the BLK + GRN podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 19-Teni Adewumi Jul 06, 2020

Show notes

Teni Adewumi has spent the last six years advocating for and educating black women on the hidden dangers found in the ingredients of personal care products. Using her background in industrial hygiene, health sciences, and as a PhD candidate at the University of California, Los Angeles, Teni is at the grassroots level working to find better solutions to limit the negative health impact of cosmetic products predominantly used by women of color.

A lot of women aren't aware of the toxic ingredients that lurk in their favorite products and that they are negatively impacting their health. So, Teni's mission is clear — to protect all black women, especially those who work in salons with harsh chemicals and women of reproductive age who may be greatly affected by hormone-disrupting ingredients found in most of their products.

Quote from interviewee for call out box:

"We're in a very interesting time right now where researchers are really starting to ask questions on the impact of these products on black women." —Teni Adewumi

Biggest Takeaways You Don't Want to Miss:

Black people are usually underrepresented in the environmental health space. That needs to change.
Black women's products often have the most harmful ingredients, so we should be mindful about the products we use.
Black women have huge purchasing power — we have the power to change the current system and what's allowed in products.

Check Out These Highlights:

Teni discusses common hormone-disrupting chemicals found in black products (9:51)
Tips on what ingredients to watch out for (23:59)
The outcomes of being exposed to toxic ingredients over time (28:31)

Quotes:

"We are this economic driving force, and we can shift the market when it comes to products marketed to us."
"Black women have huge purchasing power."
We came all the way from Madam C.J. Walker. The innovation, the purchasing power, and the sheer will of black women is just amazing."

You can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Sticher or Spotify. Also, follow us @blkgrn on all social platforms and let us know what you think!

(1.5 hours)

Episode 18 - CurlMix - Kim Lewis Jun 29, 2020

Show notes

There will likely come a time when the only person who believes in the true worth of your business is you. That's what happened to entrepreneur Kim Lewis. Kim and her husband, Tim, owners of the natural hair care product line, CurlMix, knew their company's worth going into the popular business reality TV show, "Shark Tank." So when they were offered a fraction of what they knew their business was worth, they declined the offer.

That singular move spoke volumes to the power of taking a chance on yourself, believing in your worth and being hopeful in what's to come. And what came next for them — and what continues to come — is valued way more than what they were originally offered. Kim shares her insights on entrepreneurship, finances, and how she balances it all.

Quote from interviewee for call-out box:

"As long as you're experiencing, you're technically not failing. The real failure is not starting." —Kim Lewis

Biggest Takeaways You Don't Want to Miss:

Listening to your customers' desires and following purchasing trends will do wonders for your business.
When others underestimate you, it's important for you to trust your value of yourself and your business.
Do the hard work that no one wants to do and you'll watch your business flourish.

Check Out These Highlights:

Kim discusses how she made the transition to full-time employment in her own business. (3:09)
The power of knowing your customers. (5:46)
Kim talks about venture capital and raising money. (23:33)
Balancing parenting and entrepreneurship. (30:40)

Quotes:

"I'm black. I have to already be winning before someone is going to ride my train (and invest in me.)"
"It's best to raise money when you don't need it."

You can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Sticher or Spotify. Also, follow us @blkgrn on all social platforms and let us know what you think!

(1.5)

Episode 17-Christina Arenas Jun 22, 2020

Show notes

Some things should be sacred, like our home spaces, our rituals, and the things we feed our bodies. Christina Arenas, one of our artisans and creator of Blue Sage, works to cultivate body-friendly, hand-poured, soy wax candles that are affordable and easily accessible to everyone who desires to live a healthier, more intentional lifestyle.

Christina believes everyone should celebrate themselves, and candles can play an important role in necessary self care rituals. She strives to continue on her journey to spread awareness, positivity, and educating others about being mindful of protecting their bodies.

Quote from interviewee for call out box:

"A natural lifestyle is definitely a journey. It's not a sprint." —Christina Arenas

Biggest Takeaways You Don't Want to Miss:

Self love is learning to accept yourself just the way you are.
The products we use in our homes is just as important to our health as the products we use on our bodies.
Everything has energy. Everything has vibration.

Check Out These Highlights:

Christina talks about the process of preparing your body to shift to natural products. (7:59)
Tips on how to practically celebrate yourself with the time you have. (14:49)
Christina shares her insights on the uses and benefits of crystals. (19:00)

Quotes:

"A lot of us need to realize we've been putting so many chemicals in our bodies for so long, it's going to take some time for our bodies to produce those things it needs to cleanse itself."
"So many of us think self care has to be about going into a spa and getting a massage. But we all don't have the resources to do that. So, why not create that space at home?"
"Create sacred moments for yourself."
"Everything created by the Creator has its purpose."

You can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Sticher or Spotify. Also, follow us @blkgrn on all social platforms and let us know what you think!

(1 hour, 15 minutes)

Episode 16- AbsoluteJoi - Dr. Anne Jun 15, 2020

Show notes

There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to skincare, but here's what we do know: Most of the products marketed to black women have toxins in it, and these toxins are known to have adverse effects on our overall health.

Our skin is different, and so, therefore, we have different needs than most mainstream products can't help us with, so it's time for us to make a big change in the products we use. Thankfully for people like Dr. Anne, who created the AbsoluteJOI skincare line, we have hope that we can safely meet our skincare and lifestyle needs. Today, we talk about the important products Black people need to have in their skincare routines, the damaging effects of inflammation, and how we can do better about putting better things in and on our skin.

Quote from interviewee for call-out box:

"With skincare, it's less about the appearance of your skin and more about the health of your skin." —Dr. Anne

Biggest Takeaways You Don't Want to Miss:

It's important to work with your skin, not against it.
Black skin has different needs and the products we use should be tailored to those needs.
The more aware we are, the better we can protect ourselves.
Inflammation is the root cause of disease.

Check Out These Highlights:

Anne talks about the dangers of fragrance. (7:04)
Debunking skincare myths. (11:39)
Why using oil is best for oily skin. (14:11)
The importance of using non-toxic products in your daily routine. (16:14)
Anne discusses inflammation and the harmful role it plays. (24:55)

Quotes:

"Oil has a very important role in maintaining our skin health. And when we are constantly trying to strip it away, what we're doing is fighting against what our skin is naturally trying to do."
"Focus on maintaining a healthy approach to the skin."
"What we don't put in our bodies is just as important as what we do put in."
"Inflammation causes diseases or is an indicator of disease."

You can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Sticher or Spotify. Also, follow us @blkgrn on all social platforms and let us know what you think!

(1.5)

Episode 15-Annie White Brown Jun 09, 2020

Show notes

There isn't a lot of regulation for what goes into mainstream personal care products and how they're labeled, so it's really important to know there are people who are in our corner and producing products that will not only benefit us, but help us thrive.

One of our artisans, Annie White Brown, is doing just that. Owner of NaturalAnnie Essentials, Annie creates products using the ancient practices of her Jamaican roots, using top-of-the-line essential oils and herbs to create natural beauty products and soy candles.

Quote from interviewee for call out box:

"I am excited to be a part of this movement where we can provide products for our people without them having to beg to be wanted." —Annie White Brown

Biggest Takeaways You Don't Want to Miss:

Natural products give us the opportunity to heal ourselves sometimes better than other options.
Self care can be simple, but it's a choice.
Wellness can happen for anyone at any phase of their lives.

Check Out These Highlights:

Annie talks about what essential oils are and how they can be used to benefit the body. (6:12)
A discussion on why buying black is important. (13:45)
How to create a personal wellness lifestyle. (15:24)
Annie talks about balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and self care. (18:58)

Quotes:

"Representation matters."
"We shouldn't have to beg to be represented."
"I have the power to change the outlook of my day."

You can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Sticher or Spotify. Also, follow us @blkgrn on all social platforms and let us know what you think!

(1.5 hours)

Episode 14-Dr. Crystal Jones Apr 25, 2019

Show notes

Welcome to the final episode of the BLK + GRN podcast. Each week during the discussion with the artisan we take time out to listen to a meditation by Dr. Crystal Jones. In this episode, we interview the woman behind the meditation. Dr. Crystal shares with us her definition of healing, finding healing and she provides tips on meditating. This is an amazing closing to season one of the BLK + GRN podcast. Join our FB group to see updates on season two. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to "buy black and live green".

Episode 13-Black Girl Sunscreen Apr 18, 2019

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 13 of the BLK + GRN podcast. This week we have Shontay Lundy the founder and creator of Black Girl Sunscreen. Black Girl Sunscreen is one of our top-selling products and in this episode, we find out the reasons why. Shontay shares with us the reason behind the company, her beliefs and her experience as an entrepreneur working a full-time job. Tune in to this amazing episode and don't forget to subscribe.

Episode 12-Pur Home Apr 11, 2019

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 12 of the BLK + GRN podcast. This week we have Angela Richardson the founder and creator of PUR HOME. In this episode, we take a deep dive with Angela to discuss all things clean ingredients. Angela shares with us her journey to entrepreneurship, the support from the black community and so much more. This is an episode you won't want to miss and don't forget to subscribe.

Episode 11-The Happy Pop-Up Apr 04, 2019

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 11 of the BLK + GRN podcast. This week we have Chianti Lomax. Chianti is the founder and creator of The Happy Pop-Up. This episode is all about positivity and self-love. Chianti shares with us so many tips on how to not only bring happiness to your life but also how to be resilient in times of self-doubt. Make sure you bring your paper and pen to write down all the tips from Chianti. Don't forget to subscribe.

Episode 010: Natural Mixologists Mar 28, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of the BLK + GRN podcast, I sit down with Donica Johns, the owner of the Natural Mixologist. Donica opens up about how the needs of her family led her to seek out chemical and toxin free skincare. We dig deep on the needs of the black community, her struggles with being a woman of color in the skincare industry and the importance of black-owned businesses in the black community. In this episode, some of the most critical challenges facing black owners are discussed. Ever wonder why black business owners don't put a picture of themselves on their website? Or why we don't get the same opportunities as our equal counterparts? Make sure to tune in to hear the discussion.

Want to know more about the Natural Mixologist? You can find her here at https://blkgrn.com

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