Rebuilding Through Grief, Motherh...

Rebuilding Through Grief, Motherhood, and Community with Emerlyn Deline-Johnson | Beats & Balance Podcast

Beats & Balance Podcast by Tinora Locke Terrefe
S1 · E13
Nov 20, 2025
31:25

Episode notes

In this week’s episode of the Beats & Balance Podcast, Tinora Locke-Terrefe sits down with Emerlyn Deline-Johnson, a Jersey City native, entrepreneur, creative, youth advocate, and the founder of Mommies & Mocktails.

Emerlyn’s story is rooted in resilience. After losing her husband in 2019, she found herself navigating profound grief while raising two young boys and continuing her work in community service and youth development. Instead of collapsing under the weight of loss, she transformed her pain into purpose—building multiple businesses, leading impactful programs for young people, and creating spaces for healing and connection.

In this conversation, Emerlyn opens up about: • Motherhood while healing from grief • Building a business from lived experience • How community support shaped her journey • Youth development, creativity, and service in Jersey City • Lessons learned while growing Mommies & Mocktails • What it means to rebuild your life with intention, heart, and faith

Emerlyn is the creative force behind Mommies & Mocktails, a growing movement and event series supporting mothers through community, connection, and creativity. She also oversees youth programming in Jersey City, supports year-round recreation initiatives, and continues to expand her impact as an entrepreneur.

Upcoming Event: DIY Cocktail + Whipped Body Butter Experience https://www.mommiesandmocktails.com/event-details/diy-cocktail-whipped-body-butter-experience

Use code BNB for $5 off.

Follow Emerlyn:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/edeline

Instagram: @i_em_thecreative

Keywords

Beats and Balance Podcast
Tinora Locke-Terrefe
Black women leaders
Black millennial women
self-care podcast
mental wellness for women
empowerment and transformation
Black Women Podcast
Jersey City
arts
community
art healing
radical self love
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healing
Women Leaders
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motherhood
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youth development