AND This Podcast

Jasmene Bowdry
AND This Podcast

‘AND This’ was born out of a desire to celebrate our complexities, our multi-dimensional selves that refuse to be boxed in. It’s a shout-out to all the dreamers who juggle multiple passions, who wear many hats, and who refuse to be defined by a single label. This platform is more than just a space, it’s a community. A community where we can embrace our diverse interests, where we can explore different facets of our identities, and where we can inspire each other to break free from the constraints of ‘niching’ down. I hope to foster a space where you feel seen, heard, and valued for all that you are. A place where your creativity and passions are not just welcomed, but celebrated.

  1. 6D AGO

    21: Should You Consider a Product Brand? The Business Shift Every Influencer Should Know About

    In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the evolution from personal brands to product-based businesses. Using examples like Kim Kardashian’s Skims and Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, we’ll explore the immense opportunities these brands provide—including financial stability, investor appeal, and lasting equity. Learn how to turn your established audience into a loyal customer base, overcome the hurdles of logistics and inventory, and decide whether you’re building a legacy or testing the waters. We’ll also break down why quality matters and how to avoid the pitfalls many celebrities face with their rushed product launches. If you’ve ever thought about turning your influence into a product brand, this episode is your guide to navigating the risks and reaping the rewards. KEY POINTS - Examples of successful product brands by influencers - The evolution from personal brands to product brands  - Some key benefits of product-based businesses - On creating a legacy and attracting investors in product brands - Challenges of transitioning from brand deals to product ownership - Strategize by prioritizing market research and understanding the audience's needs - Potential risks to consider such as a saturated market and lack of guaranteed success QUOTES  "Product-based businesses create equity, potentially executive exit offers, creating more financial stability than traditional revenue." – Jasmene Bowdry  "Create something that is filling a need. There's something on here about building to sell and the product brand must have a little customer base, a clear, black identity, and strong financial to a field of buyer." – Jasmene Bowdry  RESOURCES Checklist Before the Pitch – Position your brand for mass retail success with my free checklist tailored for product-based business owners: Get it here. Jasmene Bowdry  IG | @jasmenebowdry AND This is produced by EPYC Media Network

    18 min
  2. MAR 12

    20: How Ashley Adana Built an Event Empire in a Male-Dominated Industry

    In this episode, we’re sitting down with Ashley Adana, the powerhouse CEO behind BEC Production, to talk about her journey from planning weddings to orchestrating massive conferences and events. Ashley pulls back the curtain on what it takes to succeed in a fast-paced, male-dominated industry. From mastering crisis management to staying authentic under pressure, she shares the lessons that have shaped her path. We also explore the unique challenges of being an introverted entrepreneur—like balancing relationships and embracing her assertive "boss" energy while staying connected to her softer, more feminine side. And if you’ve ever wondered what it takes to share your expertise without losing your edge, Ashley opens up about her plans to launch the Event Creators Academy—a game-changing program for those looking to make their mark in the events industry. Whether you’re dreaming of building your own empire or navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in now and discover how Ashley is rewriting the rules for women in events! KEY POINTS  - Ashley’s career journey in event planning  - The importance of crisis management & flexibility in event production - On balancing femininity and assertiveness - The pivotal role of embracing change  - Value of communication, honesty, and self-awareness in relationships  - Ashley’s future plans and Event Creators Academy - On handling feedback and client relationships - The importance of having clients aligned with values and vision - The pivotal role of creating safe spaces for people of color  QUOTES  "I am always authentic. I will always say that you know who I am and how I show up [to] the world. I honor that." – Ashley Adana  "I think that life is about seasons and chapters, and I definitely believe in them. I'll call it [as] the book of life, so your book has to be filled with chapters, and you have to be willing to end one to start the next." – Ashley Adana  GUEST RESOURCES  Ashley Adana    Website | @becproduction.com IG | @ashley_adana RESOURCES Free Fall Trend Report – Grab your free guide with 20+ hot fall trends, including styling tips to incorporate them seamlessly into your wardrobe: Download it here. 1-on-1 Style Discovery Call – Ready to elevate your style? Book a personalized styling session to match your message, body type, and budget: Schedule now. Jasmene Bowdry  IG | @jasmenebowdry AND This is produced by EPYC Media Network

    45 min
  3. MAR 5

    19: Breaking Into the Styling Industry: Tips for Aspiring Stylists

    In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the world of styling, sharing my journey from an unpaid internship with a major hip-hop artist to dressing models for top Fashion Week designers like Vera Wang and Michael Kors. I break down the different types of styling, including celebrity, fashion shows, TV, and personal styling, explaining why I chose to focus on helping everyday professionals match their style with their message. Learn about the realities of work-life balance in celebrity styling, the seasonality of Fashion Week, and why personal styling offers autonomy and fulfillment. Whether you're considering a career in styling or looking to refine your personal look, this episode is packed with insights, advice, and inspiration to guide you. KEY POINTS - Jasmene’s journey as a wardrobe stylist  -  Challenges celebrity styling and opportunities like fashion shows  - New York Fashion Week with designers like Jason Wu, Donna Karan, and Vera Wang  - The importance of matching a client's style with their message - The fulfillment of personal styling with speakers, coaches, consultants, and executives  - On Jasmene’s experience in TV and film styling for different roles  - Advice for aspiring stylists: Understand the fundamentals of color, body types, and styling - The importance of networking and building professional relationships  - Maintain professionalism, punctuality, and continuity in the industry  - Explore different avenues of styling and do not be limited to the current path  QUOTES  "You are addressing a character. So it's not necessarily where you are addressing a celebrity; they're going to be rated on the red carpet based on their look. You are addressing a character." – Jasmene Bowdry "You really want to start getting into some of the fundamental learning so that you can start your own personal styling business."  – Jasmene Bowdry RESOURCES Shop My Looks – Love my style? Shop all my looks and similar pieces directly in my LTK store: Shop here. Jasmene Bowdry  IG | @jasmenebowdry AND This is produced by EPYC Media Network

    16 min
  4. JAN 15

    18: Jose Bennett on How to Build a Brand That People Fall in Love With

    In this episode, Jose Bennett shares his remarkable journey from rapper to renowned branding expert and digital course creator.  Jose explains to us how his diverse experiences in music, retail, and entrepreneurship shaped his understanding of emotional branding and audience connection.  He also reveals the secrets behind creating a lasting impression, using examples like Coca-Cola and Pepto to illustrate the importance of evoking emotional responses. He then offers practical advice on managing brand identity across platforms, and having a strategic approach to brand development — correlating it to constructing a house with a solid foundation.  Join us in this conversation as Jose emphasizes the role of consistency and vulnerability in building trust with your audience. Tune in! KEY POINTS - Branding in various scenarios – concerts or everyday life  - Jose's journey as a rapper to being a branding expert - The importance of online presence and understanding your target audience - The role of emotional response in branding - On having consistency in branding and the need for reliability  - Challenges of maintaining a consistent brand image - On leveraging emotional responses to build a strong brand - Have long-term relationships by showing up, being consistent and having authenticity  QUOTES  "We are multi-faceted individuals, right? The thing about it, though, we can do multiple things, but truly we can only be known for one." – Jose Bennett “I want to set the world up for my grandkids in a better place, and that's by planting seeds, seeds of positivity. There's an old adage that says — if the oceans were still one drop [would] cause tidal waves at the shore, I'm every person I come in contact with. I'm drop, doing drops, drops, plant seeds, like everything." – Jose Bennett "If our brands are automatically going to compartmentalize us, all we're doing is okay. You have multiple pieces — how do you still ensure that you are telling that correct narrative and story." – Jose Bennett GUEST RESOURCES  Jose Bennett Website | featuringthebrand.com  IG | @featuring_jose RESOURCES Jasmene Bowdry  IG | @jasmenebowdry AND This is produced by EPYC Media Network

    56 min
  5. JAN 8

    17: The Hidden Challenges Facing Black-Owned Brands in Retail

    Welcome back to AND This!  Today, I put a spotlight on the evolving journey of black-owned product brands in mass retail. Drawing from my experience as a corporate retail buyer, I reveal the challenges small brands face—uncovering the importance of performance metrics, strategic planning, and understanding the retailer’s mindset. From packaging and pricing to shelf placement and sales thresholds, I also emphasize on what it takes to succeed in today’s competitive retail market. Don’t miss this episode for essential insights to help your brand avoid common pitfalls and thrive on retail shelves. KEY POINTS - The rise of black-owned brands in mass retail during COVID-19  - On the benefits and challenges such as cash flow and operational capacity - The importance of long-term planning and innovation for brands to stay relevant  - Some reasons why brands cut down or pivoted in the retail landscape  - The critical role of packaging, price point, and shelf placement for your brand - On being accountable by understanding retailer terms, conditions, and responsibilities - The pivotal role of strategic decision-making in navigating mass retail QUOTES  “A retailer is not responsible for your sales as a product business. You are still responsible for the marketing and trying to get traffic into that retail store.” – Jasmene Bowdry “Most small businesses are not prepared for mass retail at the level that they think.” – Jasmene Bowdry “Retail shelf space is real estate. It costs money down to the square footage. And so, if your brand isn't performing, they have to make a decision —  this is in the bottom 20% of my products that are being sold, it has to go.” – Jasmene Bowdry RESOURCES Free Fall Trend Report – Grab your free guide with 20+ hot fall trends, including styling tips to incorporate them seamlessly into your wardrobe: Download it here. Checklist Before the Pitch – Position your brand for mass retail success with my free checklist tailored for product-based business owners: Get it here. Jasmene Bowdry  IG | @jasmenebowdry AND This is produced by EPYC Media Network

    21 min
  6. 12/18/2024

    16: From Wall Street to Teaching the 99%: Ashley Fox on Financial Empowerment & Pursuit of Generational Wealth

    Ashley Fox, CEO of Empify and trailblazer in financial education, joins us to discuss how loss, resilience, and vision have shaped her purpose. In this episode, Ashley shares how her father’s passing propelled her mission to make financial freedom attainable for everyone—not just the wealthy. From her Wall Street beginnings to building a thriving business now ranked #652 on the Inc. 5000 list, Ashley reveals how she teaches underserved communities to create and preserve wealth. Learn about her unique approach to personal growth, financial education, and why every step toward wealth begins with believing you deserve it. Our conversation will leave you inspired to rethink legacy, embrace growth, and take the first step on your investment journey. KEY POINTS - Ashley's recent achievements such as Empify’s recognition to the Inc. 5000 list - On being inspired by Wall Street experience to entrepreneurship - The importance of financial education and legacy - On the pivotal role of self-awareness, therapy, and managing emotions as a leader - How Ashley uses fashion to redefine perceptions of wealth and connect with people - Key advice: Start small, open a brokerage account, and make consistent contributions - Ashley's vision for a scalable, sellable $3 billion business - On prioritizing empathy, team development, and creating a supportive work environment QUOTES  “I think of limitlessness and abundance because there's so much more that you can do and become, and you don't have to choose. Why not choose it all?” – Ashley Fox  “This is the season of outside for me. I think I spent a lot of time building empathy on the inside and then realizing that I need the world to know we exist, who we are, what we do, and the impact that we make. And I just made a decision to just go outside.” – Ashley Fox  “You can't make anybody do something they don't want to do. But you can be the person who inspires people to do because your light is shining.” – Ashley Fox  GUEST RESOURCES  Ashley Fox  IG | @_ashleymfox/  RESOURCES Wardrobe Essentials Checklist – Upgrade your wardrobe effortlessly with my free checklist of must-have essentials: Download it here. 1-on-1 Style Discovery Call – Ready to elevate your style? Book a personalized styling session to match your message, body type, and budget: Schedule now. Jasmene Bowdry  IG | @jasmenebowdry AND This is produced by EPYC Media Network

    46 min
  7. 12/11/2024

    15: My Egg Freezing Story: Overcoming Shame and Embracing My Reproductive Freedom

    In this heartfelt episode, Jasmene opens up about her decision to freeze her eggs—a process that brought emotional, physical, and financial challenges. She reflects on her journey, from grappling with societal expectations and personal shame to embracing the empowerment that comes with taking control of her reproductive future. Jasmene sheds light on the often-overlooked conversations around fertility in the Black community, sharing why she wishes she had considered egg freezing in her 20s. She also addresses the complexities of single motherhood, faith, and making informed reproductive choices. This is a conversation every woman needs to hear about navigating motherhood on your terms. Tune in for an honest discussion on breaking shame, embracing options, and empowering yourself to make the choices that align with your life goals. KEY POINTS - Jasmene’s decision to freeze her eggs - The lack of discussion egg freezing in the Black community - Jasmene’s initial egg-freezing consultation, its cost, and other considerations  - Egg freezing and health issues faced by Jasmene during its process  - On guaranteed success, waiting for a partner, or co-parenting with a friend  - The importance of empowering women in their reproductive health choices  - Advice on women: Look into employer benefits for fertility services   QUOTES  “I want you to release the shame because I know that there's somebody out there that may potentially be going through this, thinking about this, wanting to do this—-and they feel like it's not supposed to be this way. But, I want to empower you, because this is how I had to empower myself." – Jasmene Bowdry  “Had I known this when I was in my 20s, I probably would have done this sooner. If you are a young woman and you are with the mindset of, ‘I have time, I don't have to think about that right now,’ And then life comes at you fast, and next thing, you may not have an opportunity." – Jasmene Bowdry  RESOURCES My fertility doctor hope-fertility.com Other clinics:kindbody.com Jasmene Bowdry  IG | @jasmenebowdry AND This is produced by EPYC Media Network

    20 min
  8. 12/04/2024

    14: Content Expert Mahdi Woodard on How to Master Social Media with Style

    Welcome to Season 2 of AND This! In this premiere episode, we sit down with Mahdi Woodard, a marketing and brand strategist who’s redefining how we navigate the social media landscape. Mahdi unpacks the tension between personal and professional branding, revealing why it’s time to rethink how we show up online. He also shares strategic insights on balancing authenticity and adaptability while tackling common social media challenges—from staying ahead of algorithms to embracing AI tools like ChatGPT. We also explore the power of style in shaping perception and maximizing opportunities. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, content creator, or just someone looking to elevate your online presence, this episode offers actionable strategies and fresh perspectives to help you thrive in a rapidly changing world. Tune in for a masterclass in blending strategy, creativity, and confidence! KEY POINTS - Navigating the tension between personal and professional demands on social media - The challenges and benefits of having multiple social media accounts  - On balancing personal & professional content through personal interests - The pivotal role of AI in social media to enhance efficiency and engagement - On embracing authenticity on social media by staying true to your values - The impact of personal style on social media presence  - On adapting social media strategies and having a growth mindset  QUOTES  “Social media has changed so much. There was a time when that aesthetic curated feed with the business. If you didn't have it, you looked unprofessional. Then we went to the other side, where it was just completely raw, organic, and now we're finding our fit back to the middle.” – Mahdi Woodard “You want to maximize your revenue? Pay attention to the importance of image. Pay attention to how you look and dress the part.” – Mahdi Woodard GUEST RESOURCES  Mahdi Woodard IG | @mahdiwoodard RESOURCES Free Fall Trend Report – Grab your free guide with 20+ hot fall trends, including styling tips to incorporate them seamlessly into your wardrobe: Download it here. Shop My Looks – Love my style? Shop all my looks and similar pieces directly in my LTK store: Shop here. Wardrobe Essentials Checklist – Upgrade your wardrobe effortlessly with my free checklist of must-have essentials: Download it here. 1-on-1 Style Discovery Call – Ready to elevate your style? Book a personalized styling session to match your message, body type, and budget: Schedule now. Checklist Before the Pitch – Position your brand for mass retail success with my free checklist tailored for product-based business owners: Get it here. Jasmene Bowdry  IG | @jasmenebowdry AND This is produced by EPYC Media Network

    55 min

Trailers

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

‘AND This’ was born out of a desire to celebrate our complexities, our multi-dimensional selves that refuse to be boxed in. It’s a shout-out to all the dreamers who juggle multiple passions, who wear many hats, and who refuse to be defined by a single label. This platform is more than just a space, it’s a community. A community where we can embrace our diverse interests, where we can explore different facets of our identities, and where we can inspire each other to break free from the constraints of ‘niching’ down. I hope to foster a space where you feel seen, heard, and valued for all that you are. A place where your creativity and passions are not just welcomed, but celebrated.

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