Our Lives’ Narratives

This week's episode on Our Lives' Narratives features Natalie Meyer, also known as @IndahbyNatalie. She is an emerging Multidisciplinary Visual Artist; painter, bodypainter, cinematographer, drone operator, and educator. Mostly known for painting women of color on traditional and “living canvas”, she aims to represent visible minorities. Being an Indonesian-Canadian woman, she's influenced heavily by culture, storytelling, and the beauty of the human body.  Join us as we dive into her book "The Book of SHE(Success, Healing and Emergence)," which reflects on the beauty of the female form and the uniqueness and struggles of being a BIPOC woman.

Our guest on our lives' Narratives Platform, the visionary CEO Megan Vernon of The Melanin Studio Ltd and medical Aesthetician. The Melanin Studio Ltd specializes in caring for melanin-rich skin with exceptional care and personalized attention, empowering clients to look and feel their best. They have redefined how the melanin-rich skin is treated, understood, and celebrated. They are all about confidence, education, and pushing the boundaries of esthetics. Megan shares her journey since inception of this dream to having a multi- award winning establishment. website: themelaninstudio Instagram: @the.melanin.studio Facebook: the Melanin studio

Dr Ibiyemi Umuago is a Christian who enjoys being a solutions provider. After immigrating to Canada in 2018, she made a purposeful career transition from medical care to financial care, with a focus on helping families achieve financial empowerment. With 12 years of experience in medical practice, she brings compassion, empathy, and critical thinking capacity from health care to financial wellness. Her business is Smart Wealth Advocate, through which she applies her diploma in accounting, cash flow planning expertise, and life insurance licensing to provide holistic financial care to her clients. She is a self-published author of 2 word puzzle books and a third recently published book on Financial Fitness for Entrepreneurs. She lives with her husband and 5 sons in Edmonton Alberta. The book 'Financial Fitness for Entrepreneurs: 5 Bookkeeping Habits that Drive Business Success' is available in paperback and electronic PDF format. The outlay of the book in these two formats are different. The electronic version is in color and has graphic pictures, while the paperback is black and white with very few pictures. Here is the introduction (chapter 1) of the book in electronic version, to read through designrr.page/?id=468300&token=3672912326&h=9222 To order the book, use this link https://forms.gle/rPPNAaGZTfWUeGhg7 And if you need a financial check up, contact Yemi Umuago -Your Smart Wealth Advocate at https://smartwealthadvocate.com/#ContactUs

Karen Richards is a social worker (MSW, RSW) and community activist trying to raise a family of revolutionaries in Edmonton, Alberta. Outside of full-time government work, Karen is a teacher at heart as a sessional instructor with the University of Calgary Faculty of Social Work. Combining the love of activism and culture, Karen has embedded arts and physicality in uplifting the community of Edmonton through cultural experiences and facilitation with Joyful Noise Inc. Karen engages and organizes adults and youth to learn and live Black history and excellence. With years of experience in theatre production, television appearances, public speaking, board governance, and political punditry, Karen brings a range of disciplines to presentations. Karen is a certified Mental Health First Aid Facilitator, empowering whole communities by reducing stigma and helping participants learn how to support others to address their mental well-being.

Lisa Dublin, who hails from Saint Lucia. She is a speaker, writer, podcaster, and life and health coach. During her time in Saint Lucia, she lectured at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and hosted a live morning television program called "Sunrise" on HTS, alongside Russel Lake. She is also a performance poet and has received several accolades, including the M&C Fine Arts Award for Prose in 2003 and the Word Alive Poetry Slam competition in Saint Lucia in both 2008 and 2011. In 2013, she published her first chapbook of poetry, followed by a novella titled "How George Jones Saved Christmas" in 2017. In 2020, she created a performance piece called "To All The Girls," which has gained thousands of views on YouTube and Facebook. Additionally, Lisa runs an online speaking program called "Speak With Confidence," designed to help professionals and business people overcome their fears and present their best selves while speaking.

Esosa Ikuobase is an elementary school teacher dedicated to inspiring her students and positively impacting their lives, preparing them to become great leaders in our society. She has been teaching in Edmonton for the last four years. Esosa is very active in her church community and is driven by her faith. She has a deep desire to engage in volunteer work and give back to society, currently volunteering with the Edmonton Food Bank and Hope Mission. She is passionate about helping others, as well as administration and personal consulting. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, spending time outdoors in nature, learning new skills, and being with her loved ones.

This week's episode of Our Lives' Narratives features Clare Jagunna. Clare is a governance analyst specializing in information and records analysis, with over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, along with a diverse background in other sectors. She has pursued training in childcare and disability management through the International Career School Canada (ICS). Additionally, Clare attended the University of Lethbridge to enhance her knowledge in human resource management, which has been instrumental in establishing her non-profit organization. Clare is the founder of the Hands Lifting Hearts Initiatives Society (HLH), a non-profit organization with a mission to support women and children at various life stages. In 2021, Clare registered HLH with the Alberta Government, providing comprehensive assistance to families from pre-labor to post-labor. HLH is quickly becoming a household name and a pillar of support for many pregnant immigrant families across Alberta, bolstered by collaborations with other support agencies and funding partners. Clare is always willing to serve her community and is constantly seeking ways to give back. Kindly support this organization to help it accomplish its goals and objectives.

Integrating Nursing & Creative Arts A registered Nurse’s Journey as a Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist

Dr Amanna is a family physician, hospitalist, and award-winning expert in emergency medicine. His specialties include weight management, diabetes, and more. In this episode, we will discuss diabetes: exploring its causes, symptoms, and management strategies. Check out Dr Amanna's YouTube channel Dr. Gt https://youtube.com/@DrGT-q6z?si=ZFOrCMrYX75qZ6Zq

Shasily Matowe is a proud biracial woman whose heritage is enriched by the diverse cultures of Zimbabwe, Scotland, and the Netherlands. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Shasily moved to the Middle East at the age of four, where she was immersed in a wide array of cultures that gave her a unique perspective on global lifestyles. A passionate advocate for health and wellness, Shasily’s commitment to fitness was showcased when she competed and won Canada’s Ultimate Challenge (Season 2), a test of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual endurance. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to found Power(Full) Inc., a company that emphasizes the worth, uniqueness, and gifts inherent in every individual. Through Power(Full) Inc., Shasily helps children, youth, and adults on their wellness journeys, with a holistic focus on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Her passion for supporting others deepened after the passing of her mother in 2017. This personal loss inspired her to create a platform for holistic health, integrating her expertise as a certified fitness specialist and professional dancer/drummer. Her mission is to empower others by restoring their confidence through the power of self-love. Shasily’s dedication extends beyond individual health; she is committed to building stronger communities. In 2020, she launched a partnership with the Salvation Army to honor her mother’s legacy through initiatives like “Patricia’s Present” and “The Angel Tree,” which provide Christmas gifts to children and families in need. Additionally, Shasily serves as a youth leader in her local church, guiding youth aged 11-17 in their spiritual development. A firm believer in the power of connection, Shasily’s philosophy is that community health is not solely about physical proximity but about fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to one another. She strives to spread love, light, and positivity wherever she goes, embracing her mission to make a meaningful impact on as many lives as possible.

Nnaemeka Udoka is a husband, father, avid researcher, Podcaster, blogger, and author of the book called Unleash Your Inner Kraken. He did pharmaceutical quality assurance in Nigeria for 12 years. In Canada, he moved into warehousing, supply chain logistics, and production management. He is the treasurer of the Nigerian Canadian Association of Edmonton. His other areas of interest are immigrant kids development, personal development, economics of gov't finance, politics, and active citizen participation in democracy, Entrepreneurship, Social Issues from a Christian perspective. Don't miss this insightful episode on raising the next generations of great minds. Our youths! #canada #podcast #africa #raisingkidsright #diaspora

Ereni Perez is a Mexican multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur renowned for bringing the vibrant beauty of Mariachi music to Edmonton. Starting life in a new country came with significant challenges. Ereni worked tirelessly to support her family while learning English and adjusting to a new culture. Despite these hurdles, she chose to pursue her passion for music and the arts. As one of Edmonton's first female Mariachi musicians, she founded Mariachi Loco in 2018, a talented ensemble dedicated to sharing the rich traditions of Mexican and Latin American music with audiences across Canada. Ereni's entrepreneurial ventures are equally inspiring. She is the co-owner of Naiya, a home décor business based in Edmonton, which she runs alongside her sister, Gal Perez. Together, they work closely with artisans from Mexico to bring handmade, one-of-a-kind products to their business. Through Naiya, Ereni not only introduces unique items to the local market but also supports Mexican heritage and exposes the artistry of their culture to a broader audience. This dedication ensures that their business is as much about cultural preservation as it is about innovation. As a devoted mother of two boys, Ereni is passionate about preserving and celebrating her children’s dual heritage—Mexican and West African. Alongside her husband, Reckie Lloyd, she performs as a dancer and drummer with Sangea Academy, an arts organization dedicated to West African drumming and dance. This work has brought her immense joy and deepened her love for music and cultural expression. Her story is a testament to resilience, cultural pride, entrepreneurial innovation, and the transformative power of the arts.

Rehana Malik-Mbanga. Is a wife, mother, and a community driven individual. She is the CEO of Stimbok Corporation and founder of When African Women Talk (WAWT). She is a visionary leader dedicated to advancing women's empowerment and social change across Canada and Africa. She continues to drive social change through her entrepreneurial ventures. Her commitment to creating a more equitable world inspires countless others to join her in building a future where all individuals are empowered, valued, and capable of achieving their full potential.

Dr Amanna is a family physician expert, hospitalist, emergency and award winning physician. He specializes in weight management and diabetes. He is a lecturer at the university of Calgary. This discussion is centred around some of the most popular weight management drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and also lifestyle changes. Check out Dr Amanna's YouTube channel called Dr GT for important health tips.

Stephen Snyder, managing partner of the law firm of Snyder & Associates LLP, is highly regarded both domestically and internationally for his expertise in the field of corporate law, intellectual property, and international business transactions. His clients include a number of chartered banks, trust companies, land developers, software companies, hi-tech companies and international investors, as well as construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas service companies. Snyder & Associates LLP is an independent, full-service firm in Edmonton, Alberta providing the highest quality legal services to individuals and businesses. #podcast #laywer #yeg #laws #canada #housebuying,

#podcast #hyperrealism #motivation #affirmation #life #16years

Nii Tawiah Okurajah Koney 11, founder of the Nile Valley Foundation, Oral Historian, Executive Director of the Afrika Diaspora History Library, Director of the Nile Valley Foundation Learning Centre, Community Advocate, Publisher of the Nile Valley Magazine, Advisory Board Member of the Canadian Imperial Advantage (CIA). The Nile Valley Foundation is a not-for-profit organization in Edmonton, dedicated to sharing the African and Canadian history with the world to positively impact our community. The mission is to discover, preserve, interpret and share Africa’s contribution to human development and civilization and to ensure its proper interpretation, thus restoring dignity and self- respect to all people (especially people of African descent) and to promote mutually beneficial relations between all races. They focus on two projects 1. The Afrika Diasporan History Library and, 2. My Brother's Keeper: a boys' mentorship and leadership project. #africa #africanhistory #sankofa #blackhistory#yeg