- Black with Benefits: A Collaborative Journey with Shirlz and Denese
“Black with Benefits” is a new audio series that brings mental health theories to life in an engaging story about a modern day situationship. It highlights cultural expectations, family dynamics, and societal pressures, especially within Black and Brown communities. And, in this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, I get to sit down with its creators! Today I talk to Shirlz Rejouis and Denese Longsworth, and get all the details on the show.
In this episode, Shirlz and Denese share the show’s writing process, their creative journey, and how they bridged theoretical knowledge with real-life examples. They also highlight the significance of their social work backgrounds in shaping the content of “Black with Benefits,” emphasizing mental health and community support. They reflect on their successful listening party, the challenges of work-life balance, and the need for boundaries in creative partnerships. And, they discuss the significance of community, support, and resilience in the entrepreneurial journey, encouraging you to embrace your identity and pursue your dreams despite the obstacles.
This conversation truly highlights the importance of collaboration and sisterhood in your creative endeavors. Ultimately, we hope to inspire you to embrace your journey, learn from failures, and build meaningful connections.
We talk:
10:40 - Sisterhood and collaboration
26:11 - Social work's influence on creativity
32:15 - “Black with Benefits,” a peak into the story
42:06 - Entrepreneurship: overcoming fear and building community
Episode References:
Ep. 17 - Rejection is Redirection: Walking in Purpose with Shirlz Rejouis
Connect with Shirlz!
- IG @i_5urelyrejoice
- SubStack @i5urelyrejoice
Connect with Denese!
- IG @deneseduran82
Follow Black with Benefits on social media!
- IG @frequency973prod
- Threads @frequency973prod
Connect with Pink Lady!
- IG @pinkladyprod
- Tik Tok @pinkladyprod
- LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media!
- IG @betonyourselfsis
- Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis
- YouTube @betonyourselfsis
55m - Sep 2, 2026 - Summer Break for Bet On Yourself, Sis!
My grandmother passed away a year ago.
And it has been super hard to focus on anything but memories.
So Bet On Yourself, Sis! is taking a break! But we will be back with new episodes on Wednesday, September 2nd! Make sure that you are subscribed and/or following the show so that you will be notified. And catch up on old episodes while you wait.
Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis
1m - Aug 12, 2026 - Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship with Ms. Jonna
I’m not a mom yet, but I know that entrepreneur parents are amazing! You work, you build your business, you take care of your family, and you take care of yourself! Entrepreneuring as a parent is hard work and today’s guest on Bet On Yourself, Sis! is an expert! Ms. Jonna is a mama of 5 children and the daycare mama of many others. She is the owner of Ms. Jonna’s Play & Learn, a successful home-based daycare center, and she is currently working on her first children's book for publication.
In this episode, Ms. Jonna shares her journey of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship and the challenges she faced in establishing her daycare business. She is also a longtime vegan with 3 self published vegan cookbooks, so you know I had to learn more about that! She discusses her transition to veganism and the creation of her cookbooks.
Throughout the conversation, we emphasize the importance of authenticity, staying true to yourself in your entrepreneurial journey, and the personal growth that comes with it. We explore the significance of networking, the need for self-care, and the necessity of perseverance and hard work for achieving long-term goals, especially for Black Women Entrepreneurs.
We talk:
08:55 - Starting the daycare business
18:13 - Staying true to yourself in business
22:48 - The power of networking and authentic connections
30:25 - Personal growth through entrepreneurship
40:28 - Advice for Black Women Entrepreneurs: perseverance and self-care
Episode References:
Just VEGANIZE It: Vol 2, Soups, Salads, & Sides
VEGANIZED for Kids: Vegan Cooking Simplified for Kids
Connect with Ms. Jonna! - IG @Ms.Jonnas - FB @msjonnas - LinkTree @queenluv
Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis
44m - Jul 29, 2026 - Support, Advocacy, and Community Through Doula Services with Leah Hairston
We live in a world where Black birthgivers face a disproportionately higher risk of mortality, with a rate of 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births*. And Leah Hairston is on a mission to change that number to 0 deaths. Leah is a seasoned doula, health advocate, and the CEO and founder of Sweet Bee Services, Baltimore's concierge doula agency, with a 100% survival rate.
In this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, Leah shares her entrepreneurial journey into the field of doula services and creating a business that prioritizes community needs and well-being. She discusses the importance of autonomy and choice in maternal health and the challenges faced by Black women in the healthcare system. And she emphasizes the need for education and support in navigating maternal care.
Our conversation highlights the intersection of personal purpose and professional responsibility, and the necessity of addressing financial concerns in the pursuit of impactful work. We discuss the need for Black Women Entrepreneurs to embrace our unique identities and serve our communities. And, we advocate for rest, noting that it is imperative and not earned.
We talk:
8:53 - The importance of autonomy and choice
17:51 - Entrepreneurship in the doula space
29:20 - Sustainable business practices
37:40 - Entrepreneurship as a responsibility and privilege
45:13 - Advice for Black Women Entrepreneurs
Episode References:
Navigating Identity Shifts in Business and Life with Shervon Laurice
*CDC’s Data from the Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System
Connect with Leah! - IG @sweetbeeservices - LinkedIn @lhairston - Website SweetBeeDoula.com
Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis
51m - Jul 15, 2026 - Empowering Black Women in Voiceover and Life with Casaundra Freeman
This is another episode to remind you to build your dream life! Don’t focus on finding your dream job. Do what you have been called to do and the rest will fall into place. That is a running theme in this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, with Casaundra Freeman. Casaundra is a professional actor and director, and the founder of Work with Your Voice, a voiceover training program exclusively for Black women.
In this episode, Casaundra shares her transformative journey through motherhood and entrepreneurship. She discusses her career change from acting to voiceover, her move to Mexico to “worldschool” her children, and the importance of community and empowerment for Black women, especially in the voiceover industry. Casaundra also notes her experiences with grief, healing, and setting boundaries while navigating her career and motherhood.
Our discussion emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, the power of believing in yourself, the responsibilities that come with freedom as an entrepreneur, and the necessity of pursuing dreams without seeking external validation.
We talk:
12:45 - World Schooling and Healing Through Relocation
27:31 - Building Community and Setting Boundaries
38:28 - The Journey to Motherhood and Self-Discovery
48:45 - The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Pursuing Freedom and Responsibility
55:53 - Overcoming Adversity: The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence
1:09:37 Dreaming Big: The Importance of Believing in Yourself
Episode References:
https:The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms - Audiobook
The Broken Kingdoms - Audiobook
The Kingdom of Gods - Audiobook
ExodUS Summit | For Black Women
The Official We Do Not Care Club Handbook by Melani Sanders
Connect with Casaundra! - IG @heycasaundra - LinkedIn @casaundra-freeman - Website heycasaundra.com
Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis
1h 15m - Jul 1, 2026 - The Intersection of Health and Leadership with Dr. Alicia Newsome
“We are human beings, not human doings!” This quote from Dr. Alicia Newsome really sets the tone for this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis! Dr. Alicia is an executive advisor, international speaker, bestselling author, and most importantly a functional medicine expert. And in this episode, I learn so much about myself.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of health in leadership, the differences between functional and traditional medicine, and the significance of rest and boundaries in entrepreneurship. Dr. Alicia shares her journey into functional medicine and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to health and well-being, especially for Black women entrepreneurs.
This conversation also touches on the importance of trusting yourself and finding clarity in your personal and professional life. Dr. Alicia teaches me about the impact of stress on hormones and overall health, which emphasizes the connection between mental and physical well-being. We highlight the importance of self-acceptance and recognizing your inherent worth. And Dr. Alicia gives practical tips on nutrition and gut health, reinforcing a holistic approach to wellness.
Stay tuned for more info on Dr. Alicia’s new book!
We talk:
06:01 - Functional vs. traditional medicine
12:07 - The importance of health in leadership
18:04 - Redesigning business for personal wellbeing
29:15 - Trusting yourself and finding clarity
34:12 - The impact of stress on hormones
52:23 - Empowerment and self-acceptance for Black women entrepreneurs
Episode References:
Stories of The World's Greatest Speakers (2024)
Women Redefining Leadership with S.P.I.C.E. (2025)
Connect with Dr. Alicia! - IG @dr.alicianewsome - YouTube @dr.alicianewsome - LinkedIn @dr-alicia-newsome
Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis
54m - Jun 17, 2026 - From Dream Job to Dream Life: A Cannabis Journey with Lucille Verdé
We got another Black Woman in Cannabis ya’ll! If you know her, you already know this will be a great conversation. But if you don’t know her, I’m super excited to introduce you to Lucille Verdé, your favorite stay at home stoner. Lucille is a cannabis entrepreneur and the owner of Canna Cape Cod, a unique bud and breakfast in DC.
In this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, Lucille shares her journey in the cannabis industry, both personal and professional. She highlights the importance of community building, the cultural nuances of being a stoner, and the spiritual growth that comes with entrepreneurship.
Our conversation emphasizes the significance of empowering Black Women, especially within the cannabis industry, showcasing the nurturing and supportive community we create. We discuss the importance of advocating for those still incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses. And we stress the need for authenticity, resilience, and commitment in entrepreneurship and the importance of recognizing signs in business and life.
We talk:
4:10 - The journey of building a cannabis business
12:05 - Navigating the cannabis industry while community building
19:24 - Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship
25:31 - From dream job to dream life
38:06 - The injustice of cannabis incarceration
42:52 - Empowering Black Women Entrepreneurs!
Episode References:
Connect with Lucille! - IG @canna_cape_cod_dc - YouTube @lucilleverde420 - Website lucille-verde.com
Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis
46m - Jun 3, 2026 - Social Entrepreneurship: Making Money while Doing Good with Anna DeShawn
What does success mean to you? What does it look like? How does it smell? Don’t look at that business over there for an idea. Look inside and define it for yourself! That is one of the running themes in this episode of Bet on Yourself, Sis!, with Anna Deshawn.
Anna is a social entrepreneur, storyteller, and community organizer, and together we discuss the important keys for Black Women Entrepreneurs, including setting boundaries to protect your energy and defining success on your own terms. Anna shares her journey into entrepreneurship, from going to journaling camps as a child to building platforms that center BIPOC and QTPOC, amplifying marginalized voices. She also emphasizes the need for financial stability to create impact and shares her personal practices for self-care and avoiding burnout.
The conversation highlights the importance of consistent preparation for challenges, intentional planning to manage energy, and the necessity of building a supportive team. It also emphasizes the value of delegation, the balance between time and money, and the significance of community over individualism.
We talk:
06:28 - Defining success on your own terms
16:30 - The importance of rest and self-care
22:10 - Building a support system
30:47 - The difference between business owner and entrepreneur
32:13 - Advice for Black Women Entrepreneurs
Episode References:
Navigating Identity Shifts in Business and Life with Shervon Laurice
Connect with Anna! - IG @annadeshawn - YouTube @e3radio - Website annadeshawn.com
Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis
39m - May 20, 2026 - Faded Living: Celebrating Cannabis Through Food with Necole Hines
Education is everything! That is especially true when it comes to cannabis, because it still holds so much stigma. And in this episode of Bet on Yourself, Sis!, Necole Hines, cannabis educator, chef, and advocate, gives us a crash course on the cannabis industry and how she incorporates the plant into her cooking.
Necole and I discuss the stigma surrounding cannabis use, the challenges of entrepreneurship in the cannabis industry, and the significance of self-care and rest for personal and professional growth. She shares the journey of starting her business, Faded Living, and how she navigates the cannabis market while emphasizing the need for patience and adaptability.
In this conversation, we explore the challenges and opportunities for Black women entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry, emphasizing the need for education and networking. We also highlight the significance of embracing discomfort and the personal nature of cannabis experiences.
We talk:
4:52 - Breaking the stigma around cannabis
10:04 - Entrepreneurship in the cannabis industry
19:58 - The importance of pivoting in business
31:58 - Listening to your body
40:43 - Creating a cannabis-friendly experience
46:34 - Embracing uncomfortability
Episode References:
Ep. 9 - Growing from Community Catering to Creative Entrepreneurship
Connect with Necole! - IG @fadedliving - Website fadedliving.com - LinkedIn @necole-hines
Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis
1h 0m - May 6, 2026 - Navigating Identity Shifts in Business and Life with Shervon Laurice
Finding a Black woman therapist isn’t easy. But, finding a queer, Black, woman therapist who is a good fit for your personal needs… feels like it is near impossible sometimes. But, don’t stop looking. Your person is out there! And, in this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, Shervon Laurice gives us hope!
Shervon is a psychotherapist turned transformational coach, and she emphasizes the importance of embodying new identities for personal and professional growth. In this episode we discuss the impact of the pandemic on self-discovery, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the necessity of overcoming limiting beliefs. We also explore themes of abundance, service, and the importance of self-reflection in entrepreneurship.
We encourage you to reflect on your own identities and the shifts required to achieve true freedom and success in your lives. We consider the challenges of pivoting in business, the significance of nervous system regulation for mental health, and the empowerment of Black women entrepreneurs.
We talk:
06:04 - The importance of identity shifts in entrepreneurship
19:48 - Navigating mindset and identity shifts
27:49 - Overcoming limiting beliefs and embracing new identities
38:46 - The power of self-reflection and authenticity
42:07 - Nervous system regulation and mental health
54:59 - Integrating insight into action
Episode References:
Connect with Shervon! - IG @shervonlaurice - LinkedIn @shervonlaurice - Website elevatewithshervon.com
Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis
1h 0m - Apr 22, 2026 - Feedback and Community: Keys to Business Success with Eboné Bell
Stop thinking of feedback as a negative thing! It’s only data. Or, as Eboné Bell says, it’s an opportunity to learn new information. And she gives even more keys to business in this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!
Eboné Bell is a Keynote Speaker & Voiceover Artist, and she shares her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the creation of Tagg Magazine and her commitment to serving the LGBTQ+ community. She discusses the importance of authenticity, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the need for self-compassion and forgiveness. She also offers practical advice for aspiring business owners and explores her transition from micromanaging to empowering others.
The conversation emphasizes the significance of resilience, the freedom that comes from delegation, and the importance of communication in partnerships. We emphasize the core value of belonging and how it impacts personal and professional growth, particularly for Black women. Eboné encourages listeners to claim their space and recognize their worth in every room they enter, highlighting the power of community and support.
We talk:
9:50 - The Journey of Tagg Magazine and filling community voids
20:10 - Overcoming loneliness and embracing authenticity in business
36:35 - Empowering creativity in collaboration
40:34 - Building relationships with integrity
55:39 - Forgiveness and growth in business
01:10:35 - Claiming your space to belong
Episode References:
Connect with Eboné! - IG @ebone.bell - TikTok @ebone.bell - Website ebonebell.com
Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis
S2E21 - 1h 13m - Apr 8, 2026 - Welcome back to a new season of Bet On Yourself, Sis!
Welcome back to a new season of Bet On Yourself, Sis!
I'm your host, Jasmine Gary aka Pink Lady (she/her), and I am thrilled for this season! We had more queer women and more women cannabis, just like I wanted! So, I hope you're ready, because new episodes start to drop on April 8th.
In the meantime, message me on IG and let me know your favorite episode so far!
Don't forget to RATE the podcast on Spotify and REVIEW it on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen! The algorithms love ratings and reviews, so the more a podcast has, the more it will be suggested by the apps. Help Bet On Yourself, Sis! reach more Black Women Entrepreneurs by rating and reviewing it today.
Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis
1m - Mar 25, 2026 - Last Episode of the Season and Mental Health Resources
Happy New Year! And welcome to the season finale of Bet On Yourself, Sis! Today, I reflect on the first season of this podcast and express my gratitude to you, my audience and every guest. I also emphasize the importance of community engagement and mental health advocacy, highlighting episodes that can serve as resources for finding therapists and mental health professionals. This episode serves as a heartfelt conclusion to the first season while looking forward to new beginnings in 2026.
I talk:
02:47 - Gratitude and community engagement
05:50 - Mental health advocacy and resources
Episode References:
Ep. 4 - Mental Health Advice, Tips, and Resources with Marquita S. Myrick
Ep. 17 - Rejection is Redirection: Walking in Purpose with Shirlz Rejouis
Ep. 18 - Trusting the Process and Embracing the Baby Steps with Derdine Brown
Ep. 19 - Exploring Mental Health Through Art and Dialogue with Vena J
Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis
6m - Jan 14, 2026 - Exploring Mental Health Through Art and Dialogue with Vena J
December was Mental Health Month here on Bet On Yourself, Sis! That was not done on purpose, but wow was it purposeful! This month I spoke to three different therapists and had three completely different conversations, but the one thing that stood out in every conversation was the power of authenticity! So let this be your reminder to BE YOURSELF and allow everything else to fall into place!
And that's a wrap! This has been an AMAZING first season of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, and this episode #19 is a great ending! Today I speak with Vena J, Licensed Social Worker/Therapist and the Producer, Creator and Host of The Konfession Korner, a platform that provides a cognitive and communal space to discuss the journeys of Black creatives, artists and entrepreneurs as well as the importance of mental health and wellness.
In this conversation, Vena J shares her journey from launching the Konfession Korner podcast and and its evolution in all that it has become, including Kreative Keynotes and Kreative Kompany. She discusses the importance of intentionality and vulnerability in conversation, emphasizes the role of community support and engagement in her creative endeavors, and reflects on her aspirations for the future.
Together we highlight the necessity of continuous learning, the courage to ask for help, and the challenges and rewards of being in the creative industry. We focus on the need for clarity and fulfillment and the value of providing resources and networking opportunities in both personal and professional spaces.
We also explore the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship, particularly from the perspective of Black women. We discuss the emotional challenges of rejection, the importance of authenticity in business, the journey of personal growth through alignment, and the value of mentorship and community support. Vena also shares her journey in social work and how it informs her entrepreneurial endeavors, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in both personal and professional realms.
Episode Reference:
Connect with Vena J! - IG @thekonfessionkorner - Website thekonfessionkorner.com - YouTube @thekonfessionkorner
Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis
1h 14m - Dec 31, 2025 - Trusting the Process and Embracing the Baby Steps with Derdine Brown
Let's be real. When you think of intimacy, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Sex. Right? But intimacy is so much more and goes so much deeper than that. It's about human connection. And, let's be even more real, we could all use a little more connection these days! That is why I'm excited to share this conversation with therapist and yogi, Derdine Brown.
In this episode of Bet on Yourself, Sis, Derdine talks about her journey into yoga and the creation of her business: Sip and Stretch Date Night. We discuss the importance of community, intimacy in relationships, and the significance of trusting the process in both personal and professional growth. Derdine reminds us to embrace the baby steps, focusing on progress instead of instant gratification. And, she emphasizes the need for us ti sit in the discomfort so that we can heal.
In this conversation, Derdine and I delve into the significance of authenticity in entrepreneurship. We note that being authentic draws in your audience, while being for everyone just draw in a crowd. We also discuss the unique challenges faced by Black women entrepreneurs and emphasize the power of community and support among us. The conversation highlights the need for resilience and adaptability in the entrepreneurial journey, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and foster connections that uplift and empower.
We talk:
05:54 - The birth of Derdine's business: Sip and Stretch Date Night
12:01 - The importance of intimacy in relationships
24:07 - Understanding different types of intimacy
36:25 - The power of authenticity in entrepreneurship
49:35 - Entrepreneurship: mindset and resilience
57:28 - Empowering Black Women Entrepreneurs
Episode References:
Connect with Derdine! - IG @doodoodoesyoga - TikTok @yoginginmy40s - Website sipstretch.com
Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis
1h 2m - Dec 17, 2025 - Rejection is Redirection: Walking in Purpose with Shirlz Rejouis
You never know the impact you will have on others. That’s why it’s so important to show up as your full self. So that you can be a possibility model for not only your peers, but the generations after you. And this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis! is a real-life example of just that!
Shirlz Rejouis and I have a heartfelt conversation about our experiences in the podcasting industry, the importance of community, and the challenges faced by Black women entrepreneurs. We discuss the significance of walking in your purpose, the impact of spirituality on entrepreneurship, and the need for authentic representation in media. Shirlz shares her journey of creating the audio scripted podcast "Black with Benefits," highlighting the importance of mental health and storytelling in Black culture.
We talk:
09:58 - Mental health, spirituality, and purpose
15:03 - Building Frequency973 Productions
25:02 - Authenticity and code-switching in professional spaces
35:09 - Integrating psychology and culture in storytelling
45:31 - Introducing 'Black With Benefits': A new project
52:09 - Inspiring the next generation of Black entrepreneurs
Connect with Shirlz! - IG @i__5urelyrejoice - TikTok @i__5urelyrejoice
Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis
58m - Dec 3, 2025 - Finding Freedom: Yoga, Entrepreneurship, and Self-Care with Rose James
Why is wellness so important in entrepreneurship? I mean, it's important in life, period! But it is especially important for entrepreneurs to prevent burnout and increase creativity. So shout out to today's guest Rose James, yoga teacher and wellness entrepreneur, for reminding us to take care of ourselves!
In this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, Rose shares her journey from teaching a few yoga classes on the side to evolving into a full-time wellness entrepreneur. She discusses the importance of trying new things, staying relevant in business, and the challenges of transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship. She also adds her insights on listening to intuition and the evolving nature of wellness practices.
Rose and I highlight the significance of showing up in spaces where representation is lacking, ultimately inspiring others to pursue their passions and embrace their unique journeys. We emphasize the need for multiple income streams and the importance of planning and being present in your journey.
Together we explore the importance of self-care and the unique challenges faced by black women in business. We also discuss the significance of finding quiet time for reflection, the importance of community, and the emotional aspects of navigating challenges.
We talk:
10:04 - Staying relevant in business
19:50 - Listening to your intuition and planning for success
24:55 - Self-care and sustainability in a physically demanding career
38:57 - Navigating challenges and emotions
46:45 - The importance of self-care
53:09 - Embracing the entrepreneurial spirit
Connect with Rose! - IG @black_rose_yogini - TikTok @blackroseyogini
Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis
1h 5m - Nov 19, 2025 - Merging Creativity and Strategy in Entrepreneurship with Faybeon Mickens
In case you were wondering, Black Women Entrepreneurs come first here at Bet On Yourself, Sis! And throughout this episode, that sentiment rings true! Today I sit down with Faybeon Mickens, award-winning audio marketing creative with over fifteen years of experience in digital marketing, and owner of FM Digital LLC, an audio, visual, and experiential marketing firm specializing in digital marketing solutions.
In this engaging conversation, Fay and I explore the intersections of creativity and entrepreneurship, focusing on the unique challenges faced by Black women in corporate spaces. We discuss the importance of authenticity, the journey of merging various gifts into a cohesive career, and the complexities surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, especially the misconceptions that Black women have benefitted most. And, we emphasize the need for genuine leadership that listens to marginalized voices.
Fay and I also discuss the importance of community-building through events, focusing on creating safe spaces for marginalized communities and the importance of community in artistic expression. She reflects on the intentionality behind Banjee Boombox, a woman led QTBIPOC (Queer Trans Black and Indigenous People of Color) festival collective committed to creating safe spaces for women, gender expansive and sexually diverse (LGBTQAI+) artists.
Fay also highlights the significance of Black August, a month dedicated to celebrating Black revolutionaries, and how it informs her events. We discuss the creation of her Podcast Village, aimed at uplifting QTBIPOC voices and fostering connections between artists and podcasters. She shares her experiences in the music and podcasting industry, emphasizing the need for honest dialogue and representation in professional settings. And, she advocates for a more inclusive narrative in the hip hop industry, stressing the significance of recognizing the historical roles of women and queer individuals in shaping the genre.
Overall, this conversation explores the significance of joy and empowerment for Black women entrepreneurs. Fay gives practical advice, focusing on financial preparedness, the importance of community and networking, and the spiritual journey of entrepreneurship. The conversation highlights the need for equity, trust in one's instincts, and the value of collaboration and support within the community.
We talk:
08:54 - Authenticity in entrepreneurship
14:59 - The myth of DEI and Affirmative Action
28:32 - The fight for Black women
37:12 - Creating community through events
50:14 - Understanding Black August and its significance
01:10:34 - Leading with joy: The purpose of Banjee Boombox
01:31:46 - The spiritual journey of entrepreneurship
Episode References:
The Black Podcasters Association
Connect with Fay! - IG @banjeeboombox - Website faybeonmickens.com - Wesbite banjeeboombox.com
Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis
S15 - 1h 33m - Nov 5, 2025 - Edifying Ourselves and Others Through Transformation with Ashanna Jouti
How often do you reflect on the progress you've made? Sometimes it feels like we are stuck, like we haven't gotten anywhere in all the time we've been working on the thing! But, when you reflect on your journey, it helps you to acknowledge your growth and continue to strive for more. And, this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis! is all about progress and growth.
In this episode, I talk to another one of my sister-cousins Ashana Jouti, a talented artist, creative, and visionary, and we discuss the journey from her early interest in art to her specialization in makeup, exploring the transformative power of beauty and special effects. The conversation delves into themes of self-care, confidence, and the importance of discipline in the creative process, but also in life.
Ashanna shares her insights on the art of makeup, and the significance of edifying others through her work, all while emphasizing the importance of trusting the process of growth and transformation. She also shares her journey of self-acceptance and faith on her entrepreneurial path. She emphasizes the need to embrace your full self, including your body and self-image, while you pursue personal goals.
Together, Ashanna and I highlight the distinction between motivation and discipline, encouraging listeners to find their 'why' to stay committed. Ashanna also offers advice for Black women entrepreneurs, urging you to be unapologetically yourself and to explore multiple avenues of income. The role of faith in her journey is underscored, illustrating how it has guided her decisions and provided strength.
We talk:
04:06 - The art of special effects makeup
12:46 - Building confidence through makeup
25:55 - Progress and discipline in personal growth
33:06 - Embracing self-acceptance
52:06 - Unapologetically being yourself
Episode References:
Bet On Yourself, Sis! Ep. 9 - Growing From Catering to Community with Amber Sims
Connect with Ashanna Jouti! - IG @ashanna_jouti - TikTok @ashanna1210
- YouTube @ashannasims8844
Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod
Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis
1h 0m - Oct 22, 2025 - Bet On Yourself, Sis! is taking a break!
Hey ya’ll Pink Lady here to let you know that Bet On Yourself, Sis! is taking a break!
I believe in rest! And, I put my money where mouth is. So I want to show you that, yes, consistency is important, but taking time for yourself is more important! And that is what I'm doing. :)
Bet On Yourself Sis! will be back next Wednesday, October 22nd. Be sure to subscribe and follow to be notified!
0m - Oct 15, 2025
