We chat with Franka Baly, a user experience designer and researcher who’s passionate about helping people launch their dreams aligned with their purpose. As the Founder and Creative Experience Officer of Franka Baly Media, LLC, Franka leads a multi-disciplinary team with expertise in user experience, design, branding, and marketing. We dive into her journey as a UX designer and how she’s been helping GenX women build their online platforms to showcase their thought-leadership. Franka shares her insights on standing out in a noisy digital landscape and mentoring the next generation of UX designers. If you’re interested in launching your dreams, this episode is for you!
PODCAST OVERVIEW
Welcome to Success with Saneness. This series is your bi-weekly dose of solution-inspired stories to support high-performing women to maintain their well-being. Your host, Miara Shaw, also known as, ‘Maven’ Miara is a life and business strategist, executive coach, and sought-after transformational speaker. She offers targeted leadership development for minority executives and small business CEOs. She also supports emerging leaders to cultivate confidence and create their Balanced Rhythm™ (work-life harmony). Before starting her business, Maven Miara worked 25+ years as a no-nonsense, high-powered energy trader at some of the nation’s largest oil companies.
RESOURCES TO STAY CONNECTED👩🏽💻
★ Schedule a 1:1 chat with Maven Miara and discover how she can help you create your Life Strategy Map™, which supports the work-life harmony you want to achieve. https://bit.ly/3G4bLk9
Known to speak from the heart with a dash of sassy, Tareka is an effective thought-provoking storyteller who uses her own personal and professional journey to teach and empower others. Whether she is teaching organizations how to develop a strategic plan or is presenting to professionals on how to advance in their careers without sacrificing work-life harmony, Tareka brings energy, vision, and wisdom to every conversation so individuals can walk in their authentic power and begin to see countless opportunities to evolve.
With a career that spans nearly 20 years, Tareka Wheeler has a high level of expertise in program and project management and is a Career & Work-life Strategist, podcast host, and the Founder & CEO of T. Wheeler Strategic Solutions. Leveraging many core project management principles and methods, she has worked alongside Fortune 400 and 500 companies, federal agencies, and non-profits to deliver impactful outcomes in the fields of public health, strategic communications, and information technology.
IN THIS EPISODE:
We sit down with Tareka Wheeler, a thought-provoking storyteller and Career & Work-life Strategist, who shares her own personal and professional journey to teach and empower others. Tareka’s career spans nearly 20 years, and she has worked with Fortune 400 and 500 companies, federal agencies, and non-profits to deliver impactful outcomes in the fields of public health, strategic communications, and information technology. She also talks about the importance of authenticity and how professionals can advance in their careers without sacrificing work-life harmony.
PODCAST OVERVIEW
Welcome to Success with Saneness. This series is your bi-weekly dose of solution-inspired stories to support high-performing women to maintain their well-being. Your host, Miara Shaw, also known as, ‘Maven’ Miara is a life and business strategist, executive coach, and sought-after transformational speaker. She offers targeted leadership development for minority executives and small business CEOs. She also supports emerging leaders to cultivate confidence and create their Balanced Rhythm™ (work-life harmony). Before starting her business, Maven Miara worked 25+ years as a no-nonsense, high-powered energy trader at some of the nation’s largest oil companies.
RESOURCES TO STAY CONNECTED👩🏽💻
★ Schedule a 1:1 chat with Maven Miara and discover how she can help you create your Life Strategy Map™, which supports the work-life harmony you want to achieve. https://bit.ly/3G4bLk9
Summer is a season that is often associated with fun, relaxation, and adventure. However, amidst all the excitement and outdoor activities, it’s important for women to prioritize their self-care. Self-care is all about taking care of your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. I’m sharing 5 ways to stay intentional about YOU to ensure you are taking care of yourself even in the summer season.
1. Get outside and enjoy nature
Summertime is the perfect season to get outside and soak up some vitamin D. Spending time in nature has been proven to have a positive impact on mental health and it is great for hormone health. Even just a short walk outside can help reduce stress and anxiety. Set the alarm on your phone for a morning (or anytime you can get it in) walk to explore a local park, go for a hike, or spend a day at the beach. Everyone, black women included, make sure to wear sunscreen. Melanin can burn also.
2. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and being aware of your thoughts and feelings. It’s a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety. Summer can be a busy time, with lots of social events and activities. It’s important to take a break from the chaos and check in with yourself. Consider practicing mindfulness meditation or simply taking a few deep breaths throughout the day. Mindfulness can help you stay grounded and focused, even during the busiest of days. Rewatch this episode from Dr. Selena sharing the power of mindfulness from the Success with Saneness podcast.
3. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential for your physical and mental well-being. During the summer months, it’s especially important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, make you feel hungry (when you are not) and even heat stroke. Make sure to carry a water bottle with you wherever you go and try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. If you’re not a fan of plain water, try infusing it with fresh fruit or herbs for a delicious and refreshing twist. I even drink my water out of a wine glass at times, it tastes ‘fancier’.
4. Take a break from technology
Technology has become a huge part of our daily lives, and it can be difficult to disconnect. However, taking a break from technology can be incredibly beneficial for your mental health. Social media and the constant barrage of notifications can be overwhelming, and it’s important to give your brain a break. Consider taking a day (or even just a few hours) to unplug and disconnect. Use this time to focus on self-care activities like reading, journaling, napping or taking a relaxing bath.
5. Get plenty of rest
Summer can be a busy time, with lots of social events and late nights. However, getting enough rest is crucial for your physical and mental well-being. Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, mood swings, and even depression. Make sure to prioritize rest and relaxation, even if that means saying no to some social events (and everyone will be just fine). Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night and try to establish a consistent sleep schedule.
I’ve been learning more about Chinese Medicine from my Acupuncturist as we work through rebalancing my hormones. You might find this article from The Frank Magazine useful as it shares some additional perspectives on self-care during the summer season. Read here.
By prioritizing your physical, emotional, and mental well-being, you can make the most out of this season of fun and adventure. So, get outside, practice mindfulness, stay hydrated, take a break from technology, and get plenty of rest. You deserve it!
Now ease on into summertime WITH self-care. We are not going to abandon our harmony, our balance, just because the sun is out and our arms are out! Lol
Hi there! I'm Maven’ Miara. I'm a Hope Curator & Confidence Cultivator who works with high-achieving, purpose pursuing baddies to help them move from STUCK to EXECUTION in creating the lifestyle they desire.
Hi there! I'm Maven’ Miara. I'm a Hope Curator & Confidence Cultivator who works with high-achieving, purpose pursuing baddies to help them move from STUCK to EXECUTION in creating the lifestyle they desire.