In this podcast episode I dive into the world of a global super star singer, actress, mum and all round entrepreneurial woman Vanessa Williams.

Vanessa became the first ever African American Miss America, an incredible achievement which should have been the best time of a young woman career, but this became a time of dealing with death threats, racism and so much more. This inspirational conversation is packed with life stories of overcoming adversity, thriving, inner confidence and getting up and fighting when life keeps knocking you down.

We talk about juggling a career as a working mum, the loving support of her family and just how possible it is to keep bouncing back in life and thriving.

Vanessa is best known for her global number one single “save the best till last” Her roles in Ugly Betty, Desperate House wives and so many more TV shows and on stage dramas.

Vanessa shares a voice and story of positivity, fun and laughter and is thriving into her 60th year with so much more yet to come.

Topics

Racism

How does someone correct their traumatic events?

How to become a pop star

How to be a mum and have a career

Is the world still racist

Being a black woman

Advice for dealing with challenge

First steps into becoming an actress

Vanessa Williams

https://www.instagram.com/vanessawilliamsofficial/

Abigail James

https://www.abigailjames.com/category/podcast/

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In this episode I am joined by fashion designer, entrepreneur and ‘Jeans Queen’ Donna Ida Thornton.

As a self confessed denim addict myself, and a proud owner of a number of Donna Ida’ jeans, I was so excited to chat to my friend Donna, all about what makes the most flattering and comfortable pair of jeans as well as the inspiration behind her unique designs,

After launching her own denim brand ‘Donna Ida’ in 2012 inspired by her grandmother Ida, Donna has taken the fashion world by storm. We talk about the challenges growing her business has presented over the years, how her business model has changed as well as her own ethos, which she says is based around ‘not caring what other people think of her’.

Donna also shares her exciting plans to expand the current Donna Ida collections, as well as a glimpse into the exciting developments in her own personal life, including a huge life change and move to Dorset with a massive renovation project of their new home and exclusive hotel location, not forgetting the love she has for her many four legged friends.

We talk about juggling entrepreneurship, and putting the hours in to grow a brand, which can sometimes appear from the outside to be an overnight success, but can actually be an all consuming journey over years, especially when you are heading up and physically participating in growing your own business.

There are many takeaways from this chat, from striving to simplifying processes, as well as how to become more confident and care less what others think of you, something we can all learn from

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In this episode I am joined by nutritional therapist, author and podcaster, Eve Kalinik.

As someone who used to work in a fast paced job in fashion PR, Eve understands how a poor work life balance can influence gut health and ultimately overall wellness, and she decided to seek answers herself after she noticed the lifestyle that came with her job was making her unwell.

Having gone on her own long term health issues, burn out and continual need for antibiotics, all fuelling her declining health. Eve’s mission is to now help others who might be in the same position that she was in.

Her passion for gut health and more knowledge around foods and managing our lives better is quite amazing. Encouraging others to reach out for help.

With this in mind she strives to teach eating habits people who have busy lives can stick too, and she regularly shares recipe ideas and tips on her podcast and website.

We talk about functional medicine and how these tests can play a key part in supporting making change that is more tailored to you.

We also drill down into the nitty gritty of hormone balances, food intolerances and digestive issues which can often be very complex and confusing to get to grips with.

Eve is a fountain of knowledge and her passion for nutrition and functional medicine shines through in this episode.

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In this episode I am joined by author, entrepreneur and face yoga expert, Danielle Collins.

With over 17 years experience under her belt, Dannielle Collins is THE face yoga expert. Combining her passion for holistic therapy with traditional techniques that have been used for thousands of years Danielle developed The Danielle Collins Face Yoga Method. All this was created on her personal health journey to healing her own ill health, with a truly holistic approach through yoga, nutrition, mindfulness and so much more.

Over the years her passion has inspired many through her teacher training courses, as well as sharing the benefits of face yoga on television, and on her own podcast and Youtube channel.

We also delve into the science behind face yoga that people so often doubt, as well as Danielle’s own everyday skincare routine.

As a working mother Danielle reveals how she is re-framing the ‘work life balance’ and shares some of the tools she uses to maximise her productivity around her business.

Danielle has such an inspiring energy and I hope this episode helps spread the word about the benefits and joys of Face Yoga

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Firstly in this conversation we do talk openly about eating disorders, so there is a trigger warning I would like to make you aware of before you dive in and listen.

In this episode I am joined by the inspirational, author, podcaster and body confidence campaigner, Alex Light.

As someone who has suffered firsthand the effects of disordered eating in both myself and my daughter’s lives, it was so moving to talk to Alex about her own struggles and how she overcame them , launching a whole online movement in the process.

We also talk about the impact of diet culture, and how fashion and beauty standards in women can have such a negative impact on people’s mental health and self worth.

Alex has been passionately campaigning to change the language surrounding body image, even giving evidence in the House of Commons to support increased education in schools and further training for Doctors on treating Eating Disorders.

Alex also shares her exciting plans for the future and how she hopes to grow her reach and messaging even further.

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In this episode I am joined by movement coach and personal trainer to the stars, Dan Roberts.

Dan has been a coach since 1993, having worked with Olympians, Victoria Secrets models, actresses and tv personalities.

Dan tells me how he founded his trademark fitness workout , ‘Methodology X’ which was originally championed by models but is now a much wider success. Dan is a firm believer that in order to become an expert in something you need to immerse yourself in it, something which has led him to spend extended periods of time all over the world honing his skills in areas such as martial arts and surfing.

Dan shares with me his journey to Hollywood and back as a movement coach for blockbuster films, choreographing some very big fight scenes.

We also talk about his attitude to social media and sharing online, as well as his approach to training different bodies and personalities and views of weight training for women and how views of women's body shapes changes over the years.

Dan is such an expert in his field and I feel so honoured to have gleaned so much business and life knowledge and I really admire how he has grown his business into mentoring other coaches to grow their success too.

Dan talks a lot about having luck and being in the right place at the right time, which can play a part in our lives, but so can skill and being the best you can be and spending time to hone your skills to be the best you can be.

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Julie Montagu on becoming a viscountess and teaching the most popular Yoga class in London

In this episode I am joined by yoga teacher, nutritionist, author, TV presenter and Viscountess of Hinchingbrooke Julie Montagu.

Julie, shares her journey from America to being part of the House of Montagu in Mapperton House Dorset, which she lives and manages with her husband, the 10th Earl of Sandwich, and the challenges they’ve both faced managing an estate during the recent pandemic, as well as making it a globally recognised attraction by offering online tours and developing their own Youtube channel.

Julie is an amazing Yoga teacher and at one point taught the most popular class in London, she reveals how she still finds joy in her practice every day and how training others to become yoga teachers has become a huge passion.

We talk about how Julie juggles her family life as a mum of four with her other work ventures and she admits that it is not always smooth sailing.

She also reveals her recent discovery of cold water swimming, and her plans to delve further into the history of the House of Montagu.

I absolutely love Julie’s tenaciousness and attitude to life, as well as her love for exploring a new challenge.

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In this episode I am joined by Estée Lalonde, one the original YouTubers, turned female entrepreneur

Estée shares how she became a globally recognised influencer, even before it became a recognised career choice and just how many hours you need to put into it to become a success. Her transition from YouTuber and blogger to entrepreneur, and the challenges she’s faced working in the beauty and fashion industry, sharing an insight into her first jobs in the beauty industry.

We talk about how she has dealt with negativity on line, especially as a young girl. I love Estée’s vulnerability and honesty with mental health and managing ego online.

She also reveals the inspiration behind her latest beauty venture Mirror Water and her recent visit to Downing Street.

We also talk about her approach to ageing, her love of facials and skincare and Estée even shares a surprising confession with me…

I have such admiration for Estée as a young female entrepreneur following her dreams and enjoying the journey.

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