Not Just A Motha

Empress MOMologues #6

The Return of the Empress: Reclaiming My Space, My Voice, and My Wellness.** What’s up, queens, Empresses, and goddesses? It’s your girl, Empress Iman, and don’t hate me, but I know it’s been the longest minute since you heard my voice. But I’m good, I’m back, and I’m ready to jump back in. I’ve been off for quite a while now. I don’t even want to compute how many months it’s been. But I feel the energy, and I realize it’s time to re-engage with my space. When I first started this journey, I think I set the bar exponentially higher than I should have as a newcomer to the realm of vlogging and content creation. As an educator, I naturally lean towards super-structured approaches. However, I was warned that at the beginning, I really needed to be more free-flowing. So, I’m returning to what was easiest for me: these Empress Monologues. This is where you simply listen to me, if you please, chitchat about what’s on my mind, heart, and soul. The Seasonal Shift and Personal Cycles We’ve just jumped into spring, and after all the fluctuations, she’s finally here. As a Cancer, I’m deeply affected by the seasons, in both the best and worst ways. I thrive in spring and summer, maybe even early fall. But the minute that chill sets in, you can count me out. I need to retreat into my shell, hibernate, and that’s just my reality. I don’t know if you’ve ever recognized this about yourself. The cycles of life and how they work for you and against you. But it’s something I’ve only just started to understand. And I took some time to ensure my understanding was rooted in truth, not just in my head. This is why it’s been such a long while. It’s been since about December of 2025 that I haven’t posted. That’s a long time! Now it’s May, and we’re fully in the swing of spring. The calendar for events has been dropping left and right out here in Brooklyn and the whole Tri-State area. When I say Tri-State, I literally mean New York City, Jersey, and Philly, because I don’t really venture to Connecticut much. But hey, I hear it’s nice. I might try it out if something interesting is happening. What’s Been Happening: The Good, The Bad, and The Meh I’m just excited to feel ready to be back and speak. A lot has happened: a lot of good, a lot of absolutely terrible, and a lot of just meh. But today, I wanted to jump on because something has been heavy on my mind: fitness. This is something I really want to transition my focus on for my platform. It’s about fitness, physical, and mental health, and how they’re all connected. Not as an expert, but as a person who’s experiencing it and wants to share my journey, as well as the experiences of other women, other mothers, who have sought strength as their sanctuary. A New Year, New Habits: My Experiment with Sobriety When it comes to cannabis, I decided not to partake. I already had a ritual of abstaining in winter because if you experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), as I’ve spoken about before, and you’re also smoking, that’s a double whammy to drag you down into the pits of Hades. I recognized that pattern and decided to disengage. Now, fast forward to the beginning of spring. Normally, this is when I’d consider picking it up again. But I’m not feeling motivated to do so. I’ve noticed many others in my age bracket are doing the same, saying, “Yeah, I don’t feel like engaging with weed anymore.” There’s talk about “spray weed,” about dispensary products not being what they used to be. Honestly, the dispensary experience just wasn’t the same as, no lie, getting it from the YN’s on the corner. It’s not the same. So, I haven’t really engaged at all. That’s not to say I won’t test the waters, which I have last month, it definitely won’t be dispensary stuff. So, while not a commitment, I’m not really smoking. Then I realized I hadn’t consumed alcohol at all this whole year, 2026. March, I was in Philly for the DiversiTech conference by Tribaja. I had two drinks. They weren’t strong, but they definitely left me feeling weak. I didn’t get a hangover, but my body felt like, “What did you do to us?” The next day, I was in a trance; I just didn’t feel like myself. From Realization to Innovation: The Birth of BodTea And now, I know you’re all wondering, “Where is she going with this?” With that, I ended up creating an app. Yes, you heard that right! An app! Make it make sense, right? I made this app called BodTea [https://bodtea.life/]. Heavy on the TEA. This app was born from a long-standing idea. I’ve been thinking about creating a fitness app for a while. This isn’t my original grand vision, which I’ll still get to eventually, but this is my first one, and it’s built with *you* all in mind: my mamas. The 90-Day BodTea Challenge: Your Sanctuary in Strength I started a 90-day challenge. It’s already started, and I feel bad that I’m late in bringing it to you, but here I am! The challenge is designed around two standard workouts: push-ups and marching obliques. It’s a “build your own” challenge, allowing you to customize it to your fitness level. The two core workouts are: 1. Push-ups: A fundamental strength exercise. 2. Marching Obliques:March, then turn. March, turn. This activates your obliques, helping to sculpt those nice V-lines and hip dips for the summer. It engages your legs and abs, especially when you maintain that mind-muscle connection. Now, about the alcohol part. That was the other component: no drinking and no smoking at all for the duration of the challenge. Take me as a testament: I did it one time, and my body did not respond well. I didn’t respond well. I feel it’s imperative to remind women that, while this is *your* challenge, and if a glass of wine or your favorite Prosecco is truly your cup of tea, I’m not here to hate on you for it. The challenge is for you, a space to help you hold yourself accountable and build community. However, I truly feel we should take a break from these habits and explore more natural alternatives. There are fantastic mocktails out there using herbs and fruits that offer medicinal and experiential benefits without the damaging effects. I’ll be doing some research on these and sharing them within the BodTea group. Personalizing Your Wellness Journey The challenge also provides a space for you to set your *own* three personal commitments. For example, my commitments are to: * Make BodTea feel like a true community. * Dance every day. * Drink more water. So, you might be thinking, “Alcohol got you to make an app, girl?” If you know me, you know I love being in tech spaces. It brings me joy, it brings me life. Lately, it’s been so much fun teaching people how to make apps, and how to create automations for their jobs. Learn more over at Iman the Polymath [https://open.substack.com/pub/profimanalgebraantics] Looking Ahead: Slow and Steady Wins the Race There’s so much more I want to share with y’all. But this was one of those car rides from going home to picking up the baby, and I’ve got to go love on her now. I will be back, and I’m really excited. Again, I’m going to be taking it slow. For now, it will be these voice notes, with articles to follow as a recap. I don’t want to put too much on you all; we all have a lot on our plates. Join the Community: Let’s Grow Together! Share, engage! Tell me what you’re up to. I truly want this to be a two-way street, not just a dumping ground. I want this to be a space for growth, bonding, and connection for us women, especially those in our 30s, especially us 90s babies. 35 and up, where you at? Ready to reclaim your power and join a supportive community focused on wellness? Download the BodTea [https://bodtea.life/] app today and start your 90-day challenge! Find your strength, find your sanctuary. I hope you all have a blessed day, and I’ll see you next time. Love you all. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit empressiman.substack.com [https://empressiman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

About Me - Empress Iman - 2025

(Unedited) Hey Empresses, Its been so long since I’ve penned you and I just want to say Hey! Im back and better than ever. I also want to say welcome to all to new Goddesses who have joind the community even as I have been in a bit of a hiatus. As we all know 2025 has been one for the books but with all thats happening why should I stop living my best life. I’ve been sitting with so much gratitude lately, reflecting on where I’ve been and where I’m headed. And as this community grows, it feels right to reintroduce myself and share more of what makes this space so sacred to me—and to you. I’m Empress Iman: a Black woman from Brooklyn who is also a single mom, a dreamer, a creative, a teacher, a survivor, and a damn Goddess. I say that because, after everything I’ve been through, I’ve realized something important—there’s no blueprint for the life I’m building. And there doesn’t need to be. I am a healing perfectionist and for a long time, I lost myself in the roles life handed me—mother, wife, teacher, nurturer. Each title came with expectations, some I embraced, and others I let suffocate me. I gave so much of myself that I didn’t even realize I was disappearing. Then life forced me to stop. Divorce. Motherhood. A pandemic. Anxiety. Depression. All at once, it felt like the ground beneath me had disappeared. In those hardest moments, I realized the truth that brought me here: I am not just a mother—I am everything. And here’s the thing about falling apart—it gives you the chance to rebuild. And rebuild. And rebuild. As many times as I choose to! Young me thought that when we become adults your identity is established and set in stone. Iman, that is so far from the truth! The math teacher in me knows that there are so many ways to solve an equation and just because you face a challenge or didn’t carry the tens, you can double back look at the bigger picture and course correct as many times as you like. I’m the laughter and love my kids need. I’m the tears and strength I need to heal. I’m the creative energy that fuels my ideas. I’m the bold moves and quiet reflections that have carried me through. And I am here to remind you that you are all of these things too, and more! This space, Not Just a Motha, was born from the idea that rediscovery is a life long journey. It’s for all of us Queens—those of us who love our kids, our families, and our dreams but know deep down that we are so much more. I show up here to share the realness—no filters, no perfection, just me. Whether it’s a moment of joy from the gym, an Empress mantra to keep our crowns straight, or reflections on the hard-earned lessons of life, I’m here to hold space for growth, healing, and thriving. This journey isn’t just about me, though—it’s about us. Every time I hear from you in the Empress Chat, see you using the mantras, or get a message saying, “You helped me see myself again,” I know this community is magic. We are not just women. We are not just mothers. We are a complete Empress. And we deserve to live lives that reflect our worth. So, as we move through seasons of surrender and reflection, I want to leave you with one question: What are you ready to let go of so you can create space for the magic within you? Let’s grow together, Empresses. Thank you for being here, for being you, and for reminding me every day that this work matters. With love, strength, and a little sparkle, Empress Iman 👑✨ P.S. Empresses unite! Drop me a line in the Empress Chat and tell me what part of yourself you’re rediscovering this season. 💜 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit empressiman.substack.com [https://empressiman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

January Visual Scrapbook

January Reflections: The MOMologues in the Making January has been an emotional whirlwind—a month filled with immense highs, lows, and deep reflection. As I continue to navigate the balancing act of motherhood while single, working two jobs, and my mental health, I’m reminded of the importance of grounding myself. This month’s montage captures it all: moments of vulnerability, resilience, as well as the big meaningful ways I honor myself. Let’s be honest This January, I’ve also felt the weight of so much more than just the usual pressures. As an African American woman, a descendant of a Tobagonian real-estate mogul, two generations removed, and a college-educated individual, I cannot ignore the heavy realities of the current political climate. The administration’s minute-by-minute dismantling of laws that have allowed my family, and so many others, to succeed feels crushing. That weight has lingered over everything this month, pushing me to think critically about the spaces I occupy and the ways I can create change. Even amidst that heaviness, this month has brought moments of grounding and clarity. In my visual diary, you’ll find: * Grounding Through Fitness: The gym remains my sanctuary. Whether it’s just me or with Biggie by my side, fitness has been my go-to for emotional stability and mental clarity. Movement helps me release what no longer serves me and stay connected to myself. Its where I can be a kid again! [https://www.tiktok.com/@empressiman/video/7464325107079449887?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7452148924619851294] * Work Realities and Reciprocity: As always, work demanded so much of me this month, and once again, I felt the sting of a lack of reciprocity. It’s a frustrating yet familiar theme that forces me to reevaluate where I place my energy. I show up fully, going above and beyond, but the support isn’t always mutual. When I say support I mean… * Dating Dilemmas and the Male Diva: It’s not just work where I feel the imbalance—it’s also dating. I was recently dealing with a male diva that left me deeply contemplating the dynamics single mothers face in the dating world. We’re often preyed on, seen as easy targets, or expected to settle for less. I touched on this with a coworker recently, and let me just say, that candid conversation had me thinking: maybe single mothers should just link up and leave men to their dusty lives 🤷🏾‍♀️. Stay tuned on the 31st official Not Just a Motha [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-just-a-motha/id1779103305] podcast episode for January, where that very car conversation will take center stage. Here are some tips from Ms. Sprinkle Sprinkle [https://www.tiktok.com/@realsheraseven/video/7409446141097708843?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7452148924619851294] that I have been taking on this journey. * Motherhood Raw and Real: This montage also highlights the raw, unfiltered moments of motherhood. You’ll see clips of me crying—not because I’m giving up, but because I’m human. I’ve been navigating tough parenting moments, managing the hormonal shifts of my luteal phase, and feeling the emotional weight of the Cancer full moon that lingered this month. Yet even in those moments, I ground myself with gratitude, affirmations, and reflections, often giving thanks to my mother, who remains a constant pillar of support. * Honoring Joy and Mental Health: Amid the heaviness, I make space for joy. Nights out, dancing, and enjoying myself aren’t escapes—they’re essential acts of self-care. These moments remind me that I am more than the roles I fill as a mother, worker, or partner to my BESTIE. I am a person with passions, dreams, and a right to joy. * Political Pressure Meets Personal Resilience: The crushing weight of the administration’s actions has been a constant presence this month. But it’s also reminded me of the resilience and creativity that Black women bring to the world. This January, I joined the Black Project 2025 [https://www.instagram.com/officialblackproject2025?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] to engage in collective action for our community, and I stepped into a new space as a teacher on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@msiman_algebraantics?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] through Hillman University (Thank you Dr. Barlow [https://www.tiktok.com/@afamstudies]!) What started as an accidental creation born out of Black brilliance has become a platform for me to share knowledge, inspire others, and connect with the #Hillmantok [https://www.tiktok.com/search?q=hillman%20tok%20university&t=1738006952697] movement. * The Weight of January: With depression, seasonal affective disorder, and the constant pressures of balancing it all, January felt heavy. But grounding practices like fitness, gratitude, and honoring what I love helped me stay rooted. Journal Prompt: Reflecting on Balance and Grounding This month’s reflections were all about grounding, resilience, and reclaiming joy despite life’s pressures. Take a moment to reflect on your own journey with this journal prompt: Prompt: * What are the moments or spaces in your life that feel grounding for you? * Where do you feel a lack of reciprocity, and how can you set boundaries or shift your energy to honor yourself? * What is one thing that brings you joy, outside of work or family, that you can commit to doing this week? * How do you navigate heavy emotions like overwhelm, and what small practices can you lean on to stay rooted in gratitude or hope? Whether you’re journaling privately or sharing in the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s start a conversation about how we find balance and honor ourselves in the chaos. 💜 Looking to February This montage is more than just a recap—it’s a reflection of the raw, unfiltered truths that so often get overlooked, especially for mothers. It’s also a prelude to February’s Empress MOMologues podcast episode, where I’ll dive into the unseen labor, emotional weight, and candid conversations that come with motherhood. If January taught me anything, it’s that grounding isn’t just about staying afloat—it’s about reclaiming stability, joy, and self-worth in a world that often demands too much and gives too little. Stay tuned for February as we continue to explore these truths together. This is a huge moment of vulnerability so let me know what resonated with you most. Your feedback fuels me, and I love hearing from you! 💜 📍 Follow Empress Iman [https://beacons.ai/notjustamotha] 👑✨ “Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s how you polish your crown. Stay radiant, Empress.”💜 #EmpressMantras #NotJustAMotha This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit empressiman.substack.com [https://empressiman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

A Day in the Life: From Errands to Exploring: A Brooklyn Sex Shop Adventure

Episode Overview First things first. Let me remind you that this is a no-judgment zone. Now, would you like to join me on an impromptu adventure through Brooklyn as I take a detour from errands and dive into some much-needed me-time. From juggling mom life to stepping into the Romantic Depot for a quick visit (yes, you read that right), this vlog is all about keeping it real, having fun, and finding balance in the chaos. Plus, I share a peek at my basket of goodies, and the reminder that it’s okay to embrace joy and spontaneity—no judgment here. What’s Inside: • 🚗 Impromptu pit stop: Why not pop into a sex shop during a free hour? • 💄 Always date-ready vibes: Lip gloss is a must, even for solo adventures! • 🛍️ What’s in my basket? A playful (and judgment-free!) peek at my goodies from Romantic Depot [https://g.co/kgs/9QjFZGy] Takeaways for the Tribe: • A little spontaneity can recharge your energy in unexpected ways. • Joyful, self-indulgent moments are just as important as the grind. • Never forget: Self-care is as multifaceted as you are. My Queens! My goal in these vlogs is to personal and intimate parts of of my day to show my create a safe space for you. As moms, we’re juggling everything for everyone else, but sometimes, we need to lean into moments of fun, curiosity, and self-discovery. This episode is your reminder to do something random, unexpected, and just for YOU. Life is all about balance—mom life, errands, and a dash of shenanigans. Stay crowned, stay grounded, and never be afraid to embrace the random moments. 💜 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real talk, adventures, and empowerment vibes. 💜 Stay crowned, stay grounded, and I’ll see you next time! Empress Iman [https://beacons.ai/notjustamotha] Thanks for reading Empress, Your Not Just A Motha - Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit empressiman.substack.com [https://empressiman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

A Day in the Life: New Year's Eve Errands & Goals

🎥 Welcome to My NYE Vlog: Brooklyn Edition! Follow me as I wrap up 2024 with a full day in Brooklyn—a mix of hustle, self-care, and celebration. This is my first ever vlog and I’m super excited about it! LMK your thoughts in the comments if you want more of these? From running errands and hitting the gym to prepping a cozy dinner, I’m balancing mom life, fitness, and my New Year’s Eve vibes. What you gonna see is… • 🏋🏾‍♀️ My NYE gym routine to close out the year strong. Tried out a new machine and let’s say… I gotta work on my angles but the shelf is comin!! • 🛒 Running errands around Brooklyn like the multitasking queen I am. • 🍳 Delegating task so I can cook a delicious NYE dinner to share with my family. • 🥂 Reflections on the year and setting intentions for 2025. 💡 Highlights: • Sharing some gym workout for busy moms from my fav IG girlies like • How I keep things simple yet meaningful for New Year’s Eve. • Real-life mom moments, because we all know it’s never perfect—but it’s always worth it. Thanks for reading Empress, Your Not Just A Motha - Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. 📩 Join the conversation: What are your NYE traditions or last-minute rituals to close out the year? Share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more glimpses into mom life, self-care tips, and everything in between. Follow Empress Iman [https://beacons.ai/notjustamotha] #NotJustAMotha #DayInTheLife #BrooklynMom #NYE2024 #MomLifeJourney This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit empressiman.substack.com [https://empressiman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]