Uplift: Her interview explores her vision for empowering families and communities through early childhood education.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Keanna Sanders. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To highlight Keanna Sanders’ entrepreneurial journey from fashion merchandising to founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center, a network of childcare facilities in Maryland. The interview explores her motivations, challenges, and vision for empowering families and communities through early childhood education. 🧭 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Inspiration & Passion for Children Keanna’s love for children began at age 13, helping her grandmother care for infants and toddlers. Quote: “I was always around children… babysitting cousins, neighbors, and helping my grandmother with single moms’ kids.” 2. Education & Certifications Studied Fashion Merchandising at University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Fashion Institute of Technology. Earned childcare certifications (e.g., 45-hour and 90-hour credentials) to qualify as a teacher in Maryland. Quote: “I went and got my certifications in childcare so I could make a little extra money.” 3. Entrepreneurial Drive Keanna always knew she wanted to be her own boss, even before understanding what entrepreneurship meant. Quote: “I didn’t want to work a 9 to 5. I wanted to travel and make my own schedule.” 4. Serial Entrepreneurship Owned a car dealership called Trendy Motors before launching Sandbridge. Used profits from car sales and a bank loan to fund her childcare business. Quote: “I sold my first car and said, ‘I’m going to start a car business.’ That success helped me launch Sandbridge.” 5. Founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center The name “Sandbridge” combines her last name (Sanders) with the concept of “bridging the gap” between parents and children. Quote: “Sandbridge means bridging the gap between parents and kids.” 6. Curriculum & Learning Philosophy Uses Frog Street Curriculum for infants to age 5. Employs certified public school teachers through grants to prepare children for elementary school. Quote: “We want children to be ready for school. We teach through themes, tummy time, reading, and physical activities.” 7. Family Engagement & Community Impact Hosts family nights, festivals, and educational field trips. Offers financial support, discounts, and free meals to families in need. Quote: “We go above and beyond… sometimes I waive fees or help with scholarship applications.” 8. Franchise Vision & Branding Plans to franchise Sandbridge nationally with consistent branding across locations. Quote: “I want every Sandbridge to look the same—like Chick-fil-A or Walgreens.” 9. Overcoming Bias & Embracing Identity Initially hid her ownership due to fear of bias but later embraced her identity and impact. Quote: “You didn’t work this hard not to be recognized. People deserve to know who you are.” 10. Faith, Risk-Taking & Advice Attributes her success to faith, persistence, and taking risks. Quote: “Out of ten no’s, you’ll get one yes. Be consistent, be persistent, and lean on God.” 📍 Current Status Operates six locations in Maryland: three full sites and three before/after care programs. Serves nearly 400 children. Actively working on franchising the business. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Brand Building: Washington, DC Real estate investor uses Instagram and podcasting to build his brand and connect with clients.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Renard “Ray” Sims. Topic: Entrepreneurship, property management, and building generational wealth through real estate. Ray Sims shares his journey from government employee to entrepreneur, founding a property management company in the Metro DC area. He discusses the challenges of transitioning into business ownership, the structure of his company, and the importance of networking, automation, and community service. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview Showcase Ray’s entrepreneurial journey and how he turned a layoff into a business opportunity. Educate listeners on property management and real estate investment strategies. Inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to take calculated risks and build sustainable businesses. Promote financial literacy and generational wealth through real estate. 🔑 Key Takeaways 💼 Entrepreneurship & Transition Ray was laid off from a government job and used the opportunity to launch his business. He emphasizes the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone. “I got forced to do it. And I'm kind of glad that that happened to me.” 🏠 Property Management Defined Manages real estate portfolios for absentee owners. Handles everything from tenant screening to maintenance coordination and invoicing. “I manage people’s assets… Most of the homeowners don’t even want to know who the tenants are.” 🔍 Tenant Screening Process Includes credit checks, employment history, landlord references, and even social media reviews. “I go on your Facebook page or Instagram page… see how you want to treat that property.” 🧰 Business Structure Licensed in DC; structured as an LLC in Maryland. Works with a network of trusted vendors (plumbers, electricians, etc.). Uses automation and a third-party admin for newsletters and monthly reports. “I’m really big on automation… I don’t want to have a bank account with \$30,000 on August 1st.” 🤝 Networking & Growth Attends real estate events across DC, New York, and Atlanta. Uses Instagram and podcasting to build his brand and connect with clients. “I cannot leave a networking event without connecting with five different people.” 🎙️ Podcast & Branding Podcast started organically from a conversation with a landscaper. Focuses on real estate and business conversations. “I call it ‘The Creator’… just conversations with different people in the real estate field.” 📈 Investment Advice Recommends duplexes and townhomes as top investment choices. Notes that single-family homes are less popular for rentals due to maintenance concerns. “Duplex, duplex, duplex… it’s an easy way to gain revenue.” 🌍 Vision & Expansion Plans to expand beyond DC by learning local regulations and networking. Attends Invest Fest in Atlanta for exposure and connections. “I want to be the face of property management in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area.” 💬 Memorable Quotes “All money is not good money.” “Life is risky. Like waking up in the morning is risky.” “You have to step out of your comfort zone.” “I’m proud of you… I’m glad you got laid off.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Branding Building: She helps people “bloom into their best selves” through self-discovery, journaling, and affirmations.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Paris Fletcher. Founder of Full Bloom. Here’s a breakdown of the key themes and takeaways: 🌸 About Full Bloom Mission: To help people “bloom into their best selves” through self-discovery, journaling, and affirmations. Origin: Born during the pandemic when Parris began sharing motivational content on TikTok. Name Meaning: Inspired by plants — just like them, people need the right environment and care to thrive. 📓 The Product: Guided Journal Title: Back to Me: The Journey Back to Self Format: Available in both hardcover and digital. Content: 365+ daily prompts and space for affirmations to encourage reflection, self-awareness, and personal growth. Purpose: Helps users explore their identity, values, relationships, and goals. 🎭 Parris’ Background Former professional dancer and actress in Los Angeles. Toured internationally and appeared in commercials and TV shows. Transitioned from entertainment to entrepreneurship after facing industry frustrations and seeking more control over her path. 💡 Entrepreneurial Insights Started with no formal business plan or funding — bootstrapped using personal savings. Faced rejection from banks but turned it into a strength by maintaining full ownership. Built a loyal community through authenticity and vulnerability on social media. Key to success: Quality product + genuine connection with audience. 💬 Quotes That Resonate “Sometimes all you have to do is just start.” “If we’re not in the right environment, we’re not going to thrive.” “People are looking for real people they can relate to.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Career Opportunities: His AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications and college admission exams.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Christopher Gray. CEO and co-founder of Path. Gray discusses how his AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications, IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admission exams. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights The Vision Behind Path Path provides unlimited practice questions, full-length exams, and personalized study plans. Uses AI to generate high-quality test prep content at a fraction of traditional costs. Addressing Educational Barriers Many students struggle with standardized tests due to expensive prep courses. Path makes test preparation affordable, helping low-income students access scholarships and selective schools. Professional Certifications & Career Growth Covers IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and teaching certifications. Helps individuals pass exams like CompTIA Security+ and Praxis to secure high-paying jobs. AI-Powered Test Preparation Provides unlimited practice exams and step-by-step solutions. Predicts users’ test scores before they take official exams, reducing financial risk. Expanding Access to Education Offers prep for SAT, ACT, GED, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, and MCAT. Supports career changers and adults seeking new opportunities through certification programs. 📘 About Christopher Gray & PathChristopher Gray is an entrepreneur dedicated to making education more accessible. His platform, Path, leverages AI to provide affordable and effective test preparation for students and professionals. #STRAW #BEST #SHMS Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Brand Building: She shares strategy and techniques in marketing to promote your business.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Stephanie Stuckey. The chair of Stuckey’s, a historic snack and candy company. She shares her journey of revitalizing the brand, her family’s legacy, and the importance of entrepreneurship and branding. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights Reviving an American Icon Stephanie took over Stuckey’s in 2019, aiming to restore its legacy. She discusses the challenges of rebuilding a brand that had lost its original assets. The History of Stuckey’s Founded by her grandfather during the Great Depression in 1937. Grew into a nationwide chain with 370 stores across 40 states. The Importance of Branding & Social Media Stephanie leveraged LinkedIn and other platforms to rebuild brand awareness. She emphasizes authenticity and storytelling in marketing. Business Strategy & Growth Transitioned from outsourcing products to owning a manufacturing facility. Expanded retail presence from 200 to 5,000 stores, including Hobby Lobby and Food Lion. Lessons in Entrepreneurship Discusses the importance of adaptability, partnerships, and strategic decision-making. Shares insights on overcoming setbacks and scaling a business. 📘 About Stephanie StuckeyStephanie Stuckey is an entrepreneur, author, and advocate for brand revitalization. She is dedicated to restoring Stuckey’s as a leading snack brand while preserving its rich history. #STRAW #BEST #SHMS Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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