A Bright Idea

By Amber Key

Hey Everybody, this is Amber Key and you’re listening to ‘ A Bright Idea’ podcast, a show that sits down with entrepreneurs to hear about the ‘Aha' moment that launched their businesses. In each episo... more

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FAQs about A Bright Idea:

How many episodes does A Bright Idea have?

The podcast currently has 68 episodes available.

A Bright Idea episodes:

April 17, 2024 Safety and Security Consultants: Protecting Employees from Active Shooter Scenarios
On this week's episode- we’re joined by founder of Safety and Security Consultants - Terrance Brown.
Terrance Brown holds over 36 years of combined military, law enforcement, and safety management with the US Air Force, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Mercy Health Systems.
Joining the U.S. Air Force as a Security Forces Specialist in 1984, Terrence's service took him to Langley Air Force Base, Ghedi Air Base, and Nellis Air Base, where he played pivotal roles in securing vital resources and responding to threats.
After his discharge following the Gulf War, Terrence transitioned into law enforcement, rising through the ranks to become a Master Patrolman with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police where he helped to suppress gang activity, trained with the Dignitary Witness Protection Unit, and worked with SWAT in a patrol capacity serving high risk warrants and conducting building searches
Today, as the founder of Safety and Security Consultants LLC (SSC), Terrence continues his mission to prepare organizations for the unexpected. With a focus on incident response planning and active threat preparation, he empowers businesses, schools, and public venues to mitigate risks and protect lives.
Terrence's dedication to education and training ensures that his team of consultants delivers the most up-to-date information and strategies to their clients. Through SSC's unique eight-step process, they equip organizations with the tools they need to navigate crisis situations effectively.
00:00:18:28 - 00:00:50:10 - Introduction
00:00:50:12 - 00:10:39:21 - Introduction to Terrance Brown's background
00:12:37:05 - 00:15:08:15 - Terrance Brown discusses founding Safety & Security Consultants
00:15:27:00 - 00:17:24:05- Terrance Brown discusses the importance of tailored security measures for different organizations
00:17:24:08 - 00:17:55:07 - Terrance Brown talks about the growth of his consultancy and the importance of communication
Website: https://www.safetysecurityconsultants.com/
Today's Sponsor: Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation -⁠⁠ https://www.3sb.io/
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1h
April 10, 2024 Kid Onyx: Emotional Regulation Cards for Black and Brown Youth
Kid Onyx was born out of Nia's passion to provide essential tools for the children she serves in the vibrant communities of Los Angeles, Compton, and Inglewood. As a social worker, Nia recognized the need for resources that truly resonated with the experiences of her young clients.
Nia created Kings and Queens Emotion Cards, a revolutionary tool designed to help young black children identify and manage their emotions. In a time of heightened stress and uncertainty, especially during the pandemic, these cards offer a lifeline for children navigating through challenging emotions
With disruptions in schooling, sleeping schedules, and social interactions, it's more important than ever to equip children with the skills to manage their emotions effectively. The Kings and Queens Cards serve as a guiding light, helping children regain stability and confidence as they transition back to their everyday routines.
In this episode, Nia and I delve into her own journey with controlling emotions, how she became interested in mental health counseling and, into the transformative impact of social-emotional learning and the invaluable role that Kid Onyx plays in supporting the emotional well-being of children of color. We also get into her podcast What’s good with you - where she and her co-host seek to eliminate stigmas for black millennials and Generation Z to encourage healthy emotional regulation.

00:00 - Intro
03:20 - Balancing it all
05:00 - 9-5 therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic and making the switch
07:40 - Background in therapy
10:30 - Nia as a kid
16:00 - Verbalizing emotions
18:10 - The draw to psychology
22:40 - Biggest concerns in child therapy (before creating Kid Onyx)
24:45 - Emotional regulation
26:35 - Teaching kids emotional regulation and how to cope
28:15 - 35th St. Builders sponsorship
29:10 - Aha moment
31:35 - Kid Onyx
39:35 - Marketing Kid Onyx
39:50 - What's next for Kid Onyx?
40:50 - Entrepreneurial goals
44:15 - Biggest reward as a therapist
47:10 - What's Good With You? podcast
50:40 - What led you to hopping on the mic?
53:20 - Approach to W.G.W.Y.
59:35 - Becoming the person you want to be
1:04:15 - Rapid fire
Show notes:
⁠https://www.kidonyx.com/
https://www.instagram.com/_kidonyx/
https://linktr.ee/whatsgoodwithyou?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=07607bb2-62e5-4067-874d-917ea162c70c

Book recommendations:
The Four Agreements - Don Miguel Ruiz: https://amzn.to/3JfcH68
All About Love - Bell Hooks: https://amzn.to/3TZtCyD
Worthy - Jada Pinkett Smith: https://amzn.to/4417QyX
Today's Sponsor:
Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation -⁠ https://www.3sb.io/⁠

...more
1h 17min
April 03, 2024 Dembo Inc.: How to Build an Effective Team as an Entrepreneur
This week we’re joined by the founder of Dembo Inc. Stephanie Coradin.As the founder of DEMBO Inc, Stephanie brings over 18 years of expertise in leadership and development training, along with life coaching for individuals and groups across diverse industries. With an MBA and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, her unique background equips her to uncover hidden barriers to growth and offer impactful solutions. Stephanie’s philosophy centers on the power of employee empowerment and dynamic leadership. She understands that when leaders prioritize valuing their team members and entrusting them with responsibility, it creates a culture where everyone is inspired to excel. Join us as we explore Stephanie’s insights, strategies, and passion for fostering growth and resilience in both individuals and organizations. Whether you’re a leader seeking to empower your team or an individual striving for personal development, Stephanie’s wisdom will inspire you to reach new heights.#abrightidea #podcast #entrepreneurship #buildingateam #leadership #professionaldevelopment #demboinc
Show timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:40 - Stephanie's background
08:00 - Shifting careers
10:15 - What was your 'ahh haa' moment?
12:45 - Creating the framework for leading employees
15:00 - From sidegig to full-time job
16:50 - 35th St. Builders sponsorship
17:45 - Dembo Inc. services and organizations they work with
19:40 - Accessing the needed of an organization
20:40 How has your job changed over the years?
22:30 - Mental health and leadership
23:15 - Employee struggles in the workplace
25:00 - Trends and bad leadership
29:30 - When do companies call Dembo Inc.?
31:00 Training and coaching leadership
32:00 - Success stories
33:45 - Identifying the roles ono a team
36:15 - Leadership tips for entrepreneurs
40:40 - Conversations to have with employees as an entrepreneur
43:10 - How to go about passing the torch
45:50 - Most rewarding part of running Dembo Inc.
46:50 - Challenges in running Dembo Inc.
47:40 - What's next for Dembo Inc.?
48:10 - Contact info/wrap

Show notes:
Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/demboinc/
Website: https://www.stephaniecoradin.com/

Today's Sponsor:
Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation -⁠⁠ https://www.3sb.io/⁠

...more
50min
March 20, 2024 Imania Beauty: How this founder launched a trailblazing haircare product with $2500 and a dream
For years, Nia Imani captivated audiences as a natural haircare influencer on YouTube, collaborating with industry giants like Mielle Organics, The Mane Choice, and Shea Moisture. But with over 125,000 subscribers on YouTube, she knew it was time to harness her expertise for her own brand.
Introducing Imania Beauty, where luxury meets natural. Nia created a High Maintenance Elixir, a multipurpose hair and scalp oil infused with a blend of broad-spectrum CBD and natural ingredients, meticulously formulated to stimulate hair growth, soothe the scalp, and lock in moisture.
Using her knowledge of digital marketing through influencing, Nia has built a large following on Instagram and a dedicated email list. Since the launch of her Elixr, Nia has launched other streams of income including a hair extensions line and a hair salon located in the Atlanta area.
With a mission to “give your hair a break,” Nia aims to redefine the haircare experience, making it relaxing and enjoyable for everyone. As Nia leads the charge, she paves the way for other Black women to pursue their dreams in beauty entrepreneurism.
00:05 - Introduction
2:00 - Rapid fire questions
8:30 - YouTube journey
11:50 - Discovering hair care products for you
12:50 - Evolution of hair care products
13:20 - Natural hair care peers on YouTube
14:15 - Concept behind Nia's YouTube channel
15:40 - Feedback from subscribers
16:50 - From a hobby to a job: monetizing YouTube
18:50 - Balancing YouTube and school
20:00 - Goals with YouTube
21:15 - Knowing your purpose among your peers
23:35 - 35th St. Builders sponsorship
24:35 - Entrepreneurial journey
27:35 - Ingredients for the elixir
29:00 - Working with women with scalp conditions
29:35 - Finding the perfect ingredients
31:05 - Covid-19 pandemic and the beauty industry
32:15 - Funding Imania Beauty
34:00 - From testing to shelves: a product timeline
35:00 - Launch plan for Imania Beauty
38:00 - Advice for building a brand
39:30 - Expanding Imania Beauty
42:00 - Imania Beauty and vertical integration
44:00 - Views on Nia’s competitors in the beauty industry
45:30 - Pros and cons of entrepreneurship
48:00 - Pitching to venture capital firms/accessibility
50:40 - Next steps for Imania Beauty
51:25 - Social media contact info
Show notes:
⁠https://imaniabeauty.com/pages/shop-now
https://www.instagram.com/imaniabeauty/
Today's Sponsor:
Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation -⁠ https://www.3sb.io/⁠
...more
53min
March 06, 2024 Jenna Levine Liu: From Ad Sales to building a thriving community for moms
We are joined by Jenna Levine Liu, founder and president of Sixx Cool Moms.
Sixx Cool Moms is a national network of social groups for moms. Sixx currently operates 45 chapters across 13 states, with over 110k active and engaged members. Using her decade of media and advertising experience, Jenna turned a traditionally free medium into a profitable space for advertisers to reach local moms on a personal level, and for moms to connect with each other and foster life changing friendships.
In this episode, Jenna touches on her own experience entering motherhood, how her need for community and like minded women led her to founding a group for mothers, and how she is disrupting the narrative of what it means to be a mother in the 21st century. Enjoy!

Timecodes/Chapters for Sixx Cool Moms
0:00 - Intro1:16 - Getting to know Jenna
5:30 - The draw of advertising and sales
8:30 - Political advertisement
11:10 - Navigating being an outspoken woman
15:10 - ADHD in the workplace
17:08 - Advertisement
18:00 - Starting Sixx Cool Moms
28:05 - Differentiating between Sixx Cool Moms and other mom orgs
31:05 - Sixx Cool Moms and growth
34:15 - Sixx Cool Moms and culture building
36:50 - Navigating social media and parasocial relationships
40:30 - Leading Sixx Cool Moms
45:00 - Balancing multiple roles
47:00 - Advice for funding a business like Sixx Cool Moms
49:00 - Establishing relationships with businesses for funding
49:50 - Affiliate marketing and deliverables
57:14 - Challenges
59:10 - Societal changes that can help moms
1:03:15 - Motherhood and judgement
1:05:00 - What's next for you and Sixx Cool Moms
1:06:00 - A message to Jenna's daughter, Poppy
1:06:30 - Rapid fire questions

Show notes:
https://www.facebook.com/jennanicole/
https://www.facebook.com/sixxcoolmoms
https://www.instagram.com/jennalevineliu/
https://www.instagram.com/sixxcoolmoms
www.sixxcoolmoms.com

Today's Sponsor:
Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation - https://www.3sb.io/
...more
1h 15min
February 07, 2024 Kelsey Russell: Knowing Is Sexy
When was the last time you read newspaper?
According to a 2022 survey conducted by the media insights projects, 44% of Gen Z report never received news and information from traditional sources compared with 45% of younger millennials and 31% of older millennials.
Kelsey Russell is looking to change that.
Kelsey Russell is a content creator and full time graduate student at Teachers College, Columbia University. Through her platform, Russell breaks down articles from national and local newspapers and magazines to help her viewers discern information in a more palatable way.
Kelsey believes education should be entertaining and entertainment should be educational. This mantra comes to life on her TikTok page of almost 100K followers where she dynamically reads different forms of print media to her audience. By promoting an approach to new information from a state of curiosity and nostalgia, she hopes to make generations fall back in love with learning.
In this interview, we discuss:
- Growing up in an entrepreneurial family
-Her rise on Tiktok
-How she is teaching media literacy to multi-generations
-How she's helping to financial contribute to print media outlets
-How her career in content creation is paving a new path for how she sees herself as an entrepreneur.
Episode Resources:
Kelsey Russell Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kelscruss
Kelsey Russell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelscruss/
Join the Bright Idea community on IG: @abrightideapodcast
Rate, Subscribe, and Review the podcast on Apple and Spotify
Stay in touch with me: [email protected]
Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me in your shares while you are listening @abrightideapodcast
Edited: @chrisj.kraemer
...more
1h 43min
January 12, 2024 A Bright Idea: Beauty Maven Raven
On this week's episode we’re joined by beauty influencer Raven Small- also known as @Beautymavenraven. Raven is an online beauty educator and content creator from Baltimore, MD currently living in New York City. Her dream's always been to inspire people worldwide to be their best selves and to feel beautiful. She's been creating content for well over ten years. Before creating content full-time, Raven worked with well-known brands; leading their social media marketing efforts, building their influencer marketing strategies, and connecting influencers to brands such as SheaMoisture, MADAM by Madam CJ Walker, and other brands at Unilever - one of America's leading parent brand for the beauty industry. Content creation has always been her creative escape from her 9-5. She's built her community (the bb's) from the ground up. Her hard work and authenticity have allowed her to work with brands like COVERGIRL, Nordstrom, Milani Cosmetics, KOSAS, Carol's Daughter, and more. She's a beauty and social media-obsessed gal who loves discussing makeup, skincare, and anything beauty-related. From her content alone, you can tell she's passionate about what she does.

Join the Bright Idea community on IG: @abrightideapodcast
Rate, Subscribe, and Review the podcast on Apple and Spotify
Stay in touch with me: [email protected]
Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me in your shares while you are listening @abrightideapodcast

Follow Raven: @beautymavenraven
Buy her favorite projects: https://www.amazon.com/shop/beautymavenraven?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_aipsfshop_aipsfbeautymavenraven_SBRFW9ASH5W47TXJDHXD&language=en_US

Edited: @chrisj.kraemer

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1h 3min
January 10, 2024 A Bright Idea: SKNNSELF **BONUS** episode [VIDEO]
On this week's episode we’re joined by Desaray Garland, owner of Sknnself, a lip oil and lip scrub line based out of Virginia Beach.SKNNSELF BY DESARAY provides hand crafted, easy to use, products that will elevate your “me time”. The mission of SKNNSELF BY DESARAY is to empower people to embrace their natural and authentic self while using the very same products proven to be effective by the founder herself. This line of products symbolizes facing your fears and ignoring the doubt. After three long years, Desaray is proud to share the result of her own healing journey. With confidence, she intends to show a part of herself through the art of self care. Desaray is a therapist by day and a business owner all other times. In this episode, Desaray and I dive into what it means to actually practice self care, debunking selfishness, and how her beauty line is teaching people that investing in yourself is one of the first steps to healing.

How you can support Desaray's business:
Website: https://www.sknnself.shop/
Instagram: @sknnself

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53min
January 03, 2024 A Bright Idea: 2023 WRAP UP!!!
The end of a season is only the beginning of a new journey. Thank you for joining us on this wild ride. See you soon for season 2!
In this episode, Amber takes you down memory lane to recap our most watch, most shared, and most inspired episodes of season 1 based on our fan favorites!
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38min
November 29, 2023 A Bright Idea: Marie Methods
On this week’s show we are joined by Chanel Person, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Marie Methods.
Marie Methods is a cosmetics research and development laboratory located in Maryland. It provides formulation and development services for indie beauty brands. The areas of formulation and development include hair care, skincare, and makeup.
The services provided by Marie Methods gives up and coming beauty entrepreneurs access to affordable product formulation along with the appropriate product testing. Chanel has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Hampton University, and a Master of Business and Science degree in Personal Care Science from Rutgers University.
In addition to her education, Chanel is also involved in the cosmetic science community. She currently serves on the executive board for the Mid-Atlantic Chapter Society of Cosmetic Chemists. She stays up to date on both scientific development and marketing industry trends to assist in the creation of successful beauty products. Chanel enjoys working with clients and turning their ideas into products that customers will love!
Follow Marie Methods: @mariemethods
Website: www.mariemethods.com
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49min

FAQs about A Bright Idea:

How many episodes does A Bright Idea have?

The podcast currently has 68 episodes available.