In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp chats with Caleb Thomas, a male boudoir photographer, about his journey into empowerment photography and how he uses his work to challenge societal norms. Caleb shares how his boudoir photography, focused on body diversity, self-love, and reclaiming body agency, creates inclusive spaces for plus-size women, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities. They also explore his experiences navigating power imbalances as a cishet male photographer, his TikTok success, and the challenges of social media censorship, as well as his advocacy for Oregon LGBTQ rights.

Caleb Thomas (he/him) is a boudoir photographer based in Bend, Oregon, specializing in empowering, creative boudoir sessions that help folks (particularly women) reclaim their agency, identity, and sensuality. Before being a full time photographer (as well as the de facto stay at home parent of his 5 year old) he worked in tourism marketing, manufacturing marketing, and, most interestingly, (considering his current line of work) was the Media Director for a Megachurch for 5 years. After deconstructing his faith over the course of a decade, Caleb left the church. Caleb lives in Bend, Oregon with his Pastry Chef wife, their 5 year old kiddo, as well as their pup & cat.

Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

Discussed in this episode:

• Empowerment photography and the transformative impact of boudoir experiences: Caleb shares how boudoir photography empowers clients by helping them reclaim agency over their bodies, fostering self-love, and providing an experience that celebrates authenticity and confidence.
• The intersection of feminism and male boudoir photography: Caleb discusses navigating power dynamics as a male boudoir photographer and how his feminist approach centers clients’ comfort, challenging traditional gender norms.
• Body positivity and creating inclusive spaces for plus-size and LGBTQ clients: Caleb explains his commitment to creating a welcoming environment for clients of all body types and identities, helping them embrace and celebrate their bodies through photography.
• Caleb’s personal journey of evangelical deconstruction and how it influences his work: Caleb reflects on leaving behind his conservative religious upbringing and how that journey has shaped his feminist values and approach to photography.
• The challenges of growing a photography business on TikTok and battling social media censorship: Caleb shares how his TikTok success grew his business but also how social media platforms censor his empowering content while allowing more exploitative material to thrive.
• Advocacy for Oregon LGBTQ rights and supporting the Bend Pride Coalition: Caleb highlights his work with the Bend Pride Coalition, supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals in conservative areas and advocating for safer, more inclusive spaces.

Resources Mentioned:

• Babe City Boudoir
• “Ending the Pursuit of Perfection” TED Talk by Iskra Lawrence
• Bend Pride Coalition

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp chats with Zia Dione about her unique journey through feminism and how her views evolved into womanism. Zia shares her thoughts on the differences between Feminism vs. Womanism, exploring the importance of intersectionality in business and how her personal experiences shaped her passion for creating a cooperative business model. They dive deep into Zia’s mission to disrupt traditional publishing with her self-publishing cooperative, "Trunk of My Car," which offers a community-based and ethical alternative to platforms like Amazon KDP. Zia also explains how the multi-stakeholder cooperative structure can create a fairer system for authors, editors, designers, and readers, while reflecting her commitment to Black feminism and feminist entrepreneurship.

Zia Dione (she/her) is an emerging writer focused on healing intergenerational trauma & building/supporting solidarity & sustainable economies. Zia is certified in permaculture design, has a law degree from the University of Baltimore & is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Nonfiction at Pacific University. Yes, she chose a new name.

Website | Instagram | Threads

Discussed in This Episode:

• The distinction between Feminism vs. Womanism and how intersectional feminism plays a role in Zia’s vision
• Zia's personal and professional journey that led her to develop a self-publishing cooperative as an alternative to Amazon KDP
• How a multi-stakeholder cooperative empowers authors, readers, and workers alike in cooperative publishing
• The impact of Black feminism on Zia’s approach to feminist entrepreneurship
• The challenges and benefits of creating a community-based business model in a highly individualistic world
• Ethical business models that focus on fairness, sustainability, and collective growth
• Why it's important to seek alternatives to Amazon self-publishing and what makes Trunk of My Car stand out

Resources Mentioned:

• “Collective Courage” by Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard
  
  

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In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp interviews Ola Akimowo, the visionary behind the Free Black Women’s Library in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. They discuss Ola’s journey of creating a grassroots, community-driven space dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black women and Black non-binary writers through literature, art, and mutual aid initiatives. From the library's unique book swap system to its role as a Black feminist archive and community care space, Ola shares how this social art project fosters activism and intergenerational connections while fighting gentrification. Together, they explore the importance of Black feminism, intersectionality, and the powerful stories that shape this transformative library.

Olaronke Akinmowo (she/her) is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, librarian and cultural worker. She is also the Creator and Director of The Free Black Women’s Library, a literary hub, community care space and social art project located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. This grassroots space features over 5000 books written by Black women and Black non-binary folks, a free store, a period pantry, a backyard garden, a reading club and a wide range of free public programs, mutual aid initiatives and creative workshops. The library offers people of all ages, races and genders a space to read, write, work, rest, dream and connect. She is also a proud mom, union member, set decorator, busy body, book fairy, plant fiend, and dance machine. She grows and thrives in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.

Website | Instagram | Threads

Discussed in this Episode:

• The founding of the Free Black Women’s Library and its growth from 100 to over 6,000 books
• How the library serves as a social art project, community care space, and Black feminist archive
• The role of Black feminist literature and authors like Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, and Jesmyn Ward
• Ola’s journey from street protests to library activism and her experience with gentrification in Brooklyn
• The library’s book swap system, mutual aid programs, and community organizing efforts
• The challenges of crowdfunding and maintaining the library as a grassroots space
• The significance of intersectional feminism and Black queer representation in literature

Resources Mentioned:

• GiveButter Crowdfunding Campaign for the Free Black Women’s Library
• “Sing, Unburied, Sing” by Jesmyn Ward
• “All About Love” by bell hooks
• “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler
• Free Black Women’s Library merch
• Patreon link to support Ola directly
• PO Address for Free Black Women's Library: