Support, Advocacy, and Community Through Doula Services with Leah Hairston

Support, Advocacy, and Community Through Doula Services with Leah Hairston

We live in a world where Black birthgivers face a disproportionately higher risk of mortality, with a rate of 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births*. And Leah Hairston is on a mission to change that number to 0 deaths. Leah is a seasoned doula, health advocate, and the CEO and founder of Sweet Bee Services, Baltimore's concierge doula agency, with a 100% survival rate. In this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, Leah shares her entrepreneurial journey into the field of doula services and creating a business that prioritizes community needs and well-being. She discusses the importance of autonomy and choice in maternal health and the challenges faced by Black women in the healthcare system. And she emphasizes the need for education and support in navigating maternal care.  Our conversation highlights the intersection of personal purpose and professional responsibility, and the necessity of addressing financial concerns in the pursuit of impactful work. We discuss the need for Black Women Entrepreneurs to embrace our unique identities and serve our communities. And, we advocate for rest, noting that it is imperative and not earned. We talk: 8:53 - The importance of autonomy and choice  17:51 - Entrepreneurship in the doula space 29:20 - Sustainable business practices  37:40 - Entrepreneurship as a responsibility and privilege 45:13 - Advice for Black Women Entrepreneurs Episode References: Navigating Identity Shifts in Business and Life with Shervon Laurice [https://pod.link/1805686947/episode/NTE5M2IyYTctNzAyNy00Yzk1LTljM2UtYmY2ZDZkN2M5NjM2] *CDC’s Data from the Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System [https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-mortality/php/pregnancy-mortality-surveillance-data/index.html] Connect with Leah! - IG @sweetbeeservices [https://www.instagram.com/sweetbeeservices] - LinkedIn @lhairston [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhairston/] - Website SweetBeeDoula.com [https://www.sweetbeedoula.com/]  Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod [https://www.instagram.com/pinkladyprod/] - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod [https://www.tiktok.com/@pinkladyprod] - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pinkladyprod/] Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis [https://www.instagram.com/betonyourselfsis/] - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis [https://www.tiktok.com/@betonyourselfsis?lang=en] - YouTube @betonyourselfsis [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZgGa7VWn_zdVwDcvHdCYmw]

Empowering Black Women in Voiceover and Life with Casaundra Freeman

This is another episode to remind you to build your dream life! Don’t focus on finding your dream job. Do what you have been called to do and the rest will fall into place. That is a running theme in this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, with Casaundra Freeman. Casaundra is a professional actor and director, and the founder of Work with Your Voice, a voiceover training program exclusively for Black women.  In this episode, Casaundra shares her transformative journey through motherhood and entrepreneurship. She discusses her career change from acting to voiceover, her move to Mexico to “worldschool” her children, and the importance of community and empowerment for Black women, especially in the voiceover industry. Casaundra also notes her experiences with grief, healing, and setting boundaries while navigating her career and motherhood.  Our discussion emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, the power of believing in yourself, the responsibilities that come with freedom as an entrepreneur, and the necessity of pursuing dreams without seeking external validation.  We talk: 12:45 - World Schooling and Healing Through Relocation 27:31 - Building Community and Setting Boundaries 38:28 - The Journey to Motherhood and Self-Discovery 48:45 - The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Pursuing Freedom and Responsibility 55:53 - Overcoming Adversity: The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence 1:09:37 Dreaming Big: The Importance of Believing in Yourself Episode References: Detroit Repertory Theatre [https://www.detroitreptheatre.com/] Alabama Shakespeare Festival [https://asf.net/] https:The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms - Audiobook [https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Hundred-Thousand-Kingdoms-Audiobook/1549119044?eac_id=130-1822740-3578366_PqaUdFYOtf&eac_link=e0h8YIQ021Pm&eac_selected=1549119044&eac_selected_type=asin&qid=PqaUdFYOtf&ref=web_search_eac_asin_1&sr=1-1] The Broken Kingdoms - Audiobook [https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Broken-Kingdoms-Audiobook/1549119060?creativeId=acbd9dbc-e6ae-40e4-a367-ea4fd2c1f233&pageLoadId=pxcbP9vpbr78jQXK&pf_rd_p=834b6190-135b-465a-a9c9-622c0c154eb2&pf_rd_r=XNQFWE9YDMSW6ZXZ77TH&plink=fveWwFyXeGPczXGI&ref=a_pd_The-Hu_c111_adblp13nsnsp_1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable] The Kingdom of Gods - Audiobook [https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Kingdom-of-Gods-Audiobook/B07M95B6Z2?creativeId=acbd9dbc-e6ae-40e4-a367-ea4fd2c1f233&pageLoadId=pxcbP9vpbr78jQXK&pf_rd_p=834b6190-135b-465a-a9c9-622c0c154eb2&pf_rd_r=XNQFWE9YDMSW6ZXZ77TH&plink=fveWwFyXeGPczXGI&ref=a_pd_The-Hu_c111_adblp13nsnsp_2&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable] ExodUS Summit | For Black Women [https://www.instagram.com/exodussummit/?hl=en] The Official We Do Not Care Club Handbook by Melani Sanders [https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-official-we-do-not-care-club-handbook-melani-sanders?variant=44098557411362] Adrienne Livingston [https://adriennelivingston.com/] Connect with Casaundra! - IG @heycasaundra [https://www.instagram.com/heycasaundra/] - LinkedIn @casaundra-freeman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/casaundra-freeman-69827a60/] - Website heycasaundra.com [https://www.heycasaundra.com/] Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod [https://www.instagram.com/pinkladyprod/] - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod [https://www.tiktok.com/@pinkladyprod] - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pinkladyprod/] Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis [https://www.instagram.com/betonyourselfsis/] - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis [https://www.tiktok.com/@betonyourselfsis?lang=en] - YouTube @betonyourselfsis [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZgGa7VWn_zdVwDcvHdCYmw]

The Intersection of Health and Leadership with Dr. Alicia Newsome

“We are human beings, not human doings!” This quote from Dr. Alicia Newsome really sets the tone for this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis! Dr. Alicia is an executive advisor, international speaker, bestselling author, and most importantly a functional medicine expert. And in this episode, I learn so much about myself. In this episode, we discuss the importance of health in leadership, the differences between functional and traditional medicine, and the significance of rest and boundaries in entrepreneurship. Dr. Alicia shares her journey into functional medicine and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to health and well-being, especially for Black women entrepreneurs.  This conversation also touches on the importance of trusting yourself and finding clarity in your personal and professional life. Dr. Alicia teaches me about the impact of stress on hormones and overall health, which emphasizes the connection between mental and physical well-being. We highlight the importance of self-acceptance and recognizing your inherent worth. And Dr. Alicia gives practical tips on nutrition and gut health, reinforcing a holistic approach to wellness. Stay tuned for more info on Dr. Alicia’s new book! We talk: 06:01 - Functional vs. traditional medicine 12:07 - The importance of health in leadership 18:04 - Redesigning business for personal wellbeing 29:15 - Trusting yourself and finding clarity 34:12 - The impact of stress on hormones 52:23 - Empowerment and self-acceptance for Black women entrepreneurs Episode References: And Still She Rise! (2024) [https://www.amazon.com/Still-She-Rise-Devotional-Personal/dp/B0CYTBKT96] Manifesting Her! (2023) [https://www.amazon.com/Manifesting-Her-Courageous-Stories-Self-Discovery-ebook/dp/B0CJ8HKF8B/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xQUSBUn5VvpeWS3ehUqxKd3SA9T1Pqy06z7vow-3bjE2sjvVEwG5HSu7puwQ_NQxmKd34BKGC31a4WQZScg1dQ.WNiriuLhuxIaLOdNCtno7IeHTg5vBKij_UbO_pd7g0k&dib_tag=se&qid=1779815634&refinements=p_27%3ADr.+Alicia+Newsome&s=books&sr=1-3&text=Dr.+Alicia+Newsome]  Stories of The World's Greatest Speakers (2024) [https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Worlds-Greatest-Speakers-Speaker/dp/B0DJZ9K5RX] Women Redefining Leadership with S.P.I.C.E. (2025) [https://www.amazon.com/Women-Redefining-Leadership-S-P-I-C-Vision/dp/B0F3N9YJYY]  Connect with Dr. Alicia! - IG @dr.alicianewsome [https://www.instagram.com/dr.alicianewsome/?hl=en] - YouTube @dr.alicianewsome [https://www.youtube.com/@dr.alicianewsome] - LinkedIn @dr-alicia-newsome [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-alicia-newsome/] Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod [https://www.instagram.com/pinkladyprod/] - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod [https://www.tiktok.com/@pinkladyprod] - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pinkladyprod/] Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis [https://www.instagram.com/betonyourselfsis/] - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis [https://www.tiktok.com/@betonyourselfsis?lang=en] - YouTube @betonyourselfsis [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZgGa7VWn_zdVwDcvHdCYmw]

From Dream Job to Dream Life: A Cannabis Journey with Lucille Verdé

We got another Black Woman in Cannabis ya’ll! If you know her, you already know this will be a great conversation. But if you don’t know her, I’m super excited to introduce you to Lucille Verdé, your favorite stay at home stoner. Lucille is a cannabis entrepreneur and the owner of Canna Cape Cod, a unique bud and breakfast in DC.  In this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, Lucille shares her journey in the cannabis industry, both personal and professional. She highlights the importance of community building, the cultural nuances of being a stoner, and the spiritual growth that comes with entrepreneurship.  Our conversation emphasizes the significance of empowering Black Women, especially within the cannabis industry, showcasing the nurturing and supportive community we create. We discuss the importance of advocating for those still incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses. And we stress the need for authenticity, resilience, and commitment in entrepreneurship and the importance of recognizing signs in business and life.  We talk: 4:10 - The journey of building a cannabis business 12:05 - Navigating the cannabis industry while community building 19:24 - Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship 25:31 - From dream job to dream life 38:06 - The injustice of cannabis incarceration 42:52 - Empowering Black Women Entrepreneurs! Episode References: Last Prisoner Project [https://www.lastprisonerproject.org/?gad_campaignid=23211250767&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACmLl2Yy4a2m07GRAwA9nNPLJ1lA4&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_vnQBhCxARIsADcZyxL260HCdZMgMsg1zYdd8On-9hQW9yx6dKoJws8qHYlxaRKKOkWGgF0aAhPfEALw_wcB&hsa_acc=4553874742&hsa_ad=&hsa_cam=23220646501&hsa_grp=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_ver=3&utm_campaign=Performance+Max+Test&utm_medium=ppc&utm_source=adwords&utm_term=] Free My Weedman [https://freemyweedman.com/] Buy Weed From Women [https://15percentpledge.org/business/buyweedfromwomen-f5uxafqdcsnm-ydavzjjy] Connect with Lucille! - IG @canna_cape_cod_dc [https://www.instagram.com/canna_cape_cod_dc/] - YouTube @lucilleverde420 [https://www.youtube.com/@lucilleverde420] - Website lucille-verde.com [https://lucille-verde.com/] Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod [https://www.instagram.com/pinkladyprod/] - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod [https://www.tiktok.com/@pinkladyprod] - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pinkladyprod/] Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis [https://www.instagram.com/betonyourselfsis/] - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis [https://www.tiktok.com/@betonyourselfsis?lang=en] - YouTube @betonyourselfsis [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZgGa7VWn_zdVwDcvHdCYmw]

Social Entrepreneurship: Making Money while Doing Good with Anna DeShawn

What does success mean to you? What does it look like? How does it smell? Don’t look at that business over there for an idea. Look inside and define it for yourself! That is one of the running themes in this episode of Bet on Yourself, Sis!, with Anna Deshawn. Anna is a social entrepreneur, storyteller, and community organizer, and together we discuss the important keys for Black Women Entrepreneurs, including setting boundaries to protect your energy and defining success on your own terms. Anna shares her journey into entrepreneurship, from going to journaling camps as a child to building platforms that center BIPOC and QTPOC, amplifying marginalized voices. She also emphasizes the need for financial stability to create impact and shares her personal practices for self-care and avoiding burnout.  The conversation highlights the importance of consistent preparation for challenges, intentional planning to manage energy, and the necessity of building a supportive team. It also emphasizes the value of delegation, the balance between time and money, and the significance of community over individualism.  We talk: 06:28 - Defining success on your own terms 16:30 - The importance of rest and self-care 22:10 - Building a support system 30:47 - The difference between business owner and entrepreneur 32:13 - Advice for Black Women Entrepreneurs Episode References: Robin Roberts [https://www.instagram.com/robinrobertsgma/] The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks [https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-big-leap-gay-hendricks?variant=32205677625378] Navigating Identity Shifts in Business and Life with Shervon Laurice [https://pod.link/1805686947/episode/NTE5M2IyYTctNzAyNy00Yzk1LTljM2UtYmY2ZDZkN2M5NjM2] The Qube [https://theqube.app/] Connect with Anna! - IG @annadeshawn [https://www.instagram.com/annadeshawn] - YouTube @e3radio [https://www.youtube.com/@e3radio] - Website annadeshawn.com [https://annadeshawn.com/] Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod [https://www.instagram.com/pinkladyprod/] - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod [https://www.tiktok.com/@pinkladyprod] - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pinkladyprod/] Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis [https://www.instagram.com/betonyourselfsis/] - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis [https://www.tiktok.com/@betonyourselfsis?lang=en] - YouTube @betonyourselfsis [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZgGa7VWn_zdVwDcvHdCYmw]