Mastery, Mentorship, and Meaning in Modern Aesthetics

Why Discipline Matters More Than Motivation

In episode 11 of The Curated Confidence, English Black interviews Alani Bankhead, a leadership coach, a former US Air Force service member, and a Senate candidate, as they discuss Alani's transition from military life to private coaching and her decision to run for the US Senate.  Tune in to explore the idea that confidence is rooted in alignment and authenticity rather than performance. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Curated Confidence 00:55 Meet Alani Bankhead: From Military to Senate 02:49 Alani's Military Journey and Transition 05:27 Harnessing Weaknesses as Strengths 07:59 Empowering Others and Running for Office 09:25 Challenges and Resilience in Leadership 15:44 The Call to Public Service 24:33 Seeking Signs and Finding Purpose 24:59 Embracing the Call to Serve 25:52 Overcoming Personal Struggles 27:18 The Power of Community and Support 28:52 Aligning Actions with Purpose 30:29 Self-Care and Personal Growth 35:18 Confidence and Faith 47:15 Final Thoughts and Encouragement QUOTES * “The things I thought made me inferior were actually the things that unlocked my greatest successes.” -Alani Bankhead * “My military career taught me discipline, sacrifice, and service — but it was the journey after the uniform that taught me how to help people unlearn silence and reclaim their voice.”-Alani Bankhead * “I’m not enough, but God is. And that’s all I need to move forward.” -Alani Bankhead SOCIAL MEDIA English Black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/english-black-6218039/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/english-black-6218039/]  Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/thecuratedaesthetic [https://www.instagram.com/thecuratedaesthetic_nc/?hl=en] Alani Bankhead LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanibankhead/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanibankhead/]  WEBSITE The Curated Aesthetics: https://thecuratedaesthetic.com/ [https://thecuratedaesthetic.com/]

From Doubt to Action: Redefining Confidence in Leadership

In episode 10 of The Curated Confidence, English Black interviews Krista Donargo, a renowned coach specializing in psychology, performance, and leadership presence, as she shares her journey from the fashion and beauty world to real estate and how her creative, modern approach is reshaping the buying experience for today’s homeowners. Tune in for a conversation that illuminates the path to owning your story and expressing your true beauty from the inside out. TIMESTAMPS [00:03:25] Confidence in high-pressure environments. [00:04:41] Confidence under pressure. [00:10:12] Mindset's impact on daily life. [00:12:00] Intentional thinking and self-awareness. [00:16:49] Emotional connection in speaking. [00:20:21] Trust and connection in communication. [00:26:43] Mirror neurons and leadership. [00:31:21] Mindset coaching for high achievers. [00:32:47] Mindfulness practices for clarity. [00:37:41] Rebuilding confidence in graduate school. [00:42:06] Overcoming fear of speaking. [00:44:15] Confidence and self-awareness. [00:48:34] True confidence and connection. QUOTES * "Being a woman is just so complicated in and of itself. And then being a woman as a business owner, as a public speaker, as an entrepreneur, it's a multi-layered onion." -English Black * "True confidence is actually the opposite. It's about doubting yourself and then taking action even when you feel uncertain or afraid." -Krista Donargo * "True confidence isn't loud, it's a line." -English Black SOCIAL MEDIA English Black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/english-black-6218039/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/english-black-6218039/]  Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/thecuratedaesthetic [https://www.instagram.com/thecuratedaesthetic_nc/?hl=en] Krista Donargo Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/krista.donargo [https://www.instagram.com/krista.donargo]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristaDonargoActress [https://www.facebook.com/KristaDonargoActress/about/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-donargo-0665808/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-donargo-0665808/]   WEBSITE The Curated Aesthetics: https://thecuratedaesthetic.com/ [https://thecuratedaesthetic.com/]

Building a Body Genius: Amy Jordan's Insights on Confidence, Health, and Entrepreneurship

In episode 9 of The Curated Confidence, English Black interviews Amy Jordan, founder and CEO of Wundabar Pilates, as she shares her journey from the entertainment industry to revolutionizing Pilates with her innovative approach to movement. Tune in for a conversation filled with inspiration, resilience, and unapologetic truths about owning your story and embodying your worth. TIMESTAMPS [00:03:09] Inside-out confidence building. [00:04:27-00:04:38] Self-worth and prioritizing self-care. [00:09:56] Body awareness and movement. [00:12:16] Trusting your intuition in leadership. [00:16:19] Movement as medicine. [00:19:30] Importance of movement for health. [00:24:23] Delegating tasks effectively. [00:26:13] Brand philosophy in scaling. [00:29:45] Healing through Pilates journey. [00:36:51] Understanding body integration. [00:37:32] Unconditional self-love and acceptance. [00:40:45] Power of positive imagination. QUOTES * "Movement can be medicine, and that is when we listen to the body; it becomes our greatest teacher." -English Black * "Being in tune with your body, your body sending you messages all the time, whether it's something severe, like a cancer diagnosis or a little more fluid." -Amy Jordan * "The reality is you can't do it all. You'll be a jack of all trades, a master of none." -English Black SOCIAL MEDIA English Black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/english-black-6218039/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/english-black-6218039/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuratedaesthetic [https://www.instagram.com/thecuratedaesthetic_nc/?hl=en] Amy Jordan Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/amyjordanofficial/ [https://www.instagram.com/amyjordanofficial/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmySowersJordan/ [https://www.facebook.com/AmySowersJordan/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-jordan-127222358/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-jordan-127222358/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiXVHuPWFe_I44xW1mhGHvA [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiXVHuPWFe_I44xW1mhGHvA]  WEBSITE The Curated Aesthetics: https://thecuratedaesthetic.com/ [https://thecuratedaesthetic.com/]  Wundabar: https://www.wundabar.com/wundastory [https://www.wundabar.com/wundastory]

Mastery, Mentorship, and Meaning in Modern Aesthetics

In episode 8 of The Curated Confidence, English Black interviews Grace McLaurin, a physician assistant and owner of Vitality Anti-Aging Center, as she shares her wisdom on building lasting relationships with patients, the importance of mentorship, and how to navigate the emotional demands of the industry.  Tune in for an inspiring dialogue that goes beyond surface beauty, encouraging listeners to embrace their authentic selves. TIMESTAMPS [00:02:50] The importance of looking good. [00:04:02] Confidence and external appearance. [00:09:05] Confidence through ongoing training. [00:10:41] Artistic eye in injectors. [00:15:25] Building a successful team. [00:19:24] Regenerative medicine in aesthetics. [00:21:40] Building patient loyalty and trust. [00:25:51] Setting boundaries in leadership. [00:30:28] Comparison is the thief of joy. [00:32:08] Cadaver class importance in training. [00:37:16] Relationships and self-esteem in aesthetics. [00:39:34] Aesthetic training opportunities in Hickory. QUOTES * "I think confidence comes with knowledge." -Grace McLaurin * "Comparison is the thief of joy." -English Black * "True confidence doesn't come from chasing trends. It comes from mastery, ethics, and a genuine love for people." -English Black SOCIAL MEDIA English Black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/english-black-6218039/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/english-black-6218039/]  Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/thecuratedaesthetic [https://www.instagram.com/thecuratedaesthetic_nc/?hl=en] Grace McLaurin Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gracemclaurin_pac/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/gracemclaurin_pac/?hl=en]  LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/grace-mclaurin-1669ab4a/ [http://linkedin.com/in/grace-mclaurin-1669ab4a/]  WEBSITE The Curated Aesthetics: https://thecuratedaesthetic.com/ [https://thecuratedaesthetic.com/]

Curating Confidence: Embracing Your Journey with Renée Warren

In episode 7 of The Curated Confidence, English Black interviews incredible Renee Warren, an Award-winning entrepreneur, Angel Investor, Speaker, and Author as they dive deep into the transformative journey of embracing one's true self and redefining success on personal terms. Tune in for real talk, mindset shifts, and the unapologetic truths that help you curate confidence and embrace your authentic self. TIMESTAMPS [00:02:47] World schooling while traveling. [00:05:39-00:05:49] Family playbook for quality time. [00:10:31] Learning to be okay with discomfort. [00:11:44] Personal growth through adversity. [00:17:48] Our mess is our message. [00:21:37] Wealth and giving back. [00:23:13] Rich girl energy mindset. [00:29:10] Women's roles and societal expectations. [00:30:14] Balancing partnership and individuality. [00:36:31] Legacy beyond material achievements. [00:39:42] The importance of recognition. [00:43:41] Breaking cycles of self-doubt. [00:48:43] The Pink Skirt Project. [00:51:40] Intuition in decision-making. [00:53:07] The power of self-belief. QUOTES * "You can choose to be the victim, and live your life in this depression. Or you can be like, I'm done with this. I'm moving on." -Renee Warren * "If good people make a lot of money, they can do great things. So why don't we all just strive for that?" -Renee Warren * "The recognition of the fact that we don't need to be climbing the same mountains in order for us to have a great relationship was the biggest blessing." -Renee Warren   SOCIAL MEDIA English Black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/english-black-6218039/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/english-black-6218039/]  Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/thecuratedaesthetic [https://www.instagram.com/thecuratedaesthetic_nc/?hl=en] Renee Warren Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renee_warren/ [https://www.instagram.com/renee_warren/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thereneewarren/ [https://www.facebook.com/thereneewarren/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/warrenrenee/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/warrenrenee/]  WEBSITE The Curated Aesthetics: https://thecuratedaesthetic.com/ [https://thecuratedaesthetic.com/]  Renee Warren: https://www.reneewarren.com/ [https://www.reneewarren.com/]