Creative Encounters

Nini Oki is a creative consultant and brand specialist, who has established herself as a driving force in the industry. With a commitment to fostering connections, creating opportunities, and spotlighting Black talent within the creative community, Nini has orchestrated numerous impactful events, showcasing her dedication to bridging gaps and establishing networks, particularly among Black female creatives within the Middle East region. Nini’s impressive portfolio features collaborations with renowned businesses and publications, a testament to her expertise and innovative approach to brand management.

On this hilarious episode, Nini talks her journey from law school to the beauty industry, building friendship with God, how to find collaborators for your creative vision and the power of dreams.

Verses Mentioned

John 12:27-28 (MSG)

Quotes Mentioned

"I stand on the sacrifices of a million women before me thinking what can I do to make this mountain taller so the women after me can see farther

-legacy"~Rupi Kaur

On this episode, I share my musings on the connection between emotional wellness and a healthy prayer life.

Resources Mentioned

The Garden Within (book) by Dr Anita Phillips

This Here Flesh (book) by Cole Arthur Riley

Built to Last Women (newsletter & podcast on Spotify) by Ijeoma Adesanya

Uzoma is a lifestyle, beauty and faith creator based in Canada. She creates videos and content to inspire Godly living in the most mundane circumstances. She seeks to inspire young people of this generation to know that loving God and living a beautiful life are not mutually exclusive. She started this venture in 2020 and has been loving it ever since. She seeks to present God to people of all ages in every possible way, and show that true Life is found in Him alone.

On this episode, Uzoma shares practical tips for growing a YouTube channel, the power of community and how to process disappointment.

Resources Mentioned

On this episode, I introduce a new season of the podcast and share the desires of my heart with you.

Verses Mentioned

Psalm 36:9

Isaiah 43:19

Resources Mentioned

It's the season finale! There has been a constant throughout the Back to Basics series: Bible verses. In this episode, I discuss the Bible, a compilation of divinely-inspired writings, foundational to our faith walk. I engage in conversation with Emely, my wise friend and Bible study partner. She shares her experience as someone who started reading the Word recently, and the ways in which it has enriched her life. This episode embodies everything that I envisioned for Back to Basics: honesty, simplicity and light. Thank you for listening to the Back to Basics series; I pray that it plants seeds of truth and life in every unsettled or wondering heart.

In this episode, I talk about our companion for the faith walk, the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit). Inspired by a book on the Holy Spirit by Charles Spurgeon, I discuss the signs of the Spirit including creative works, resurrection works, and works of healing and total transformation. "But the Holy Spirit is the one who will help you. My Father will send him in my name. He will teach you everything I have said to you." John 14:26. In life with the Spirit, we find everything; Everything is Here.

In this episode I talk about humility as the fuel for our journey of faith. I discuss the ways in which humility helps us remain true students of the faith, makes us willing to obey, enables us relinquish control and allows us to pour out our lives continually for the glory of God. "He must increase; I must decrease."-John 3:30.

In this episode, I talk about prayer as a means of communicating with God in order to foster a relationship with our maker. While there is no one way to pray, I share little notes on the "how" part of this practice. I discuss the ways in which our view of God and prayer affects how we pray (perception), using sincere words (simplicity), knowing that we are never alone in prayer (community), diligently seeking God (consistency) and graduating from praying solely about our needs to praying for transformation (introspection).

Resources Mentioned

In this episode, I discuss the ways in which worship music has been a gift in my life, and how it has strengthened my faith. I also talk about the power of music in general, and nuanced ways of thinking about its effects. How do we move from laws to love (of God) in the questions we have about what types of music we can listen to as beginning believers trying to honestly walk this faith path? 

Resources Mentioned 

In this episode, I discuss my personal journey with "Fasting," a practice I started only three years ago. I talk about types of fasting including Fruit fasting, the Daniel Fast and social media/content fasting. I also share the ways in which fasting helps to break old habits and refine one's life. Lastly, I highlight a few reminders: start small, know your why, be encouraged in your why, take care of yourself and remember the worthy purpose-to go deeper with God. 

In this episode, I discuss the ways in which journaling helps me remember, stay present and be accountable to God. I also share my top 5 tips for journaling including curation, conversational writing, asking God for confirmation, consistency and concluding your entries on a hopeful note. 

Resources Mentioned 

In the very first episode of the season, I introduce "Back to Basics," a series of solo episodes aimed at sharing the foundational elements of my faith walk; the what, the how and most importantly, my why. 

Verses Mentioned 

Colossians 2

Instagram 

In this episode, I talk about dealing with some of the most uncomfortable moments in our faith journey: being in the "Refiner's Room," stepping out of one's comfort zone in obedience and experiencing supposed silence from God. 

Verses Mentioned

Romans 8:1

2 Timothy 4:2

Judges 6:33-40

Jeremiah 1:2 

Poem Mentioned 

Atinúké Seriki is bubbly, energetic and passionate about healing and restoration through the Gospel. She works as a medical doctor and writes a newsletter for her initiative, “Beauty Beyond Mirrors,” a platform centred on teaching women to behold the beauty of Jesus and reflect him to the world around us. Atinúké  is also a budding singer-songwriter. In July 2022, she released her debut EP ‘It’s Time’ where she shares her own healing experience through songs and spoken word. “Rhythm of Grace,” a fan favourite from her EP, recently received airplay on BBC Radio 1Xtra.

In this episode, Atinúké discusses God speaking through music, navigating pain through honest prayers and refining perspectives.

Resources 

What happens when we prioritize seeking God for what He can do for us at the expense of seeking Him simply for who He is? In this episode, the second minisode in the "My Encounters" series, I talk about the importance of placing the greatest value on hosting God's presence in our lives and work, as creators.

Resources Mentioned 

Welcome to "My Encounters," a series of short solo episodes where I share the things that Holy Spirit is teaching me, so that we can learn and grow together. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by too many opportunities or bogged down by lengthy daily to-do lists? Here is a "minisode" on choosing God's pace over ours and aligning with purpose, starting with our daily rhythm. 

Resources Mentioned