While great change is not something that happens overnight or without struggle, it has to start somewhere - and that "somewhere" can be in the form of simply being willing to ask the questions and have open conversations with people around you.

I am honored to have Bay Area image and fashion consultant, Lisa Gaines join me for a very meaningful conversation, which you can view here. She is a beloved mother and wife (to two young adult children and the family fur-kid, Delilah!) and has graciously agreed to share her own personal experience as an African-American mother here in the Bay Area.

Lisa grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia and is originally from North Carolina. Lisa had the opportunity to model in her 20's and also utilized her Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Georgia Tech while working for a commercial printing firm. Upon her move to California, she began managing a multi-million dollar revenue retail store in the Bay Area. Lisa was a successful Fashion Coordinator for a large clothing line. A chance introduction to her image and color mentor by a mutual friend launched her into her passion for supporting women 40 and over who have a desire to step into a new season in their lives and need a fashion-infused confidence boost.

If there is something that I have taken away from connecting with Lisa it is this:

Use your platform to continue to encourage these important conversations.

Be proactive about educating yourself by engaging, truly listening, asking, and learning from personal stories of others around you.

Below are just a few resources that Lisa has shared:

Books:

-How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

-White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

Podcast:

-Scene on Radio, Season 2 from Feb 2017, "Seeing White"

Take this opportunity to start somewhere, folks.

It is worth it.

It is necessary.