Today’s guest is the Dallas-based indie music artist/songwriter and creative entrepreneur, Sha'Lil. This artist transfers her southern upbringing into her music. Sha'Lil meets scripture with southern slang and rhetoric. Yet, Sha'Lil's voice carries a tone of passion, authenticity, and belief. In a world of over-sexualized leading ladies in hip-hop, Sha'Lil is a role model for women & youth, preaching entrepreneurial leadership, individuality, and divinity while sharing her story. Her liberal arts and business undergraduate/graduate education are responsible for her ability to transition across industries and sectors effectively. As a real estate activist for eight years, she brings entrepreneurial experience, hustle, business strategy, and leadership to entertainment and art. Sha'Lil's first album, SHINE, started as an outlet & means of self-stretching and is now a multifaceted project with film, unique art installation experiences, digital courses, NFTs, and web3 components. Her creative works intend to bring Kingdom influence to hip-hop culture to reshape, reimagine and re-identify leadership and influence in a way that changes the behavior of society. SHINE will debut in 2023, followed by her second completed album in 2024-2025, another multifaceted project with an even sharper Follow African Ancestry on social media: Website: https://therealshalil.com/home Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stillshalil/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0m4miQmMC9SE95N9-eU2BQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/stillshalil Drop us a note at thecolorofinfluence@gmail.com or contact us on all social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolorofinfluence/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/colorofinflunce?s=21 TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdU6fWtw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCj4QURsgaYws7osxVfNvwA Website: https://www.colorofnfluence.com/ Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-color-of-influence-podcast/id1571165565 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3VjV6dyKW7FB4kq5CuSyLg?si=887ddf1926244326 Listen on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/ITEM_NAME-Podcast/B08LNHDPHM?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp&

Akeem Shannon is the creator of our favorite cell phone accessory Flipstik and today is the last day to support their Kickstarter campaign. Akeem has upgraded this already amazing accessory and added products to the Flipstik family. We can’t wait to get our new Flipstik Pro!!! Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! Click this link to make your pledge https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/flipstik/flipstik-pro-phone-accessory-mount-stand-and-grip Here’s a brief overview of Akeem’s story: After losing his full scholarship to Howard University to study chemical engineering, Akeem Shannon was determined to out-earn his friends, who would graduate from university in less than 3 years. Akeem found great success as a salesperson at two large telecom companies before being recruited into one of the large fintech companies, Square. As he worked with 100's of small businesses, that entrepreneurial itch kept growing inside him.  In the fall of 2017 while on a late-night call with his Uncle, a NASA engineer, he learned of a reusable adhesive NASA had researched in the 70s. Within a few short months, he created the Flipstik, taught himself to write a patent and trademarks, and launched his business on Kickstarter in 2018. Flipstik has seen incredible growth in 2 years, with over $300k in sales, winning 1st place at the 2019 CES Retail Pitch competition by TechStars, Impressing Sean “Diddy” Combs & Snoop Dogg with our technology, and content creators nationwide after appearing on Shark Tank.

Happy 1st day of Black History Month!!! On today’s episode I’m going to tell you all about the guest that I would like to have on the podcast. My list is extremely long but I narrowed it down to discuss a few people I want to interview. I’m manifesting this lineup by saying it out loud that I want them on the podcast. If you have a way for me to connect with any of them people let me know. Drop us an email or contact us on all social media platforms. You can listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple and Audible

In 2003, Dr. Gina Paige co-founded African Ancestry, Inc. and in doing so, pioneered a new way of tracing African lineages using genetics, and a new marketplace for people of African descent looking to more accurately and reliably trace their roots. Paige travels the world helping people demystify their roots and inform on identities so that they may better understand who they are by knowing where they’re from.  RESPECTED LUMINARY: Paige has worked with and revealed the roots of the worlds’ leading icons and entities including  Oprah Winfrey, John Legend, Chadwick Boseman, Spike Lee, Condoleezza Rice and The King Family. Paige has served as  speaker, presenter and/or partner to McDonalds, Capital One, The Walt Disney Company, Booz Allen Hamilton, Wells  Fargo, The Wall Street Health Forum, New York Times Travel Show, United Healthcare and dozens of community  organizations and faith-based entities. She’s often a go-to resource for African Diaspora communities including the  Embassies of Cameroon, Nigeria and Ghana; The Year of Return 2019 event From Jamestown to Jamestown with the  NAACP; Back2Africa Festival in Cape Coast and various African tourism authorities and leaders.   MEDIA RESOURCE: Paige has been featured in hundreds of media outlets including The Breakfast Club, Hot 97-FM, Time  Magazine, USA Today, 60 Minutes, NewsOne Now with Roland Martin, HuffPost Live with Marc Lamont Hill, The Joe  Madison Show, Sister Circle Live, Essence Magazine, The New York Times, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, FOX Business  News, Reuters, New York Times, Canal Media Company, Black Enterprise, Ebony, NPR, Metro Source Urban Radio,  American Urban Radio Networks, The Grio.com and TheRoot.com among many others. Her work is featured in PBS’  Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and African American Lives 1 & 2, The Africa Channel, NBC’s Who Do You  Think You Are? CNN’s Black in America series and SiriusXM where she created and served as co-host on African Ancestry  Radio.   ENTREPRENEURIAL DNA: From a lineage of entrepreneurs, Paige launched her first business at age 8, with a magazine  purposed to raise money for family trips. She went on to start “Pik-A-Pak” Care Packages as a Stanford University  graduate, helping families stay connected with their children while away at school. Prior to forming  AfricanAncestry.com, Paige was the founder and president of GPG Strategic Marketing Resources.   EDUCATION: Paige resides in Washington, D.C. and holds a degree in Economics from Stanford University and an MBA  from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Paige was honored with an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Global Oved Dei Seminary University.  To purchase your own African Ancestry test head over to: https://africanancestry.com/ Follow African Ancestry on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africanancestry/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/africanancestry Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/africanancestrydna Twitter: https://twitter.com/africanancestry Drop us a note at thecolorofinfluence@gmail.com or contact us on all social media platforms: Facebook:

On today’s episode Aisha sits down with siblings, Ericka and William the creators of Puzzles of Color! Puzzles of Color is a black-owned family business. Ericka and William began doing puzzles as a family in elementary school and enjoyed the opportunity to spend time together while reaching a common goal. While working on the puzzles they noticed the images didn’t represent them and their experiences so they created Puzzles of Color, frameable pieces of art created by artists of color celebrating their experiences and creativity. To purchase your own puzzle head over to: https://www.puzzlesofcolor.com/collections/all Follow Puzzles of Color: Instagram: https://instagram.com/puzzlesofcolor?igshid=MWI4MTIyMDE= Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU3ENXByh0FUIGEHEOl7gzA Drop us a note at thecolorofinfluence@gmail.com or contact us on all social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolorofinfluence/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/colorofinflunce?s=21 TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdU6fWtw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCj4QURsgaYws7osxVfNvwA Website: https://www.colorofnfluence.com/ Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-color-of-influence-podcast/id1571165565 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3VjV6dyKW7FB4kq5CuSyLg?si=887ddf1926244326 Listen on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/ITEM_NAME-Podcast/B08LNHDPHM?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp&

Happy New Year! On today’s episode you’ll find out what’s to come for 2023. I’ll also let you know my word of the year and if I’m going to make a vision board. Do you select a word of the year or create a vision board? Send me an email or post on one of my social media sites. Drop us a note at thecolorofinfluence@gmail.com or contact us on all social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolorofinfluence/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/colorofinflunce?s=21 TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdU6fWtw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCj4QURsgaYws7osxVfNvwA Website: https://www.colorofnfluence.com/

I made it to the finish line!!! My last 2 days of chemo and I was able to ring the bell. I had mixed feelings about ringing the bell because it's still up in the air about what's going to happen after surgery. I don't know what they will find or how my body will react. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that I'm done chemo and my maintenance drugs don't have the extreme side effects as my chemo. Next up....bi-lateral mastectomy and reconstruction. Head over to Youtube to see the visuals that match today's episode: https://youtu.be/zgvoYQgu_s4

The week before my chemo treatments I have to see the oncologist to review my labs and discuss my symptoms. Come along as I discuss how I felt after my 3rd chemo treatment. Today marks my hardest chemo session to date. Session 4 took me out. The fatigue and the body aches were terrible. Emotionally and mentally I'm falling a part but I know that the prayers of my family and friends and the only things that have been keeping me going. I'm so close to being done but the struggle is definitely real!!!

Today you'll hear about the hardest part of this journey so far. Having to shave my head was really tough but I did it. So much of me was tied to my hair and having to shave it off was like shaving away a part of me. In part 5 I talk about my experience at a wig shop and it wasn't that great. I also let you guys know I'm feeling after my 2nd chemo treatment.

Part 2 of Aisha's breast cancer journey is her cutting her hair before starting chemo. Today you will hear video part 3 of her journey. We'll follow along as she goes through her first chemotherapy appointment. Interestingly enough she didn't see one patient of color in any of my appointments including her chemotherapy session at the infusion center. To see the visuals that go along with the audio head over to Youtube and don't forget to subscribe to our channel. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_2RQzkM05y4szDP86GSQADhEMHl_lvNk

I decided to Vlog my breast cancer journey because I want woman to see that any of us can be diagnosed with cancer at anytime. I was 41 years old when I was diagnosed and it felt lonely. I would go into my appointments and wouldn't see anyone who looked like me. Everyone was old and white. My therapist recommended that I find a breast cancer group for black woman with breast cancer so I joined a group on Facebook and it changed my life. To see so many black women of all ages talking about their struggles, successes and stressors from their diagnosis made me feel seen. Because of that I wanted to document my journey to put another face out there for people to see. To check out the video that accompanies the audio click here: Background music: Chilled Ambient Minimal by ComaStudio

Mapate Diop is the co-founder of DIOP. Based in Detroit, they make casual, ready to wear apparel and accessories inspired by the African diaspora. A New York City native, Mapate met his co-founder Evan Fried through the Venture for America program. Since 2018, they've served thousands of customers in dozens of countries. Shop Drop: https://weardiop.com/ Use promo code "GETYOURDIOP" for 15% off your entire order. Drop us a note at thecolorofinfluence@gmail.com or contact us on all social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolorofinfluence/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/colorofinflunce?s=21 TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdU6fWtw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCj4QURsgaYws7osxVfNvwA Website: https://www.colorofnfluence.com/

Today Aisha says, “Thank you” to all of her guest, listeners and viewers for another great year of podcasting. She also shows her appreciation for all of her family and friends who have been there to support her during her breast cancer treatment. Make sure you tell those in your life how much you love and appreciate them during this Thanksgiving season. Drop us a note at thecolorofinfluence@gmail.com or contact us on all social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolorofinfluence/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/colorofinflunce?s=21 TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdU6fWtw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCj4QURsgaYws7osxVfNvwA Website: https://www.colorofnfluence.com/

Earnest R. James is a family man, father, and friend, with a heart for people. As a minister, mentor, and speaker, Earnest has dedicated his life to inspiring and uplifting others. His mission is to help others deal, heal and fulfill. "Deal with your problems. Heal from your pain. Fulfill your purpose." He spreads a message of hope and healing wherever he goes. He believes that, "We must heal ourselves. When we heal ourselves we heal our families. Our families heal our communities. Our communities heal our world." Earnest was raised in a two parent house hold, but recognized the effects of fatherlessness on his extended family and friends, who were being raised by single mothers. Earnest is determined to heal families by helping fatherless mothers and daughters heal from their father wound with his Friend 2 Fatherless Daughters campaign and mentoring dads and sons with his M.A.N. U.P. (Men Activating Newly Untapped Potential) male mentoring program. Earnest also is an advocate for education. After a few failures early in life, Earnest quickly rebounded to complete grammar school, finish high school in three years, and became a college graduate. Earnest is now an entrepreneur, business owner, minister, and speaker. Earnest believes, "If you must fail, fail fast and fail first. That way you can rebound and rebuild your life. Then help others do the same." Earnest is an author, social media influencer, online course creator, and workshop instructor. Earnest has been a guest speaker on several podcasts, as well as hosting his own podcast, Deal to Heal with E. James Podcast. Earnest plans on sharing his message with as many people as will listen. Earnest can be contacted to speak at your event or to host a workshop by booking at www.dealhealfulfil.org. He is also available to be a guest on your podcast or social media platform. Earnest is willing to aid, assist, and partner with likeminded people, who will help him carry out his purpose to help others to deal, heal, and fulfill. You can check out Earnest’s website, http://www.dealhealfulfill.org/, ebook website, http://ebooksbyejames.com/, and the Deal to Heal with E. James Podcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj4CU0HH0VJbSZr0DCDM83g Drop us a note at thecolorofinfluence@gmail.com or contact us on all social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolorofinfluence/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/colorofinflunce?s=21 TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdU6fWtw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCj4QURsgaYws7osxVfNvwA Website: https://www.colorofnfluence.com/

Alquadira “Dira” Cox is a native to Newark, NJ where she currently resides with her only daughter, Isis Reed.  She holds several certifications and years of experience in the field of Empowerment.  Dira is currently certified as a Doula and an active member of the community working with women of all ages on achieving their goals and working towards their personal visions.  Dira is extremely passionate about healing and empowering; she has committed 15 years of service to making sure women are equipped with the tools to accomplish and maintain their authentic self. Dira birthed Y’NOT Events in 2013 when she realized women were in a constant state of “Pain.” Y’NOT Events started out as an event planning business where the experience from social gatherings would birth transformation change of thought.  The emergence of a Powerhouse Empowerment company was quickly manifested when previous attendees would say that event was life changing for them.  Dira has planned hosted and facilitated numerous events, panel discussions and seminars. Dira’s passion of healing the “Broken Woman,” “Encouraging the Uninspired” and “Coaching the Uninformed” leads to transformative thinking of who you are before the world told you who you would be! Drop us a note at thecolorofinfluence@gmail.com or contact us on all social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolorofinfluence/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/colorofinflunce?s=21 TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdU6fWtw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCj4QURsgaYws7osxVfNvwA Website: https://www.colorofnfluence.com/

Cameron Campbell — known as “Coach Cam” is the Democratic candidate for HD132. His work with the Houston Texans, USA Football, and KIPP Houston High School — is a leader, public speaker, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author. His thousand-plus presentations over the last 15 years have addressed audiences from the NFL, NBA, and MLB, as well as hundreds of schools, service organizations, and civic groups. Dedicated to bettering the community through human networks of compassion, diversity, and economic empowerment. To support Coach Cam go to: https://votecoachcam.com/ Drop us a note at thecolorofinfluence@gmail.com or contact us on all social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolorofinfluence/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/colorofinflunce?s=21 TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdU6fWtw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCj4QURsgaYws7osxVfNvwA Website: https://www.colorofnfluence.com/

October is breast cancer awareness month and Aisha gives updates and information about her breast cancer journey. She discusses why she is open about her journey and why she posted her vlog of her journey. Organizations that you can join and make a donation to support breast cancer programs: TOUCH The Breast Cancer Alliance: https://touchbbca.org/ Sister Network Inc.: http://www.sistersnetworkinc.org/ For The Breast Of Us: https://breastofus.com/ I want to hear from you!!! Complete the questionnaire below to let us know more about you. https://forms.gle/t93J4DdDg946j9RQ6 Drop us a note at thecolorofinfluence@gmail.com or contact us on all social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolorofinfluence/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/colorofinflunce?s=21 TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdU6fWtw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCj4QURsgaYws7osxVfNvwA Website: https://www.colorofnfluence.com/

Convenience shouldn't have to sacrifice nutrition, that's why our family's mission since 2003 has been to deliver grade A beans and vegetables that are low in sugar and sodium with no added Preservatives. We recognize that the levels of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity are spreading in our country at an epidemic amount. We believe that many of these diseases can be controlled and eradicated through proper nutrition consumption and education. Click here to hear the rest of the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CjjOR5moT1y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Find Goode Foods near you: Website: https://www.goodefoods.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodefoodsinc/ I want to hear from you!!! Complete the questionnaire below to let us know more about you. https://forms.gle/t93J4DdDg946j9RQ6 Drop us a note at thecolorofinfluence@gmail.com or contact us on all social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolorofinfluence/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/colorofinflunce?s=21 TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdU6fWtw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCj4QURsgaYws7osxVfNvwA Website: https://www.colorofnfluence.com/

Last week Dr. Garrett reviewed the medical reasons women may need to get an abortion. Last year Aisha posted an episode about her experience with pregnancy loss. Since October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month we are replaying the episode of Aisha walking you through her experience with pregnancy loss and how it impacted her second pregnancy. I want to hear from you!!! Complete the questionnaire below to let us know more about you. https://forms.gle/t93J4DdDg946j9RQ6 Drop us a note at thecolorofinfluence@gmail.com or contact us on all social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolorofinfluence/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/colorofinflunce?s=21 TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdU6fWtw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCj4QURsgaYws7osxVfNvwA Website: https://www.colorofnfluence.com/

Today Aisha sits down with Dr. Angelica Garrett Wood to discuss Roe v. Wade and what it means for women's health. Dr. Angelica Garrett Wood is an obstetrician and gynecologist at the Meharry Clinic. She provides services such as annual exams, pap smears, breast exams, STD testing and postpartum care. Dr. Wood graduated from Meharry Medical College in 2010 and completed her residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Prior to her role at Meharry, she was a staff obstetrician and gynecologist with Kaiser Permanente, Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group. For more information about Reproductive Rights click here: https://reproductiverights.org/ I want to hear from you!!! Complete the questionnaire below to let us know more about you. https://forms.gle/t93J4DdDg946j9RQ6 Drop us a note at thecolorofinfluence@gmail.com or contact us on all social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolorofinfluence/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/colorofinflunce?s=21 TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdU6fWtw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCj4QURsgaYws7osxVfNvwA Website: https://www.colorofnfluence.com/