The Balance In Bloom Podcast

Today, we’re joined by Priscilla Agyeman-Peña, the visionary founder behind Saddie Baddies, a digital sanctuary centred on the mental health and softness of Black and multiracial people. We get into everything from: →what balance really looks like in this season of her life → the healing journey that shaped Saddie Baddies → entrepreneurship and nervous system regulation → how she nurtures her inner child, her community, and her creativity → and the cultural shift she sees unfolding around softness and mental health for Black women.This one feels like a soft blanket and a deep exhale, especially if you're a sensitive soul navigating your own season of becoming.What season of your life taught you the most about yourself?

In this episode, I sit down with the legendary DJ Lissa Monet who shares what it really means to navigate the music industry and entrepreneurship as a Black woman.The industry praises nonstop grinding, but Lissa has a different take. She talks about why she intentionally stepped back from overworking & the cultural pressure to always be doing, the spontaneous trip to Ghana that changed her life, and how finding & protecting her peace is more powerful than chasing someone else’s. Whether you're a creative, an empath, or just someone trying to honour your own pace in a hustle-heavy world, this conversation will speak to you. Lissa reminds us that boundaries are balance, softness/self-awareness is strength, and showing up as your whole self is the real flex. P.S. Please forgive the echo 😅 We’re building & I’m grateful for your patience through these audio growing pains.

Today's episode is full of heart, faith, purpose, and lots of laughter! I’m joined by the incredible Chantel Riley, actress, singer, writer, producer, entrepreneur, and mentor. You might recognize her from The Lion King on Broadway, her soulful music or more recently from Ex Door Neighbour or the indie film she starred in and exec produced, Sugar Dumplin.Now, she's also using her platform to create space for up-and-coming artists through her mentorship program.We talk about redefining success, staying rooted in faith and identity, navigating the entertainment industry as a Black woman, and honouring the importance of storytelling that reflects the diaspora. There are so many gems (and giggles!) in this episode. Let me know your thoughts below!P.S. Apologies for the playback, we ran into some technical issues.Follow Chantel on Instagram & TikTok: @chantel_rileyWebsite: www.chantelriley.com

In this episode, I sit down with Temi Popo, the powerhouse founder behind Girls Trip Tours, Co-Founder For Hire and her new restaurant, Miss Lou’s Jerk & Jollof Joint in Kenya. She's been featured in Forbes, National Geographic & many other well-known publications, and today on the BIB Podcast, we chat about balancing business with purpose, the role faith plays in her life, and how she’s creating space for women to thrive across Africa and the Diaspora. From soulful travel to supporting first-time founders, Temi shares how she builds legacy while living her best life. This one’s for the dreamers, the doers, and the faith-filled changemakers. Tune in for inspiration, strategy, and a whole lot of heart.Follow Temi:•Instagram & LinkedIn @TemiPopo •Instagram & LinkedIn @GirlsTripTours •Instagram @MissLousKenya •https://girlstrip.tours •www.misslous.com/

In this episode, I sat down with Ottillia Giralico aka OT, Certified Personal Trainer, founder of Club Enhergy, and a true force in women’s wellness.We talked about her journey from personal loss to launching one of Toronto’s most impactful women’s-only gyms, the deeper lessons fitness has taught her, and the power of building community.If you’re looking for a reminder of your strength and what’s possible when you follow purpose, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we tap in with Kaya Nova. A singer, songwriter, writer, founder and artispreneur behind Grown Mag. She'll be sharing her journey of building a digital safe space for Black women, as well as talking confidence, community, and what it really means to grow into yourself on your own terms.✨Follow:✨🤎 Kaya - https://www.instagram.com/thekayanova/🤎 GROWN Mag - https://www.instagram.com/grownmag/

In this episode of Balance in Bloom, I’m joined by Bianca De Cristo for a soulful conversation on self, soul, and showing up fully—rooted in her inextricable journey with her hair. We explore how reconnecting with her natural texture became a deeper return to self, the emotional layers of unlearning beauty standards, and how embracing her curls helped her step into her power. If you’ve ever felt like your hair held part of your story, this one's for you.

In this episode, we dive deep into balance, self-improvement, learning & leveling up with entrepreneur and community builder Nicole Antoine. From scaling BLAXPO, N/A & Co. and Four Brown Girls to pursuing an EMBA, Nicole shares how she juggles business, education, leadership, motherhood, relationships and personal growth—all while keeping God as her anchor. We discuss the power of community, setting boundaries, and staying grounded in high-pressure seasons.✨Don't forget to follow and comment for more conversations on growth, success, and purpose!

In this quick and impromptu episode, I wanted to delve into the question I pose so often but have yet to "officially" or "publically" answer myself: Merisa, how do YOU define balance?

In this episode of Balance in Bloom, we sit down with Shirley Ibe, the powerhouse founder of MadeUp Beauty, a brand redefining inclusive beauty standards. As a full-time healthcare manager, wife, and mother, Shirley shares how she juggles her many roles while staying true to her mission of celebrating authentic beauty & creating inclusive products. We dive into the real talk about the state of the beauty industry, the pressure of unrealistic social media standards, and why she's unapologetically against filters. Shirley's passion for helping people embrace themselves as they are is a refreshing reminder that beauty is more than just what we see online. Tune in for an honest, inspiring, and eye-opening conversation!

Welcome to the first-ever episode of Balance in Bloom! I'm excited (and a little scared) to share to do this, but this is the year we bet on ourselves! Today, it's just me introducing all things Balance In Bloom and Babes Seeking Balance (my IRL community) know that I have a line-up of raw, candid conversations with incredible Black women coming up that'll hopefully have you nodding along, having light bulb moments or having a little giggle. THANK YOU for being here and please do Like, Share and Subscribe!