It’s been a long time coming, but this one matters. In the inaugural episode of Referred, Dupé Ajayi reconnects with Whitney Johnson — her Libra sister, collaborator, and longtime creative partner — for a conversation about growth, storytelling, and grace.

Whitney, a Southern belle with Virginia talent and a New York hustle, leads brand partnerships at Essence Ventures (home of Essence and Afropunk) and is the founder of The Story House, a creative agency dedicated to storytelling that moves culture forward.

Together, Dupé and Whitney revisit the early days — navigating agency life, learning hard lessons, and realizing that not every environment is built for you. Whitney reflects on the pivotal moment that changed her trajectory, the alter ego that helps her take up space in any room, and the responsibility she feels to create opportunities for Black and brown women.

The episode ends with a game called “Regret to Inform” — a playful decoding of those classic corporate phrases (“as per my last email,” “we’ll keep your file on record”) that sound polite but sting just a little.

What emerges is an intimate portrait of consistency, purpose, and evolution. Whitney’s calm focus and athletic mindset shine through every challenge — and now, as a new mother, her story continues to inspire.

Referred is about connection, legacy, and the power of being seen. Whitney Johnson took up space in this world — and she did it with intention.