EP 66: Adaeze Elechi, Author Harmattan - The Exploration of Self, Softness and Stillness

@iamyetunde is an Author,  Professor of Global Affairs and the owner a quite a few business ventures. In her latest book Balance, Yetunde tackles the complexities of the concept of balance and it's application as we move through the different phases of our lives. In this Episode we discuss: The personal framing and application of balance in ways that is devoid of external influences  Some of the key indicators that signal to us that we are out of balance in areas of our lives   The secret sauce to being more balanced in relationships  Patience Understanding Empathy Enjoyed this Episode? Kindly please leave a review HERE; the simplest of phrases counts, thank you! Some resource mentioned : Esther Perel, Relationship Expert  TD Jakes  Les Brown   Purchase Balanace on Amazon or Dr.Yetunde.com . Be sure the connect with @iamyetunde on socials. She also offers leadership development services from her Consulting Firm. On the fashion front, you can catch a glimpse of the children's shoe line here Amadin Shoes.   Also, let’s hangout on Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks Music - Nice To You, YT Audio Library Subscribe  - Apple Podcast  &  Stitcher 

@Adulphina is a young home grown artist whose paintings frequent the Nigerian and dare I say the West African art scene. Her signature lays emphasis "on the human head as a cradle of conscious , unconscious and subconscious thought processes inhered  in every sing person holding spirituality and perceptions of  the physical and metaphysical". What I love about her work, is that each pieec seems to carry an untold story or even mystery in their eyes as if the have lived many lives and have something poignant to say  Enjoyed this Episode? Kindly please leave a review HERE; the simplest of phrases counts, thank you! In this episode, Adulphina shares her journey as a home grown and home based Nigerian artists. We talk about : The challenges , opportunities and limitations of being an artists in Nigeria How she was developed her unique of the big head and almond eyes  The influences the collective Nigerian culture has on the types of work she produces Be sure to check out Adulphina's pieces and support her on Patreon.   Also, let’s hangout on Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks Music - Nice To You, YT Audio Library Subscribe  - Apple Podcast  &  Stitcher 

@UzoArt is a contemporary artist whose work took off due to a Rick and Morty Twitter meme that went viral. Uzo who has been building body of work inspired by her modern designs and her Nigerian culture , leaned into the opportunity and started creating digital prints , making her work accessible. Not  only is her work aesthetically pleasing, it is one that has a cause, portions of their profits are used for a charitable cause. Enjoyed this Episode? Kindly please leave a review HERE; the simplest of phrases counts, thank you! In this episode, Uzo takes us behind the scenes of her rising business and journey from Statistics to creating art with a cause. What makes her journey even more interesting is that during the pandemic when business where sunsetting, Uzo Art enterprised flourished. During our conversation, Uzo shares: The different ways in which we should consider and think about Art and Artistry The  importance of understanding the difference between creating and running a business Why her business model focuses on in-house distribution of all sales and merchandise Be sure to purchase one of Uzo pieces at Uzo Art and go hang out with her @UzoArt Also, let’s hangout on Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks Music - Nice To You, YT Audio Library Subscribe  - Apple Podcast  &  Stitcher 

@Aderonke is a writer, filmmaker and director, her 2018 documentary Awani Film was screened at over 15 film festivals around the world and won the UNESCO prize from the Belgium UNESCO Commission   In this Episode we discuss: The traditional organization system utilized by African women to inspire political action through movements like the Aba Women's Riot of 1929  The impact of colonial on gender inequality in Nigeria Colonial cultural inheritance versus cultural values systems that are authentically African In the invasion of Arabs before European presence and the lasting effects both foreign presence left on Northern Nigerian   Enjoyed this Episode? Kindly please leave a review HERE; the simplest of phrases counts, thank you!   Notable Nigerian figures mentioned Queen Amina of Zaria - Queen Warrior 16th Century Nigeria  Fumilayo Ransome-Kuti - Suffragist & Political Activist (mother of Fela Kuti)  Stella McIntosh - First Nigerian Women to receive an MBA in the US - 1953  Margret Ekpo - Political Activist in Colonial Nigeria    Awani was not only captivating but answered questions I did not even realized I had as an African, Nigerian and Yoruba woman. Be sure to connect with Aderonke and catch a clip of Awani Film   Also, let’s hangout on Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks   Music - Nice To You, YT Audio Library Subscribe  - Apple Podcast  &  Stitcher 

@Onebolafun is a writer, filmmaker and director. You mostly likely consume or have come in contact with her work without realizing. Amongst her own creations Water Phoenix & Are We Good Parents, she is also known for directing OWNs Queen Sugar, FXs Lucifer, Legacies and most recently SXX for Disney +. As you will hear or have heard during the conversation, the road that led to these destinations were very topys turvy and fraught with uncertainty In This Episode We Discuss: Being selected by Ava DuVernay to direct Queen Sugar Her leap of Faith from taking a break from school to pursue a career in TV The importance of relationship building with peers and getting rid of the idea of "networking up" Being inspired by our personal stories when creating impactful work. The role that grit, perseverance and scrappiness plays in the initial building phases Enjoyed this Episode, please leave us a review HERE, even the simplest of phrases counts, thank you! What stood out to me the most during the conversation with @onebolafun was the absence of ego. I go the sense that she was more focused on effecting change as opposed to the superflous goals we often see for aspiring Hollywood aspirants. Hold on to your edges people, I think  we are seeing the beginning of someone who will become a notable figures in Hollywood. Resources Bola Ogun Films Youtube  Bola Ogun Films  California Institute of the Arts  Ikorodu Bois Recreation of Extraction  Be sure to connect with @onebolafun on Twitter and check out her work Bola Ogun Films.  Also, let’s hangout on Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks   Edited & Produced by Mude Productions Music - Nice To You, YT Audio Library Subscribe  - Apple Podcast  &  Stitcher 

@JojoSilla is an all-around creative who expressions range from painting, music and filmmaking. Jojo joins us to talk about her work with short film Not Supposed To Here, a film recently shortlisted to be screened at the Toronto Short Film Channel Festival. Not Supposed To Be Here (NSTBH) is a story that explores the negative dynamic that exists between African Immigrant and African American in the United States. In This Episode We Discuss : The perceptions African Immigrants and African American have about each other. The source of these tensions and how it passed down from generations. The genesis of the film and why it was shot without personifying the main characters. The reasons for why this type of work is so relevant and necessary especially in these 2020 current socio-economic climate. Did you enjoyed this episode? Kindly leave us a review HERE; the simplest of phrases counts, thank you! @JojoSilla and Co-Writer and Director @KatungAduwak , conceived and created this short film about a year go almost pre-empting the current state of things. This work could not be more timely. As we talk through and reassess what it means to truly unite as black peoples, it is important that ALL BlACK PEOPLES critically look at the roles we play in handling and dealing with one another. One thing we are learning is that in order for us to win we must all see the humanity in each other. Check Out Not Supposed To Here and make be sure to live a review.   Connect with @JojoSilla & @KatungAduwak and make sure you share your thoughts and this work with your network.   Let's connect on Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks Website -  Those African Chicks Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library Subscribe  - Apple Podcast  &  Stitcher  

Yetunde Shorters  is a Purpose & Branding  coach who helps female entrepreneurs get clear on their purpose and monetize their passion.  I had the privilege of working with Yetunde a few years ago after meeting her at the She Leads Africa event in the NYC.  After going through her workshop, I knew that she need to come on the show to talk about what he work and importance for everyone to have clarity when pursuing their purpose. With the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing and companies going through a workforce shrink. This topic is pertinent now more than ever as we collectively begin to think about how to reposition ourselves in our current and future roles in work and life as a whole. In this conversation, Yetunde takes us through:  Key steps to begin taking to get clear on your purpose How to find purpose that is aligned with your values in a corporate job and career Common mental blocks people have when pursuing their purpose and how to overcome them. Yetunde has a several programs in full swing at the moment. Be sure to peruse her offering to see which of her offerings might be a good fit for you. She also a has a free 20 min consultation that you should definitely sign up for. As you can tell from the conversation, I truly admire and value her approach in this arena.

Tosin Oshinowo is an architect better known for her design of the "Big Black Box" Shopping Mall in Maryland, Lagos Nigeria. She also recently gained a lot of recognition for her use of Yoruba traditional fabric- Aso Oke to create statement furniture pieces with her latest venture Ile Ila. Her signature which is identifiable with the use of fine lines, geometry and simplicity truly sets her apart from her peers. Her interpretation of African minimalism, steers away from the expected prints we are used to seeing but still exudes the associated boldness. To me, her works seems to say 'I am here and I don't need to shout about it'. This episode left me with so much think on especially because, I entered it wanting to talk about inspiration and style but was gently guided into a deeper and necessary discourse that Reflected on the history and interactions that African have had with Slavery, Imperialism, Colonialism and how these experiences inform our architecture. The importance of being intentional and purposeful when creating a body of work by leaning into the resources available within ones environment; and creating new interpretations that serves local needs Finally, understanding and knowing oneself well enough to clearly know the skills  needed to propel your business or creative endeavor forward and being open to collaboration when these skills are missing This is one of those episodes that I think you will revisit. Be sure to leave a comment on what your take aways are. Connect with Tosin Architecture Firm - cmD+A Designs  Furniture - Ile Ila  Instagram - @tosin.oshinowo    Let’s Hang Out Instagram: @thoseafricanchicks Website:   Those African Chicks Music:  Nice To You - YT Audio Library Subscribe: Apple Podcast  &  Stitcher  

In light of the current state of the world , the stressor of finances and financial stability reigns supreme. Today's episode is with a Certified Financial Advisory and the Founder of a Financial Advisory firm - Earn Into Wealth, a boutique advisory firm that helps high earners be more intentional about the their mid to long term financials aspirations. What I enjoyed about my conversation with Kaya Ladejobi CFP, is that she pares finances down to the basics to be relatable and employable regardless of whether you are a high earner or not. On this episode, Kaya breaks down   Money habits and how should be thinking about money in the COVID-19 pandemic and sans pandemic Strategies for the building an emergency fund and how to think about an emergency fund Steps to take to accelerate savings for those who have not been diligent about a savings plan. Understanding stocks, 401k plans and other investment strategies.   I took copious notes myself, as someone who is a natural saver, there are definitely smarter ways to thinks about investments that I had not considered. Connect With Kaya Website -  Earn Into Wealth  Linked In  -  Kaya Ladejobi    Let’s Hang Out Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks Website -  Those African Chicks Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library Subscribe  - Apple Podcast  &  Stitcher  

Adaeze is an author and filmmaker whose work focuses on the exploration of softness and vulnerability in people and spaces. On this episode, she shared latest work, Harmattan . Harmattan is a chapbook (collection of poetry and prose) that was inspired by her mother’s passing from a severe illness. Harmattan is a self-healing journey that allowed Adaeze celebrate her mother life journey. We see her resurrects her mother’s essence throughout the book. For a book that appears to be a quick read, it is packed with so much emotion; taking the readers through the humanness of 3 generations of igbo women that are strong yet deeply delicate. This book took me through the nostalgia of being mothered and my own mothering. As our conversation progresses,  we learn how Conversations with igbo ‘elders’ helped Adaeze come to the understanding of the continuation of people when they no longer have the physicality that binds them here (death) How the she learned and is learning to listen and lean into the self-evolution and emergence that is birthed by this ‘Harmattan’ season of life This is one of those books that will require multiple reads, with each read revealing something different depending on reader’s state of mind. Connect with Adaeze Instagram - @ada_elechi Website - Harmattan Book   Let’s Hang Out Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks Website -  Those African Chicks Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library Subscribe  - Apple Podcast  &  Stitcher