Living Her Next Phase

12/02/2025

Do you have multiple interests, but you've always been told to focus on one thing to be successful? Akim Vann does not subscribe to that line of thinking. She is a self-proclaimed professional juggler who simultaneously does several things successfully.

Akim is the owner of The Bakery on Bergen in Brooklyn, who got an early start in the entertainment industry. Remember the song Santa Claus is a Black Man? She collaborated with her father, the legendary producer and songwriter Teddy Vann, and lent her vocals to the song. She also appeared on Sesame Street as a child. Akim is a math wiz, who shares her gift with others as a private math tutor. These are highlights of her professional background, but she has done so much more. Tune in to hear her incredible story!

Episode 29 is out now (link in bio)

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-29-legacy-love-business-akim-vann-of-the-bakery-on-bergen/id1532838123?i=1000691403770

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/37WVjTtsPB2DiEWtiC6b7T

16/10/2024

"Creatives need time to marinate on the idea." Sophie Blake of Sophie Blake Jewelry

Balancing creativity and business management. Expert advice from an award-winning jewelry designer.

Sophie Blake is an acclaimed jewelry designer, who recently showcased her current collection on QVC. With thirteen years of jewelry design experience, four N...

15/10/2024

My next podcast guest…

Sophie Blake (of Sophie Blake Jewelry) is an acclaimed jewelry designer, who recently showcased her current collection on QVC. With thirteen years of jewelry design experience, four New York Fashion Week runway shows featuring her collections, first collection introduced at luxury retailer Henri Bendel in New York, and industry recognition, this award-winning designer is making her mark as she heads towards national appeal.

She shares her journey from corporate life to running her own business, discussing the inspirations behind her designs, the challenges of the fashion industry, motherhood, and the importance of support. She offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and emphasizes celebrating small wins on the path to fulfillment.

Tune in as we discuss:

- The challenge of balancing creativity and business
management for designers.

- The courage and adaptability required to transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship.

- The crucial role of networking and community support in business growth.

- The importance of finding work-life balance for personal fulfillment.

Ep. 28: Creativity, Business and Motherhood: Finding Fulfillment with Jewelry Designer Sophie Blake

Available now wherever you listen to podcasts

12/12/2023

When a woman is on a mission to bring all of her dreams to fruition, she is unstoppable. But often, she has to set aside her personal ambitions when her family, specifically her children, need her. Her dreams become deferred; however, it's usually for a finite time. When those children are almost out of the house and on their way to the next phase of their own independent lives, she dusts off her list and begins to tackle everything on it with great fervor.

Fatima Scipio is an accomplished businesswoman who has authored four books, leads a media company, runs an organization that empowers young girls and leads a flourishing career in nonprofit management. Fatima is also a board member of the Yvonne McCalla Foundation, an organization dedicated to breast cancer awareness. She has been featured on NBC Positively Black, News 12 New Jersey and featured in publications such as Success Magazine, Essence, Redbook magazine, Vista magazine, and the Huffington Post.

Much success has come her way, however, in the true sense of motherhood, she recalls the time that she had to set her career aside to give her son her undivided attention and ensure that she was instrumental in establishing his path to success. She wanted the honor of getting to know more about him and being very present in all aspects of his life.

Author Fatima Scipio recently published her new children's book entitled I Love Everything About Me. This book is on fire and the reviews are outstanding. Parents of young girls are loving the content and illustrations that all resonate so beautifully with their daughters.

Fatima is proof that you can have it all, just not all at once.

Listen to the podcast on all major platforms. Links in bio.

12/12/2023

When a woman is on a mission to bring all of her dreams to fruition, she is unstoppable. But often, she has to set aside her personal ambitions when her family, specifically her children, need her. Her dreams become deferred; however, it's usually for a finite time. When those children are almost out of the house and on their way to the next phase of their own independent lives, she dusts off her list and begins to tackle everything on it with great fervor.

Fatima Scipio is an accomplished businesswoman who has authored four books, leads a media company, runs an organization that empowers young girls and leads a flourishing career in nonprofit management. Fatima is also a board member of the Yvonne McCalla Foundation, an organization dedicated to breast cancer awareness. She has been featured on NBC Positively Black, News 12 New Jersey and featured in publications such as Success Magazine, Essence, Redbook magazine, Vista magazine, and the Huffington Post.

Much success has come her way, however, in the true sense of motherhood, she recalls the time that she had to set her career aside to give her son her undivided attention and ensure that she was instrumental in establishing his path to success. She wanted the honor of getting to know more about him and being very present in all aspects of his life.

Author Fatima Scipio recently published her new children's book entitled I Love Everything About Me. This book is on fire and the reviews are outstanding. Parents of young girls are loving the content and illustrations that all resonate so beautifully with their daughters.

Fatima is proof that you can have it all, just not all at once.

Get inspired and learn more about her journey during our interview.

This episode is available on major podcast platforms. Link to the interview on Apple Podcast is in the comment below.

18/04/2023

In case you need this message today…
Don’t be afraid to start over. Just start.

05/04/2023

Yes, you can gain confidence through style!

A woman's style is forever evolving. This is normal. However, dressing for your current body type will allow your clothes to drape your body well and this is what makes the difference. Accentuate your assets and minimize your perceived flaws. In turn, you'll look good and feel good.

I interviewed style expert and Master Style Coach, Michele Nidiffer, to get advice about styling for today. Do yourself a favor and tune in to learn how to dress in a way that is flattering and impacts your approach to every day living.







https://youtu.be/3O6fy_qtMXk

02/12/2022

The titles of wife, mother, daughter, friend, businesswoman, careerwoman, and volunteer are all important aspects of a woman. But what about the things that are dear to you that you have neglected or put off for years?

You know what you want. You may just be skeptical about whether or not you should go for it. Those darn limiting beliefs start to kick in and you don't take any action. Know that you’ll never be completely happy or content because you know that there is more that you want and need from life.

Aren’t you meant for more?

Episode is featured on all major platforms.

02/11/2022

Celebrating another year of life is truly a blessing, but it can also be a bitch. There are so many changes that arise -- mentally, physically, emotionally -- and, sometimes, it can be difficult to adjust. Your outlook on life changes and your approach to handling life's challenges differs from previous years. That magic number packs a powerful punch!

Fifty used to seem so far away, but it came quickly and made its presence known.

Check out the episode and let me know your experiences!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-23-oh-the-mind-games-that-arrive-once-you-turn-50/id1532838123?i=1000584741749

30/09/2022

At what point do your kids become your friends, if at all?

For some parents, there is a clear, delineated line that will never be crossed. They believe that the traditional parent/child relationship works and should remain intact. For others, they are open to the evolution of the relationship, possibly with a new friendship classification. What is your position? I'd love to know.

https://apple.co/3rfz56x

12/08/2022

Today, many young adults opt to date for years or live together before getting married. Parents' opinions about how they choose to elevate their relationships may not matter. However, should they expect their significant others to sleep in their bedrooms when they're at their parents' homes?

How would you handle this? What are the rules to be honored?

My latest episode is up. Listen on your favorite podcast platform and let me know your thoughts!

Available on Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud and Amazon.

12/05/2022

I'm back from a much needed hiatus and I'm jumping in on a crucial topic!

In this episode, I'll be frank and share why I took such a long break from everything. Based on experience, I'll also share what I've found to be the biggest mistakes women make when raising kids, growing businesses and/or establishing careers.

Check it out wherever you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify, Soundcloud, Google, Audible) and join the conversation.