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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Eve’s website

Listen to Eve’s podcast ‘The Wellness Breakdown’

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