We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Weslyn Mahogany Bowers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Weslyn Mahogany , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear stories from your time in school/training/etc.

Growing up life was hard for me as a young black female being raised by my maternal grandparents in the south. I can remember hunger pains from not eating a meal for days, I can remember being scared and alone, but I also can remember the love from my grandparents and the safety i felt when my brothers were present. More than anything I remember surviving my childhood.

Weslyn Mahogany , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Born and raised in Savannah GA.

Was apart of the first graduating class with honors from the first performing arts high school in Savannah named Savannah Arts Academy.

Started out as a spoken word with Spitfire poetry group and a dancer with Sankofa dance theater.

Then I worked for Clear Channel Communications which is now IHeart radio for 11 years as the number 1 Mid Day Diva until I retired and fully put my focus on my 501c3 non-profit Blessings In A Book Bag 14 years and being a global Communications and mindfulness speaker for 10 years.

I discovered and got certified in yoga 8 years ago. I teach all around the world. Exposing people to the joy that is yoga.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I have to unlearn not trusting anyone and anything. This has been a hard lesson because where I come from we were taught “every man for himself and God for all” . This type of environment breeds competition and no collaboration. It also stifles your creativity. You begin to not be as creative as you can be because you are concerned with the what if instead of living in the sun of your gifts and talents. This takes a lot of practice.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had been an on air personality for 11 years and number one in my market and time slot repeatedly. One day I called my father and told him about the pivot I was thinking about doing with leaving the station. I remember my father telling me after I gave him all the reasons for my thoughts of retiring and my father said ” Baby, you just got your ratings back and your number one. If you’re going to leave you make sure it’s while you’re on top. ” I walked into my program directors office and extended my hand to him and said “It’s my time and I wish you the best in your future endeavors “.
That was a bold move, but necessary for my personal growth. I’m thankful for every opportunity that radio gave me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blessingsinabookbag.com
• Instagram: @ladymahogany912
• Facebook: Weslyn Bowers
• Yelp: The Y Bar Savannah

Image Credits
Photographer: Corey Brooks