It is a beautiful thing to do life with your loved ones while impacting the world.  In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Psyche Terry, CEO and Founder of Urban Hydration, a Black and family-owned beauty brand. Thirteen years ago, Terry and her college sweetheart, now husband, Vontoba, decided to create a solution to address their struggles with dry skin and hair. Their solution was Urban Hydration, effective and affordable clean beauty products. Terry started off by selling...

It is often said that failure is a crucial part of success, and my guests, Marx and Amber Succes, can definitely relate. This dynamic duo shares their story of launching Côtier, a party goods company. Their success story is far from a walk in the park. Through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, Marx & Amber have a lot to say about what it takes to walk the path to finding one’s niche and excelling at it. Marx and Amber started as college sweethearts and have blossomed into great...

A dog is a man’s best friend, and we see that sentiment reflected in how we invest in the care of our pets, from medical care and clothing to accessories and pet food. Today’s guest is Renaldo Webb, Founder and Chief Product Officer at PetPlate, a fresh-cooked dog food company. Today’s episode is filled with insights for anyone who is ready to make a difference in uncharted territory. Renaldo passionately shares how planning, research, mentorship, and collaboration are vital to scaling a...

Today’s guest is Brittany Golden, and one word that describes her is "survivor". She teaches us that even though life is full of curveballs, and tough times don’t discriminate, resilience will lead you to a state of thriving. That mindset took her through a healing process after a painful series of life experiences that ultimately led to the brilliant idea to start It’s a Golden Life aka IGL nails, a premium press-on nails brand. Enjoy today’s episode and learn how to turn pain points into...

Today’s episode is sure to keep you engaged! My guest Bianca Rush is a go-getter who knows what she wants and goes for it! Her parents were very instrumental in her financial goals, and they ensured that she understood the value of a dollar. By the fifth grade, she already had a financial goal she was determined to reach by a specific age. Sassy Hair Cap produces hair and length inclusive satin caps for all hair textures and lengths. In this episode, Bianca discusses vital information about...

It is not unusual to hear a rallying call for individuality and the message that you have the freedom to become who you want to be. Fulfilling the dream of one’s parents is often frowned upon, but in Chef Chef Liz’s case, it has been one of the best decisions she’s ever made. Raised by a single mother who worked as a welder, Chef Liz described her mother as a hard worker, a strong woman who never gave up and a mother who sacrificed everything to take care of her children. And while her...

 In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Calvin Quallis, Founder and CEO of Scotch Porter, a men’s personal care brand. His journey to entrepreneurship can be traced back to his childhood working with his mom who owned a one-stop-shop featuring a beauty parlor, barber shop, and a beauty supply store. He credits the long hours spent doing chores in his mother’s shop as a foundation for what he currently does. After college, while working at a job he didn’t enjoy, he had the...

Life does not always go as we plan, but when you are walking on purpose, it will always make sense at the end of the day. For this episode, I chatted with Jasmin Foster, founder of Be Rooted, a stationery company creating a space for women of color to see themselves in places they are not usually represented. Jasmin's love for stationery started as a young girl and she remembers the thrills she felt at the sight of stationary and artwork. Amidst the pandemic and the social injustice...

Failure is never the end. You can turn losses into wins. In today's episode, I chatted with Brianna Arps, Founder of MOODEAUX, a clean luxury fragrance label that combines scent and skincare. After being unexpectedly laid off from her dream job as a journalist, Brianna was depressed. Life as she knew it took a drastic turn, and she turned to a daily self-care routine of applying fragrance to uplift her and ease her stress. During her routine, she realized that putting on perfume always made...

Starting small is not a crime! In today’s episode, I chatted with Akua Kyerematen Nettey, Founder and CEO of Berry Bissap, a company producing all-natural West African spiced hibiscus drinks. Akua’s story is one for the books. Simply put, starting small is not a crime! Born in Oklahoma City to Ghanaian immigrants, Akua grew up cooking Ghanaian meals with her mother and the meals were often accompanied by a refreshing glass of bissap. A drink that not only tastes good but is also good for...

Don’t take no for an answer! Bridge the gap between your dreams and your reality. In today’s episode, I chatted with Jayne Allen, a writer, serial entrepreneur, and Harvard-trained attorney. I am almost certain that you may be wondering how one person could do and be so much! During our amazing chat, she shared her unconventional path to bringing her dreams to life. Jayne is a go-getter who does not accept “no” once she catches a glimpse of her vision. For Jayne as an entrepreneur, getting...

Who would have ever thought a night out with friends could inspire a revolutionary intimate skincare brand? In today’s episode, I chatted with Wendy Rose Berry, CEO and Co-founder of ConditionHER, and Eugenia Marshall, COO and Co-founder of ConditionHER, an intimate skincare brand that features a natural moisturizing cream that reduces ingrown hairs and chafing irritation, soothes razor burns, and treats vulvar dryness. Wendy and Eugenia are a dynamic duo who shows us how you can work with...

On today’s episode, I chatted with Barbara Jacques, Founder and Creative Director of JACQ'S, a vegan and clean beauty skincare line for women of color. Barbara shared how her childhood, past experiences, and a health diagnosis propelled her into founding JACQ'S. Her journey to a sustainable and self-funded brand is genuinely inspirational. Through the ups and downs of each phase of the brand, Barbara has kept her eyes on the prize - creating clean products for women of color. Barbara shares...

Building a multi-generational business takes intentionality and an unrelenting vision. In today’s episode, I chatted with Jory Luster, President and CEO of Luster Products, Inc., the world’s leading African-American-owned manufacturer of premium personal care products and Resa Luster, Senior Brand Manager of Luster’s Pink. If you’ve been around for the last sixty-five years, I am almost certain that you’ve heard of Luster’s Pink Lotion! It was a staple hair product for me while growing up...

Growing up in a community where textured hair is misunderstood and labeled difficult to tame is an experience many textured hair women can relate to. In today’s episode, I chatted with Hannah Diop, Founder, and CEO of Sienna Naturals, a clean, planet-based textured haircare brand. Hannah’s story is quite intriguing, and we chatted about how her hair care journey led her to create a solution for the challenges many textured hair women experience. In today’s episode, I chatted with Hannah...

Our childhood experiences have major influences on our present and future, and although some of our childhood experiences were not pleasant, we can always chart a new course by learning from the past and shooting for the stars aiming for greater days ahead.  Our guest’s on this episode is Ibraheem Basir, founder of A Dozen’s Cousins, a brand bringing you yummy, good for you, and soulfully seasoned beans, bone broth rice, and seasoning sauces all while retaining authenticity Ibraheem and I...

Nyakio Greico, is a serial beauty Entrepreneur, Founder of Nyakio Beauty  and Thirteen Lune. In this episode, Nyakio and I talked about her resilient twenty-year journey in the beauty industry, and how she is not afraid of making mistakes, because pitfalls and blunders are essential for growth and can inspire creativity. For the full show notes, visit our website: https://www.blackonshelf.com/episodes Stream Black on Shelf NOW on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube, Google Podcast, Amazon Music,...

This week, I spoke to Julissa Prado, Founder and CEO of Rizos Curls, a clean hair care line aimed at embracing and celebrating the beauty of curls, coils, and waves. Julissa was born and raised in Los Angeles; she is a first-generation American, her parents are from Mexico. Early in life, Julissa noticed the various textures of Latina hair amongst members of her family and community; yet one thing was consistent, everyone went through great lengths to straighten their hair. Her cousin...

This week, I spoke to Margaret Nyamumbo, Founder and CEO of Kahawa 1893 Coffee, a brand of Kenyan coffee ethically sourced by women farmers. The heartbeat of Kahawa 1893 Coffee is Margaret’s passion for empowering women and ending the cycle of poverty. Margaret is a third-generation coffee farmer who immigrated to the United States from Kenya, searching for greener pastures. After earning an MBA from Harvard, she went on to get a dream job on Wall Street. However, Margaret kept feeling a tug...

This week, I spoke to Chrishon Lampley, négociant and CEO of Love Cork Screw, a wine and lifestyle brand. Love Cork Screw is an unconventional brand that is committed to producing a quality experience. It is more than just wine; it is a movement. Love Cork Screw is dedicated to providing its consumers with the ultimate experience in wine, entertainment, other products, and services. Chrishon wants her products to be an adventure for all five senses; that is why her brand is not limited to...

This week, I spoke to Idia Lanlokun of Ola and Mide, a sustainable children’s brand that specializes in silicone bibs, spoons, and bowls that honors all shades of melanin. Ola and Mide’s brand name is inspired by her children’s names Olawale and Olamide, which come from the Nigerian Yoruba language meaning ‘my wealth has arrived.’ Being an enthusiastic millennial mom, Idia went out of her way to purchase various tools to facilitate her motherhood journey. She soon discovered that there...

This week, I spoke to Christian Sargent, CEO & Co-founder of Vicky Cakes, the first black-owned, dairy-free pancake, and waffle mix made with wholesome ingredients. Vicky Cakes was named after Christian’s mother, who became a single mother of four after a divorce. Due to limited resources, Vicky wanted to offer her children restaurant quality food in the comfort of their homes. She created a recipe out of necessity, and her mission was accomplished! And Vicky’s pancakes were not only hit...

This week, I spoke to Ericka Chambers and William Jones, Co-Founders of Puzzles of Color, a company that brings artists of color to thousands of homes through frameable jigsaw puzzles. The company’s mission is to provide tech-free entertainment for people of all ages. Their puzzles are interactive art pieces that create experiences and memories that last a lifetime. Ericka got the inspiration for Puzzles of Color while she was pregnant. A co-worker of hers shared a nursery decor idea of...

This week, I spoke to Kevin Curry, founder of FitMenCook. FitMenCook is an online community that inspires men and women to eat healthily and stay fit by providing healthy recipes. Kevin prides himself in creating recipes that are, in his words, “never, ever boring.” Kevin’s mission is to not only help people live healthier but also to be happier. Kevin is a many-sided man who is on a mission to become a household name. He also founded the FitMenCook app, which has garnered more than 7,000...