See Life Different Podcast Celebration with Stephanie Bolton of Phoenix Michele Photography

Zaakirah Muhammad 0:00

Welcome Welcome to a another episode of the See life different podcast. The See life different podcast is by women for women, we talk to other women who are creatives and their goals are to serve, to inspire, to educate, to create. So, if you are new to the podcast welcome, if you are not new to the podcast, thank you for listening. I can't believe we've been doing it for three years now. Oh, my goodness, three is definitely the magic number. And I've been racking my brain of how to really go about it, you know how to really acknowledge the fact that podcasting your time, but it all takes time power of community listeners and viewers like you really keep that going. And I thought what not a better way to really do that then with my own fellow creative, my own fellow photographer, my own fellow relative of a military veteran, right, we have so much in common and we met I think we officially met in 2020 in person, but we're gonna talk about all of that. And I kind of want this shit to be a celebration. So you learn more about Miss definitely both and also known as Phoenix, Michelle, and you'll learn a little bit more about me, especially if this is your first ever episode or your first episode that you're listening to for a while. So sit back, relax and enjoy the girl chat. I'm gonna bring Phoenix Michelle, aka definitely on Hi,

Stephanie Bolton 1:24

Kai, good to see you. Thanks for having me. And before we get started, congratulations. On three years. That's a lot. So like you say podcasting is not easy, um, there was talking about like, oh, just do a podcast, you should do a podcast when you start doing it. It's a lot of work, the marketing the behind the scenes, the tech stuff. So that is very cool for you to have three years. So congrats on that. That's really awesome.

Zaakirah Muhammad 1:53

Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, it's, it's not an easy feat. I think the longer you do it, the more you want to be as professional as possible, the more you look at your favorite radio shows and TV shows, and he's like, I want to be like that. But if you're a one woman show or two women show if you have a VA, it's kind of like not quite yet. But not quite yet.

Stephanie Bolton 2:17

That is very, very true. I think you get kind of overwhelmed. You see what everybody else is doing. And like they're doing that. Well. I think I should do that. And then you're like, maybe I should just I should just chill. So yeah,

Zaakirah Muhammad 2:29

let me stay in my zone of genius.

Stephanie Bolton 2:31

Yes, very true. I definitely agree is hard.

Zaakirah Muhammad 2:35

I love that. Now speaking of zone of genius. Some people may be completely new to you. So go ahead and introduce yourself.

Stephanie Bolton 2:44

Okay, well, I'm stuff of Phoenix, Michelle photography. Also, you know, people call me Phoenix, Michelle, because I think a lot of people you know, most people name themselves after their business or the business after them. So people assume that my name is Phoenix Michelle, but really, my name is Stephanie or stuff. So but I go by both because like things Michelle is like my baby or whatever. So, um, but I've been a branding photographer videographer for probably about five, about five years now in Dallas, Fort Worth area. And it's a lot of fun. So I definitely met a lot of, you know, influencers, brand people, just regular people because I love shooting like birthday parties and birthday shoots. There's something about celebrating people. In their moment of whatever's happening. Birthdays are like one of my favorites because I used to not be a person to celebrate birthdays, but I always recommend everybody like official birthday have a shoe. Like just do something fun. Make it a yearly thing, even if it's an odd number doesn't have to be a milestone. Um, but that is a bit about me. I do. Also talk about social media stuff, which, as you're talking about brands and being realized and doing too much, I had it all in Phoenix. Michelle, then I was like, you know, maybe I just split this up and have it be something else. So I recently maybe like February of this year, split it off to be socialist staff. Just because it was just people were confused. They were like, your fitness Michelle photography, but then you're talking about Instagram. It's very confusing. Like, who's doing what are you not even taking photos anymore? And I was like, okay, and people are confused. They other people are probably confused. These are just people who just told me, um, so yeah, but that is a bit about me. Um, but that's it. Yeah.

Zaakirah Muhammad 4:23

Hey, cool. And I think I was virtually there when you were speaking at the photo cookout by Tomayia Colvin. And so yay. Yeah, and I think I went out virtually watching. That's exactly what it was. It's like, look at her in her zone of genius with all things social media and branding. Right. And so understandably, I've been Where you've been have you know, most people at least, you know, most people who have known me I think I've had Facebook students before I would put to have papers. I have people from all walks of life on my Facebook, so they know me I photography. If I were to ask that question, what do you You know me as they get to know me, I photography, but the more like I start to talk about all the fitness changes and social media changes, they're like, can you make my website? I'm like, No, but I can

Yeah. Tell me more about that. Tell me how you first got into this social media.

Stephanie Bolton 5:30

Um, it really started probably when I would shoot with my clients, and I would shoot them, you know, I would say, Hey, you do this pose, and this would be your caption. And you know, I would kind of be joking, like, when I would say different things like, Girl, this is your I don't know what's going on Friday caption or this is my introduce myself Friday kind of caption. And they would be like, That's a good idea. I never thought about that. And so I was like, yeah, and then you share it here, and you put it on your stories, and they want to you can hurt a video and it'd be like, you know, a lot, I wouldn't have thought to do all that. And I'm like, I thought everybody knew that, you know. And so then that's when I was like, Okay, so maybe I can help other people because I had other friends who knew me because I always love apps and, you know, texts. And they were like, hey, I want to do this, what app is good for that? And I was like, Well, I have these three apps. And then it started turning to me, like, you know, doing screen record. And so I would just by time, I would try explaining it to them, I'd be like, I could just record it, it'd be quicker. And so I would just record on my phone, kind of like a step by step process of how to, you know, use an app or whatever, because they'd be like, Well, how did you get this? How do you I think one thing was like, how do you add music to your stories, and I was like, I have, I knew how to do that. And so I started, like, just making little videos for that. So then I was like, okay, um, there's people who don't know these things. And so I started going live more on Instagram, in 2020. So like, you know, we're stuck indoors, you know, just whenever minor Mama was going live, and I was like, I don't want to just have a life where I'm just gonna talk to people. That's kind of boring. And so I was like, let me do like a YouTube kind of vibe, you know. So every week, I would kind of come up with a topic, I felt like a school teacher, you know, I was like, we this week's lesson plan is going to be XYZ. And so that's what kind of started that. I was like, Oh, so this week, I'll just teach you how to add music or how to jazz up your you know, your stories. And so it just kind of started from there. And then people were like, Well, can you help me? Can you audit my stuff? So it just laid it that way? And, and I was like, Oh, I think people will really want that. So that's kind of like how I felt in photography, too. I kind of was like, You we take your pictures? Your your pay me? Oh, let me actually take this a little bit more seriously. Okay, cool. Let's do this. So. But I mean, it's always really fun to me, I think it's a good part of your business. Because you know, a big part of anything you do, like I know, you know, for sure, like with your podcasts, if you don't really talk about it, no one knows about it. So and I think social media is like a key way for people to kind of get that, right, we're not doing we're not selling out letters, you know, like, back in old school, they had the Yellow Pages or, you know, TV, regular cable news, you know, like, now we got, you know, you got emails, you got social media, you, Lord, help me you got Instagram ads, you know, so it's like, you got all these things that are just tools to help you be better, you know, with more success. And so I started realizing like a lot of people that I work with, as far as branding, they're people who sell products, you know, people who sell candles, and I'm like, Oh, this is great. Well, this is what you could do. And they'd be like, I never thought to do that. And I'm like, you miss it out. Come on. Now it's free. You know, it's free advertising for the most part, it's free. So I'm like, why not use it? It's a great tool. So yeah.

Zaakirah Muhammad 8:35

Yeah, I love that 2020 really did kind of release away what we should be doing. The whole time, we've been doing what we think we should Keeping Up with the Joneses or doing what you know, just to get by with and for those who really kind of would see the silver lining in 2020 is literally like, this is what I really want to do this what I'm really good at so far. I'm going to do Oh, yeah,

Stephanie Bolton 9:01

I think it definitely was a, it was eye opening for a lot of people. You know, like some people, you know, definitely have some struggles. Like, I never want to discount that. But then there were some people who really made a way out of no way and made I mean, made money. And I was like you did what? Like, you know, this is my best year ever. And I'm like, Well, this is some people's worst year ever. So I mean, it definitely was an eye opening. For you know, if you're gonna try to do something else, you know, if you already know something, you better turn to a skill. You know, you knew how to sew, you better teach a sewing class, you know what I mean? So like, you saw people who I saw people that I was like, I don't even know they could do that. And they had a whole course there or coach or something for and I'm like, that's, I'm all for it. Because I'm like, you can help people. I mean, you got enough knowledge. You know what I mean? Just like you with your podcasts, right? I'm sure you can teach somebody like, Hey, I don't know what I'm doing. Can you teach me how to start my podcast? Because people think, Oh, I just use my iPhone. It's easy, right? That's what they told me on YouTube and his like, Girl been doing it for three years, there's a lot more to it than you think. I think that's the beauty of it and connecting with people and having such like a good community of people, right. And I think for us as women, like, we have gotten a lot better about that. I think it's not like how, you know how I can middle school I am, you know, it was like, I don't like her. I don't like, as we get older, we like we over that. So anyways, can you teach me because then I can teach you something? Like, you know, the competition is just like, whatever. So it makes it a lot, a lot of fun to have like such a good community and everything like that. So very cool.

Zaakirah Muhammad 10:40

Yeah. And with you saying that it reminded me of my partner in creativity. I love the color. And so she was a guest on my podcast if you listen to the one called Creative coaching with Addy Dorian, and so she been a podcaster to like we ended up both starting a podcast around the same time. And hers is literally like girl chat. But then she had the same co host like every week with the exception of you know, maybe somebody had to step out for one week. But then she literally reached out to me with like, Okay, I'm having my first ever guest. How do I do that? And so because I have been so organized I know for the most part organizer mama in my own way. I just shared it with him like okay, this is how you really kind of keep that same flow that system of you know, when you get guests and how do you really go about it? So yeah, the more you do certain things and the more you promote certain things more people will come to you for those certain things. I think it's just important as well. Being you know, an entrepreneur, having an entrepreneur side to make sure you're promoting what it is you actually want to do. Right.

Stephanie Bolton 11:46

Very true. So when you So what made you start your podcast like to even because I know is your three, but what made you originally because most people have like an idea or some kind of mission. So what was like your mission or your purpose for starting? You know, this podcast in the first place?

Zaakirah Muhammad 12:05

Yes. So I've always been in media industry, right. So I started out as a photographer, and then I learned how to do video. And then I think I started listening to podcast I think the very first podcast I ever listened to was the meets Jetha he did the how I can teach you how to be rich podcast. And then on the woman's side, I think the first ever podcast was side hustle Pro. I think that was

Stephanie Bolton 12:32

was so good. Yeah, it's a great one. Like there's some like I don't think gateway to making people there. Well, a gateway drugs or whatever. But there's like gateway essential podcast that you have to listen to is fine. Also Pro is a really good one is really good. Like that was one of the first ones I listened to as well. That's like it's really good. Very educational.

Zaakirah Muhammad 12:55

Yeah. And speaking of education, I think I would just listening. And so at that time, my mom is like a vital, right? So she would kind of working on she had I taught her how to blog. And she would blogging so mostly about my story then more about the medical side of things, and then just inspirational just inspirational tidbits. And so eventually we kind of came together in regards to releasing a book together about my life as a cancer survivor. And so that was definitely the marketing tactic the first season that that's pretty much what it was, it was like okay, here's basically stories excerpts from each chapter of the book. And then once I think I started to interview like, you know, friends and family I thought to have no conversation and people who were listening were like, Oh, I love the conversation. Keep them on I'm like, Okay, well, I'm looking for guests you want to be a guest ironically, the first two seasons of guests will literally that either they had gone through the same experiences that I had or that I was remembering of, you know, having I think I think maybe I was your age into photography at that time just having all the connections in photography. So then I'm just like, Okay, I think you know, it could now be used as a way to educate foods, you know, power of community and connections and educating and then I think that's really what just kept it going and just kind of making up my mind now might now my blog, you know that pretty much what it is people huge blog back in the day a lot more than the blog video. And now they can all the podcast and so it's all content for educators. I think that's how I've been able to do it. Just keep going even on the day that I have been months. I'm just like, I'm not releasing an episode I'm not editing, am I doing nothing? They have been much, but I think that in the end that really keeps you going to community and the conversations.

Stephanie Bolton 14:47

That's really cool. But you are right, because I think after a while you do get kind of I mean, like with anything, right? I'm sure you've had it in your photography career where you're just like, I don't feel like shooting and Nothing, nothing inspiring me today. So I'm sure you had the same thing with your podcast as well, because it's just happens, you know, so I'm glad that you had your community that can help you out with that because there's always someone I think in the background, you got to have that person that's gonna push you, you know, even when you don't want to be pushed, you know, kind of like, you know, I kind of think of like a swimming pool, and you're like, on the edge and they're like, getting you like, nice go to like, get into they just push you out there and then you like, oh, okay, well, I got it. It's not so bad. Okay. Okay. All right. Yeah. Yes, yes. Very cool.

Zaakirah Muhammad 15:39

Yeah, so Okay, now, we met. I feel like we met for the first time at the 2022. My Korean photo cookout? Is that accurate?

Stephanie Bolton 15:50

I think so. Yeah, I think so. Because I think I think I saw you. Yeah, actually. Yeah, I think you had did your presentation. I think you did about your book. I think that's on the first time that I saw you. And you had talked about your book. And I was like, Wow, that's pretty cool. And I think we met in person again, when Tasha had came to town, and she was at the shoot because she was doing a shoot with my brother. With Chris, with autism. So yeah, and I think that was like you. Yeah, you came down. And so we all were like shooting there. I think she did a couple of shots of you because you needed some Brandon photos as well. So yeah, but that was, that's been a while because the whole pandemic thing was like very real. It was like, canceled all events, and I haven't, I mean, I know WPP I just happened, but I was not really feeling like going because I was like,

Zaakirah Muhammad 16:41

I wonder why you went on a streak of laughter.

Stephanie Bolton 16:44

I was not because I wanted to because part of me, like I really wanted to, you know, but I actually got COVID at Christmas. And I was like, you know, it wasn't like, I think I had that Markram one, you know, the one that's this, like, feels like a cold or flu. So it wasn't like terrible, but I was like, Man, if I didn't have the chills, I wouldn't have thought I even had coke because it felt just like a regular cold. And so for me, I kind of was like, I'm really wanting people so much right now, because I was like, you know, and people are like, Oh, it's just allergies. And I'm like, is it though? Is it though? Or is it? Or is it is it COVID? You know, so I'm not gonna lie, I'm so a little leery of big groups. And then the fact that there, which I know, politically, everybody has their choice, but I'm still gonna wear my mask for the most part. And so I really, I really wanted to go does epi but I was like, I don't know. And it's Vegas. And it's like so much going on. Maybe next year, I'll feel I feel a little bit more confident. But this year, I just was like, Yeah, I just got over COVID Like at Christmas. And it didn't take me out. But it was enough for me to be like, Oh, they don't want to fool with this too much. Like, I got the string. That's not too terrible. You don't I mean, I hate to see like what other strands are which. And I got and I'm vaccinated, you don't mean so I'm just like, they don't matter. It's gonna get I mean, it's rough, no matter who you are. And everybody's symptoms are different. So I hate that I missed it. But I was like, I'll just live vicariously through everybody. And I'll just watch on their stories, or whatever I say rank it all there was your presentation. Like I really had a little bit of FOMO, but not as bad as I thought it was going to be. But I was like, I think Tasha even was like, Are you coming? Are you coming? You can still buy tickets? You know, I know I could buy a ticket. And you know, from Dallas to Las Vegas. It's really not expensive. It's not really a lot, but I was just Yeah, yeah. COVID still out here yell like, you may not hear about as much in the news. But it's still out here. And I don't really, I don't really want to play games you want me a violin got being aware where I really can't control. You know, even when I do shoots like my shoot this morning, I'm I'm wearing a mask. My sister's wearing a mask. And I'm still keeping my distance. I'm still like, I understand you maybe vaccinate or maybe vaccinated. But I'm just I tried to be because in my mind, I think people like I may see you write me you may link up, do a photo shoot. But then you don't know. You know, you can be all around me. I got your germs, whatever, blah, blah. But like, what if you're going home to your grandmother, I'm going home to my grandmother. Like, I try to think about that because I'm like, you don't know who people are taking care because there's a lot of people that are caretakers and so for me I'm not doing this because I'm trying to be a jerk. It's like, I don't know who you who you're taking care of. I don't want to risk that I was so so bad. If someone was like, You gave me COVID And then I gave COVID to my grandmother. Man I would be I would be a hot mess because I'd be like, that was my fault because I wanted to go to XYZ but maybe I'm just being dramatic though. I could be being dramatic.

Zaakirah Muhammad 19:54

Yeah. That's exactly what I met I mean, that's when we last saw each other. I think that's where I was, I was like, in that tough spot of like I love. I love the life that I'm living, but it's not my ideal life because I do have, you know, family to think about as well. So the last time when we did see each other in April, I was, I will tell you, I was like, I'm working a job, but we are outside all the time. And I'm tired. Yeah, and it was, I mean, I couldn't like be creative. Like, you know, we're doing the same thing over and over and over, which is fine. You know, every kitchen, you know, you learn a little bit you learn here now. And so yeah, then I choose to kind of bent the last almost a year to being like a poster tech caretaker. Both of us are children of military veteran. So,

Stephanie Bolton 20:49

you know, my mom has been sick. And you know, she I don't play games by her. And you know, Chris, I don't play about him either. So it's just like, you know, we got people we gotta be responsible for, you know, so it's like, I can't get them sick. You know, Lord helped me if I take my mom to the VA. Oh, Lord helped me. Because you'd be like, oh, did you see how they would do it? Oh, no, I did that. And like, I know, Mom, and you can't find Park. I mean, it's a whole thing. You know how it is when you have to go to the VA with your parents and stuff. So it's just like, it's a lot, you know, and I definitely make sure I take care of my veteran. Veterans are very sensitive. They're always dear in my heart. I don't like to see them get treated bad either. I'd be like, Yo, they're a veteran. Don't do that. They fall for you. Like you are sorry, you did nothing. Did people fall for you? You know. So yeah, that is definitely something to take to take into consideration.

Zaakirah Muhammad 21:40

Yes, yes. Now I have a cousin on my mom's side who has autism. And so I have a starsfive for autism as well. Let's let's talk about like, maybe, let me that would be another shifted Well, in 2020, of seeing just how the woods still react to the different levels of disability, but what have you observed? And what are you still advocating for?

Stephanie Bolton 22:06

I mean, I think for me, I advocate more is not at Chris's older that I realized there's not a lot of activities for him. He's like, you know, he doesn't communicate. So he's very on the severe spectrum part of it. And I'm, you know, there's like nothing for him to do. Like if I wanted to go take him, you know, because he used to have like a day hab kind of like adult daycare, daycare kind of vibe. But it was very nice. But you know, as you get older, you know, he's 30. He's 30 Now, and like, you know, they could stay in high school a little bit longer. I think they get like two extra years. And he did the full time he did in high school to 21. Because we were like, We want him because he loved oh my god, he loves school. He was like, we stay at home, like you look at us, like, why am I not going to school? Like, we'd be like, Chris, you don't want that? Or what else are you gonna get? I was like, Nah, I'm 30 Y'all, so we'd always laugh about that. But I mean, he was when he always wanted to be real active. And so I think a big part is like, what do you do when they become adults? Like, yeah, didn't will get a job. This is true, but I'm very protective of him. And I'm like, if someone does come dirty at work, I'm gonna have to come up there, and it's gonna be a problem. I mean, so those are things that I used to have to worry about when he was younger, because I used to go up to his classrooms. They do me very well. My mom would let him I was like, why they always call you first. They don't call me I'm like, because they know if I've moved or something's happened to him. It's gonna be a problem. I'm always laugh because like, I'm the shortest one in my family. But let me say this. Big things come in small packages. I did not play. So when they saw me come in, even though he's six, four, because he's super tall. You seen how tall he is? And I would have to be like, What happened to him today? Oh, he got hit in the face. And Jim, for who was not watching him? You know, like they knew like, they're like, Hey, Stephanie. So we want to let you know, Chris got into an accident and PE. Okay, what happened? Yeah, so when he comes home today, off the bus, he may have a bruise on his face. Okay, so thank you for letting me know. But what happened? And how would this not happen again? I mean, I was tough, but you have to be their voice. You know what I mean? Because people will take advantage of that. Because like when he was younger, you know, because he was so quiet. He's so sweet. Like, he wouldn't hurt a fly. Like my brother had a dog. This dog was a terror, like just the tears of severe terror. He was really sweet dog, but he was also militaire. Like, you know, if you have food, he was like, He's always like, you know, try to snap at your food. And we'd be like, Chris, you know, it's okay. Tell him No, say no Aries. And he'd be like, I'm like Chris UK. whispers I'm like, you gotta like, you gotta be like, no Aries and he'd be like, he would always whisper it was crack us. She'd be like, he's so sweet. He got hurt nobody, even when the dog tried to take his food. And I mean, so I think for me, it just helped me to be like, super protective of like all people, but especially autism. That was definitely it. thing like, I don't like to see nobody getting mistreated, especially when they can't, you know, stand for themselves. Like he's like, yeah, people see him. And he looks quote unquote, normal. You know, they're just like, what's his problem? Was he looking like that? Why he not talking? I'm talking to because the people will come up to him straight have a whole conversation with them. He's just looking, and they're like, Oh, he's rude. And so he has autism to like, autism. And then you know, sometimes they know what it is. Sometimes they don't they just look at me. And I'm like, so it's a condition and you know, it's a mental it's a mental thing. So yeah, he's not understanding that thing. You're saying, You got to use small words, small phrases with him and you know, written texts works best with him. But um, it's been very funny. Like, stories me my brother. We have in general about Hamlet, we had, we were moving one time. And we had a guy that was helping us and Chris is so funny. Like, whenever it comes time to move, he doesn't carry heavy stuff, like at all. And so he literally carried like a lamp. And only thing he had the shade with it, you know, like very light. It's so we're carrying all these big boxes and stuff. And he's walking by us with a little lamp. And one of the guys goes, Hey, man, why did you just get carried away stubble? He was seriously like, hey, this guy's been a chump. Why he ain't got no stuff. We were like, so me my brother. I remember we both looked at him. We both were like, so who wants to tell him? You want to so we just looked back? And he's like, No, seriously, he walked by my little bitty stuff he share like a teddy bear. I mean, it was the funniest thing. We're like, Yeah, Crystal, really? He's not into like, labor hard labor stuff. He doesn't do that. And then we had Tom like, yes, yes. He's like, he got what he got. He's autistic. He's like, Oh, I was like a special needs. He was like, Okay, I understand that. I was like, yeah, so he looks he was like, Oh, he looks like normal. You look like you. You like yo. And I'm like, I know. It's very deceiving. Because it will make you look like make you look bad. Because you look like a jerk now, you know? Because afterwards, he was like, I feel kinda bad now.

Zaakirah Muhammad 27:08

Yes, yeah.

Stephanie Bolton 27:11

Well, you have to like throw holes.

Zaakirah Muhammad 27:13

Yeah. But yeah. Yeah, I get the same experiences. I think for me, I mean, my hand lots of mouth by yourself for the most part. Yeah, I hear you just fine. But I think most people don't even know I'm reading your lips. So even if I don't hear you, I know what you're saying. So of course, that's been experience as well, you know, with with Zoom. At least now more people are just so comfortable on Zoom, that they just look away and stop multitasking and look down on the phone. I'm like, Okay, I need you. I need you right here. If you have a college station, I need you is

Stephanie Bolton 27:48

an article about like, that was an issue with people with with having mask. And I was like, No, I don't think about that. But it's like, yes, a concern. But even still, like, I noticed that when young people wear masks, it's like, their mouths are covered up. They're muffled because sometimes I'm like, I can't hear you. What. And then it's like, yeah, pull your pull your mask down. And they're like, got it. And I'm like, oh, okay, that's what you said. I didn't I didn't hear none of that. That's not what I heard. I'm glad we clarified that. So yeah, but me I think people I think too, we're getting better with learning how to adapt to people. I felt like 2020 gave a lot of grace that we did not have before. By bringing a lot and just in general, I feel like okay, we started getting a little bit better and learning better, right. I felt like it. I hate to say this, but I think tick tock kind of helps with that too. Because tick tock has exposed a lot of things and short snippets. We got short little videos. Because there's like a deaf family on there that I've watched in is the wife, the husband, they have like a three year old and I think they just had a baby. And so they were like trying to figure out you know if the baby was also deaf and stuff like that, but they give all these like really short snippets of like, this is what this means, you know, this is why we talk we do like this. It talks about like these deaf people don't want to hear and like and then it but then it also shows like how dumb some people are because someone was like, how do you watch movies? Someone was going and it was her for her response was like so great. It was like how did you watch squid games? Captions You idiot. You know, I'm like, Come on, y'all like some stuff. I'm just like, Okay, y'all. Y'all embarrassing. You know, is there a point you're like, you're like that kid that goes out leaves the house and bears the family and they come back and they're like, You embarrassing us. I was like, Whoa, did you really just ask how they how did they watch? You did they don't watch movies. You'll think they watch TV like but It just shows like, but to me, this was a tick tock, you know what I mean? And so I think it helps people to kind of get short snippets, and then we're getting access to people that we may not normally interact with, like in real life, you know, that may not exist in our, like, close circle or even in our experiences, I guess, you know, I can count on maybe one or two fingers, the number of like, actual real deaf people that I've met in person are blind people, you know what I mean, autistic people, it's been going up, because I think it's because, you know, it makes a better diagnosis. And, and just because I feel like I could recognize it better because of Chris. You know, I'm like, he's like to say, like, if I hear a kid crying, and people are like, Oh, that kid is bad. I'm like, He's not bad. He's autistic. Like, what are you going to communicate something up frustrated to you jerk? So like, I have a hard time. Sometimes I hear people say stuff like that, because I'm just like, Come on, now be better than that. Like, don't assume that kids are being bad. Like, that's not my first assumption. And when I don't have no kids, and I'm like, I'm sure it ain't easy. Because I've seen kids. And I'm like, this looks hard. It's hard for me to take care of myself, let alone a little person. So I'm like, I don't judge nobody. I'm terrible when I go to the store. So I hate to see how a little person is you know?

Zaakirah Muhammad 31:20

And you're the oldest, right? Because you're the oldest you've always had, like, you have had maternal instincts. Do you have nieces and nephew that?

Stephanie Bolton 31:28

All right, well, I my best friend has kids. But none of my siblings. We don't none of us have kids. My sister jokes. And she's like, since I'm the oldest, you know, she's like, you're the oldest you have to go first. It's not a competition. You can really have kids first. You know? Like, we're all at the age now. We're all adults. Like we all gonna have kids now. It's totally okay. You don't We don't have to go in order. But she's told me that not too long ago. She was like, Yeah, you go first. And she's always said that even when we were younger, and she definitely has said it now. And it always makes me laugh because I'm like, that doesn't mean anything. Like why would you say that? You can have kids too. It's okay. We don't have. You don't have to go in order. It's okay. You can be second. You can be the second oldest and still have kids. It's okay. But she totally in her mind. It's like you go first. Stephanie. Like, I'm the guinea pig, you know, so, but my best friend has two kids. And they're like my nieces. And they drive me crazy. So when I see her with them, and she'll tell me different things. I'm like, Oh, this parenting thing is good. When I get my auntie. Hey, Auntie. Why don't you see me? I got your practice this weekend. Did you come see my cheer competition. And I'm like, one can watch you cheered. And the other ones like, oh, you it's gonna hurt your competition, but you never come to my volleyball. Turf. I hear I'm like so y'all know, I do photographs on the weekends and stuff, right? And y'all stuff be on the weekends. So. And they you know, they'd be like, Well, my mom gave me a schedule. I know, she gave me my schedule. So you could block off some time to come see it. And I'm like, you know, so I was like, I can't even argue with them. Because I'd be like, You know what you've right now, or helped me if I have my own at the table? Yeah, like, I mean, and they're very so that I could I see from their perspective. And her perspective we do as a mom, like, these little people demand their time. They like their time, you know, because sometimes, if it's been a while since I've seen them, I'll get a FaceTime. It was that come and see you. It's been like, too long. And I'm like, okay, and then they have a dog, you know, I call my dog nephew. And they're like, bishop said, he misses you too. And they'll turn FaceTime on the dog while looking like this. Like, you don't really put the dog on FaceTime. And they're like, he was trying to lift the screen here. They should really hear. Okay, but I mean, it definitely helps to have that. And they helped me too for like inspiration. You know, because like they did be paying attention. Like sometimes I think they're not paying attention. But they are because they like well, it was you did this. Remember that time you did a photoshoot and you were doing this. Like that was cool. We did that. But you should have did this instead. But then they also are kind of ruthless too and kind of savage. It was like, Auntie, you did this. But girl that could have been better. I'm like, oh, yeah, the kids are honest. And I'm like, This is what they say it'd be it'd be your kids. It'd be the kids because they'd be like, Huh, you know, you thought that was cute, but that wasn't you but I'm gonna let you make it and I'm like okay, well, thank you your majesty. Thank

Zaakirah Muhammad 34:31

you. Just like my nieces. I have two nieces and one nephew from my brother and and that age where no, no was held there to hold back. And they will tell you what it is. But what's so funny about them is I'm learning about technology from them, right? So show our show. We kind of use technology and use social media and our work but if you really want to learn about us, period, spend a day with your nieces and nephews.

Stephanie Bolton 34:59

Yes. I had it's funny you say that because I have a friend on social media. And she had me rolling because her kids did a video. And they had the zoom effect going in and out on their faces. And, um, you know, and I was like, Oh, that's cute, you know, with the kids and stuff like that. While she was like, they learned how to do it better than me. And she was like, I don't wonder how to do that for weeks. And she's like, Hey, go on one video. They didn't did it. They recorded a whole video where her phone. And it was funny because she was going through her phone. And she's laughing because it's recorded on there. And she said, they're at school. And it was kind of funny, because they had a tick tock, and they kind of it was a song, they had a bad word in it. And so it's like, would you when you watch the video, the older two kids because it's three of them the older to kind of say the bad word of mouth in it. You know what I mean? So it's funny, because she's like, when she posted it, she was like, Did y'all see what I just saw? And of course, I'm like, as the internet Auntie, I'm gonna say I didn't see it, because I love the babies. And they're super cute. But I don't know what you're talking about. She was like, I said, I will just let you know right now, I will always have the side of the kids sorry. I will always defend them. Because my auntie used to always defend me even if I was totally wrong, because that's the job of aunties. Aunties are just save you, as well as grandma's grandma save you too. So I know what you're talking about. And as I watched the video a couple of times, I was like, oh, yeah, they said it. Oh, because it zooms in on a face when there and I was like this, she was like, yeah, they learned how to do this stuff. And I didn't know and I was like, and I messaged her, I was like, we need to be around the kids. The kids will show us how because I know if I call my niece right now I'd be like, how do I do this? It oh my gosh, you're so old. Oh, excuse me. older guy told me they couldn't call me old. I said, I'm older. Not old. We're not doing that. And so they say, oh, sorry. Older.

Zaakirah Muhammad 37:00

They made me feel oh, what I mean the way they be moving so fast. And I'm like, Yeah, I'm pretty Yes, I'm pretty good shape. But wait, your move

Stephanie Bolton 37:09

is not the same is not the same. me my friend we're kind of talking about it was like You remember, you should be able to do all these things. And then as you get older, your body just, you know, just don't do to say no more like, it's definitely a thing. And the kids will definitely let you know like, oh, when he was my age. Was you able to? Oh, I know. It was a long time for you. Because you remember I'd be like, how do you think I owe you? I was like, Excuse me? She's a roofless there. They tell her how it is even when you don't want to hear it. Most of them. I don't be wanting to hear but I just be laughing. I mean, I have to laugh because it'd be so funny. And I just feel like I can't even be mad because

Zaakirah Muhammad 37:52

yeah, you gotta laugh to keep from crying. You do

Stephanie Bolton 37:54

because but you write those. What was that? What was that button gone? Like, they've tried to teach me among us, you know, like the video game thing. And they were trying to teach it to me, and they were cheating. They were cheating though. Because like, she was like, Oh, you're the killer. Okay, so you're the person that we have to, like, get rid of. And this, you know, they tried telling me but then meanwhile, she's looking at my screen. And she's backing up. And then she like, there's like a part where you have to vote. So they vote for what it is. And if you get voted and right, if you're right or wrong, they throw you off into the middle of outer space. Like you just see your little person in middle space. And so she kept looking. She was like, Oh, it I said, Wait a minute, and you can see who votes for you. And as it did you vote for me. You vote for me to get thrown out. And she just starts laughing and I was like, you're supposed to be teaching me clowning and you're playing me. Auntie that's how it was. That's just how you want to play the game. And I was like, Oh, so you just gonna let me get float out into space. You saw my little person just fly out into space. We're writing is this game? Wait, can y'all play this game? And this approved? Let me go talk to your mom. They were like, no, no, I'd be like, Yeah, I don't think I should be playing this game. I think there's too much this on Father's Day. They just don't. Please like it's right. This is rude. And so they just laugh and I'm like, okay, they didn't teach me because I'm like, I know what that was. That was like one of those things where I was like, Okay, I'm getting older when I started seeing people dressed up like that for Halloween. And I was like, What are these little characters are then I was like, Oh, they're like, it's a mangas auntie, where are you being? It's a game and I'm like, Okay, I knew that. It's not the one you downloaded on my iPad. There's like, yes, it was like, oh, okay, yeah, I'm gonna subscribe and download the app anyway, now. I don't even need it.

Zaakirah Muhammad 39:40

Yeah, kid in a game. I love it. Family.

Stephanie Bolton 39:46

So fun, though. You know, they make your life um, richer. You know what I mean? It gives you great stories. It gives you great memories. Because even still, they'll bring up some old stuff and I'm like, what because like the younger niece, she tricked me into walking to a donut shop. She tricked me. She was like It's not far because I, you know, took care of him and I think we I spent the night or something. And then I usually wake up try to do some breakfast because none of them were really like morning people, but I am. And she's like, it doesn't listen to that. So we know I'm like, okay, cool. She's like, do I have to change? Because she was like, in her pajamas? And I'm like, No, you're fine. We just got run to the donut shop, like, coming right back. And so we get to my car, and I'm like, okay, she's like, No, she's walking past my car. And I'm like, we're gonna take the car. She's like, Oh, it's not that far. I'm like, I feel like it is far off like have ever seen one in this neighborhood. She's like, not enough. It's good. Man. She had me walking like two three miles. It was like two or three miles had to cross like a major street. And she fooled me because she was like, Yeah, my booth walked out. And I'm like, thinking about something like, I don't think I know your mom. Because her mom's kind of bougie. Like me, I'm like, we're not walking aware. And I'm like, I can't see your mom walking through a neighborhood to go get some donors. But in my mind, I mean, I'm like, maybe so but that's my gift. I think she was six or seven at the time. That was my fault. Listen to a seven year old. That's that was number one. I was like, yeah, in played. Me. We walked and then by time we walked back, she talked about can you carry me on Tara? I said, Oh, no, you young you wanted to walk remember? Me? And we still laugh about that. So this day, like she'll say something to me. Trust me it trust me. I say, oh, like the donut shop time. And I said, Yeah, I'm telling that story. When you get married. I'm telling that story. Everybody who you dating, I'm telling the story. The story would forever come up. Yeah, did it to yourself. Joke's on you. Sure. I mean, it's good. I think it gives us you know, to have that family gives you that motivation to kind of push through, you know, kind of like how you're saying, like, when you don't want to get up and do another podcast or even like to do a shoot, you know, it's very tempting to be like, Oh, this bed feels really nice. Like, don't really. But you know, you gotta get up, you know, but I mean, you think about that. Think about your family, you know, who looked to you who are motivated by you, and you're motivated by them. And that's what keeps you going. I know, for me, sometimes I'd be like, ah, but then I hear like, my brother and my sister say something. And I'm like, okay, even as I'm older, you know, I'm so like, they don't listen to me. But then my sister, she'll say something. Remember that time you said that? I was listening. I'm like, I didn't think he was listening to me. I thought, I thought I was just talking. She was like, No, I heard I heard what you were saying it makes sense to me now. And I'm like, now I said that, like 10 years ago, but I mean, you know, I was just like, Huh, okay, well, I'm glad. I'm glad to help. Because I think he was listening. Once again. I'd be like, Sure, listen to that. I said, I want to be like, talk to your sister, talk to your brother data. And I'm like, don't listen to me. But then I'll come back. And I'm like, oh, they'll say something to me. And I'm like, I feel like I said that. And they're like, you did? And I'm like, so you Trump still was? Okay. That's good to know. Because I didn't think y'all didn't listen to me

Zaakirah Muhammad 43:14

at all. Yeah, yeah. That's how it ended podcast. You leave all these episodes, you're like, I don't know if anybody tells me. But then you have a conversation or consultation? And I go, yeah. Did you want to pocket? Well, I heard your pocket.

Stephanie Bolton 43:28

Therefore, it is true. And I think that's one key that I always tell people, like, you know, like dealing with social media and stuff like that, you know, people are like, Why post a no one's I'm not getting followers, and no one's giving me likes. I didn't go viral. And I'm like, listen, whoever is supposed to hear and see it. Will I promise you, they may not like it. They may not comment but you have like you say a conversation will come up. And they will be like, oh, yeah, like you said, or I watched his one video and I'm like, but you didn't like it. Like I know I've had that plenty of time people were like, because I have like a Star Wars shoot did I did like with a friend or coworker of mine. And it was her little kids or whatever. And they are like being Star Wars fans and heard they had all the different. I didn't know there were so many different types of characters in Star Wars. She had an outfit for each one. And so we did a whole dress up day and I took photos of them and each one of their Star Wars outfit. So like I recorded like a video and put some of the photos in there. And I had someone that I didn't even think was paying attention and they were like, that was really cute. You're still Star Wars shoot that you do with the kids and I'm like so you can be watching your chin. So it's just like so I think you know using those things like you say you keep going you be consistent even when you think nobody's watching. People are watching and it will come back to you like I feel like the energy that you put in that positive energy and the universe will always come back to you like no matter what, even when it feels like this trash. Nobody's listening to me good. We always had the day. This means I'm like, I'm a vet. Do you create this duo word, but it's like you keep going, someone will say something to you, like, you know, when you did that, that was pretty cool. And I understood it. Like that one person will say that to you, and you be like, Okay, I can keep going. I got somebody, somebody's listening, you know what I mean? may not be right then. But it will always come back. Like I've never had it, come back and not like, be like a negative kind of thing. It's always been a positive, you know, and I tell people that I have to, you know, it's hard people, like, My followers haven't change. And this isn't, and I'm like, but this person is, but I'm like, you don't know what that person is doing. Don't let growth be the only thing that you kind of, you know, place your value on, you're greater than that, like, at the end of the day, please do not your worth so much more. And just stick with it. You know, as you know, with having three years I'm sure. Every day wasn't like, yes, the podcast is amazing. The energy is like a million today.

Zaakirah Muhammad 46:08

Oh, man, definitely.

Stephanie Bolton 46:12

So yeah, so that's what makes it really fun. You know what I mean? And this to like, keep it going and stuff. So it's always fun. It's a good challenge to have and having people that you can kind of like, just grow, keep doing it. And just go, you know, then we can be like, you remember girl when he was at three years now you 10 years strong? You don't need me. Yeah. So it's always only a small step. You don't I mean, in the grand scheme of life and the plans that are laid out?

Zaakirah Muhammad 46:41

Yeah, definitely. I love that. But that was definitely the level of what I needed. Great way to just about wrap up the episode. Thank you for that. Yeah. Now, there's three ways that I usually love to end conversation. So I may kind of tweak one for you. But okay. Who is your favorite? With the X Men? Right? Who's your favorite? Excellent. Yes. Yeah, I think I skipped over that. I think you skipped over with it with a phoenix. Oh, yeah.

Stephanie Bolton 47:15

It comes from the I think it's like the city. But it's not like Phoenix. The city is really cool. I've been to Phoenix, Arizona. I love it. It's hot. It's a different kind of hot than Texas, when people rely on when they're like, it's a different heat. And I'm like, Nah, I got there was like, I know it's a different kind of heat. It's a different is not the same as Texas. Um, but yeah, I got it because I'm a big fan of the animated series. Like when I was a kid. And if you ever watched, you know, for us, millennial people or whatever, you know, the old school series, which I think it was like the best series, because they had that one. They had the Spider Man, it was all like Saturday morning cartoon live, you know, every day. But it was such a good series. And so I really liked the Phoenix like I put actually rogue was actually heard storm are actually my favorite characters. But I really liked the Phoenix Saga. And I was like Phoenix, I like Phoenix. And I was like, we'll do that. That'd be fun. Because I didn't want to do my name because I was like Stephanie Bolton photography. That's so boring. Like, to me. I feel like that's boring. I wanted something I think people would kind of remember and be kind of different. And so I was like Phoenix, and then I was like, I'll do Michelle. That way I can put loose with my middle name in there. So I put my middle name in there and I have to tell people that it's one L because apparently my dad said Stephanie was long enough. So that's why I got one L I was like, oh, okay, thanks, Dad, you mathematician because one letter is going to make such a big deal and help me out so much because Stephanie is already like nine but okay. So that's why I have the one L which me my mom, we had a big battle about that when I was in school, because I had a friend. Her name was Michelle, but she had two L's. So clearly. I'm in first and second grade. My mom doesn't know what she's talking about. So clearly, I'm supposed to have two L's so I was doing all my homework and all my stuff for school and I was writing Stephanie Michelle with two L's in it. I'm almost like, no Stephanie. Yours is just one I was like, No, Mom, you're wrong. Because there's a girl named Michelle. Oh, my glass. Hers has to so you have the wrong like it was a battle me my mom was like so like even now sometimes if she if I'm getting into trouble she'll be like Stephanie Michelle with one L and she was sick with one out because that was a battle. I was like, you know what you're talking about? You're wrong because like I'm first of all I'm in the first grade de already know more than you. You know, like a big bad one was like and I my mom I think she kept saying my homework papers that have like me actually right now two wells, but I was like, okay, he just has one. But yeah, banksman is definitely my fav. I'm a little mad about the movies, the movies can't seem to get it right. It has none of them have ever been really good. And I don't know why, but they just need to. I don't know, it just it just never quite makes it. So. I don't know, it's not happening. Yeah, I keep hoping every time they come out when I'm like, I'm gonna see it. It's gonna be not great. Okay, that's fine support though I still support the cartoon.

Zaakirah Muhammad 50:25

Changing the improving by the day, so maybe, maybe, yeah. The next question is, where do you watch a Java to next

Stephanie Bolton 50:38

order I want to travel to? Um That's a good question. I mean, I love water. I haven't been anywhere with a lot of water and a while. Um, you know, Maldives will be Groot. But, you know,

Zaakirah Muhammad 50:56

get one of those little bungalows and not be with anybody to isolate them

Stephanie Bolton 51:00

is totally my dream. That'd be great. Um, but I just realized because my bestie you know, the, with the, with my nieces. The other day, she was like, Let's go on a trip. And you know, she's like, You got your passport ready? And I was like, Yeah, girl, my passport ready. And I looked, and I was like, oh, it's like expired, like three days ago. Um, so let me work on that. And I was like, Steph, how you let it expire. So once I knew how hoping to get it all done, and so hopefully I'll go somewhere, but, um, realistically, I really liked um, I had a good time in Cali, but I want to go somewhere that I've never been before. So like the Pacific Northwest like Washington, DC, you know, like, not DC but Washington, like the state. And then, um, is great. I've never been up in that part of the United States. So I've been on the East Coast, you know, definitely been Southern and Ben de Cali and Arizona. Like, I love those areas. But I've been to Salt Lake City to for like, couple conferences, but like, I've never been that far on that side of the country. And I'm like, you've been in America. So for for I feel like I go out of the country. I feel like she tried to go somewhere else, you know, somewhere in here. And just for traveling right now. Cost wise, I think that would be a cool month to go to. I don't want to go when it's I mean, even though it was super raining, but I think it'd be pretty chill. I've heard good things about it. That and like Canada has been on my list. Like before the pandemic happened. I was like, I'm gonna go to Canada because I have people in Canada that I was like, made some friends with and I was like, I'm gonna go to Canada. It would be so my Canadian people that I've met online on social. And then the pandemic happened and I was like, Oh, my going nowhere, because nobody's going anywhere. I was like, Okay, maybe I'll wait. But I think realistically, probably like Washington, somewhere around there or good. Probably Washington. I'm thinking somewhere like that, like Seattle, they will be really cool. To go up to visit so yeah.

Zaakirah Muhammad 53:03

Okay, So moral of the story. Make sure you pass it hypnotic fire,

Stephanie Bolton 53:08

please. And even when people tell you and she told me like two or three weeks before that, like kick your pass, but I was like, Guys, it's good. And finally, you know, I was like, Oh, it was borrowed. Some days ago. She was gonna kill you. I was like, I know. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Ashley, I could get it. I'll get it. I'll look, I'll Google it. I'll go get it fix.

Zaakirah Muhammad 53:32

So if you come too late.

Stephanie Bolton 53:36

I was like, don't play anything right now. Because I can't go but yeah.

Zaakirah Muhammad 53:43

Okay. And then the last question. This one another one. I'm kind of tweaking just for our special conversation. But what if one, what three things you love about that kid?

Stephanie Bolton 53:58

What I love about you? Okay, your smile is one, I think you have one of the best smiles ever, because your smile is just really great. And it comes through and everything you do. I love your you know, your tenacity, I guess is the word Yeah, that I'm looking for. Because like, you definitely have stuck it out. Like considering you know, all the challenges you've been through and then sitting down with your podcast to tell your story. It's not even like the challenge that you've been through, but the fact that you're able to share your story. And then there's a lot of people who've been through a lot of things, but they won't share it. Right. Like I know, I have a lot of things, but I don't really want to talk about it. One because I'm still kind of dealing with some of it and I'm like, if I talk about it, that means it's real. If it's real, then I gotta you know. So I think the courage that you have and tenacity to push through and to share your story because a lot of people have stories, but we may never know. You know, because they're scared or you know, don't with that. Oh for me, like therapy is stuff like that. that is very real, it's like you can't really talk about stuff unless you've dealt with it yourself. Because, you know, in order to share your story, because you, you know, you're going to reach other people connect with other people, but I feel like, it's a bit of a challenge to connect with other people. But if you can't even really talk about it yourself, like, it's hard for you to even say these words, right? And then three, I always love your style, and like how your hair is always like in your, you know, how you're all done up all the time. It always matches up to me. And I like it because it really shows and highlights your, your smile. So I always was so I was like, one of the first things I know about people is their, like, smile. I'm really big on you know, like, yes, you've had challenges in a life. But I think the main thing is that you still push through and you still smile about them. I think that's for a lot of people. And it is hard. Like some days, I'm not saying like every day, you're smiling because one day you were just down in your bed, crying, and that was okay. But I mean, it's like how you recover how you get up and you deal with it. So that's what I'm gonna say that you're telling your story. Like that was most thing that I was really impressive was like your story and telling your story and like being courageous, like to put it on book, like, everybody goes through that, you know, like, to me it's like so nerve racking. You know what I mean? Like, okay, that's bigger than put it on social media on the Internet, you got it forever, like no book, like people can really see this, you know, like, yeah, the internet cup, like, I don't say that comes and goes. But you know, there's websites, MySpace, that no one would ever kind of look at, again, like, I write stuff on MySpace, you may never see it again. But a book is like, forever, I feel like you really need because even if it's just a physical book, you still have a digital copy. So it can be purchased. You know, I'm saying so like, to me, I'm like, That's so courageous. Because like, that's a lot. I don't know. It just gives me it makes me wonder. Like, I think this is my life story. My memoir. I'm like, you put your life for everybody to read? Oh, my God, you're like, oh, no, it's just, huh. You know, heart palpitations. But it's good. You know, I mean, because it really does reach people. You don't I mean, it is a story that people need to know. And I think that's the idea that you have to go from beyond something that's bigger than yourself. And I think you have done that, like extremely well, about going above and thinking outside of yourself. Because I'm sure it's hard.

Zaakirah Muhammad 57:34

Oh, yeah, definitely. Thank you for that. Thank you. Yes. Thank you for that. And so people have probably want to make sure that people are wondering what book what book so the book is talking about is called seeing life through a different lens. I had to rebrand myself, finally, but the name of the podcast was living legacy. But then I'm just like, you know, the legacy as you've seen in life different so that by the poor guy that now because he left different, but the book is called seeing life through a different lens, a surviving memoir, and overcoming adversity with resilience. So you can visit that Kevin i.com forward slash book. He can also get that in the show notes, you can get that in the comments. And if you want to know what books to read, and which toys he's talking about, I won't talk about it here. Could you can also go all the way back to Episode One. And listen to that story, too. But thank you, Stephanie. Not where can people find you on social media? We already know we got to make sure we got one. No, not two.

Stephanie Bolton 58:35

Yeah, so finished. Michel photography is the main one that I really respond to or social with stuff, but it's Michelle photography, like just how it's spelled. Just don't forget the one that we're using. Just put in Phoenix, Michelle, and it starts coming up. My face usually is there, I think. But yeah, I'm always glad to help or just hear your story or whatever you need. It's always good just to connect and just learn. And if you just need someone to just encourage you, like, you'd be like, I'm gonna go live. I'm gonna do this. Let me know. Because if I don't know, I won't show up. But if you tell me I'm more likely to come through and support because it's hard. It's hard to put yourself out there and to do different things. So I'm just glad to connect and make new friends and have a community of people because we need each other. Some days it's hard. Some days, I wanna

Zaakirah Muhammad 59:24

Well, Happy Women's History Month to us.

Transcribed by https://otter.ai