Baddie 2 Baddie Breast Cancer Podcast

Baddie 2 Baddie: Worry About Yo'Self - Prioritizing Your Self Care

Tesha is joined by special guests Vina and Raquel to dive deep into the importance of being a voice for those who can't advocate for themselves and the need to bridge the gap in education and awareness about health issues. The discussion focuses on self-care, body awareness, and the significance of early screenings, particularly in the context of breast cancer.
The conversation also emphasizes the need for community support and celebrates the resilience and determination of cancer survivors. Throughout the discussion, Vina and Raquel share their personal coping mechanisms during cancer treatments and the impact of their experiences on uplifting and supporting others.
This is an episode filled with inspiration, empowerment, and the reminder that no one should have to go through difficult experiences alone. So, tune in and join the conversation!
A note about our sponsor, Eli Lily!
Hey Baddies! We want to take a quick minute to shout out to our amazing sponsor, Eli Lilly, for supporting our mission on Baddie 2 Baddie! Because of their generosity, we can keep these important conversations about breast cancer awareness and advocacy going strong for our community of WOC. Big love to Eli Lilly for standing with us!
About our guests:
Raquel "Glammy" Fountain, a Philadelphia native and successful Makeup Artist, faced a pivotal moment in her life at the age of 34 when she bravely battled and conquered Stage 2 Breast Cancer. This transformative experience became the catalyst for herjourney as a dedicated advocate for women's health, championing the importance of self-care and early detection. Through her inspiring story of resilience and triumph, Raquel empowers others to prioritize their well-being and listen to their bodies.
Driven by her unwavering faith and the support of her loved ones, Raquel has emerged as a beacon of hope and positivity in the face of adversity. Her advocacy work extends beyond raising awareness about breast cancer to encompass a broader message of self-empowerment and personal growth. With her infectious optimism and determination, Raquel continues to inspire and uplift those around her, leaving a profound impact on the lives she touches.
As a devoted mother to her 15-year-old daughter Nydia, Raquel finds strength and motivation in her family, further fueling her commitment to making a positive difference in the world. Through her journey of resilience, faith, and advocacy, Raquel "Glammy" Fountain embodies the essence of courage and compassion, reminding us all of the transformative power of perseverance and the importance of supporting one another through life's challenges.
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Vina Orden is a 1.5-generation immigrant on Lenape land (New York City). She is a human rights advocate, freelance community journalist, and supports other emerging Asian American writers as senior editor of poetry at SLANT’D magazine. Vina currently is working on her first novel dedicated to young Filipinxs who still don’t see themselves in books and has received fellowships and mentorships from Roots. Wounds. Words., Kweli, Tin House, and the Asian American Writers' Workshop.
She is a survivor, having been diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer and a BRCA-1 mutation in 2022 and HER2-positive brain metastases in 2024.
About For the Breast of Us
For the Breast of Us is the first inclusive community dedicated to supporting women of color affected by breast cancer. Our mission is to amplify the voices, experiences, and needs of this diverse community by providing resources, support, and education tailored to their unique challenges. Each episode of our podcast delves into topics that range from personal survivor stories and expert health insights to advocacy efforts and wellness strategies, all designed to empower and uplift. Join us as we build a vibrant network of support and transform the narrative of breast cancer survivorship for women of color.
Make sure to follow us on social media:
IG & Threads: @forthebreastofus
Twitter: @thebreastofus
Facebook: For the Breast of Us @forthebreastofus
Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies
On the Web: www.breastofus.com
Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com or IG: @bewareofthepoet)

Baddie 2 Baddie: Cancer Community Support

Welcome to the Baddie 2 Baddie podcast, where we delve into real survivor stories and celebrate the resilience of of women of color facing breast cancer.
In this episode, host Tesha and guests Deniece Delerme, Ladonna Lewis, and Dr. Stacy Kernisan, all breast cancer survivors, come together to discuss the importance of community support and finding a sense of community during their ongoing cancer journeys.
They emphasize the need for more representation for younger women of color with breast cancer, and highlight the significant roles of social media, support groups, and sororities in providing the much-needed understanding and support on their paths to healing.
So, grab your headphones and tune in as we delve into this empowering conversation about strength, resilience, and finding community support in the battle against cancer.
A note about our sponsor, Eli Lily!
Hey Baddies! We want to take a quick minute to shout out to our amazing sponsor, Eli Lilly, for supporting our mission on Baddie 2 Baddie! Because of their generosity, we can keep these important conversations about breast cancer awareness and advocacy going strong for our community of WOC. Big love to Eli Lilly for standing with us!
About our guests:
Wardrobe stylist and former beauty queen Deniece Delerme is a proud 7 year breast cancer survivor and the Founder of Slay Cancer: a relentless crusade to demolish the misconceptions that shroud breast cancer in darkness using the influence of style and the impact of clothing. While undergoing treatment, Deniece understood the importance of self-advocacy and confidence especially for young women of color.
Slay Cancer ignites conversations, inspires awareness, and champions proactive breast health care through the power of boldness, faith, and fashion fierceness!
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LaDonna Lewis a native of Richmond, VA, has dealt with breast cancer and its effects since losing her mother at the age of 10 after her second battle with breast cancer. Breast cancer claimed the lives of others in her family to include her aunts and even her grandfather but she was also able to see through one of her aunts that cancer wasn't a death sentence.
In 2011 at the age 23, she found out she was BRCA1+ and in June 2015 at 27, she was diagnosed with Stage 1 triple negative breast cancer. Her journey consisted of a double mastectomy and 6 months of chemotherapy. She vowed that her moms life and her battle wouldn’t be in vain and immediatelybecame an advocate for young women that were not only battling the disease, but to advocate when something wasn’t right with their bodies. She has spearheaded two fundraisers for young women battling cancer, most recently hosting “A Pink Christmas” to help a mother make Christmas happen while she is in treatment.
As of April 2024, she is the founder of “A Pink Christmas Foundation” who’s mission is to support women battling cancer & their families, with a focus on young women battling breast cancer. LaDonna’s goal is to leave an impact on her community and to let other women know that they are not alone in the fight & that we must always advocate for ourselves until somebody hears.
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Dr. Stacey Kernisan is a distinguished individual with a multifaceted background. She is a wife and mother to two children, aged 11 and 6, respectively. Additionally, she serves as President of her sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Alpha Eta Zeta Chapter, demonstrating her commitment to community engagement and leadership.
Her professional journey encompasses many experiences, including working with at-risk youth in residential settings and individuals with disabilities, collaborating with government contractors in training and development, and participating in higher education initiatives. Dr. Kernisan pursued her undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech and recently attained her Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Development from Northwestern State University of Louisiana.
Despite her significant achievements, Dr. Kernisan faced a formidable challenge when diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer/Triple Positive. The discovery of the lump during her routine self-examination while breastfeeding her daughter initially led her to believe it was a benign issue. However, subsequent medical evaluation confirmed the diagnosis, prompting her to undergo eight rounds of chemotherapy followed by a double mastectomy with reconstruction. She then underwent a regimen of Herceptin for a year and five years of Tamoxifen treatment.
Today, Dr. Kernisan stands as a beacon of resilience, having achieved no evidence of disease status. She remains dedicated to advocating for regular self-examinations as a means of early detection and continues to raise awareness about breast cancer within her community and beyond.
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About For the Breast of Us
For the Breast of Us is the first inclusive community dedicated to supporting women of color affected by breast cancer. Our mission is to amplify the voices, experiences, and needs of this diverse community by providing resources, support, and education tailored to their unique challenges. Each episode of our podcast delves into topics that range from personal survivor stories and expert health insights to advocacy efforts and wellness strategies, all designed to empower and uplift. Join us as we build a vibrant network of support and transform the narrative of breast cancer survivorship for women of color.
Make sure to follow us on social media:
IG & Threads: @forthebreastofus
Twitter: @thebreastofus
Facebook: For the Breast of Us @forthebreastofus
Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies
On the Web: www.breastofus.com
Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com or IG: @bewareofthepoet)

Baddie 2 Baddie: Early Detection and Self Exams

Welcome to the Baddie 2 Baddie podcast, where we delve into real survivor stories and celebrate the resilience of of women of color facing breast cancer.
In this episode, we are joined by the incredible Dr. Harriette Richard, a three-time breast cancer survivor and psychologist, to discuss the crucial topic of early detection and self-exams for women of color.
Dr. Richard shares her personal journey of being adopted and the challenges she faced in accessing her family medical history, highlighting the importance of knowing genetic health risks. With a focus on advocating for women of color impacted by breast cancer, we delve into discussions on coping strategies, mental health support, and the therapeutic value of activities like journaling and music.
We also explore Dr. Richard's research study on post-traumatic growth after breast cancer and mastectomies, shedding light on resilience and finding strength in the face of adversity. Join us for an enlightening conversation filled with insights, personal experiences, and valuable resources to empower women of color in their breast health journey.
A note about our sponsor, Eli Lily!
Hey Baddies! We want to take a quick minute to shout out to our amazing sponsor, Eli Lilly, for supporting our mission on Baddie 2 Baddie! Because of their generosity, we can keep these important conversations about breast cancer awareness and advocacy going strong for our community of WOC. Big love to Eli Lilly for standing with us!
About our guest:
Harriette W. Richard, Ph.D., has been an Associate Professor of Psychology at Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, N.C. for 20 years . She is a Fulbright Scholar and a Salzburg Fellow. Dr. Richard’s publications and research activities reflect breast cancer, race, gender, and pedagogical issues.
Dr Richard is the PI on a breast cancer grant with Co-PI’s from her institution, Atrium Health and Wake Forest University. Her research in Breast Cancer began with her own Breast Cancer journey. She has published 3 journal articles on Breast cancer and survivorship of African American women. This research examines the experiences of African American Breast cancer survivors over 50 years old, who have had a mastectomy. She hopes her research will help other survivors in their Breast Cancer journey.
Dr. Richard and two colleagues wrote the chapters on Teaching Africana Psychology (Fairchild, et al., 2004; Whitten et al., 2019), an American Psychological Association publication. Her board memberships include The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi), The American Association of Blacks in Higher Education (AABHE), , She is a Consultant and Reviewer for American Psychologist, Journal of Black Psychology, Journal of Applied Psychology, and Teaching of Psychology,. Dr. Richard is a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is married to Edward Richard and they have 2 daughters, a son-in-law, and three grand sons.
Facebook:Harriette Richard and www.hwrichard.info
 
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About For the Breast of Us
For the Breast of Us is the first inclusive community dedicated to supporting women of color affected by breast cancer. Our mission is to amplify the voices, experiences, and needs of this diverse community by providing resources, support, and education tailored to their unique challenges. Each episode of our podcast delves into topics that range from personal survivor stories and expert health insights to advocacy efforts and wellness strategies, all designed to empower and uplift. Join us as we build a vibrant network of support and transform the narrative of breast cancer survivorship for women of color.
Make sure to follow us on social media:
IG & Threads: @forthebreastofus
Twitter: @thebreastofus
Facebook: For the Breast of Us @forthebreastofus
Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies
On the Web: www.breastofus.com
Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com or IG: @bewareofthepoet)

Baddie 2 Baddie: Strategies for Coping with Cancer

Welcome to the Baddie 2 Baddie podcast, where we delve into real survivor stories and celebrate the resilience of women of color facing breast cancer.
In today's episode, Coping Strategies, Tesha is joined by guests Jeanelle and Megan-Claire. Together, they discuss the importance of mental health and coping skills in dealing with breast cancer experiences, particularly for young women of color. Jeanelle and Megan-Claire share their personal journeys, experiences with misdiagnosis, treatment, coping mechanisms, and the value of finding support and community during their cancer journeys. They emphasize the importance of seeking the right therapist and doctor, intentional coping strategies, and the therapeutic value of journaling, painting, and finding humor in life's challenges. Join us in this empowering and insightful conversation as we explore the strength, resilience, and community found in the face of cancer.
A note about our sponsor, Eli Lily!
Hey Baddies! We want to take a quick minute to shout out to our amazing sponsor, Eli Lilly, for supporting our mission on Baddie 2 Baddie! Because of their generosity, we can keep these important conversations about breast cancer awareness and advocacy going strong for our community of WOC. Big love to Eli Lilly for standing with us!
About our guests:
Megan-Claire Chase, also known as Warrior Megsie, is a breast cancer survivor and patient advocate from Atlanta, GA. She is also the Breast Cancer Program Director at SHARE Cancer Support. Her blog, Life on the Cancer Train, details her experiences as a young adult cancer survivor while advocating for better treatments and resources. Megan-Claire was featured on the Stories from the Stage episode "Beyond Cancer," which aired on PBS and World Channel in June 2023. Her work has been showcased in publications like The New York Times, People Magazine, Cancer Health Magazine, Cancer Today, CURE, and Patient Power.She is active in the cancer community as a member of Bayer Oncology's Digital Patient Council, sits on the Oncology Data Advisor editorial board, and is a board member of the LYTE Foundation. Megan-Claire hosts two podcasts: The Other Side of Cancer and Our BC Life. 
You can find Megsie on the web at www.warriormegsie.com, IG & Twitter @warriormegsie and on LinkedIn
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Jeanelle Adams is an artist, mom, wife, and yoga enthusiast from New Jersey. She is also a survivor (thriver) of triple negative breast cancer, a journey that is still very new to her. After two years of being misdiagnosed, she advocated for herself and finally received the treatment she needed for stage 3 TNBC. 🙄 Now, five months post-treatment, she is excited to share her story of resilience and the struggles of this survivorship.  Jeanelle documented her entire cancer journey on Instagram, YouTube, and her personal blog, where she shares insights, experiences, and stories related to cancer, advocacy, and being a mom facing this challenge.
About For the Breast of Us
For the Breast of Us is the first inclusive community dedicated to supporting women of color affected by breast cancer. Our mission is to amplify the voices, experiences, and needs of this diverse community by providing resources, support, and education tailored to their unique challenges. Each episode of our podcast delves into topics that range from personal survivor stories and expert health insights to advocacy efforts and wellness strategies, all designed to empower and uplift. Join us as we build a vibrant network of support and transform the narrative of breast cancer survivorship for women of color.
Make sure to follow us on social media:
IG & Threads: @forthebreastofus
Twitter: @thebreastofus
Facebook: For the Breast of Us @forthebreastofus
Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies
On the Web: www.breastofus.com
Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com or IG: @bewareofthepoet)

Baddie 2 Baddie: Survivor Stories: Triumph and Resilience

Welcome to the Baddie 2 Baddie podcast, where we delve into real survivor stories and celebrate the resilience of women of color facing breast cancer.
In this episode, we have Dwan, a 7-year breast cancer survivor, sharing her journey with hosts Tesha. Dwan's initial reluctance to share her cancer journey as an introvert and her struggle with depression post-treatment shed light on the emotional complexities of survivorship. Meanwhile, Tesha opens up about her own hesitations and eventual empowerment to advocate for cancer awareness.
Together, they emphasize the importance of sharing stories, building community, and advocating for better awareness and treatment for women of color. These powerful conversations on resilience, self-advocacy, and finding strength within sisterhood will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
So, join us as we navigate the highs and lows of the survivor experience, and discover the unexpected joy and empowerment that can emerge from these challenges.
A note about our sponsor, Eli Lily!
Hey Baddies! We want to take a quick minute to shout out to our amazing sponsor, Eli Lilly, for supporting our mission on Baddie 2 Baddie! Because of their generosity, we can keep these important conversations about breast cancer awareness and advocacy going strong for our community of WOC. Big love to Eli Lilly for standing with us!
About our guest Dwan:
Dwan Thomas is a breast cancer survivor in Houston, Texas. Born in Virginia, she moved up and down the east coast, and has lived in Texas on and off since 2005. She is a chemical engineer and has worked for large companies and run small businesses related to oil and gas, industrial service, consumer products andhealthcare. She is also a mother to two teenage sons and wife to her college sweetheart.
In 2017, she was diagnosed with late-stage 2, invasive ductal, HER2-negative, estrogen-positive breast cancer at age 36. At MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dwan underwent 6 months of chemotherapy, 4 weeks of radiation, 4 surgeries and 3 months of physical therapy. The time from diagnosis to the last PT session wasabout 3 years, with 9 months of active treatment.
In the beginning, she relied on a small circle of family and friends. Then in late summer 2017, her cancer treatment and general way of life took a turn. She had just started the second, much tougher chemo regimen and was still trying to go full speed with work, kids, etc. Her body shut down, and she ended up in the ER and hospital for observation. Meanwhile, Hurricane Harvey was headed towards Houston. Ultimately, her home, belongings and children’s school were destroyed in the catastrophic flood. At that point, she had no choice but to let God move an extended village into her life. Family, friends, coworkers and community near and far rallied to help pull through the remaining cancer treatment and year-long recovery from the flood.
Today, Dwan fundraises and advocates for cancer resources (education, research, prevention, access to treatment, etc.). She is a Thriver for The V Foundation for Cancer Research and a member of the Advance Team (volunteer board) at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
About For the Breast of Us
For the Breast of Us is the first inclusive community dedicated to supporting women of color affected by breast cancer. Our mission is to amplify the voices, experiences, and needs of this diverse community by providing resources, support, and education tailored to their unique challenges. Each episode of our podcast delves into topics that range from personal survivor stories and expert health insights to advocacy efforts and wellness strategies, all designed to empower and uplift. Join us as we build a vibrant network of support and transform the narrative of breast cancer survivorship for women of color.
Make sure to follow us on social media:
IG & Threads: @forthebreastofus
Twitter: @thebreastofus
Facebook: For the Breast of Us @forthebreastofus
Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies
On the Web: www.breastofus.com
Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com or IG: @bewareofthepoet)

Let's Talk Lymphedema with Dr. Sheri Prentiss: Insights for Breast Cancer Survivors

In this episode of Baddie 2 Baddie, Marissa and Dr. Sheri dive deep into the importance of lymphedema awareness in the breast cancer community, especially for women of color. Dr. Sheri Prentiss, founder of the Live Today Foundation, shares her personal experience with arm lymphedema after undergoing breast cancer surgery. The conversation delves into the need for better education and proactive prevention strategies for patients at risk of developing lymphedema. Dr. Prentiss provides invaluable insights, practical advice, and resources to empower women to advocate for themselves and prioritize their survivorship. Tune in to gain a wealth of knowledge and support for navigating the complexities of breast cancer and lymphedema.
Dr. Sheri Prentiss, MD, MPH, CPS/A, CPE, FACPE, the founder of the Live Today Foundation, knows firsthand the challenges of living with neuropathy and lymphedema as a result of chemotherapy. She understands the difficulty of distinguishing between the symptoms and the pain that can come with these conditions. Even though she didn't have visible swelling, she felt tightness, heaviness, and pressure, as well as increased pain. Sheri is passionate about raising awareness and providing support for those dealing with similar experiences, and she is dedicated to helping others live their best lives despite these challenges. The Live Today Foundation is a reflection of her commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by neuropathy and lymphedema.
 
A cancer diagnosis changes everything. As a woman of color, where do you go or who do you turn to when you’re in the midst of the fight of your life? You search online for stories and images of women who’ve gone through treatment and look like you, but you find little to nothing. That’s where For the Breast of Us comes in. Baddie 2 Baddie is the podcast by For the Breast of Us hosted by the FTBOU Team where we share real life experiences, education and information to help you live you best life after a breast cancer diagnosis. Baddie Behavior is the safe space for survivors and thrivers to get all the way raw about how breast cancer changes our bodies, sex lives and relationships.
Learn more by visiting www.breastofus.com and follow us on social media @forthebreastofus.

Unveiling Healthcare Disparities: Insights from the Chemo Diva

In this episode of Baddie 2 Baddie, hosts Tesha delves into the critical topic of healthcare disparities for black and brown women facing breast cancer. Joined by Tatiana from Chemo Divas Foundation, the conversation highlights the challenges of representation in clinical trials, the emotional toll of cancer on women of color, and the financial burden of medical treatment.
The episode emphasizes the importance of sharing stories, destigmatizing cancer, and promoting better healthcare participation and representation for women of color in breast cancer campaigns. With valuable insights and personal experiences, this episode sheds light on the vital work of organizations like Chemo Divas in supporting women of color impacted by cancer. Tune in as Tesha, a breast cancer survivor, and Marissa provide valuable resources and encourage listeners to subscribe to the Baddie 2 Baddie podcast.
Chemo Divas Foundation is a community of patients, survivors, caregivers & advocates on a mission to close the racial health equity gap.  We're helping women of color navigate cancer care
A cancer diagnosis changes everything. As a woman of color, where do you go or who do you turn to when you’re in the midst of the fight of your life? You search online for stories and images of women who’ve gone through treatment and look like you, but you find little to nothing. That’s where For the Breast of Us comes in. Baddie 2 Baddie is the podcast by For the Breast of Us hosted by the FTBOU Team where we share real life experiences, education and information to help you live you best life after a breast cancer diagnosis. Baddie Behavior is the safe space for survivors and thrivers to get all the way raw about how breast cancer changes our bodies, sex lives and relationships.
Learn more by visiting www.breastofus.com and follow us on social media @forthebreastofus.

Impacts of Advocacy: Empowering Stories of Women of Color in the Breast Cancer Community

Welcome to the Baddie 2 Baddie podcast, where we dive into candid conversations about the experiences and challenges faced by women of color dealing with breast cancer. In this episode, host Tesha along with the remarkable Dr. Morgan Mitchell, a breast cancer survivor and advocate, delve into the importance of support groups and the power of shared experiences.
We explore the therapeutic value of connecting with individuals who understand the unique journey of battling breast cancer as a woman of color, and the need for tailored support groups in this community. Join us as we navigate the complexities of health care advocacy, cultural barriers, and the impact of practical support in facing a cancer diagnosis. Listen in as we unpack the resilience and magic of black people and the significance of advocacy in making a difference in breast cancer outcomes for women of color. Get ready for an insightful and empowering conversation that addresses the importance of self-advocacy, early detection, and the strength found in shared experiences.
 
A cancer diagnosis changes everything. As a woman of color, where do you go or who do you turn to when you’re in the midst of the fight of your life? You search online for stories and images of women who’ve gone through treatment and look like you, but you find little to nothing. That’s where For the Breast of Us comes in. Baddie 2 Baddie is the podcast by For the Breast of Us hosted by the FTBOU Team where we share real life experiences, education and information to help you live you best life after a breast cancer diagnosis. Baddie Behavior is the safe space for survivors and thrivers to get all the way raw about how breast cancer changes our bodies, sex lives and relationships.
Learn more by visiting www.breastofus.com and follow us on social media @forthebreastofus.

Badie Behavior: Sexual Healing- Embracing Pleasure and Body Confidence

Baddie 2 Baddie is catching up on all things baddie behavior! From body positivity to sexual empowerment, Cynthia and April dive deep into the topics that matter. 
Tune in to their latest episode for a refreshing perspective on self-love and sensuality. 💖✨ #Baddie2Baddie
About our Hosts
April is a cool high school counselor in South Carolina. She was diagnosed at 35 with Stage II, Triple Negative Breast Cancer and BRAC1+. April is a single southern belle looking to share her testimony and advocate for women of color who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is the proud mother of a miniature pincher named Gigi.
Cynthia was diagnosed with Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in 2018 one year before she was old enough to begin regular mammograms. After a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation, Cynthia is currently undergoing hormone therapy. To cope, Cynthia shared her journey candidly on social media.  This led her to educate and advocate about breast cancer and health disparities. Cynthia lives by the mantra, "If you've got to go through it, GLOW through it."  An educator by day, at night Cynthia glows by volunteering her time as a Baddie Ambassador with For The Breast of Us, an Advocacy Ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Center for Public Policy, a certified global educator with the Know Your Lemons Foundation, a member of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. and a proud Bajan Baddie!
 
Things we mentioned in this episode:
Perifit (https://perifit.co/): Strengthen your pelvic floor with games.
Ask Goody (https://www.askgoody.com/):  Goody Howard is a world-renown sexologist, educator, and consultant. 
Sensual Sweet Coaching (https://www.instagram.com/sensualsweetcoaching/) Pleasure Doula and host of the Solo Pleasure Challenge

Baddie 2 Baddie: Beauty & the Baddie: Permanent Makeup

On this episode of Baddie 2 Baddie, April and Cynthia dive into the world of paramedical tattooing and its importance for women of color, particularly survivors of cancer.  Joined by Nina Austin, a three-time cancer survivor and speech pathologist, and Zuri, a permanent makeup artist, and epidemiologist based in Houston, the baddies learn about Nina's 3D areola tattoo and how permanent makeup such as scar reduction, eyebrows and more can restore self-confidence and a sense of normalcy in survivorship.  
This episode highlights the need for representation and skill as it relates to women of color, self-care and insurance coverage for nipple mound and areola restoration. Zuri also offers advice on how to safely get permanent makeup services and who to trust for the best results.  
About our guests:
Nina is a three-time cancer survivor.  Nina is a third-generation breast cancer survivor who is BRCA+ and has battled breast cancer twice.  Most recently, she battled uterine cancer.  By day, Nina is a speech pathologist in Houston.  Nina bravely volunteered to be a live model, and received her 3D areola tattoo on stage to ensure that women of color were appropriately trained to provide paramedical tattooing on women of color.  
 Zuri has been a lifelong lover of makeup. In 2018, she expanded her services to semi-permanent makeup and has since gained 10 certifications in the field. Zuri’s artistic eye coupled with attention to detail has allowed her to progress in the world of both makeup both traditional and semi-permanent. Zuri is an avid learner and holds a Bachelors degree in Biology from Texas Southern University and two Masters's degrees from Texas A&M University. As a perfectionist , she aims to make each client look their best with an emphasis on the integrity of the skin and stable healed work. Zuri is continually upgrading, learning, and developing new techniques, and her understanding of art and skin science transfers wonderfully into the art of micropigmentation. Zuri is a licensed tattoo artist in the state of Texas and was awarded the PMU Women of Color Award for Best New Artist in 2019, SHEEO of the Year in 2022, and the Best Speaker in Science of Permanent Makeup Award in 2022.
Outside of PMU, Zuri is a trained scientist. With a background in the sciences, Zuri developed a training program that hyperfocuses on bridging the gap between the art and science of PMU. Zuri avidly believes that is the science of PMU that yields stellar results and this is what sets us apart in service and training. We focus on the scientific principles of skin physiology, pigment chemistry, the science of skin, and infectious diseases to perform safe services with lasting stable results.
Outside of Artistry By Zuri, Zuri is employed as an Epidemiologist.  You can find Zuri on the web and Instagram by visiting @artistrybyzuri
About our Hosts
April is a cool high school counselor in South Carolina. She was diagnosed at 35 with Stage II, Triple Negative Breast Cancer and BRAC1+. April is a single southern belle looking to share her testimony and advocate for women of color who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is the proud mother of a miniature pincher named Gigi.
Cynthia was diagnosed with Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in 2018 one year before she was old enough to begin regular mammograms. After a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation, Cynthia is currently undergoing hormone therapy. To cope, Cynthia shared her journey candidly on social media.  This led her to educate and advocate about breast cancer and health disparities. Cynthia lives by the mantra, "If you've got to go through it, GLOW through it."  An educator by day, at night Cynthia glows by volunteering her time as a Baddie Ambassador with For The Breast of Us, an Advocacy Ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Center for Public Policy, a certified global educator with the Know Your Lemons Foundation, a member of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. and a proud Bajan Baddie!