In a world where social media often portrays an unrealistic image of perfection, Savannah James and April McDaniel are on a mission to keep it real. Their journey from acquaintances to close friends has blossomed into a powerful partnership aimed at empowering women through self-discovery and community support.
Finding common ground
Six years ago, Savannah James, wife of NBA superstar LeBron James, and April McDaniel, founder of the creative agency Crown + Conquer, bonded over their shared frustrations with the pressures of modern life. McDaniel, who has produced high-profile events like Drake’s 30th birthday party and Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty runway show, expressed a common sentiment: “Everyone is like, ‘How am I getting by?’ I’m exhausted. We’re all just trying to figure it out.”
Launching a podcast and community
To address these feelings, James and McDaniel launched their podcast, Everybody’s Crazy, where they take calls from listeners seeking advice. Their latest season is set to drop this week, and they are also introducing Let It Break, a members-only community focused on self-growth and expert support.
A journey of self-discovery
Both women have embarked on personal wellness journeys. After losing her husband in 2013, McDaniel explored various therapeutic practices, including The Hoffman Process and breathwork, which she later introduced to James. This exploration has led them to realize the importance of self-love and personal growth.
Building a supportive community
Let It Break aims to create a safe space for women from all walks of life, whether they are working professionals, stay-at-home moms, or empty nesters. The community currently has 100 members, with aspirations to grow to 5,000 within five years. The only requirement for membership is a genuine desire to heal and grow.
McDaniel emphasizes that they are not there to fix anyone’s life but to foster a community where women can grow together. “We want someone who says, ‘I want to grow in community,’” she states. Their podcast highlights the struggles many face, including feelings of inadequacy and the pressures of societal expectations.
Breaking the stigma of therapy
Both women are vocal advocates for mental health and therapy, aiming to destigmatize these topics, especially within the Black community. McDaniel recalls how therapy was often viewed as something only “crazy white people” did, and they hope to change that perception. “It’s OK to not be fully OK all the time,” she asserts.
Let It Break offers unique experiences for its members, such as exercise classes and healing sessions. They have even explored a “medicine journey,” which involves guided experiences with psychedelics. James describes this journey as “cracking my heart open,” allowing her to embrace new perspectives.
Advice for the next generation
In their discussions, both women reflect on their journeys and what they would tell their younger selves. McDaniel advises against fearing love, while James emphasizes the importance of self-love and understanding one’s worth. “It’s OK to be where I am right now and to love myself here in this moment,” she shares.
As they continue to grow their community, James and McDaniel remain committed to authenticity and vulnerability. They envision a future where men can also find similar support, inspired by the growing trend of men’s retreats. “Once you can wrap your head around the idea that it’s OK to be vulnerable, we’ll be in a much better place in the world,” McDaniel concludes.
