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.)

In this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., host Emili sits down with Judge Ashley Stewart, the only Black woman currently serving as a judge in the state of Iowa. From her roots in Dallas and a passion for journalism to her pivot into law during the recession, Judge Stewart shares how resilience, community, and faith led her to the bench.

Together, Emili and Judge Stewart discuss:

• What it means to be the only Black woman judge in Iowa

• The power of representation in the courtroom

• Lessons learned from practicing criminal defense, appellate law, and opening her own firm

• Building community and finding home in Iowa

• Advice for young Black women considering careers in law

This conversation is about justice, perseverance, and the responsibility of paving the way for others.

📌 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
🔗 Visit www.blackgirliowa.com for more stories and reflections.

In this week’s episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., host Emili J sits down with La Toshia Burrell, licensed massage therapist, entrepreneur, and CEO of Redefine & Reveal Massage Therapy and Bodywork.

Born and raised in Fort Dodge, La Toshia shares her journey from competitive athletics and collegiate coaching to discovering her true calling in wellness and healing. She opens up about navigating identity in predominantly white spaces, overcoming challenges in higher education, and the pivotal decision to bet on herself as a single mother and entrepreneur.

La Toshia also discusses her trauma-informed healing program, Render a Respite, which provides massage therapy for individuals in marginalized communities, and reflects on the importance of safe touch, body awareness, and redefining massage as a tool for health—not just luxury.

Together, Emili and La Toshia talk about:

• Growing up biracial in Iowa and finding belonging.

• The role of athletics in shaping discipline, resilience, and purpose.

• The power of safe, therapeutic touch in addressing trauma.

• Building a purpose-driven business while navigating imposter syndrome.

• The importance of mentorship, collaboration, and betting on yourself.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, wellness advocate, or simply seeking encouragement to take the next step in your journey—this episode will leave you inspired to “do it afraid” and walk fully in your purpose.

Connect with Redefine & Reveal Massage Therapy & BodyworkWebsite: www.redefineandreveal.comEmail: massage@redefineandreveal.comInstagram/Facebook: @redefineandrevealSupport Render a Respite: Donations start at just $10.

Want more Black. Girl. Iowa.?Check out more ways to connect, reflect, and support the movement:

• Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

• Instagram: @blackgirliowa

• TikTok: @blackgirliowa

• Shop: BlackGirlIowaShop on Etsy — apparel (sweatshirts & t-shirts) and journaling kits

In this week’s episode of the Black. Girl. Iowa. podcast, Emili reflects on the legacy of Black women’s organizing through her experiences with the Tawasi Federated Women’s Club.

She highlights how community involvement is both a personal journey and a way of honoring those who came before us. From the safe housing provided to students in 1919 by the Iowa Association of Colored Women’s Clubs to the ongoing service of Tawasi, Black women have always built networks, created opportunities, and led with resilience.

Emili reminds listeners that rest is revolutionary, service is an honor, and meaningful change happens when each of us contributes to our communities and connects with others through local organizations.

Want more Black. Girl. Iowa.?

🌐 Website: www.blackgirliowa.com📱 Instagram: @blackgirliowa🎵 TikTok: @blackgirliowa

#BlackGirlIowa #BlackWomenLead #CommunityLegacy #IowaHistory #BlackExcellence #ServiceAndLegacy #RestIsRevolutionary #BlackWomenOrganize #CommunityMatters #HonorThePastBuildTheFuture

On this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili welcomes Loretta Windsor, founder of Sista SoulFest. What began as a vision in 2020 has grown into a powerful annual celebration spotlighting women of color, entrepreneurs, artistry, and community pride.

The 6th Annual Sista SoulFest takes place Sunday, August 31st from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at Evelyn K. Davis Park in Des Moines. This year’s theme is Empowerment Through Unity, featuring food, music, a fashion show, vendors, and the inspiring “We See You Sis” Awards—all free and open to the public.

Loretta shares how SoulFest has expanded beyond Iowa, the importance of representation, and the lasting impact of building safe and joyful spaces for the community.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

• Spotify

• Apple Podcasts

• Amazon Music

• iHeartRadio

• Pandora

• YouTube

🛍️ Shop exclusive podcast merch + journaling kits: BlackGirlIowaShop on Etsy

📲 Follow on social media: Instagram | TikTok

🔗 Stay Connected to Black. Girl. Iowa.

In this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., I sit down with Kayla Bell-Consolver—licensed mental health counselor, community leader, and founder of Question Kayla, LLC.

Kayla opens up about her journey from Tampa to Des Moines, the challenges of Black girlhood and acceptance, and how her experiences with shame and resilience shape the powerful work she does today. We talk about therapy as “heart work,” her viral TikToks making mental health accessible, and why she believes: “You don’t have to be perfect, you just gotta be you.”

This conversation is about healing, identity, and the courage to embrace every part of who we are.

Stay Connected with Kayla:

Question Kayla, LLCMental Health Presentations, Consultations, and Trainings
Pronouns: She/Her
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

• Website: questionkaylallc.com

• Substack: questionkayla.substack.com

• TikTok: @questionkayla

• Instagram: @questionkayla28

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
✨ Read reflections, guest features, and community stories on the Black. Girl. Iowa. Blog.
✨ Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for updates, journaling prompts, and behind-the-scenes.

Keep telling your story. Keep being unapologetically you. 🖤