Angie Martinez IRL - June Ambrose: Styling Icons, Grief Attacks In Paris & Never Chasing Clout

Summary

Joe and Jada Podcast
Episode: Angie Martinez IRL – June Ambrose: Styling Icons, Grief Attacks in Paris & Never Chasing Clout
Original Air Date: March 12, 2026
Host: Angie Martinez | Guest: June Ambrose

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Episode Overview

This episode is an in-depth, heartfelt conversation between Angie Martinez and legendary stylist/designer June Ambrose. More than a discussion about fashion, the talk delves into legacy, grief, joy, creative self-expression, the realities and pressures of being a Black woman in fashion, and forging a unique path in an industry that often undervalues its greatest contributors. June shares raw stories from her experiences with loss, her creative process, and her boundary-pushing work styling icons like Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott, and Busta Rhymes. The episode pulses with wisdom, vulnerability, and memorable stories about behind-the-scenes moments that shaped pop culture.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Moving Into a New Life Phase: Empty Nesting and Motherhood

[04:45–06:22]

• June describes adjusting to her children becoming independent young adults and becoming an empty nester.
• She speaks with pride about raising them to be ready for the world, sharing, "I felt good. I felt accomplished. Like I had raised humans… young adults that were ready." [05:37]
• Staying close via a family group chat is crucial for her, especially with all the challenges young people face now.

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2. Choosing Joy & Navigating Grief

[06:41–14:35]

• Joy as a Muscle: June explains how her background in theater taught her to tap into “sense memories” to sustain happiness, even through difficult times.
  • "Joy is a muscle. You have to exercise what that feels like and know that it's okay to keep lifting that." [07:46]
• Losing Her Mother: One of her most moving shares comes when she opens up about the loss of her mother and experiencing deep sadness for the first time.
• Grief in Paris: She recounts experiencing grief attacks while working on the "On The Run" tour with Jay-Z and Beyoncé in Paris, and how Jay-Z helped her process her pain.
  • Quoting Jay-Z: "He said, 'Just let it run through you.' … He would look over at me and I would just be crying… and he’d just say, 'It’s okay.'” [12:07]
• June memorialized her mother during this time by placing locks with her initials in every city she visited on tour.

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3. Safe Spaces for Vulnerability in Creative Circles

[15:50–18:08]

• Angie and June discuss the importance of having "safe spaces" to process real emotion—especially as Black women expected to always project strength.
• June touches on her upbringing as a latchkey kid of a single mother, always taking early responsibility and, even then, being encouraged to find her own way.

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4. Origin Story: Permission, Identity, and Standing Out

[19:10–22:45]

• June shares stories of growing up in the Bronx as a creative, precocious West Indian girl, and how her mother gave her the freedom (and gentle consequences) to express herself through clothing.
• "She didn't overproduce me, so I was always able to wear a cape at a young age." [20:10]
• She discusses overcoming discrimination and forging her own sense of self in a time when being West Indian wasn't celebrated.
• Exposure to new worlds (arts, museums, travel) was vital in nurturing her creativity.

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5. Entrepreneurship and Early Hustle

[27:34–28:41]

• Even as a child, June showed a knack for entrepreneurship—making and selling book covers, pencil holders, and staging her first fashion show in elementary school.

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6. Finding 'Main Character Energy' and the Right Kind of Attention

[29:36–33:38]

• Angie and June discuss the need for "main character energy," especially for people in supportive or service roles who risk being overlooked.
• June jokes about always loving attention, but also highlights the balance between enjoying recognition and being modest or even shy.
• Not everyone wants to stand out, and that's okay—it's about finding your own comfort zone and style identity.

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7. The “Juniverse”: Authenticity vs. People-Pleasing in Fashion & Life

[33:38–36:33]

• June's concept of the “Juniverse”—her own world of authenticity and energy, where self-expression matters more than other people’s judgments.
• Notable quote: "I don't subscribe to fame, I subscribe to energy. At the end of my life… I hope people remember the way I made them feel." [33:38]
• Creating for oneself vs. trying to please critics or followers in fashion/life.

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8. Collaboration, Style, and Creating Iconic Moments

[36:33–42:12]

• An honest look at styling icons, the collaborative process, and learning from major public moments—like the infamous gold outfit June made for Angie at the MTV Awards.
• Angie reflects on the importance of feeling prepared and in control, and June accepts responsibility for any discomfort and the value of apology.

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9. Fashion, Recognition, and Staying Relevant

[42:12–47:44]

• June answers questions about whether she seeks recognition for her influential work (e.g., styling for "Belly," launching women’s basketball at Puma) and how she handles not always getting public credit.
  • "No, no, no. I get my flowers. I am very blessed… the blessing is that people still want to collaborate with me." [42:48–42:55]
• Focus is on continued impact—not chasing clout or validation.

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10. Artistry, Influence & Industry Challenges for Black Designers

[68:55–71:38, "IRL Voice Note" Segment]

• June addresses a poignant listener question about why Black designers face harsher public critique and systemic barriers.
• She details the business realities—harder access to financing and manufacturing—and encourages young Black designers to "focus on production" and build independent communities.
  • "We are our worst enemy… but we've always been held to higher standards." [68:55]
• Notes her own cautiousness about launching independent product lines due to the heavy financial risk.

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11. Iconic Clients: Real Life Connections Behind Legendary Looks

[72:07–81:56]

• Angie asks for real-life stories about working with Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z, Diddy, and others.
  • Mariah Carey: Hates bags and trying on clothes—June would put things on herself to convince Mariah to wear them. [72:50]
  • Busta Rhymes: "I made him the royal sultan of hip hop… he was the best, always down for anything." [74:29]
  • Missy Elliott: First artist with an Adidas collab; June credits Missy’s trust and willingness to collaborate.
  • Mary J. Blige: "She thinks I’m batshit crazy… but energy and authenticity are everything to her." [77:13]
  • Jay-Z: Now mostly styles himself; June remains a creative consultant and lifelong collaborator.
• June describes the different dynamics of working with men vs. women and the trust required in styling artists at different career stages.

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12. Legacy, Loss, and Honoring the Past

[82:06–89:00]

• Discussion of June’s feelings about not being invited to the Met Gala and the complicated emotions tied to artists whose legacies are now fraught (e.g., Diddy, artists impacted by scandal).
• The pain of having formative work overshadowed or excluded because of others’ actions:
  • "How does it serve any of us to not celebrate what... we should all be sad behind that." [84:03]

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13. Body Confidence, Age, and Taking Care of the Temple

[61:24–62:58]

• June discusses body image, health, aging, and navigating industry pressures as a woman in fashion.
• Strongly anti-ageism, she expresses sensitivity to being called “auntie” and asserts the ongoing need to claim relevance.
  • "Aging can be cruel… comparison will rob you of all your joy." [61:42]

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14. Universal Style Advice & Unlocking Confidence

[53:30–57:36]

• The true definition of ‘swag’ isn’t about clothes, but about confidence and persona.
  • "The definition of swag is persona. It is confidence. It is attitude. It is articulation at its finest." [53:35]
• For those wanting to reinvent themselves: start small, try things outside your comfort zone, remix silhouettes, and experiment—the analogy of “dating” to find your style.

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15. Living for Yourself vs. Outside Approval

[57:36–61:24]

• Layering personal fulfillment against society’s gaze; stripping down to “your temple,” then dressing up only as it serves you.
• "When you start to feel like just strip down, that's enough, then starting to layer things on top starts to feel a little bit more tangible." [58:10]

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16. Affirmations, Aspirations, and Legacy

[89:00–98:29]

• June answers “IRL Ball of Questions”—sharing life goals (travel, seeing the Northern Lights), favorite affirmations, and establishing strong boundaries around her emotional labor.
  • On boundaries: "I am no longer available for people who don't see what I see in myself." [92:29]
• June’s greatest wish: when entering a room, she wants people to feel joy and like they “want to dance.”
• The episode ends in tears and joy as June reflects on being her mother’s legacy, the immigrant experience, and the importance of being seen and remembered.
  • “Her legacy is the fact that she was here, that she created me, that she gave me this life… If I don’t continue to celebrate that, then it’s as if she wasn’t here.” [96:34]

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Memorable Quotes

• "Joy is a muscle. You have to exercise what that feels like and know that it's okay to keep lifting that." – June Ambrose [07:46]
• “He said: ‘Just let it run through you.’” (on Jay-Z’s wisdom during her grief) – June Ambrose [12:07]
• “At the end of my life… I hope people remember the way I made them feel.” – June Ambrose [33:38]
• "I am no longer available for people who don't see what I see in myself." – June Ambrose [92:29]
• "The definition of swag is persona. It is confidence. It is attitude. It is articulation at its finest." [53:35]
• "I owe it to her. I am my mother's legacy." – June Ambrose [98:25]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Empty Nest & Motherhood: [04:45–06:22]
• Tapping into Joy/Grief After Mother's Passing: [06:41–14:35]
• Creative Upbringing & Permission to Stand Out: [19:10–22:45]
• Entrepreneurship & Early Hustle: [27:34–28:41]
• “Main Character Energy” & Attention: [29:36–33:38]
• The Juniverse & Authenticity: [33:38–36:33]
• Iconic Client Stories: [72:07–81:56]
• Industry & Recognition: [42:12–47:44]
• Black Designers & Industry Double Standards: [68:55–71:38]
• Style Advice, Persona, & Swag: [53:30–57:36]
• Boundaries, Affirmations, & Legacy: [89:00–98:29]

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Tone

The conversation is honest, uplifting, vulnerable, and full of humor and wisdom. June radiates positivity, creativity, and fierce self-awareness, but never downplays the challenges she and others have faced. Angie keeps it real, both as a peer and as a friend. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in fashion, Black excellence, cultural history, or building a creative legacy from scratch.

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Transcript

[Angie Martinez]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[June Ambrose]

Guaranteed Human peace to the planet. Charlamagne Tha God here. And listen, we are back. The Black Effect Podcast Festival is back in Atlanta on April 25th at Pullman Yard. Yeah, and the full lineup is nuts. We got the Grits and Age Podcast, Deontay Kyle and Big Ice Cup Cat. We got Club 520 with Jeff Teague and the gang. Yeah, yeah, don't call me White Girl. Mona will be there. Keep it positive, Sweetie with Crystal Renee. We got Reality with the King with Carlos King. And yes, drink champs will be in the building. Plus, you know we going to have a lot of guests, so you need to join us. And we got the Black Effect Marketplace to pitch your podcast and everything you expect from the Black Effect Podcast Festival tickets are on sale right now. Go get yours@black effect.com podcast festival. Don't play yourself. Okay, pull up.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

You know Roald Dahl, he thought up Willy Wonka in the bfg. But did you know he was a spy? In the new podcast, the Secret World of Roald Dahl, I'll tell you that story and much, much more.

[Angie Martinez]

What?

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

You probably won't believe it either.

[June Ambrose]

Was this before he wrote his stories. It must have been.

[Angie Martinez]

Okay, I don't think that's true.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

I'm telling you, the guy was a spy. Listen to the Secret World of Roald Dahl on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[June Ambrose]

I'm Clayton Eckerd. In 2022, I was the lead of ABC's the Bachelor. But here's the thing. Bachelor fans hated him. If I could press a button and

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

rewind it all, I would.

[June Ambrose]

That's when his life took a disturbing turn. A one night stand would end in a courtroom. The media is here. This case has gone viral.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

The dating contract.

[June Ambrose]

Agree to date me, but I'm also suing you. This is unlike anything I've ever seen before. I'm Stephanie Young. Listen to Love trapped on the iHeartRadio

[Angie Martinez]

app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[June Ambrose]

When segregation was a law, one mysterious black club owner Charlie Fitzgerald had his own rules.

[Angie Martinez]

Segregation in the day, integration at night.

[June Ambrose]

It was like stepping in another world. Was he a businessman? A criminal? A hero?

[Angie Martinez]

Charlie was an example of power. They had to crush him.

[June Ambrose]

Charlie's place from Atlas Obscura and visit Myrtle Beach. Listen to Charlie's place on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This Women's History Month. The podcast. Keep it posit, Sweetie celebrates The power of women choosing healing, purpose and faith.

[Angie Martinez]

Even when life gets messy, love is not a destination. You have to work on it every day.

[June Ambrose]

Keep it Positive Sweetie creates space for honest conversations on self worth, love, growth and navigating life with grace and grit, led by women who uplift, inspire and tell the truth out loud. I have several conversations with God and

[Angie Martinez]

I know why it took 20 years

[June Ambrose]

to hear this and more.

[Angie Martinez]

Listen to Keep it Positive sweetie on

[June Ambrose]

the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever

[Angie Martinez]

you get your podcasts. You need a little bit of main character energy.

[June Ambrose]

Like some people don't want it, you know. Again, I had a conversation with my sister yesterday. She's like, I don't want the att. She was like, you've always liked attention. You know, she's like, she's like, we're so different, right? I'm like, you don't want the attention, but yet when you get a compliment, you come on yourself. I mean, it's like, you know, it's like, it's like an orgasm. It's orgasmic. You get it? You know, someone tells you look pretty.

[Angie Martinez]

Thanks for watching guys. Today's episode is brought to you by Boost Mobile. Today's episode is about fashion. No, it's not about fashion. It will be about fashion, but it is more than a fashion conversation. June Ambrose has helped build the visual identity of hip hop from the ground up and many other things. She has many accolades. She has done this as a woman, a black woman, a self taught, no roadmap. She raised a generation of stylists. She's raised two children all while busting her ass for over 25 years. She's dressed icons like Jay Z, Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott and so many more. And she's now celebrating her own capsule collection with Naturalizer, which she has on and they're so cute. We'll get a close up of them later. And she's just a badass. We love her. June Ambrose is in the building today.

[June Ambrose]

Introduction. Now I feel like I don't have to say anything.

[Angie Martinez]

That's it. You're just here.

[June Ambrose]

I always like google me.

[Angie Martinez]

Hi, June.

[June Ambrose]

How are you?

[Angie Martinez]

June. Oh, June.

[June Ambrose]

No, Angie. How is life?

[Angie Martinez]

How is real life?

[June Ambrose]

Life is good.

[Angie Martinez]

Is it?

[June Ambrose]

Life is good. I mean, you know, I'm an empty nester now, so life is. I'm adjusting.

[Angie Martinez]

Oh, that's tough.

[June Ambrose]

It is, it is. Like you feel like I have like new skin. Like I have two adults that really don't need me like they used to and they need me in A different way. Yeah, but it's. I feel like I'm my second half of the game.

[Angie Martinez]

We've had this conversation a few times on the pod because Lala came here right after Kyan went to school. She was her only son. She was a single.

[June Ambrose]

It really hit her hard. My friends with the only one child thing. I always check on them. It's like, are you okay? Yeah, you're okay. When Summer went to college, everybody was. Because they know how close my daughter and I am. And they're like, but my son and I are very close too. But they were just like, are you okay? But Summer and I are very visible. We're like, you know, we're the June and Summer show.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

And I was like, I am okay because I've spent so much time with her. I'm actually happy for them. Like, I want. I felt good. I felt accomplished. Like I had raised humans not by myself, obviously, but like that. I raised young adults that were. That were ready. And that to me is why I'm okay.

[Angie Martinez]

But do you miss them?

[June Ambrose]

Oh, my goodness.

[Angie Martinez]

Like, yeah. Do they talk?

[June Ambrose]

You talk every day. It's like a thing. Like it's. Some are at least four or five. My son, he's, you know, he'll go off in the wind. He's gone with the wind. But like, yeah, we're a speaking family. We have a group, a family group chat. Like, it's important that we speak constantly. And there's so much going on in the world. And Summer's out of state and she's a sheltered baby child, but very impressively independent.

[Angie Martinez]

There is so much going on in the world.

[June Ambrose]

There is that.

[Angie Martinez]

It's like, who did I see the other day post? I think it was Adrienne Houghton. Adrienne Bailon. She posted that she's navigating her political rage while also exercising self care. She was on her way to the gym, trying to.

[June Ambrose]

It's a really good way to put it.

[Angie Martinez]

Right. Like, trying to manage that balance. How do you do that, June?

[June Ambrose]

Oof. You know, for. I'm a. I'm. I. I prefer to lean on the side of joy because I know what grief feels like and that's way too heavy. And when I experienced it for the, like, first time because I realized I've never been sad and because I'm just always like, people like you live on another planet. That's why I came up with the universe, because I'm literally happy. Happy all the time.

[Angie Martinez]

Are you really? Is that real?

[June Ambrose]

It's real.

[Angie Martinez]

It is Real.

[June Ambrose]

It's an endorphin. Realness. Yeah. It's like a. It's a little girl thing. It's a sense memory that I've tapped into that I know to constantly tap into it. Right. And I think secretly the years of studying theater and drama, being a theatrical major, I don't tell that to a lot of people. Has taught me how to tap into sense memories that enable me to stay mentally solid. Because even on a bad day, or if I'm disappointed, I can remember the things that brought me joy. I tap into them like an actress who would tap into to something that needs her to cry. You know that exercise. That's a muscle. You know, that's a. You know, like, joy is a muscle. You have to exercise what that feels like and know that it's okay to keep lifting that.

[Angie Martinez]

I don't understand how you do that. Explain.

[June Ambrose]

No, no.

[Angie Martinez]

Teach me that. Because. Okay, so it's a bad day. We're at war.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah.

[Angie Martinez]

I think broken. My. This. That. My. My mother sick. You know, like, whatever. Whatever could be going on is going on.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah.

[Angie Martinez]

And now today I need to tap into some joy.

[June Ambrose]

It's like sex. You have to be present.

[Angie Martinez]

Right.

[June Ambrose]

Into, like, what is going to make you feel good and what. What's feeling good in that moment?

[Angie Martinez]

Okay.

[June Ambrose]

How do you get to that climactic place? So think about that experience. I know it's probably a weird.

[Angie Martinez]

No, no, it's. Whatever works.

[June Ambrose]

You know, sex is so private.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

But you have to be present in it or, you know, you don't get to enjoy it.

[Angie Martinez]

Right.

[June Ambrose]

So it's like joy is the same way. It's like that feeling of what makes you give you butterflies, what makes you giggle, what made you laugh, like, what makes you want to dance. That song that just makes you feel so good. You high? Like, I've never had a drink of smoke in my life. And people always think I'm stoned at parties or I'm at clubs because I'm

[Angie Martinez]

like, you've never had a cocktail?

[June Ambrose]

Never.

[Angie Martinez]

I just said to you, because I was going to take you golfing. I was like, oh, we have a cocktail. And you were like, oh, yeah, cocktail, yeah.

[June Ambrose]

Of course you have mocktail. For me, it'd be a mocktail. Yeah, Frogtail.

[Angie Martinez]

And all this joy all the time.

[June Ambrose]

I was always a happy kid. So. Because I didn't have, like. I was so spoiled and didn't have a lot of responsibility. But as an adult, we have so many, and that could be a real drag. So I'M always asking my young self to please just remind me of what that felt like to have no responsibility.

[Angie Martinez]

But tell me a time when you were down and then had to find the joy and then how you found it.

[June Ambrose]

Oh, man. When my mom passed away.

[Angie Martinez]

When was that?

[June Ambrose]

Eight years ago. And it feels like yesterday. And I, I. I realized I never knew what sadness felt like. It was so foreign.

[Angie Martinez]

By the way, how blessed are you that you didn't know what sadness felt like until eight years ago.

[June Ambrose]

Right.

[Angie Martinez]

Wow.

[June Ambrose]

That was like. Because, like, I was always sheltered from, like, when someone died. No, June's not going to the funeral. Or, you know, I was always sheltered, you know, from all of that. They protected me from those kind of things. I'm very sensitive. I would. An ambulance would go by, and I'd be like, someone's dying, and I start crying. As a kid, Like, I was so emotional. Like, I hate people to be sad or I hate to see people in pain.

[Angie Martinez]

I just feel like you're an empath.

[June Ambrose]

I'm so empathetic. And so, yes, I. And so your parents have. Navigating that. Yeah, my mother was. Yeah, she understood that, and she really nurtured me with that. But interesting enough, when she was preparing to leave, she told me that it was okay to go, had left town. So when I got the news, I was in California, and I was getting ready for the on the run tour, and I wasn't going to go, obviously, if. Because she was, you know, sick in the hospital. So I was like, you know, trying to figure out how to figure out, maybe I could just prep it. And, you know, I never go on the road. For one, I don't travel with. If I design a tour, design the tour, and then the wardrobe supervisors and the team take it over. I'm never on the road with it. But this time, you know, she had transitioned over and the tour was going out and had to be in Paris with J and B, like, maybe two weeks later. And I didn't want to grieve in front of my kids. And my husband had. We had talked about it as a family, and he, you know, he. He said if there was any two people that I think, you know, that. That I would feel okay with you being around during this time, it would be those two. Oh, I hate talking about it. It gets me emotional. You make me. Yeah, I was having grief attacks constantly. And, yeah, you know, he got me. Jay got me through it. Yeah, he did.

[Angie Martinez]

How. How slow.

[June Ambrose]

He said it was okay. He said, just let it run through you. And you know how people be like, don't cry. Let it go.

[Angie Martinez]

Cry, cry.

[June Ambrose]

And he said it was okay to be, you know, you feel guilty, you're at work and you're like looking. And we're like, we're, you know, we're looking at rehearsals and I'm fighting something. Just switch. The switch just turns off. Just. And he would look over at me and I would just be crying. I'd be like, I'm so sorry. And he's just like, it's okay. Like, you know, it's, it's.

[Angie Martinez]

That's kindness.

[June Ambrose]

It's. Oh, empathy and kindness. And you. I've known him for so many years and if he could ever, as a friend, if anyone could ever give me anything, it was that, the grace of just being there while I go through the most life changing experience of my life. And it ended up being one of the most, you know, creative, you know, for me. I needed it like a new, like reset creatively. I even, I look back at photos, I don't even look like myself. I'm like, who is that person? I just look so different. But I felt like I looked like my mother so much. And I had so many life changing experiences in Paris as I was going through it. I had my team around me, which was a great tour too. Oh, man. And I did nice. So, you know, it was like the nice show. Yeah, I just remember like the first time I like smiled or laughed during that time. That grief period when you kind of like people say, you sit shiver where you feel like you're not supposed to do anything, that you feel guilty about feeling that joy because you're paying respect to that person that you've lost. And every city that I went to, I visited, I put a lock on my mother's initial on. I left it in every city, on a fence, on a bridge, something. I was getting locks in every city and I was locking her initial. I was taking her with me through that travel and all the places that I knew she would want me to see and go. Yeah.

[Angie Martinez]

So that she knew that's where you were going. She knew going on that tour, she

[June Ambrose]

knew that I had work. She always like, go to work because like, you know, when you, when you, when you have your own business and the phone rings, you got to take that job, you got to take that gig because you're self employed and you know, you're the CEO and you have to run, it doesn't work without you. So she knew that and she. Yeah, I think that she knew. She Let go. Just in. Just in time. Hey, guys.

[Angie Martinez]

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[June Ambrose]

Oh, my God.

[Angie Martinez]

And your fashion sense and all of that stuff from your mom. So I do want to get to that. But something you just said is interesting to me about because whether it's J or B or your family or your. Your siblings or your best friends, it's like when we go through these dark times sometimes because I do the same thing you do. I don't want to. I don't want to bring my sadness in a room. Especially when you're dealing with creatives.

[June Ambrose]

Oh, my goodness.

[Angie Martinez]

When they got to go on stage and bring joy to millions of people,

[June Ambrose]

you're in the dressing room with them backstage, and you're not just wallpaper. Like, we're like.

[Angie Martinez]

We're in their space.

[June Ambrose]

We're energy, you know, we're energy. And you know this because we. I mean, over 30 around creatives. And that's why I've always approached it from a collaborative space. So they recognize that I'm an artist, too. And I'm serious about my shit too, you know, so it's like the same way that you're, like, passionate about what you do when you're in that booth and you're, you know. And if I have to put looks to the lyrics and I'm just. I'm sensitive about my shit too, but I don't make it about me. And I give so much making sure that they're prepared and they feel safe and that they feel like they can own this, you know, moment. I think the best work is done when you know, you can't tell someone did it, someone else did it for them. I think that's when it's like, truly authentic.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

That, to me, is at the heart of like, what a good costume designer or stylist would be. Collaborator or collaborator in general. Right. A good co writer. You know, you're with your writing team in the studio, all that.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah. I just think it's special when you have. When you're able to find your safe spaces to have those moments. Because especially women. Right. Women in business, women who have to. The way we came up, we're not only nurturers, but we have to. It's a strength that we carry around. And so in our most vulnerable or sad or sometimes, you know, we don't want to bring that in a room.

[June Ambrose]

Right. I'd never want to bring it in a room.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

And sometimes you walk into a room and you have to read the room quickly and know what you need to give someone in that moment. And sometimes it's just quiet.

[Angie Martinez]

I just wonder what gave you the comfort to be okay to share yourself in that moment.

[June Ambrose]

The permission.

[Angie Martinez]

Right.

[June Ambrose]

It's like, yeah, I had to give myself permission to do that because growing up, single parent home, you do a lot of Zalachki kid. You do a lot of self reflecting. You know, your parents can only do with so much. Right. Like, my mom was such a. Like, we're back to her again. She's. I think she's at the center of everything.

[Angie Martinez]

Yes, she's here in the room.

[June Ambrose]

She couldn't be there. She couldn't watch us 247 because she was providing. So it was like we had to take responsibility at a very early age for our actions and recognizing that they had consequences. Everything that we did not only affected us, but it would affect her. And we didn't want to disappoint because we recognized what she was sacrificing at a very young age. Not because she, you know, I wasn't. I never got a spanking. My mother wasn't a yeller. You Know, it's like a punishment lasted maybe, like, 30 minutes because she felt bad for me pouting in the corner. It's like, you're not cut out. So I was like, at the. I was. I'm like, the epitome of spoiled, right? Like, I just a hot mess.

[Angie Martinez]

You were coddled.

[June Ambrose]

So I think, like, yeah, I was coddled. When you say, like, what gave me the permission? It's like, I didn't know any other way but to get what I wanted, you know? So I was always very precocious. I was always just like, why not? Like, why not try this? Like, who's gonna stop me? Like, there was no one to stop. And then as a parent, when she was supposed to, like, kind of protect me from, like, fashion decisions, I just remember, never forget this day. Mom was like, it's rain. It's snowing outside. I always wanted to wear my church clothes to school. Like, it was a thing. I always wanted to wear my Sunday dress with, like, sneakers or boots or just disrupt things, take it out of context. And that was who I always was from a very young age. And she was like, you cannot wear your church shoes with your sweatpants or your jeans. Those are your church shoes. And it's slippery. You're going to fall. I'm like. I was like, it's my outfit. I'm not. I was like. It was a big fight. She was like, go. I leave, out of that building. I come back five minutes later crying.

[Angie Martinez]

Busted your ass.

[June Ambrose]

Busted my ass. Bruised up slate, down the hill. Look cute, though, but cute. She said, I told you. Like, I'm not telling you because I want to change who you are. I was just telling you because I'm trying to protect you. But the beautiful thing is she didn't overproduce me, so I was always able to wear a cape at a very young age. And even growing up in the Bronx, they didn't understand what I was giving. They used to call me all kind of names, and we were, you know, I'm from the West Indies, so being cool, being Caribbean back then was not cool. Before the Fugees, you were like. They would say all kind of horrible, derogatory things to people with accents. And being from the islands was not a thing. You were. And this is like, black on black crime. Hispanics, like, staring at us like, I grew up in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. Agualita, you know. You know, dame un coquito. Like, you know, I was like. I was. You were. Think I was from. I was Puerto Rican. Yeah. I was from the folks. But the discrimination against, you know, Hispanics and blacks back then was no different than what we like. It was black and white. It was unreal. Yeah, it's mind blowing.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

So, you know, we've all experienced it in some way.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

I think I've gotten it from everywhere.

[Angie Martinez]

I love that she gave you that type of permission. So, wait, so, okay, so you're young, you have all these little cute looks going on. This is clearly, this is a gift, right? Like your fashion sense. What do you attribute that to? Is it a gift?

[June Ambrose]

It is a gift, but it's also a muscle. And, you know, creativity is absorbed in many different ways. You know, when my kids, as a parent, like, I would take my kids to the museum, I would expose them to a lot of different things. My mom did the same thing for me too as well. Early, you know, when I was younger, she would take us down to CBS studios. We'll leave the Bronx and go to midtown and go to the city, go to Central park very, very early. So taking us out of the environment, she sent me away to Nunday New York to live on a farm for two weeks with a white family with the Fresh Year fund. These things are a life changing and also play into creativity because it helps you to see the world through a different lens and you can't have tunnel vision as a creative. So for me, it was as much exposure as I could give my kids and as much exposure as I received growing up in an inner city was very, very, I think, crucial to who I became.

[Angie Martinez]

That makes sense.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah, I think that was a big part of it. And then studying, like theater, that's interesting

[Angie Martinez]

and that's probably great for all parents to hear. It's like, how do you nurture?

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

This episode is brought to you by Spreaker, the platform responsible for a rapidly spreading condition known as podcast brain. Symptoms include buying microphones you don't need, explaining RSS feeds to confused relatives and saying things like, sorry, I can't talk right now, I'm editing audio. If this sounds familiar, you're probably already a podcaster. The good news is Spreaker makes the whole process simple. You record your show, upload it once, and Spreaker distributes it everywhere. People listen. Apple podcasts, Spotify in about a dozen apps your cousin swears are the next big thing. Even better, Spreaker helps you monetize your show with ads, meaning your podcast might someday pay for, well, more microphones. Start your show [e-mail] spreaker because if you're going to talk to yourself for an hour, you might as well publish it. You know Roald Dahl, the writer who thought up Willy Wonka, Matilda, and the bfg. But did you know he was also a spy?

[June Ambrose]

Was this before he wrote his stories? It must have been.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

Our new podcast series, the Secret World of Roald Dahl is a wild journey through the hidden chapters of his extraordinary, controversial life. His job was literally to seduce the wives of powerful Americans.

[June Ambrose]

What?

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

And he was really good at it. You probably won't believe it either.

[Angie Martinez]

Okay, I don't think that's true.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

I'm telling you, the guy was a spy. Did you know Dahl got cozy with the Roosevelts, played poker with Harry Truman, and had a long affair with a congresswoman? And then he took his talents to Hollywood, where he worked alongside Walt Disney and Alfred Hitchcock before writing a hit James Bond film. How did this secret agent wind up as the most successful children's author ever? And what darkness from his covert past seeped into the stories we read as kids? The true story is stranger than anything he ever wrote. Listen to the Secret World of Roald Dahl on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I went and sat on the little

[June Ambrose]

ottoman in front of him. Hi, dad. And just when I said, my mom comes out of the kitchen and she says, I have some cookies and milk. This is badass.

[Angie Martinez]

Convict.

[June Ambrose]

Just finished five years. I'm gonna have cookies and milk at mall.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

On the Cushow podcast, each episode invites you into a raw, unfiltered conversations about recovery, resilience, and redemption. On a recent episode, I sit down with actor cultural icon Danny Trejl to talk about addiction, transformation and the power of second chances. The entire season two is now available to binge, featuring powerful conversations with guests like Tiffany Adish, Johnny Knoxville, and more. I'm an alcoholic, and without this probe, I'm gonna die. Open your free iHeartRadio app, search the Cino show and listen. Now,

[Angie Martinez]

this is the biggest night in podcasting.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

The countdown is on to our 2026 iHeart podcast. Live from south by Southwest, March 16th. We'll honor the very best in podcasting from the past year and celebrate the most innovative, talented creators in the industry. It's truly a who's who of the podcasting world. Creativity, knowledge, and passion will all be on full display.

[June Ambrose]

And the winner of the iHeart podcast award is.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

See all the nominees [e-mail] podcastawards.

[Angie Martinez]

Audible is a proud sponsor of the Audible Audio Pioneer Award. Explore the best selection of audiobooks, podcasts, and originals all in one easy app. Audible.

[June Ambrose]

There's more to imagine when you listen.

[Angie Martinez]

Sign up for a free [e-mail] Segregation in the day, integration at night.

[June Ambrose]

When segregation was the law, one mysterious black club owner had his own rules. We didn't worry about what went on outside. It was like stepping in another world. Inside Charlie's Place, black and white people danced together. But not everyone was happy about it.

[Angie Martinez]

You saw the kkk. Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

They were dressed up in their uniform.

[Angie Martinez]

The KKK set out to raid Charlie, take him away from here. Charlie was an example of power. They had to crush him.

[June Ambrose]

From Atlas Obscura, Rococo Punch, and visit Myrtle beach comes Charlie's Place, a story that was nearly lost to time until now. Listen to Charlie's place on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Angie Martinez]

The creative spirit, you know, children, you know, and. And that is it. That is exposing them to.

[June Ambrose]

We have so much. We have so much more information that we didn't have then. Like, in school, they were just like, oh, she. You know, she can't keep focus. She's always yapping. You know, every report card said the same thing. No one said attention deficit. No one used those in adhd. Nobody said any of that.

[Angie Martinez]

She's a creative.

[June Ambrose]

No one said that. Even though I showed creativity, even from elementary school. I put on my first fashion show in my elementary school. I organized it and produced it. Of course you did. I was. It was insane. I was like, I would make. I was a hustler, too, because I needed money, extra money. So I would make book covers. Like, at the time when we, you know, the books. We had to protect our books, our textbooks, because if they came back damaged, your parents would have to pay for them. So we would cover them with, you know, paper. So I was making custom book covers and selling them for 10 cents and 5 cents. I was making crepe paper and sewing pencil holders and selling those at schools. I was very enterprising.

[Angie Martinez]

That's amazing.

[June Ambrose]

I've always like entrepreneurship. It's always been, like, at the. It's always been in my ingredients.

[Angie Martinez]

It's the combination of creativity and entrepreneurship. That's right. That creates a June amp. But you know what else, too? It's like, I was thinking about this earlier, too, and this probably pertains to a lot of people, even outside what you do in acts of service. People who are in, like, service business or assistants or secretary or people who support other people or help Other people sometimes can get a little bit lost in the secondary position. Right. But you have seemed to find a way. You did find a way. Not seem to, but you have found a way to make sure. Like you said, like, even with Jay, how you. This is collaborative. And was it always like that? Did you have to find that? Because I can see that people in those type of positions, I always. I admire those type of positions because they do sometimes get lost. I have many friends who support other people, of course, and I'm always like, you need a little bit of main character energy.

[June Ambrose]

Like, but some people.

[Angie Martinez]

That's the thing.

[June Ambrose]

People don't want it. You know, again, I had my conversation, my sister yesterday. She's like, I don't want the attention. She was like, you've always liked attention. You know, she's like. She's like, we're so different, right? I'm like, you don't want the attention, but yet when you get a compliment, you come on yourself. I mean, it's like, you know, it's like. It's like an orgasm. It's orgasmic. You get it. You know, someone tells you you look pretty, She loves it. Everyone who doesn't love a compliment.

[Angie Martinez]

No, but I understand, Teresa. There's a difference. There is a difference, June. I'm like. But listen, you would think I'm not. I'm more like her. I don't enjoy.

[June Ambrose]

I believe you. But when you. But I don't feel like. But I feel like you have received what that feels like when you walk into a building. You know what it's like. People recognize you all the time. Yeah, You're.

[Angie Martinez]

I appreciate a moment. Or I appreciate it if I'm in something that makes me feel good and I get a compliment. Listen, I appreciate that.

[June Ambrose]

I'm modest, too. Don't get me wrong. I'm very modest. And I can be very shy. I know that's very confusing.

[Angie Martinez]

So you walk around Manhattan with this hat on your head. I know, I know. You are not trying to blend in anywhere. You want to be seen. You are comfortable seeing, being. You are comfortable being seen.

[June Ambrose]

I am because I like making friends and I like meeting people. And I feel like it's like it attracts, like, you know, the energy that I want. And even if you don't get it, I'll never forget I got off a plane from la and there was this. And this was recent because I've been wearing these cowboy hats for, like, three years now. And the. The person with the wheelchairs that comes help people with the wheelchairs I come off the plane, I have on my cowboy hat, and I'm blanket. I'm like, I look like I just came from another planet. And she starts. She laughs in my face. And she was like, you look like a witch. This is what she said to me. And I was like, so it comes at a price, right? It's like, it's the good and the bad. Well, it could have been bad. It didn't end good for her. But I, you know, I was like, wow, I could be a victim and actually take offense to what she was saying or realize that I can't be everything to everyone. So when you think about that, it's like, go back to artists again. You can't make music for the audience. You have to make music for yourself that you love. That, you know, that's like. It's an expression of who you are. So I thought about it in the same way. You know, my initial reaction was, how dare you, right? I was like, how dare you speak to me that way? And I said to her, I said, that is not very nice. Because you don't understand doesn't make it okay for you to speak to me that way.

[Angie Martinez]

Good for you.

[June Ambrose]

And it just. And it was quick because we were hustling, we were walking off the plane, but I had to say it in order to recover. So I like to unpack trauma quick. I don't like to hold on to trauma because that could change how I start to see myself. Or, you know, think about the young me. Someone's judging you. And you immediately think, okay, this didn't work for that person. No one's gonna like it. Let me conform to what society finds to be acceptable. And I was just like, I'm not. I live in the Juniverse, and I don't. I believe in the Juniverse, there are other planets and tons of stars, and there's this empty space that I can exist in and attract and that light and all of those things that happens in space is where I'd rather live.

[Angie Martinez]

I need my own Juniverse.

[June Ambrose]

I need that planet Earth can be cruel.

[Angie Martinez]

We should all have a Juniverse. Like, what is your. What is your.

[June Ambrose]

Like, what is your Angie verse?

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah, like, what is my Angie verse? What everybody should figure out. What is the way that you operate through the world that is only yours and that you protect it so that you don't lose yourself in other people's whatever, expectations, opinions, all those things.

[June Ambrose]

But think about it. It's like, when artists get on stage, you know, they are immediately transformed. That the energy that you get from the audience, that it's almost like it's a high. You know, it's like when people, like, you know, fame is a drug. You know, people get really intoxicated by it. I don't subscribe to, like, fame. I subscribe to, like, energy. Right. It's a source. It's how it's. At the end of my life, at the end of this journey, I would hope that people remembered the way I made them feel. And I think fashion and style is an expression of that. And however provocative and whatever opinion you may have drawn from what I was presenting, I still made you feel a certain way. And I could. I could live with that.

[Angie Martinez]

Right.

[June Ambrose]

I could live with that. And that's how I want to live my life. Constantly reinventing myself. That's pretty good. Constantly. You know, I think that's the unlock.

[Angie Martinez]

Yes. But you do have to. To do what you do, there does have to be a certain. Like how you said the difference between you and your sister.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah.

[Angie Martinez]

Because I don't think everybody. Like you said, some people don't want that.

[June Ambrose]

No, they don't.

[Angie Martinez]

I can't.

[June Ambrose]

I've come to terms with it.

[Angie Martinez]

I do not wish to walk. Sometimes I walk around the city with a gray hoodie on. Yeah. And some.

[June Ambrose]

And some.

[Angie Martinez]

Whatever. Like, just. That's it. I'm. I like, blending.

[June Ambrose]

Right.

[Angie Martinez]

I just like it.

[June Ambrose]

And like, and. And it's a. It's a trend. Right. It's also like a trend.

[Angie Martinez]

Right. Well, I don't do it to be a trend.

[June Ambrose]

Well, quiet luxury right now they say, okay, well, lucky me. So you're. You are a timeless. That's not my quiet luxury. That's not my point.

[Angie Martinez]

I'm just acknowledging the difference in types of, like, personalities where fashion is concerned.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah. I have to know. I have to acknowledge it too, as well, to be honest. I have to acknowledge it when I design a collection, when I'm like, when I'm putting out collaborations and co branding, I have to think about the customer. That it's a very interesting. When you start to create consumer goods, you have to think about that person that doesn't want that much attention. But then you also have to create something that's gonna push them a little bit out of their comfort zone, which I've done my ent entire career. My job is to forecast is to insist that you feel something in the experience of transforming, evolving. What we're doing is something very transformative. When you are collaborating with someone and you're in charge of their image and likeness. And sometimes it's not collaborative. Sometimes someone is like, take me. Figure it out for me. I can't articulate what it is that I know I want to be. So just show me and I'll let you know how it. If it. If it. If. If it feels right. Sometimes it's like that. It's not always like someone's telling you,

[Angie Martinez]

you know, Is that more fun for you?

[June Ambrose]

Yeah. Honestly?

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

I would let you do that.

[Angie Martinez]

I would. I would let you. I would. I would submit.

[June Ambrose]

I mean, we had this experience before when MTV Awards. You were like, oh, dear lord. You. Angie was like, I don't want to wear this gold. But we got a lot of attention. We did. She was so mad at me.

[Angie Martinez]

I was so mad. No, here's why. She was like, you made me the tin woman. Blah, blah, blah. Here's why I was mad at you.

[June Ambrose]

Was it ladies first?

[Angie Martinez]

It was ladies night.

[June Ambrose]

Ladies night.

[Angie Martinez]

It was.

[June Ambrose]

I think we should talk about it, right? Because we talk about it's not always going to be, you know, because I

[Angie Martinez]

don't blame you, though, because this was not your fault.

[June Ambrose]

I take responsibility, though.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah. But this is not your fault. Here's what happened. I'm a young girl who gets thrown into this mix with these experienced artists. I was not an artist. I had no real experience in public and definitely not performance. Getting on stage. MTV Awards was a big deal. We just. Out of nowhere, I just hopped on a song and the song went crazy.

[June Ambrose]

It was crazy.

[Angie Martinez]

And we got a Grammy nomination. We're at the MTV Awards. I don't have a team. I don't have a stylist. I don't have all the things that all the other girls.

[June Ambrose]

Had you developed that trust yet.

[Angie Martinez]

So they did. You were not even my stylist. Know.

[June Ambrose]

I know.

[Angie Martinez]

They said.

[June Ambrose]

And you definitely didn't trust me.

[Angie Martinez]

You didn't know me because I don't know.

[June Ambrose]

You were like, I didn't know you. Oh, yeah.

[Angie Martinez]

It's not that I didn't trust you. It's that they said, here, June, take care of her too. And I witnessed. What? What is it?

[June Ambrose]

I don't have any.

[Angie Martinez]

I witnessed.

[June Ambrose]

And I was customing everything then. I was literally custom designing everything at that time.

[Angie Martinez]

And you. They gave you this.

[June Ambrose]

I think I had a day.

[Angie Martinez]

We didn't even collaborate on it.

[June Ambrose]

We didn't have a conversation.

[Angie Martinez]

No.

[June Ambrose]

We didn't.

[Angie Martinez]

Take time and say to me, okay, what is.

[June Ambrose]

I didn't get to present sketches.

[Angie Martinez]

Angie Martinez who's young is Angie Martinez. Who is Angie? We didn't have any of that.

[June Ambrose]

Right.

[Angie Martinez]

They threw me to you.

[June Ambrose]

I was like, this is the theme.

[Angie Martinez]

When you were already in the thing. Yeah, you put me in the theme, which was fine. And then the day of the awards, I had no shoes.

[June Ambrose]

Oh, my God. Zebra was all the details. You know, I remember that. Was it my book. It's in my book. Oh, my God.

[Angie Martinez]

I had no shoes. And then they. I said, well, what am I. I'm standing there. We're about to go out, and I have no shoes on my feet.

[June Ambrose]

I have to give you Timbs.

[Angie Martinez]

I think somebody was. Somebody came running down and said. June said, wear these. And they were these.

[June Ambrose]

She's like, I really hate you. No, I did.

[Angie Martinez]

I didn't love you that moment. They were these big, chunky, black shoes, which had we had some time together, you would know these are not the shoes for her.

[June Ambrose]

Perfectionist, too.

[Angie Martinez]

So I don't blame you because they threw me at you. And that was. You know, what I learned in that moment is like, I have to be in control. But I didn't know better at the time. I was fresh and young, whatever life experience. But I learned. I learned because what I would never do again.

[June Ambrose]

This ain't gonna happen again.

[Angie Martinez]

I was not gonna show up at an event unprepared, not knowing what I was gonna wear, not knowing who was gonna help me wear. Like, I did all that.

[June Ambrose]

And you needed your person, so you

[Angie Martinez]

just happened to be the poor person.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

That was.

[June Ambrose]

It was the story of my life. But I also had to be the person that nurtured that you were unhappy, that you were. That you. That you were nervous about everything. Like, I recognized all of those things in the moment. And that's why I said, yeah, that's why I said, I take responsibility. Because at the. Even though we all of these things, of course I left. If you weren't happy, I knew that. I felt. I took responsibility for that because it was my job to make sure you were regardless. So when I say to you like, that will always sit with me, but, you know, I can't make excuses. And I think a good leader doesn't make excuses. You take responsibility, you apologize, and you have. And that's how you again, unpack the trauma, own it, and move on. Because if I sit and give you excuses, oh, blah, blah, blah, you know, I didn't have time. You were thrown at me. You don't want to hear that, you know, but, like, only I can look at you. And say is, you know, angie, you are 100% right. I recognize that you are unhappy, and I apologize. And you shouldn't have to experience that. That's my job. That's my role. That's what I take on when I say yes.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

And if I didn't want to take it on, I shouldn't have said yes, but I did, so I have to.

[Angie Martinez]

You were young, too, by the way. Of course.

[June Ambrose]

But I'm saying, like, I. I felt it. I got. I owned it.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

You know, I didn't. I wasn't happy that you weren't happy.

[Angie Martinez]

Oh, Judy.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah, we're gonna.

[Angie Martinez]

We're gonna. We're gonna do over. We're gonna have a do over. I'm gonna wear the anniversary neutral.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah. You need more than that. I'm up to. Yeah, I'm gonna do it all. I'm gonna do it all.

[Angie Martinez]

You know, it's so funny. I had this cover.

[June Ambrose]

I'm gonna name a shoe after you. Stop. Angie, we had this conversation.

[Angie Martinez]

I had this conversation a couple.

[June Ambrose]

Couple months ago with Ferg.

[Angie Martinez]

You know Ferg?

[June Ambrose]

Yeah, of course. Do you know I love Ferg? Oh, my God. He's amazing.

[Angie Martinez]

I just love him.

[June Ambrose]

He. I love how he sees me, too.

[Angie Martinez]

How does he. He probably adores you.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah, He. You know, it's like, this is a different. I recognize our generation is so different from this. He's the new somewhat. He's in the middle of the new.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah. Yeah. He's like.

[June Ambrose]

He's in the middle, right?

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

He's like, in the high school, there's a generation of. Of young designers, creative directors that all are like, you know, they look inspired by you. Yeah. And like, even recently, you know, a dollar AP with, you know, and people don't know that I was a costume designer for Belly, and they redid Belly for Ray Pan for Ray Pant. And I. For me, I sit back and I

[Angie Martinez]

feel so relevant because you designed that first original scene.

[June Ambrose]

I just. The movie was mine. Look at the film. Costume designer June Ambrose.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

In the opening credits, you know, so for me, that was. It was great. Immediately said, you know, texting Hype Williams, and I texting. And I'm like, this is great.

[Angie Martinez]

You know, do you need the recognition for that?

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

No.

[June Ambrose]

I mean, that was enough for me. I mean, I'm just used to not getting it.

[Angie Martinez]

Are you really? I was wondering about that.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah.

[Angie Martinez]

What is that? Does that. I don't know. Does it eat at you?

[June Ambrose]

Do you. I can't give it that much. I can't give them that much power. Because if I. If I. That's like becoming this victim, you know?

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

Oh, people like, oh, you need your flowers? No, no, no. I get my flowers. I am very blessed. I am like, my. I am still, like, in it.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

And to me, that is that blessing. Being able. The phone still like that. People still wanting to collaborate with me, you know, being. Being able to bring product to the marketplace, to the larger consumer. You know, being able to have that. I spent four years, like, you know, launching women's basketball at a time when women's basketball wasn't even a thing at Puma and in the industry, and now look at women in basketball. I was ahead of it. I said, this is something that we need to really get behind and support. Like, they're counting on us. The same way I felt about hip hop culture, it crossing over into high fashion. So again, my conversations with Asaph Ferg, it's like, you know, he recognized my contribution. You know, my Busta Rhymes, my Missy Elliott, my Jay Z. All that stuff that I can't continue to, like, ride on because it's. To me, it's like a two decades old. Yeah.

[Angie Martinez]

It's a fact.

[June Ambrose]

You know, I need to be able to be relevant to everyone else. I'm like, I'm glad you guys are like. But I. For me, I'm like, okay. Like, I don't want to be a. Has been. So what do you do? What's your, you know, like? For me, I'm always like, what's my next?

[Angie Martinez]

What's next?

[June Ambrose]

What can I crack and. And break? Take the mold on Next? And, you know, when I was, you know, you know, when I partnered with, you know, Puma to work with them and launch that division, that was like, for me, that was like, the next. Like, that was an important task because you're talking about a culture that we needed to build and form and create. And I was responsible for that and that. I like responsibility.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah, you own it. You.

[June Ambrose]

I, like, put your arms around it.

[Angie Martinez]

But the thing I wanted to go back to with Ferguson, we had this conversation about. I was telling him about an experience that I had. I never really been to a fashion show, and there was somebody. We were having this conversation, and somebody was talking about somebody else, and they said, oh, she reeks of effort. And they weren't talking about me.

[June Ambrose]

They were talking about somebody else. But that's what I said.

[Angie Martinez]

I felt that I was like, yeah, she does wreak. I don't want to ever feel like I am reeking of efforts. Like, I don't.

[June Ambrose]

It's such a fashion snob statement.

[Angie Martinez]

It is a snobby statement, but also it's a real life statement. Because it's like, do you. Because we were also talking about flow state and like, should you have to be trying so hard to impress people? Be part of what's hot, what's part of what's poppin? Like, where is the line? Because you're a soulful person too. You're not just a creative or a fashion girl. Right. So where is the line between how you present where fashion is concerned and what's inside and what matters on the inside? Like, where do you. How do you navigate that?

[June Ambrose]

Because I'm sure you've even been in

[Angie Martinez]

some fashion rooms where you're like, oh, these people are full of shit.

[June Ambrose]

I honestly, I don't even consider myself to be like a fashion girl. Really. That it's like, first of all, everything is so segregated. Like, you know, you go to fashion shows now, you have the editors and the conde. Now, you know, you have the editorial stylist, you have the, you know, the music culture athlete, you know, stylist. And then you have the influencers. So, like, everyone's in like these buckets and everyone has an opinion about everyone. And it's like, it's a thing.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

And I just want to be in this universe. I just. I don't wanna be part of it because I feel like it's the best

[Angie Martinez]

way to explain it.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah.

[Angie Martinez]

It's like, what is true to you.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah.

[Angie Martinez]

Is really the answer to the question.

[June Ambrose]

It's like, you know what? Especially at this age, I'm like, what do you want from me? I'm just trying to enjoy this time.

[Angie Martinez]

I wanna wear what? Feel like what to you? What is? What is?

[June Ambrose]

I don't have to ask permission.

[Angie Martinez]

I know, but what is, like, what do you appreciate about a. Well, somebody who comes in is.

[June Ambrose]

It is ownership. It is like looking at someone who. I really enjoy watching someone. Even when it's quiet luxury and it's like super, like effortless or it. I enjoy people trying. So when someone says, like, it's so much effort. Thank God. Because you think about it.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

Well, think about it as a designer. Right. If fashion is mute without style. And what is style? It's a language, it's a conversation, it's how you articulate. So if someone doesn't even at least try to tell a story, even if it's effortless or what they may seem to be like, you know, the row of very quiet luxury. Just a simple T shirt and, you know, a very Hailey Bieber. Like, very, you know, no hats, no bells and whistles. You know, that is what the new acceptable norm is now, right? So society is saying, this is what we find to be sophisticated.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

This episode is brought to you by Spreaker, the platform responsible for a rapidly spreading condition known as podcast brain. Symptoms include buying microphones you don't need, explaining RSS feeds to confused relatives, and saying things like, sorry, I can't talk right now. I'm editing audio. If this sounds familiar, you're probably already a podcaster. The good news is Spreaker makes the whole process simple. You record your show, upload it once, and Spreaker distributes it everywhere. People listen. Apple podcasts, Spotify, and about a dozen apps your cousin swears are the next big thing. Even better, Spreaker helps you monetize your show with ads, meaning your podcast might someday pay for, well, more microphones. Start your show [e-mail] spreaker because if you're going to talk to yourself for an hour, you might as well publish it. You know Roald Dahl, the writer who thought up Willy Wonka, Matilda, and the bfg. But did you know he was also a spy?

[June Ambrose]

Was this before he wrote his stories? It must have been.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

Our new podcast series, the Secret World of Roald Dahl is a wild journey through the hidden chapters of his extraordinary, controversial life. His job was literally to seduce the wives of powerful Americans.

[Angie Martinez]

What?

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

And he was really good at it. You probably won't believe it either.

[Angie Martinez]

Okay, I don't think that's true.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

I'm telling you, the guy was a spy. Did you know Dahl got cozy with the Roosevelts, played poker with Harry Truman, and had a long affair with a congresswoman? And then he took his talents to Hollywood, where he worked alongside Walt Disney and Alfred Hitchcock before writing a hit James Bond film. How did this secret agent wind up as the most successful children's author ever? And what darkness from his covert past seeped into the stories we read as kids? The true story is stranger than anything he ever wrote. Listen to the Secret World of Roald Dahl on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[June Ambrose]

I went and sat on the little ottoman in front of him. I hi, dad. And just when I said that, my mom comes out of the kitchen and she says, I have some cookies and milk.

[Angie Martinez]

This is badass, convict.

[June Ambrose]

Just finished fighting. I'm have cookies and milk at mom on the ceno. Show Podcast. Each episode invites you into a raw, unfiltered conversations about recovery, resilience and redemption. On a recent episode, I sit down with actor cultural icon Danny Trail. Talk about addiction, transformation and the power of second chances. The entire season two is now available to binge, featuring powerful conversations with the guests like Tiffany Adish, Johnny Knoxville, and more. I'm an alcoholic, and without this probe, I'm gonna die. Open your free iHeartRadio app, search the Cino show and listen. Now,

[Angie Martinez]

this is the biggest night in podcasting.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

The countdown is on to our 2026 iHeart Podcast Awards. Live from south by Southwest, March 16th. We'll honor the very best in podcasting from the past year and celebrate the most innovative, talented creators in the industry. It's truly a who's who of the podcasting world. Creativity, knowledge and passion will all be on full display.

[June Ambrose]

And the winner of the iHeart podcast award is.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

See all the nominees [e-mail] podcastawards.

[Angie Martinez]

Audible is a proud sponsor of the Audible Audio Pioneer Award, except explore the best selection of audiobooks, podcasts and originals all in one easy app. Audible.

[June Ambrose]

There's more to imagine when you listen.

[Angie Martinez]

Sign up for a free [e-mail] Segregation in the day, integration at night.

[June Ambrose]

When segregation was the law, one mysterious black club owner had his own rules. We didn't worry about what went on outside. It was like sipping around in another world. Inside Charlie's Place, black and white people danced together. But not everyone was happy about it.

[Angie Martinez]

You saw the kkk. Yeah, they was dressed up in their uniform. The KKK set out to raid Charlie, take him away from here. Charlie was an example of power. They had to crush him.

[June Ambrose]

From Atlas Obscura, Rococo Punch, and visit Myrtle beach comes Charlie's Place, a story that was nearly lost to time. Until now. Listen to Charlie's place on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I would be like a. Like, they would be disgusted by me, you know, like, because it's just like so many things, but I'm like, But it's me. It's like I've left the house without a hat, and I felt like I left without anything on. I felt naked. You know, I've left without big glasses or I like punctuation. First of all, I'm five foot two, okay? My hat gives me height, you know, whatever shape I'm doing. And, you know, it's like I'm a little person. And again, I don't want to fit in. I Don't want to fit in. I want to. I want to, you know, descend on the scene and explode. Yeah. I'm just. I want to arrive.

[Angie Martinez]

I wish for everybody to find their own universe, whatever that is.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah. Just like. And if, like, simplicity is your thing, I enjoy that too. I just love it. I just love when people actually feel like themselves and effortless. Because the swag. When people talk about they have that thing that swag is what translates everything. That's the unlock. You know, you could put the same outfit on two different people, and the swag is so. Because the translation is really.

[Angie Martinez]

What is that? What is the definition?

[June Ambrose]

Persona.

[Angie Martinez]

Definition of swag. Persona.

[June Ambrose]

It's like. It's. The definition of swag is Persona. It is confidence. It is attitude. It is articulation at its finest. And that can't be. That's unmatched. So when people are trying to find themselves, just find the thing that really makes you feel like you're speaking your language.

[Angie Martinez]

What about to somebody who wants to. I'm sure there's. We have a lot of women that watch the pod. What about if somebody's bored? Where they're at or where. Or they wear the same things all the time. They do the same things all the

[June Ambrose]

time, and they wanna switch, they wanna reimagine.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah. What do you. What is the recommendation there?

[June Ambrose]

I think that you have to step outside of, like, you know, like, those kind of people typically like to just kind of admire and think. Cause I hear this a lot. Oh, I couldn't do that. Oh, I can't pull that off. But have you tried. And it could be as simple as changing your lip color, cutting your hair. It doesn't have to be a full overall overhaul. It could be adding a color. If you never wear color, if you're a person that only wears, like, khaki, black and white, or, like, very neutrals, and you throw a neon in there, or you throw, you know, like a primary color in there. You've reimagined and reinvented yourself because you've tried something that is not. Or perfect example, taking something out of context. Like, when I'm creating a design, I'm working on something, I'm always taking it out of context. Early in my career, my signature in design was taking athletic silhouettes and merging them with luxurious fabrics. Leather, suedes, pony. I was taking. The silhouettes were very traditional, a denim jacket or a track jacket silhouette. But I was reimagining these things, and that's really what design is. You're reimagining you know, something is the interpretation of. Yeah, you're reimagining a silhouette. You're giving it different shape and form. How the peplum's been around forever. But are we using horse here to give it shape and give it stiffness? Like, what is that fabric and that, you know, the expression of that pattern that's gonna disrupt. Am I doing a blouson sleeve on a track jacket opposed to a traditional drop shoulder or raglan inset sleeve? But adding those little details is designed, reimagined. And, you know, I think about style in the same way. It's how you interpret and take things out of context to make it your own is how you create a conversation.

[Angie Martinez]

So there's no, like, generic tips. There's no tip across the board that works for everybody. Like, don't do this, do that. There's none of that.

[June Ambrose]

I mean, I wrote a book about it, and it was very generic. It had all. All the, like, effortless style. How to achieve iconic style. You know, Effortless Style was the name of my book, and it was very commercial 101 on how to achieve iconic style with ease.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

And it had all of the generic things. We can go back to the fundamentals. Right. But we're beyond that now.

[Angie Martinez]

Right?

[June Ambrose]

We're. We're at the point where we have to make people uncomfortable. It's okay. Uncomfortable is a good feeling. When you first meet someone, you're nervous, you have butterflies. You don't know if you like this person, but you're getting to know them, you're trying it. You're trying them on. Like, when our daughter first started dating, we were like, you got to try on different shoes, different, you know, try, you know, not saying, go out and be a slut. I'm just saying, you know, date. You know, date. It's okay to date and meet someone and see if you have personality. It's the same thing with discovering the new you, discovering your style. I'm always going to metaphorically and draw interpretations from different life experiences for you to find yourself when it comes to style. Maybe that's the second book.

[Angie Martinez]

I love that as a book.

[June Ambrose]

Thank you, Angie.

[Angie Martinez]

I'm buying the book. I would buy that book right now. Where is the line between dressing for yourself and dressing for other people? Because they say when you walk in a room, how you people will judge you immediately. And, you know, there's. There's reasons why people want to look nice when they go to things. It's, like, for other people. But what is. Where is the line between being in your juniverse and. And dressing for outside approval opinion.

[June Ambrose]

It's. It's. For me, it's like, are you naked or do you have on clothes? You know what I mean? You know what I mean? It's like, I mean, I've broken down into my bra and panties on social media. People thought I was having a life crisis, but I was basically trying to express that self awareness, self confidence, being okay with who and what you are is enough. And when you start to feel like just strip down, that that's enough. Then starting to layer things on top of that starts to feel a little bit more tangible. And it relates back to silhouettes. Like finding that silhouette that really makes you feel confident and is flattering to your body. Both men and women, it comes from a. There's a clinical psychology to that, how you get to that place. You know why you may see, you know, certain people wearing things that are ill fitting and they have no idea that it's sabotaging their bodies because in their minds they have come to terms with how they look physically. And they're like, I'm gonna wear whatever. There is an honesty there that I. That even though we may have an opinion about it that I have to admire and that is like, you put

[Angie Martinez]

that on and you came outside and

[June Ambrose]

you felt you own it. So I'm not going to. I have to respect that. Now I may have an opinion about it where I feel like my opinion is to, like, I could offer you something that could be a lot more flattering, but will it disrupt what you have psychologically, that journey that you've been on? I don't want to compromise again. It takes time. And the experience of working with someone like myself, it does. It's an evolution and it's a psychological understanding of what people need to feel confident and to step out in something that they didn't initially own. And we didn't initially own this, but we owned our skin, our body, our flesh. We own that. Why I went. Why I was like, my body's my temple. I went vegan. I was like, I'm gonna like. To me, that is the first thing you take care of.

[Angie Martinez]

The temple.

[June Ambrose]

The temple. And then the confidence is built off of all of that. You feel good. You know, energy is important.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah, for sure.

[June Ambrose]

But that's maintenance. So people are like, oh, my God, how do you have so much energy? Like, I have, like, I protect it. I protect my energy, I protect my space. I protect who's in, you know, who's in my. In My circle.

[Angie Martinez]

You take care of your temple.

[June Ambrose]

Yes.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

Because, you know, you eat well. I eat well.

[Angie Martinez]

You exercise well.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah, exercise. Not as much as I should, but I feel like getting out of the bed.

[Angie Martinez]

I see you dancing around.

[June Ambrose]

I do get my steps in, But I would like to start to do a little bit more focused workout. Like, strength training is definitely my focus right now.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

Muscle mass, that's very important. But I wouldn't mind taking like a Pilates and a little Bikram to keep my, to keep my joints loose. You know, Itching is cruel. It could be cruel. Aging can be very cruel. I know how you do.

[Angie Martinez]

How do you deal with that? Especially in your world.

[June Ambrose]

Oh, my God.

[Angie Martinez]

Where everything is so visual. I mean, you look amazing.

[June Ambrose]

Thank you. I, I, you should feel good.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah. But it probably becomes a little hard as you get older. It's harder to maintain the looking and feeling good.

[June Ambrose]

I mean, honestly, like, I, I, I, I get down a little bit. Like, you know, first of all, comparison is will rob you of all your joy.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

So I try not to, like, whenever I feel like, that feeling of like, oh, my God, like this is happening, and then you're looking around you and like, and people are equating, like, Asia, relevancy. It's like, I hate ageism. It's like, like, so horrible that people, like, you know, you get certain age and they're like, auntie. That's why I'm like, don't call me auntie.

[Angie Martinez]

I hate an auntie.

[June Ambrose]

If you're gonna mama dream me, great. But you better be in your 20s.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

Not in your 40s. Like, it kills me. You know, it kills me when they, when they, when they start to. I'm not a fan of that because I know what that, what that attracts and what, that, what's the connotation behind it. So I'm always like, they're like, oh, that's out of respect. You can just. You want to respect me, call me Ms. Ambrose or, you know, Ms. June or whatever. You want to have respect like a Southerner, fine. But auntie, you know, it's a little bit very personal.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah, I'm not into it either.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah, no, I'm into it. I'm so glad you're not into it

[Angie Martinez]

because Barry hates it too.

[June Ambrose]

Right. It's like, it's like, what are you trying to say? You know what I mean? Because you know how they be trying. They be slick talking. You got to catch them quick. Them little slick talkers, they be trying it. Like, that's slick.

[Angie Martinez]

Talk. What about?

[June Ambrose]

Did I answer your question?

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

It all I can envision.

[Angie Martinez]

There's no right or wrong answers.

[June Ambrose]

I know it's like go places. We just do. I do. I could have made it a question really quickly.

[Angie Martinez]

I loved the story about on the run. I want, I wonder about like.

[June Ambrose]

Because even to go back to that

[Angie Martinez]

day of me being in that. You know, I. I was never. I always kind of struggle with weight. Like me, I was up and down. Right. So even back then and even so even in that moment that we talked about with the MTV awards, I was probably like, you know, I couldn't really wear what Lil Kim was wearing.

[June Ambrose]

Oh my God. I remember that right.

[Angie Martinez]

I couldn't wear. You know, I was. I didn't really feel that. But I remember like what you did with Missy. Yeah, right.

[June Ambrose]

And we got so much shit for that. What I think we were like on the. Here's the thing about that. We were like on the worst dress list. We was like yeah, yeah, wait for that. I did the plaid hat with the matching golfer cleats and the little thing and I remixed the Adidas track jacket. And people like this next that season. Dior Runway. Plaid sportswear. Clam diggers. Fabric covered plaid cleats. Okay, listen. Ooh. So sometimes you have a risk. Can we do a golf tour? I'm just do a golf outfit.

[Angie Martinez]

It.

[June Ambrose]

Let's do. Let's do it big.

[Angie Martinez]

Let's do it huge.

[June Ambrose]

Let's do it big. Let's do. Let's do it very collaborative so people can buy into it.

[Angie Martinez]

Okay.

[June Ambrose]

I'm into not a one off. I think big now. I think enterprising. Honey. Okay, listen. Conversation. No one offs. We're building. We're building. We're building empires.

[Angie Martinez]

We'll get to that later. We'll get to that. But look, Britney, she loves it.

[June Ambrose]

She's like yes, yes. Could you imagine so she.

[Angie Martinez]

No. But you know Missy who, who, who, who was not the sample size either. You found a way to make her fly. And even those Adidas suits, the inside,

[June Ambrose]

I was like, oh yeah.

[Angie Martinez]

I'm so happy that these are in style.

[June Ambrose]

Cuz we could.

[Angie Martinez]

You were like studding them out and, and do. And. And then I started wearing those and feeling cute and feeling like I was in a. You know.

[June Ambrose]

And that you had some creative license, right? Yes, we took creative license. And, and that ip we kind of. We took so much creative license. We were able to. I was able to go to Adidas and do the first collaboration artist. Well, not the first. Cause they did run dmc, but Missy in terms of, in her genre, I remember at the time, female artists first collaboration, Respect me. I was a creative director with it and her with, you know, with her on it. And that was before. So you see all these collaborative like partnerships now and it's like we, you know, I'm gonna say it out loud. We did it in 2000s. In the 2000s. We did it and talk your shit. Yeah. And it's not, you know, it's like we did it because we knew that we were worthy of it. But those seeds, I think adjusted the way those big brands saw our culture and the power of our influence and the impact that it was gonna have. And not just from you taking and culture vulturing it, but you had to partner, you had to partner and we made it a thing. So the prerequisite was if you want, if you wanna play this game, you have to play it with us. You have to be on the team. And I just, I look at everything now and know, yeah. And everyone talks about it like it's like so new.

[Angie Martinez]

You like been there, did that.

[June Ambrose]

I was like, okay, yeah, I heard you. Gotcha.

[Angie Martinez]

Hey guys. Boost Mobile is proving that you do not have to overpay for great wireless. Unlock the Savings with the 25amonth Forever Unlimited plan. It's a permanent price with no contracts and no price hikes. So you can keep your phone, your number and you can save up to 600 a year compared to other major categories carriers. So stop overpaying and switch to a fair [e-mail] and do it today. Based on average annual single line payment of AT&T Verizon and T Mobile customers compared to 12 months on the Boost Mobile Unlimited plan as of January 2026. For full offer details, visit boostmobile.com this is our IRL voice note presented by Boost Mobile. It is a little segment that we do where somebody sends you our guest from Ambrose a voice note. So let's have that. I just have to tell you that I absolutely love and adore you, everything that you stand for, for black culture, for black women and also the drops you've been having on Styletics. I love and need every pair and every color. Okay, now that that's out the way, June, I have to ask you about black designers because I'm noticing this pattern where black designers who have shaped culture and that we all love get dragged the second they make one mistake take. And other major retailers do far worse with zero public consequence. And I think about how one article from the cut essentially, like, took down Pierre Moss. And how most recently with Hanifa, she's getting dragged left and right on the Internet because of delayed orders. But I'm like, Shein has delayed orders all the time, and I don't see any tiktoks or think pieces or anything like that about that. Y' all love to go back to Shein. You know what I mean? And as someone who is a legend and OG in the fashion industry, I wanted to ask you, what does responsible accountability actually look like for black brands? Especially knowing that the margin of error is so thin and one bad press cycle or one bad article can be lights out for their business. Wow.

[June Ambrose]

Well, that's loaded and so provocative and so honest and so true and so sad and so makes me angry, you know, it makes me angry for so many reasons, because we are our worst enemy, you know, And I always tell, like, you know, young designers. And I've had this conversation with Laquan Smith. Early in his career, I used to tell him, stop chasing retail. It's. And this was before there was a telfar. I would like what telfar built without retail is what I was telling Laquan. Focus on production, manufacturing, all of those things. You're chasing retail that has the ability to destroy your business. And, yeah, you'll get there, but you have a community and a culture that has your back, and that will show up for you. And that's the thing, right? It's like we will ride at dawn for designers in the beginning, but like the young lady said, it's like as soon as there's no grace for it. But we've always been held to higher standards where we have to work harder as black people. We're not afforded the same opportunities. The discrimination is. And I'm speaking about the discrimination from the access perspective in terms of supply chains, in terms of factors that you would need to fund to get the product made. You know, being able to get that factor to, you know, to give you that money so that you can produce the collections. It's always a challenge for black designers. Sometimes they have takeoff seasons, sometimes they go away. They just lose steam. They just can't. It's just so heartbreaking. They sacrifice so much when others. And it's all financing. It's all about money. So if something's late, it's because they couldn't. You know, it's access and financing, and it's so frustrating. So it's like with all of these companies that really want to support merging designers, that's kind of, like, the thing that needs to take priority is making sure that they have sustainable partners in manufacturing and production. That back end of the business is so key, you know, and for me, like, why I've done partnerships more so than put out my own product is because that financial exposure is heavy, and I wasn't willing to take that risk for that very reason.

[Angie Martinez]

I still have my June Ambrose glasses. I still have them in my closet, and I still wear them all the time.

[June Ambrose]

They're still selling too.

[Angie Martinez]

Like, I bust them out now. I wore the. The. Maybe, like, I don't. Like, a month ago, I bust out the. I have a brown pair, amazing square ones. And I saw Joe. I saw Fat Joe, and he was like, those glasses are fire.

[June Ambrose]

Oh, I love it.

[Angie Martinez]

Classic James Joe.

[June Ambrose]

Because Joe said it best. Yes. Today's price. It's not today's price.

[Angie Martinez]

I still have my.

[June Ambrose]

He's an icon. He's an icon for sure.

[Angie Martinez]

Wow. That was a great question, by the way.

[June Ambrose]

It was a really great question. I think I. Did I answer.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah, I think so.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah.

[Angie Martinez]

You know what I would like to know? Like, I love the story you tell about going to on the run and how J and B were the perfect people for you to be around in that time, because this is in real life, and we hear the stories of how you dressed Missy in that iconic video or Buster in that iconic video. I wonder if you could share some of, like, your real life connection or real life moments that come to you from some of these people. Like, I don't know. We can pick. We can pick.

[June Ambrose]

Well, you have something. Wait, what are you going on? You're gonna say no?

[Angie Martinez]

No, I was gonna tell you artists that you've worked with and if, like a real experience.

[June Ambrose]

It was always real life experiences, because.

[Angie Martinez]

All right, let's see. Let's see what you have. Mariah Carey.

[June Ambrose]

Oh, my God. Yeah. So Mariah hates, like, wearing bags. Like, she doesn't carry a bag. So I came in on the Emancipation of Mimi, and, you know, she also hates trying on clothes. So I literally went after my own heart. I literally. The way I would get her to wear something is to put it on and walk into the room and she'd be like, take it off.

[Angie Martinez]

That's good. You know?

[June Ambrose]

Or like. And like, the caftan, like, the Tory Burch caftan. What people thought was a dress was a caftan. We made it into a dress. Like, I understood her. Right? So it's like.

[Angie Martinez]

Because that's what it would take. It would take you. Because some people could be taken back by that. Over.

[June Ambrose]

I would be like, you're doing it. I'd be like, Because. No, because having female experience is so different from your experience with a male client. Some girls can handle me, and some girls can just be like, I just go away, right? Just, like, go away. So, you know. But you know, like, true, like, girls that are, like, super, like, confident and just. Just think I'm the funniest thing. They get it, you know, they don't. They're not bothered by me. I can name a number of those. Those women. But another thing, with Mariah, we would always, like, you know, I would always role play with her. We would literally just do movie quotes all day. Mommie Dearest or Clueless. Like, literally. That's how we would speak to each other. It was not even, like a real conversation. Moving quotes. That's pretty good. Yeah, so that's a great one.

[Angie Martinez]

All right.

[June Ambrose]

Busta Rhymes. Oh, my God.

[Angie Martinez]

So many.

[June Ambrose]

Too many. Oh, okay. First of all, like, kudos to, like, you think about you looking at Harry Styles now and you're like, oh, this cross dressing is so. Like, he does it, so. But Busta was. I had put Buster in. He was wearing halters and shit back then with the most feminine cuts ever, you know, but he's so masculine. Wrapping his head up in turbans and, you know, and covering Timberland boots. I was custom designing Timberlands, like, literally covering them with. With like, fabulous expensive fabrics, Indian fabrics and stuff like that. And made him the royal sultan of hip hop. You know what I mean? Like, he was always like, he was the best. Like, he's still the best. Like, he's just.

[Angie Martinez]

He was down for it.

[June Ambrose]

He was down for it. Like, every set that we ever did, the Bust around Janet Jackson music video, like, you know, he was down for us putting multiple pieces on, sitting in prosthetics. I made him a muscle suit before. I mean, like, I can name the amount of outrageousness that I've done with Busta that he literally still to this day. I mean, no regrets. Oh, I love that. No regrets. I don't think that he feels like he can have. He has the. The license to be as. We're like a halter now. I don't think his body's changed. But

[Angie Martinez]

do you still work with him?

[June Ambrose]

No, I don't. No, I don't. But we're friends and we stay in touch. She's great. And I. I consult him. He calls me. He needs something. He's like, what do you think about this? I'm like, perfect. Oh, yeah. I'm like, yeah. I'm gonna speed dial Missy Elliot. Yeah, I know. It's my sister, my heart. Yeah, she. I mean, we just did that tour together, so, you know, Missy. People don't realize Missy's never been on tour in her career. Her headlined her own tour.

[Angie Martinez]

Oh, that's right. The was the first. That's crazy.

[June Ambrose]

This was the first. Out of this world was this first. And she came to me, and I, you know, I don't take that lightly because she could have very well collaborated with a big fashion house, but she entrusted that in me, you know, in me. And. And that, to me, was such a testament of her character, her understanding and respect for the collaboration early she chose. Yeah, it's just like, you know, it just makes me emotional that after all these years and there's so many distractions and people that she could, like I said, have worked with that she allowed the universe to work with her on that.

[Angie Martinez]

You did well by her.

[June Ambrose]

You did. Thank you. We had a good time on that tour. We had some fun.

[Angie Martinez]

My girl, Mary J. Blige.

[June Ambrose]

Oh, my God, I love Mary. Mary thinks I'm batshit crazy.

[Angie Martinez]

What do you mean?

[June Ambrose]

Every time Mary sees me, she goes, girl, When she gets to me, though, she been like, chew, you know, you're like. You know Mary. Like I said, I think the best interview I've seen of Mary in forever was the one where she sat and talked to you.

[Angie Martinez]

Thank you.

[June Ambrose]

Because for Mary, energy and authenticity and real talk and real, like, is paramount to her.

[Angie Martinez]

It's everything.

[June Ambrose]

And she could smell when you being a fake bitch, and I love her for that. You know, she'll come in and she'll read the room quick. Mary will come in with attitude. She'll see me. She'll hate, you know? Cause she knows, you know what I mean? Like, the energy is good. I'm only gonna show up as who I am. And I love and respect her so much. And every time I've worked with Mary, we have giggled and had a good time. She thinks that. She thinks. She thinks I'm nuts. But you know what? It's interesting when you say sometimes when you're in a service business and you've kind of, you know, you said I managed to kind of be able to live in those two worlds, right? Like, artists like Mary respect and sees and recognizes that to where she, like, come in my video, like, we could be girlfriends. And I'm like, in the music video with her, starring in the video with her. Whereas, like, another Artist would be like, you're the help. You're not gonna be in my music video. As a girlfriend, we're walking down the hallway together. Like, she has that, like, Rio Zendaya kind of relationship with her, you know, with her stylist kind of energy. And I thought that was, like. She said a lot about, like, who she was and her confidence as a woman. I love that.

[Angie Martinez]

That she's the best, right?

[June Ambrose]

The best.

[Angie Martinez]

You did, like, I know you worked with Puff for many years. Bad boy. What about the guys? Like, yeah, what about them?

[June Ambrose]

And completely, like, you know, that the dynamic between, like, male artists is like, that safe place that trusted, you know, place. It's like getting a prostate exam. You know, it's like. No, but it's like, you know, it's intimidating. It can be to work with. Like, I'm a very. I'm a very strong communicator when it comes to, like, style with men. I present differently from the girls.

[Angie Martinez]

You do?

[June Ambrose]

Yeah. Yeah. It's a different character, but it's always a place of. You don't have to pretend with me. You know, we could just.

[Angie Martinez]

How do you feel about that?

[June Ambrose]

And also, you also. It's important that with men that you really. They have to be in the driver's seat in a. In a. In a way, it's such a vulnerable place, you know, it's like, you know, so just a different dynamic. Yeah, different dynamic.

[Angie Martinez]

Ujay, too, I would imagine, right?

[June Ambrose]

Oh, yeah. But he's great. I mean, like, he's like, you know, like, he is the epitome of effortless. Like, the sweat. Like, we're at the point. It's like 30 years later. It's not even.

[Angie Martinez]

What do you mean?

[June Ambrose]

He styles himself. He does, yes. It's like we just hang out. You know what I mean? Like. Yeah, he just. He's. He's an icon.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah. Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

The work. The work is. He's an icon. Like, he. He. It doesn't matter. We could be a T. Could be a T shirt. We have fun. It's like, not. It's not work. It's not pressure.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

Just, you know, it's like, if I want to.

[Angie Martinez]

Like, what does he like or not? Like. Like, he's had to grow into that, too, I would imagine. He wasn't.

[June Ambrose]

Like, I still challenge and push him certain things.

[Angie Martinez]

You do?

[June Ambrose]

Yeah. It's important.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

Because, you know, we. We're evolving.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

You know, we. We have to try.

[Angie Martinez]

Have you ever pissed him off? Have you ever made him wear something and then he did not appreciate it after. Was like, that didn't work. Has that ever happened?

[June Ambrose]

Maybe on my end, I might have noticed it and was like. But no, I don't think. Yeah. Pissed off now it's like, you know, we don't even go there. If it doesn't feel good, you just.

[Angie Martinez]

On to the next.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah, I know. Don't. It's not worth it.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

You know, it's like he's. He's too seasoned.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

You know, it's like, it's different than working with a new artist versus, like,

[Angie Martinez]

you know, is he the only one that you've been with from the beginning? And.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah, he's my. Yeah, he's like. He's my only. Only guy right now. He's my only. I don't. I'm, like, retired in a sense. Like, I focus more on design. Creative direction.

[Angie Martinez]

Yes.

[June Ambrose]

Not to say that I wouldn't do, like. I love. I still love music video. I still love creative, like, projects, like, you know, like, campaigns and all that kind of stuff. I love that stuff.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah. But you keep him as a client still.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah, he's. Yeah. Forever. I don't. Where we gonna go? Like, it's like, I. I think it's. I mean, nothing's forever, but it's forever in my head.

[Angie Martinez]

I love that.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah.

[Angie Martinez]

And why, June, have you not been invited to the.

[June Ambrose]

No, we had that conversation on the cut, and everyone got verbs and not the cup. Why did they get upset on Complex?

[Angie Martinez]

Why are they getting upset?

[June Ambrose]

When my husband was like, you sound like you were complaining. He was like, it's embarrassing.

[Angie Martinez]

All right?

[June Ambrose]

Because he felt like we don't really care.

[Angie Martinez]

Here's the question.

[June Ambrose]

The truth, right? Here's the question.

[Angie Martinez]

Do you think you should be invited

[June Ambrose]

to the event galleries, or am I spending? Well, My mother always said invited guests get treated the best. I've been. I've been. I've. I've been. I don't know if I was invited, though. But you've been. I've been. Years and years and years ago. But, you know, do I care?

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah. Do you care that you aren't.

[June Ambrose]

Oh, no. Because it's a fundraiser, right? No, I don't, actually.

[Angie Martinez]

You. You. You're thinking about your husband's voice in your.

[June Ambrose]

No, I. Yeah, I think I'm. I think I. I'm so. I'm. I'm think I'm past it. I am so past it. I recognize what it is. They raise a lot of money for the industry, but you've got.

[Angie Martinez]

How many people have you gotten ready for the Met gala?

[June Ambrose]

Oh, not a lot, really. Not my thing. Yeah, not a lot. No, no.

[Angie Martinez]

Have you done it? You. Have you.

[June Ambrose]

I mean, I did. Oh, yeah. But you know, if you bring that up, then we have to talk about the last time he was seen. Oh, was that. That was the look. Uh huh. The dark Vader. That was. I did Puff for the.

[Angie Martinez]

Yes. And the all Black.

[June Ambrose]

Oh yeah. Designed that look.

[Angie Martinez]

How does that make you feel looking back at that look?

[June Ambrose]

It was appropriate. Yeah, it was appropriate. Wow. When you think about it, those black roses and the darkness. Wow. Yeah. And that was the picture that ran everywhere. There's so much heartbreak. There's heartbreak in that.

[Angie Martinez]

I know. I'm sure.

[June Ambrose]

Disappointment and disappointment. I don't want to have to not talk about the great things that I worked on and did. Yeah, it's really annoying.

[Angie Martinez]

That is annoying.

[June Ambrose]

Because there's so many iconic moments and you ruin it for everyone that was involved.

[Angie Martinez]

It's so funny. I was disappointed when something happens like that. Even listening with Puff, it's like the artists that, you know, I had 112 and total, they were on tour and they came on the show and I couldn't talk to them about. They spoke about it very lightly and carefully, as they should, because it's not their burden to carry. It's not your burden to carry, but part of your history you've done it is it's like, so what, you're supposed to act like you didn't do great things with them.

[June Ambrose]

Right. And I.

[Angie Martinez]

It's like when the Cosby show gets canceled so we don't get to see.

[June Ambrose]

We love the Cosby show because that

[Angie Martinez]

guy, the one guy.

[June Ambrose]

I mean, if people really go back and look at my resume, my discography, I. I've done some. Yeah. There's a lot of things that I don't talk about. Big music videos, groundbreaking. And because the muse is, you know, has been exiled into life imprisonment and stuff, it's just.

[Angie Martinez]

How do you feel about this? Make you sad or.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah, it makes me.

[Angie Martinez]

It's.

[June Ambrose]

Culturally, it's. It's. Doesn't do. It does not good for the culture. It's not good for. It's. How does it serve any of us to not. And to. To celebrate what, you know, the downfall of it. To not all just be disappointed and disgusted. It's like, how do we not. How are we not sad behind that? Oh, no, I was sad. Yeah. Like, you're outraged by like the acts. Right. But like, we know we've seen this chaos before, but to be so close to it is really heartbreaking thinking. Because some of it, you didn't see that side. You know, you didn't. And it's like the fact that you were held to different regards, then you start to feel like.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah, because you never experienced.

[June Ambrose]

No, that.

[Angie Martinez]

Of course not. No. Right.

[June Ambrose]

Probably been a hospitalization. I mean. No. I mean, it's just.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

No, I get it. You know, Angie, we've grown up around these guys. I mean, but we were held. We were held. We were dealt with differently. And it's. I don't know what it is about us, but.

[Angie Martinez]

Because I'm not.

[June Ambrose]

We're not doing that. We're not. That's not. Yeah. And it's like, you raise your voice. My mom didn't yell at me. I didn't grow up in that kind of home, so. And I know that hurt people. Hurt people. So my. The way I dealt with people that were acting out, it was in a. A very. Because, like you said, you recognize I'm empathic in that way, and I'm able to really shift energy and make people feel safe, that they don't have to perform when they're within our prior. In our sacred space. You don't have to perform for me, this is just us. And I see you. I see how vulnerable.

[Angie Martinez]

We manage personalities. We manage all types of. Of characters and.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah, for sure, but they're cons. Like I said, early in my life, I knew there were consequences to actions and. And to every action, there's a consequence, good or bad.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah. It affects you, though, too. Your history and all. Yes. Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

So it's like, that part.

[Angie Martinez]

That part's sad.

[June Ambrose]

That part's a drag.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

But, you know, the Met Gala is going to be really exciting this year because Beyonce is.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah. So how does that show?

[June Ambrose]

I mean, that's exactly me. I don't style Beyonce.

[Angie Martinez]

I know, but, like, just her being part of that, I don't know.

[June Ambrose]

It's exciting. I mean, she hasn't been in a while, so she always brings excitement. She's like. It's like, you know, when Rihanna started going to the Met, we were like, we will wait to see what, you know, Rihanna would come with at the end. Like, the carpet would be closed, and Rihanna will show up.

[Angie Martinez]

Me, too.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah. That's what I'm saying. That's what I'm saying. So, you know, she's. We're.

[Angie Martinez]

But her chairing it. Does that mean anything?

[June Ambrose]

Does that mean. I don't really know what that means. I know that recently, they just. I don't know what that responsibility she has to stand up.

[Angie Martinez]

Maybe you'll get an invite this year.

[June Ambrose]

Oh, well, Anna still controls.

[Angie Martinez]

Oh, yes. Okay, let us. Not

[June Ambrose]

now, Anna.

[Angie Martinez]

Come on now, Anna.

[June Ambrose]

My daughter's name is Summer, so we love the Summer. We're gonna leave it right there.

[Angie Martinez]

Hey, guys. Support for this podcast is brought to you by Walden University. Have you ever thought to yourself, what if I could go after what I actually want and I could really make a difference? Well, you are not alone. And this is exactly why I want to tell you about Walden University. For over 50 years, Walden has helped working adults like you get the w with the knowledge, the skills, and everything you need to build the future that you want. And you can make a difference where it matters most. If you've been waiting for the right moment, this is it. Head to Waldenu. Edu and take that first step. Walden University set a course for change. Certified to operate by Shiv. All right, so this is our IRL ball of questions, of real life questions.

[June Ambrose]

Oh, my God, it's so intimidating.

[Angie Martinez]

No, you're in a meeting.

[June Ambrose]

Oh, I pick.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah, you pick whatever you like.

[June Ambrose]

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be?

[Angie Martinez]

It's in your hat. The thing is in your hat. The paper is in your hat.

[June Ambrose]

When your hat's too big. If you can instantly master any skill, what would it be?

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah, that.

[June Ambrose]

No, no, no, no. Yeah, no, any skill. Sketching. I'm not a good sketcher. I sketch very loose. It's like kindergarten, but, like, real.

[Angie Martinez]

So getting the idea out of your brain onto the paper is sometimes hard, I would imagine, if you're not a great sketch.

[June Ambrose]

I've thank God for technology because I can now sketch through, you know, do digital sketching.

[Angie Martinez]

But, yeah, okay, go for another one. Give me three. Let's do three.

[June Ambrose]

Instantly done. Oh. Oh. A prayer or affirmation, you say often. Oh, God, it's almost a serenity prayer. You know, I always ask for God to give me grace, you know, for the things that I cannot do. I mean, I'm sober drunk, so I don't even understand how to say it, but, yeah, I always literally constantly say, you know what? I don't get done today. I put off to tomorrow and give myself self grace constantly. It's okay. I always affirm that it's okay. I'm enough and it's okay. Yeah, this didn't work out.

[Angie Martinez]

That's how you hold on to that joy.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah, I'm like, it's okay. I'm like, take another one, and then

[Angie Martinez]

I have a couple here and then wherever.

[June Ambrose]

Oh, you got more. What have you always wanted to do but have it? Oh. Oh, this is loaded. There's so many things because I'm like. I feel like, oh, my God. I want to go. I want to go to India.

[Angie Martinez]

Yes.

[June Ambrose]

I want to eat, love, and pray.

[Angie Martinez]

Oh, my God. Your outfits in India are going to be fire.

[June Ambrose]

India's on my bucket list. And I've traveled the world.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

India is on the list.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

I know. You're probably like, why India? Yeah, India.

[Angie Martinez]

No, I would totally love to go to India also.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah. Oh, and I want to see the northern lights.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah, that's good, too.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah.

[Angie Martinez]

Okay. Junie. June, I am no longer available for. Come on. You got it.

[June Ambrose]

I am no longer available for brain picks. It's like, with, like. It's like, oh, my. I want to pick your brain.

[Angie Martinez]

Okay.

[June Ambrose]

But how does that serve me if you're just picking and not giving anything?

[Angie Martinez]

I love that.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah.

[Angie Martinez]

It's like, what are you giving me?

[June Ambrose]

Yeah, I want something. You just pick, pick, pick. I've given. I'm giving. I'm always giving. We are giving for sure.

[Angie Martinez]

And it takes a lot to have a brain worth picking. It takes a lot of effort and work. You have to put into yourself to have a brain worth picking. So it's like, if. If I'm putting so much effort into doing this, what effort are you breaking by picking it?

[June Ambrose]

I know it sounds like, probably. Is that rude when you say, like, how does it serve me? I mean.

[Angie Martinez]

No, it's not. It should.

[June Ambrose]

I mean, it doesn't mean that I don't give. I'm just saying, like, you can't just keep picking my brain.

[Angie Martinez]

No. I think it's important to give when you have something to give.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah. I'm no longer available for people who don't see what I see in myself. And I only want to value you. Yeah, that's right.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah. Heard you. I felt that deep in my soul, when I walk into a room, I want people to feel

[June Ambrose]

like they want to dance. So you won't dance? No, I want them to feel. Yeah. I want them to feel joy. I want them to feel like it's going to be okay. Yeah. Like whatever is going on in their world, like, I can just escape with this moment with June.

[Angie Martinez]

What do you like most about yourself, June?

[June Ambrose]

I think my ability to see the best in people before I see the worst. I will always see the goodness first. I don't look for what could be Wrong with you. I look for what is right about you from inception. That's, I think, one of my best attributes. And people always say, oh, you always see the good in it. Yeah, people like that get taken advantage of, but I don't think it's being taken advantage of. I think it's. You know, my mother always gave people grace when they wronged her, when they did things that made her cry. She was always really able to forgive and give them grace and always found a reason why they did what they did. And that is who I am. Yeah, that's who I am, too.

[Angie Martinez]

That's why I understand that completely. But I do understand, though, that that personality does get taken advantage of.

[June Ambrose]

Oh, for sure.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah. So how do you protect yourself from that?

[June Ambrose]

You know, there is a grace of God. You know, there is some. A higher power. Thank God that I. Most things, I don't feel like I have to carry a lot of what this world has put on our backs to carry. Sometimes I just give it to God. Give it to God. Yeah.

[Angie Martinez]

Speaking of God, it's my favorite question in the bowl. And we will end with that one. If God were to text you right now, what would it say?

[June Ambrose]

I've prepared you. So sorry. That's okay. I have prepared you for everything that's coming your way. And be still.

[Angie Martinez]

June Ambrose in real life. Why that make you so emotional?

[June Ambrose]

It does. That's so good.

[Angie Martinez]

No, that's so good.

[June Ambrose]

That question.

[Angie Martinez]

Does it. I don't know what it is about that. Because it's, like, the realest thing ever.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah, because it's like,

[Angie Martinez]

what?

[June Ambrose]

Sometimes you don't. Sometimes you don't think you're being seen, but everyone's paying attention. And when I called you and I said, I need to come sit and talk, you say, so. Thank you.

[Angie Martinez]

Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for coming. June Ambrose in real life, everybody.

[June Ambrose]

You can't leave crying. We got to leave in June. Joy.

[Angie Martinez]

Give me some joy. Is this. What is this? This joy?

[June Ambrose]

Yes, it is. Oh, this is. I'm so happy. Yeah.

[Angie Martinez]

So this is joy.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah. Joy is when you feel safe, when you feel seen. Seen. That is joy. And people like, oh, you know, I was like, I want to be seen. And people. Like, some people don't want to be seen. I want to be seen. It's like, if I'm not seen, well, what am I doing? Like, at the end of our lives? Am I not supposed to have existed? Like, I think that's what I think about the most. With my mom being gone, I Constantly say her name. Because her legacy is the fact that she was here, that she created me, that she gave me this life. And if I don't continue to celebrate that, then it was as if she didn't. Like, she wasn't here.

[Angie Martinez]

So you're being seen for her.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah. People move on. And we. We leave this earth. We move on. We leave. We have to all leave. And when, like, what is. What is your legacy? I mean, my kids like, the way I changed culture, the way I made people think, the way I made people feel. That's my legacy. Yeah.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah. I think that's probably why you're so

[June Ambrose]

emotional, because that's why I'm so emotional.

[Angie Martinez]

Because. Because you carry the weight of honoring your mother by being seen.

[June Ambrose]

Yeah. It's like a little girl growing up an immigrant. I came here, I came to this country. I wasn't born in this country. I'm an immigrant. So when I see immigrants, the way they're being tortured now, when I see. I know the sacrifices that immigrants have, you know, leaving their country to come to this country for a better life, and they. And this is not a better life. And like, wait, hold on. Where I came from, as in always, every time some immigrant comes here, it's not because they're running from something. They're running towards something. And when that is being misinterpreted, that part I take real personal, and that part hurts, because I know what it's like to come to this country as an immigrant and to have gotten my citizenship and to, you know, I pay my part. I do my part.

[Angie Martinez]

Shifted culture.

[June Ambrose]

I shifted culture. We've built empires. Billionaires. Billionaires and millionaires. And we share that. You know what I mean? The adjacentness of success is super important to me. So if I'm successful, anyone that's in the universe should be successful, too.

[Angie Martinez]

And you are your mother's legacy.

[June Ambrose]

I am my mother's legacy.

[Angie Martinez]

Yeah.

[June Ambrose]

I owe it to her.

[Angie Martinez]

June Ambrose.

[June Ambrose]

Thank you. Now I smile. You made me cry. This is June Ambrose in real life.

[Angie Martinez]

Hey, guys, thanks for watching. Make sure you subscribe, like, comment, and check out all of the other episodes we have on Angel Martinez IRL podcast. This is an iHeart podcast.

[June Ambrose]

Guaranteed Human.