families and communities, creating a sense of distance and disconnect. The conversation then transitions to navigating disappointment and managing exp...

In this episode, Jon'll Boyd takes us on a transformative journey, sharing how she and her husband turned their late-night pillow talks into a thriving wine business. Discover the passion and perseverance behind their entrepreneurial success, as Jon'll reveals the challenges they faced and the strategies that propelled them forward. Jon'll and Kristian dive into the crucial role of communication i...

In today's episode, Casey Ariel reveals her inspiring journey of creating the Webby-nominated AI company, overcoming roadblocks, and navigating the challenges of a saturated market as a Black woman entrepreneur. Discover how self-care and self-gentleness empowered her and co-host Kristian to scale their businesses without burning out, emphasizing the transformative power of prioritizing self-care.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Kristian Edwards sits down with Eldred Marshall, a Black man who once believed that being a Christian meant he had to be a Republican. Eldred shares his deeply personal journey—how faith, cultural expectations, and political identity were once tightly intertwined for him, and how reading, reflection, and lived experience led him to reevaluate his beliefs and ultimatel...

Rachel Zeigler's journey is a testament to walking in one's purpose, where the resounding echoes of her heart's desires drown out doubt and settling becomes a distant notion. As the visionary founder of Naked Chemistry, Rachel transforms challenges, from navigating microaggressions in the corporate world as a Black woman to pivoting her career as a licensed cosmetologist during the pandemic. Beyon...

Linda embarks on a deeply resonant journey, one that mirrors the intricate tapestry of our own lives. Linda, the visionary founder of Malkia, exudes an unwavering commitment to natural skincare, bringing forth a remarkable vision where every individual, especially Black people, can experience the beauty of healthy, glowing skin naturally. Her mission extends beyond products; it's about fostering a...

Step into the realm of inspiration with Lori and Lauren, the unstoppable mother-daughter team driving the vision of Vitavate dietary supplements. Their journey is a testament to the extraordinary, where backgrounds in food science and procurement merge to craft a product that transcends the ordinary - a vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free marvel that bestows sustained energy without the dreaded cra...

Dr. Melodie Davis Bundrage, the visionary founder of LUV + CO, delves into the transformative world of clean beauty and entrepreneurship. Driven by a profound mission to inspire confidence and unity among Black women, Dr. Melodie identified a glaring need for accessible, high-quality organic products in underrepresented communities. Dr. Melodies' unwavering commitment to empowering Black women ign...

Christine Martey-Ochola, founder of NUELE, shares her remarkable journey of creating a beauty brand that embodies the perfect blend of effectiveness and health-consciousness. After reflecting on childhood memories of witnessing chemical treatments and feeling the societal pressure to conform to a specific beauty standard as a Black woman, Christine and her co-founder Anne Cheatham, drawing on thei...

Ashley Harmon, the visionary founder behind Mela Vitamins, takes us on her personal wellness journey through the realm of wellness. Her college years were marked by a challenging battle against PCOS and a deficiency in vitamin D, setting her on a determined path to develop supplements tailored specifically for Black women. Mela Vitamins stands apart with its holistic approach, forged through exten...

Brooke Young, the founder of Vegan Lux Aesthetics, takes us on a journey into sustainable skincare. With an unwavering commitment to veganism spanning almost a decade, Brooke shares how this deeply ingrained lifestyle choice drove her quest to create a brand that serves the community and the planet. In a world filled with profit-driven businesses, Brooke's emphasis on living the brand with sinceri...

Dynamic mother-daughter duo Danese and Ashlee unveil the intimate journey of creating Goddess Skincare, a brand that prioritizes holistic skincare, while emphasizing the crucial role of mutual respect in their partnership. The Smalls, fueled by generations of family traditions, are on a steadfast mission to redefine skincare. Their innovative product line extends far beyond facial care, delving in...

In addressing the ideology that black women need to use excessive products to look and feel better about themselves, Keli Smith decided to add sugar to the spice and not so nice skincare industry with Kaike, a plant-based brand that empowers black women to celebrate the beauty of the skin they're in. While understanding black women's exposure to a variety of harmful chemicals, Keli was determined...

Following her postgraduate self-care journey, Rachel realized that drinking tea is a great way to stay healthy and increase her quality of life. After working in an herbalism apprenticeship, Rachel founded Golden Flourish to share what she learned about self-care through tea drinking while empowering the lives of future generations on their self-care journey. Tea is the most widely consumed bevera...

Patrice Ford Lynn, an executive coach, and transformational facilitator, brings a refreshing approach to wellness and personal growth. Her journey took a remarkable turn during the pandemic when she became a certified Yin yoga practitioner, using it as a tool to cultivate energy management and relaxation skills for herself and her clients. Transitioning from a management consultant to a transforma...

Lauren Gregory, the founder of Her Poppy, ignites a meaningful conversation and shares her inspiring journey towards prioritizing her health and wellness after her father passed from pancreatic cancer, which had also affected previous generations in her family. Despite her long-standing battle with severe period pain and being prescribed birth control and Ibuprofen for years, she embraced a natura...

Jackie Granchamps is the founder of Cecile's Bath and Body. Jackie's journey began in 2011 when she started making soap as a hobby while unemployed. However, as she began experimenting with different formulas and ingredients, she quickly realized the profit potential of luxury handmade skincare and decided to turn her passion into a business. Despite starting with only old pots and pans and a smal...

Nathalee DuRose, Chief Executive Officer of Vigor Roots, aims to help women struggling with hair loss, poor hair growth or scalp issues regain healthy and vibrant hair. Nathalee's journey to redefine hair and scalp care began with her struggles with prolonged scalp irritation and delayed hair growth. After her daughter was born, she knew she wanted to protect her daughter from going through the sa...

Kristen Dunning, the founder of Gently Soap, shares her journey of creating a natural soap product that is both science-backed and clean. Growing up in a family with direct roots in sustainable farming and aquaculture, Kristen witnessed firsthand the connection between black farmers and nature. As someone with sensitive skin, Kristen struggled to find a product that was both natural and effective....

Adrina Nelson is the mastermind behind Adrina Fanore, a chic lifestyle brand that seamlessly blends slow living, health and wellness, and sustainable living into high-end fashion and vegan beauty products. Having founded the brand in 2012 in Brooklyn, New York, Adrina decided to redefine her brand's purpose during the pandemic, leading to a newfound focus on the pursuit of a high-quality lifestyle...

For Diara Chukuigwe, starting her own brand, Yawoni, has been a deeply personal endeavor. She infuses the brand with her passion for natural remedies and oils, which she learned about from her mother and grandmother, who imported them from Mali. The brand name, Yawoni, is a combination of her mother's nickname, "Ya," and the word "woni," which means "beloved" in her grandmother's Moorish language....

Mar Na Carter's is on a mission to demystify skincare with a more holistic approach so that people can experience non-toxic and less complicated skincare. Her journey in creating natural body care products began after witnessing her family members battle with skin issues. With no luck or relief from store bought products, Mar Na took matters into her own hands by researching natural alternatives a...

Linda Gieskes-Mwamba, founded the South African brand Suki Suki Naturals to solve a personal need for natural hair products that were affordable and accessible for people with Black hair types. After making her hair care products using ingredients found in her kitchen, like avocados, ripe bananas, and yogurt, she realized that through Suki Sukie naturals, there was a way to share her traditions of...