Episodes
Is it possible to go from freelance to an executive? The answer is YES and in our interview with Blake Newby, she shares her journey and offers the pros and cons - and how it’s important to bring others up who are on our journey. Blake has had an incredible career as beauty writer with bylines in publications such as Allure, Cosmo, and NYLON, just to name a few. She is now Beauty & Style Editor at Essence. A longtime beauty obsessive, she's transformed her longtime love of all things...
Published 10/20/21
Published 10/20/21
In this episode, part of our VISA She's Next Grant winner series, we get geared up for the approaching holiday season with, Founder of Greentop Gifts Jacquelyn Rodgers! In this episode we dive into the importance of representation in images for our youth, get in the Jolly spirit with the famous black Santa, Clarence Claus, and hear how this card carrying member of the Beehive reacted when Beyonce featured her on her site. To learn more about Visa’s She’s Next Grant Program, visit...
Published 10/13/21
In this episode part of our VISA She's Next Grant winner series, we have an incredible conversation with Lorielle J Hollaway, Founder + Dreamer, Cultured Books Literacy Foundation (www.culturedbooks.org). We discuss the importance of literacy and books for our children, why having a mentor is key to going to the next level, and great tips on how to overcome imposter syndrome.  To learn more about Visa’s She’s Next Grant Program, visit Visa.com/shesnext  For more information about the sponsor...
Published 10/06/21
In this episode in our VISA She's Next Grant Winner Series, we speak to the one and only Sonic SommelierTM Keanna O’Quinn of Honey + Vinyl (www.honeyandvinylmusic.com). In this conversation we hear her insights on the importance of honing your craft as a creative, how a clear vision is essential for success, and what makes her experiential music and sonic branding company stand out from the rest. To learn more about Visa’s She’s Next Grant Program, visit Visa.com/shesnext For more information...
Published 09/29/21
In our first episode of our VISA She's Next Grant Winner series, we speak to founder Brandelyn Green, Founder of Voice of Hair (www.voiceofhaircare.com). In this conversation we chat about the importance of growing a community and listening to them to build your brand, why hair education is important, and how she successfully made the leap from the corporate world to a business owner. To learn more about Visa’s She’s Next Grant Program, visit Visa.com/shesnext For more information about the...
Published 09/22/21
Could a Crypto address be as important as a mailing address in the future? In this conversation with Cuy Sheffield, Head of Visa’s Crypto - we explore what the near future for Crypto holds, how Visa got into the NFT space, and how finding a career that aligns with your passion is the dream. Cuy Sheffield is the VP and Head of Visa’s Crypto team. Leading the global crypto product team within the fintech product organization. Cuy is a fellow at the Visa Economic Empowerment Institute, a...
Published 09/15/21
What is the "new internet"? In this conversation with Erikan Obotetukudo we explore how she is investing in the next 100 years with her company Audacity, how there is space to be first in this new commerce, and the importance of your name.
Published 09/08/21
After working in Fashion Design for over 12 years Shannon returned to her hometown to launch her storefront and dynamic brand - Yowie. In this conversation we explore her passion to create, how leaning into what you don’t know can lead to great results, the future of her brand, and more. YOWIE is a Black-owned lifestyle shop and design studio founded in 2016 by Philadelphia native Shannon Maldonado. After working in Fashion Design for over 12 years (Ralph Lauren, American Eagle Outfitters,...
Published 09/01/21
In this episode we have an incredible chat with Dawn Dickson-Akpoghene, CEO of Popcom and Founder of Flat Out of Heels. We dive into how Black founders are getting funding like never before, how she grew from an investor to an advisor, and much more.
Published 08/25/21
Jaden Chambers, our youngest guest yet, is a current NASA Pathways Intern. He shares how his drive and curiosity to learn has taught him the value of hard work, and inspired others along the way.
Published 08/18/21
Nikki Merkerson is the Founder of Pairgap, and a Wealth Building Advocate. In this conversation, she shares how home ownership is key for closing the wealth gap, and much more on why she is a home ownership advocate. We also hear from her son Keith who is now the CEO of the company she founded, Urban Leisure.
Published 08/18/21
In this conversation with Agent & Executive Cecil White we discuss his secret sauce for building businesses for his clients, a recipe for success for those looking to become an agent, and how he overcomes his obstacles to help the next generation.
Published 08/18/21
Our guest, Opal Tometi is heralded as a feminist freedom-fighter in the U.S. and now a global icon. She is one of the most influential human rights leaders of our time. As one of the three women co-founders of the Black Lives Matter movement, her name is etched in American history. Join us for this incredible conversation about how we all have agency to make a difference, and much more. Connect with Opal Web: opaltometi.org Instagram: instagram.com/opalayo Twitter: twitter.com/opalayo For...
Published 06/18/21
Terrence J—actor, host, Oscar-winning producer, author, and philanthropist—has added Strategic Advisor of Financial Education at First Boulevard to his impressive résumé. In this can't-miss episode, Terrence joins Donald to reveal how he stays at the top of his game, and explore the genius-level capabilities we all have within us.
Published 06/03/21
Aaron Samuels, Co-Founder & COO of Blavity shares about creating that magic, power, and strength that is Blavity - sharing the importance of celebrating and investing in our communities.
Published 05/20/21
April Johnson joins us on this episode for an incredible conversation about her journey as Founder & CEO of Happied. Hear how she made the jump from being a lawyer to an entrepreneur building a company that keeps communities connected through top-of the line virtual experiences that feel real.
Published 05/06/21
How can you make your money work so you don’t have to? In this episode, investing expert and writer Kevin L. Matthews II drops gems of finance knowledge that are sure to set you on a path to success.
Published 04/22/21
Is it possible to pay down 100K in debt in 3 years? If you live Broke On Purpose you can. Join us for an eye opening episode on financial literacy knowledge from our guest Melody Robinson Wright Ph.D., CFEI.
Published 04/08/21
New York Times Bestselling Author + Activist Kimberly L. Jones drops knowledge in this powerful episode on the racial wealth gaps in the US, exploring how the cards have been stacked against Black Americans.
Published 03/25/21
In this powerful episode, Vivian Kaye, Founder & CEO of KinkyCurlyYaki shares her journey of building a premium textured hair extension brand that she bootstrapped to over $6 million in revenue.
Published 03/11/21
We speak to Dr. Kristian Edwards, hearing her inspiring story of building BLK + GRN, a marketplace that features and promotes Black owned, great for the earth products.
Published 02/26/21
Is it possible to go for your big idea and turn it into a success? We learn from Co-Founder of The Future Party Boye Fanjinmi on his journey of taking the leap to entrepreneurship, the journey, and pay off to that hard work.
Published 02/12/21
In this interview with Sandy Kemper, Founder and CEO of C2FO shares his focus on fixing systematic racism and problems in the financial system, and the importance of education.
Published 01/29/21
What if we were taught credit concepts at a young age? In this episode, we talk to Evan Leaphart, Founder at Kiddie Kredit who has created an excellent solution for credit education for youth.
Published 01/15/21