thisiswhoiam's podcast

He has been called a dog whisperer.

     The familiar adage, dogs are a man’s best friend, rings true for over half a million households across the United States. According to the Forbes Advisor, 66% of Americans own pets, totaling nearly 89.6 million homes. Of that 89.6 million, 65.1 million are dog owners. (Information based on Pet Ownership Statistics 2024)

    The numbers mentioned are based on registered ownership of dogs; how...

   When it comes to maintaining beautiful and healthy skin, Jarie Chantell Ayala-Bullock knows something about it. The Orlando, FL, resident is an Esthetician licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and Florida. 

   Jarie enjoys a balanced and well-rounded lifestyle. She is married with four kids, having one son of her own and two bonus daughters and one bonus son. Besides being a savvy businesswoman, she has accomplished quite a bit profe...

The history of candles dates back many years, even centuries.  According to The National Candle Association, one of the earliest uses of candles can be traced to the Ancient Egyptians in 3,000 B.C. as a way to provide light.  Candles have also been central to worship and religious ceremonies thousands of years ago.  

Did you know that in the 1800s, candles were used by miners as a way to keep track of time?  The candles were mark...

Americans are among the most morbidly obese globally. Still, we spend more than any country per capita on weight loss gimmicks. Melody McClellan is a wife, mother, and former pharmaceutical sales rep, and eleven years ago, she would have never imagined herself helping others in physical health and wellness. Today, she can’t imagine doing anything else. As her clients call her, Coach Melody is an outstanding Health and Wellness tran...

     Without question, Jensine Reeder is a lover of all people. The Greenville, SC, resident has a reputation for giving and pouring into others. She has intentionally made limitless connections across the beauty, technology, and nonprofit sectors and provided hope and opportunities while doing so.  

     Jensine’s story reflects the life of someone who has refused to be denied or misled. She shares, “Family has always been importa...

     Angel Johnson is sort of a world traveler. Her feet have touched down in many places, such as Kuwait, Qatar, and Afghanistan. However, she is still a true Southern girl.  

     Originally from Charleston, SC, she attended the Citadel Military College there and is one of the first one hundred black women to graduate from there in its 150 year history. Her next move, she was commissioned into the United States Air Force as a S...

     Bridgette Williams is an entrepreneur who allows divine inspiration to guide her, and it hasn’t steered her wrong yet. Currently, she owns two thriving businesses. Bridgette’s latest product of divine intervention is Demhaj Poetry Lounge, located in High Point, NC. 

     The name Demhaj is significant for many reasons. “When I first conceived the idea of the coffee shop, I remember thinking about how much love and joy my son b...

The natural hair revolution has begun, and Black women are fully embracing it. It’s common to see black women wearing their natural hair in all its curly, coarse, silky, and robust glory. Companies that cater to the naturalist with products that promise to promote healthy growth and beautiful locs and tresses are also becoming more and more commonplace. So many products claim to be good for natural hair but are petroleum jelly with...

Before the 2020-21 pandemic, the stigmas around mental health were alive and well. As the world was becoming increasingly aware of the realities of mental health, it was still easier to put those who suffered into neat categories that could be explained away. As the global community adjusts to life post-pandemic, we find that the truth about mental health issues is that anyone can suffer from them. Add to it the stress and anxiety ...

According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, one definition of fashion is to give shape or form to make, construct, or create (something), usually with careful attention or by using imagination and ingenuity. In so many words, this clearly defines who Stephanie Hobbs is.  

The talented fashion designer developed a passion for fashion as a young girl. Stephanie was born and raised in the small town of ...