Sadie Lincoln, founder of buzzy fitness brand Barre3, grew up off the grid in a counterculture, women-led community. On this episode of In Progress, she discusses with host Aurora James why acknowledging both the light and dark parts of your origin story is integral to charting your path forward.

Raised in a super financial-savvy household, Tiffany Aliche—a.k.a The Budgetnista—put all the pieces for a secure future in place by her early 20s. But then the recession hit, and it spelled financial disaster. On this episode of In Progress, Aliche breaks down how being forced to start over and return to the basics was the reality check she needed to get back on her feet and start empowering other women to do the same.

Biet Simkin started meditating while she was still in diapers. Raised by a shaman, Biet’s spiritual upbringing has always had a huge presence on her life. But after early adulthood brought unimaginable tragedy, a life-threatening illness, and struggles with addiction, Biet had to return to her roots in a major way in order to reclaim her future. On this episode of In Progress, the buzzy spiritual teacher and author digs in deep with host Aurora James about the importance of honoring your origins. 

Patty Rodriguez is not only senior producer of On Air With Ryan Seacrest, but she’s also a serial entrepreneur. On this episode of In Progress, Patty and host Aurora James explore how being raised by immigrant parents in Southeast LA was a huge part of her drive to succeed.

Anine Bing founded her namesake label in 2012, and suddenly it seemed like every cool girl on the ‘gram was rocking her minimalist, rock ‘n’ roll chic wares. On this episode of In Progress, Anine and host Aurora James discuss how Anine’s homey upbringing in Sweden and experiences traveling the world as a model were formative to her ability to utilize digital tools like blogging and IG way before everyone else caught on.

Melanie Elturk started law school at the age of 20. A couple years later, she went on to found the chic hijab and accessory company Haute Hijab. On this week’s episode of In Progress, Melanie takes a deep dive with host Aurora James into her academically rigorous upbringing and how her connection to her family heritage evolved into a huge part of her passion. 

Season 2 of our special-edition podcast In Progress takes a deep dive into how our origin stories and formative cultural experiences shape our careers and our individual narratives. Hosted by Aurora James, founder of Brother Vellies, each of these 6 episodes offers up an inspirational and actionable roadmap to owning our personal journeys and living fully in our present selves.

How to find your purpose and let it inspire you: To get from A to B, you have to have a destination in mind. Our first episode is about discovering your purpose—a north star that  points you in the direction of your dreams.

Transitioning to a path that works better for you: So you have a dream, an end goal—now what? Episode two is crash course in the do’s and don’ts of transitioning from the life you have to the life you want, with minimal messiness.

What nobody tells you about changing careers: Planning to quit your day job on the spot and begin a new adventure? Admirable, but for most people, not realistic. Here’s what you need to know about jumping ship and starting again.