How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield

Summary:

Necole Kane is the visionary force behind Necole Bitchie, xo Necole, and the new wellness brand, My Happy Flo. She started her career in entertainment news and celebrity gossip, eventually launching Necole Bitchie, which became the go-to black-focused celebrity website. After the success of Necole Bitchie, she rebranded to xo Necole, focusing on empowering black women with content on mental health, relationships, and more. In 2017, Will Packer acquired xo Necole. Necole has now launched My Happy Flo, a hormone balance supplement for women with periods.

Key Takeaways:

• Necole started Necole Bitchie after moving to a small town and realizing her vision was bigger than working at Walmart.
• She grew Necole Bitchie to 20 million daily page views through consistency and dedication.
• The rebrand to xo Necole was driven by a desire to create a platform for black women to discuss topics beyond celebrity news.
• Necole's acquisition by Will Packer was a result of her viral video and a series of conversations over several months.
• She faced challenges during the acquisition process, including concerns about alignment and the future of her brand.
• Necole's latest venture, My Happy Flo, was inspired by her personal experiences with her mother's battle with breast cancer and her own studies in holistic health.
• My Happy Flo aims to provide black women with a hormone balance supplement that addresses common deficiencies and supports overall reproductive health.

Episode Website

In this Episode:

In this episode, starting at 0:00:30, we delve into Necole Kane's fascinating journey from aspiring actress to digital media powerhouse. At 0:02:20, discover the inception of her influential blog Nicole Bitchy, followed by her strategic pivot to Exo Nicole at 0:04:02, highlighting her adaptive business acumen. Necole reveals her effective networking strategies at 0:05:33 and the pivotal viral interview with Chili at 0:06:11 that propelled her into the spotlight.

The challenges and transformation from Necole Bitchie to xo Necole are candidly discussed at 0:07:40 and 0:08:47, providing insights into Necole's resilience and vision. A significant moment in her career is the acquisition of xo Necole by Will Packer in 2017, detailed at 0:10:57, marking a new chapter in her professional journey.

Necole opens up about her personal struggles, including depression and fear of failure, at 0:12:21, and shares her insights on vision alignment and building the right team at 0:19:44. The episode also explores her venture into women's health with My Happy Flo, addressing the need for education around menstrual cycles and hormonal imbalances, touched upon at 0:25:21.

Concluding at 0:34:55, Necole shares her excitement for the future of My Happy Flo and offers personal insights, including her advice to her younger self and her self-care activities, wrapping up with where to follow her journey on social media at 0:37:13.

In the episode, Christina Rice, the founder of OMNoire, shares her inspiring journey from a career in public relations to building a platform that redefines wellness and community for black women and women of color. She discusses her transition from PR to launching her own agency and the challenges she faced along the way. Christina also talks about the moment she discovered her passion for yoga and how it led her to create Omniwar. She shares her vision for the future of the brand and the importance of community and self-care in the wellness industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Christina Rice transitioned from a career in public relations to launching her own agency before starting OMNoire.
• OMNoire is a platform that redefines wellness and community for black women and women of color.
• Christina's passion for yoga and her journey led her to create OMNoire as a safe space for black women to explore wellness and healing.
• OMNoire offers retreats, a home collection, and an academy to empower and support black women on their wellness journeys.
• Christina believes in the power of community and self-care and aims to create a one-stop wellness shop through OMNoire.

Episode Outline:

In this podcast episode, beginning at 0:00:30, we're introduced to Christina Rice, whose varied career journey is admired by host Dreena. From her high school dream of being an attorney, noted at 0:02:38, to opening a Nashville clothing store at 0:04:26, and transitioning to a PR career in New Jersey at 0:07:28, Christina's path is diverse and inspiring.

A pivotal moment occurs at 0:10:59 when Christina starts her own agency after being laid off. This period also marks her wellness journey, as she discovers yoga and eventually becomes a certified teacher, a topic touched upon at 0:12:36. Christina's significant venture, Omnoire, aimed at healing for black women, is conceived in early 2016, highlighted at 0:13:32.

The episode at 0:21:17 delves into the meaning behind "Omnoire" and Christina's achievements, including planning retreats and securing sponsorships. She shares her experience of focusing solely on Omnoire at 0:16:03 and attributes its success to community care and pioneering in the wellness industry at 0:25:33.

Christina discusses expanding Omnoire into home products at 0:44:49 and her vision for it as a comprehensive wellness brand at 0:49:54. She offers advice to entrepreneurs at 0:51:22, emphasizing listening to one's inner voice. The episode wraps up around 0:57:46 with Christina sharing Bali's transformative impact on her wellness journey.

Connect with Christina on....

Instagram: @christinamrice

Linktree: ChristinaRice

In this captivating podcast episode, join me as I delve into the extraordinary journey of Michelle Ganey, the brilliant mind behind Lamiga Events. From aspiring lawyer to event planning entrepreneur, Michelle's story is one of following your passion and embracing unconventional career paths. Get ready to be inspired by her insights on building a thriving business, finding a balance between work and family, and creating impactful event designs. Don't miss this empowering conversation on how to navigate the world of event planning with excellence and authenticity. Tune in now!

- Michelle's journey from aspiring lawyer to event planner

- The importance of family and work-life balance

- Finding inspiration and setting price points in the industry

- Creating a strong community and building relationships

- Embracing niche markets and becoming an authority

Episode Outline:

In this latest episode of "How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield," listeners are treated to the extraordinary story of Michelle Ganey, the creative mind behind Lamiga Events. [00:00:00] The episode begins with Dreena expressing her enthusiasm about having Michelle as a guest. [00:00:00] Dreena starts with an intriguing question to Michelle, asking about her high school yearbook prediction for her future. [00:00:37] Michelle reveals her initial ambition to become an attorney, a path quite different from her current career. [00:00:51] She shares that this aspiration stemmed from her childhood, inspired by the character Claire Huxtable from "The Cosby Show." [00:01:12] The discussion moves to Michelle's academic pursuits, highlighting her college degree in political science. [00:01:29] Michelle also discusses her decision to work full-time after college to support herself independently. [00:02:28]

The episode then explores Michelle's transition into event planning, inspired by her personal experience with planning her wedding. [00:02:55] Michelle talks about the lack of established career paths in event planning 23 years ago and her initial focus on milestone celebrations. [00:02:55] Dreena shifts the conversation to the challenges faced by entrepreneurs who juggle a full-time job with their passion projects. [00:05:15] Michelle reflects on the changes in the event planning industry, noting the influence of the movie "The Wedding Planner" and the rise of wedding blogs. [00:05:42] She recounts her experience from 2004 to 2007, when event planning was her side hustle, with a focus on milestone birthday celebrations. [00:11:00]

A poignant moment in the episode occurs when Michelle shares advice she gave to a planner struggling to differentiate herself. [00:33:55] Michelle emphasizes the importance of leveraging one's unique qualities as a strength. [00:39:00] Dreena then inquires about the factors contributing to the success of Michelle and Lamiga Events. [00:40:28] The episode concludes with Michelle describing herself in one word and mentioning one of her legacy clients. [00:42:37]

In this captivating episode of How I Got Here, join host Dreena Whitfield as she sits down with Kamilah Forbes, the extraordinary executive producer of the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem. Prepare to be inspired as Kamilah takes us on a journey from her early days as a theater kid to her current role at the Apollo.

Discover how Kamilah's passion for both medicine and acting led her on a unique path, ultimately solidifying her love for the theater. From participating in makeshift Star Wars plays to being cast as an Ewok, Kamilah shares the pivotal moments that shaped her desire to tell the stories of black and brown people in the theater.

Explore the power of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and their transformative impact on Camila's career and personal growth. Learn how Howard University played a vital role in shaping her journey, providing her with lifelong friends and collaborators.

Join us as Kamilah Forbes delves into the world of hip-hop theater and the creation of the Hip-Hop Theater Festival. Witness how she and her friends pioneered their own work and built a vibrant community around hip-hop theater.

Experience the magic of the Apollo Theater as Kamilah shares her role in the institution's rich history. From working on renowned television shows to directing and producing for theater, Camila's journey is a testament to embracing one's passion and defying expectations.

Uncover the importance of diversity and inclusion in the programming of the Apollo Theater. Kamilah Forbes highlights the need for aesthetic diversity, showcasing artists from different backgrounds and generations, as the theater strives to remain relevant in today's cultural conversation.

Don't miss this thought-provoking episode as Kamilah Forbes opens up about the cultural impact of the Apollo Theater. Join her in discussing the challenges of building upon its established brand and her work in adapting Ta-Nehisi Coates' book, "Between the World and Me," into a live staged version at the Apollo.

Discover the incredible journey behind the creation of the performance "Between the World and Me" and its timely release during the 2020 elections. Learn how Kamilah Forbes and her team pivoted amidst the pandemic to produce a powerful film version that ignited urgent conversations within the Black community.

And be sure to stay tuned as Kamilah Forbes reveals the upcoming renovations and developments happening at the Apollo Theater. From new spaces to the highly anticipated production of "Soul Train," there is no shortage of excitement and innovation at this iconic institution.

Join us on this captivating episode of How I Got Here as Dreena Whitfield and Kamilah Forbes delve into the magic, history, and legacy of the Apollo Theater. Brace yourself for an extraordinary conversation filled with inspiration, empowerment, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

- Kamilah Forbes' journey from aspiring doctor to theater producer

- The power of art and healing

- Early experiences in theater, including a Star Wars play

- The impact of seeing "Once on This Island"

- Changing career paths and the role of Howard University

- The lack of representation in traditional theater

- Creating the Hip Hop Theater Festival

- Transitioning to the entertainment industry and working with influential artists

- The importance of diversity and inclusion at the Apollo Theater

- Redefining the perception of the Apollo Theater brand

- Work-life balance as a working mother

- Encounters with Black Santa on 125th Street

- The magical experience of working at the Apollo Theater

- Quickfire questions and insights into the hosts' favorites and personal quotes

- Collaboration and the convergence of cultural arts and activism

- Advice for up-and-coming artists

- Future plans for the Apollo Theater, including the Soul...

In the latest episode of the How I Got Here podcast, host Dreena Whitfield sits down with Dana Bolden, CEO of Define Bold Fitness, to discuss her inspiring journey from a Division One basketball player to a successful fitness entrepreneur. Dana's story emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and embracing unexpected paths to success. The episode also delves into the rise of influencer careers and the challenges faced along the way. Dana takes the opportunity to promote her fitness brand, Define Bold Fitness, and kindly asks for support. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and be inspired by Dana's incredible journey.

- Dana's journey from basketball player to fitness brand CEO

- Emphasizing the importance of following passion and unexpected paths to success

- The rise of influencer careers and the importance of genuine impact

- Building a successful brand and launching a collection

- Taking risks and pursuing passion as a full-time influencer

Notable Quotes

I believe that the important thing is that we stay true to our values.

Keywords

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Connect with Dayna on....

Instagram

Website

Welcome to another inspiring episode of "How I Got Here" with Dreena Whitfield! In this captivating podcast episode, we delve into the importance of community support for black businesses and entrepreneurs and the urgent need for a shift in consciousness within the black community.

Join us as Dreena Whitfield sits down with the remarkable Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, the visionary CEO of the Village Market. Dr. Hallmon's social enterprise not only supports black businesses but also promotes cultural awareness, making her the perfect guest for this enlightening discussion.

Prepare to be inspired as Dr. Hallmon shares her incredible entrepreneurial journey and unwavering vision for the Village Market. From her high school yearbook prediction of owning multiple small businesses and traveling extensively to the reality of making it happen, Dr. Hallmon's story will leave you in awe.

But that's not all! In this episode, Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon takes the mic to discuss her experience of moving to Atlanta and building her own brand. She reveals how Atlanta's vibrant arts and culture scene inspired her to become an entrepreneur and the challenges she faced along the way.

We'll also explore the transition from education to entrepreneurship, as Dr. Hallmon highlights the importance of economic development and upward mobility within black communities. Her journey from a one-person operation to the thriving Village Market will leave you motivated and ready to take on the world.

But wait, there's more! Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon will also share invaluable insights into starting a business, advocating for entrepreneurs, and the unapologetic value that black people bring to society. Her powerful words will resonate with aspiring entrepreneurs and community advocates alike.

So, if you're ready to embrace the power of community support and witness the transformative shift in consciousness within the black community, don't miss this extraordinary episode of "How I Got Here" with Dreena Whitfield.

Tune in now and be part of the movement that empowers black entrepreneurs and showcases their incredible products. Remember, when black people are empowered, every community prospers. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be inspired and make a difference.

- Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon's journey as an entrepreneur and vision for the Village Market

- Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon's experience of moving to Atlanta and building their brand

- Importance of authentic self-expression and surrounding oneself with genuine individuals in Atlanta's entrepreneurial spirit

- Transition from education to entrepreneurship and the importance of small businesses in lifting communities out of poverty

- Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon's journey in starting a business and advocating for entrepreneurs

- Overcoming self-doubt as an entrepreneur and embracing the privilege

- Importance of supporting small black businesses and excellence in supporting black entrepreneurs

- Support as a verb and the significance of support in entrepreneurship

- Importance of finding and surrounding oneself with supportive and like-minded individuals

- Our Village United and the Elevate program for Black businesses

- Expansion of the Elevated Cities program nationally

- Importance of community support and conscious support for the black community

- Shift in consciousness and consistent support for black businesses and individuals

Introduction with Dreena Whitfield [00:00:00] Dr. Key Hallmon talks about being a classroom teacher and her dedication to her students [00:07:31] Dr. Key Hallmon discusses the stress and challenges of being an entrepreneur [00:10:02] Dr. Key Hallmon shares her perspective on affirming oneself and being unapologetically for her people [00:13:06] Dr. Key Hallmon talks about the importance of having a vision and expanding beyond one's...

Welcome to How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield. In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Felicia Hatcher, CEO of Pharrell Williams Black Ambition Opportunity Fund and co-founder of Black Tech Week conference. Hatcher shares her story of overcoming the challenges of being a C student in high school and how scholarships changed her perspective on education. Her experience led her to author the C Students Guide to Scholarships and start her own educational consulting business, teaching nontraditional students how to navigate the college application process. We discuss the impact of biased guidance from counselors on young individuals and how it affected Hatcher's decision-making. She emphasizes the importance of having someone in your corner with higher expectations and belief in your abilities. We also touch on Hatcher's experiences in experiential marketing and social media in the early 2000s, working with brands such as Nintendo and Sony. Hatcher shares her experience of entering the tech space through marketing and eventually launching Code Fever to teach African American and Caribbean youth how to code. We also discuss Black Tech Week and the Black Ambition Opportunity Fund, which invests in black and Latinx startup founders and provides resources and funding for Black-owned businesses. Don't miss this episode full of valuable insights and inspiring stories. Follow Felicia Hatcher on all social media platforms and check out the Black Ambition Prize for entrepreneurial funding opportunities.

- Interview with Felicia Hatcher, CEO of Black Ambition Opportunity Fund

- Winning scholarships changed her perspective

- Creating opportunities for nontraditional students

- Importance of having supportive mentors

- Encouragement can change life trajectory

- Early exposure to technology and coding

- Launching Code Fever to teach coding to youth

- Origin of Black Tech Week and its purpose

- Journey of starting a frozen dessert business

- Overcoming financial difficulties as an entrepreneur

- Building an entrepreneurship ecosystem in Miami

- Black Ambition Opportunity Fund's mission and programs

- Abundant mindset and not creating limitations

- Quickfire questions and future projects

- Where to follow and subscribe to the speaker

Introduction [00:00:23] Starting a business after college [00:09:30] Creating immersive experiences [00:11:55] Social media boom [00:12:06] Jumping into the tech field [00:12:43] Founding Code Fever [00:14:45] Branding strategy: associating with experiences [00:26:19] Planning during financial difficulties [00:32:22]

Connect with Felecia on....

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feleciahatcher/

Website: https://www.feleciahatcher.com/

Welcome to How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield. In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Felicia Hatcher, CEO of Pharrell Williams Black Ambition Opportunity Fund and co-founder of Black Tech Week conference. Hatcher shares her story of overcoming the challenges of being a C student in high school and how scholarships changed her perspective on education. Her experience led her to author the C Students Guide to Scholarships and start her own educational consulting business, teaching nontraditional students how to navigate the college application process. We discuss the impact of biased guidance from counselors on young individuals and how it affected Hatcher's decision-making. She emphasizes the importance of having someone in your corner with higher expectations and belief in your abilities. We also touch on Hatcher's experiences in experiential marketing and social media in the early 2000s, working with brands such as Nintendo and Sony. Hatcher shares her experience of entering the tech space through marketing and eventually launching Code Fever to teach African American and Caribbean youth how to code. We also discuss Black Tech Week and the Black Ambition Opportunity Fund, which invests in black and Latinx startup founders and provides resources and funding for Black-owned businesses. Don't miss this episode full of valuable insights and inspiring stories. Follow Felicia Hatcher on all social media platforms and check out the Black Ambition Prize for entrepreneurial funding opportunities.

- Interview with Felicia Hatcher, CEO of Black Ambition Opportunity Fund

- Winning scholarships changed her perspective

- Creating opportunities for nontraditional students

- Importance of having supportive mentors

- Encouragement can change life trajectory

- Early exposure to technology and coding

- Launching Code Fever to teach coding to youth

- Origin of Black Tech Week and its purpose

- Journey of starting a frozen dessert business

- Overcoming financial difficulties as an entrepreneur

- Building an entrepreneurship ecosystem in Miami

- Black Ambition Opportunity Fund's mission and programs

- Abundant mindset and not creating limitations

- Quickfire questions and future projects

- Where to follow and subscribe to the speaker

Introduction [00:00:23] Starting a business after college [00:09:30] Creating immersive experiences [00:11:55] Social media boom [00:12:06] Jumping into the tech field [00:12:43] Founding Code Fever [00:14:45] Branding strategy: associating with experiences [00:26:19] Planning during financial difficulties [00:32:22]

Connect with Felecia on....

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feleciahatcher/

Website: https://www.feleciahatcher.com/

Join me, Dreena Whitfield, on the latest episode of How I Got Here as I sit down with Mimi Brown, a journalist, TV personality, and show producer, to discuss her journey in the media and entertainment industry, and her upcoming projects. In this episode, Mimi shares her experience growing up as the only black girl in her classes in Alaska and her journey from being an assistant to Omarosa to becoming a red carpet reporter for Us Weekly and eventually landing a job at Fox LA. We emphasize the importance of networking and hard work in the industry, and Mimi highlights the significance of being versatile and prepared in the newsroom. We also dive into the changing media landscape and the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the industry. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation with one of the industry's most dynamic women. Tune in to How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield and follow Mimi Brown TV on social media for more updates on her upcoming projects.

- Mimi's journey in media/entertainment

- Growing up black in Anchorage, Alaska

- Discovering industry after leaving Alaska

- Networking in the industry

- Hard work and preparation in journalism

- Highlighting underrepresented voices

- Hosting "Culture Conversations"

- Importance of being versatile in newsroom

- Importance of newswriting skills

- Changing media landscape

- Voices in the media

- Staying current and relevant

- Mimi's upcoming projects and goals

Introduction [00:00:26] Relationship with Amarosa [00:08:34] Transition to media industry [00:09:10] Becoming media personality [00:10:33] Attracted to free swag [00:13:16] Transitioning from producer to host [00:23:58] Learning different facets of production [00:24:07] Paper planning vs digital planning [00:30:49] Shifts in media consumption and industry landscape [00:31:08]

Connect with Mimi on....

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mimibrowntv/

Website: https://mimibrown.tv/

Welcome to the latest episode of How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield! This week, we dive into the crucial topic of managing work and personal life, setting boundaries, and the importance of balance when it comes to managing time and mission. Our guest, the self-proclaimed Chief Estrogen Officer and founder of high-tech feminine care company, Feminine, Arion Long, shares her inspiring journey of success and the importance of setting boundaries.

In this episode, you'll get a unique perspective on the challenges of balancing personal and professional life and how to prioritize big opportunities over smaller ones. You'll also hear about Long's early academic achievements, including going to college at the age of 15, and how she overcame challenges like not attending the best school district.

Long's story is filled with powerful words like passion, success, and perseverance. Her story will leave you inspired and motivated to achieve your own goals. So, tune in to this must-listen episode of How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield and hear from Arion Long herself on how to balance work and personal life, set boundaries, and achieve the success that lasts a lifetime.

- Managing work and personal life

- Setting boundaries

- Importance of balance

- Early academic achievements

- Upbringing in diverse NYC

- Passion for science

- Entrepreneurial Journey

- Launching eco-friendly feminine products

- Pitching and securing funding

- Importance of storytelling

- Launching a new product during a pandemic

- Being a scrappy entrepreneur

- Building an advisory board

- Preparedness for opportunities

- Femly's dashboard and potential retail expansion

- Time management and setting boundaries

- Personal growth and reflection

- Social media handles and resources.

What did you write in your high school yearbook? [00:00:27] Gunning for world domination [00:00:47] Black excellence personified; Tell me about your college experience. [00:09:01] Social interactions as a younger student in college. [00:09:38] How to tell stories; Use examples as a model. [00:25:27] Tip on being a "bitch" when trying to get grants. [00:25:40] Give classes or webinars on grant writing. [00:25:47] Reimagining the period care experience; Coin shortage. [00:30:09] Everything is an ode to being a scrappy black woman. [00:33:05] Day [00:33:13] Provider, nurturer, supporter, protector; Winter and a thick husband. [00:36:03]

Connect with Arion on....

Instagram: www.instagram.com/femly

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/femlyceo/

Website: www.femlybox.com