S A U N A I E

What does it actually look like to build a creative business, make music, raise a family, and stay grounded in faith — all at the same time?In this episode, XO sits down with Alexander Boykins — Seattle-based photographer, music artist, and creative entrepreneur — for one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations in SAUNAIE history. Alexander has photographed 70+ weddings, been recognized as a 2025 Best of The Bash photographer, and been featured in Canvas Rebel, all while building multiple income streams and showing up as a present father and man of faith.This is not a how-to conversation. It is a real conversation about what the building actually requires — the sacrifice, the doubt, the moments of almost quitting, and the faith that kept him moving.What you'll hear in this episode:→ How photography and music feed each other creatively — and why Alexander went deep on both→ What 70+ weddings taught him about people, relationships, and what actually matters→ The '95% customer service, 5% camera skill' philosophy that built his business→ How he manages multiple creative ventures without losing depth or direction→ His honest take on AI, social media, and what real success looks like vs. what performs online→ Faith under pressure — the real version, not the testimony version→ How fatherhood clarified everything he is building and why→ Direct advice for every creative who has the gift but hasn't fully bet on themselves yetAlexander BoykinsPhotographer • Music Artist • EntrepreneurInstagram: @KingBoykinsOfficial KingBoykins.com Portfolio: The Bash / Boykins Photography Alexander@KingBoykins.com

You don’t lack talent.You don’t lack discipline.You’re not lazy.You’re overthinking.And it might be the one thing quietly slowing your progress.In this episode of SAUNAIE, we talk about self-sabotage — the subtle ways we delay, hesitate, and talk ourselves out of opportunities even when we know we’re capable.Because sometimes the biggest obstacle isn’t the world…It’s our own thoughts.We break down:• Why overthinking feels productive but kills action• The psychology behind procrastination & perfectionism• Why fear shows up as “planning”• How self-doubt impacts Black male entrepreneurs differently• The science behind confidence and action• Simple systems to stop overthinking and start movingIf you’ve ever said “I’m not ready yet” or “I need more time” — this episode is for you.Messy action beats perfect hesitation.Always.🎙️ SAUNAIE — Mental health, mindset, and growth for Black male entrepreneurial Millennials.

Success looks different for everyone, but comparison often convinces us we’re behind. This episode challenges traditional definitions of success and explores how societal timelines, family pressure, and social media distort self-worth. We focus on redefining success in a way that protects your mental health and aligns with your values.

Even when progress is visible, many Black men still feel like they don’t belong. This episode breaks down imposter syndrome — where it comes from, why it’s so common among Black entrepreneurs, and how it silently impacts confidence, decision-making, and mental health. We discuss how to separate growth from self-doubt and build internal validation instead of chasing external approval.