BLKGirl Ambition

Niya Baxter
  • 4.8 (21)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to BLKGirl Ambition—a community where ambition meets authenticity. For high achieving, successful women in corporate America and entrepreneurship, this show explores what it means to chase dreams without apology. From powerful career pivots to wellness practices that center our joy, each episode holds space for the complex, bold, and beautiful lives we lead. We’re not playing small. We’re playing smart—and we’re building lives that honor every part of who we are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. APR 8 ·  BONUS

    Encore | Lighting the Way: Harlem Brands CEO Teri Johnson on Legacy & Defining Black Luxury

    As Season 3 of BLKGirl Ambition comes to a close, I’m revisiting one of my favorite conversations—my interview with Teri Johnson, Founder and CEO of Harlem Candle Co. Teri’s journey is a masterclass in building something meaningful, staying rooted in your vision, and navigating the realities of entrepreneurship with intention, grace and grit. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to build a brand, the discipline behind creativity, and the mindset required to keep going—even when the path isn’t clear or easy. If you’re like me and in a season of building this conversation is a reminder: the climb is rarely linear, but it’s always worth it. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to BLKGirl Ambition 02:38 Teri Johnson’s unconventional path to entrepreneurship 05:16 How travel shapes identity and perspective 07:56 The rise of Travelista Teri 10:17 Lessons learned from building a digital brand before its time 12:49 Founding Harlem Brands: turning passion into legacy 15:30 Building legacy through luxury fragrance 17:44 Storytelling as strategy: weaving culture into business 20:38 Facing challenges, fueling growth 22:43 Expanding into the Harlem Perfume Company 25:21 The mindset every founder needs to thrive 27:38 Practical gems for aspiring entrepreneurs 30:34 Dreaming forward: future aspirations & community impact 33:04 Final reflections on ambition and legacy Support Teri Johnson and the Harlem Brands: Purchase Harlem Candles, Totes, Mugs and Journals: www.harlembrands.com Purchase Harlem Perfume: www.sephora.com and www.harlemperfumeco.com Connect with Teri Johnson: @terijohnsonnyc on IG Email me with your episode ideas or guest suggestions at niya@blkgirlambition.com Thanks for all your love and support. Tag me while listening @blkgirlambition & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Join the BLKGirl Ambition community on IG and LinkedIn: @blkgirlambition and @glamourgirlniya Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min

  2. MAR 25

    First Gen Everything: The Rules No One Teaches You at Work w/ Fadjanie Cadet

    “When no one has done it before you, you’re not just doing the job—you’re figuring out the rules in real time.” “You rent your job title, but you own your narrative.” Summary: What if the reason you feel behind at work… isn’t you? Most first-generation professionals enter corporate spaces without a roadmap—navigating unwritten rules, hidden expectations, and systems that were never designed to be transparent. In this episode of BLKGirl Ambition, I sit down with Fadjanie Cadet—Chief Change Experience Officer and organizational strategist—to break down the rules no one teaches you at work. We talk about: The influence of her first gen Haitian American backgroundWhy merit alone isn’t enoughThe power of visibility, relationships, and self-advocacyThe mindset shift from “what am I missing?” to “what is the system failing to make clear?”How to own your narrative and move with intentionFadjanie shares how her first-generation experience shaped the way she leads, builds, and navigates corporate spaces—and why community is more than support, it’s infrastructure. If you’ve ever felt like you were learning the rules too late or questioning whether you belong, this episode will shift how you see yourself—and the system. Because you were never behind. You were building without a blueprint. Keywords: First-Generation, Workplace Politics, Unwritten Rules, Black Women in Corporate, Corporate, Career Pivot, Layoff, Networking, Immigrant, Self-Advocacy, Career Growth, Visibility, Community Takeaways: First-generation professionals often navigate workplaces without access to unwritten rules and insider knowledge Corporate success is not purely merit-based—visibility, relationships, and perception matter Many early career “gaps” are structural, not personal Self-advocacy and storytelling are critical to career growth Building a clear narrative around your impact is essential for advancement Networking is not transactional—it’s community and access to opportunity Organizations often rely on implicit knowledge, creating barriers to fairness Disruption (like layoffs) can be an opportunity to redefine your identity and value Your job title is temporary—your skills, perspective, and impact are not Authenticity and ownership of your experience are key to long-term success Chapter Summary: 00:00 – Episode Introduction & Guest Overview 03:00 – First-Gen Upbringing & Early Identity 08:00 – Responsibility, Pressure & Parenting Perspectives 12:00 – Early Career Lessons & Meritocracy Myth 15:00 – Self-Advocacy & Building a Business Case 18:00 – Reframing Structural vs. Personal Gaps 20:00 – Workplace Design & Implicit Rules 24:00 – Networking, Community & Career Access 26:00 – First-Gen Identity in Corporate Spaces 28:00 – Finding Language for Lived Experience 30:00 – Layoffs, Identity & Career Disruption 32:00 – Owning Your Narrative & Career Value 34:00 – Black Women & Workforce Shifts 37:00 – Staying Grounded Through Uncertainty 39:00 – Authenticity & Career Growth 41:00 – Redefining Ambition & Success 43:00 – Closing & Final Reflections Get in Touch with Fadjanie: LinkedIn: Fadjanie Cadet Email: Fadjaniecadet@meettheccxo.com Website: www.meettheccxo.com Thanks for all your love and support. Tag me while listening @blkgirlambition and @glamourgirlniya If you have episode ideas, questions for me, or would like to be featured as a guest send me an email, niya@blkgirlambition.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min

  3. MAR 11

    The Hanifa Controversy: When Black Women Aren't Allowed to Fail Small

    "After 14 years of innovation, delivery, and creativity… she was only as good as her last act.” Summary: In this solo episode of BLKGirl Ambition, Niya Baxter reflects on the controversy surrounding Black fashion brand Hanifa and founder Anifa Mvemba’s decision to pause operations after intense online backlash tied to delayed pre-orders. Rather than joining the pile-on, Niya examines the bigger picture: the structural challenges Black women founders face when building businesses with limited capital, the pressure of scaling in public, and the thin line between accountability and cruelty in the age of social media. Using Hanifa’s 14-year legacy of innovation as context—from pioneering inclusive sizing to launching fashion’s first 3D digital runway—Niya asks deeper questions about grace, community, and what it means to truly support Black women entrepreneurs when things go wrong. Keywords: Black women entrepreneurs, Black women founders, Black fashion industry, fashion business strategy, fashion entrepreneurship, founder challenges, entrepreneurship podcast, women in business, startup culture, venture capital gap, Black creators, fashion brand controversy, business leadership, cultural commentary, BLKGirl Ambition Takeaways: • Black women founders are rarely allowed to fail small. • Accountability and cruelty are not the same thing. • Pre-order models are often a strategy for underfunded brands. • Social media outrage can quickly escalate beyond the issue itself. • Real community means balancing critique with grace. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to BLKGirl Ambition 01:05 Why I Had to Speak on the Hanifa Controversy 03:40 The Innovation and Legacy of Hanifa 07:15 What Actually Happened With Hanifa Friday 11:20 The Reality Behind the Pre-Order Business Model 15:30 The Structural Funding Gap Facing Black Women Founders 20:10 When Accountability Turns Into a Social Media Pile-On 25:45 Why Black Women Aren’t Allowed to Fail Small 30:15 What This Moment Reveals About Community 34:30 Where Our Energy Should Really Be Directed Resources: Black Girl Ambition Podcast - https://podcastlink.com Hanifa Official Website - https://hanifa.co Anifa Mvemba on Instagram - https://instagram.com/anifa.mvemba Venture Capital Funding for Black Women - https://example.com/black-women-venture-capital Thanks for all your love and support. Tag me while listening @blkgirlambition and @glamourgirlniya If you have episode ideas, questions for me, or would like to be featured as a guest send me an email, niya@blkgirlambition.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min

  4. FEB 25

    Don’t Drift. Design. How to Build Your Corporate Career on Purpose w/ Chardiney Jackson

    "I didn’t drift into this life. I built it — by working backwards from the goal" - Chardiney Jackson In this episode of BLKGirl Ambition, Niya Baxter sits down with leadership strategist and executive coach Chardiney Jackson for a masterclass on designing your career on purpose. Chardiney shares her journey from Analyst to Vice President at JPMorgan — not as a story of luck or talent alone, but of vision, strategy, and intentional positioning. She breaks down how she reverse-engineered promotions, built leverage before opportunities appeared, and navigated the unspoken politics Black women often face in corporate environments. Together, Niya and Chardiney unpack the reality of going from “pet to threat” for many women of color and the mental narratives that quietly limit ambition.This conversation is about more than climbing the ladder. It’s about designing your next decade with clarity, building relationships that matter, honoring the season you’re in, and recognizing that sustainable ambition requires both strategy and self-awareness. If you’re a Black woman building inside corporate — or considering what’s next — this episode is your reminder: Don’t drift. Design. Keywords: Black women in corporate, career strategy, intentional career design, corporate politics, pet to threat, leadership development, executive coaching, career advancement strategies, networking for women, personal branding, career pivots, leadership Takeaways: Don’t drift into a career. Design it on purpose. Build relationships before you need them — networking is leverage, not small talk. Black women often navigate unspoken rules in rooms not built with us in mind. Grit matters — but strategy compounds faster. Your early environment shapes your ambition — own it, don’t downplay it. Promotions don’t just happen. You position, document, and make your case. Flexibility isn’t confusion — it’s strategic adaptation. If your foundation isn’t secure, it’s hard to design your future (Maslow still applies). Stop reacting to circumstances. Start creating your next move. Self-awareness is power. Emotional intelligence is executive currency. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Black Girl Ambition 03:01 Meet Chardonnay Jackson: A Journey of Ambition 09:54 Navigating Corporate Challenges 12:48 The Cost of Success 17:46 Transitioning from Corporate to Education 21:01 Designing Your Career with Intent 27:37 Overcoming Mental Barriers in Career Growth 32:10 The Importance of Community and Support 35:16 Introduction to Wellness and Ambition 35:36 Navigating Multiple Roles 37:29 The 'Pet to Threat' Phenomenon 41:14 Strategies for Resilience in the Workplace 48:29 Embracing Failure and Growth 51:34 Final Thoughts and Advice Get in touch with Chardiney! Website: www.eliteleaderscc.com IG: @thechardiney and @eliteleaderscc Thanks for all your love and support. Tag me while listening @blkgirlambition and @glamourgirlniya If you have episode ideas, questions for me, or would like to be featured as a guest send me an email, niya@blkgirlambition.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min

  5. FEB 11

    How to Negotiate Like a Boss: Confidence, Strategy & Power w/ Tai Wingfield

    “Negotiation confidence comes from clarity—knowing your numbers, your value, and your walk-away.” Summary: In this episode of BLKGirl Ambition, Niya Baxter speaks with Tai Wingfield about what it really takes to negotiate with confidence, strategy, and power—especially for Black women in the workplace. They break down how to prepare for negotiations, identify and challenge internal narratives that limit self-advocacy, and clearly articulate your value using data and leverage. Tai shares personal insights on navigating pay gaps, the importance of transparency and community, and why negotiation is a critical skill for long-term career growth. If you’re navigating salary conversations, promotions, or high-stakes professional decisions, this episode offers practical guidance to help you negotiate from clarity and confidence—not fear. Keywords: negotiation skills, salary negotiation, Black women in the workplace, career advancement, pay equity, self-advocacy, professional confidence, workplace strategy, leadership development, compensation negotiation Takeaways: -Negotiation is a skill that can be learned and strengthened with preparation. -Knowing your value is essential before entering any negotiation. -Creating emotional distance can improve negotiation outcomes. -Having options or a safety net increases leverage. -Community and shared knowledge support stronger negotiation power. -Researching market compensation is critical. -Tracking your impact makes advocating for raises easier. -Transparency around pay helps close equity gaps. -Black women often face added pressure to self-edit when negotiating. -Negotiation includes salary, benefits, scope, and long-term growth. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to BLKGirl Ambition 02:12 Why Negotiation Is a Career Skill, Not a Personality Trait 04:42 How to Prepare Before the Negotiation Ever Starts 09:01 Decentering Ego and Emotion at the Table 10:41 Unlearning Internal Narratives That Limit Advocacy 13:12 Defining Your Non-Negotiables and Walk-Away Points 15:16 Using Market Research as Leverage 18:29 A Personal Story on Pay Gaps and Equity 24:16 Reframing Negotiation as Empowerment 25:42 Looking Beyond Salary: Total Compensation Matters 29:38 Why Pay Transparency Changes Outcomes 33:27 The Role of Community in Stronger Negotiation 35:33 Naming and Owning Your Unique Value 37:04 Practical, Tactical Approaches to Negotiation 40:10 Documenting Impact to Support Raises and Promotions 43:36 Closing Reflections on Negotiating With Confidence and Power Get in Touch with Tai! LinkedIn: Tai Wingfield Instagram: @TaiWingfield2.0 Thanks for all your love and support. Tag me while listening @blkgirlambition and @glamourgirlniya If you have episode ideas or would like to be featured as a guest send me an email, niya@blkgirlambition.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min

  6. JAN 28

    The Dine Diaspora Story: From Supper Clubs to Systems Change w/ Nina Oduro & Maame Boakye

    “Everything we’ve done has been unconventional — and that’s exactly why it works.” “If you’ve only got one idea, stay home.” “Food is the thread — but community, culture, and change are what we’re really building.” Summary: In this episode of BLKGirl Ambition, Niya Baxter sits down with Nina Oduro and Maame Boakye, co-founders of Dine Diaspora and Black Women in Food, to trace how a series of intimate supper clubs evolved into a global platform redefining community, culture, and equity within the food industry. The conversation moves beyond food as product to food as power. Nina and Maame unpack what it means to build with intention in a predominantly white industry, why collaboration—not competition—is their north star, and how centering Black joy and abundance is both a values choice and a strategy. They also share how research, data, and long-term thinking have become critical tools for amplifying Black women in food, shaping brand partnerships, and building systems that last. This episode is a masterclass in community-led growth, visionary leadership, and what’s possible when you don't just build for visibility, but you also build for impact. *IMPORTANT* The 2026 Black Women in Food Summit will take place from April 23-26 in Washington, DC! Experience 3 days of transformative experiences with 40+ speakers, learning and networking. Get your tickets HERE (https://www.blackwomeninfood.org/summit). Keywords: BLKGirl Ambition, Dine Diaspora, Black Women in Food, Nina Oduro, Maame Boakye, Black food culture, Black food creators, Black women founders, food and culture, food justice, community, joy Takeaways: Community is built by design. Dine Diaspora and Black Women in Food center belonging, trust, and intention Food is a lever for cultural storytelling, economic equity, and systems change. Building in a mew space requires vision, clarity and conviction. Growth comes from values-led decision-making, not compromise. Academic frameworks and data matter. Research and rigor give credibility, protection, and staying power to Dine Diaspora and Black women in food. Collaboration creates abundance. Building together—is how movements last. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Black Girl Ambition 00:53 The Birth of Dine Diaspora 05:39 Building Community Through Food 11:11 Collaboration and Partnership Dynamics 16:38 Navigating the Food Industry 21:47 Brand Collaborations and Impact 27:12 Empowering Black Women in Food 32:44 Data-Driven Approaches in Food Culture 37:58 Strategic Planning for Founders 43:33 The Evolution of Roles in Partnership 48:50 Advice for Aspiring Founders 54:20 Vision for the Future 59:18 Personal Reflections and Ambitions Thanks for all your love and support. Tag me while listening @blkgirlambition and @glamourgirlniya If you have episode ideas or would like to be featured as a guest send me an email, niya@blkgirlambition.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 10m

  7. JAN 14

    From Ghana, with Love: Detty December & Coming Home w/ Niya Baxter

    "Detty December isn’t just about celebration—it’s about economic movement, visibility, and cultural exchange." "Diaspora wars are a distraction. They keep us debating each other instead of building what we actually need." "Once you touch the continent, something shifts. You don’t come back the same—cellularly, spiritually, or mentally" Summary: In this solo episode of Black Girl Ambition, Niya Baxter takes you with her to Accra during Detty December—not only as a vacation recap, but as a moment of homecoming. This trip was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we reconnect to culture, community, and global Blackness on our own terms. Niya reflects on the energy of Ghana—its joy, creativity, nightlife, history, and undeniable momentum—and challenges the narrow narratives many of us have been taught about Africa. She shares how the experience reshaped her intentions for the new year, deepened her sense of responsibility to invest back into the continent, and affirmed the importance of Black people moving together, supporting one another, and thinking beyond borders. This episode is an invitation. To travel with intention.To root yourself more deeply.To stop underestimating Africa’s present and future.And to reimagine what it looks like to build, create, and belong—globally. If you’ve felt the pull toward Ghana, Africa, or the African diaspora—or the nudge to expand your world, ambition, and imagination—this conversation is for you. Press play. Let it stretch you. Then move accordingly. **IMPORTANT UPDATE** I will be hosting the first ever BLKGirl Ambition dinner in New York on March 3rd. If you are a listener local to NYC, or are willing to travel, reach out and I'll share an invite. We are bringing the podcast IRL and this is an event you won't want to miss! I can't wait to meet you. Email me at, niya@blkgirlambition.com Keywords: Black Girl Ambition, Ghana, Accra, Detty December, diaspora, travel, identity, cultural connection, coming home, identity, womanhood, community, empowerment, African culture, New Year intentions, investing in Africa, legacy building, solo podcast episode Takeaways: BLKGirl Ambition is a movement rooted in culture, intention, and collective power. Intentions create alignment; resolutions create pressure. Ghana is a present-day site of culture, history, and global Black possibility. Connection to Africa is grounding—and necessary—for the diaspora. Africa’s future is rich with opportunity, innovation, and influence. Investment in Africa is about legacy, not charity. Detty December is a cultural and economic engine, not just a celebration. Traveling to Ghana can feel like a spiritual homecoming. Community is the infrastructure for sustainable growth. Experiencing the Motherland changes you—cellularly. Chapter Summary: 00:00 Welcome to Black Girl Ambition 00:52 Setting Intentions (Not Resolutions) for the New Year 03:14 Ghana as a Spiritual & Cellular Awakening 05:36 Why Connection to Africa Changes You 08:54 Africa’s Present & Future: A Call to Engage 10:14 Experiencing Detty December in Ghana 11:38 Cultural Pilgrimage & the Legacy of the Year of Return 12:37 Arriving in Accra: First Impressions & Reality Checks 16:19 Luxury, Care, and Service in Ghana 18:30 Fashion, Expression & Black Identity 19:54 Afrofuture Festival: Joy, Culture & Community 21:43 New Year’s Eve in Ghana 24:55 Accra Through History, Power & Possibility 31:42 Closing Dinner, Gratitude & Reflection 42:48 The Real Pros & Cons of Traveling to Ghana 46:16 Building Community: What’s Next for BLKGirl Ambition Thanks for all your love and support. I tried something different with this episode and would love to know what you think :) Send me an email or tag me while listening @blkgirlambition and @glamourgirlniya Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    The 7 Habits of Highly Ambitious Black Women w/ Niya Baxter

    “Highly ambitious women don’t demand excellence to impress anyone else. They demand it as an act of self-respect.” “Outsourcing opinions about your life is the quickest way to end up in the passenger seat of it.” “Ambition without rest eventually collapses under its own weight.” Summary: In this solo episode, Niya Baxter reflects on the evolution of BLKGirl Ambition—and the unmistakable patterns she’s observed across dozens of high-achieving Black women. This isn’t hustle culture, productivity porn, or another checklist telling you to do more. It’s a real conversation about the quiet, intentional ways ambitious women move when they’re serious about excellence and sustainability. Niya names what often goes unspoken: the discipline, discernment, and internal shifts that allow some women to build, climb, and expand without losing themselves in the process. If you’ve ever looked at someone doing a lot and wondered how they stay grounded, protected, and sharp—what you're noticing isn't accidental. It's alignment. And this episode connects the dots. Keywords: Black Girl Ambition, empowerment, ambitious women, career tips, personal growth, self-care, community, women in leadership, entrepreneurship, wellness Takeaways: BLKGirl Ambition is a platform for community empowerment. The journey of BLKGirl Ambition has evolved significantly in a year. Highly ambitious women share common habits that lead to success. Demanding excellence is an act of self-respect. Rejecting people pleasing is crucial for personal growth. Mastery in one's craft is essential for success. Access to one's energy and ideas should be earned, not assumed. Rising early allows for intentional self-care and reflection. Wellness should be treated as a discipline, not an afterthought. Success is built on systems and habits, not luck. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Black Girl Ambition 05:23 The Seven Habits of Highly Ambitious Women 14:27 Habit 3: Mastery and Continuous Learning 18:24 Habit 5: Rising Early for Self-Care 22:26 Habit 7: Systems Over Luck Thanks for all your love and support. Tag me while listening @blkgirlambition and @glamourgirlniya Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min
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4.8
out of 5
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About

Welcome to BLKGirl Ambition—a community where ambition meets authenticity. For high achieving, successful women in corporate America and entrepreneurship, this show explores what it means to chase dreams without apology. From powerful career pivots to wellness practices that center our joy, each episode holds space for the complex, bold, and beautiful lives we lead. We’re not playing small. We’re playing smart—and we’re building lives that honor every part of who we are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Niya Baxter
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Niya Baxter
  • Show Website
    BLKGirl Ambition

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