Creatively Opposed

EP 014 | Opting Out ft. Lauren Harewood

Welcome back to Creatively Opposed, a podcast where we hear real-life stories from first-generation creatives about their journeys. I’m your host, Teneka King, and today I am joined by Lauren Harewood a design and art director. After years of feeling unseen, unheard, and underpaid in the advertising world, Lauren decided enough was enough. We talk about the bold choice to opt out of traditional systems, the emotional labor of being “the only one,” and the joy of finally working with people and brands that reflect your values. If you’ve ever felt like the system wasn’t made for you—this episode is your reminder that you can build your own. Ways you can connect with Lauren: Follow her on Instagram here. [https://www.instagram.com/p/C3kAzZktp_P/?img_index=1] View her work here. [https://laurenharewood.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacb8jKPzn3ViHocWF1D2zuXLE17X-04B4o4hAL27uALiu2PyGKpL2I2p5vyCA_aem_n1CZeRiZvo1q8ZiPuRAvFQ] Ways you can connect with me: Follow me on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/somecallmeking_/] and subscribe to my newsletter here. [https://whatstk.substack.com/]  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatstk.substack.com [https://whatstk.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

EP 13 | Less Labels, More Creativity ft. Olu Gbenga Obafemi

Welcome to Creatively Opposed, a podcast where we hear real life stories from first generation creatives about their journeys.  I am your host Teneka King, and in today’s episode I am joined by Olu Gbenga Obafemi. He is a multidisciplinary creative, who works in music, film, production and more.   In this episode we talk about the struggle—and power—of refusing to fit into a single box. From music to filmmaking to creative direction, Olu has built a career embracing every aspect of his artistry, despite the pressure to choose just one path. We dive into how he navigated expectations, overcame doubts, and found confidence in his multifaceted identity. If you’ve ever felt like you had to pick one passion or justify your creative pursuits, this episode is for you. Tune in as we explore what it means to own your creative gifts, break free from rigid labels, and redefine success on your own terms. Ways you can connect with Olu: Follow him on Instagram here. [https://www.instagram.com/olubliss/] Stream his music here. [https://ffm.to/sunsonata?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZhEyUyeKoJnCffEJaOMJmHdbq3f4GwxtaORlfHwa8AStPv_q2bSn-wrz8_aem_zt-60oTOL0pCUlWrp5PsUA] Check out his work here. [https://www.blisshouse.co/] Ways you can connect with me: Follow me on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/somecallmeking_/] and subscribe to my newsletter here. [https://whatstk.substack.com/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatstk.substack.com [https://whatstk.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

EP 12 | Redefining Success with Joy ft. Jayde I. Powell

Welcome back to Creatively Opposed, a podcast where we hear real-life stories from first-generation creatives about their journeys. I’m your host, Teneka King, and today I am joined by Jayde Powell, a social strategist and content creator, who founded the creative agency, The Em Dash Co, and host of #CreatorTeaTalk. Jayde shares her journey of leaving the corporate grind to embrace creativity and independence. We discuss navigating career shifts, overcoming people-pleasing tendencies, and using social media as a personal form of expression. And most importantly, we talk about the importance of joy in success, and why questioning the status quo is key for growth. Ways you can connect with Jayde:  Follow her on Instagram here. [https://www.instagram.com/jaydeipowell/] Check out her work here. [https://www.jaydeipowell.com/]  Ways you can connect with me: Follow me on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/somecallmeking_/] and subscribe to my newsletter here. [https://whatstk.substack.com/]  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatstk.substack.com [https://whatstk.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

EP 11 | Trusting the Vision ft. Dondre Green

Welcome back to Creatively Opposed, a podcast where we hear real-life stories from first-generation creatives about their journeys.  I’m your host, Teneka King and today I am joined by Dondre Green, a Bronx-based image maker, director, as well as, the CEO of Bronx Narratives and co-founder Salem production company. Dondre opens up about his early influences, the challenges of pursuing a creative career as a first-generation Jamaican-American, and the importance of trusting the vision—even when the path isn’t clear. Throughout the conversation, we explore the power of representation, the struggles of navigating the creative industry without a blueprint, and the balance between purpose and artistic exploration.  Ways you can connect with Dondre:  Follow him on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/dondregreen/] and check out his work here. [https://www.dondregreen.com/]  Follow Salem on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/studiosofsalem/] and check out their work here. [https://salemstudio.xyz/] Follow Bronx Narratives on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/bronxnarratives/] and check out their publication here. [https://www.bronxnarratives.com/]  Ways you can connect with me: Follow me on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/somecallmeking_/] and subscribe to my newsletter here. [https://whatstk.substack.com/]  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatstk.substack.com [https://whatstk.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

EP 10 | Owning Your Brilliance ft. Teneka King

Welcome back to Creatively Opposed, a podcast where we hear real-life stories from first-generation creatives about their journeys.  In this special solo episode, host Teneka King reflects on the realities of rejection, the weight of perfectionism, and the beauty of embracing your unique story as a first-generation creative. From lessons learned through personal challenges to the inspiring creativity of global artists like Bad Bunny and Kendrick Lamar, Teneka explores how owning your individuality can make all the difference. Tune in for encouragement, insight, and a reminder that your brilliance is worth celebrating. Ways you can connect with me: Follow me on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/somecallmeking_/] and subscribe to my newsletter here. [https://whatstk.substack.com/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatstk.substack.com [https://whatstk.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]