Overcoming the Odds: She was a C student and a college dropout, but she is the CEO of Black Ambition.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Felicia Hatcher. Purpose of the Interview To spotlight Black Ambition, a national initiative founded by Pharrell Williams that funds and mentors Black and Brown entrepreneurs. To share insights on entrepreneurship, access to resources, and strategies for scaling businesses. To inspire and educate small business owners and innovators on how to leverage opportunities for growth. Key Takeaways About Black Ambition Founded by Pharrell Williams to close the opportunity gap for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. Provides capital, mentorship, and masterclasses to help founders scale. Has invested in 131 companies and awarded millions in funding. Competition Structure Annual national competition with 2,500–3,000 applications. Categories include HBCU, National Finalists, Top Prize Winner, People’s Choice. Process: Applications → 250 semifinalists → 3-month cohort → Demo Day for top 20–25 companies. Unique Approach Focus on high-quality mentorship, not “low vibrational” guidance. Includes mental health and wellness support for entrepreneurs. Partnerships with brands like Louis Vuitton for luxury retail insights. Challenges for Entrepreneurs Many fail by rushing applications and skipping info sessions. Success requires clarity, traction, and persistence—sometimes multiple attempts. Black women are the fastest-growing entrepreneurs but often remain solopreneurs; Black Ambition prioritizes team-building. Pharrell’s Motivation Believes in democratizing opportunity: “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” Inspired by those who believed in him early in his career. Felicia Hatcher’s Journey Former founder of Center for Black Innovation and Black Tech Week. Emphasizes resilience: “I’m a C student and a college dropout, but I never let that define me.” Advocates for creative pathways to success and capital access. Notable Quotes “Success leaves clues.” – On learning from past winners. “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” – Pharrell’s guiding principle. “If it doesn’t work on you in that moment, it works for you in that moment. Either way, it works.” – On persistence. “We have to start enjoying the process… be stretched, be cut by the process.” – On entrepreneurial growth. “Wealth has a need for speed.” – On urgency in closing the wealth gap. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Uplift: A successful single mom entrepreneur discusses how to avoid business scams.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michaela Merrick. 🎙️ Interview Summary: Michaela Merrick on Money Making Conversations Masterclass 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To spotlight Michaela Merrick, founder of Pretty Little Tacos, and her entrepreneurial journey from launching a food truck during the COVID-19 pandemic to building a thriving Creole-Mexican taco brand in Atlanta. The interview aims to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs by showcasing resilience, creativity, and family support. 🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Origin of Pretty Little Tacos Inspired by a short-lived cooking show called Pretty Little Cooks. Launched in May 2020 during the height of the pandemic. Offers unique taco varieties including vegan options and dessert tacos like peach cobbler and strawberry shortcake. 2. Entrepreneurial Spirit Michaela did not attend culinary school but learned through experience and family influence. Her mother encouraged her to pursue the food truck idea, even waking her up to go buy one. Her father and brother are chefs, and her daughter is her biggest fan and motivator. 3. Challenges Faced Started with little to no money and reinvested daily. Faced licensing and permitting issues due to government shutdowns. Was misled by commissary kitchens lacking proper permits, resulting in financial loss. Her first food truck was stolen, but she bounced back with a new one. 4. Growth and Expansion Operates three locations in Atlanta: Colony Square, Union City (inside a gas station), and Moreland Avenue. Plans to expand into more gas stations and possibly mass production while maintaining quality and authenticity. 5. Business Philosophy Focuses on customer experience and generous portions. Requires all staff to sign NDAs to protect recipes and business integrity. Encourages staff to learn and grow, even if they aspire to start their own businesses. 💬 Notable Quotes “I didn’t really have a choice… it was survival.” – On launching her business during the pandemic. “You have to be resilient. You can’t give up.” – On overcoming obstacles. “My daughter is my biggest fan… I want her to understand she can do anything.” – On her motivation. “I thrive off competition… I level up every time.” – On the competitive food truck industry. “Business supersedes relationships… protect yourself always.” – On the importance of NDAs and business integrity. #AMI #STRAW #BEST #SHMS Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Financial Tips: He says large amounts of money are not required to invest in real estate.
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dexter B. Jenkins. The uploaded document features an insightful conversation with Dexter B. Jenkins, a real estate entrepreneur, financial strategist, and pastor, on Money Making Conversations Masterclass hosted by Rashawn McDonald. Here’s a breakdown of the key topics and highlights: Key Themes & Highlights Overcoming Fear in Real Estate Jenkins explains that fear is the biggest obstacle for first-time buyers. He emphasizes education and networking as tools to overcome fear. Faith & Financial Success He discusses the intersection of faith and wealth creation, referencing biblical principles. Jenkins highlights how faith can guide financial decisions and real estate investments. The Real Estate Wealth Creator Blueprint Jenkins shares his personal journey as a second-generation real estate investor. He outlines strategies for building wealth through real estate ownership. The Importance of Partnerships He stresses the value of teaming up with others to invest in real estate. Jenkins explains how clear roles and agreements can prevent conflicts in partnerships. Common Myths About Real Estate Investing He debunks the misconception that large amounts of money are required to invest. Jenkins highlights programs like VA loans and FHA loans that make real estate accessible. Financial Literacy & Generational Wealth He advocates for financial education to ensure wealth is preserved and passed down. Jenkins discusses mentorship and how learning from experienced investors can accelerate success. About Dexter B. Jenkins Dexter B. Jenkins is a faith-based financial mentor, pastor, and real estate investor. He is the author of The Real Estate Wealth Creator Blueprint, which provides strategies for overcoming fear, financial limitations, and inexperience in real estate. Through his work, Jenkins helps individuals build generational wealth by combining faith, financial literacy, and strategic investing. #BEST #STRAW #SHMS Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Uplift: Financial Expert offers strategic financial strategies, and one-on-one consultations.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Laura Finney. A seasoned financial literacy educator and coach. Laura shares her deeply personal journey into financial education, sparked by a lack of preparedness in her own life and a family experience that resulted in the loss of generational wealth. Through candid storytelling and practical advice, she empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures with strategic planning, budgeting, and mindset shifts. 🧭 Key Themes Financial Empowerment: Building financial literacy to live life on your own terms. Generational Wealth: The importance of estate planning and legacy preservation. Budgeting & Cash Flow: Identifying spending leaks and creating emergency funds. Mindset Over Age: Rejecting age as a limitation to financial or personal growth. Community Impact: Educating underserved communities and promoting financial independence. 🗂️ Episode Outline Introduction by Rushion McDonald Purpose of the show and encouragement to learn from others’ success stories. Meet Laura Finney Financial coach and educator with a mission to empower through financial literacy. Turning Point at 50 Laura’s wake-up call after her 50th birthday and the realization of financial unpreparedness. Family Legacy Lost A powerful story of losing family land due to lack of a will, now replaced by an Amazon facility. Common Financial Mistakes Taking advice without personalized planning. Misunderstanding retirement and financial independence. Advice for 30s and 40s Pay yourself first. Avoid inaccessible savings vehicles. Start planning early. Budgeting Tips Cut back on dining out, personal care, and entertainment. Build emergency funds—even starting with $1/day. Financial Misconceptions Living for today vs. planning for tomorrow. The myth of “having time” to save later. How Laura Works with Clients Initial consultation → personalized interview → strategic financial roadmap. Closing Thoughts Encouragement to take control of your financial future and live life on your terms. 💬 Notable Quotes “Nobody’s really retiring. We’re not great-grandma on the porch with lemonade anymore.” “Don’t let age define how you live your life.” “Everything starts with a budget.” “You can’t chase money. You have to plan for it.” “If you can save a dollar a day, you can build an emergency fund.” 👤 About the Guest: Laura Finney Laura Finney is a financial literacy educator with over eight years of experience in the financial services industry. She specializes in delivering personalized financial literacy programs, workshops, and one-on-one consultations. Her mission is to help individuals and families achieve financial stability and long-term success through education, strategic planning, and empowerment. 📞 Contact Laura Finney Website: LauraFinneyEnterprises.net #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Financial Tip: He discusses the benefits of government contracts and how to apply.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tim Mercer. Author of Bootstrap Millionaire and CFO of Cadence Ventures, Inc.: 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To inspire and educate aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals by sharing Tim Mercer’s journey from humble beginnings to financial success, emphasizing the importance of hard work, faith, planning, and leveraging government contracts and nontraditional financing. 🗝️ Key Takeaways Background & Journey Tim Mercer grew up in Mullins, South Carolina, in modest circumstances. His path to success began with military service, which broadened his worldview and led him to entrepreneurship. Bootstrap Millionaire Philosophy The term “bootstrap” symbolizes hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. Mercer emphasizes that success doesn’t come overnight—it requires grinding, planning, and faith. Importance of a Business Plan A solid business plan is essential for securing funding and guiding business growth. Mercer shares real-life examples of people failing to secure support due to lack of planning. Cadence Ventures, Inc. A boutique private equity firm offering nontraditional financing for real estate investors. Focuses on investment properties and uses the property itself as collateral. Government Contracting Mercer began in government contracting in 2012 and credits it with helping him scale his business. He stresses that while it’s complex and paperwork-heavy, it’s a valuable opportunity for minority-owned businesses. Free resources like SAM.gov and Georgia Tech’s GT PAC can help entrepreneurs navigate the process. Success Requires Sacrifice Mercer highlights that every successful person has a story of struggle and sacrifice. His book’s first chapter, “See the Glory, Don’t Know the Story,” encapsulates this message. 💬 Notable Quotes “If you want to have the things tomorrow that other people won’t have, then you got to be willing to do the things today that other people won’t do.” — Tim Mercer quoting Les Brown “There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Tim Mercer “You can only make as much as the customer that you have.” — Tim Mercer on scaling through government contracts “See the glory, don’t know the story.” — Chapter title from Bootstrap Millionaire #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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