S2 / E54: Stacy Igel, American Fashion Designer & Author of "Embracing the Calm in the Chaos"

Welcome to another fabulous episode of the Bizzimumzi podcast with your host, Ashley Verma. In this week's episode, Ashley welcomes the inspiring co-founders of Orbit, Shanice Tomlinson and Brenda K. But before we dive into their incredible journey, let's set the record straight - they're definitely not your average mom's group! Launched in January 2021, Orbit was born out of the countless "what the f**k" moments experienced by founders Brenda and Shanice as new moms. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure that every woman feels seen, heard, and valued. They're all about empowering women to share their unfiltered truths, no matter how messy or beautiful they may be. Orbit serves as a safe haven for women to open up about their experiences and stories. The ultimate goal? To create a thriving community where women can connect, evolve, and eventually become lifelong friends. Because let's face it, motherhood can be isolating, and Orbit is here to fill that void. Join us as these incredible ladies engage in candid conversations about maintaining friendships after becoming parents and chasing your dreams while leaving past nonsense behind. Shanice and Brenda share the unique bond that makes their friendship and business partnership so extraordinary. It's a special connection like no other. Tune in for a fun and refreshing Bizzimumzi chat, and don't forget to download and leave a fabulous review to show your support for this amazing podcast! Let Orbit become your trusted support system on this incredible journey through motherhood and womanhood. Together, we'll find our way in this beautiful, chaotic orbit of life. To learn more and connect with Shanice & Brenda, head here: https://www.becomeorbit.com/about-us

Join Ashley Verma as she welcomes the remarkable Maxine Nwaneri to this week's episode of the Bizzimumzi podcast. Maxine, a graduate of the University of Cambridge with decades of business experience, is not only a #1 Amazon International Bestselling Author but also a highly acclaimed international speaker, business consultant, and certified executive coach at The Future is Greater. In this engaging episode, Ashley and Maxine delve into a profound conversation about birth trauma and Maxine's incredible experiences surviving not one but two near-death encounters. Maxine shares her gripping story, a testament to her unparalleled strength and resilience. They also find time for a few laughs while discussing life's unexpected curveballs and how they can ultimately lead to a reinvigorated focus, guiding you toward a better path. Prepare to be inspired and uplifted by this extraordinary conversation. Make sure to download and enjoy this special episode of the Bizzimumzi podcast, as Maxine's story and insights are bound to leave a lasting impact. To learn more about Maxine Nwaneri, head here: https://www.thefutureisgreater.com/

Ashley Verma is excited to welcome Michelle Ford and Liz Copping, the dynamic duo behind the Two Women Chatting podcast, to the Bizzimumzi Podcast. Get ready for a hilarious chat, as Ashley has done her homework and knows these two love to chat for hours on end. In this episode, Liz and Michelle share the delightful story of how they met and offer insights into how they navigate the intricacies of their friendship. Discover how two midlife empty nesters found themselves unexpectedly becoming podcast hosts – it was as much a surprise to them as anyone! Their journey began with a chance encounter on a dark November evening when Liz walked by as Ashley was putting the bins out at her new house. A simple "hello" led to the start of a wonderful friendship. The gals delve into the world of empty nesting, discussing what it's like to continue parenting even when the kids have grown and live away. They also reminisce about the most challenging times during their parenting journeys. This episode is packed with fun, laughter, and heartwarming moments. Don't miss out! Tune in, download, and show your support by giving it a 5-star rating. Thanks for being part of the Bizzimumzi Podcast community! To learn more about Michelle & Liz, head here: https://www.twowomenchatting.com/about

Join us for an inspiring and candid conversation on this week's episode of the Bizzimumzi podcast as Ashley Verma welcomes the remarkable Hannah Naomi Jones. As we close out the first month of 2024, Ashley invites Hannah, a Social Impact Strategist, Storyteller, Organiser, Community Partnerships Leader, and TEDx speaker, to dive deep into the challenges of parenting and navigating the complex landscape of raising children in America. With pivotal elections on the horizon and pressing issues like the alarming increase in gun violence, Hannah shares her passionate advocacy efforts aimed at empowering not only her family but also her entire community. Hannah Naomi Jones is a TEDx Speaker and a true inspiration, driven by an unwavering commitment to drive social impact and change the world. Throughout her life, Hannah has been entrusted with the task of designing and crafting effective solutions, strategies, programs, campaigns, brands, and stories, all centered around addressing critical social issues, advocating for justice, promoting equity, faith, and the arts. Her unique ability to identify authenticity and harness the best elements of any concept or initiative allows her to breathe life into ideas, narratives, organisations, and brands, ensuring they resonate deeply and influence minds, hearts, and decisions. Hannah's distinctive talent lies in her capacity to transform ideas into actionable outcomes, blending artistry, philosophy, logistics, and technology to reach people on a profound level. Her unchanging core values, stemming from her purpose and shaped by personal, institutional, and societal experiences, fuel her dedication to enhancing and giving life to people, ideas, and organisations that can make a measurable social impact. Join Ashley and Hannah in this captivating discussion as they openly share their concerns about the future of our children if we fail to take action. Hannah sheds light on insightful organisations that can make a difference in communities and explains why she is actively involved in leadership roles. Tune in for this thought-provoking conversation that delves into the heart of social change and the importance of collective action. To learn more about Hannah Naomi Jones, head here: https://hannahnaomijones.com/

Join us for an engaging and candid conversation on this week's episode of The Bizzimumzi Podcast, as your host, Ashley Verma, sits down with the inspiring fitness expert and health coach, Kim Hartwell. Despite their paths never crossing during their bustling days in London's fitness scene, Ashley and Kim share a common passion for teaching and helping others, which forms the heart of their conversation. Kim's journey is nothing short of remarkable; from her days as a model to her transformation into a fitness expert and health coach, she has leveraged her platform to inspire countless busy mums. However, life pre-baby was a whirlwind of non-stop activity, with Kim constantly on the move, filling her days with modeling gigs, teaching at London's top studios, and hosting international retreats. She lived life at a breakneck pace, all while battling her inner demons and constantly running away from her emotions. In her own words, "the reality was... inside I never felt good enough." The pursuit of more accomplishments and the adrenaline rush of adventure couldn't fill the void she felt. Everything changed when she became a mother, welcoming her beautiful baby girl, Indie. Amid the profound joy that Indie brought into her life, Kim found herself grappling with a profound loss of identity and self. This raw and heart-wrenching episode delves into Kim's struggle with post-natal depression during the first 10 months of Indie's life. She opens up about the guilt, shame, and hopelessness she experienced while trying to navigate the challenges of motherhood and maintain a sense of self. As her previous way of "doing" things no longer served her, Kim embarked on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Ashley and Kim cover a wide range of topics, from pre-baby life and the hustle culture to childbirth, the experience of losing oneself, and the arduous process of rebuilding and rebranding. They reflect on their shared experience as new mothers and acknowledge that even in the midst of the toddler stage, there is still much to learn and explore as both mothers and individuals finding their place in the world. This powerful and candid conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, guidance, or simply a relatable voice during the tumultuous journey of motherhood and self-discovery. Tune in to The Bizzimumzi Podcast to hear Ashley and Kim's heartfelt discussion about the profound transformation that motherhood can bring and the unwavering spirit it takes to rediscover one's self amidst the chaos. To connect with Kim Hartwell, head here: https://kimhartwell.com/

As we find ourselves in the heart of January 2024, join Ashley Verma in welcoming a remarkable guest to this week's episode of Bizzimumzi: Pip Davies, known as Midwife Pip. Pip wears many hats - she's a practicing Midwifery Sister, Pelvic Health Specialist, Podcaster, Author, and a loving Mum. With an extensive background in supporting thousands of women and parents-to-be through the entire spectrum of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, Pip is a true expert in her field. Through her countless hours of work with pregnant and postpartum women, Pip has noticed a concerning trend: many women feel disempowered due to a lack of expert information and support. This often leads to feelings of uncertainty, confusion, and doubt regarding how to embark on the strongest, healthiest, and most positive journey into motherhood. Pip has taken it upon herself to bridge this knowledge gap. Her mission is to provide honest, evidence-based antenatal and postnatal education to empower women, allowing them to approach childbirth without fear and confidently navigate the path of parenthood. In this engaging conversation, Ashley and Pip delve into Pip's personal journey into midwifery and discuss how she balances the demands of helping others with taking care of herself and her own family. Pip also shares a delightful insight into her own first birth story, shedding light on how she managed it all. As she prepares for baby number two, Pip wonders if this new chapter will unfold as smoothly as the first. Pip Davies is truly a magical force in her profession, and the Bizzimumzi platform is honored to have her as a guest, sharing her remarkable journey and expertise in this week's Bizzimumzi episode. Join us for a captivating discussion that promises to inspire and empower parents-to-be and all those fascinated by the beautiful journey of childbirth and motherhood. To learn more about Pip Davies, head here: https://www.midwifepip.com/

Join your host, Ashley Verma, on this week's episode of Bizzimumzi as she welcomes the incredible Cordelia Simpson. Cordelia's journey from the dance floors of top artists like Beyoncé, Black Eyed Peas, Tom Jones, Whitney Houston, and 50 Cent to becoming a dedicated mother of four is nothing short of inspiring. Cordelia's story unfolds as she shares her experiences of studying at the prestigious Italia Conti stage school and the London Studio Centre before diving headfirst into the world of commercial dance. For four remarkable years, she danced alongside some of the biggest names in the music industry, and she's here to spill the behind-the-scenes details. In 2003, Cordelia became a single mother to her first child, Carma, which added a new layer of complexity to her life. But when love came knocking in the form of her now-husband, Bob, and more children followed, Cordelia made the courageous decision to hang up her dancing shoes to focus on her growing family. Carma, now fifteen, found her own path in showbiz, landing a lead role in CBBC's successful drama 'The Dumping Ground,' where she plays the captivating character 'Candi-Rose.' Throughout her journey of motherhood, Cordelia pursued her passion for fitness, becoming a qualified fitness instructor and a Les Mills Body Balance teacher. She juggled it all, teaching up to six classes a week and even volunteering her coaching skills at her children's gymnastics club. Tune in as Ashley and Cordelia delve into the world of touring and dancing for megastars, discussing the grueling schedules that instilled massive discipline in Cordelia's life. Discover what it was like for Cordelia to support her daughter's dreams as she ventured into showbiz at a young age, navigating the ups and downs of the entertainment industry. Cordelia also opens up about her remarkable mindset shift, where she transitioned into the world of fitness to help others, highlighting the significance of this transformative journey. In a candid and heartfelt conversation, Cordelia shares her health battles and the courageous decision to undergo a double mastectomy due to her family history and early testing. Prepare yourself for a riveting Bizzimumzi chat filled with warmth, integrity, and humour as Cordelia Simpson takes us on her remarkable journey of dance, motherhood, and personal growth. Don't miss this empowering episode! To learn more about Cordelia and her retreats with Tula Balance, head here: https://www.tulabalance.com/

Welcome to a sparkling New Year's episode of The Bizzimumzi Podcast! In this exciting debut episode of 2024, your host Ashley Verma is over the moon to welcome the remarkable Shakira Akabusi for the very first time. And let us tell you, sparks are about to fly! Ashley and Shakira kick off this episode with a burst of laughter as Ashley catches Shakira completely off guard with a compliment about her incredible abs. Yes, you heard that right – fabulous abs after four kids! Ashley can't help but ask the burning question: "How did you do it?" Get ready for a candid and entertaining conversation that delves into the secrets of postnatal fitness and more. Shakira Akabusi is the visionary founder of StrongLikeMum, a powerhouse business established in 2018 with an audacious mission: to inspire, encourage, and engage mothers from all walks of life. Shakira is a mother on a bold mission, determined to obliterate the stereotypes surrounding motherhood, especially in the realm of pre and postnatal health, encompassing both physical and mental well-being. Shakira's journey began during her first pregnancy when she was bombarded with a barrage of naysayers, constantly telling her all the things she'd never do again. From staying active to having time to cook and regaining body confidence, the list seemed endless. However, after the birth of her son, Rio, eight years ago (time really does fly!), and now being a mother of four, including newborn twins, Shakira discovered that motherhood was the complete opposite of what she'd been led to believe. This revelation led her to create StrongLikeMum, which is more than just a platform for postnatal fitness; it's a comprehensive method and mindset that empowers women to reconnect with their confidence, creativity, and passions in the postpartum journey. In the midst of their lively conversation, Ashley and Shakira dive deep into the topic of the "Bounce Back Culture." They candidly discuss the overwhelming noise surrounding it and share how they personally navigated their way towards progress instead of feeling like they were sinking. Shakira passionately expresses her desire for women to receive more information as they leave the hospital post-delivery, equipping them with the tools needed to conquer the often challenging 4th trimester. This episode is an absolute joyous chat between two incredible women, filled with laughter, wisdom, and a whole lot of inspiration. Don't miss out on this delightful conversation that touches on motherhood, postnatal fitness, and smashing stereotypes. Download and tune in now to join the fun and gain valuable insights! To work with or follow Shakira, head here: https://www.stronglikemum.com/

Welcome to the final episode of 2023 on the Bizzimumzi podcast, hosted by the incredible Ashley Verma. We couldn't be more excited to close out the year with a truly inspirational guest, Stacy Igel. Stacy's journey in the fashion industry is nothing short of remarkable, and she's the perfect guest to bid farewell to 2023. Stacy takes us back to her beginnings, starting her fashion career and launching her impact brand, Boy Meets Girl®, back in 2008. What began as a personal journal has evolved into a multifaceted platform that showcases every aspect of her life. From entrepreneurship insights to event fashion, Q&A sessions with friends and fellow entrepreneurs, midnight inspirations from '90s style icons, and even exciting updates about her new book – Stacy's journey is a testament to the power of determination and passion. Ashley invites Stacy to share the highs and lows of her 20+ year journey in the fashion industry, highlighting her unwavering commitment to success. Stacy's dedication to giving back led major global brands to seek her expertise in curating impact within their companies. Tune in as Ashley and Stacy share a laugh about the wild world of business and how parenthood fits into the mix. Speaking of her new book, "Embracing the Calm in the Chaos," Stacy references it throughout the podcast, offering a glimpse into her philosophy of following your passion, making money, giving back, and still being there for your family. If you're intrigued (and you should be!), be sure to check out the link in the show notes to grab yourself a copy. Join us for this week's episode as fashion designer Stacy Igel takes you on a journey of entrepreneurship, family, and the daily challenges that women entrepreneurs face. We hope you find this episode as inspiring as we do and encourage you to share it with your friends who could use a dose of motivation. Here's to wrapping up 2023 on a high note and looking forward to what the future holds! To learn more about Stacy Igel, head here: https://www.stacyigel.com/ Grab a copy of Embracing The Calm in the Chaos, head here: https://www.stacyigel.com/p/embracing-calm-in-chaos.html#/

Join Ashley Verma as she welcomes fellow American and Madrid-based mom, Emily San Jose, on this heartwarming episode of the Bizzimumzi podcast. Emily, like Ashley, is thriving, striving, and surviving motherhood while raising her family abroad in the vibrant city of Madrid. In this sparkling Christmas episode, Emily and Ashley share laughs, stories, and insights about the unique challenges and extraordinary advantages of living abroad with their families. Discover the joys and tribulations of being a mom soaking up the cultural richness of Madrid with adorable kids by tuning in. Emily, through her blog, offers captivating stories of her family's cultural journey, lifestyle musings, and thrilling adventures. Together, they navigate the exciting challenges and embrace the beauty of Madrid Mom Life. Get into the holiday spirit as Emily shares her Christmas countdown, festive plans, and how she expertly juggles the magic of Father Christmas with the celebration of the Three Wise Men just a few days after Christmas. Traditions are vital in all cultures, and Emily discusses her heartfelt efforts to ensure a smooth blend of customs and a rich experience for her family. Join Ashley and Emily for a heartfelt conversation filled with laughter, love, and the spirit of Christmas as they share their experiences and hopes for their children's brighter future through life abroad. Don't miss this special episode that reminds us of the importance of embracing traditions while living in a foreign land.