How do you find your voice when you feel silenced by your circumstances? This week, Chimere Brown welcomes Ashonti Sharkey, the visionary behind “Work of Arch” and the viral “Makeup Monday” movement. While Ashonti is a master of aesthetic strategy, her personal journey is a testament to the grit required to move from victimhood to victory.

Why you should listen to this episode:

* The Reality of Resilience: Hear the unfiltered account of a woman who faced a “blackout” nervous breakdown and found the strength to rebuild her life from scratch.

* Redefining Motherhood: Ashonti opens up about the rare and difficult experience of being a “part-time mom” during a custody battle and how she maintained a deep, loving bond with all five of her children.

* The Power of the Pivot: Discover how a physical injury that left her unable to walk for a year actually accelerated her spiritual and professional growth.

* Intentional Healing: Learn why Ashonti transitioned her brand to “Makeup Therapy” and how embracing, enhancing, and evolving can change your life.

Whether you are in a season of isolation or standing at your own crossroads, Ashonti’s story provides the blueprint for getting back up.

Listen now on Substack, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full visual experience on YouTube.

Connect with Ashonti Sharkey:

* Instagram: @CurveeMadame

* Website/Booking: Work of Arch Brow Bar | Esthetician in Chicago, IL

What do you do when the "long-suffering" of life feels like too much to endure? Alecia Williams joins the podcast to share her raw journey from being "done with God" to finding Him again on the bodybuilding stage. This episode is a masterclass in resilience for anyone standing at a crossroads.

Key Takeaways for Your Journey:

* Nurture One Thing: Don’t try to fix your whole life at once; pick one scripture or one habit to nurture until it flourishes.

* The Power of Silence: Sometimes you need to shut out external voices to hear God’s voice for yourself.

* Forgive the “Cowering”: Forgiveness isn’t just for others; it’s for forgiving yourself for the times you let situations take your power.

* Anchor Points: Find what brings you joy and use it as an anchor when life’s challenges attempt to overtake you.

Connect with our Guest:

* Instagram: A_Estelle_Official

Support the Show:

* Subscribe for more stories on navigating life’s pivots.

* Leave a comment: How has your faith been tested recently?

In the 18th episode of Crossroads + Callings, host Chimere Brown sits down with the ultimate "Renaissance Woman," Tamika “Mimi” Smith. As an award-winning creative producer, professional singer, and the founder of EyeKan Studios, Tamika has mastered the art of blending soul with strategy.

Tamika’s journey is a masterclass in divine alignment. From her roots in Freeport, Illinois, to becoming a powerhouse in the Chicago music and corporate scenes, she shares how she transitioned from being a "subway girl" at Jackson State University to producing major activations for global giants like Nike, McDonald's, and Toyota.

In this episode, we explore:

* The “Mimi on the Mic” Origin Story: How a childhood rooted in the church and a musical family in Northwest Illinois cultivated the discipline needed for the global stage.

* Winning the High-Stakes Game: The "illustrious" college pivot where Tamika won a national competition, earning a free car and a garden planted in her honor at JSU.

* Scaling to Global Brands: Behind the scenes of producing the McDonald’s activation at Art Basel Miami and navigating $90,000+ fabrication bids.

* The House Chi: Her role as a supporting producer for Chicago’s premier collective of independent artists and their journey from treehouse shows to playing for the Mayor of Chicago.

* The "Kept" Entrepreneur: A candid discussion on the reality of maintaining a 9-to-5 at Salesforce to secure stock options and health insurance while scaling a creative empire.

Tamika’s Gems for the Crossroads:

* Posture Over Agenda: Why showing up with a good heart and authentic relationships is the ultimate currency.

* Visit Fear, Don’t Live There: How to navigate uncertainty without letting imposter syndrome stall your journey.

* Write the Vision: The biblical and practical necessity of creating a “plain” strategy that others can run with.

Connect with Tamika:

* Instagram/TikTok: @mimionthemic

* LinkedIn: Tamika R. Smith

* Email: Tamika@IconStudios.com

If you enjoyed this episode, consider becoming a subscriber to the Crossroads + Callings Substack for more deep dives into life pivots and purposeful living.

In this episode of Crossroads + Callings, I’m joined by Troy Martin—a man who masterfully balances the worlds of high-stakes corporate implementation and cinematic art. By day, Troy manages complex financial data solutions; by night, he is a filmmaker and the 2022-2025 SAIC Tower Artist in Residence.

Troy shares his "reboot" story—a journey that took him from the pressures of corporate toxicity to the liberation of real estate and film. We discuss his work with the Black Film Club Collective and his mission to preserve Black stories through radical acceptance and intentionality. If you are currently feeling the urge to "restart" or looking for the courage to walk away from a toxic environment, Troy’s perspective on "tenacity and gratitude" is the guide you need.

💡 Key Takeaways from the Episode:

* The “Reboot” Mindset: Why starting over isn’t a sign of failure, but a strategic move toward implementation and longevity.

* Navigating Corporate Toxicity: How Troy moved from the boardroom to the tower, preserving his peace while managing complex data solutions.

* Preserving Black Stories: The mission behind the Black Film Club Collective and the importance of archiving our history in real-time.

* Radical Acceptance: Learning to accept the current season of your life as an avenue to find your true calling.

🔗 Connect with Troy Martin:

Stay updated on Troy’s work with the SAIC and the Black Film Club:

* Instagram: Black Film Club Collective

📸 Special Thanks:

This episode was produced in partnership with the National Public Housing Museum. Their support is vital in helping us share authentic stories from the Chicagoland area.

In this episode of Crossroads + Callings, host Chimere Brown sits down with the multi-talented Paul Hall—drummer, singer, producer, and the creative force behind the Verzatile Band. Paul has shared the stage with icons like Lupe Fiasco, Avery Sunshine, and Syleena Johnson, but his journey began in the church.

We explore the “Maestro’s Marathon”—the seven-year residency at Chicago’s Lazy Bird that shaped his discipline and the pivotal moment he decided to branch off into his own season of independence. This is a conversation about “divine timing,” the transition from church kid to corporate musician, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

🎧 Listen & Watch

* Watch the full experience on YouTube (Don’t forget to subscribe!)

* Listen on Spotify

* Listen on Apple Podcasts

💡 Key Takeaways from the Episode:

* The Church to Industry Thread: How the foundations of gospel music prepared Paul for the rigors of the commercial music industry.

* The Lazy Bird Residency: Lessons learned from a seven-year stint as a musical director and how to know when your “season of preparation” is complete.

* The Art of the Pivot: Navigating the transition from backing independent singers to leading the Verzatile Band and producing global-scale performances.

* Faith & Rhythm: How Paul maintains his spiritual roots while navigating high-stakes environments and the “corporate” side of music.

🔗 Connect with Paul Hall:

Stay updated on Paul’s upcoming performances and curations in the South suburbs:

* Instagram: yoitspaulhall and verzatileband

📸 Special Thanks:

This episode was produced in partnership with the National Public Housing Museum. If you are in the Chicagoland area, please pay them a visit—they are a vital part of our community story!

In this episode of Crossroads + Callings, I’m joined by Chicago’s own G. Green—a renaissance man, curator, and the visionary behind the SVNGRN art gallery and the global lifestyle brand Nobodies a Nobody.

G. Green isn’t just an artist; he’s an ecosystem builder. From the streets of Chicago to the galleries of Miami and NYC, G. has mastered the art of “catching a vibe” and turning it into a community. We dive deep into his “Nobody” philosophy—the radical idea that your value isn’t found in a title, but in the authenticity, you bring to the room.

Whether you are navigating a career pivot or building a creative brand, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, relational capital, and the grit required to move from the “infancy” of an idea to a full-scale movement.

🎧 Listen & Watch

* Watch the full experience on YouTube (Don’t forget to subscribe!)

* Listen on Spotify

* Listen on Apple Podcasts

💡 Key Takeaways from the Episode:

* The “Nobody” Philosophy: Why embracing anonymity can actually be your greatest superpower in a world obsessed with status.

* Building SVNGRN: The mission behind his non-profit gallery in Fulton Market and how he creates safe spaces for local creatives to thrive.

* The Art of the Pivot: G. shares the “duct tape” moments of his journey and how he transitioned into a life of curation and community advocacy.

* Relational Capital: Why being a “valuable” person is more important than being a “successful” one, and how to give more than you take.

📍 Timestamps:

* 0:00 – Introduction: Navigating the Intersection of Art and Identity

* 5:14 – The Story Behind the Brand: What is a “Nobody”?

* 12:38 – Seven Green Gallery: Building a Creative Haven in Chicago

* 21:50 – Branding vs. Authenticity: How to Control the Vibe

* 32:15 – From Chicago to Miami: Scaling the Vision

* 44:02 – The “Duct Tape” Interview: Resilience in the Pivot

* 56:40 – Final Gems: How to Connect with G Green

🔗 Connect with G Green:

Keep up with G’s latest drops and gallery shows:

* Instagram: @ggreen.art | @svngrnart

* Lifestyle Brand: @nobodiesanobody

📸 Special Thanks:

This episode was filmed on location at Beyond the Book bookstore in Homewood-Flossmoor. Please support this amazing Black-owned, woman-owned business!

Troy takes us behind the scenes of his 20-year career, sharing how he successfully pivoted from athletics to entertainment and why he is committed to building bridges for Black and Brown creators. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, strategic networking, and the importance of creating your own “table” in a gatekept industry.

Key Takeaways:

* The Transition Mindset: How to carry the discipline from one career into a completely different field.

* Ecosystem Building: Why Troy created the XL Film Fest and Darkberry Productions to support the BIPOC creative community.

* Navigating Industry Politics: Insight into his leadership roles and how he advocates for creators at the executive level.

* The “Bridge Builder” Philosophy: Practical advice for creators who are in their “infancy” on how to find their path and stay the course.

Support the Guest: Learn more about Troy’s work and upcoming festivals at creativecypher.org or follow @CreativeCypher on IG.

Subscribe to Crossroads + Callings: Available on all major platforms. If this episode spoke to you, please leave a review and share your feedback!

#CrossroadsAndCallings #TroyPryor #CreativeCypher #BlackExcellence #EntertainmentIndustry #CareerPivot #PodcastLife

Discover how a childhood dream sparked at age three evolved into a mission to “make the project” rather than wait for it, utilizing architectural skills to build safe, economically thriving spaces for underserved communities. Deon dives deep into his philosophy of “purposeful luck,” the importance of grit, and why he chose to leave the “Disneyland” of architecture to pursue a more relational, soulful career in social justice.

Key Topics Covered:

* The Architecture of Ambition: How seeing the downtown Chicago skyline from the 290 expressway inspired a lifelong career.

* A Mother’s Vision: The role of intentional parenting in cultivating talent and providing vocational tools early on.

* Purposeful Luck vs. Divine Timing: A debate on whether success is a matter of being present in the “game of life” or a product of spiritual alignment.

* Overcoming the Transactional Trap: Why Deon prioritizes organic relationships over the cold, capitalistic nature of corporate “hyper-transactions”.

* Grit & The Basement Test: Lessons learned from organizing files in a basement that built the foundation for an unbeatable work ethic.

* Representation Matters: Navigating an industry where only roughly 2-3% of licensed architects are African American.

Episode Chapters:

* 0:00 – Intro: Choosing Purpose Over Prestige

* 3:15 – From the West Side to the Sears Tower

* 8:42 – The Village: How Family Support Built a Career

* 14:20 – Purposeful Luck & Playing the Game of Life

* 21:10 – The Basement Test: Developing an Unbeatable Work Ethic

* 28:35 – Transactional vs. Relational: Why I Left Corporate Architecture

* 35:50 – Don’t Wait for the Project, Make the Project

* 42:15 – Outro: Navigating Your Own Pivot

Connect with Deon: dlucas@beehyyve.com

AdeOla shares her vulnerable transition from being an unemployed graduate in a recession to creating a life of agency. She reflects on the “season of silence,” the power of asking for a sign, and how she moved from freelance writing to building a successful project management studio.

Key Takeaways:

* Stop Waiting, Start Creating: Why waiting for life to happen often leads to fear, and how to take mastery of your own fate.

* The Power of Re-Calibration: AdeOla’s journey of moving back home to Minneapolis to reset and launch her first business.

* Freedom vs. Agency: Understanding the value of owning your time and the contracts you sign.

* From Volunteering to Profit: How serving at her church provided the “sign” and the portfolio needed to enter the event planning and strategy space.

Whether you are a freelancer, a corporate professional, or an aspiring founder, this episode provides the blueprint for building beyond your crossroads.

Connect with AdeOla: Learn more about ThriveCore and Inherit Haus. (www.inherithaus.com)

Subscribe to Crossroads + Callings: Available on all major platforms. Don’t forget to leave a review! (@crxrdscallings)

In this episode, Crystal joins host Chimere Brown to discuss her “robust” career timeline—from cleaning cars at Enterprise to sitting at “Shark Tank” style tables with industry titans. She opens up about the harrowing health scares that served as God’s indicator that it was time to pivot and how she transitioned from executive support to founding her own training empire, Crystal Marshall Certified.

Key Takeaways:

* Listen to your body: Crystal discusses how physical symptoms can be an urgent signal to change paths.

* The “Two-Year” Rule: Why Crystal didn’t stay in jobs she disliked for more than two years.

* Starting from Scratch: How she launched Right to Success during the 2009 recession with no savings.

* The Power of No: Why saying “no” to a high-profile job was the ultimate act of self-love.

If you are feeling stuck in your career or “exhausted at the table,” this conversation is your sign to stop drinking the corporate Kool-Aid and start choosing yourself.

Subscribe to Crossroads + Callings on all platforms to ensure you never miss a Tuesday episode dedicated to navigating life’s pivots.

Brittany shares how she transitioned from losing her identity in the roles of wife and mother to reclaiming “the girl” she was before—a singer, a dreamer, and a daughter of God. From a symbolic dream about a crumbling house to the “standing date” with herself in her living room, Brittany’s journey is a roadmap for anyone navigating a devastating life pivot.

✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:

* The “Why Me?” Shift: Moving from victimhood to asking, “God, what am I supposed to do with this?”.

* Reclaiming Identity: Relearning who you are (and how you like your eggs!) after years of “we”.

* The Living Room Breakthrough: How fitness, prayer, and “small actions” sparked a physical and spiritual glow.

* Abundance After Rubble: Why God sometimes lets things crumble to make room for a $20 million-sized blessing.

* Good for the Soul: The birth of her community wellness brand and “Glow Water”.

📖 GET THE BOOK: Order The Living Room by Brittany Gold here: https://www.amazon.es/-/en/Brittany-Gold-ebook/dp/B0FZYBZRCS

🔗 CONNECT WITH BRITTANY:

* Instagram: @thebrittanygold

* Good for the Soul Wellness: @goodforthesoul_wellness

* Website: www.itsgoodforthesoul.com

🎙️ ABOUT THE SHOW: Crossroads + Callings is the podcast dedicated to navigating life’s pivots and discovering a pathway to purpose. Hosted by Chimere Brown.

📲 FOLLOW US:

* Instagram: @crxrdscallings

* YouTube: Subscribe to @CrxrdsCallings for full video episodes!

* Support the Show: Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts!

🕒 CHAPTERS: 0:00 – Turning critical pivots into purpose. 1:31 – Changing the question from “Why me?” to “What’s next?” 4:40 – The back story: Meeting, marriage, and red flags. 9:25 – Getting tired of being a victim. 11:15 – The timeline: Mindset shifts and legal freedom. 13:21 – The Symbolic Dream: When the house crumbles. 16:13 – The road back to self-discovery. 18:30 – Why “The Living Room”? Finding peace at 9 PM. 21:25 – What is Good for the Soul Wellness? 23:12 – Excerpts from The Living Room. 25:50 – Healing from generational cycles and addiction. 38:00 – Final advice for finding your path.

#DivorceRecovery #BrittanyGold #CrossroadsAndCallings #WellnessJourney #SingleMotherhood #FaithAndHealing #PersonalGrowth #TheLivingRoom

Learn how Tonyael bypassed traditional medication in favor of holistic therapy, using running and fitness to regain authority over her mental health. From completing her first 10-mile race to winning second place in a fitness competition while grieving the loss of her grandmother, Tonyael’s story is a masterclass in resilience and the mind-body connection.

In this episode, we explore:

* Overcoming Postpartum Depression: How Tonyael identified key symptoms and why she chose fitness as a form of holistic therapy.

* The Mentally Fit 2.0 Method: An inside look at Tonyael’s “40/40/20” approach—40% mindset, 40% nutrition, and 20% fitness.

* Eliminating “Mom Guilt”: Strategies for mothers and caregivers to prioritize self-care without feeling like they are neglecting their families.

* Finding Peace in the Storm: Tonyael’s incredible story of being stuck in Jamaica for 11 days during Hurricane Melissa and how she maintained her mental clarity.

* Building a Supportive Community: The importance of surrounding yourself with people who pour into your purpose.

Whether you are a mother, a caregiver, or anyone navigating a major life transition, this episode provides the “how-to’s” for elevating yourself to the 2.0 version of your life.

Connect with T Miller:

* Instagram: @tonyaelm

* Get Started: DM the word “RECLAIM” to Tonyael for information on her Mentally Fit community and a free 15-minute consultation.

Follow Crossroads and Callings:

* Subscribe on YouTube and all major podcasting platforms to hear more stories of pivotal moments that reveal true purpose.

* Special Thanks: Recorded at the National Public Housing Museum in Chicago.

#MentalWellness #PostpartumDepression #FitnessJourney #HolisticHealth #MomGuilt #Resilience #MentallyFit #Podcast

Mickey discusses her extensive background in instructional design and how she leveraged those skills to revolutionize diversity in the craft beer industry by founding Black and Brew Chicago. We dive deep into her journey of overcoming industry stereotypes, the importance of upskilling through AI technology, and her holistic approach to success through nervous system regulation and mental wellness.

Whether you are facing a career crossroads, looking to integrate AI into your daily workflow, or seeking inspiration to build a community from scratch, Mickey’s story offers a masterclass in staying grounded while scaling your impact.

Episode Chapters:

* [0:00] The Power of Merging Paths: Mickey discusses the “crossroads” of finally merging instructional design with her passion for craft beer to create a greater professional calling.

* [2:41] Defining Instructional Design: An exploration of Mickey’s foundation in creating corporate learning materials and how these skills fuel her business ventures today.

* [4:22] Future-Proofing with AI: Insights on using AI as a “business assistant” for market analysis and why upskilling is the most critical move for modern professionals.

* [13:05] Reclaiming Brewing History: Mickey reveals the African roots of brewing and how education is key to dismantling the “white male-dominated” stereotype of the industry.

* [35:13] The Science of Success: A deep dive into neuroscience and nervous system regulation as the ultimate tools for navigating career transitions and toxic environments.

* [46:21] The Service Framework: Mickey shares her life philosophy—” Get, Give, Learn, Teach, Push, and Pull”—and how it has scaled Black and Brew to an international level.

Key Words:

* Instructional Design

* AI Strategy

* Craft Beer Industry

* Black and Brew Chicago

* Career Upskilling

* Diversity and Inclusion (DEI)

* Nervous System Regulation

* Nonprofit Leadership

* Professional Development

* Entrepreneurship

Connect with Mickey Bryan

* Website: babchicago.com

* Instagram: @BlackandBrewChicago

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your career, faced a layoff, or struggled to navigate corporate politics, this conversation is your roadmap. Our guests share raw, authentic stories of transitioning from government roles to global tech giants and transforming setbacks into competitive advantages.

#Techsgiving #CareerPivot #DiversityInTech #CSuite #Podcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #Networking #CrossroadsAndCallings

Follow these industry leaders on LinkedIn to continue learning from their journeys:

* Jeffery Beckham Jr. – CEO of Chicago Scholars & Acrylic Painter.

* Nyquana Manning – Federal Government Project Manager & Audit Expert.

* Jasmine Waring – Global Tech Account Executive & Pharmaceutical Expert.

* Mia Jordan – Industry Advisor at Salesforce & Former Federal CIO.

Referenced Resources

Expand your leadership toolkit with the books mentioned in this episode:

* “New Leadership Literacies” by Bob Johansen – Explores driving change in a disconnected society.

* “Life Entrepreneurs” by Christopher Gergen and Gregg Vanourek – Focuses on the power of service-based networking.

In this powerful episode of Crossroads + Callings, hear the incredible story of Jesse Jarrett, a veteran who successfully transitioned from the US Air Force to an executive role leading high-impact marketing campaigns for billion-dollar brands.

Jesse unpacks his personal mission: “Transforming crossroads to beginnings” and why he believes “Sometimes your breakdown is just a breakthrough in disguise”. He discusses:

* Bold Reinvention: How his life story, defined by pivots and purposeful reinvention, has shaped his career and leadership philosophy.

* The Power of Mentorship: Being a facilitator for change by reaching back and helping diverse talent combat imposter syndrome in corporate environments.

* Immigration, Assimilation, and Identity: His family’s journey to and from Jamaica and how he developed the skill to “observe and adapt” to navigate new ecosystems (from Jamaican school to American high school).

* Comeback Story: Overcoming moments of breakdown, including a physical injury during his Air Force basic training, and how he rebounded to become an endurance athlete.

* The True Treasure of Life: Why he shifted his tunnel vision from purely career success (including working at the historic Burrell Communications agency) to prioritizing relationships, faith, and community.

This episode is essential listening for anyone facing a career or life crossroads, looking for actionable strategies to embrace change, find their purpose, and unlock their personal breakthrough.

Hasani shares the candid story of his journey from being a “one of one” Black tech professional to becoming a community advocate who founded the Chicago Black Tech Leaders (CBTL). This conversation is a roadmap for any professional seeking to define their value beyond the corporate ladder.

In this episode, you will learn:

* The Identity Trap: How to recognize when you are making career decisions based on what your title should be, rather than what truly serves your purpose.

* The Necessity of Self-Care: Hasani’s powerful experience with burnout and the non-negotiable moments where he had to leave a prestigious corporate role for personal alignment and well-being.

* Shifting Your Success Metrics: Moving the goalpost from chasing salary and prestige to prioritizing impact, community, and fulfillment.

The Power of Community: Why Hasani started CBTL to create vital safe spaces for Black professionals and how community engagement is key to career longevity.

Tune in to discover how taking charge of your own narrative allows you to lead with greater authenticity and impact, regardless of your employer.

In this episode, “When Art Intimates Life,” host Chimere Brown sits down with artist extraordinaire, Blake D. Lenoir, a multidisciplinary muralist and creative visionary. Most know Blake for his powerful public art, like the two-part Chicago mural series, “A Rose is Still a Rose,” but his story is a testament to trading a standard career path for the full-throttle pursuit of a creative calling.

Blake walks us through his origin story—from a two-year-old trying to draw every feather on a duck to graduating college with an art degree and taking a non-profit Human Resources job just to survive. He reveals the breaking point in the corporate world that led him to start painting as an emotional outlet, and the three years of hard work, resilience, and personal events that preceded his breakthrough at Art Basel. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who feels stuck in a 9-to-5 while sitting on a massive, untapped talent.

Key Takeaways You’ll Learn:

* How a need for control as a child led Blake to use art to create his own narrative.

* The difference between socializing for fun and socializing to get ahead in college.

* The “boiling point” moment where Blake realized he was making more money selling paintings than his corporate salary.

* Why there is no such thing as overnight success and how to stay motivated during the 2–3 year grind.

* The importance of mentorship and intentional decision-making in unlocking your artistic purpose.

#CrossroadsAndCallings #BlakeDLenoir #ArtImitatesLife #StarvingArtist #CreativeCareer #ArtBasel #PurposeToProfit #ChicagoArtist #Entrepreneurship #CareerPivot #ArtisticProcess #Muralist

Eunice opens up about her most profound crossroad moment: facing an “ego death” after a life-altering transition. What got her through? The ultimate truth: “Suffering is a choice”.

This episode is packed with actionable “how-to” instructions for anyone navigating change:

* Discover the 3-step formula for a mindset shift: Choice, Joy, then Plan.

* Learn how a background in precision and craftsmanship (as a fourth-generation tailor) directly influences her strategic success in the corporate setting.

* Understand the healing power of “30 days of silence” to cut the noise and align with your true purpose and calling.

Press play to hear Eunice’s inspiring story of resilience and learn how to tailor your life with intention!

Keywords: Crossroads + Callings, Eunice Vashti, Tailor Your Life, Power of Intention, Resilience, Purpose, Calling, Mindset Shift, 4th Generation Tailor, Strategic, Corporate, Healing.

Host Chimere Brown welcomes K’ntrice Yvonne, Interior Designer, Confidence Coach, and founder of iDesign Styles. K’ntrice shares the two massive “Crossroads Moments” that led to her profound life transformation:

The ICU Awakening: Lying in the ICU while six months pregnant, K’ntrice faced an unthinkable choice that stripped away her identity and taught her that life itself is her greatest design project.

The Corporate Exit: The courageous decision to walk away from two decades of external success to pursue internal alignment and design a life she no longer needed to vacation from.

We discuss the stark reality of the Black maternal mortality rate, the power of self-compassion, and the crucial advice for mothers seeking to build their “village” so they can live their purpose beyond motherhood.

Tune in to learn how courage breeds creativity and how to move from a life of performance to a life of purpose.

Keywords: Career Change, Corporate Burnout, Purpose, Interior Design, Confidence Coaching, Motherhood, Maternal Health, Resilience, Life Pivot, Entrepreneurship, Healing.

In this premiere episode, host Chimere S. Brown formally introduces the podcast’s mission: helping you convert life’s biggest challenges into your highest purpose.

Chimere opens up about her personal crossroads—navigating six corporate layoffs—and her journey to transform that pain into a platform for good.

Then, we dive into a powerful conversation with entrepreneur and philanthropist Rendel Solomon on converting personal loss into meaningful purpose. Rendel shares why he left his corporate career in November 2020 to address systemic inequality. He details the launch of InHeirit, an online startup designed to make the estate planning process more efficient, accessible, and affordable for millions of Americans.

Rendel closes the conversation with the powerful guidance he shares with his daughter: to be confident, kind, brave, and a good listener.

If you’re seeking clarity after a major life or career pivot, this episode is your roadmap.

🎧 Episode Highlights & Keywords

* Host Chimere S. Brown shares her story of finding purpose after six career layoffs.

* Rendel Solomon on transforming parental loss into the nonprofit, One Stock One Future.

* The pivot from corporate to launching InHeirit, a tech startup addressing systemic inequality.

Keywords: Career Pivot, Corporate Layoffs, Life Purpose, Entrepreneur, Financial Planning, Rendel Solomon, InHeirit.