#226: We often think of creativity as a means to get to an end result. We create for a final product, or create to get good feedback. But what if we reframed how we looked at creativity to see it as a source of healing instead? Today I have the honor of deep-diving with author and filmmaker of the award-winning memoir and Netflix series From Scratch, Tembi Locke, on ways to stay grounded, take inventory with yourself, and find healing through self-expression and artistry. We also talk about… Tembi’s transformative journey from actor to author to filmmaker Habit stacking and becoming the person you want to be How to use creativity as a learning tool in difficult times How to find the rest in creative seasons What it means to be vulnerable in creative spaces How to get over the fear of sharing your creative work Resources: Follow Tembi on Instagram @tembilocke Subscribe to Tembi’s YouTube channel Watch From Scratch on Netflix Read Tembi’s memoir: “From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home” Listen to Season 2 of Tembi’s podcast “Lifted” If you’re in the LA area, check out Octavia’s Bookshelf For more of Tembi visit www.tembilocke.com Have a question you want answered in an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Watch weekly episodes on Youtube @BalancedBlackGirl Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Sponsors: Factor Meal Delivery Kit | Factormeals.com/balancedles50 code balancedles50 for 50% off LMNT | Stay hydrated with LMNT — electrolytes your body needs with no added sugar. Visit drinklmnt.com/balancedles for a free sample pack with any purchase! Fatty15 | Fatty15 is a science-backed, award-winning, vegan-friendly and pure C15 supplement. Fatty 15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to www.fatty15.com/balancedles and using code BALANCEDLES at checkout. Delta Airlines | Delta AirLines believes you should feel at home, even if you’re 30,000 feet above it. Learn more at delta.com Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#225: Today’s episode is dedicated to the literary lover girls. Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Kennedy Ryan. From spicy characters to strengthening women’s relationships with themselves, Kennedy shows us the parallels between romance fiction and key lessons we’re all learning on our healing journeys. She also takes us behind the scenes of the latest romance novel in her Skyland series, This Could Be Us (Don’t worry, we don’t share any spoilers!) and shares how she’s learned to create impact, reclaim her story, and love herself first through the pages. Whether you’re a lover of romance fiction, are tapped into BookTok, or are looking for ways to practice more self-love and acceptance, you’ll love the gems that are dropped in this episode from start to finish. We also talk about… Kennedy’s journey from self-publishing to bestselling author Kennedy’s novel “Before I Let Go” being opted for a television series Kennedy’s favorite book recommendations Why reading romance novels can be beneficial for men and women Why reading is such an effective form of self-care Feeling seen in fiction and the importance of nuanced representation Setting the bar for yourself and becoming the love of your own life Resources: Follow Kennedy on Instagram @kennedyryan1 Follow Kennedy on Tiktok @kennedyryanauthor Follow Kennedy on X @kennedyrwrites Read Kennedy’s novel “This Could Be Us” Read Kennedy’s novel “Before I Let Go” Check out Kennedy’s other novels here Have a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Watch weekly episodes on Youtube @BalancedBlackGirl Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Sponsors: Alo Moves | Unlock your personal wellness routine with Alo Moves. Go to alomoves.com now and use the code BALANCED30 for an exclusive 30-day free trial and enjoy 20% off an annual membership. Maidenform | Visit www.maidenform.com and use code BBG20 at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. Foria | Foria products are made to help women have fully experience their sexual pleasure– from enhancing sexual connection, to heightened orgasms and more sexual and more sexual comfort. Get 20% off your first order by visiting foriawellness.com/balanced or use code BALANCED at checkout Shopify | Get your online business up and running with Shopify. Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/balancedblackgirl Prose | Each and every bottle of Prose custom hair and skincare is made to order and personalized, with a unique blend of naturally powerful and proven-effective ingredients to meet your needs. Get 50% off your first subscription order at prose.com/balancedles Hinge | Hinge is the dating app that’s designed to be deleted. Download Hinge and try voice prompts today! Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#224: Have you ever felt like you were getting in your own way? Or wondered if you’re undermining your success? That’s what we’re unpacking in this episode. I’m excited to sit down and chat about all things success and embracing a soft life with this week’s guest, Morgan DeBaun. Morgan is a new mom and the co-founder and CEO of Blavity Inc. overseeing brands like AfroTech, 21Ninety, and Travel Noire. She is also the founder of Mor Matcha and the host of her own podcast “The Journey with Morgan DeBaun” where she delves into the captivating stories of purpose-driven achievers on their quest for living their best lives. We also talk about… How Morgan’s definition of success has changed throughout her career Morgan’s journey into motherhood, and self-discovery Navigating moments of doubt and our relationship to fear The difference between working hard vs. working smart How to create capacity for success and minimize your decision making fatigue How to take advantage of opportunities as a new entrepreneur or professional Resources: Follow Morgan on Instagram @morgandebaun Follow Blavity on Instagram @blavity Listen to Morgan’s podcast “The Journey” or watch on YouTube Listen to Les’ episode on “The Journey” Check out Morgan’s matcha brand Mor Matcha Have a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Watch weekly episodes on Youtube @BalancedBlackGirl Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Sponsors: Notion | Notion AI helps you work smarter, write better, think bigger, doing tasks that normally take you hours in just seconds. Try Notion for free when you go to notion.com/balancedles  NPR Black Stories, Black Truths | In NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths you’ll find a collection of some of NPR’s best podcast episodes celebrating the Black experience. Listen here. LMNT | Stay hydrated with LMNT — electrolytes your body needs with no added sugar. Visit drinklmnt.com/balancedles for a free sample pack with your order. Brooklinen | Get your sleep back on track with Brooklinen’s bedding and essentials. Shop 20% off everything, plus up to 45% off bundles during Brooklinen’s Sleep Week Sale happening right now, in-store or online a www.brooklinen.com Rocket Money | Rockey Monkey is a personal finance app that finds and cancels your unwanted subscriptions, monitors your spending, and helps lower your bills so that you can grow your savings. Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to www.rocketmoney.com/balancedles Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#223 Past money conversations on the podcast covered topics like budgeting and paying off debt but those are just pieces of the financial wellness puzzle. For many of us, we need to expand our capacity to earn and receive more. In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with self-made millionaire and founder of Hello Seven, Rachel Rodgers, for tips on how to raise your financial ceiling, set bigger money goals, and create million-dollar habits that help you earn more over time. We also talk about: How to take financial risks as an entrepreneur and move towards abundance in your business The difference between a ‘broke-ass habit’ vs a ‘million dollar habit’ How to create a million-dollar vision for yourself Affirmations for financial growth and other money-generating activities The wealth mindset and how to get comfortable with asking and wanting more Resources Follow Rachel on Instagram @rachrodgersesq Read Rachel's book “We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power” Listen to Rachel’s audiobook “Six-Figure Side Hustles” Subscribe to Hello7 on YouTube Become a Hello Seven member here Read “Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype” by Clarissa Pinkola Estés Have a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Watch weekly episodes on Youtube @BalancedBlackGirl Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Sponsors: Cora | Cora offers affordable organic period care products. Get 20% off at www.cora.life/balancedles Thrive Market | Thrive Market is the go-to for all grocery and household essentials, and the convenience of getting everything online then quickly shipped to your doorstep is a huge time saver! Join in on the savings with Thrive Market today and get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift by visiting www.thrivemarket.com/balancedles Branch Basics | Their premium starter kit will provide you with everything you need to replace all of your toxic cleaning products in your home. Save 15% on your Starter Kit or their new Hand Soap when you used code “balancedblackgirl” at www.branchbasics.com Maidenform | Get classic, comfortable, cravable bras, underwear, and shapewear from Maidenform. Visit maidenform.com and use code BBG20 for 20% off your first order. Fatty15 | Fatty15 is a science-backed, award-winning, vegan-friendly and pure C15 supplement. Fatty 15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to www.fatty15.com/balancedles and using code BALANCEDLES at checkout. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

All month long we’ve been talking about friendship – how to make new friends, reconnect with current ones, and ways to support and grow with each other as the seasons change. This week I’m back with an all new Q&A where I answer your questions about friendship. I share my thoughts on losing friends to distance, ways to make friends in a new city, how to attract aligned friendship, and more. Catch up on these friendship episodes: Episode 218:  Starting A Business & Building with Your Friends with Natasha and Justine of 2 Black Girls, 1 Rose Episode 219: How to Strengthen Your Friendships & Make New Friends with Danielle Bayard Jackson Episode 221: Welcome to the Group Chat with Sequoia Holmes and Kimberly Hill Resources Have a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Watch weekly episodes on Youtube @BalancedBlackGirl Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Sponsors: Maidenform | Get classic, comfortable, craveable intimates from Maidenform. Visit maidenform.com and use the code BBG20 for 20% off your first order. LMNT | Stay hydrated with LMNT — electrolytes your body needs with no added sugar. Visit drinklmnt.com/balancedles for a free sample pack with your order. Brooklinen | Time to refresh your bedding for spring! Shop online at brooklinen.com and use the code balancedles for $20 off your order of $100 or more. Earth Breeze | Portable laundry detergent sheets without harmful ingredients. Go to earthbreeze.com/balancedles for 40% off your subscription. NPR Black Stories, Black Truths | In NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths you’ll find a collection of some of NPR’s best podcast episodes celebrating the Black experience. Listen here. Happy Mammoth | Support your hormone health with Happy Mammoth’s EstroControl supplement. For a limited time, you can get 15% off your entire first order at happymammoth.com using the code BALANCED at checkout. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Turn your notifications on– the group chat is open! This week Les and her besties, Sequoia Holmes and Kimberly Hill, get together the for the ultimate kiki. From their most embarrassing social media moments to their favorite celebrity crushes, the girls round up commentary on womanhood, relationships, lifestyles, and habits they’re loving and leaving out in 2024! Together, the girls revisit how they first met, share new business ideas, and reveal the keys to lasting friendship in your 20s and 30s. Resources Follow Sequoia on Instagram @sequoiabholmes Listen to Sequoia’s podcast “Black People Love Paramore” Follow Kimberly on Instagram @kimberlyhill_ Buy Kimberly’s Tome Candles Have a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Watch weekly episodes on Youtube @BalancedBlackGirl Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Sponsors: Alo Moves | Alo Moves is an all-in-one self-care platform with everything from workout classes, to skincare tutorials. Visit alomoves.com and use the code BALANCED for 30 days free. Happy Mammoth | Support your hormone health with Happy Mammoth’s EstroControl supplement. For a limited time, you can get 15% OFF your entire first order at happymammoth.com just use code BALANCED at checkout. Quince | Get quiet luxury on a budget with Quince. Quince is my favorite site for high-quality, affordable clothing and home items. Go to quince.com/balancedles for free shipping and 365-day returns. Notion | Notion is my go-to app for managing my work and life admin, and now that it’s powered with AI, it saves me so much time and keeps me organized. Visit notion.com/balanced to try Notion for free. Rocket Money | Want to get ahold of your finances in 2024? Rocket Money is here to help. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and track your financial goals with Rocket Money. Visit rocketmoney.com/balancedles to give it a try. Shopify | Shopify is the internet’s favorite e-commerce platform for a reason. Grow your online business and manage orders with Shopify. Visit shopify.com/balancedblackgirl for a $1 per month trial. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A few months ago, I put in my two weeks notice at my tech job to pursue working on this podcast full-time. In today’s special bonus episode, I’m sharing what my career trajectory looked like up until that point, all that went into the decision to make the leap, and what’s next. Mentioned in this episode: Episode 213: Time to Enter Your Successful Era Episode 207: The Truth About Working Towards Your Dream Career with Blake Newby Episode 201: Nicole Walters on Redefining Success, Creating the Life You Want, and Finding Love After Divorce Sponsors: NPR | Black Stories, Black Truths is a celebration of Blackness from NPR. In the Black Stories, Black Truths collection you’ll hear: stories of joy, resilience, empowerment, and creating world-shifting things out of struggle. Listen now to Black Stories, Black Truths from NPR— wherever you get your podcasts. Fatty15 | Fatty 15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. You can get an additional 15% OFF of your 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty.com/BALANCEDLES and using code BALANCEDLES at checkout. Happy Mammoth | Support your hormone health with Happy Mammoth’s EstroControl supplement. For a limited time, you can get 15% OFF your entire first order at happymammoth.com just use code BALANCED at checkout. DIME Beauty | DIME Beauty is a clean, high-end skincare that is affordable—AND, it really works. Love your skin again! Go to dimebeauty.com to unlock your discount. Dime Beauty– clean, affordable, luxurious skincare! Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As we get older, it feels like opportunities to make friends diminish. Even finding the time to maintain the friendships we already have can feel more challenging. Between busy schedules, demanding jobs, family obligations and other responsibilities, we are left with little time for socializing, wondering how to be closer to those who make us feel like home. In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with female friendship coach and educator, Danielle Bayard Jackson for tangible tips on how to overcome these challenges to spice up your social life, make new friends, and embrace the ebs and flows of friendship for years to come! We also talk about… The surprising connection between friendship and our long-term health. How to navigate friendships through different seasons of life. Types of friendships and how to find the aligned friends you need Why friendship breakups feel so devastating, and how to cope How to leverage technology to make new friends How to create friendship rituals and stay connected even when you have limited capacity Identifying what friendship success looks like for you Resources: Follow Danielle on TikTok @thefriendshipexpert Follow Danielle on Instagram @daniellebayardjackson Pre-order Danielle’s new book “Fighting for Our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Relationships” Out May 7th, 2024 Listen to Danielle’s podcast Friend Forward For more friendship advice and coaching visit Danielle’s website: betterfemalefriendships.com Follow @BumbleForFriends on Instagram Download the Bumble For Friends app Have a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Watch weekly episodes on Youtube @BalancedBlackGirl  Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Sponsors:  Notion | Notion combines your notes, docs, and projects into one space that’s simple and beautifully designed. Now that it’s powered by AI, it’s not only keeping you organized but it’s making your work that much easier. Try Notion for free when you go to notion.com/balanced Bite Toothpaste | Bite toothpaste tablets are made with clean ingredients that are super effective. Bite is offering our listeners 20% off your first order. Go to trybite.com/BALANCEDLES or use the code BALANCEDLES at checkout to claim this deal. Nutrafol | Nutrafol is the number one dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement, with over 1 million people seeing thicker, stronger, faster-growing hair with less shedding. Go to nurtafol.com/BALANCEDLES and use promo code BALANCEDLES for discount. LMNT | LMNT is a zero sugar electrolyte drink mix with a research-backed ratio of electrolytes. To try it out go to drinkLMNT.com/balancedles to receive a free LMNT sample pack with any order. Foria | Experience your juiciest and deepest sensual experience with a bottle of Foria. Get 20% OFF your first order by visiting foriawellness.com/BALANCED or use the code BALANCED at checkout. Prose | Custom, made to order haircare with Prose is the key to achieving all your hair goals this. year. Take your free in depth hair consultation and get 50% off your first subscription order today PLUS 15% off and free shipping every subscription order after that! Go to prose.com/balancedles for your FREE in-depth hair consultation and 50% off your first subscription order. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We've all been there. Late one night you and your friend come up with a business idea that will change the world. But is it actually a good idea to start a business with a friend? Today, I’m sitting down with Justine and Natasha, co-hosts of the 2 Black Girls, 1 Rose podcast for an exciting conversation on how to start a business, keep friendship sacred, and collab creatively with your closest friends. Justine and Natasha have been best friends since high school and turned their love of reality TV into a fun, engaging platform over the past few years. But there’s always a flip side to running a business with your friend... From creative differences to making time for girl dinner, these two share how their friendship has changed since their 20s and how their relationship as business partners has improved for the better with the help of effort and communication. We Also Talk About… Hanging onto friendships that no longer bring you joy Turning mundane parts of your friendship into points of connection How to keep business and friendship separate How to hold space for your individual aspirations while in a business relationship Resources: Listen to the 2 Black Girls, 1 Rose podcast Subscribe to 2 Black Girls, 1 Rose on Patreon Follow 2 Black Girls, 1 Rose on Instagram @2blackgirls1rose Listen to the “Intimacy in Friendships: Having Healthier Friendships and Making Friends As An Adult with Dr. Marisa Franco” episode Have a question you want answered in an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Watch on Youtube @BalancedBlackGirl  Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Sponsors:  Branch Basics | Their Premium Starter Kit will provide you with everything you need to replace all of your toxic cleaning products in your home! Save 15% OFF on your Starter Kit or their new Hand Soap when you use code balancedblackgirl at www.branchbasics.com Ritual | Ritual Synbiotic+ is my go-to gut health supplement complete with prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic to provide balanced gut support. Get 20% OFF of your first month for a limited time at ritual.com/BALANCED Thrive Market | Thrive Market is the go-to for affordable healthy grocery and household essentials, and the convenience of getting everything online then quickly shipped to your doorstep is a huge time saver! Go to ThriveMarket.com/balancedles for 30% off your first order and get a FREE $60 gift! Cora | Cora makes comfortable, reliable period care products with clean ingredients. When you order online with code Cora.Life/BALANCEDLES you’ll get 20% OFF all Cora products! IQBAR | Refuel smarter in 2024 with IQ BAR’s Ultimate Sampler Pack with 7 IQ BARs, 4 IQ MIX sticks, and 4 IQ JOE sticks. Get 20% OFF all IQ BAR products, plus get FREE shipping by texting GIRL to 64000. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We kicked the year off discussing what it means to have success in your career, creative endeavors, dating life, and money habits. Today the conversation around what success looks like in other areas of your life continues! This week I’m answering all your questions on how to navigate your own successful era and ways you can fine-tune your habits and routines to get closer to what you want this year. Have a question you want answered in an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Watch on Youtube @BalancedBlackGirl  Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Sponsors:  [Heineken 0.0](https://shop.heineken.com/link/17019825786838b8dc626/abd59ad7-713b-40af-175f-1ec5aa190128?) | Heineken 0.0 is an alcohol-free option to the original Heineken you love. 100% taste, zero point zero alcohol, only 69 calories! Click [here](https://shop.heineken.com/link/17019825786838b8dc626/abd59ad7-713b-40af-175f-1ec5aa190128?) to buy now. Must be 21 to purchase. NUULY | Nuuly is a subscription based clothing rental service that’s all about helping you have fun + get creative with your style. Nuuly is a great value at $98 a month for nay 6 styles, but right now you can get $20 OFF your first month of Nuuly when you sign up with code BALANCEDLES20 LMNT | LMNT helps anyone stay hydrated— without sugar and other dodgy ingredients found in popular electrolyte and sports drinks. Go to DrinkLMNT.com/BalancedLes to receive a FREE LMNT sample pack with any order. Notion | Notion combines your notes, docs, and projects into one space that’s simple and beautifully designed. Try Notion for FREE when you go to notion.com/balanced Rocket Money | Rocket Money is a personal finance app that finds and cancels your unwanted subscriptions, monitors your spending, and helps lower your bills. Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to RocketMoney.com/balancedles Earth Breeze | Earth Breeze fights everyday stains and odors, giving you an amazing clean every time! Go to EarthBreeze.com/balancedles for 40% OFF your subscription! Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Knowing how to manage your money is one of the most valuable skills you can have, and the start of the year is the perfect time to re-evaluate your finances. In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Caitlyn Kumi, founder of Miss EmpowHer, for tips on how to manage your money, invest for the future, and create financial habits that feel less overwhelming and more aligned with your goals. We also talk about… Navigating your early career and how to manage a salary for the first time Monthly budgeting routines and types of bank accounts you can create for yourself How to get started with investing How to manage your retirement fund Creating the financial life of your dreams Resources Follow Caitlyn on Tiktok @caitlynkumi Follow Caitlyn on Instagram @caitlynkumi Follow Caitlyn on LinkedIn Follow and subscribe to @missempowher for virtual events, newsletters, and more! Apply to the Miss EmpowHer remote internship here Read Caitlyn’s e-book: “Hot Girls Don’t Gatekeep: A Beginner’s Guide to Navigating Your Personal Finances” Read “The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness” Have a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Sponsors: Heineken 0.0 | Heineken 0.0 is an alcohol-free option to the original Heineken you love. 100% taste, zero point zero alcohol, only 69 calories! Click here to buy now. Must be 21 to purchase. Alo Moves | No matter your path, it’s time to make a move with Alo Moves. Get a 30-day free Alo Moves subscription by going to alomoves.com and use code BALANCED. That’s eHarmony | Get started with their compatibility quiz for free, so you can find someone you can be yourself with. NUULY | Nuuly is a subscription based clothing rental service that’s all about helping you have fun + get creative with your style. Nuuly is a great value at $98 a month for nay 6 styles, but right now you can get $20 OFF your first month of Nuuly when you sign up with code BALANCEDLES20 Nutrafol | Take the first step to visibly thicker, healthier hair. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES IQBAR | Refuel smarter in 2024 with IQ BAR’s Ultimate Sampler Pack with 7 IQ BARs, 4 IQ MIX sticks, and 4 IQ JOE sticks. Get 20% OFF all IQ BAR products, plus get FREE shipping by texting GIRL to 6400. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the past few years, dating has gotten a bad reputation. But whether we love it, or hate it, relationships are a big part of life, and dating is how we get there, so let’s reclaim it and make our experiences positive. Today, we’re welcoming back celebrity dating coach and host of the award-winning podcast, Dates & Mates, Damona Hoffman, for an in-depth conversation on how to rewrite your narrative around finding love. We also talk about… How to overcome dating burnout Discovering your pillars for long term compatibility Strategies for having a more positive experience using dating apps What it means to date with clarity How to never get stuck in another situationship again Key ways to embrace being single Resources Follow Damona on Instagram @damonahoffman Listen to Damona’s podcast, ‘Dates and Mates’ Get a copy of Damona’s new book: F the Fairy Tale: Rewrite the Dating Myths and Live Your Own Love Story Have a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here. Sponsors: Elastique Athletics | Elastique is self-care you can wear offering activewear sets with world-class compression and lymphatic massage. Use code BALANCEDLES for 20% OFF your first order. [Heineken 0.0](https://shop.heineken.com/link/17019825786838b8dc626/abd59ad7-713b-40af-175f-1ec5aa190128?) | An alcohol-free option to the original Heineken you love. Must be 21+ to purchase. eHarmony | Get started with their compatibility quiz for FREE, so you can find someone you can be yourself with. Bite Toothpaste | Looking to get rid of plastic in your self-care routine? Try Bite. Bite is offering 20% OFF your first order. Go to trybite.com/BALANCEDLES or use code BALANCEDLES at checkout to claim this deal. Cora | Cora tampons, pads, and liners are made from 100% organic cotton. Go to cora.com/BALANCEDLES for 20% OFF all products! NUULY | Upgrade your wardrobe by subscribing to Nuuly. Nuuly is a great value at $98 for any 6 styles, but right now you can get $20 off your first month when you sign up visit Nuuly.com and use the code BALANCEDLES20. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever been imitated? Or had your ideas shared by someone else? Have you felt like you’re the first person to blaze the path your on? If so, you are the blueprint and it’s time to embrace it. In today’s episode, I’m deep diving with host and creator of Naked Beauty, Brooke DeVard, on how we can start creating our own seats at the table (or better yet– make our own tables!) Together, we discuss navigating double standards, overcoming criticism as content creators, and setting the standard for our lives, one pivot at a time. We also talk about… Every Stylish Girl’s Sip N’ Slay Event in LA Brooke’s experience leaving corporate to pursue entrepreneurship and content creation full-time Being copied online and how to get credit for your ideas Tips on how to connect with people through your brand Advice for starting a podcast Influencer values and goal setting Resources Follow Brooke on Instagram @brookedevard Follow Brooke on Tiktok @brookedevard Listen to Brooke’s podcast Naked Beauty Follow @nakedbeautyplanet Listen to Brooke’s live podcast at Sip N Slay here Have a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Sponsors Branch Basics | Save 15% on your Starter Kit or their new Hand Soap when you use code balancedblackgirl at www.branchbasics.com Ritual | There’s no more shame in your gut game. Synbiotic+ and Ritual are here to celebrate, not hide, your insides. Get 40% OFF your first month for a limited time at ritual.com/BALANCED (Offer ends Jan 31, 2024) Heineken 0.0 | An alcohol-free option to the original Heineken you love and only 69 calories! Must be 21+ to purchase.  eHarmony | Get started with their compatibility quiz for FREE, so you can find someone you can be yourself with. LMNT | Go to DrinkLMNT.com/BalancedLes to recieve a FREE LMNT sample pack with any order. Notion | Try Notion for FREE when you go to notion.com/balanced See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Calling all the girlies who want to level up this year– you have been officially summoned. It’s time to enter into your successful era! The successful era is all about recommitting to the habits, routines, and lifestyles that make you feel happy, healthy, thriving, and most importantly, like the best version of you! From wellness to finances, I’m helping you map out your year of success and make growth your new best friend. I also talk about… How to create your own definition of success Key ways to maintain success The relationship between success and consumerism Personal branding and living up to your fullest potential Not focusing on goals, but on the attributes you have Resources Listen to my episode with Jodie Taylor called “The Ultimate Glow Up: How to Level Up in Your Career and Life” Listen to my episode with Dr. Marisa Franco called "Intimacy in Friendships: Having Healthier Friendships and Making Friends As An Adult” Read “Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make--and Keep--Friends” by Dr. Marisa Franco Read “Reach Out**:** The Simple Strategy You Need to Expand Your Network and Increase Your Influence” by Molly Beck Download the Copilot app to track your finances Watch The Wealth Planner with Katie here Have a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here. What are you focusing on in your successful era? Leave a comment under my latest Instagram post! Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Sponsors Open | Get 30 days of free meditation, breathwork, and movement classes with Open. Visit www.withopen.com/balancedles Elastique Athletics offers self-care you can wear. Visit elastique.co and use code “BALANCEDLES” for 20% off your first order. Thrive Market offers affordable healthy grocery items and supplements at the best prices. Visit thrivemarket.com/balancedles for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I failed at every single thing I set out to accomplish this year. I didn’t reach not one goal– but guess what? That’s perfectly okay! Today, we’re reflecting on the year we had, setting new goals, and discussing what it means to put a “why” next to everything you want to achieve in order to set yourself up for success! We also talk about… Why you shouldn’t beat yourself up over what you did or didn’t achieve Setting goals out of vanity versus meaning Multi-year goals and habits The journey and destination of our goals Day-to-day routines and what feels good (not the achievement itself) Resources: Have a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here.  Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Sponsors Notion | Notion is my favorite app for managing my docs, projects, business, and life and now with Notion AI, it’s even more powerful. Visit notion.com/balanced to try Notion AI for free. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever wondered how you can use astrology to manifest your dream career, relationship or money goals? Certified Astrologer and founder of Gift of the Nile Wellness Tamerri Ater, joins me for a conversation on how to live out all aspects of your chart including tapping into your perfection years, discovering what you were born to do, getting through your Saturn Return, and using your big three to maneuver the world. We also talk about… What the different areas of your birth chart mean Love and marriage compatibility (and why it goes deeper than your sun sign) Process and the evolution of self Resources: Follow Tamerri on Instagram @afrofashionista Visit astrofashionista.com to book an astrology reading with Tamerri! Order spiritual wellness products rooted in Egyptian Ritual at giftofthenile.com Get your FREE birth chart here Have a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Sponsors Green Chef | Go to greenchef.com/60balanced and use code 60BALANCED to get 60% OFF plus 20% OFF for your next two months! Bite | Bite Toothpaste Bits are a convenient way to take your toothpaste on the go. Visit trybite.com/balancedles for 20% off your first order.  Nutrafol | Get thicker, healthier hair with Nutrafol. Visit nutrafol.com and enter the promo code BALANCEDLES for $10 off your first month. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Having a scarcity mindset can take an emotional toll on your day-to-day life, and even worse, it can get in the way of you being your most abundant self. Today, I’m welcoming back activist, actor, and wellness coach, Zuri Adele, for a much-needed conversation on how we can show up more presently in our lives through mindfulness, intentionality, creativity, and most importantly, how we can learn to kick any feelings of lack or insufficiency to the curb! We also talk about… Being unpresent in your 20s Holding on versus surrendering Preparation for new opportunities and trusting your instincts Honing in on your creative power and rising above “the machine” Resources: Follow Zuri on Instagram @zuriadele Listen to Zuri’s last episode on BBG called “Intentional Friendships, Setting Healthy Boundaries, and Life-Changing Healthy Habits” Donate to The Zuri Adele Scholarship Fund for HBCU alumni Learn more about human design types here Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Sponsors Dose | If you want to give Dose a shot and invest in your health, get 15% OFF your first order, plus an additional 15% OFF if you subscribe for a monthly delivery! That’s 30% OFF your first order! Go to dailydose.co/BALANCEDLES and use code BALANCEDLES Open | If you want to get on my daily routine, you can get 30 days FREE of Open by visiting withopen.com/BALANCEDLES Elastique | Finally, there is a wellness tool that you can actually wear! Visit www.elastique.co and use code BALANCEDLES for 20% OFF your first purchase Shopify | Sign up for $1 per month trial at shopify.com/balancedblackgirl Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Purpose: what is it? How do we find it? Can it change over time? That’s what we’re exploring in this episode.  I’m excited to sit down and chat about purpose with this week’s guest Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins. Ashley is an actor and the host of the Trials to Triumphs podcast on the Oprah Winfrey Network. She is also known for her iconic role as Joelle Brooks in Netflix's Dear White People.  Whether you feel firmly rooted in your purpose, or are still discovering what that means for you, you’ll walk away from this episode feeling inspired to follow your unique aligned path.  We Also Talk About… Why your purpose may not be just one thing The difference between purpose and assignment How to change course to better align with your purpose Why it’s important to acknowledge your trials and triumphs Resources: Listen to Ashley’s podcast Trials to Triumphs Follow Ashley on Instagram @ashleyblaine Listen to Ashley’s interview on Michelle William’s podcast Have a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Sponsors: Quince | Get affordable luxury with Quince! Go to quince.com/BALANCEDLES for free shipping and 365 day returns. Ritual | Support your gut heal with Ritual Synbiotic+. Visit ritual.com/BALANCED to get 30% off your first month. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week I’m kicking things off with a life update before going into big sister mode and answering your questions on how to navigate exes coming back, finding the right friend group, your most wanted advice on how to get through your 20s, and more. Have a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here. I also talk about… My Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T and life updates Resources Listen to How to Get Unstuck: My 25 by 25 Case Study episode Listen to Intimacy In Friendships: Having Healthier Friendships and Making Friends As An Adult episode Read Reach Out: The Simple Strategy You Need to Expand Your Network and Increase Your Influence Read Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make--and Keep--Friends by Dr. Marisa Franco Read Songs of Irie by Asha Bromfield Read The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest Download the Alive App for workout programs and more Shop all my beauty favorites here Need holiday gift ideas? Check out my 2023 holiday gift guide Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Sponsors: Try Notion AI for free when you go to Notion.com/balanced Open | Need a daily routine? Get 30 days FREE withopen.com/BALANCEDLES Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dreams are beautiful because they fuel our creativity, give us purpose, and sometimes, they even come true. Today I have the honor of chatting with content creator and former beauty & style editor for Essence Magazine, Blake Newby on pivoting in your career, taking advantage of where you are, and how to lean on your support system in order to reach your goals. We Also Talk About… Blake’s transition from being a corporate beauty editor to venture scout and full time content creator Betting on yourself Embracing uncertainty Managing anxiety before it derails you Resources: Follow Blake on Instagram @blakelawren Follow Blake on Tiktok @blakenewby_ Have a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here. Keep in touch: Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast Follow on TikTok @balancedles Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Join Club Balanced, our community on Geneva Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Sponsors: Joi Wellness | If you’re looking to take ownership of your health and feel your best, Joi is giving you 20% off any labs. Go to choosejoi.co/BALANCEDLES Green Chef | For Green Chef’s best deal of the year, get $250 off with code BALANCED250. Go to greenchef.com/BALANCED250 Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.