Hello, My Name Is Wini – Finally Introducing Myself
So… I have a confession. After 11 episodes of Therapy Thrift Shop—where I’ve talked about depression, suicide, therapy, hospitalization, healing, and hope—I realized I never actually introduced myself. Like, not once. Oops.
I’m the type of person who will meet you, trauma-dump in a really honest way, and forget to tell you my name. (Working on it.)
So today, we’re fixing that. Welcome to the official “meet the host” moment of Therapy Thrift Shop. I’m Wini—and I’m so glad you’re here.
Who I Am (Hi, Hello 👋🏾)
My full name is Winifred Akande, but I go by Wini (pronounced just like it looks: W-I-N-I). I use she/her pronouns and I live in the metro Atlanta area. I’m a lot of things: Nigerian-American, Christian, artist, recovering perfectionist, coffee enthusiast, and mental health advocate—but most importantly, I’m a human being who’s lived through some really hard stuff.
My Mental Health Journey (The TL;DR Version)
I was first diagnosed with a mental health condition in 2013, but the signs were there long before that. Anxiety and depression were part of my story in high school, even if I didn’t have the language for it then.
In 2013, I was working a high-stress job in accounting when I hit a breaking point. I attempted suicide and ended up spending a week in an inpatient facility. That stay gave me something I desperately needed: support, medication, and therapy.
In 2015, after another spiral, I received a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder. It’s a label I don’t cling to—but it helps my doctors help me. And today, 12 years later, I’m in a stable, thriving season of life. It’s taken a lot of therapy, medication, honesty, and self-compassion to get here.
Why I Started This Podcast
This podcast was born from two things:
A dream I had for years to share my story to help others.
The tragic loss of a family friend to suicide.
That loss was the final push. I realized we need more real, hopeful conversations about mental health—especially from people who’ve been there. So I hit record.
I wanted a space where I could talk about what it means to be a Nigerian-American woman of faith, navigating mental health in a world that often doesn’t make space for that complexity. I wanted a space for you to feel less alone.
The Values That Guide Me
Thanks to a personal development program I joined last year, I wrote a personal mission statement that I think sums it up:
“I am a fun, loving, and humorous communicator, a tenacious encourager, and a hope-filled creator. I exist to combat the self-hate and despair of those who struggle with their mental health, to create a sense of community and belonging for those who feel excluded, and to foster deep-seated hope and dignity in the world.”
My core values?
Tenacity: I don’t quit, even when it’s hard.
Kindness: Everyone deserves it.
Humor: Life’s too heavy without it.
Integrity, Excellence, Servant-heartedness, and Philanthropy: All woven into how I live and how I love.
Faith Without the Fear
Yes, I’m a Christian. But I know the version of Christianity often portrayed in America isn’t always safe or kind. That’s not the Jesus I know.
I believe faith should never be used as a weapon. My faith guides me to love people better, not judge them. So when I talk about Jesus or church, know it’s never to preach—it’s just to be honest about what’s sustained me.
The Things That Bring Me Joy
Let’s lighten it up, shall we?
I love walking (sometimes on a mini trampoline like a 5-year-old).
I have a serious relationship with coffee syrup from Marshalls and HomeGoods.
I’m obsessed with sewing—me and my sewing machine are in a committed relationship.
My cat Mercedes is a fluffy, all-black rescue with a backstory worthy of a Hallmark movie.
Cake. I just love cake. The ability to buy good cake on any given day makes life worth it sometimes.
Joy matters. Little things matter. They keep me grounded and connected to myself.
What This Podcast Means to Me
This show isn’t just a side project—it’s a piece of my heart. Whether one person listens or a hundred, I just want to help someone feel less alone. If you’ve been inspired, encouraged, or even just seen by something I’ve shared, that’s everything to me.
In the words of Mahalia Jackson, “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.”
What’s Coming Next
🟡 I’m launching short weekly episodes called Therapy Thrift Shop Finds —bite-sized, 10-minute reflections from my life, journals, and brain.
🟡 I’ll be inviting friends and guests to share their mental health journeys—because “secondhand therapy” is real and powerful.
🟡 And yes, the Etsy shop is growing, with more stickers and goods designed to bring joy and hope into your everyday life.
Thanks for Being Here 💛
If you’ve made it this far—thank you. You’re part of something that I hope continues to grow into a supportive, creative, and healing space. If you liked this post or the episode, share it with a friend. Leave a review. Or just reach out and say hi. I'd love to hear from you.
Until next time: Stay well, be well, and never underestimate the power of one more day.
—Wini
