Flip Flops & Tiaras

Push On Through

At 9 years old - Diamonds mother went missing.  No one really talked about where her mom was or what may have happened to her. At 18 years old, she went on a mission to find her mother that lead to results no one saw coming. She has been through unimaginable trauma but as Diamond says - she learned to push through. Diamond Johnston is the kind of daughter we all hope to have. She is tenacious and loyal, incredibly intelligent, hard working, capable and devoted. Devoted to her own children and devoted to her family.  In 2012, she started working in her Grandma's herb shop for extra money and she eventually started studying those books, and how the products benefited our bodies. She became passionate. She listened to what certain products did for customers and she started using the products along with her husband and children. Eventually she began to resell and create products to share within her community for their overall wellbeing.   In 2017, she gave birth at home with an amazing midwife on that day-her dependency being SOLELY relied on medicinal interventions during labor and birth changed. The outcome of her home birth experience became the birth of her company, Push and Co. Essentials.      By 2020, she had become a Birth/Postpartum Doula helping many families in her community.  To learn more about Diamond and Push and Co. Essentials: pushandcoessentials.com [https://pushandcoessentials.com/] https://www.instagram.com/pushandcompany/ [https://www.instagram.com/pushandcompany/] Go to www.flipflopsandtiaras.com https://www.flipflopsandtiaras.com [https://www.flipflopsandtiaras.com] to learn more about the show, our guests and to apply to be on a future podcast! Ta Ta for now :)

Shaking Up the Status Quo

Celia DuBose is a champion at shaking up the status quo, whether fighting for the rights of others, starting an all female quasi-punk band or giving her heart to environmental campaigns. In response to spiritual “mishandling” at a very young age, Celia’s has boldly gone down many paths toward spiritual growth, creative expression, and the fight for environmental and social justice. A songwriter, singer, and bass player, she co-founded an all-female band called Z Axis in the 80s that made the local college charts and opened for acts including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Primus, and Billy Idol. Later, she played in the group, Vukani Mawethu — which performed South African freedom songs and was affiliated with the African National Congress — then in World Beat bands with her husband, Eric “Doc” Smith, a drummer and fellow traveler. She is currently writing and producing a documentary film on a climate solution she has championed for the last 15 years — low carbon biofuels in California. She loves talking about the Perennial Philosophy, best summed up in a quote by Meister Eckhart: “Theologians may quarrel, but the mystics of the world speak the same language.” Listen to archives of Celia's 1980's band Z Axis at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4y-SOvFjfD4FSBDJpDTgbw0K6_NIDsE2 (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4y-SOvFjfD4FSBDJpDTgbw0K6_NIDsE2) [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4y-SOvFjfD4FSBDJpDTgbw0K6_NIDsE2] & soundcloud.com/user-429765450 [https://soundcloud.com/user-429765450] Go to www.flipflopsandtiaras.com https://www.flipflopsandtiaras.com [https://www.flipflopsandtiaras.com] to learn more about the show, our guests and to apply to be on a future podcast! Ta Ta for now :)

Against All Odds

Machelle Gardner was a "normal kid" who grew up in a loving home. She was not a person anyone would have expected to end up on a journey that led to 15 years in prison. Many in her circumstances would have given up or continued down a not great path for the remainder of their life. But not Machelle. She ultimately got her bachelor's degree while incarcerated while in prison. When released, she completed her masters degree. And now she is working on her doctorate. Machelle is also helping other women released from incarceration become acclimated to the world again in hopes that they can also find their way to happiness and success too.  We were blown away by her story and know you will be inspired as well!  Go to www.flipflopsandtiaras.com https://www.flipflopsandtiaras.com [https://www.flipflopsandtiaras.com] to learn more about the show, our guests and to apply to be on a future podcast! Ta Ta for now :)

The Tenacious Crusader

Courtney Wood is an inspiration in doing what is right, even when it feels like the world is against you. Even when the courts and systems set up to protect children are fighting against them being protected. Even when some family turn against you.  She stood up for children when no one else would admit the terrible trauma they were enduring. She was told by other family members to mind her business and leave the kids alone. Her story is incredible and her battle to protect her cousins children from unfathomable abuse is beyond what most of us could have withstood.  This is also the story of three very brave and powerful and loving women. Courtneys mother and her grandmother and aunt stood by her side and were her chief supporters emotionally, physically and financially as she fought to do what was right in the face of adversity. And Courtneys story also includes a beautiful reunion with her father after years of not having a real relationship. His working to conquer his demons and coming in to support his daughter as she took on this battle was just another incredible piece to her journey.  Courtney has also spent the last 14 plus years homeschooling her  children and others while volunteering as an advocate for children with learning challenges. Her involvement with families and various organizations has developed a love for assisting people with getting their specific needs met.  In her role as a real estate agent, she is committed to meeting her clients needs while educating and supporting them throughout the process of buying or selling their home.  As a native Washingtonian, she puts her  knowledge of the DC Metro Area to work to ensure her clients select the perfect dream home. Learn more about Courtneys Real Estate Business at: Website: welcomehomebywood.com [https://www.bhgre.com/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Real-Estate-Premier-5221c/Courtney-Wood-7398209a;jsessionid=7B42EE456B8213831FA5DCD8E3E33DDD.app03-bhg-id9] Instagram:  Welcomehomebywood [https://www.instagram.com/welcomehomebywood/] Go to www.flipflopsandtiaras.com https://www.flipflopsandtiaras.com [https://www.flipflopsandtiaras.com] to learn more about the show, our guests and to apply to be on a future podcast! Ta Ta for now :)

Resilience Defined

Shirley Perry -Richardson is a Minister of the gospel, a Retired Virginia Homicide Detective, a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, a Body Builder, a facilitator of Cancer Ministry and is the Executive Director of a non-profit for women.   Shirley joins Jess, Dr. Harris and Kristin Peck in a conversation about her life that blew our minds. Shirley DEFINES resilience. She is one of the most inspiring women we have ever encountered.  Listen in and be prepared to go on an incredible journey.  Go to www.flipflopsandtiaras.com https://www.flipflopsandtiaras.com [https://www.flipflopsandtiaras.com] to learn more about the show, our guests and to apply to be on a future podcast! Ta Ta for now :)