From Pretty to Powerful: Confidence, Self-Worth & Mental Healing for Black Women

"There is nowhere to hide when you’re standing on a runway. It’s just you.

Every insecurity. Every doubt.

Every fear." In this episode of The Melanin Wellness Podcast, host Cori reflects on a lifelong dream that took an unexpected path. From watching trailblazers like Beverly Johnson and Tyra Banks to revisiting the complicated legacy of America’s Next Top Model through the recent Netflix documentary Reality Check, Cori explores the narrow (and often damaging) beauty standards that Black women have navigated for decades.

Cori shares her personal journey of stepping onto the runway later in life—not just to build her daughter’s confidence, but to reclaim her own. Discover how "taking up space" in front of a camera transformed her life in midlife and why your own "runway" is calling you to stop shrinking and start standing tall.

In this episode, we discuss: The impact of early representation (and the lack thereof) in fashion. The lessons learned from Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.

How modeling became a tool for self-discovery and power. Why your dreams are an invitation to expand, no matter your age or stage of life.

Take Up Space with Us: What is calling you to take up space more boldly in your life? We want to hear from you!

Share your story with Cori via the SpeakPipe link below. Resources & Tools: Featured in Voyage Raleigh | Ranked Top 25% Globally on Apple Podcasts