Gems with Gen

The Life You Want Is One Social Strategy Away With Alexis Barber

Alexis Barber is a force to be reckoned with. And this isn't our first rodeo. This isn't even the first time I've interviewed her. You'll have to tune in to get that tea. ☕️ Alexis is a Google marketer, YouTube creator strategist, Wharton School grad, entrepreneur, lifestyle influencer, author, and one of the most genuine trailblazers in the creator economy and microinfluencer space. I stumbled across her Office Hours, drop-in sessions where you bring your questions around content, visibility, personal branding, and decision-making, and walk away with real, honest guidance. I signed up, implemented everything she taught me in 60 minutes flat, and have been growing on Instagram and TikTok ever since. In this episode we get into: * authority in the creator economy * mindset shifts that move the needle online and offline * the ugly side of influencing nobody talks about * ambitious women and the ceilings they keep breaking * how to attract real opportunities through your content, and * skills for building a sustainable creative career on your own terms This one is for every ambitious woman ready to strengthen her personal brand and build a life on her own terms. Keep up with Alexis: her Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en], her TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_], her Substack [https://toocollective.substack.com/], her website [https://alexisbarber.nyc/].  Follow the podcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/gemswithgenpod/] and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@gemswithgenpod] and follow Gen @g.ennifer and @genniferwithag Stick around. I'll see you in the next one. 🫶🏾 💎Gen

Permission to Pivot with Leah Chin

Have you ever met someone new and immediately thought they were special? Not just nice. Not just talented. But grounded, thoughtful, and fully themselves? That’s exactly how I felt when I met today’s guest, Leah Chin [https://www.instagram.com/leahmchin/?hl=en]. Leah and I met years ago while working at a creative agency where we consistently brainstormed (and executed) big ideas and built content for major brands. I can strongly say if you’re looking for someone with a creative eye and a vibey POV, she’s all that (and then some). Did I mention she’s personally worked with brands like Ami Cole [https://www.instagram.com/byamicole/?hl=en] and Ember Niche [https://www.instagram.com/emberniche/?hl=en]? Right, the resume is STACKED. What makes Leah’s story powerful is that she didn’t just talk about wanting change: she made it. Originally on a path toward the medical field, Leah pivoted into a full-time career in social media and content creation. That kind of career change is not small. It requires clarity, courage, and a willingness to let go of the version of yourself you once thought you had to become. Our conversation went so deep that at one point, I asked Leah, “Is this a therapy session?” Maybe! In this episode, we get into: * what it really takes to pivot careers * her transition from the medical industry to a creative field * balancing a full-time job with your own creative pursuits * building a career in social (she now manages social over at CFG [https://www.instagram.com/cfgtalent/?hl=en] - a global influencer marketing agency) * developing sustainable wellness routines * staying authentic both online and IRL If you’re navigating a career shift, questioning your path, or trying to build a creative life without burning out, I encourage you to tap in. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Leah's Background 02:02 Leah's Journey from Medical Industry to Digital Storytelling 04:05 The Role of Mentors and Friends in Career Change 05:51 Authenticity and Being True to Yourself as a Creator 07:59 Creating a Wellness Community for Women of Color 09:56 Unlearning Myths About Wellness and Self-Care 11:50 The Ongoing Nature of Wellness and Self-Improvement 13:49 The Challenges of Adulting and Mental Health 15:46 The Impact of Mindset and Self-Talk on Creativity 17:44 Waking Up Early and Building New Habits 19:40 Balancing a Full-Time Job with Creative Projects 21:37 The Therapeutic Power of Puzzles and Art 23:39 Self-Compassion and Giving Yourself Grace 25:29 Overcoming Comparison and Self-Doubt 27:16 Travel and Finding Confidence Outside Your Environment 29:26 The Importance of Giving Yourself Time 31:14 Places That Make Leah Feel Most Relaxed 33:18 Key Lessons in Wellness and Creativity 35:25 Closing Remarks and Gratitude “When it comes to creating, I think that I give myself grace, which allows for there to be balance.” - Leah Chin Keep up with Leah: her IG [https://www.instagram.com/leahmchin/?hl=en], her TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@leahmchin?_r=1&_t=ZT-94GQgn76sEo], her wellness page [https://www.instagram.com/shesintowellness?igsh=ZW96bzl6ZmNvc2pp]. She’s a masterclass in building an authentic online presence that actually connects. Follow the podcast on ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/gemswithgenpod/] and ⁠TikTok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@gemswithgenpod], and follow Gen ⁠@g.ennifer⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/g.ennifer/] Stick around. I’ll see you in the next one. 🫶🏾 💎 Gen

Authenticity Breeds Authenticity with Paris Gardner

What does it mean to see yourself as beautiful? Is it hard to embrace your natural self? And if you had the chance to burn your life down and start all over, would you? In this episode, Gen sits down with model Paris Gardner for a raw, soulful conversation about identity, transformation, and self-worth. From growing up in the south to redefining success on her terms, Paris opens up about the power of supportive figures, shedding expectations, the comfort and desire for change, and what success means to her. Whether you're curious about breaking into the modeling industry or you're standing at your own crossroads, Paris’s story will inspire you to bet on yourself and never look back. Resources For The Gems <3 * Follow Paris on Instagram @paris_gardner_ [https://www.instagram.com/paris_gardner_/] * Check out the magazine Paris mentioned @missionmagazine [https://www.instagram.com/missionmagazine/] * Follow Gems with Gen on Instagram @gemswithgenpod [https://www.instagram.com/gemswithgenpod/]

Summer 2025 Ins & Outs | No Doom Scrolling, House Parties and Summer Classes

There’s something different about Summer 2025. The air feels lighter, the vibes feel aligned, and the season is practically begging you to romanticize your life. But a dreamy summer doesn’t just happen—you’ve gotta get intentional about what stays and what goes. In this episode, ⁠Gennifer⁠ is mapping out her personal "Ins and Outs" for the summer. She’s saying goodbye to things like doom scrolling, people-pleasing, and shrinking herself to make others comfortable. In their place? Boundaries, bold moves, 8 hours of sleep, and maybe—just maybe—a summer class. (Don’t hold her to that last one.) Tune in as she gets honest, aspirational, and a little unserious about creating a summer that feels good. If you’re ready to have your best summer yet, start here. <3 For more gems, follow the pod on @⁠gemswithgenpod [https://www.instagram.com/gemswithgenpod/]⁠, and Gennifer @⁠g.ennifer [https://www.instagram.com/g.ennifer/]⁠ on Instagram.

Twenty Years In: Bestie Edition with Alexxus Finnell

Gen is back and with a BANG!! This time, she brought a special guest - her best friend of 20 YEARS, Alexxus Finnell (@alexxusfinnell [https://www.instagram.com/alexxusfinnell/]) joins the Gems With Gen pod. They chat about their origin story, how their relationship has evolved, and drop some gems on what makes a good friend. For more gems, follow the pod @gemswithgenpod [https://www.instagram.com/gemswithgenpod/], and Gennifer @g.ennifer [https://www.instagram.com/g.ennifer/] on Instagram.