STORY TIME: Jessica “Jai” Florez

Episode 10: Does My Skin Tone Really Matter?

On Episode 10 of The Late Bloomer podcast, I sit down with my friend Bea Hinton, AKA Monica Madness, and chat about the intricacies of being a light-skinned female. We also got into conversation about bi-racial-ness, because both Bea and I come from such backgrounds, and its a hard thing to maneuver when growing up! One of the great points Bea had pointed out during our conversation was that often times when you think of a bi-racial person, you think of someone with a white and/or black background - you forget literally every other bi-racial combo there can be. Listen to the full episode to get a little more background on this young lawyer, and also a better idea on what we need to so better as a society!

Episode 9: Do People Still Have Manners These Days?

About 3 months ago I came across a page that showed individuality, self-expression and creativity. Whenever I see a page that shows me something I’ve never seen before, I’m pretty quick to press the follow button. This particular page belonged to a black artist by the name of Parron Allen [http://www.parronallen.com/].  Hailing from the south, Greenwood Mississippi to be exact, @parron.allen [https://www.instagram.com/parron.allen/] is the epitome of southern comfort and southern hospitality. Though I’ve only been in NYC for 3 years, you quickly forget what manners looks like. As soon as Parron and I started talking, I was immediately attracted to his genuinity and kindness that come forth so effortlessly. It was a pleasure to meet him and get to know more about his brand, his life as a young struggling artist in NYC and how those obstacles have shaped him to be the person he is today.

STORY TIME: Jessica “Jai” Florez

Story time: Episode 8 of The Late Bloomer podcast - I’m introducing y’all to a true New York native. When I asked “If you could live anywhere, where would you want to live?” Her response was “Staten Island” …. Only a true New Yorker would just give me another part of New York to live in. Her name is Jessica, but you can call her “Jai.” @casa.de.florez [https://www.instagram.com/casa.de.florez/?hl=en] is “an awkward black girl from East NY,” a photographer and a creative director who has been taking photos since as far as she can remember. This Story Time episode gives you a quick glimpse in the life of a creative, and the transition from doing what she loves part-time, to full time.

Episode 7: Feel Good In Your Skin

On Episode 7 of The Late Bloomer podcast, we had the pleasure of sharing the space with Aisya Washington. I found @a.stylesme [https://www.instagram.com/a.stylesme/?hl=en] through my discover page, so I credit her for figuring out IG’s algorithm… because wow, its a straight game. We had an amazing chat about fashion, why she got into styling, plus-size women and the obstacles they face while shopping, and fears. This clip highlights what Aisya fears which… I too relate. It’s hard to take chances, but would you rather take a chance than look back and regret it?

Episode 6: A True Love Hate Relationship

On Episode 6 of The Late Bloomer podcast, Vicky’s back! Vicky AKA founder and designer of @j.o.a.n.atelier [https://www.instagram.com/j.o.a.n.atelier/] is our first 2nd timer so yay to the small stuff! Vicky sat down with us and gave us a few pointers on Instagram algorithms and selling product on social media. But most importantly, she spoke on how important it is to take a break from the scene. When we recorded this episode, she was actually on a hiatus from her pages. It’s necessary, she said, because it can cloud her creative juices. Being a designer, her creative juices are her everything! How often do you take social media breaks? Vicky's IG - @shotsfiredva [https://www.instagram.com/shotsfiredva/?hl=en]