Designing a Life in Fashion with Jess Holt

Building What You Want to Exist with Ola Akinmowo (The Free Black Women's Library)

In this episode, I sit down with Ola Akinmowo, founder of The Free Black Women’s Library (@thefreeblackwomenslibrary⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thefreeblackwomenslibrary/]), to talk about what it looks like to build the thing you wish existed in your own community. What began as a personal love of books and Black women writers grew into a grassroots library and cultural space in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. We talk about representation, preserving Black women’s stories, passion versus sustainability, separating your identity from your work, and what it really costs to create something rooted in care. If you’ve ever felt called to bring an idea into the world simply because it should exist — this conversation will remind you to take that call seriously. Support The Free Black Women’s Library Website: ⁠⁠https://www.thefreeblackwomenslibrary.com/ ⁠ [https://www.thefreeblackwomenslibrary.com/] Patreon (support Ola directly): https://www.patreon.com/tfbwl https://www.patreon.com/tfbwl [https://www.patreon.com/tfbwl] Crowdfunding: https://givebutter.com/TFBWLhttps://givebutter.com/TFBWL [https://givebutter.com/TFBWL] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreeblackwomenslibrary/ [https://www.instagram.com/thefreeblackwomenslibrary/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheFreeBlackWomensLibrary [https://www.youtube.com/TheFreeBlackWomensLibrary] Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/tfbwl/ [https://www.bonfire.com/store/tfbwl/]

Trusting Yourself Enough to Change Direction with Letta Jews

In this episode, I sit down with my aunt, Letta Jews, founder of KSM Candle Co. (@ksmcandleco [https://www.instagram.com/ksmcandleco/]), to talk about what it really looks like to trust yourself enough to change direction. After 15 years in real estate marketing, Letta found herself questioning the path she was on and imagining what it might mean to start over. What began as a practical skill she wanted to learn eventually grew into a business that gave her freedom, stability, and the ability to build a life on her own terms. We talk about leaving what no longer fits, separating your identity from your work, betting on yourself, and remembering that as long as you’re still here - you have the capacity to do more. If you’ve ever felt a quiet pull toward something different, this conversation will remind you to trust yourself enough to follow it.

Designing a Life in Fashion with Jess Holt

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and fashion designer Jessica Holt (@justjess___ [https://www.instagram.com/justjess___/]) to talk about what working in fashion actually looks like—beyond the Devil Wears Prada fantasy. We go over the different roles she's held, working for smaller designers vs big corporations, her freelancing journey, and the doubts that come up along the way. We also get into the lifestyle she's creating for herself and her brand, The Front Row (@thefrontrow.magazine [https://www.instagram.com/thefrontrow.magazine/]), sharing resources and opportunities for other people of color in fashion. Excited to share this conversation! Links: Follow Jess on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justjess___/ [https://www.instagram.com/justjess___/] Follow The Front Row on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefrontrow.magazine/ [https://www.instagram.com/thefrontrow.magazine/]

Introducing Work for What We Want

Welcome to Work for What We Want! A new podcast  on our evolving relationship with work and what it looks like to work for what we want. In this episode, I do a brief introduction of the show, why I'm starting this podcast, and what my hopes are for the future of the show.