Rough Cut is a podcast for jewelers and small business owners in the business of jewelry. Join us for straight talk, honest advice, business insights, trends you should be aware of, special guests, a touch of humor, and a whole lot of unsolicited opinions about the jewelry industry, everyone, and everything in it. Hosted by jewelry aficionado JB Jones photographer Alain Simic, and esteemed journalist Emili Vesilind. Follow Rough Cut on IG: @rough_cut_podcast on TikTok: @roughcutpodcast Follo ...
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Welcome to the Epicenter NYC podcast. Every week we share an in-depth look at one of our top stories. We'll also take a moment to share a story from one our neighbors - someone like you! For more visit us at epicenter-nyc.com and subscribe to our newsletter. Intro music: http://karavikamusic.com/ Production: https://www.pirateaudio.co/
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Inside Talisa Almonte’s journey building Almonte Studio
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20:28After losing her job during the pandemic, Talisa Almonte turned to art, launching Almonte Studio and building a business rooted in bold colors and personal meaning. In today's episode she talks about honoring her Dominican roots, navigating small business challenges, and growing her brand. Almonte Studio Follow on Instagram and TikTok at @almontest…
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We are joined by the talented, verbose, and horny dinophile, Joseph Ramsay! Yes, I said what I said. Also, if you subscribe to the substack, you will get a 15% discount code for the Rough Cut candle, an easy and delicious way to support the show. Follow us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/rough_cut_podcast/ Substack: https://roughcutpodcast.substack.…
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How Layra Marte Created a Healing Space Through Photography
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19:23For many of us, photography is reserved for milestones, but what if a portrait could help you reconnect with who you are right now? That’s the idea behind Layra Marz Photography, founded by Brooklyn-based photographer Layra Marte. Her work, which lives somewhere between boudoir and fine art, is about helping people, especially women and femmes of c…
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A New Chapter for the Catholic Church Under Pope Leo XIV
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22:46In this episode, we explore the early days of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy and what his unique background, American-born, Peruvian-based, and multilingual, might mean for the future of the Catholic Church. Host Ambar Castillo speaks with Dr. Hosffman Ospino and Dr. Andrew Chesnut about identity, immigration, and how Pope Leo is already reshaping the conve…
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Shame! Feel it!By Rough Cut
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Erika Dox-Martinez on Financial Wellness and Founding Blissful Vida
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20:01Erika Dox-Martinez spent over two decades in corporate accounting before founding Blissful Vida, a financial wellness company focused on helping Latinas and communities of color reshape how they think about money, success, and self-worth. In this episode, she shares her personal journey out of debt, the mindset shifts that changed her life, and how…
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How Outside/In Helps New Yorkers Recover Through Theater
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19:03This week we step inside The Perseverance Project, a powerful theater production created by Outside/In, an acting program for New Yorkers navigating recovery. Run by Suzy PetchEam through the Stella Adler Studio’s Arts Justice Division, the program offers more than just performance training, it’s a space for healing, self-expression, and second cha…
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Ofrenda Yoga Builds a New Kind of Studio in Harlem
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18:16Ofrenda Yoga Studio is one of the only BIPOC-owned studios in Harlem. Today, founder Jazmin Tejada shares how she built a welcoming, bilingual space in East Harlem where neighbors can show up exactly as they are, with music, movement, and community at the center. From salsa to savasana: the yoga studio offering local vibes in East Harlem Ofrenda Yo…
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Lulo: The App Helping Moms Navigate Food Benefits and More
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19:31Millions of families depend on WIC, but confusing rules and checkout struggles make it hard to use. In this episode, we meet Dani Lopez, founder of Lulo, a free app helping New York families navigate WIC more easily. She shares how her own childhood experiences inspired the platform and why designing with families, not just for them, is the future …
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How "Non-Corporate Girls" Is Changing the Career Conversation
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22:55For years, the traditional career path has followed a familiar blueprint — get the degree, land the job, climb the ladder. But for many women, especially women of color, that path can feel limiting, exhausting, or simply misaligned with their values. In response, more and more women are choosing a different path — one that’s driven by purpose, flex…
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We summon the stars; we conjure the moon and commune with the eldest and wisest celestials... to give you a few random thoughts and predictions. This is still a jewelry show, right?By Rough Cut
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Candles have become a staple of self-care culture — especially in recent years as more people look for ways to slow down and decompress. For many, lighting a candle isn’t just about ambiance—it’s a daily ritual, a moment to reset, reflect, and create a sense of comfort at home. That was definitely true for Aminta Freeman, the founder of Moodie Vibe…
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How Nashira Arnó's love for craft forged a sustainable jewelry brand
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20:28In a world of mass-produced, trend-chasing accessories, it can be hard to find pieces that truly resonate — pieces that honor both tradition and craftsmanship while minimizing environmental impact. Enter Dominican-born jewelry designer, Nashira Arnó. Nashira’s career began in the corporate fashion world, collaborating with industry giants like Macy…
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How Priscilla Jiminian is Transforming Skincare Through Skinergy Beauty
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19:25In her late 20s, frustrated with products that failed to treat her hormonal acne and hyperpigmentation, Priscilla Jiminian turned to the cherished skincare traditions of her Dominican roots. Recalling childhood memories of her mother's remedies, she went to the Dominican Republic, connecting with a local cosmetic formulator to craft what would beco…
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How Tammeca Rochester is Transforming Wellness for Women Over 40
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18:53Turning 40 is a milestone, but for many women, it's also a moment of transition—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Between navigating career pivots, caring for both aging parents and growing children, and adjusting to changes in their own bodies, women in this stage of life are often left searching for guidance and community. That’s where Redef…
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Yes, we did that.By Rough Cut
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Online harassment escalates as providers fail women & queer communities
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19:36Online harassment doesn’t always stay online—sometimes it turns into real-life danger. It might begin with rude comments, but it can quickly escalate into doxing, threats, or targeted campaigns that threaten someone’s home, workplace, or even physical safety. For marginalized communities, this kind of harassment can be especially relentless, adding…
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How one teen turned a family challenge into a bilingual book business
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17:12This week is Reading Across America Week, a time to celebrate the power of books and the joy of reading. But for many kids growing up in bilingual households, reading can come with an extra challenge—balancing the language spoken at home with the one used at school. That’s something that hits close to home for Daniela Palacios. During the pandemic,…
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Spoiler alert, we don't.By Rough Cut
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Dr. Ryan DeLapp on navigating cultural stress without disengaging
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23:29When the world feels overwhelming—whether it's due to the constant stream of bad news, policies that target marginalized communities, or the weight of everyday stress—how do we stay grounded? How do we protect our peace without disengaging? Today, we're tackling these questions with someone who’s spent his career helping people navigate racial, eth…
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Bird flu: Raw milk, food safety, and how ICE policies could worsen it all
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18:25Bird flu has been making headlines again, and if you’ve been wondering what’s really going on, you’re not alone. While the risk to the average person is still low, experts are keeping a close eye on the situation—especially as H5N1 spreads in mammals like cows, something we haven’t seen at this scale before. At the same time, public health communic…
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The fight to preserve a Brooklyn home believed to be part of the Underground Railroad
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18:59Today we explore the fight to preserve 227 Abolitionist Place, a rare Underground Railroad site in Brooklyn. Guests Shawne Lee and Raul Rothblatt discuss its history, the battle for landmark status, and ongoing efforts to protect its legacy from gentrification. Read our full story here. FAB’s tours are slated to resume in April 2025. For updates, s…
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Aura Heights: A Latina-Owned Brand Championing Identity and Culture
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15:17It’s New York Fashion Week, a time when designers, brands, and creatives take center stage. But beyond the runways, fashion is sparking conversation about identity, culture, and representation. So what does it mean to build a brand with purpose? One that reflects the communities it serves? Designer and entrepreneur Jean Guzman has done just that wi…
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The Sourced Studio celebrates self-expression in each piece of jewelry
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17:08Imagine this: It’s the middle of the pandemic, you’re looking for a creative outlet, and a simple trip to Michaels sparks something big. That’s exactly how The Sourced Studio was born—starting with DIY chain belts and growing into a Latinx-owned accessories brand specializing in permanent jewelry, a charm bar, and statement pieces that celebrate he…
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Inner Pttrn: How Coreen Ruiz Built a Community for Healing
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20:27What does it mean to truly heal? Beyond talk therapy and surface-level self-care, how do we break free from inherited patterns and reconnect with our authentic selves? These are the questions at the heart of Inner Pttrn, a collective dedicated to deep, transformative healing through embodied movement, ritual, and community support. Inner Pttrn was …
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Fringe Records brings queer-friendly community, comedy, niche music to Ridgewood
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11:11Located in Ridgewood, Fringe Records NYC is more than a record shop, it’s a queer-owned vibrant cultural hub, hosting everything from artist markets and comedy nights to noise shows and cult film screenings. It’s a space where niche music meets community connection — a sanctuary for music, inclusivity, and creativity. At the heart of it all is Andr…
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Mustafa Hussein on Reforming America’s Fragmented Healthcare System
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21:41The U.S. healthcare system is often described as one of the most advanced in the world, yet it’s also one of the most expensive and fragmented. Millions of Americans struggle with navigating insurance networks, surprise medical bills, and soaring costs. For many, accessing basic healthcare feels more like solving a puzzle than receiving care. So… w…
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Inside the Queens barbershop where community and style come together
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17:55Carlos Mercado — better known as Charly Hustle — is the proud owner of The Hustle Barbershop in Richmond Hill, Queens, and the founder of the Run Hustle Run club. Today, he shares how his upbringing shaped his entrepreneurial spirit, the pivotal moments that defined his career as a barber, and how he turned a childhood nickname into a brand that st…
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What to do if your insurance claim is denied in New York
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16:33The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has created a conversation about the health insurance industry. One consistent problem we’ve been hearing from community members is how often their claims or pre-authorizations are denied, even when their doctors say the procedures are necessary. We spoke with Diane K. Spicer, supervising attorney …
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How a doctor forged multiple paths to heal and ‘Mpower’ others
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24:12Dr. Wendy Ward is an anesthesiologist, a coach, and the founder of Mpower Productions—a business built on helping others recognize their own power and potential. Her journey started on Doctor’s Row in Crown Heights, surrounded by the influence of community leaders and a family dedicated to service. From there, Dr. Ward's path took her through colle…
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Chasing trade... shows. You pervert. We're talking about trade shows!By Rough Cut
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How Trump’s immigration policies could affect you and your loved ones
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22:32As New Yorkers brace for potential mass deportations and stricter enforcement, the city’s identity as a sanctuary for immigrants feels increasingly under threat. What does this mean for the communities that define New York—and the systems that support them? To help us unpack this, we’re joined by David Dyssegaard Kallick, director of the Immigratio…
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Preparing for Trump’s impact on NYCHA, Section 8 and affordable housing
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17:07With the incoming Trump administration, a lot of uncertainty looms for New Yorkers who rely on federal housing assistance, like Section 8. Potential changes to affordable housing policy could significantly impact many families, particularly in a city as diverse and dependent on federal support as New York. So, how can tenants prepare themselves for…
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Contrary to the industry rumors swirling about, Emili has NOT been fired! This is also an episode about pricing... Or whatever.By Rough Cut
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How one Rockaway Beach gym is redefining fitness
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19:32Good Form Studios is a boutique gym in Rockaway Beach that's redefining what fitness means for beginners. Founder, Monice Small, has built a community-focused space where people of all fitness levels come to feel stronger, more confident, and more connected—to themselves and each other. Today, I sit down with Monice to learn more about her journey …
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Manhattan’s only Black-owned comedy club offers laughter to ease election stress
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16:56In the heart of Sugar Hill, Manhattan’s only Black-owned comedy club, Comedy in Harlem, is entertaining and empowering the community. Founded by comedians Nicky Sunshine and Jamie Roberts, Comedy in Harlem isn’t only about the punchlines; it’s about creating a space for free expression and community connection – especially in turbulent times. The c…
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A Light in the Dark feat., Tess Sholom
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1:28:59Well, last week sure did happen. If you're feeling despair, we can't help much with that, but we can invite you to join our chat with the talented wise, and beautiful Tess Sholom. She drops some real wisdom in this one and gives us the strength to hope and carry on.By Rough Cut
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For many of us, election season comes with spikes in stress and anxiety. With so much uncertainty, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when the news and social media seem to only amplify our worries. The constant barrage of headlines, debates, and predictions can make it difficult to stay focused on our daily lives, leaving us feeling powerle…
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Deja Brew: Where coffee and Caribbean flavors come together
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17:34Deja Brew, a new cafe in Richmond Hill, Queens, is quickly becoming a go-to spot for locals. Known for blending Caribbean and Latin American flavors, Deja Brew serves up coffee and fusion dishes in a laid-back space. But more than just a cafe, Deja Brew is also about community—supporting local artists, giving back to schools, helping fellow immigra…
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Here we are... yet again.By Rough Cut
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The NYC Dad Whose Tool Is Helping Thousands Get into High School
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18:16Navigating high school admissions in New York City can be a daunting task, with over 900 programs to choose from, each with its own set of assessments, open houses, and ranking requirements. When Adrian Liang faced this challenge for his own kids, he decided to build a tool to help make sense of it all. The result is NYC SIFT, a website that thousa…
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From Naomi’s Classroom to Kathy’s Kitchen in the East Bronx
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18:09Growing up with strong West Indian roots, Naomi Lake’s love for cooking began in her grandmother's kitchen in the Bronx, where she learned to create the rich flavors that connected her to her heritage. Then, during the pandemic, she made a bold decision to leave her teaching career behind and turn her culinary skills into a community-focused busine…
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The myth of “Black jobs”: Unpacking race, jobs, and political rhetoric
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19:04Over the past several months, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's claim that immigrants are taking “Black jobs” has stirred up a lot of emotions, ranging from anger to outright ridicule. This narrative has not only been a talking point in debates but has also sparked conversations on social media and in communities across the country. It…
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Culturally sensitive care: A retirement home for South Asian seniors
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18:35Imagine trying to navigate your later years in a place where the food, language, and traditions feel foreign. This is the reality for many aging South Asians in the U.S., and it’s what led to the founding of India Home, an organization that provides senior centers, co-living spaces, and even dementia day care, all tailored to the specific cultural …
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Why anti-immigrant sentiment lingers in NYC
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21:37Despite being celebrated as the nation's quintessential 'city of immigrants,' New York City is grappling with a surge of anti-immigrant sentiment. From Mayor Eric Adams attributing budget cuts to the influx of migrants, to persistent narratives blaming newcomers for societal woes, xenophobic rhetoric is alarmingly pervasive—even here. But why does …
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Fringe Pilates and the Power of Community: A Conversation with Tay Milburn
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23:12Former kindergarten teacher Tay Milburn moved from Houston to NYC in 2019 seeking a new path but soon faced the pandemic and multiple surgeries for a tumor. Turning to Pilates for healing, she encountered racial biases, including being asked to stop using #BlackGirlPilates. Undeterred, she founded Fringe Pilates, an inclusive studio with classes ta…
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Queen B Bake Shop: A Passion for Pastry Rooted in Haitian Heritage
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21:18Raised in a Haitian household, Brigitte Malivert grew up surrounded by rich flavors, but it wasn’t until college that she discovered her love for baking. While on a pre-med track, she started experimenting with ben-yeh, inspired by Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, as a way to relieve the stress of writing her thesis. But what began as a calming …
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BONUS: How Indian American Leaders Defined a Historic DNC
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26:23We’re fresh off the heels of the DNC in Chicago, where we captured a powerful conversation between URL Media CEO Mitra Kalita and two trailblazing Indian American politicians: Arvind Venkat, Pennsylvania Representative, and Shekhar Krishnan, New York City Council Member. As the first Indian Americans to hold their offices, Arvind and Shekhar bring …
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Building Community Through Wine: The Journey of Harlem Wine Gallery
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20:35Harlem Wine Gallery is not just a place to buy wine; it’s a community hub where wine lovers and novices alike can learn, taste, and connect. Pascal and Danine Lewis, the husband-and-wife team behind Harlem Wine Gallery, turned their passion for wine into a business. Living in Central Harlem, Pascal and Danine often found themselves traveling downto…
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Crochet clothes for your cat? The Bronx biz specializing in quirky cat outfits
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14:54Monica Martinez, founder of Black Kat Krochet, has turned her love for cats and crocheting into a business – one that’s not only a source of income but also a way to connect with her roots and her community. Monica’s journey began when she crocheted a sweater for her cat during a cold winter. Encouraged by friends, she started selling her creations…
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