Nurah Speaks

To be progressive, a good rule of thumb is, "Beware of unhappy people!" You know the sort of people I’m talking about who have a problem for every solution or a sad story to tell every - single - time you encounter them. For the purposes of this episode, I reference them by first and last name: Bad News Barry, Whispering Wilma, Gossiping Gloria, Negative Nancy and Gloomy Glenn. If you want to be supported in your goals or if you simply just want live a pleasant lifestyle, you have no place for them in your life. Instead, you have to yoke yourself with others who share in the objectives you have for your marriage, career, education, health and fitness or lifestyle goals in general. Unhappy people love to create converts. Listen to this episode to learn how to avoid becoming one of them. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her blog by clicking this link. Follow Nurah Speaks @NurahSpeaksPodcast on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email info@NurahSpeaks.com Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

Closing out the Nurah Speaks 'Buy Black' series is Dr. Nicole Muhammad, Founder and CEO of Sew Elevated. Sew Elevated is an online boutique of fabulously stylish garments. Sew Elevated designs have been described as alluring, elegant and fashion forward. Featured in both Philly Fashion Week and Chicago Fashion Week, these garments are created to make a statement. Start your New Year in style. Visit SewElevated.com. Follow @SewElevated on Instagram and Facebook. Remember to subscribe to the Nurah Speaks podcast and remember to rate and review. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her blog by clicking this link. Follow Nurah Speaks @NurahSpeaksPodcast on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email info@NurahSpeaks.com Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

Yosef Ben Asiel is the force behind ‘Black Royalty Wear’ sports apparel and is this week’s feature in the Nurah Speaks Buy Black series. Black Royalty is a premier athletic clothing line made from cotton and bamboo. Whether you're in the gym or doing daily chores, Black Royalty Wear provides you the most comfortable fit possible. Order yours today! Visit BlackRoyaltyWear.com. Follow Yosef on Instagram and Facebook @ NaskiYosef and be sure to listen to his weekly podcast, Know Thy Self Radio! If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her blog by clicking this link. Follow Nurah Speaks @NurahSpeaksPodcast on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email info@NurahSpeaks.com Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

When you find a good thing you run out and tell others right?!? That is why Essential Nutrientz, an all natural hair care line, is next up in my 'Buy Black Series!' Sulaiha Turner, founder of Essential Nutrienz, created this line specially formulated to produce highly moisturized, healthy and beautiful hair. Sulaiha feels that this should be achieved without hormone altering chemicals or synthetic oils. Since trying this product, it has become the only one I use in my own hair care routine. It’s not heavy and greasy and I totally love the scent. So I suppose in a way, this is also my own testimonial. Try Essential Nutrientz for yourself and I’m sure you’ll agree. Listen to learn how Sulaiha’s own health scare prompted her search for an all natural hair care product and how her journey finally compelled her to create her own. To learn more about Essential Nutrientz, visit www.EssentialNutrientz.com. Follow Essential Nutrientz on IG: @EssentialNutrientz_he and on Facebook @ Essential Nutrientz. Contact Sulaiha at EssentialN1.info@gmail.com. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her blog by clicking this link. Follow Nurah Speaks @NurahSpeaksPodcast on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email info@NurahSpeaks.com Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

Nisha Blackwell, founder of Knotzland is featured first in my Black Business Series. Knotzland produces artisan bowties made from 98.9% reclaimed fabric ad materials. I learned about Nisha and Knotzland from a google commercial detailing Nisha’ journey from unemployed to entrepreneur. Her story is both intriguing and inspiring and demonstrates the sort of possibilities available to us all. Support this Black woman led company as she supports her community and the environment through reclamation of discarded textiles used to produce these elegant and exquisite bowties. Visit knotzland.com to learn more. Follow Knotzland on Instagram and Facebook at @knotzland and you can follow Nisha on twitter @Naturalknotz. To see Nisha’s google commercial, click here:
youtu.be/6R8euQeU-Fc If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her blog by clicking this link. Follow Nurah Speaks @NurahSpeaksPodcast on Facebook,
Twitter and Instagram. To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email info@NurahSpeaks.com Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

There is no biblical commandment directing us to $PEND-$PEND-$PEND to honor the birth of sweet baby Jesus. However, year after year, the season has become less religious and more commercial. This episode I share tips that will benefit your wallet and your community. So what should we do in this season of spending? For starters, I advise us all to be aware of the clever campaigns retailers use to incite our excitement to spend. We should be sober and buy what we need, when we need it. There is no sudden urgency wherein a large flat screen tv is needed. The jewelry, apparel, appliances now set at ‘markedly reduced’ prices can wait. Advertisers know the perfect strategies to persuade spending. Here are my five tips for to help you this season: 1. Don’t!----Just don’t spend. Save your money. Invest your money. Refrain from making the rich even richer. 2. Buy Black!----If you like the tradition of holiday shopping, buy black. Identify black business with which you can spend. Buy black in brick and mortar stores or shop black online. Just buy black. 3. Buy Local!----Shop in YOUR neighborhood. These are the businesses investing in your community. Support them. It is hard for many of our mom and pop shops, startups, independent owners and small businesses to compete with the big box stores and retail chains. But they are right in your community sharing your interests in wanting your community to thrive. 4. Buy From People You Know!----Check your network. There are people within your network of friends and family with whom you can shop this holiday season. There are artisans, designers, small business owners, etc. If you don’t know the owners of the stores in your local community, introduce yourself to them. Expand your network and theirs. There is something special and unique in shopping from someone with whom you have a relationship. But not only that-it helps create a unique story with your gift-giving when you know your seller. 5. Buy Small!----Resist the push advertisers give us to spend, spend, spend. Buy what you need. Know in advance what you want or need and only buy that. Make a list or put a note in your smart phone. There is no reasonable need to trample, snatch, push and fight over retail items. Be responsible. You work hard for your money. Keep as much of it as you can. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her blog by clicking this link. Follow Nurah Speaks @NurahSpeaksPodcast on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email info@NurahSpeaks.com Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

It is such a blessing to have reached 100 episodes of Nurah Speaks! When I started this podcast, I had no other goal in mind except reaching the ears and hearts of my people with a message that vibrates within our souls. And now, after 100 episodes under my belt I feel that I have just gotten started. I am humbled and grateful for the support of great listeners and exceptional guests who have lent their wisdom and insights to the podcast. This work continues as it remains imperative that our people are enlightened with what we can do to improve the outcomes for our communities. I am blessed to be joined in this episode with previous guests and my great friends Chabree Muhammad and Dr. Nicole Muhammad. The tables are turned as they pose their questions to me and allow me to reflect on this amazing journey. We also take the opportunity to announce our newest endeavor and an amazing collaboration. In January 2020, we will launch our own show, ‘Lead, Teach & Style” which will be a show sharing the news and views of the Black Community from our own perspective. As Chabree Muhammad is an educator, Dr. Nicole Muhammad is a clinical psychologist and fashion designer and I am an inspirational speaker, writer and podcast host-we are joining our talents and perspectives to drive a new conversation that will be insightful and impactful to Black Women. There is so much that needs to be done. There are so many conversations that must be had. And we want to do our part to make a contribution. Standby as more will be announced in the coming weeks. Please note, episode 100 will be the concluding episode for 2019 as I take a brief hiatus to make preparations for 2020. I am excited for the future of Nurah Speaks and what is to come for listeners! If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her blog by clicking this link. Follow Nurah Speaks @NurahSpeaksPodcast on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email info@NurahSpeaks.com

As I near episode 100 and the two year anniversary of Nurah Speaks, I reflect on this incredible journey. Achieving such a milestone could only have happened if I was unwavering and consistent in my efforts with the podcast. That does not mean perfect. Nor does it not mean exact. I knew I only needed to be dedicated and unwavering in my goal to provide insightful and engaging content to my listeners. What a milestone! We learn so much about ourselves no matter our journeys. Time will always expose our strengths and weaknesses, our talents and handicaps. If we pay attention along they way, we can capitalize on these lessons. I encourage all who listen to this podcast to mark your own milestones with celebration and appreciation of your own achievements as well!!! THANK YOU to my listeners! I am grateful to you and I thank you for your support over these last two years! If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her blog by clicking this link. Follow Nurah Speaks @NurahSpeaksPodcast on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email info@NurahSpeaks.com Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

This week I welcome fashion designer, Dr. Nicole Muhammad, to the podcast. Nicole is the founder and CEO of Sew Elevated, a modest fashion brand. She is also a clinical psychologist by education and training. In this episode, Nicole explains the psychology of fashion and how fashion affects our thoughts and feelings about ourselves and how what we wear impacts others. This is a very sober and thoughtful conversation with Nicole explaining her intention to use fashion to elevate women’s ideas about fashion and their ideas about themselves. Visit sewelevated.com and follow Nicole on social media @SewElevated on Instagram and Facebook. You can email her at Nicole@SewElevated.com. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her blog by clicking this link. Follow Nurah Speaks @NurahSpeaksPodcast on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email info@NurahSpeaks.com Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

Sellout is a term often tossed about to neutralize the adoration of someone who has made significant achievements in life. Our low expectations and limiting beliefs are causing us to be traitors to our own promise! •What about those from among us who are recruiting our children to illicit lifestyles for personal profit? •What about entertainers getting rich promoting killing and drug abuse? •What about those influential adults who enable the delinquency of our youth and interrupt their promise? Let's rethink what we hear and give definition to the word, "sellout!" If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her blog by clicking this link. Follow Nurah Speaks @NurahSpeaksPodcast on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email info@NurahSpeaks.com Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

Chabree Muhammad is back on the podcast sharing her perspectives on educating the Black child. Hers is a perspective not heard in the mainstream so this is a great opportunity to introduce an unorthodox voice. Chabree understands the science of education and why conventional education misses the mark with our children. As you listen to this episode, have a pen and pad nearby to take notes and re-listen to this once or twice for anything you might have missed. And please, be sure to share this episode with anyone you know involved in the development of our children. The gems Chabree shares in this discussion are impactful and her ideas are universally applicable in any arena our children enter. To learn more about Your Educational Consultants and Services, Inc. visit yecservices.com. You can contact Chabree Muhammad by calling 856-966-1722 or by emailing her at chabree@yecservices.com. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her blog by clicking this link. Follow Nurah Speaks @NurahSpeaksPodcast on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email info@NurahSpeaks.com Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

We are so frequently accosted in these ‘living while black’ incidents wherein someone calls the police on us as we engage in normal, non-criminal activities in our own communities, sometimes in our own homes. And nearly as often during these incidents, the accused begins explaining his occupation, salary or education as a means to suggest why the accusation is a complete implausibility. But I say, “We have to stop explaining ourselves!” Neither our income, our educational attainments, the cars we drive, nor the size of our homes should dictate the level of respect to which we are entitled. We are qualified for respect by our very personhood, by the breadth of life within our bodies. And if someone chooses to respect us based on some false qualifier such as our degree, membership or salary-they are in fact not respecting us at all. And neither are we in having such an expectation. I am passionate about this issue as listeners will hear in this episode. We cannot continue to waste time and energy pleading for something that others refuse to give us. In fact, what we ask of others, we should give to ourselves. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her blog by clicking this link. Follow Nurah Speaks @NurahSpeaksPodcast on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email info@NurahSpeaks.com Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

With unchecked vanity, leaders or would-be leaders may appear bullying, arrogant, selfish and insecure. Too much is required of a good leader to allow pride to interrupt progress. A remedy for vanity ‘gone wild’ may include being reminded of the bigger picture, getting attuned to the needs of others and being grateful for the opportunity to serve. Being in the mind of the greater good can alleviate the stumbling block of conceit. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her blog by clicking this link. Follow Nurah Speaks @NurahSpeaksPodcast on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email info@NurahSpeaks.com Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

This week’s guest is Vallrie Dorsey an attorney, entrepreneur and a newly minted host of the podcast, ‘When We Get Out.’ Vall’s podcast will discuss the challenges facing our second chancers as they re-enter society, search for employment, re-connect with friends and family and more. The podcast will feature ex-offenders, advocates, attorneys, judges and the family of ex-offenders. Vall’s extensive knowledge and interest in this area stems from her experience as a criminal defense attorney, a juvenile prosecutor and the partner of an ex-offender. ‘When We Get Out’ launches this month so be sure to follow Vall on Instagram @whenweget.out and @valldorsey. You can also connect with Vall at www.valldorsey.com to learn more about her professional coaching services. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her blog by clicking this link. Follow Nurah Speaks @NurahSpeaksPodcast on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email info@NurahSpeaks.com Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

This episode will help listeners navigate their career, social and familial circles by identifying into which categories those around us fit. ‘Friends, Foes and Phonies’ highlights the features of each of these people and explains why knowing them is a protection for us. How do you deal with foes and phonies? Have you learned that someone you thought was a friend actually is a foe or phony? I am curious about your experiences. You can share with me by emailing me at Nurah@NurahSpeaks.com. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her blog by clicking this link. Follow Nurah Speaks @NurahSpeaksPodcast on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email info@NurahSpeaks.com Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!