Lifestyle podcast
Next Stop Loading serves as a creative outlet for storytelling. It’s a space where I, @stellasgroove, will share my journey in career transition and highlight stories of every day people. It is my hope to connect with people, encourage others, and foster community.
Greetings, and welcome to Next Stop Loading, the G[R]O[W] Series. I am your host, Melissa, aka Stella, overworked millennial turned Freshman entrepreneur. So did things REALLY change? Right, anyhow…Each week I’ll bring you a conversation with phenomenal women in various industries that are doing and/or have done what the pandemic taught all of us to do…figure it out! As a member of the great resignation, this series is dedicated to career and life transition. I hope this series engages and inspires you to G[r]O[w] with us on this journey of navigating this thing called life. I hope you know that you’re not alone. JOIN US!
Frequent Flyer Miles
Our first stop on the journey, we meet the ever so charismatic Jazmin Moragne (IG @howdoulado). Jazmin is a flight attendant and certified practicing Doula who currently resides in Cedar Hill, Texas (not to be confused with Dallas, Texas) . Join us as we laugh and discuss how she happened upon an initial career that once terrified her, and is transitioning to a more fulfilling career as she evolves.
Out of My Comfort Zone
We are headed up the street and around the corner to Dallas, to visit the most genuine person you could ever meet, Franchesca Parker (@franelaine_ ). Franchesca is a Human Resources Analyst that transitioned from small town comforts, to large metro city living. We discuss the intricacies of pay gaps between men and women, negotiating pay, to trusting the timing of your life. I would not be me if I did not try to pry some secret insight from a subject matter expert for you all.
Do It ALL...and Then Some
Episode three, part one, is with Dallas, Texas native, Dorothy Nayles. Ms. Nayles is a 79 year-old retired social worker whose life has taken her across the United States during pivotal historical moments, some of which she participated in, and a time of archaic societal norms (especially for women) that she often rebuked. Her shared experiences are much too grand for one episode, so the episode has been split into two parts.
Do It ALL...and Then Some
Eloping in her early 20s was one of many surprises I learned during my conversation with Ms. Nayles. Trusting your instincts and possessing a curiosity for the unknown have been key elements for both success and future opportunities along her life journey thus far. Even the responsibilities of motherhood and being a spouse fueled her drive to equip herself with tools she would need to live the lifestyle she desired. Don’t forget to check out part one of episode three out now!
Stepping Out on Faith
I went East, but I stayed in the south. So if you guessed Georgia…how did you know?! I stopped in Gwinnett County (NOT ATLANTA) to chat with an exceptional woman, Tamara K. Robinson. Tamara is a Senior Claims Adjuster that switched career pathways unexpectedly, secured a different bag, and challenged her fear of success (you read that right—issa thing). The gems that are dropped during this episode abound.
Next Stop Loading is currently featuring dynamic women that have relocated to the state of Georgia. However, around the time of the initial release of the episodes Mother’s Day was approaching. Of course it was fitting that I interrupted the Georgia features to celebrate my Mom.
Mama Has a Life, Too
It was important to me that I interviewed my Mom, Anita Mitchell, because both she and my sisters are my first recollection of generational cycles, nuanced dynamics between women, and humanizing people through the lens of grace, regardless of their relation to me.
Ms. Mitchell is so much more than just my Mother. She’s a dynamic woman living a full life, that has contributed to the world and lives that extend beyond my family. The most resilient person I know. The most poised person I know. The biggest heart I have ever known. My very first lesson in duality and respectability politics. She’s taught me, via example, life lessons that will stay with me forever.
Global Citizen
We’re back in Atlanta to meet up with the dynamic Imani Hudson-Hill (@ms.imanihh), a licensed attorney and government contractor. Beyond her role in corporate settings, Imani is a well-traveled creative that boldly believes that she cannot be boxed in. An anomaly in that she is the personification of duality. Both adhering to and deviating from standard expectations of our Boomer parents. Discover how she navigates societal expectations of classic career pathways, while equally pursuing fulfilling creative interests.
Courage to Try Again
Still in Georgia. We venture into the Greater North Atlanta region to chat with Cheryl Gregory. Ms. Cheryl is a registered nurse, who hails from Sweet Home (small town in Arkansas) and is a product of a community of tenacious women from Highway 365. Her profession has sustained her through critical life transitions as she made challenging decisions that would impact her and her family. Her journey with relationships, relocation, and resiliency are a true reflection of, “if at first you don’t succeed…dust yourself off and try again.”
It's the Lifestyle for Me
We touch down in Chicago, Illinois to chat with the ever compelling Loren Rodgers. Loren is a Client Operations Manager for Innovid. Since relocating to the Chi, her career has transitioned intentionally to a role that would support the lifestyle she has envisioned for herself since adolescence. Through navigating a new city, developing a new support system, and many adventures between…Loren has created a space for her to thrive, enjoy, and just as important, be at peace. Join us as she shared her journey.
The Next Spike Lee...or the First Me
Still exploring Chicago, I was excited to catch up with Valicia Brown as she prepared for a significant life transition—returning to her hometown from Chicago. Valicia is the Director of Content-Team Sports for Under Armour. Yes, the official Under Armour. No stranger to relocating, she takes us through the evolution of her professional career which culminates in a full circle moment from once aspiring to be the woman version of Spike Lee, to being the first Valicia (B)rown.
A Dollar and a Dream
Landing in Los Angeles, the city of Angels, we meet up with Jaketa Humphrey for an unforgettable adventure. Jaketa is a Fashion Designer, Actress, and Personal Assistant to a Love & Life Coach. Our conversation is a reminder to DREAM BIG and don’t settle for anything less than you desire. Take a step back and regroup if you must, but never forget about the dreams you have for yourself.
Not Either/Or, but
Still in Los Angeles, we sat down with Author, LaTanya Coleman-Carter, of Dear Mom: Wait, That’s Me! A dynamic spirit and overall joy to be around. Join us as she shares her journey of navigating young motherhood, following societal rules, and being the consummate academic to career transition, relocation, and entrepreneurship. It’s never too late to pivot!
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