Co-Founder of Claima and Former Nike Marketer, Bimma Williams interviews leading and emerging creatives and entrepreneurs of color about how they were able to b...
EP 102: Raven B Varona, Photographer, Director and Philanthropist
With infinite pride and hunger, Raven or RavieB comes from the Bronx and she always comes to represent herself and the individuals she captures with her lens of choice. Though Raven dabbled in many different fields, when she picked up a camera, she felt at home and instantly knew photography was the career she wanted to pursue. Now, Raven, who has taken your favorite photo of Jay Z, Adele, Big Sean, Lebron, Damson Idris and countless others - didn’t take the easy route to arrive where she is today. Raven had to truly learn the power of no and the myriad of doors that would open for the livelihood of herself and her now deceased mother. Raven has already made history capturing iconic cultural moments that will live on forever. It sounds cliche but if you ask her, that’s only the half of it.Co-Founder of Claima and Former Nike Marketer, Bimma Williams interviews leading and emerging creatives and entrepreneurs of color about how they were able to build their own tables by turning their hobbies, side hustles, and ideas into thriving small businesses. From these stories, listeners will learn how to claim their dream careers by stepping into the world of entrepreneurship. Featuring Melody Ehsani, Dapper Dan, Jeff Staple, Karleen Roy and more. Follow Claima Stories and Bimma Williams on Instagram: @claimastories and @bimmawilliams
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1:20:23
EP 101: Hema Persad, Owner and Principal Designer of Sagrada Studios
Born in Toronto to Indo-Guyanese parents, Hema was taught the value of good work ethic. Regardless of what she’s into, she’s always going to do it at 110%. Hema found herself constantly chasing fulfillment throughout her many professions, whether that was being a successful lawyer, morphing into an A-list stylist for the likes of Madonna to Andy Samberg, or interior design, Hema was going to figure it out. The biggest lesson in her journey would come from a book that empowered her to be still, wait, and let the answers reveal themselves. And though that approach may sound unorthodox to some, Hema would argue it was life-changing. Co-Founder of Claima and Former Nike Marketer, Bimma Williams interviews leading and emerging creatives and entrepreneurs of color about how they were able to build their own tables by turning their hobbies, side hustles, and ideas into thriving small businesses. From these stories, listeners will learn how to claim their dream careers by stepping into the world of entrepreneurship. Featuring Melody Ehsani, Dapper Dan, Jeff Staple, Karleen Roy and more. Follow Claima Stories and Bimma Williams on Instagram: @claimastories and @bimmawilliams
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EP: 100 Chris Gibbs, Owner of Union, LA and Beth Birkett Gibbs Owner of Bephie's Beauty Supply
We've made it to our 100th episode!! A definite milestone for the Claima Stories Family! And we're doing it with none other than whom GQ Magazine has crowned them Streetwear’s First Family. Chris Gibbs, owner of Union LA and his partner Beth Birkett Gibbs, owner of Bephie’s Beauty Supply, film director, and creative collaborator with Chris amongst many other forms of storytelling. Yes, this is streetwear’s first family and they are so much more. As we discussed the evolution of streetwear, what it’s like seeing the world through the eyes of their two boys, the pros and cons of LA and NYC, the algorithms of social media, and the value of community; growth at every level for this couple comes with grace and they’re navigating it as only a first family would.Co-Founder of Claima and Former Nike Marketer, Bimma Williams interviews leading and emerging creatives and entrepreneurs of color about how they were able to build their own tables by turning their hobbies, side hustles, and ideas into thriving small businesses.From these stories, listeners will learn how to claim their dream careers by stepping into the world of entrepreneurship. Featuring Melody Ehsani, Dapper Dan, Jeff Staple, Karleen Roy and more.Follow Claima Stories and Bimma Williams on Instagram: @claimastories and @bimmawilliams
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EP 99: Humberto Leon, Co-Founder of Opening Ceremony and Owner of restaurants Monarch and Chifa
Being a glass half-full type of creative and entrepreneur has allowed today's guest, Humberto Leon, to build a vibrant career. In the 70’s Humberto and his family Immigrated to LA where he would fall in love with fashion and often find himself in the aisles of thrift stores mining for just the right pieces. Fast forward to a storied career in the industry, Humberto and his friend Carol Lim decided to step out on their own launching Opening Ceremony. A place where they would bring all their intersections of culture into one space. In our conversation ahead, we chat about Humberto's time at Opening Ceremony and his newer ventures into the food industry with his family. One thing remains true whether he's serving food or fashion, that feeling of being welcomed is at the forefront of anything Humberto touches. Co-Founder of Claima and Former Nike Marketer, Bimma Williams interviews leading and emerging creatives and entrepreneurs of color about how they were able to build their own tables by turning their hobbies, side hustles, and ideas into thriving small businesses. From these stories, listeners will learn how to claim their dream careers by stepping into the world of entrepreneurship. Featuring Melody Ehsani, Dapper Dan, Jeff Staple, Karleen Roy and more. Follow Claima Stories and Bimma Williams on Instagram: @claimastories and @bimmawilliams
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1:08:18
EP 98: Calmatic, Film Director
Not many creatives have the opportunity to come out with two films in one year but with remakes of cult classics like White Men Can’t Jump and House Party but today's guest, Calmatic, did just that. Calmatic proudly grew up as your quintessential Black nerd, creating flyers, making beats, designing album covers and capturing memorable moments for LA’s finest. As he continues to create, he’s ready to tell his own stories and trust me, he could care less about the rotten tomato reviews. We're ready to dive into this Grammy award winning director's career journey and his approach to language, references and representation.Co-Founder of Claima and Former Nike Marketer, Bimma Williams interviews leading and emerging creatives and entrepreneurs of color about how they were able to build their own tables by turning their hobbies, side hustles, and ideas into thriving small businesses. From these stories, listeners will learn how to claim their dream careers by stepping into the world of entrepreneurship. Featuring Melody Ehsani, Dapper Dan, Jeff Staple, Karleen Roy and more. Follow Claima Stories and Bimma Williams on Instagram: @claimastories and @bimmawilliams
Co-Founder of Claima and Former Nike Marketer, Bimma Williams interviews leading and emerging creatives and entrepreneurs of color about how they were able to build their own tables by turning their hobbies, side hustles, and ideas into thriving small businesses. From these stories, listeners will learn how to claim their dream careers by stepping into the world of entrepreneurship. Featuring Melody Ehsani, Jeff Staple, James Whitner and more. Follow Claima Stories (@claimastories) and Bimma Williams (@bimmawilliams) on Instagram, and watch us on YouTube (@claimastories).Â
South Africa