Episode 57: We Take Care of Us Building Collective Wellness | Anika Hobbs

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Dr. Kristian sits down with Anika Hobbs, visionary founder of Nubian Hueman, a socially conscious brand supporting over 600 Black- and Brown-owned businesses across six continents. Together, they explore the deep connections between wellness, community, retail as activism, and creating space for joy and restoration in the face of systemic harm.

Anika shares her journey of intentionally designing spaces (physical, emotional, and spiritual) that allow Black people to thrive without code-switching, without shrinking, and without apology. From the impact of a traumatic brain injury to navigating the spiritual nature of entrepreneurship, Anika’s insights illuminate the emotional labor behind curation and the urgency of prioritizing purpose over performance. The two discuss how grounding in love, not fear, fuels transformation. They remind us that healing is collective, joy is revolutionary, and community is the medicine we all need.

Callout Quote:
“Just remember—we take care of us. Stay spiritually grounded in love, not fear.” – Cecily (as quoted by Anika)

Key Takeaways:

• Retail is not just commerce; it’s a powerful platform for activism and cultural healing. By supporting Black- and Brown-owned businesses, we participate in a broader movement of economic empowerment and resistance against systemic inequality. Curated retail spaces become sanctuaries of representation, dignity, and community connection.
• Your purpose is often subtle, a quiet whisper rather than a loud call. Learning to slow down, listen inwardly, and trust your intuition is essential in identifying your true path. Purpose-driven work is sustainable and fulfilling, especially when aligned with spiritual and emotional wellbeing.
  
• Wellness must be intentional and culturally relevant. Healing practices should reflect the lived experiences and histories of Black communities, embracing holistic approaches that honor mind, body, and spirit. Wellness is not a luxury, it’s a necessity for thriving and resistance.
• Fear is a limiting force that constrains creativity, joy, and growth. In contrast, love is abundant, expansive, and sustaining.
• Collective care and community support are foundational for Black liberation and healing. No individual journey exists in isolation. We must actively create and participate in networks of mutual aid, encouragement, and shared resilience to thrive amid systemic challenges.

Highlights:

• Anika shares the origin story of Nubian Hueman and how it grew to support over 600 Black- and Brown-owned brands worldwide, emphasizing the power of intentional community building through retail. [00:06:05]
• Discussion of how Anika’s traumatic brain injury shifted her perspective on wellness, spiritual alignment, and the importance of slowing down and listening to one’s body and intuition. [00:19:30]
• Exploration of how retail spaces and curation serve as a form of activism, creating culturally safe spaces that resist assimilation and honor Black joy and excellence. [00:31:45]
• Anika opens up about the emotional labor involved in being a cultural curator, the pressure to perform, and the need for sustainable practices to avoid burnout. [00:39:50]
  
  

Quotes:

• “Healing looks different for Black folks, it requires space to exhale.”
• “When you’re walking in purpose, the resources will find you.”
• “You can only do so much in fear. But love? Love is infinite.”
• “We need each other. We take care of us.”