Shades & Layers

Hosted by Kutloano Skosana Ricci

Business Entrepreneurship Arts Society CultureInterviews guests

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Episodes

104

Latest episode

Mar 2026

Language

EN-ZA

About the show

Shades and Layers is a podcast focused on black women entrepreneurs from across the globe. It is a platform for exploring issues and challenges around business ownership, representation and holistic discussions about the meaning of sustainability in an increasingly complex global context. Conversations are wide- ranging and serve not only as a Masterclass in Entrepreneurship but also provide wisdom and tools for Successful Living. It is a space for meaningful conversation, a place for black and other women of color to be fully human and openly share their quirks and vulnerabilities. Guests include prominent figurers in the beauty, fashion and wellness industries both in the Northern Hemisphere and the Global South. Dr. Theo Mothoa-Frendo of USO Skincare discusses her journey from being product junkie to creating an African science-based skincare range. Taryn Gill of The Perfect Hair is a brand development whizz who discusses supply chain and distribution of her haircare brands. Katonya Breux discusses melanin and sunscreen and how she addresses the needs of a range of skin tones with her Unsun Cosmetics products. We discuss inclusion in the wellness industry with Helen Rose Skincare and Yoga and Nectarines Founder , Day Bibb. Abiola Akani emphasizes non-performance in yoga with her IYA Wellness brand and Anesu Mbizho shares her journey to yoga and the ecosystem she's created through her business The Nest Space. Fashion is all about handmade, custom made and circular production with featured guests like fashion designer Maria McCloy of Maria McCloy Accessories; Founder and textile/homeware designer Nkuli Mlangeni Berg of The Ninevites as well as Candice Lawrence, founder of the lighting design company Modern Gesture. These are just a few the conversations on the podcast over the past three years.

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60 recent

March 18, 202627 min

A Simple Bank Account System for Business Sustainability

Send us Fan MailThis is an oldie but goodie from the archives. This conversation was recorded in 2024, but its principles and teachings are timeless. Susanne Mariga is an expert in finance and she's been doing taxes for clients since she was a 14-year old in her dad's accounting office. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If your business is busy but your bank balance never reflects it, something is broken and it’s not your work ethic. Suzanne Mariga, CPA, fractional CFO, and CEO of the award-winning Mariga Group joins me in a conversation about the money mistake she sees again and again: founders pushing for years, sometimes decades, and still having nothing to show for it.Suzanne explains the Profit First method in plain language, including the five-bank-account setup that creates instant clarity around cash flow management: income, profit, owner’s pay, tax, and operating expenses. She explains why focusing on building net worth is a better strategy than “saving tax” through spending. She says, pay yourself properly so that your business stops quietly relying on your unpaid labour. Other topics we discuss include: Preparing for a leap from corporate lifeThe art of remaining flexible and open to change How fractional C-suite fiance support helps build stronger accounting systemsA quick chat about AI Tools for Small Business. If you want healthier margins, better cash flow, and a business you could one day sell, press play. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.LOST IN TRANSLATIONRoth IRA - The American retirement fund - similar to the RA contribution for South Africans and private pension funds of the EU region. Support the showNEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletterSUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

February 10, 202655 min

Speak with Confidence, Cash in With Clarity (Magogodi Makhene)

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we connect with Magogodi oaMphela Makhene, author, speaker and founder of Love As A Kind of Cure and thought leadership coach. We trace her entrepreneurial journey from her focus on social enterprises, how she was led to writing and then became a coach who helps Women of Color to turn their stories into intellectual property and income. Magogodi is a sought after keynote speaker and communicator who walks the talk. Her trademarked C.R.O.W.N framework is built around her lived experience, which she shares with vulnerability and generosity in our conversation.Magogodi originates from my hometown, Soweto. She is the author of the award-winning short story collection Innards and a graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop programme. Find out how she made the pivot from business school to literature and how she combines the two today in her work. You will also discover how she helps her clients to see and honour their value.If you haven’t already, I encourage you to check out her podcast, Madame Speaker Says, you will be so inspired by all the guests that she has on there. And if you like this episode, please share it with a friend and send me a message to let me know what you think.Support the showNEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletterSUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

September 16, 2025Episode 1146 min

Embracing Fear and Following Your Dreams with Bisila Bokoko (S9,E12)

Send us Fan MailBisila Bokoko is an international business woman who got her start in the corporate world in Spain and then eventually in the USA. Today she shares her journey from corporate executive to international entrepreneur, wine brand founder, and creator of the Bisila Bokoko African Literacy Project. Born to African parents from Equatorial Guinea in Spain, she jokingly calls herself a Decaf African and had a tough time navigating her African identity within a European culture. She now sees herself as a a bridge between the two cultures. Over the years she has also learned to understand and embrace her own fears, and learned how to transform obstacles into opportunities. Today, we get into the scope of her work as an entrepreneur, author and philanthropist. We discuss her latest book: The Fear and I: An Unexpected Story, how she founder her wine brand Bisila's Wines and her philanthropy work with the Bisila Bokoko African Literacy Project. For the candid moments of our chat, she talks about mindset and how she rejects the phrases "I don't have time" and "I don't have money" to advance her aims. She also recommends surrounding yourself with cheerleaders, mentors, and accountability partners.Find Bisila Bokoko on Instagram, LinkedIn, or through her website. Support the showNEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletterSUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

August 18, 2025Episode 1034 min

Beyond the Bottom Line with Sundra Essien (S9,E11)

Send us Fan MailWhat if business success isn't about endless growth? Sundra Essien, co-founder of Isang's Hair and Body, returns to Shades and Layers for our 100th episode for this discussion. Sundra and I first spoke in 2020 during the first season of the podcast and a period of uncertainty in the world. Today, she returns to once again challenge everything you think you know about entrepreneurship, sustainability, and success. Sundra's Copenhagen-based personal care company manufactures hair and body products using organic, fair-trade ingredients in an open workshop where customers can witness production firsthand. Their true mission, however, extends far beyond making and selling body care products. Isangs is a platform for addressing critical issues from supply chain transparency to social justice. As Sundra explains, these everyday products provide the perfect vehicle for sparking deeper conversations: "It's a space where people aren't expecting to have discussions about de-growth and justice and politics."Today’s conversation serves as a reflection on how far Isang's has come since our last conversation, how they’ve leveraged social media not only to stay in business, but to continue addressing all the issues that are central to the company's founding philosophy. The company's philosophy centers on de-growth—the radical notion that businesses should question the imperative for constant expansion. Listen now to discover how rethinking success might lead to greater satisfaction in business and life. Follow Isang's at @Isangs on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to learn more about their mission-driven approach.Support the showNEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletterSUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

August 5, 20251 hr 4 min

Introducing: Madame Speaker Says with Magogodi oaMphela Makhene (BONUS)

Send us Fan MailBONUS EPISODE📣 INTRODUCING our new podcast bestie Madame Speaker Says hosted by Magogodi oaMphela Makhene. For this special bonus episode, we did a podswap and the featured guest is skin educator, beauty editor and founder of ThisThatBeauty, Felicia Walker. The skin is your largest living organ and Felicia believes it is not vanity to care for your skin. It needs care like any other part of your body and she'll tell you how you can radiate beauty from the inside out in every space you enter. You'll love this episode which is about a personal and professional journey, because it features all the themes you've come to expect from and love about Shades and Layers: being seen, representation, authenticity and successful living.✨ GET: Your Glow Up Guide📲 FOLLOW Felicia: @thisthatbeauty ABOUT MAGOGODI AND MADAME SPEAKER SAYSAuthor, Speaker and Storytelling Coach Magogodi oaMphela Makhene helps helps women founders become famous experts. She knows that being an "expert" isn't about being perfect - it's about being brave enough to share what shaped you, often the experiences that felt most shameful. 🎧 Listen to Magogodi’s podcast, Madame Speaker Says and subscribe to her newsletter for bare truths, storytelling tips and plenty of F-bombs.Support the showNEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletterSUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

July 31, 20258 min

Celebrating 5 Years of Entrepreneurial Wisdom

Send us Fan MailWe celebrate five years of Shades and Layers by reflecting on the top entrepreneurial lessons from dozens of women who have shared their journeys on the podcast. This special birthday episode distills key insights that transcend industry, geography, and experience level to help entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.• Embrace change - the pandemic forced entrepreneurs to adapt, from converting to remote work to pivoting business models• Don't reinvent the wheel - learn from others' experiences and adapt their playbooks to your context• Experience is the best teacher - no amount of planning substitutes for hands-on work in your business• Don't walk alone - find community through co-working spaces, industry events, and online networks• Take care of the back end - ensure financial and legal foundations are solid, using available tools and supportThank you for listening! If you found this episode useful, please share it with your friends. If you have a moment, please give us a five-star rating and review wherever you're listening, so that others can find the podcast.Support the showNEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletterSUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

June 16, 2025Episode 1041 min

Print in a Digital Age: Isha Gaye on Reconnecting Africa and the Diaspora (S9,E10)

Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, Isha Gaye shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to founder and CEO of Afrique Noire Magazine, a print publication celebrating African creativity and connecting the diaspora to the continent. As a 2020 college graduate, nothing unfolded as planned for Isha and so lockdown forced her to reflect on her true wishes for her own future. Isha has always known that she wanted to stay connected to the African continent and to bridge the gap between the continent and the diaspora. That's when she came up with the idea for the Afrique Noire social media platform, which evolved into a recently launched print and digital publication. The magazine fosters dialogue by showcasing African designers, artists, and visionaries. Here is a summary of the main topics in our conversation:• Founded to address the disconnect between African immigrants and Black Americans in the US• Launched as a social media platform before evolving into a print magazine by popular demand• Publishes three times annually with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and traditional arts• Self-funded with a creative fund that supports featured artists' projects• Designed as an art piece meant to be kept and shared rather than quickly consumed• Creating "Afrique Noire Edits," an e-commerce platform launching soon for African creatives to sell their work• Committed to never charging creatives to be featured in the publication• Deeply personal connection to African heritage despite 15 years of separation from her homelandIsha Gaye also talks about how she's managing her newfound role as an entrepreneur and the leader of an organization. She also speaks more about her mentors and the family dynamics that have led her down this path. Support the showNEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletterSUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

May 27, 2025Episode 950 min

Sabbatical: The True Cost of Success with Karabo Lediga (S9, E9)

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when the dream your mother sacrificed everything for becomes your personal nightmare? Johannesburg-based filmmaker Karabo Lediga joins us to explore this haunting question through her debut feature film "Sabbatical" – a raw, honest portrayal of mother-daughter relationships in post-apartheid South Africa. A 30-something year old woman called Lesego, is the compelling main character of this story. She is forced to return to her childhood home in the township in Pretoria after a professional downfall. While living in her mother's house, she has to reckon with having become alien to her own mother, how her Model C school experience has facilitated the fragility of that relationship, and the psychological cost of having being thrown in all-white spaces in order to achieve the success or dreams that parents desperately want for their children. Our conversation ventures beyond the film into Karabo's amazing film and television career. Her credits include Netflix's "Queen Sono" and the touching short film "What Did You Dream?" that was inspired by her own grandmother's story. Karabo shares invaluable insights about sustaining a creative career in South Africa's evolving film landscape. Bonus: she shares the different funding mechanisms available to South African filmmakers—a system that is relatively unique to the country—and her commitment to authentic storytelling despite industry pressures.Sabbatical is a much needed voice from South Africa's so-called born free generation. It's entertaining, it offers deep cultural insights and serves as an amazing showcase of Karabo's unique voice. Whether you're a film enthusiast, a creative professional, or someone navigating complex family dynamics, Karabo's perspectives will resonate long after the credits roll.LINKS AND MENTIONS Model C - Formerly whites-only public schools that were desegregated after Apartheid. Matwetwe - seminal film of the film production house Diprente, who collaborated with Karabo on Sabbatical. Support the showNEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletterSUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

May 13, 2025Episode 827 min

Mom's Magic Oil: The Bask & Lather Story with Shaina Rainford (S9, E8)

Send us Fan MailIn 2020, then nurse practitioner, Shaina Rainford got seriously ill from COVID. She survived the illness, but lost all her hair and found nothing on store shelves that could help with her condition. Then, she remembered that her younger sister went through something similar – not COVID – five years prior, and their mother had made a concoction that helped little sister to grow her 4C Hair to waist length. Shaina tried the hair oil on her own hair, documented her journey on social media and Bask and Lather was born.The story is about more than creating a hair care brand. It’s also the story of how one woman’s go-getter spirit moved her into the next level of her professional journey. It’s also a story about centering community and building a legacy. Here are some key discussions from my conversation with Shaina Rainford: • Bask and Lather launced in December 2020, and within three months, the company was generating the same amount as Shaina's annual nursing salary• The business focuses on natural ingredients with no fragrances, using essential oils that each serve a purpose • Shaina maintains 100% ownership of her company with zero debt and manufactures millions of units annually • Her 17-year-old son now leads the marketing efforts, creating a true legacy family business • Baskin-Lather holds top-seller positions on TikTok Shop for multiple hair care categories • The brand maintains direct-to-consumer focus to control distribution and maintain healthy profit margins • Their community-centered approach prioritizes authentic engagement with customers both online and offlineSupport the showNEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletterSUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

April 23, 2025Episode 733 min

The BASE Framework: How to Achieve Your Dreams with Brandi B. Hudson (S9,E7)

Send us Fan MailOne of the most effective ways to succeed in entrepreneurship is mindset. To help you get in the right frame of mind for your new or existing venture, The SAL Podcast gets you a coach to answer some challenging questions on your journey to success. This time we have Performance Coach and Happiness Expert, Brandi Hudson. In this episode, she breaks down her B.A.S.E. framework that she uses to help her corporate, entrepreneurial and individual clients to reach the next level. Here are the main topics we covered during our conversation: -Shifting Her Own Mindset-Moving from personal to business success-How she works with entrepreneurial clients -The problem with the notion of manifestation-Agency-Navigating systemic barriers to success -Honoring your heritage-The power of intuition MORE ABOUT BRANDI HUDSONPerformance Coach and Happiness Expert, Brandi Hudson is passionate about helping women embody their own magic and step into a life of purpose through the power of performance and happiness. As an intuitive with extensive executive experience and a strong educational background, she brings a powerful combination of spiritual insight and real-world savvy to her work. “My unique blend of spiritual wisdom and practical wisdom helps women tap into the quantum field and align with the laws of the universe, making the pursuit of their dreams feel effortless and fulfilling” LINKS AND MENTIONSPower Versus Force by David HawkinsKerry WashingtonMichelle ObamaIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others. You can also compliment this session with coach Neketa Thigpen, who believes that one should be Intentionally Selfish to change their narrative. Support the showNEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletterSUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook