Mind Pretty Soul

It's a different kind of episode this month, as the women that inspire me are... you! I recently asked you to send in your questions and dilemmas, and I've answered a few of them in this episode. A trigger warning as I touch on a dilemma concerning emotional abuse. If you need support, please consider the below resources: Women's Aid - https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support Crisis Text Line - https://www.crisistextline.org/topics/emotional-abuse/#help-for-emotional-abuse-3 Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on Twitter and Instagram: @mindprettysoul. Stay in touch with Botanical Mission on Instagram: @botanicalmission. I recently launched a newsletter for Mind Pretty Soul. For exclusive content, podcast news and other tidbits, subscribe by checking out the following page - https://www.mindprettysoul.com/newsletter.

It's just me in this episode, and it's an interesting one to say the least! I take you through my day as I open my naturopathic health and beauty clinic, Botanical Mission. Expect to hear sounds of the London underground (get the Girls Aloud reference?), a few special guests including the FIRST man on Mind Pretty Soul and many fluff ups - this isn't your usually polished and well-edited episode! Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on Twitter and Instagram: @mindprettysoul. Stay in touch with Botanical Mission on Instagram: @botanicalmission. I recently launched a newsletter for Mind Pretty Soul. For exclusive content, podcast news and other tidbits, subscribe by checking out the following page - https://www.mindprettysoul.com/newsletter.

In this episode, I’m joined by Schae Graham, who you’ll remember from the episode titled Self-Care, Wellness and it’s Cultural Nuances. It was criminal to not release the full interview seeing as we had a lovely chat about our beauty and self-care routines, fitness and body image. Our conversation around body image was particularly interesting. We touched on the pressures to be thicker when you’re someone who’s slim. We also touch on the idea of body neutrality and just being okay with your looks at the very leasts Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on Twitter and Instagram: @mindprettysoul. You can find Schae on on Instagram - @schaebreezy_ I recently launched a newsletter for Mind Pretty Soul. For exclusive content, podcast news and other tidbits, subscribe by checking out the following page - https://www.mindprettysoul.com/newsletter.

In the thick of the pandemic, I had stress expert and former ICU nurse Heather Thatcher on the podcast to talk about the health consequences of stress and how one can best manage their stress levels. Listen to the full episode on: Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/6-managing-stress-and-its-health-consequences-with/id1499566124?i=1000489636151 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4cbtwHvIZNG6lSG8xOYPsS You can find Heather on Instagram at @innerstillnessouterchaos Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on Twitter and Instagram: @mindprettysoul For exclusive content, podcast news and other tidbits, subscribe to the newsletter - https://www.mindprettysoul.com/newsletter

In this episode, I’m joined by Sabrina Mubiru, who is the epitome of self-care and wellbeing. "Why?" I hear you ask. Well... she's been an NHS nurse for 10 years and 5 years a midwife, and she's fully into the holistic side of things. Whether it's reformer pilates, acupuncture, herbs and supplements, alternative therapies, gut health or anything that'll make her glow, she's all over it. In this episode, Sabrina and I cover everything from her experience being a key worker during the peak of the pandemic to why we're committed to being soft life babes. No more “strong black woman” trope! Check out Sabrina’s e-book, the link to which I’ve put in the show notes. She talks about CBD, herbs and nutrition for mood, sleep and anxiety. How to alleviate period cramps and more - https://www.lifestylewithsab.com Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on Twitter and Instagram: @mindprettysoul. Follow Sabrina on Instagram @lifestylewithsab and Twitter @HolisticSabrina I recently launched a newsletter for Mind Pretty Soul. For exclusive content, podcast news and other tidbits, subscribe by checking out the following page - https://www.mindprettysoul.com/newsletter.

On the cusp of the big 3-0, I released “Leaving our 20s and Loving our 30s with my Girlfriends” to reflect on the years that are now behind us as well as those that we’ve yet to experience. Having turned 30 now, this episode is all the more precious to me. In this snippet, my girlfriends and I touch on everything from marriage to motherhood to mental health. Listen to the full episode on: Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/mind-pretty-soul/id1499566124 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MyrcBGY7xyx0PhMdkMyOk Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on Twitter and Instagram: @mindprettysoul For exclusive content, podcast news and other tidbits, subscribe to the newsletter - https://www.mindprettysoul.com/newsletter

In this episode, I’m joined by Angela Muruli, a global development practitioner, specialising in gender equality in Nigeria. Her expertise lies in working with civil society organisations, governments and the private sector on women's political empowerment and ending violence against women and girls. Angela’s also a freelance makeup artist and has worked with the likes of MAC, NARS and MDMflow. We talk about her incredible work, as well as her move and adjusting to life in Nigeria. Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on Twitter and Instagram: @mindprettysoul. Follow Angela on @angobb_ Angela’s makeup page @obbandco_ Fine in Dev @fineindev I recently launched a newsletter for Mind Pretty Soul. For exclusive content, podcast news and other tidbits, subscribe by checking out the following page - https://www.mindprettysoul.com/newsletter.

Journalist and writer of The Aram newsletter, Tahmina Begum, and I talk about how our respective Bengali and Somali cultures inform our self-care practices. Tahmina also shares a beautiful story about one of her earliest beauty memories. Listen to the full episode on: Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/3LBsdZW Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3sJoT6z Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on Twitter and Instagram: @mindprettysoul. Stay in touch with Tahmina on Twitter and Instagram: @tahminaxbegum For exclusive content, podcast news and other tidbits, subscribe to the newsletter - https://www.mindprettysoul.com/newsletter.

In this episode, I’m joined by dancer, body confidence advocate and founder of The Curve Catwalk, Trina Nicole. Trina Nicole’s incredible work is dedicated to encourage physical acceptance, celebrate all forms and increase the visibility of larger bodies in a joyful state, making it the norm and not an act of rebellion or political. We talked about her work with Nike as their latest EMEA Ambassador, as well as her dancing for the likes of Lizzie and Beyoncé. Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on Twitter and Instagram: @mindprettysoul. Follow Trina Nicole on @itstrinanicole Curve Catwalk @thecurvecatwalk I recently launched a newsletter for Mind Pretty Soul. For exclusive content, podcast news and other tidbits, subscribe by checking out the following page - https://www.mindprettysoul.com/newsletter.

Welcome to the first Soulful Snippet, a series of snippets from previous episodes, out on the 15th of each month. Professional coach Vicki Moore gives a refreshing and realistic, albeit inspiring, perspective on taking massive leaps and going for your dreams. Whether it’s quitting your corporate career and pivoting or starting the business you’ve been dreaming of for years, Vicki Moore has Listen to the full episode on: Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/3GzGaoi Spotify - https://spoti.fi/33Dvwyc Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on Twitter and Instagram: @mindprettysoul. For exclusive content, podcast news and other tidbits, subscribe to the newsletter - https://www.mindprettysoul.com/newsletter.

And just like that, we’re in a new year! Despite what 2020 and 2021 threw at us, I pray that 2022 is a much kinder year to us all. May it be a year where we revel in ease, bask in joy and soak up every good thing that life has to offer. With that said, considering how the last couple of years have gone, I know better than to spout some fake positivity and insist that 2022 will be our year and act oblivious that we’re in the middle of a pandemonium… Therefore, in this episode I talk about how to navigate any bumps on the road to achieving our goals this year - call it a rainy day strategy if you will. Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on Twitter and Instagram: @mindprettysoul. I recently launched a newsletter for Mind Pretty Soul. For exclusive content, podcast news and other tidbits, subscribe by checking out the following page - https://www.mindprettysoul.com/newsletter.

Here's a snippet from the February episode of Mind Pretty Soul with the lovely Ladan Takow. We answer a listener's question about the pressures and expectations to marry in the Somali community. Listen to the full episode on:  Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3CpPr0p   Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3nrDr7Z Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on:  Twitter https://bit.ly/3pyGaPG Instagram https://bit.ly/3noE7Lv

In this episode, I’m joined by Dija Ayodele, a highly respected skin health specialist, and the founder of the two time Aesthetic Award winning and Vogue Beauty Finalist Black Skin Directory; founded in 2018 as a means to better connect people of colour to professional skincare in all of its facets. Dija also writes a column for Glamour Magazine, and her work as an educator and authority in diversity has seen her lead panel talks with the likes of the House of Commons, Stylist Live, The Financial Times and Refinery29. If that’s not enough, Dija has her own clinic, West Room Aesthetics, and has just released an incredible book called Black Skin: The Definitive Skincare Guide, which investigates and celebrates the journey of Black beauty through a historical and cultural lens but it is also your ultimate practical and myth-busting companion in learning how to care for Black skin. Dija and I go way back, and we reminisce on those times in the episode, as well as talking about everything from her career highlights to the importance of finding a properly qualified professional for injectables like lip filler. It’s a super insightful episode for everyone, whether you’re an everyday person that’s just into her skincare or you’re a seasoned veteran in the beauty game. You can find Dija on Instagram and Twitter - @dija_ayodele and West Room Aesthetics on Instagram - @westroom_aesthetics.  Also check out  Black Skin Directory on Instagram and Twitter - @blackskindirectory and @b_skindirectory respectively.

We’re now in the thick of autumn, a season that’s symbolic for rest and rejuvenation. If self-care was a season, it would definitely be autumn! Taking good care of yourself during the colder months is crucial, and my guest Selma Maloumi and I talk about this in great detail in this episode, with invaluable tips on giving your body the support it needs. Selma Selma is a graduate in BSc Biology and MSc Medicinal Natural Products and Phytochemistry at UCL, as well as being an Integrative Health Coach. Selma and I talked about everything from how wellness intersects with things like Islam and capitalism, as well as the incredible work she does including her content and hikes for women in London. You can find Selma on on Instagram - @seedsofselma. Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on Twitter and Instagram: @mindprettysoul. Mind Pretty Soul is now on YouTube! To watch episode snippets with my guests, subscribe to the Mind Pretty Soul channel and watch here - https://bit.ly/2Y2AthP  I recently launched a newsletter for Mind Pretty Soul. For exclusive content, podcast news and other tidbits, subscribe by checking out the following page - https://www.mindprettysoul.com/newsletter.

As all 1991 babies embark on the next chapter of life - their 30s - I thought I’d gather my girlfriends and have an episode dedicated to reflecting on our 20s and discussing our hopes for this new decade of our lives. Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on Twitter and Instagram: @mindprettysoul. I recently launched a newsletter for Mind Pretty Soul. For exclusive content, podcast news and other tidbits, subscribe by checking out the following page - https://www.mindprettysoul.com/newsletter.

I’m sure you’ll agree when I say that September’s a month that gives connotations of new beginnings and a fresh start. September’s the month that we’d have returned to school after the summer holidays. Considering how impactful our childhoods are on us to this day, it’s no surprise that September still evokes that warm, fuzzy feeling! In this episode, I talk about my plans for beginning anew for the rest of the year. I also talk about Stoicism, nipping worrying about the future in the bud and some of my goals for the rest of the year. Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on Twitter and Instagram: @mindprettysoul. I recently launched a newsletter for Mind Pretty Soul. For exclusive content, podcast news and other tidbits, subscribe by checking out the following page - https://www.mindprettysoul.com/newsletter.

As I recover from Covid-19, here’s a snippet from an unreleased episode with medical herbalist extraordinaire, Nirvana Safa. We talk about herbs, particularly adaptogenic herbs from maca to ashwaghanda to rhodiola, that support the body amidst the stresses and demands of busy city living. Before trying or introducing any of these herbs into your diet, please consult a practitioner before introducing things like herbs and supplements to your diet. You can find Nirvana on Instagram - @nirvana_herbalist. You can also find our food page, Dish Your Herbs, on Instagram - @dishyourherbs. Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on Twitter and Instagram: @mindprettysoul. I recently launched a newsletter for Mind Pretty Soul. For exclusive content, podcast news and other tidbits, subscribe by checking out the following page - https://www.mindprettysoul.com/newsletter.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with two incredible women - Schae Graham, a beauty and fashion influencer who hails from the Bay Area in California, and Tahmina Begum, a journalist of Bangladeshi origin and the writer of one of my favourite newsletters, The Aram. We talk about self-care and wellness through their respective cultural lenses, and so expect conversation around beauty standards, self-care practices, spirituality and more. You can find Tahmina on on Instagram and Twitter - @tahminaxbegum. Also check out her newsletter, The Aram - https://bit.ly/3qGuBEJ You can find Schae on on Instagram - @schaebreezy_ Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on Twitter and Instagram: @mindprettysoul. I recently launched a newsletter for Mind Pretty Soul. For exclusive content, podcast news and other tidbits, subscribe by checking out the following page - https://www.mindprettysoul.com/newsletter.

It’s a super quick one from me this episode. I talk about the commodification of self-care and wellness, and how it looks like spending £7 on protein smoothies, pricy jade rollers and £20 yoga classes. It’s quite the contrast from the origins of self-care where activists, particularly black and women’s rights activists, turned to self-care for survival. Granted I love these things (I’m a sucker for a smoothie after my reformer pilates class!), however it’s important to not allow the idea of self-care to be lost in marketing messaging and spending as it’s an action after all… How I see it is this - treat yourself to CBD oils or that lavender scented sleep-spray or jade roller, but let’s get the actions down first. For me, some of the things that make up self-care are journalling, turning inwards and listening to my body, self-discipline, setting boundaries and great sleep. Nevertheless, to get the great sleep my body truly needs, I felt the need to buy a weighted blanket and a blackout eye mask recently! The articles I quote in the episode: A history of self-care - http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2017/04/the_history_of_self_care.html?via=gdpr-consent Why the commodification of self-care might actually be a good thing - https://www.dazeddigital.com/beauty/soul/article/44463/1/commodification-self-care-good-thing Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on Twitter and Instagram: @mindprettysoul. I recently launched a newsletter for Mind Pretty Soul. For exclusive content, podcast news and other tidbits, subscribe by checking out the following page - https://www.mindprettysoul.com/newsletter.

In this episode, I’m joined by an incredibly special guest - my sister, Hamda Issa-Salwe. Though I see her as my baby sister, she is of course an individual in her own right! She’s a businesswoman, being the owner of Ayeeyo’s Blends offering a signature blend of traditional Somali tea spices, directly inspired by Somali tea culture. Hamda also works in the music industry, having worked in merchandise and branding, as well as being a freelance journalist with her words having graced publications from Fader to Gal-dem to BuzzFeed. Expect to hear fun chit chat about our shared childhood memories and then things take a deep turn. You can find Hamda on on Instagram and Twitter - @hamdainc.  Ayeeyo’s Blends is also on Instagram and Twitter - @ayeeyosblends. Order your own jar of Ayeeyo's Blends from their website - https://ayeeyosblends.com  Stay in touch with Mind Pretty Soul on Twitter and Instagram: @mindprettysoul. I recently launched a newsletter for Mind Pretty Soul. For exclusive content, podcast news and other tidbits, subscribe by checking out the following page - https://www.mindprettysoul.com/newsletter.