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Guest: Christina Blacken

Host: Clarita 

In this episode of Begin, Build, Blossom: Your Business Journey, we’re joined by Christina Blacken—a public speaker, writer, performer, and founder of The New Quo, a leadership development company focused on authentic leadership, behavior change, and building trust within organizations and communities.

Christina shares her journey from full-time employee to full-time entrepreneur and opens up about the experiences that shaped her voice, creativity, and approach to leadership. From growing up as a Black woman in Utah to building a business rooted in storytelling and human connection, this conversation explores what it means to create impact through story telling.

We also talk about how one video led to exponential social media growth overnight but how genuine, offline relationships were still the foundation that helped grow her business and opportunities.

In this episode, we discuss:

•  Transitioning from employee to entrepreneur 
•  The power of storytelling and why your story matters 
•  Using personal experiences to influence and connect with others 
•  Reclaiming creativity and using it to navigate difficult conversations 
•  Building trust and creating meaningful impact through leadership 
•  How changing policies and uncertainty created “whiplash” for businesses and communities 

Connect with Christina:

•  Website: The New Quo
  
  
•  Podcast: Tell It Proud Podcast
  
  
•  Social Media: @christinablacken including Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn

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Guest: Jac White 

Host: Clarita 

Today we are joined by Jac White, a sales and business development expert with over 20 years of experience helping women grow their businesses with confidence.

Jac has built her career around helping women turn their natural strengths into authentic, effective sales skills; skills that don’t just sound good, but actually drive revenue and real client growth.

She is the founder of the HoneyBees Group and host of the Girls Make Bank podcast, where she continues to empower women to show up, sell confidently, and build businesses that support their lives.

With experience across brands like LearnVest, DailyCandy, The New York Times, and Armani Exchange, along with startups and consulting, she brings both corporate insight and an entrepreneurial perspective.

She’s also a recognized thought leader, with features in Forbes, Huffington Post, and Entrepreneur.

What we talked about:

•  Her personal journey into entrepreneurship 
•  The first step service providers should take once they decide to start their business 
•  Selling with confidence and truly valuing your services 
•  What we should—and shouldn’t—be willing to do when it comes to selling and evolving as service providers 
•  Pivoting and evolving your business over time 
•  What success means to her at this stage of her journey 
•  The ecosystem women are building through community and connection 
•  Hosting in-person breakfasts for women building businesses 
•  Creating space through virtual meetups and ongoing community support 

Connect with Jac:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacwhite

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjacwhite

Podcast: https://www.honeybeesgroup.co/girlsmakebank

Website: https://www.honeybeesgroup.co

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Guest: Valarie Brandes, CEO & Founder, Jacaranda Books

Host: Angela

Episode Summary : 
In this inspiring episode of Begin Build Blossom, we discover how Valarie Brandes, founder of Jacaranda Books, built a global publishing house rooted in diasporic excellence. Valarie shares insights on publishing diverse Black voices worldwide, balancing family and entrepreneurship, and growing Jacaranda from a home office to an international powerhouse. Learn about her journey, the influence of her Dominican heritage, and how Jacaranda published 20 books in 2020 (#Twentyin2020) while creating a lasting legacy in the literary world.

What We Talked About

• Balancing family life while building a business
• The inspiration behind the name Jacaranda
• The power of networking in your field of interest
• Publishing diverse voices globally
• How Jacaranda published 20 books in 2020 (#Twentyin2020)
• Building a core global team for diasporic excellence and legacy
• Why the commercial side of any enterprise matters

A Book That Impacted Valarie the Most

• The Bluest Eye by Nobel Prize‑winning author Toni Morrison

Connect with Jacaranda Books

Catch Jacaranda Books in Trinidad & Tobago at the Boca Film Festival from April 29 – May 4, 2026  

Festival Website: https://www.bocaslitfest.com

Social Media: 

TikTok: @jacarandabooks
X: @jacarandabooks
Facebook: Jacaranda Books Art Music Ltd
Instagram: JacarandaBooks

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Guest: Christine Limuti

Host: Clarita 

Christine is a finance professional and entrepreneur with over 15 years of combined experience in entrepreneurship, cash flow management, business strategy and operations, and financial forecasting.

Her work is centered on supporting individuals, families, and business owners in building and sustaining financial wealth while also focusing on multi-generational wealth, asset preservation, stewardship, and meaningful, long-term investing.

She is also a wife and mother of four, with children ranging in age from 3 to 13. Her approach to both life and business is grounded in her core values of faith, family, and stewardship.

Beyond her professional work, Christine is a marathon runner, a barre and Pilates instructor, and a mental health advocate. She enjoys a good read, a true crime podcast, and spending quality time over food and drinks with her tribe.

At her core, she believes in seeking good or creating it and in embracing our limitless capabilities.

What we talked about:

•  Why building the right team (financial advisors, accountants, mentors, and leadership support) is essential as you grow 
•  How having trusted professionals in your corner can shift the way you make decisions and move through challenges 
• The importance of building an advisory team you trust and treating that support as a key part of your business
•  The role of mentorship in helping you gain clarity, confidence, and direction in both business and life 
•  Recognizing that you may be more ready than you think 
•  How thoughtful, prudent planning can reduce stress and create a stronger foundation for your business and personal life 
•  What it means to be intentional with your time and energy as a business owner 
•  How to begin recreating the stability of W-2 benefits, including planning for retirement, insurance, and long-term security 

Connect with Christine

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-limuti

Website: https://theatriumfinancialgroup.nm.com

Email: [email protected]

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Guest:  Britny Virginia - Poet, Writer, Creator.

Episode Host: Angela 

In this episode of Begin, Build, Blossom, we chat with the remarkable Britny Virginia, an international poet, writer, workshop facilitator, and creative producer whose work is rooted in disability, culture, and faith. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Britny has transformed her lived experience into a powerful creative engine, using storytelling to inspire confidence and shift perspectives.

Her artistic portfolio spans poetry, theatre, and film. Her short film “Dancing Shoes” was selected for the London International Film Festival, and her play “Up In The Mango Trees” was featured in the Bloomsbury Festival and shortlisted for the Women’s Playwriting Prize 2025.

In this conversation we explored Britny’s creative journey and the business behind building a life in the arts, including:

• How living with Cerebral Palsy has shaped her voice, resilience, and artistic lens;
• Finding confidence through creativity & helping others discover their own;
• Storytelling as advocacy, healing, and cultural connection;
• Navigating the creative industry as a disabled person, and the importance of representation;
• Faith as a grounding force in her work and life; and
• Redefining  or even replacing  the word “success”, moving away from external validation and toward purpose, impact, and joy. 

Follow Britny's journey via the links below:

Website: Writer | Britny Virginia

Instagram: britnyvirginia🇱🇨🇱🇨 (@britnyvirginiaa)

Email: [email protected]

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Guest: Dr. Carlton Brown — Entrepreneur, Consultant, Speaker & Author

Episode Host: Angela 

In this episode of Begin Build Blossom, we sit down with Dr. Carlton Brown a dynamic thought leader, entrepreneur, consultant, speaker and author whose work spans business strategy, leadership development, and transformational thinking.

Dr. Brown brings a rare blend of academic insight, lived entrepreneurial experience, and creative vision. His journey is marked by resilience, reinvention, and a deep commitment to helping individuals and organisations unlock their potential. His efforts are rooted in culture, which stems from his Jamaican heritage. He has launched and scaled businesses, advised leaders, and is author of the thought‑provoking book "The Race Paradox: Why Organisations Fail On Race". Dr. Brown has dedicated his career to empowering others to lead with clarity and intention.

In our conversation, we explore the mindset behind sustainable entrepreneurship, the realities of building a business in today’s landscape, and the personal philosophies that have shaped his path. Whether you’re at the beginning of your business journey or looking to elevate your next chapter, this episode offers grounded wisdom and practical inspiration.

We spoke about: 

1. Dr. Brown’s entrepreneurial beginnings and early influences
2. The mindset required to build a sustainable business
3. How creativity fuels innovation and leadership
4. The role of personal development in business success
5. Navigating challenges, setbacks, and reinvention
6. Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders

Books Mentioned: 

1. ​The Magic of Thinking Big by David J Schwartz
2. ​It's Possible by Les Brown 
3. Outliers by Malcom Gladwell 
4. Tipping point by Malcolm Gladwell 
5. Bounce by Matthew Syed 
6. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Jeremy Irons, et al.
7. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie 
8. Atomic Habits by James Clear 

To connect with Dr. Brown and associated brands: 

The Black Business Conference - The UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Conference

Aspire Consultancy - Home | Aspire

Marshal and Brown - Marshall & Brown

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/carltonbrown1

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We’ve reached the midway point of Season 3, and we’re taking a moment to pause and reflect.

In this episode, Angela and Clarita share a lighthearted yet thoughtful conversation about the journey so far. We look back on the incredible guests we’ve learned from, the impact the podcast is having, and the real challenges that come with showing up consistently. This mid‑season check‑in offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at what it takes to keep building despite limitations and setbacks.

We also share feedback from listeners and explore why creating this space continues to matter.

This episode is an open invitation to the community to help shape what comes next.

We’d love to hear:

• What’s been resonating
• What you want more of
• Who you’d love to hear on the podcast
• Questions you’d like us to ask future guests

Let’s continue building the kind of community we all need on this journey.

Follow on Instagram: @beginbuildblossom

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Guest: Simmone Frederick
Episode Host: Angela 

In this episode of Begin Build Blossom, we sit down with Simmone, the founder of two wellness-focused brands, Fresh Squeeze, an all-natural, sugar-free cold-pressed juice company and AUERA, a clean, natural facial care line.

Simmone’s entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, driven by creativity, independence, and a desire to support herself through school. Over time, she explored multiple ventures, each one helping her refine her vision and align with her deeper purpose.

Today, she is building more than just businesses—she’s creating a global movement centred on health, wellness, and self-acceptance. Her mission is to empower people to make healthier choices and feel confident in their own skin, inside and out.

 You’ll Learn

• How Simmone early side hustles into purpose-driven businesses
• The inspiration behind launching Fresh Squeeze and AUERA
• How to recognise and trust your internal passion
• Why true motivation goes deeper than money or success
• What it really takes to build a brand with impact

Key Takeaways

• Every step of your journey shapes your purpose
• Passion becomes clearer through action, not overthinking
• Building a business rooted in meaning creates longer-lasting impact

Connect & Follow

Follow Simmone’s journey and explore her brands:

AUERA

Instagram: AUERA (@aueraskin.lc)
Email: [email protected]

Fresh Squeeze 

Instagram: Fresh Squeeze 🍋🍍🍏🍐🥭🥝 (@freshsqueezejuices) 

Email: [email protected] 

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Guest: Jhanell Biggs

Episode Host: Clarita 

In this episode of Begin, Build, Blossom, we sit down with Jhanell Biggs, Founder and CEO of MORO.

Jhanell started MORO after recognizing an important gap in how we prepare for retirement. While financial planning is often a major focus, she realized that money is only part of the equation. Many people reach retirement financially prepared but emotionally unprepared for the lifestyle change that comes with leaving the workforce.

Through MORO, Jhanell provides non-financial retirement lifestyle coaching, helping individuals think through the personal, emotional, and identity shifts that can come with retirement. Her work focuses on helping people transition into this next chapter with clarity, purpose, and a vision for the quality of life they want to create.

During our conversation, Jhanell shares:

• What led her to start MORO and the gap she saw in traditional retirement planning
• Why the non-financial side of retirement is often overlooked
• The kinds of lifestyle questions people should consider before retiring
• What working with MORO can look like for individuals preparing for retirement
• Her vision to partner with corporations and organizations to help employees prepare for the emotional and lifestyle aspects of retirement, not just the financial ones

This conversation is a thoughtful look at what it means to transition into retirement and how preparing for life after work goes beyond just numbers.

Learn more about Jhanell’s work at:
 https://www.trymoro.com

#RetirementPlanning #LifeAfterWork #RetirementLifestyle

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Guest: Beth Brown

Host: Clarita 

Today’s guest is Beth Brown; a bestselling author, breakthrough coach, international speaker, and professional photographer. She is also a Women Empowerment Award recipient.

As a speaker and workshop facilitator, Beth works with women and men to move away from limiting and disillusioned belief systems and begin shining their brightest light. Her work focuses on helping people reconnect with who they truly are, beyond the stories they may have carried for years.

Beth openly shares her journey of healing after sexual assault and heartbreak in order to inspire others on their own healing and self-discovery paths. Through her work, she helps individuals sever connections with pain, unforgiveness, and fear allowing them to redefine themselves as lovable, worthy, and powerful.

Beth’s faith-driven approach is what makes her work deeply transformational, offering both practical guidance and spiritual grounding for those seeking healing and growth.

What We Talk About in This Episode

• Beth’s early years as a photographer and how she continues to refine her craft
 • What first drew her to photography, coaching, and public speaking
 • What pivoting looks like throughout an entrepreneurial journey
 • Being honest about personal limitations as an entrepreneur
 • How business owners can continue to grow and develop while staying aligned with their purpose

Connect with Beth Brown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/levelupwithbeth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@levelupwithbeth

Website: https://levelupwithbeth.com

TEDx Talk

https://youtu.be/-5g742hvsLM?feature=shared

 #BeginBuildBlossom #EntrepreneurJourney #PurposeDrivenBusiness #WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset  #PersonalGrowth
 #HealingJourney  #OvercomingFear