Identity & Ownership: Stop Waiting for Permission | Elsa Mehary | Soul Thursdays with Calvin

In this episode of Soul Thursdays, Calvin sits down with Elsa Mehary, an acclaimed identity architect and strategic creative advisor. Elsa shares her journey of navigating diverse cultural landscapes and breaking barriers in the publishing world, offering deep insights into the complex politics of identity within the Black diaspora.   Description Elsa Mehary, born in Ethiopia and raised in the United States, brings a rich tapestry of multicultural experiences that have profoundly shaped her understanding of identity and community. In the vibrant city of New York, she began her career in publishing, becoming one of the few Black art directors at major publications like Time Inc. and Hearst. Her narrative reveals the challenges and triumphs of advocating for representation in an industry historically lacking in diversity.   Facing unexpected career shifts and personal transformations, Elsa's journey led her to redefine herself and her purpose. As an identity architect, she empowers individuals and brands to embrace self-authorship, forging paths that transcend traditional expectations. Her mother's dedication to the Peace Corps and her grandmother's creativity as a seamstress influenced Elsa's approach to identity as a dynamic, evolving construct. Join Elsa Mehary and host Calvin on this week's episode of Soul Thursdays to learn more about her inspiring journey of self-discovery and community empowerment.   Quotes • "I was born in Ethiopia, so my mom was in the Peace Corps." (16:50-16:56 | Elsa Mehary) • "My focus was… I have to get out of where I live, and I'm moving to New York." (18:31-18:36 | Elsa Mehary) • "InStyle for about 8 years. I was constantly… and I worked in mostly the fashion and the beauty sections." (20:48-20:51 | Elsa Mehary) • "They would have freelancers, but, like, on staff, Very, very, very few." (20:04-20:05 | Elsa Mehary)   Links Elsa Mehary Website - https://www.elsamehary.com Elsa Mehary Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/elsalovesyou/   About Soul Thursdays - @SoulThursdays   Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the livestream podcast you'll want to invite friends over to watch every week. Join us Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern for real conversations, fascinating guests, community dialogue, and inspiring stories that help us learn, connect, and grow together.   Whether we're discussing mental health, relationships, entrepreneurship, culture, identity, or personal growth, Soul Thursdays creates a space where curiosity is welcomed and every voice matters.   🎙️ Join us live: https://SoulThursday.com     Support Community Exploratory Journalism   ☕ Buy Us a Coffee (Donate) https://buymeacoffee.com/soullivestream   🎓 Launch Your Podcast - Build a Community Following with Livestreaming https://coedcommunity.com   🎥 Join Our Replay Community https://SoulThursday.com     Connect With Us   🌐 Live Weekly Episodes: https://SoulThursdays.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulthursdays/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulthursdays/ 🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/soulthursdays 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulthursdays     Soul Thursdays Real Conversations. Real Community. Real Growth.   We Grow Together. About Soul Thursdays - @SoulThursdays   Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the livestream podcast you'll want to invite friends over to watch every week. Join us Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern for real conversations, fascinating guests, community dialogue, and inspiring stories that help us learn, connect, and grow together.   Whether we're discussing mental health, relationships, entrepreneurship, culture, identity, or personal growth, Soul Thursdays creates a space where curiosity is welcomed and every voice matters.   🎙️ Join us live: https://SoulThursday.com     Support Community Exploratory Journalism   ☕ Buy Us a Coffee (Donate) https://buymeacoffee.com/soullivestream   🎓 Launch Your Podcast - Build a Community Following with Livestreaming https://coedcommunity.com   🎥 Join Our Replay Community https://SoulThursday.com     Connect With Us   🌐 Live Weekly Episodes: https://SoulThursdays.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulthursdays/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulthursdays/ 🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/soulthursdays 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulthursdays     Soul Thursdays Real Conversations. Real Community. Real Growth.   We Grow Together.