#296: We don’t wait for lucky breaks in our careers—we create them.
In this episode, I’m sitting down with social media consultant, creative, and educator Candace Marie about creating your own luck in your career by having a clear vision and leveraging relationships.
This conversation will leave you feeling inspired to take action on your next big idea.
We Also Talk About…
Candace’s transition from finance, to luxury fashion, to entrepreneurshipHow to build a strong personal brandWhy authentic relationship-building is crucial for your careerHow to make a smooth transition into a new industryWays to embrace more creativity in your everyday lifeHow to use social media as a tool for your successNavigating growth in corporate spacesResources:
Follow Candace on Instagram @marie_mag_Check out Candace’s social media guide and challenge 75 Not-So-HardMaster brand partnerships with Candace’s course, The Art of PartnershipsLearn more about Candace’s organization, Black in CorporateDownload my free Best Case Scenario Journal TemplateSponsors:
Quince: Quince is the go-to for elevated basics at affordable prices. Visit quince.com/balancedles for free shipping and 365-day returns.LMNT: Visit drinklmnt.com/balancedles for a free sample pack with your order.Mint Mobile: Ditch overpriced wireless and get 3 months of premium wireless service from Mint Mobile for $15 a month. Shop data plans at mintmobile.com/lucky.America’s Sweethearts: Watch Season 2 on June 18th. Only on Netflix. IM8 Health: Feel your best self everyday. Go to im8health.com/lucky and use code LUCKY for a Free Welcome Kit, five free travel sachets plus 10% off your order.Keep in touch:
Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredFollow on TikTok @shessoluckypod @lesalfredVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#295: The times we look like we have it all together can actually be the moments we’re struggling the most. When we’re busy creating our own luck, we can miss the signs that it’s time to tend to our mental and emotional well-being.
In today’s episode I’m sitting down with Dr. Judith Joseph, MD, MBA. Dr. Judith is a board-certified psychiatrist, researcher and award-winning content creator who specializes in mental health and trauma.
We discuss why the commonly understood signs of depression don’t tell the whole story, the ins and outs of high-functioning depression, and how to overcome it and reclaim your joy.
We Also Talk About…
The hidden signs of high-functioning and hidden depression.Understanding anhedonia, or lack of joy, and how to work through it.Why high-achieving women are more susceptible to high-functioning depression.How to tend to your mental health when the state of the world feels hectic and overwhelming.Resources:
Check out Dr. Judith’s book High-Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your JoyFollow Dr. Judith on Instagram @drjudithjosephFollow Dr. Judith on TikTok @drjudithjosephCheck out Dr. Judith’s podcast, The VaultDownload my free Best Case Scenario Journal TemplateSponsors:
Nutrafol: Get $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping by visiting nutrafol.com and using the promo code BALANCEDLES.Shopify: Sign up for your $1 per month trial at shopify.com/balancedblackgirl.Cotton: Cotton is the fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com.Medtronic: Medtronic is spreading awareness about the importance of talking about women’s heart health. Visit alettertomymother.com to learn more.Ka’Chava: Go to kachava.com and use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off their subscription for a limited time.Dipsea: Dipsea is the female-founded app for spicy audiobooks and more. Go to dipseastories.com/balanced to start your 30-day free trial!Keep in touch:
Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredFollow on TikTok @shessoluckypod @lesalfredVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
Produced by Dear Media.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#294: Ready to be lucky in love?
Today I’m sitting down with Francesca Hogi, former corporate lawyer turned matchmaker turned love coach. She’s also an author, TED Speaker, and host of the relationship podcast Dear Franny where she facilitates uncommon questions about love.
Francesca and I discuss ways to heal and tap into your lucky energy to call in and sustain aligned partnership.
We Also Talk About…
How to feel more lucky everydayOvercoming self-sabotage in relationshipsWhy you don’t need to be fully healed to find lovePopular dating advice you shouldn’t adhere to and what to do insteadResources:
Follow Francesca on Instagram @dearfrannyFollow Francesca’s podcast on Instagram @dearfrannypodcastRead Francesca’s new book, How to Find True Love: Unlock Your Romantic Flow and Create Lasting PartnershipsCheck out Francesca’s podcast Dear FrannySponsors:
LMNT: Stay hydrated with LMNT electrolytes. Visit drinklmnt.com/balancedles for a free sample pack with your order.Nuuly: Upgrade your wardrobe by subscribing to Nuuly. Get $28 off your first month when you sign up visit Nuuly.com and use the code BALANCEDLES.Opill: Opill is birth control in your control, and you can use code BALANCEDLES for 25% off your first month at www.opill.com.Dipsea: Dipsea is the female-founded app for spicy audiobooks and more. Go to dipseastories.com/balanced to start your 30-day free trial!IM8: IM8’s Daily Ultimate Essentials is my go-to drink for getting all the nutrients I need. Go to IM8health.com/lucky and use code LUCKY for a free welcome kit, five free travel packs, and 10% off your order.Keep in touch:
Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredFollow on TikTok @shessoluckypod @lesalfredVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
Produced by Dear Media
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In a world of ever-changing wellness trends, host Arielle Lorre invites you to explore what it really means to be…well. Through interviews with world-renown experts in medicine, nutrition, fitness and beauty, as well as inspiring guests and her own unique life experiences, Arielle brings you candid conversations and fan-favorite solo episodes that equip you with everything you need to live your best life—and look good doing it. Think of WELL as your go-to resource for all of the latest in wellness, and Arielle as your internet bestie. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes, every Wednesday (and sometimes Monday)!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#293: Today I’m sitting down for a casual solo episode spilling the tea on how things are going post-rebrand, and sharing my favorite new hack for getting things done when I feel like crashing out.
Resources:
Follow Marina Girgis on IG to learn more about her retreatsEpisode 225: How Reading Fiction Makes Us Raise Our Standards and Practice Self-Care with Kennedy RyanEpisode 271: How to Rebrand Your Life in 2025Episode 281: Gabrielle Union on Moving Through Creative Blocks, Embracing Vulnerability and No Longer Going 50/50Episode 283: The Business of Rebranding and Owning Your Success with WeezyEpisode 289: Choosing Alignment Over Ambition with Daria BurkeCan’t Get Enough by Kennedy RyanOf My Own Making: A Memoir by Daria BurkeSubscribe to my Substack, Balance with LesSponsors:
Simply Pop is a new fruit-forward bevy of prebiotic sodas with 6 grams of fiber. Go to cokeurl.com/simplyPOP to find out where you can try it.Nuuly Subscription Clothing Rental is a must-have for switching up your style. Visit nuuly.com and use the code BALANCEDLES to get $28 off your first month.Medtronic is spreading awareness about the importance of talking about women’s heart health. Visit alettertomymother.com to learn more.IM8’s Daily Ultimate Essentials is my go-to drink for getting all the nutrients I need. Go to IM8health.com/lucky and use code LUCKY for a free welcome kit, five free travel packs, and 10% off your order.Keep in touch:
Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredFollow on TikTok: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
Produced by Dear Media.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#292: If you need inspiration to focus, this episode is it.
Today I’m sitting down with Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye, founder of cult favorite beauty brand Ami Colé, to break down the real, unfiltered journey of bringing a big idea to fruition. From growing up at her mother’s salon to working at beauty giants like Glossier and L’Oréal, Diarrha shares how purpose, identity, and intention shaped every step of her path.
We talk about why the ability to focus is the most important skill you need, and how Diarrha is pushing the beauty industry to evolve by creating a brand that centers authenticity and celebrates all shades of beauty.
We Also Talk About…
Diarrha’s journey from working in corporate beauty to founding her own beauty brand.The key strategies for transitioning from an direct-to-consumer business to expanding into retail stores like Sephora.The best way to support your favorite indie brands.Tips for time management as a founder: balancing your focus between product development, marketing, and operations.The secrets to successful content creation that resonates with your audience and strengthens your brand’s identity.Resources:
Follow Diarrha on InstagramFollow Ami Colé on InstagramVisit https://www.amicole.com/ to order your favorite beauty productsSubscribe to my Substack, Balance with LesCheck out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!Keep in touch:
Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredFollow on TikTok: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSponsors:
Quince | Get quiet luxury without luxury prices at Quince. Go to quince.com/balancedles for free shipping and 365-day return on your next order.LMNT | Electrolytes are essential for hydration, and LMNT has you covered. Visit drinklmnt.com/balancedles for a free sample pack to try your favorite flavor.Nutrafol | Get stronger, healthier hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.Shopify | Get your online business up and running with Shopify. Sign up for $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/balancedblackgirl.Medtronic | Talking about heart disease could save your life. For more information and to take the pledge to talk to your mother or a woman in your life about heart health, visit Alettertomymother.comPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
Produced by Dear Media.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#291: What does it mean to have true influence, and how can you tap into it?
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Imani Ellis, the mastermind and founder of CultureCon and The Creative Collective NYC, about how a few small gatherings in her apartment turned into a massive cultural movement.
With years of experience bringing creatives together, Imani opens up about what it really takes to build with intention—without all the noise.
She shares her blueprint for staying true to yourself, building real connections, and creating lasting influence in a world that’s often focused on instant attention.
We also talk about…
Imani’s journey from corporate PR to founding CultureCon and The Creative Collective NYCThe difference between chasing clout and creating a lasting impactWhat it takes to cultivate trust and build real influence in today’s digital ageHow to stay true to yourself while navigating the challenges of entrepreneurshipImani’s approach to supporting creatives and fostering a sense of belonging in the industryThe power of community and collaboration in creative spacesResources:
Follow Imani on Instagram @imaniimaniFollow CultureCon on Instagram @CultureCon and get details for the CultureCon Conference (October 4-5 in Brooklyn) at theccnyc.com/cultureconFollow The Creative Collective on Instagram @theccnycCheck out Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia HerseySubscribe to my Substack, Balance with LesCheck out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!Keep in touch:
Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredFollow on TikTok: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredVisit our website at: balancedblackgirl.comSponsors:
Cotton | Learn more about the benefits of cotton products for yourself, your style, and your space at TheFabricOfOurLives.comNuuly | Upgrade your wardrobe by subscribing to Nuuly. Nuuly is a great value at $98 for any 6 styles, but right now you can get $28 off your first month when you sign up visit Nuuly.com and use the code BALANCEDLESMint Mobile | Ditch overpriced wireless and get 3 months of premium wireless service from Mint Mobile for $15 a month. Shop data plans at mintmobile.com/LUCKYDipsea | Dipsea is the female-founded app for spicy audiobooks and more. Go to DipseaStories.com/LUCKY to start your 30-day free trial!Opill | Opill is birth control in your control, and you can use code BALANCEDLES for 25% off your first month at www.opill.comPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
Produced by Dear Media.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
