Oct. 8, 2024

Empowering the Black Community: A Comprehensive Chat with Zorina on the Blu Alchemist Podcast

Introduction

In a powerful episode of the Blu Alchemist Podcast, host Siquoyia Blue sits down with Zorina, the creative force behind Zomadic Shift card games. Zorina's thoughtful conversation touches on crucial aspects of community-building within the Black community, emphasizing entrepreneurship, mutual support, and the importance of innovative and inclusive games for children.

Acknowledging Historical Context While Moving Forward

One of the core discussions revolves around the tendency within the Black community to attribute current challenges solely to the historical impact of slavery. Zorina stresses that while it is essential to acknowledge this past, it is equally crucial to utilize the historical "playbook" to foster current and future community growth.

She calls for a metaphorical reconstruction of Black Wall Street, a thriving testament to Black entrepreneurship, urging the community to rally behind Black-owned businesses. This support extends beyond mere patronage; Zorina emphasizes the necessity of maintaining top-notch customer service to build and sustain productive consumer-entrepreneur relationships.

Overcoming Internal Struggles and Building Community

A significant barrier within the community, as Zorina sees it, is the lack of collective support driven by personal feelings of inadequacy and a reluctance to see others succeed. This mindset needs to change. Zorina underscores the importance of uplifting each other, teaching Black history, and fostering respect to inspire generational wealth and community resilience.

Bridging Generational Gaps through Inclusive Play

Moving into her entrepreneurial endeavors, Zorina reveals her passion for creating games that bridge generational gaps. She focuses on developing games that encourage children to develop essential social skills and connect meaningfully with adults. Zorina believes that in an era dominated by technology, it's crucial to counteract the isolating effects of the digital world.

She shares a personal anecdote where she played her game with special needs children, which inspired her to design inclusive games for children with disabilities, including those in Braille for blind children. Her slogan, "All kids like to have giggles and wiggles of fun," reflects her mission to ensure enjoyable and inclusive play for every child.

Addressing Modern Challenges Faced by Children

Zorina and Siquoyia also touch upon modern challenges such as increased isolation and cyberbullying among children, contrasting this with their own school experiences. Zorina notes the alarming rise in anxiety and depression among children today, advocating for the role of engaging and imaginative games in mitigating these issues.

Personal Struggles and Selflessness

Zorina’s life embodies her beliefs, exemplified by her choice to care for her brother over pursuing personal leisure plans and her drive to help others. She emphasizes that personal happiness stems from doing good and engaging in activities one loves, not necessarily from financial success.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Zorina has clear goals in both her business and personal life. She aspires for Zomadic Shift to gain widespread success, enabling her to shift focus towards societal impact initiatives like organizing conferences for parents and kids. Her dream includes creating a supportive community for low-income Black families, offering employment opportunities, and naming streets after famous Black individuals.

Perseverance in Business

In the game industry, where she represents less than 5%, Zorina knows the importance of diversity and perseverance. She encourages fellow entrepreneurs to remain committed and resilient despite the initial lack of support or recognition.

Defining Success Beyond Material Wealth

Zorina also shares her perspective on success, demonstrating that joy and richness in life don't come from material possessions. She provides a vivid example of a happy homeless person, underlining that personal contentment comes from within.

Conclusion

Zorina’s story is a powerful reminder of the need for mutual support, community-building, and innovative thinking within the Black community. Her efforts in creating inclusive and enjoyable games for children underline her commitment to fostering a supportive and connected community. This episode of the Blu Alchemist Podcast with Zorina is a testament to the beauty of perseverance, positivity, and the importance of uplifting one another.