Shades & Layers
Shades & Layers
Kutloano Skosana Ricci
Shades and Layers is a podcast focused on black women entrepreneurs from across the globe. It is a platform for exploring issues and challenges around business ownership, representation and holistic discussions about the meaning of sustainability in an increasingly complex global context. Conversations are wide- ranging and serve not only as a Masterclass in Entrepreneurship but also provide wisdom and tools for Successful Living. It is a space for meaningful conversation, a place for black and other women of color to be fully human and openly share their quirks and vulnerabilities. Guests include prominent figurers in the beauty, fashion and wellness industries both in the Northern Hemisphere and the Global South. Dr. Theo Mothoa-Frendo of USO Skincare discusses her journey from being product junkie to creating an African science-based skincare range.  Taryn Gill of The Perfect Hair is a brand development whizz who discusses supply chain and distribution of her haircare brands.  Katonya Breux discusses melanin and sunscreen and how she addresses the needs of a range of skin tones with her Unsun Cosmetics products. We discuss inclusion in the wellness industry with Helen Rose Skincare and Yoga and Nectarines Founder , Day Bibb. Abiola Akani emphasizes non-performance in yoga with her IYA Wellness brand and Anesu Mbizho shares her journey to yoga and the ecosystem she's created through her business The Nest Space. Fashion is all about handmade, custom made and circular production with featured guests like fashion designer Maria McCloy of Maria McCloy Accessories;  Founder and textile/homeware designer Nkuli Mlangeni Berg of The Ninevites as well as Candice Lawrence, founder of the lighting design company Modern Gesture. These are just a few the conversations on the podcast over the past three years. 
Ethnikids: Diversity in children's literature with Khumo Tapfumaneyi
Send us a Text Message.The books your children read can shape their self-identity and cultural awareness. Join me in conversation with Khumo Tapfumaneyi, Co-Founder and Director of Ethnikids, as we discuss the life-changing power of diversity in children's literature. We discuss how Ethnikids, an online children's book store, is transforming the South African book market by offering a range of inclusive books—from folktales to affirmation stories—that nurture a child's sense of be...
Jul 2, 2024
27 min
Family Roots to Creative Routes - Raha Copenhagen with Nsimire Godman
Send us a Text Message.In this week's episode, we connect with Nsimire Godman, Founder of Raha Copenhagen. This Denmark-based creative shares how a humble background in Rwanda and a spark of creativity during the pandemic led her to create inclusive, aesthetically pleasing soy wax candles. Listen as Nsimire recounts her year-long journey of mastering the craft, overcoming challenges, and discovering a niche market in the Danish capital, Copenhagen. As we know, entrepreneurship is best do...
Jun 10, 2024
34 min
From South Africa to Seattle: Lizzy Hudson's Story
Send us a Text Message. South African podcaster and social media marketing specialist, Lizzy Hudson is the voice behind the Live to Thrive Podcast. In this episode, she shares her journey into podcasting, inspired by the tragic event of George Floyd's murder in 2020. We discuss the personal impact of this moment and how Lizzy's podcast focuses on amplifying the stories of people of color healing from racial trauma and other challenges unique to POC. There are many vulnerable moments...
May 28, 2024
47 min
RAINA (Luxury Hats for Natural Hair) with Rachel Osborne (S8, E8)
Send us a Text Message.It all started with a wish for a satin-lined beach hat. When Rachel Osborne could not find one on the market, she set about creating her own. She spent 2023 researching and testing her concept for luxury satin lined, and adjustable hats that would offer "no-frizz" experience for curly and kinky hair. As a result, her brand RAINA was born. The creation of RAINA is very much tied to Rachael's own natural hair journey, which resonates with anyone who's ever fel...
Apr 30, 2024
36 min
The Yoga Bar and African Affirmations with Fikile 'Fix' Moeti (S8, E7)
Send us a Text Message.Fikile "Fix" Moeti calls herself a Lightworker and you’ll find out what she means by that in this episode. The Social Entrepreneur is the founder of a pay-it-forward education and women-focused social enterprise, The Fix Scholarship. She is a well-known former radio DJ and MTV South Africa presenter. This long-time yogi is now navigating a new chapter as a mom and owner of a beachfront yoga studio and bar called The Yoga Bar, on the East African island of Zan...
Apr 13, 2024
51 min
Nounouche Online and Azania Public with Bonnie Meslane (S8, E6)
Send us a Text Message.Bonnie Meslane is the Founder of the online lifestyle and culture magazine, Nounouche Online. The Johannesburg-based publisher is also the force behind the A-list Public Relations and Communications company, Azania Public, and like all multi-hyphenates, she also works as in the marketing of the iconic and legendary music radio station, Kaya FM. Bonnie and her team at Nounouche Online are story driven and dedicated to amplifying the voices that truly shape our worl...
Apr 2, 2024
33 min
MWLPR (Fashion & Beauty PR) with Monique Webber (S8, E5)
Send us a Text Message.Monique Webber is the visionary founder of MLWPR Fashion and Beauty PR Agency. Her story isn't just about the sparkle of dressing celebrities in Herve Leger's iconic ensembles; it's a story about ambition, resilience, and a commitment to lifting up minority, local, and women-owned brands. Monique started out as a teen model and progressed to publicity. She worked with A-listers and learned a lot during her two decade plus career. In 2020 she stepped out on her own and s...
Mar 18, 2024
41 min
WhatWeCherish with Melaney Oldenhof (S8, E4)
Send us a Text Message.Melaney Oldenhoff, Founder and Creative Director of WhatWeCherish, a curated market place for handmade accessories and home décor from the African continent. Melaney shares how she pivoted from New York-based fashion stylist to joining the vanguard of African design in Johannesburg. Her story is a testament to endurance and vision, championing artisans while navigating the intricacies of e-commerce and forging a new path for women-owned and black-owned brand...
Mar 4, 2024
36 min
Freedom Fleur and Luxury with Kirstie Fleur (S8, E3)
Send us a Text Message.Embark on an inspiring journey with the remarkable Kirstie Fleur, a Ghanaian-American beacon of creativity and advocacy. Our conversation explores her multi-disciplinary artistry that finds expression in all her life's pursuits, from her brave transition from the American Air Force to fashion's forefront, to her passionate embodiment of social entrepreneurship with her brand, Freedom Fleur. Kirstie's story is one of resilience and transformation, illustrating the potenc...
Feb 19, 2024
32 min
E100 Clubs and Investment Secrets with Jennifer Dyer (S8, E2)
Send us a Text Message.Unlock the secrets of securing investment and mastering entrepreneurship with our esteemed guest, Jennifer Dyer. As a five-time CEO and seasoned mentor, Jennifer brings a treasure trove of insights from her experience in raising over $13 million, particularly for women and minority entrepreneurs. This episode is a candid exploration into the world of alternative funding, where we unravel the nuances of securing capital from high net worth individuals—quite a different b...
Feb 12, 2024
40 min
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