Many Hats

Briana Welch talks crocheting, knitting and community

Briana Welch is a creator at heart, and bold, bright colors have always played a starring role in the process. That creativity had been centered around cosmetology for many years. She fell in love with that art form at the age of 16, and eventually became a licensed cosmetologist and makeup artist. Briana’s journey to what became Holly and Oak Yarn Company began during the pandemic when she explored new ways to express that creativity. That led her to an old love crocheting. She began displaying her wares at local markets, including one found across the street from the storefront where Holly and Oak is currently located. Now Briana is forming generations of knitters and crocheters into a community at her shop on the near Northwest Side. Wife, mother, cosmetologist, makeup artist, entrepreneur. Briana has worn many hats. Please welcome her to this episode of the Many Hats Podcast.

A conversation with Trina Robinson, chair of the South Bend Reparatory Justice Commission

In 2023, the South Bend Common Council passed an ordinance establishing the South Bend Reparatory Justice Commission. The commission was charged with investigating the harms perpetrated against South Bend’s Black community. While these harms are historic, many of the impacts can still be felt. The commission’s goal was to develop findings and make recommendations to address those harms. The SBRJC completed its task this year and presented its report and recommendations to the Common Council on June 8. The commission will hold a public forum on Monday where it will share the report with the community and seek feedback. Here to discuss the commission’s work and talk about Monday’s forum is commission chairwoman Trina Robinson.

Gail Dukes talks about growth, history and the homemade jam that you have to eat

I’ve had a front row seat to this woman displaying her many gifts for the last 35 years – if you include the courtship period. I can tell you that Gail Alane Dukes has many talents. Organizational skills: She’s the head of hospitality at Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, and the librarian at Holy Cross Grade School. She’s a seamstress who can also knit, as anyone who owns one of her scarves can attest. However, when it comes to cooking, Gail has a gift. Gail is the owner of Social Butterfly Catering, a company that she’s owned for nearly 30 years. While COVID kept the world on lockdown, Gail displayed her brilliance when she went into the kitchen and began experimenting with making homemade jam. Those experiments led to the creation of Bread’s Best Friend Jam Company. Gail and I will talk about her journey on this episode of the Many Hats Podcast.

Eld. Carl J, Steen III talks faith, family and fitness

Regardless of where you fall in your fitness journey, it’s time to get up and move. However, many people don’t know where to start. Fortunately, our community is filled with fitness trainers who have the expertise and patience to meet you where you are, and it’s never too late. Whether you’re an athlete looking for that extra edge, someone taking those first tentative steps back into the gym or you want to learn a new sport, the guests that I will talk with over the next four weeks of the Many Hats Podcast all have a story to tell. My next guest, Eld. Carl J. Steen III, seeks to address the needs of the entire person, first as a preacher of the gospel and as a fitness trainer, who founded and own 3rd Gen Fitness. Eld. Carl J. Steen is a legendary name in the city of South Bend’s faith community. His grandfather pastored Saint’s Memorial Church of God in Christ. His father, Bishop Carl J. Steen II is currently the pastor, and CJ III is an ordained pastor there. CJ also seeks to minister to the natural body through his personal training business. For the Eld. Carl J. Steen III there is no separation between mind, body and soul. The married father of three with one on the way seeks to get every aspect of our lives in line. We will talk about it here on the next episode of the Many Hats Podcast.

Fitness Month: Working Out With Amber Thomas

Regardless of where you fall in your fitness journey, it’s time to get up and move. However, many people don’t know where to start. Fortunately, our community is filled with fitness trainers who have the expertise and patience to meet you where you are, and it’s never too late. Whether you’re an athlete looking for that extra edge, someone taking those first tentative steps back into the gym or you want to learn a new sport, the guests that I will talk with over the next four weeks of the Many Hats Podcast all have a story to tell. My first guest is Amber Thomas, owner of Amber’s Fitness Lab, located in the 1600 Block of South Miami Street in South Bend. The name of Amber’s business gives you a hint that she takes a scientific approach to fitness training that’s influenced by her years working in the health care field. Amber spent her life involved in sports, so she knows the connection between body and health. However, Amber also had to overcome internal challenges that could have stopped her from becoming a fitness training with a loyal following. We will hear about it on this episode of The Many Hats Podcast. Please welcome Amber Thomas.