In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, Emili sits down with Denise Williams, a USA Today bestselling romance author whose books celebrate Black love, laughter, and healing. From writing her first story in second grade to publishing ten novels, Denise shares her journey of storytelling, representation, and resilience.

They dive into what it means to write (and live) as a Black woman in the Midwest — balancing motherhood, teaching, and creativity — while crafting love stories that center real women, real joy, and real life.

Denise opens up about body positivity, trauma, and joy; why “love doesn’t fix everything, but everyone deserves it”; and how she found her own happily ever after through writing.

If you’ve ever dreamed of writing your own story, this episode is your reminder: you can’t edit a blank page.

📚 Book Recommendations from Denise Williams

By Other Black Romance Authors:

• The Art of Scandal — Regina Black

• The Oath — T.R. (Tati) Richardson

• Rafe: A Buff Male Nanny — Rebekah Weatherspoon

• Curvy Girl Summer & Plus Size Player — Danielle Allen

• The Princess and the PI — Nikki Payne

• An Island Princess Starts a Scandal — Adriana Herrera

• Any Historical Novels by Beverly Jenkins

📍 Find these authors at local indie bookstores like Dog-Eared Books (Ames), Storyhouse Bookpub (Des Moines), and Reading in Public (Valley Junction).

🌐 Where to Find & Follow Denise Williams

📚 Website: denisewilliamswrites.com📸 Instagram: @nicwillwrites🐦 Twitter/X: @nicwillwrites📘 Facebook: Denise Williams Author💌 Newsletter: Signup available via her website

🖤 Where to Find & Follow Black. Girl. Iowa.

🎧 Podcast: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio and Pandora🌐 Website: www.blackgirliowa.com📸 Instagram: @blackgirliowa📘 Facebook: Black. Girl. Iowa. Podcast🎥 YouTube: Black. Girl. Iowa.🛍️ Etsy Shop: BlackGirlIowaShop

In this week’s episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., I share one of my most personal stories yet — about how reading, journaling, and storytelling have helped me heal, rediscover myself, and reclaim my joy.

I open up about my recent mental health journey, including moments when I didn’t realize how much pain I was carrying. Through therapy, reflection, and the power of words, I was reminded that I matter — and that staying another day is an act of courage and love.

This episode also explores the deep history of Black literacy in America and why I believe reading is political. For Black Americans, literacy has always been a form of rest, resistance, and rediscovery — a way to free ourselves and tell our own stories.

I also take you with me on a visit to The Black Rose Bookstore in West Branch, Iowa, a warm and creative space owned by Ashley Kofoed. Ashley’s dream reminds me what’s possible when we believe in our vision and build community, even in places where it’s not always easy to do so.

💛 If You Need Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out:
📞 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988, or chat via 988lifeline.org.
You are not alone. You matter. Help is available 24/7. Mental health and wellness resources for the Black community:

• Therapy for Black Girls

• Black Men Heal

• The Loveland Foundation

• Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness

📍 Featured Business

The Black Rose Bookstore116 W Main Street, West Branch, Iowa🌐 theblackrosewb.com📸 Instagram: @theblackrosewb

🖤 Follow me on Instagram and TikTok @blackgirliowa and visit blackgirliowa.com for my blog, book reviews, and merch.

In this vibrant and fashion-forward episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili sits down with Nekia Whitfield—CEO and lead designer of NikStar Designs. A proud Chicago native and Iowa State alum, Nekia shares her journey from studying fashion in Ames to building a thriving design brand in Des Moines. From prom gowns to bridal wear and maternity fashion, she designs clothing that empowers women of all shapes, sizes, and life stages.

Nekia opens up about her early days selling wholesale, the intentional pivot to full custom work, and how body inclusivity and confidence-building are at the core of her brand’s mission. She also talks about her signature slogan “Rock It with Confidence,” the importance of functional fashion (yes to deep pockets!), and her annual prom dress giveaway that offers young girls an unforgettable custom experience.

From behind-the-scenes design processes to mental health, rebranding, fashion rules, and future plans (hello solo bridal fashion show!), this conversation is equal parts inspiring, intimate, and empowering.
Where to find Nekia...Founder, NikStar DesignsWebsite: www.nikstardesigns.comSocial: @nikstardesigns on IG, TikTok, Facebook

Listen on:Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Pandora | YouTube
(Search: Black. Girl. Iowa.)