
I am a Strong Black Woman and I am Proud of That
04/03/24 • 47 min
Menopause Whist Black Season SIX Episode 2!
This weeks guest is Mary Martin, founder of fashion house Mary Martin London.
Mary is an award-winning self taught fashion designer based in South London. Originally from Wales, Mary's story literally reads like a 'rags to riches' novel - this determined woman has never had any intention of being stuck with the cards she was dealt. Her strong Christian faith is a common thread throughout her life. Mary shares her menopause story and how she cares for herself 'naturally'. (I am aware of some contention around this word, but listen in and you'll get it)
We talk about:
- Early years as a teenager new to London from Wales.
- Her unwaivering faith in God
- Discovering her fashion creativity and purpose.
- The rage that accompanied her menopause onset.
- The joys of regular exercise.
and so much more.
There's no getting round the fact that Mary is and continues to be an inspiration to many, and we're sure you'll find a part of her journey that resonates.
This episode is available to watch on YouTube and listen on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and beyond.
If Mary's story hits home do share this episode with others who may benefit from our conversation. Don’t forget to leave a comment or positive review on your chosen platform!
NOTES:
Power of a Woman Awards founded by Frederick (Freddie) NWAKA.
For UK wide lessons visit Learn to Swim. Or visit Swim Dem Crew or Black Tri Tribe our Black UK community
CONNECT
- Mary Martin London website.
- Mary Martin on Instagram.
- Menopause Whilst Black on Instagram
- Karen Arthur on Instagram
- MWBPod website
If you are a brand or business whose values align with Menopause Whilst Black consider sponsoring a season or an epsiode of this podcast. Get in touch for rates: [email protected]
Jiggle your bits to our Spotify Playlist
Email the show: [email protected]
Like, subscribe, follow and rate Menopause whilst Black on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Karen Arthur is a menopause activist and campaigner and host of this podcast plus a new bi-weekly weekend radio show on Golddust radio 'Can We Talk'. Listen to the latest episode on Soundcloud
*We recognise that inclusive language is important in ensuring that ALL who experience menopause are seen and heard. The term ‘women’ is used whilst mindful of this.
Team MWB:
Producer and Editor: Beyongolia Productions
Digital design and communications: Yaa Studio Space
Menopause Whist Black Season SIX Episode 2!
This weeks guest is Mary Martin, founder of fashion house Mary Martin London.
Mary is an award-winning self taught fashion designer based in South London. Originally from Wales, Mary's story literally reads like a 'rags to riches' novel - this determined woman has never had any intention of being stuck with the cards she was dealt. Her strong Christian faith is a common thread throughout her life. Mary shares her menopause story and how she cares for herself 'naturally'. (I am aware of some contention around this word, but listen in and you'll get it)
We talk about:
- Early years as a teenager new to London from Wales.
- Her unwaivering faith in God
- Discovering her fashion creativity and purpose.
- The rage that accompanied her menopause onset.
- The joys of regular exercise.
and so much more.
There's no getting round the fact that Mary is and continues to be an inspiration to many, and we're sure you'll find a part of her journey that resonates.
This episode is available to watch on YouTube and listen on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and beyond.
If Mary's story hits home do share this episode with others who may benefit from our conversation. Don’t forget to leave a comment or positive review on your chosen platform!
NOTES:
Power of a Woman Awards founded by Frederick (Freddie) NWAKA.
For UK wide lessons visit Learn to Swim. Or visit Swim Dem Crew or Black Tri Tribe our Black UK community
CONNECT
- Mary Martin London website.
- Mary Martin on Instagram.
- Menopause Whilst Black on Instagram
- Karen Arthur on Instagram
- MWBPod website
If you are a brand or business whose values align with Menopause Whilst Black consider sponsoring a season or an epsiode of this podcast. Get in touch for rates: [email protected]
Jiggle your bits to our Spotify Playlist
Email the show: [email protected]
Like, subscribe, follow and rate Menopause whilst Black on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Karen Arthur is a menopause activist and campaigner and host of this podcast plus a new bi-weekly weekend radio show on Golddust radio 'Can We Talk'. Listen to the latest episode on Soundcloud
*We recognise that inclusive language is important in ensuring that ALL who experience menopause are seen and heard. The term ‘women’ is used whilst mindful of this.
Team MWB:
Producer and Editor: Beyongolia Productions
Digital design and communications: Yaa Studio Space
Previous Episode

I come from a place of joy - say 'YES' with your chest!
Menopause Whist Black Season SIX Episode 1! We're BAAAAACK!
Our guest this week is @theKarenArthur - ex teacher and fashion designer, now broadcaster and founder of this podcast @menopausewhilstblack . Yes it's me!
Here's my bio:
"Karen Arthur is a Black woman with a powerful story to tell. From an unexpected and unplanned departure from her teaching career, brought on breakdown triggered by her menopause, she reemerged.
Karen had help through therapy to unpack a long abusive relationship, grief, anxiety and depression and a deep loss of self, to become a fashion designer, model, menopause diversity campaigner and positive ageing advocate".
Episode one of this brand new season is hosted by previous guest Creative coach, speaker and artist Adah Parris.
We talk about:
- Anxiety, Depression and menopause - a surprising triple threat
- The liberation that arrived when learning to set boundaries > Growing up Black in white spaces
- The futility of trying to fit in
- Vulnerability as the ultimate strength.
...and so much more.
Adah truly went above and beyond with her questions, and the result is a wonderfully frank mix of wisdom and laughter.
If my story resonates with you please do share this episode with others who may benefit from our words and advice.
Don’t forget to leave a comment or positive review on your chosen platform! New episodes drop every Wednesday!
Please note:
These episodes are conversations between humans discussing their own menopause experiences. They are no substitute for advice and consultation with a qualified health professional. No two menopause experiences are the same so do remember to do your own research.
Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen or hop over to YouTube for your visual fix , and recommend to a friend (or three) who you think would enjoy this episode.
NOTES
Nova Reid, The Good Ally book
Nat Lue Recovering people pleaser Sweatshirt and The Joy of Saying No book
Audrey Lorde - Poetry is not a Luxury
CONNECT
- Menopause Whilst Black on Instagram:
- Karen Arthur on Instagram
- MWBPod website
- Reach out to Adah Parris at https://www.adahparris.com/ and https://www.adahparris.art/
If you are a brand or business whose values align with Menopause Whilst Black consider sponsoring a season or an epsiode of this podcast. Get in touch for rates: [email protected]
Jiggle your bits to our Spotify Playlist
Email the show: [email protected]
Like, subscribe, follow and rate Menopause whilst Black on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Karen Arthur is a menopause activist and campaigner and host of this podcast plus a new bi-weekly weekend radio show on Golddust radio 'Can We Talk'. Listen to the latest episode on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-345169177/karen-arthur-can-we-talk-episode-11-with-cyndi-hanson-on-gold-dust-radio-16-3-24
https://www.golddusthub.com/radio
*We recognise that inclusive language is important in ensuring that ALL who experience menopause are seen and heard. The term ‘women’ is used whilst mindful of this.
Team MWB:
Producer and Editor: Beyongolia Productions
Digital design and communications: Yaa Studio Space
Next Episode

No one knows YOUR body better!
Menopause Whist Black Season SIX Episode 2!
Our guest for Episode three this week is Dr Itunuwoluwa Johnson @DrShoCares. Dr Itunu is a portfolio GP who specialises in menopause care based in North London. She is a founder of @rockmymenopause bringing menopause facts and myths to the fore and part of @heal_courses empowering Black health.
Dr Itunu champions health equity and holistic practise as GP Tutor and examiner at Queen Marys Hospital.
We discuss:
- how her mothers experience with breast cancer influenced her path.
- medical school training
- her passion for helping Black women in pain
- her own diagnosis of PCOS AND Endometriosis
- What Culturally Competent Care looks like within the health profession
- and so much more.
We also had a lot of fun talking about her own daily routine which might seem unusual to some but thats the beauty of crafting your own rituals and that work for you, right?
Dr Itunu has written an ebook 'A personal guide to Menopause for Black Women'. This is available FREE to Menopause Whilst Black listeners by contacting Dr Itunu @drshocares
This episode is available to watch on YouTube and listen on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and beyond. If Dr Itunu's story resonates do share this episode with others who may benefit from our conversation. Don’t forget to leave a positive review on your chosen platform!
NOTES
Breast cancer gene information (BRCA1 and 2)
Dr. Nighat Arif and The Health Collective
HEAL courses (Health, advocacy and learning courses)
The Lancet article - Time for a balanced conversation about menopause
CONNECT
- Dr Sho Cares website
- DrSho on Instagram.
- Menopause Whilst Black on Instagram
- Karen Arthur on Instagram
- MWBPod website
If you are a brand or business whose values align with Menopause Whilst Black consider sponsoring a season or an epsiode of this podcast. Get in touch for rates: [email protected]
Jiggle your bits to our Spotify Playlist
Email the show: [email protected]
Like, subscribe, follow and rate Menopause whilst Black on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Karen Arthur is a menopause activist and campaigner and host of this podcast plus a new bi-weekly weekend radio show on Golddust radio 'Can We Talk'. Listen to the latest episode on Soundcloud
We recognise that inclusive language is important in ensuring that ALL who experience menopause are seen and heard. The term ‘women’ is used whilst mindful of this.
Team MWB:
Producer and Editor: Beyongolia Productions
Digital design and communications: Yaa Studio Space
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