Let's Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas

Nicole Thomas
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Welcome to Let's Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas! Join host Nicole Thomas as she sits down with writers, artists, and visionaries who share their journeys and the services that helped them achieve their goals. Each episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and empowering conversations designed to help you discover your passion, live with purpose, and elevate your path to success. Tune in for motivating stories, valuable insights, and actionable tips that will inspire you to live a more fulfilled, purpose-driven life.#PassionAndPurpose #Inspiration #Empowerment #NicoleThomas

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    EP 47- "Art as a Global Language" | Bakare Mubarak | Founder and Creative Director of BILARTERAL, and Global Culture and Youth Ambassador

    In this episode, Bakare Mubarak, Founder and Creative Director of BILARTERAL, Global Culture and Youth Ambassador, and Co-founder of Expedition 54 Ltd, joins Nicole Thomas to explore how art functions as soft power and a universal language. He shares how African art, culture, and the creative economy can shift the global lens on Africa, unite the continent and its diaspora, and inspire a new global African renaissance. This episode is for creatives, culture shapers, and members of the African diaspora who want to use their gifts, stories, and collaborations to create meaningful impact across borders. Key Takeaways Art is a universal language that reaches the spirit beyond wordsAfrica is a source to be tapped, not just a place to be helpedA vision for a global African renaissance through art, business, and diplomacyLeadership as service: opening doors, building community, and collaboratingEncouragement for creatives to start now—your unique frequency is neededQuotes from the Episode “Art is the only language that doesn’t need a translator to be felt.”  “Africa is not just a place to be helped, it’s a source to be tapped.”  "We may be scattered around the world, but it’s not acceptable for us to be disconnected.” This episode is sponsored by B4 UR SKN®  🌿 Get 20% off with code LETSTALK on orders $25+ (U.S. only) 🔗 https://b4urskn.com/discount/LETSTALK Disclosure: This episode contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

    34 min

  2. 16 APR

    EP 46- "From Idea to Brand" | Temika Walker | Founder, BlacBeutyNo9, LLC

    In this episode, Nicole Thomas sits down with Temika Walker, founder of BlacBeutyNo9, LLC and creator of B4 UR SKN®, a Brooklyn-based Black-owned, plant-based skincare brand. Temika shares how her Guyanese roots, lifelong battle with acne and dry skin, and career in fashion and the cosmetics industry inspired her to create a clean beauty line that blends natural ingredients, cultural storytelling, and community impact. This conversation dives into entrepreneurship, resilience, product formulation, and what it really takes to build a purpose-driven skincare brand from the ground up.   Key Takeaways •    How Temika turned her personal skin struggles into a plant-based skincare line •    The role of Guyanese heritage, crab (andiroba) oil, and kokum butter in her formulations •    Lessons from working in the beauty and cosmetics industry before launching her own brand •    Why resilience, hustle, and spiritual alignment are essential for entrepreneurs •    How to handle naysayers, protect your vision, and use constructive criticism to grow   This episode is perfect for: •    Aspiring skincare and beauty brand founders •    Black, Caribbean, and diaspora creatives building culture-centered brands •    Women entrepreneurs and survivors starting over and reinventing themselves •    Students and career-changers interested in fashion, beauty, and product development •    Anyone curious about clean beauty, plant-based skincare, and founder stories This episode is sponsored by B4 UR SKN®  🌿 Get 20% off with code LETSTALK on orders $25+ (U.S. only) 🔗 https://b4urskn.com/discount/LETSTALK Disclosure: This episode contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

    27 min

  3. 9 APR

    EP 45- "The Privilege to Create" | Sangho Han | Painter

    In this episode of Let’s Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas, Nicole sits down with painter Sangho Han to talk about the realities of being an artist. From early beginnings to developing a personal voice, Sangho shares how doubt, isolation, and intensity shape both his work and creative process. They discuss the pressure of becoming an artist, working intuitively across materials, and the idea of “blind faith”—continuing to create even when you don’t feel certain or confident in your work. This conversation explores what it means to stay committed to your practice without clear answers—and to keep going even when you question yourself. This episode is for artists, creatives, and anyone navigating uncertainty in their work or path. Key Takeaways: • Doubt is part of the creative process, not a reason to stop • Isolation can influence the work, but community is essential • Creating is a privilege that requires intention and persistence

    32 min

  4. 2 APR

    EP 44- "Building a Life in Art " | Patrick Schmidt | Visual Artist & Educator

    How do you build a sustainable life as an artist—and keep creating over years, not just moments? In this episode of Let’s Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas, Nicole sits down with visual artist and educator Patrick Schmidt to explore what it really takes to build a creative career. From an unexpected start in a college drawing class to developing a distinctive visual language rooted in color, pattern, and abstraction, Patrick shares an honest look at the long-term artistic journey. This conversation dives into creativity, failure, experimentation, and the realities of balancing teaching, studio practice, and everyday life. Patrick reflects on how critique shaped his work, why making “bad” or uncomfortable art can lead to breakthroughs, and how research and global influences helped him develop a deeper, more meaningful practice. In this episode, we discuss: •    Building a long-term career as an artist •    Finding your creative voice •    Overcoming fear and perfectionism •    Why failure and experimentation matter •    Balancing art, work, and life Memorable Quotes: “Failure is an option, but not trying isn’t.” “Nobody is doing what you’re doing—so you need to keep doing it.” “Happiness isn’t something you can buy—you find it by following your inner voice.” Whether you’re an artist, creative, or someone looking to follow your passion, this episode offers an honest and inspiring perspective on building a life around what you love.

    43 min

  5. 26 MAR

    EP 43- "Wealth, Purpose & Financial Literacy" | Stacia M. Morris | Author, Educator, and Executive Leadership Coach

    In this episode of Let’s Talk Passion and Purpose, Nicole Thomas sits down with Stacia Morris—2025 Women Innovator honoree, author, educator, and executive leadership coach. From a small island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to corporate leadership at IBM and global financial literacy work, Stacia shares how she turned setbacks into a life of service, mentoring, and money confidence. You’ll hear how she reinvented herself after corporate downsizing, why she wrote Teen Money 101 as a “love letter” to her niece and nephew, and how her “Be the CEO of your household” framework helps families take control of their finances and future. Key Takeaways How Stacia’s upbringing in a service-oriented family shaped her passion for teaching and giving back.The moment a student told her, “You are our lifeline to this country,” and how it clarified her purpose.Why even highly educated people struggle with money—and how to start with a simple income-and-expense statement.The story behind Teen Money 101 and why financial literacy should start long before a crisis.What it means to “be the CEO of your household” and practical ways to align spending, saving, and goals.Memorable Quotes “You are our lifeline to this country.” “If I knew what I teach now, I’d be on the rock I always wanted in the Caribbean.” “We need to start doing for ourselves what companies do long before there’s a crisis.” “Go after your passion first. Do something you would do even if you didn’t get paid—and your purpose will follow.”

    52 min

  6. 19 MAR

    EP 42- "How to Rewrite Your Story" | Krystal Glenn | Media Producer, Storyteller, Author and, Award-winning Teaching Artist

    In this episode of Let’s Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas, Nicole sits down with Krystal Glenn (SmartVideo Girl)—media producer, storyteller, and author—to explore how to rewrite your story, release limiting beliefs, and step into authentic self-love. Krystal shares her journey from studying accounting to stepping into media and storytelling, and how she moved from telling other people’s stories to bravely owning her own. Together, they dive into personal growth, mindset shifts, and what it really takes to move from limiting labels to living in alignment with who you truly are. If you’ve been feeling stuck, behind, or disconnected from your purpose, this conversation will inspire you to reconnect with yourself, trust your timing, and start creating a life that reflects your truth. What You’ll Learn: The difference between self-care and true self-loveHow limiting beliefs and labels impact your growthWhy personal growth requires inner work, not just actionUnderstanding delays as “on purpose,” not failureHow to trust your unique path and creative rhythmThe power of storytelling in shaping your life and purpose Key Takeaways Self-love is deeper than self-care—it’s how you treat yourself dailyLabels can limit your identity and growthYour journey unfolds in its own timing—trust it Quotes “Labels are limitations.” “Sometimes it may be put on pause, on purpose.” “You march to the beat of your own drum.” About the Guest Krystal Glenn (SmartVideo Girl) is a media producer, storyteller, author, and award-winning teaching artist who helps individuals and brands bring their visions to life through creative storytelling and media.

    33 min

  7. 12 MAR

    EP 41- "Creative Leadership in Action" | Sylvia Barchue | Transformational Healthcare Leader and Author

    In this episode of the podcast, host Nicole Thomas sits down with Sylvia Barchue, an author, healthcare leader, and innovator with more than 35 years of experience in critical care and healthcare leadership. Sylvia shares her journey from training as a nurse in London to becoming a senior leader at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx, where she helped design intensive care units, develop innovative programs for healthcare professionals, and improve care for veterans. Throughout the conversation, Sylvia explains how creative leadership and innovative thinking can transform healthcare systems and help leaders solve complex challenges. She discusses building programs for new nurses, mentoring future healthcare leaders, expanding organ donation efforts, and creating initiatives to support women’s health. Sylvia also shares the personal story behind her books My Sister, My Friend, My Miracle and The ABCs of Women’s Health, inspired by advocating for her sister after a stroke and promoting patient education and wellness. This episode offers practical leadership insights for healthcare professionals, leaders, creatives, and anyone looking to create meaningful impact through their work. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • How to apply creative leadership in structured and high-pressure environments • Ways healthcare leaders can solve complex problems through innovation • How mentorship and strong leadership development programs support teams • Why advocacy and patient-centered care are essential in healthcare leadership • Lessons on building a career focused on service, impact, and leadership

    1hr 8min

  8. 5 MAR

    EP 40- "Turning Vision Into Results" | Antoy Grant | ICF Credentialed Coach, Execution Strategist and Creative Consultant

    In this episode, guest Antoy Grant, an ICF-credentialed coach, execution strategist, and former president of the ICF NYC chapter, shares how creativity becomes powerful when vision turns into action. Antoy shares her journey from growing up in Jamaica writing poetry under an apple tree to building a career in acting, producing, and coaching. She discusses creativity as more than having ideas—it’s about executing them. The conversation explores the challenges women of color face in the entertainment industry and how creating original work can open doors when opportunities don’t exist. Antoy recounts co-creating the off-off-Broadway show Goddess City, founding Mango Seed Entertainment to unite passionate creators, and launching The Antoy Show as a platform for storytelling and performance. She also shares insights from her Best Year Ever books, which offer practical frameworks for goal setting, accountability, and execution. Antoy emphasizes resilience, the importance of a strong “why,” and how she uses AI as a thought partner while pursuing a mission of transformation and creative impact. Why Listen If you’ve ever had a big idea but struggled to bring it to life, this episode is for you. Antoy Grant shares powerful insights on turning creativity into action, building opportunities when doors don’t open, and staying resilient while pursuing your purpose. Her journey through entertainment, coaching, and entrepreneurship offers practical lessons for creatives, leaders, and anyone looking to turn vision into real results.

    1hr 8min
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Welcome to Let's Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas! Join host Nicole Thomas as she sits down with writers, artists, and visionaries who share their journeys and the services that helped them achieve their goals. Each episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and empowering conversations designed to help you discover your passion, live with purpose, and elevate your path to success. Tune in for motivating stories, valuable insights, and actionable tips that will inspire you to live a more fulfilled, purpose-driven life.#PassionAndPurpose #Inspiration #Empowerment #NicoleThomas

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