S2 E8: Tabitha Bokonga, Creative Strategist, Founder ROOTED.

Meet Tabitha Bokonga @tabithabokonga - creative strategist, brand consultant, and founder of ROOTED. @rootedcollectives 🌱 She’s all about building brands that feel real, soulful, and connected to community. Whether she’s crafting stories or creating space for voices that need to be heard, she moves with purpose and care and brings a curious mind and big heart into everything she does.We’re so excited to share her story — welcome to Tabitha’s world! Follow us on Instagram @yourfavoritetodayOr read the interview: yourfavorite.today

Alain Kuipers is the co-founder of Stewww, an event agency amplifying Afro-diasporic sounds and emerging talent, and Background Radio, a music platform dedicated to showcasing fresh, genre-blending artists in beautiful surroundings.Through these ventures, Alain creates spaces that celebrate cultural heritage and future-forward rhythms.In this conversation we talk about how Stewww and Background Radio were founded, discuss the life of being a creative entrepreneur working in the music industry & share lessons for the young gen who would want to follow a similar career. Tune in!

Meet Igor Ilanga (@igor_ilanga), founder of ILANGA (@ilanga.studio), turning food waste into plant-based dyes. By repurposing materials like onion skins, avocado pits and coffee grounds, ILANGA offers natural dyeing, coloring new textiles or rejuvenating exciting ones.Driven by a mission to ‘modify perspectives’, Igor blends cultural research, craftsmanship and environmental consciousness to challenge the fast-fashion status quo.Read the full interview now at yourfavorite.today

Axelle Ahanhanzo is an award-winning social impact entrepreneur and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) changemaker, dedicated to creating inclusive spaces that empower underrepresented voices. As the founder of LAUDACE, she leverages her lived experiences as a neurodivergent Black woman to challenge the status quo and drive meaningful change.  In this episode Axelle shares her journey as a neurodivergent entrepreneur, discusses the empowerment that came from understanding her ADHD and autism, and how these insights shaped her approach to DEI work. She reflects on the power of mentorship, the impact of authentic storytelling,  and her commitment to helping others build inclusive spaces. An uplifting episode for purpose-driven creatives and change-makers.

In this episode, Cynthia Ritsma, Co-founder of the communications & creative agency Studio Notoire and founder of House of Notoire, a community platform, shares her journey in communications and PR, building communities, and running her own agency. She discusses the importance of working with bold, edgy brands and offers insights on personal branding, staying focused, and avoiding burnout, while emphasizing the importance of financial awareness and a strong support system. Tune in for practical advice on building an authentic brand and thriving in the fast-paced world of PR and creative industry.

In this episode, Nadine Ridder, a DE&I Expert, discusses her journey from creative strategist to social change agent, emphasizing the challenges organizations face in fostering inclusivity. She highlights the importance of leadership’s self-reflection on privilege and the need for genuine cultural shifts, not just surface-level diversity initiatives. Nadine's approach includes collaborative consulting, workshops on microaggressions, and advocating for diverse leadership. She stresses that DEI work is about deep systemic change and creating environments where diverse perspectives are truly valued. In honor of Global Diversity Month, it’s a reminder that true progress requires collective action and commitment to embracing differences for meaningful change in all spaces.

This episode of the podcast features an engaging conversation with Eben Badu, one of the founders of "The New Originals," an Amsterdam-based brand known for performance clothing for creatives. We talk about Eben's personal background, the inception and growth of the brand, and the importance of creativity and storytelling in their business.  He shares how he is navigating business challenges, leveraging social media for marketing, building a community around the brand, and the relevance of sustainability in the fashion industry. Eben also gives valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own brands, emphasizing research, mentorship, and staying true to one's passions. Discover these topics: 1. Meet Eben Badu: Founder of The New Originals 2. The Birth of The New Originals 3. Creative Process and Design 4. Balancing Business and Creativity 5. Investment Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 6. Overcoming Challenges in Business 7. Marketing and Scaling Up 8. Community and Collaborations 9. Career Advice for Creatives 10. Final Thoughts and Wisdom

In this episode of Your Favorite podcast, we dive into a conversation with Awura Abena Simpe, a multi-talented entrepreneur and presenter focusing on career development and inclusion. Awura traces her eclectic career path—from a attorney to an event agency owner, to a managing editor at Cosmopolitan, and currently a full-time presenter. She shares invaluable advice on career transitions, personal branding, and the importance of vulnerability and reflection. The episode offers a mix of personal anecdotes and professional insights, making it a must-listen for creatives, entrepreneurs, and professionals aiming to thrive in their own pursuits. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:21 Meet Awura Abena Simpa 01:10 Awura's Career Journey 02:07 The Role at Cosmopolitan 05:50 Entrepreneurship vs Corporate Life 10:11 Current Career as a Presenter 20:43 The Importance of Personal Branding 23:00 Engaging the Audience 26:26 Challenges in Diversity and Inclusion 29:50 Career Advice for Creatives 34:26 Final Thoughts and Farewell

 Jeena van der Heul is an Amsterdam-based creative director. Working in advertising for over 15 years, he created award-winning work for various consumer brands at internationally renowned agencies. During our conversation, Jeena shared the key ingredients for being a successful Creative Director, the importance of diversity and inclusion in the creative process and the relationship between creativity and mental health. We also discussed the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the creative industry and how he uses it to enhance his daily work. Read the full interview: www.yourfavorite.today

Moroccan-Dutch Dounia Maakor is an award-winning social entrepreneur. She stands for diversity & inclusion and speaks on the topics such as labour law discrimination, equality of opportunity, and social impact. During this conversation, Dounia talks about passion projects, forming your identity, and staying authentic, and shares an easy way to create a personal and actionable development plan. Read the full interview: www.yourfavorite.today Follow @yourfavoritetoday