Best of The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Janice Omadeke.

Founder of The Mentor Method and author of Mentorship Unlocked: The Science and Art of Setting Yourself Up for Success. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:

🔑 Key Themes & Insights 1. Janice’s Background & Vision

• Former defense contractor and management consultant.
• Founded The Mentor Method to address the lack of inclusive mentorship in corporate America.
• One of the first Black women in the U.S. to raise over $1 million in seed funding for a tech startup.

2. What Is a Mentor?

• A mentor helps you become the best version of yourself.
• They don’t have to be older, in the same location, or even in the same industry.
• The key is values alignment, mutual respect, and a willingness to grow together.

3. The Problem with Traditional Mentorship

• Often exclusionary and based on superficial traits like race or gender.
• Many mentorship programs are performative, not transformative.
• True mentorship should be about growth, not conformity.

🌟 The 7 Types of Mentors You Need

1. Company Insider
   Knows the internal politics, culture, and history of your organization.

2. Skill Master
   Helps you refine a specific skill (e.g., public speaking, coding).

3. Money-Minded Mentor
   Guides you on financial literacy, wealth building, and independence.

4. Industry Mentor
   Offers insights into your field and helps you stay competitive.

5. Network Mentor
   A connector who expands your professional circle.

6. Influential Ally
   Uses their reputation to advocate for you and open doors.

7. Peer Mentor
   A trusted equal who provides emotional safety and real-time support.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Mentorship is not about fixing you—it’s about amplifying who you already are.”
• “If someone is trying to change your values, they’re not mentoring you.”
• “You deserve to feel good about the work you do every day.”

📘 Book Mentioned

• Mentorship Unlocked: The Science and Art of Setting Yourself Up for Success
  A guide to building meaningful mentor relationships and advancing your career with intention.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Marcus Sonnier.

Founder of Snowie Atlanta:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To showcase Marcus Sonnier’s journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, highlight the inspiration behind Snowie Atlanta, and share insights on financial literacy, legacy-building, and faith-driven decision-making.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. From Corporate VP to Entrepreneur

• Marcus left a successful career as VP of PR supervision at a financial services firm to start Snowie Atlanta.
• He worked both jobs for five years before fully transitioning.
• His leap was guided by faith and a desire for self-reliance.

“I looked at my wife and said, ‘Hey, I'm getting one more bonus check. And then I'm jumping off the plane.’”

2. The Product: Shaved Ice with a Twist

• Snowie Atlanta offers customizable shaved ice with self-serve flavor stations.
• Inspired by childhood experiences in Louisiana with snowball stands.

“We give away the shaved ice, but we sell you the smiles.”

3. Family Legacy & Financial Literacy

• Marcus started the business to teach his sons about money—earning, saving, investing, and giving.
• His sons were involved from the beginning, learning entrepreneurship firsthand.

“I said, guys, look, we're going to be entrepreneurs in this business. We're going to do it together.”

4. Faith as a Driving Force

• Marcus credits divine guidance for his journey and connections.
• He views his business as a calling and a platform for community impact.

“I could feel God in my spirit saying, ‘Oh, you trust me, you really do.’”

5. Community Impact & Expansion

• The goal is to become a staple attraction and enhance the fan experience.

“I want all kids to want to go to a Braves game… to get a Snowie and have an experience.”

6. Giving Back

• Snowie Atlanta participates in fundraising for schools, churches, and nonprofits.
• Marcus finds joy in writing checks back to organizations that serve the community.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “You may not get everything you work for, but you will work for everything you get.”
• “We serve memories.”
• “I’m just trying to be obedient and do what I think God wants me to do in this business.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lawrence Phillips. 

Purpose of the Interview

• To showcase Lawrence Phillips’ entrepreneurial journey from engineering to founding Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers.
• To highlight the significance of Black Ambition, an initiative by Pharrell Williams supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs.
• To inspire listeners about resilience, innovation, and the importance of culturally inclusive travel resources.

Key Takeaways

1. Background & Career Shift

   • Phillips studied Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech and worked at Accenture in IT consulting for nearly a decade.
   • Despite career success, he felt unfulfilled and decided to pursue his passion for travel, leading to the creation of Green Book Global.

2. Travel Experience

   • Traveled to 30+ countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica, in less than a year.
   • Realized the need for a platform addressing “traveling while Black” concerns—safety, cultural acceptance, and inclusivity.

3. Green Book Global

   • Inspired by the historical Green Book (1936–1966), which guided Black travelers during segregation.
   • Offers city-level Black-friendly scores, road trip planners, and Black-owned restaurant recommendations.
   • Over 150,000 app downloads in 2025; partnered with Expedia; strong social media presence.

4. Black Ambition Program

   • Phillips applied three times before reaching semifinals, emphasizing persistence.
   • Program provided funding opportunities and a transformative Evoke Wellness experience.
   • His personal “why” statement:
     “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.”

5. Impact & Vision

   • Advocates systemic change by partnering with destinations to improve inclusivity.
   • Highlights the economic power of Black travelers (over $140 billion annually).
   • Encourages Black travelers to explore global opportunities beyond U.S. racial constraints.

Notable Quotes

• “You can be successful and still not be happy.” — On leaving a lucrative career for passion.
• “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” — His guiding principle.
• “There’s riches in niches.” — On unapologetically focusing on Black travelers.
• “Just because somebody said no doesn’t mean they said no to you—they said no at that time.” — On persistence in entrepreneurship.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Woodward.

Interview Overview

Guest: Michael Woodward
Host: Rushion McDonald
Show: Money Making Conversations Masterclass
Focus: Entrepreneurship, real estate, education, overcoming poverty, and building generational wealth
Company Featured: Woodward Property Group

Michael Woodward shares his journey from growing up in low‑income neighborhoods in Miami to becoming a successful real estate investor, contractor, and property management entrepreneur based in Atlanta. The conversation blends personal history, mindset lessons, and practical business guidance, especially for listeners from underserved communities.

Purpose of the Interview

The purpose of the interview is to:

• Demystify success for everyday people by showing how discipline, education, and calculated risk can lead to financial freedom
• Inspire listeners to move beyond circumstances of poverty or limitation
• Teach practical strategies around education choices, real estate investing, side hustles, credit management, and seizing opportunity
• Highlight community impact, mentorship, and “reaching back” to help others

Rushion McDonald consistently frames the discussion around helping the audience “stop reading other people’s success stories and start planning your own."

Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Poverty Is Relative — and Often Invisible

Woodward explains that many people grow up in poverty without realizing it because everyone around them shares the same conditions. He distinguishes between government definitions of poverty and lived experience.

Takeaway: Awareness is the first step to change; normal does not always mean acceptable.

2. Early Business Lessons Came from the Community

Woodward credits his grandmother—who ran an informal candy business in the housing projects—as his first exposure to entrepreneurship. Watching her manage inventory, customers, and cash taught him foundational business principles.

Takeaway: Entrepreneurship often begins long before formal education—especially in underserved communities.

3. Education as a Strategic Tool, Not Just a Degree

Initially planning to become a lawyer, Woodward changed direction after realizing law school would not provide the financial or social return he hoped for unless he reached elite status. A mentor guided him toward education as a pathway for impact.

He strongly recommends the Occupational Outlook Handbook as a practical guide for choosing careers based on income, longevity, and demand. 

Takeaway: Choose education intentionally—based on outcomes, not prestige.

4. Service Before Profit: Two Decades in Education

Woodward spent over 20 years as a teacher and assistant principal, mentoring students, organizing college tours, and running summer STEM programs—often during his breaks.

Takeaway: Long‑term service builds perspective, discipline, and purpose that later pays dividends in business.

5. Turning a Side Hustle into Financial Freedom

While working in education, Woodward renovated homes at night and on weekends. Over time, rental income exceeded his school salary, allowing him to retire from education and focus on real estate full‑time.

Takeaway: Side hustles can become exit strategies when managed consistently and patiently.

6. Opportunity Comes from Relationships

A chance relationship with a Lowe’s executive changed Woodward’s business trajectory. When asked if he could do high‑end kitchens, he said yes—then partnered with the right experts to deliver. This led to contracts in seven Lowe’s stores across metro Atlanta.

Takeaway: You don’t have to know everything—just know who to call.

7. High‑End Thinking Changes Income Ceilings

Woodward explains the difference between standard and high‑end construction, describing six‑figure kitchens and appliances that cost more than many homes.

Takeaway: Understanding premium markets unlocks entirely different financial opportunities.

8. Two Core Business Rules: Persistence and Credit

When asked what advice he gives most often, Woodward gives two principles:

1. Never give up
2. Protect your credit

He shares how poor credit once forced him to reinvest profits just to buy tools, slowing growth. Managing credit later removed those barriers.

Takeaway: Credit is leverage. Without it, growth is harder and more expensive.

Notable Quotes

• On poverty:

  “A lot of people living in poverty don’t know that they’re impoverished because everybody around them looks just like them.”

• On education choices:

  “I wanted to make a difference… and education allowed me to do that.”

• On opportunity and courage:

  “You don’t have to know everything. Just get the people in your corner that do.”

• On advice to entrepreneurs:

  “Never give up. And protect your credit. Credit is everything.”

• On consistency:

  “My phone number has been the same for 23 years. I ain’t going nowhere.

Overall Impact

The interview positions Michael Woodward as a practical role model—someone who combines humility, preparation, faith, and execution. Rather than promoting quick wins, the conversation emphasizes long‑term discipline, community uplift, and strategic decision‑making.

Core message: Sustainable success is built step‑by‑step—through education, relationships, credit discipline, and the courage to say yes before you feel ready.

#SHMS #BEST #STRAW

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Valerie Obaze.

Founder of R&R Skincare.  

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Highlight Valerie Obaze’s entrepreneurial journey in founding R&R Skincare.
• Challenge stereotypes about Africa’s capabilities and resources.
• Promote African-made beauty products and their global relevance.
• Inspire others, especially women and diaspora Africans, to invest in and build businesses rooted in African heritage.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Breaking African Stereotypes

• Valerie and Rushion discuss how Africa is often misrepresented in Western media.
• Valerie emphasizes that ignorance is not always malicious, but it’s time to reframe the narrative through firsthand experience and platforms like social media.

“Ignorance doesn’t always have to be an insult. If you don’t know, you just don’t know better.” – Valerie Obaze

2. The Birth of R&R Skincare

• Inspired by the birth of her daughter, Valerie sought natural skincare solutions.
• She discovered liquid shea oil, which became her first product.
• The brand name “R&R” stands for Rebecca Rose (her daughter’s name) and also Rest & Relaxation.

“I wanted to create a product that makes using these raw materials from the continent enjoyable.” – Valerie Obaze

3. From Garage to Global

• Valerie started in her mother-in-law’s garage, turning it into a compliant mini factory.
• She had no formal business plan, relying on her PR and branding background.
• The brand now has three stores: one in Lagos and two in Accra, including one at the airport.

4. Authenticity and African Pride

• Valerie insists on maintaining the African identity of her brand.
• She uses locally sourced ingredients and ensures cruelty-free testing.
• The brand supports women in the supply chain, creating economic opportunities.

“We don’t intend to hide that in any way. We just wanted to make raw materials sexy.” – Valerie Obaze

5. Expansion to the U.S.

• Valerie is expanding R&R Skincare to the U.S., leveraging social media, activations, and PR expertise.
• Products are manufactured in Africa, but distributed from U.S. warehouses to ensure timely delivery.

“We found our tribe over here… and this was the right time to come back to America.” – Valerie Obaze

🧴 Product Highlights

• Shea Oil – First product, moisturizing and healing.
• Body Butter – Whipped, light, and rich in essential oils.
• Liquid Black Soap – Modern take on traditional African cleansing.
• Hand Cream – Convenient and portable for dry conditions.

🌍 Big Picture Vision

Valerie’s goal is to grow an African brand globally, showcasing the richness of African resources and empowering local economies.

“This is just a small representative of the entire continent and what it is capable of.” – Valerie Obaze

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Yahya Muhammad.

Topic: Entrepreneurship, legacy, and community impact through his ice cream business, Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream

Yahya Muhammad shares his journey from tasting unforgettable homemade ice cream as a child to founding one of Chicago’s most beloved ice cream brands. His story is one of perseverance, cultural pride, and community service, rooted in faith and inspired by family and fraternity.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

1. Highlight Yahya’s entrepreneurial journey and the founding of Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream.
2. Inspire small business owners and creatives to pursue their passions despite obstacles.
3. Showcase the importance of community engagement and mentorship.
4. Celebrate Black excellence and cultural legacy through food and service.

🔑 Key Takeaways 🍨 The Origin Story

• Inspired by a woman selling homemade ice cream in Avalon Park, Chicago.
• Spent six years perfecting his own recipe.
• First flavor: Honey Cinnamon Graham Cracker

“I had no idea it would take about six years to learn how to make it.”

🎓 Education & Influence

• Holds a Master’s in Sociology from Western Illinois University.
• Influenced by teachings of Elijah Muhammad and Minister Louis Farrakhan.
• Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, which instilled discipline and perseverance.

“I learned principles… immutable principles that I’ve been striving to apply.”

🚗 From Trunk to Storefront

• Started selling ice cream out of the trunk of his car in 1996.
• Grew from renting a room in a beauty salon to multiple storefronts.
• Now operates in Bronzeville, a historic Chicago neighborhood.

“I didn’t even have a business license… I just believed.”

🏆 Signature Flavors

• Known for nostalgic, Southern-inspired flavors:
  • Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Vanilla
  • Banana Pudding
  • Georgia Peach Cobbler
  • Bourbon Butter Pecan
  • Southern Black Walnut

“Our goal is to take you right back down memory lane.”

💡 Business Philosophy

• Focuses on customer experience over product.
• Staff are trained as helpers, not just workers.
• Emphasizes service, quality, and pricing — but prioritizes service.

“The food is not the number one thing. The number one thing is the service.”

🌍 Community Impact

• Grew up in an underserved area of Chicago.
• Hires from the community and mentors youth.
• Dedicated the business to his late sister, Shawn Michelle, who inspired his culinary journey.

“I want to be a part of that inspiration… to give the baton to the next generation.”

📈 Expansion Plans

• Looking to expand to Atlanta, calling it “the Mecca.”
• Envisions taking the brand nationwide while maintaining its cultural and community roots.

“The future of Shawn Michelle’s is to be national.”

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “Faith over fear — I believed, I committed, I accepted the challenge.”
• “You have to see something different to be something different.”
• “I don’t have workers. I have helpers.”
• “I want to be a part of that that helps give them a new idea.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Annie Yatch.

A leadership and performance coach specializing in helping high-achieving entrepreneurs balance business growth with personal fulfillment. The discussion focused on leadership, relationships, and overcoming subconscious barriers to success.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

Balancing Business & Personal Life

• Yatch helps ambitious entrepreneurs struggling to balance home life and business growth.
• She emphasized that success at work doesn’t mean sacrificing relationships—leaders must redefine their roles at home.

The Importance of Transition Time

• Many entrepreneurs struggle to switch from work mode to home life, leading to stress in relationships.
• Yatch recommends a 30-minute decompression routine before entering the home, including:
  • Writing down lingering work concerns.
  • Engaging in a mindless activity like listening to music.
  • Reflecting on positive memories with loved ones to shift emotional energy.

Leadership Gaps in Entrepreneurs

• Yatch identified three major leadership gaps that hold entrepreneurs back:
  1. Delegation – Many leaders struggle to trust their teams, leading to micromanagement.
  2. Feedback – Entrepreneurs must learn to give and receive feedback effectively without defensiveness.
  3. Planning – Businesses often fail to plan for obstacles, focusing only on ideal scenarios.

Trauma & Entrepreneurial Success

• Yatch explained that many entrepreneurs have unresolved childhood trauma, leading them to create chaos in business as a way to regain control.
• She emphasized that stability at home is crucial for scaling a business successfully.

📘 About Annie Yatch
Annie Yatch is a team leadership and performance coach, specializing in helping entrepreneurs unlock their full potential. She is the founder of Northstar Leadership, a company dedicated to helping high-achieving men redefine leadership at home and in business. 

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sauda Johnson McNeal.

• To highlight Sauda Johnson McNeal’s journey from a successful law career to filmmaking.
• To discuss her new film “Love the Skin You’re In”, its themes, production process, and personal significance.
• To inspire entrepreneurs and creatives to pursue their passions while balancing purpose and practicality.

Key Takeaways

1. Career Transition & Dual Roles

   • Sauda started as an actor, realized the instability, and pursued law for financial security.
   • Maintains dual careers: education attorney and filmmaker, blending purpose (helping youth) and passion (storytelling).

2. Film Details

   • Title: Love the Skin You’re In.
   • Themes: Self-love, family healing, caretaking, and African-American experiences.
   • Cast includes Wendy Raquel Robinson, Marla Gibbs, and Oba Babatundé.

3. Production Challenges

   • Unexpected permit issues caused shutdowns.
   • Tight 4-week shooting schedule due to budget constraints.
   • Importance of leveraging relationships and calling in favors for casting and resources.

4. Personal Connection

   • Story inspired by Sauda’s own struggles with self-worth during college.
   • Emphasizes therapy, faith, and support systems in overcoming self-doubt.

5. Entrepreneurial Insight

   • First project was self-financed; future plans include raising private equity for films.
   • Goal: Maintain creative control while expanding opportunities for others.

6. Impact & Audience Takeaway

   • Encourages self-acceptance and repairing family relationships.
   • Resonates with men on fatherhood and emotional presence.
   • Highlights the underappreciated role of caretakers.

Notable Quotes

• On purpose and passion:
  “My purpose is to help young people. My passion is this filmmaking business.”

• On self-love:
  “Love the skin you’re in is about total self-acceptance regardless of where you are on your journey.”

• On overcoming fear:
  “Film is unpredictable… I said, okay, the other fears—do it anyway.”

• On family relationships:
  “We are not promised tomorrow… Fix these family relationships if they’re possible to be fixed.”

• On entrepreneurial mindset:
  “I absolutely would like to use other people’s money… but keep creative control.”

#SHMS #BEST #STRAW

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Miko Branch.

Here is a clear, structured summary of the Miko Branch interview with Rushion McDonald, along with its purpose, key takeaways, and notable quotes, drawn directly from the transcript you provided.
All information cites the uploaded file.

SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW

In this Money Making Conversations Masterclass episode, Rushion McDonald interviews Miko Branch, co‑founder and CEO of Miss Jessie’s, a pioneering hair‑care brand serving people with textured, curly, kinky, and wavy hair.

Miko recounts how she and her late sister, Titi Branch, built Miss Jessie’s from their kitchen table in their Brooklyn brownstone, developing products designed to genuinely work for people with textured hair. She highlights the brand’s deeply personal roots—named after their grandmother Jessie Mae Branch, the first “CEO” they ever observed in action.

Throughout the interview, Miko explains how Miss Jessie’s expanded from grassroots marketing, word‑of‑mouth, and early internet chat rooms to becoming a national brand found in Walgreens, CVS, Target, and more. She stresses the brand’s emphasis on education, authenticity, and providing solutions for all textured hair types.

Miko also discusses signature product lines (Curly Pudding, Pillow Soft Curls, Daily Soft Curls, sulfate‑free shampoo) and how Miss Jessie’s became a leader in the natural hair movement—well before it became a mainstream trend.

PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. To showcase Miss Jessie’s origin story and entrepreneurial journey

McDonald highlights how Miko built a multimillion‑dollar brand from her kitchen table.

2. To inspire current and aspiring entrepreneurs

Miko demonstrates how authentic problem‑solving creates brand loyalty and long-term success.

3. To educate listeners about textured hair and the natural hair care industry

The interview reinforces that natural hair is not a trend—it's an identity and lifestyle.

4. To highlight the importance of cultural heritage and family influence

Miko shares how her grandmother, her sister, and her Brooklyn salon shaped Miss Jessie’s values and innovation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Miss Jessie’s was built on authenticity and real consumer needs

The brand emerged from real hairstyling challenges Miko and Titi solved for themselves and their salon clients.. 

2. Education is central to the brand’s success

Miss Jessie’s teaches customers how to understand and care for their curl types—wavy, curly, kinky, multicultural, or transitioning.
McDonald says the site offers more information than any hair‑care brand he has interviewed.

3. Family legacy guides the company

Their grandmother Jessie Mae’s leadership, work ethic, and kitchen‑table lessons inspired their business approach.

4. The natural hair movement is here to stay

People increasingly embrace their God‑given texture; straightening is no longer the dominant norm.

5. Social media amplified—did not create—their success

Word‑of‑mouth began long before social media; platforms today simply extend their reach.

6. Miss Jessie’s serves everyone with texture—not just Black women

Men, boys, Latinas, mixed‑race individuals—anyone with curls or waves—can find a solution.

7. Product innovation drove their growth

Curly Pudding, Pillow Soft Curls, Daily Soft Curls, and sulfate‑free shampoos transformed textured hair care.

8. Their Brooklyn salon doubled as R&D

It allowed the sisters to test products directly on customers and ensure real‑world performance.

NOTABLE QUOTES (from transcript) On the company’s beginnings

• “We started our business in our brownstone right at our kitchen table.”
• “Curly Pudding was the groundbreaker—the game changer.”

On the brand’s philosophy

• “The bottom line is being able to create products that are helpful.”
• “Information and communication is key to success.”

On inclusivity

• “Anyone who has texture… we have something for you.”

On natural hair

• “Natural hair, curly hair is preferred… it’s how people want to express themselves.”
• “Natural hair is not a trend—it’s here to stay.”

On social media and growth

• “We were going viral before ‘going viral’ was a word.”.

On legacy

• “Our grandmother Jessie was the first female CEO we’d ever seen.”.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Howard Hewett.  

Rushion McDonald invited legendary R&B vocalist Howard Hewett to share the lessons behind his four-decade music career, focusing on perseverance, preparation, personal vision, integrity, and long-term success. The conversation was designed not only for music fans, but also for entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals seeking insight into how sustained success is built over time.

The interview blends Howard's personal journey—from Akron, Ohio, to becoming the lead voice of Shalamar—with practical life and business principles that helped him remain relevant and respected throughout his career.

Executive Summary

Howard Hewett reflected on his early years as a performer, the unexpected opportunity that led to his joining Shalamar, and the mindset that enabled him to capitalize on life-changing opportunities. He emphasized that success is rarely accidental; it comes from preparation, visualization, discipline, and maintaining integrity.

A major theme throughout the interview was that individuals must prepare for opportunities long before they arrive. Hewett explained how years of practice and dedication allowed him to seize the moment when an audition unexpectedly presented itself, eventually launching him into one of R&B's most successful groups.

Key Takeaways 1. Preparation Creates Opportunity

Howard stressed that talent alone is not enough. Success occurs when preparation meets opportunity.

• He spent years singing and performing before receiving his breakthrough.
• When the opportunity to audition for Shalamar arrived, he was ready because he had already done the work.
• Being "ready" often matters more than being lucky.

Business Lesson: Continuous preparation allows people to act decisively when opportunities appear.

2. Visualization Is Powerful

Howard discussed the importance of mentally seeing success before it happens.

• After moving to California, he regularly visualized performing in front of thousands of people.
• He imagined achieving professional goals long before they became reality.
• Visualization strengthened his confidence and focus.

Business Lesson: Successful people often create a clear vision of their future and work consistently toward it.

3. Your Reputation Matters

Throughout the conversation, Howard highlighted the value of character and professionalism.

• Relationships in the entertainment industry were built on trust.
• Integrity helped sustain a career that has lasted more than 40 years.
• Success without character is difficult to maintain.

Business Lesson: Reputation is one of the most valuable assets a person can possess.

4. Stay Ready for Unexpected Opportunities

One of the most compelling stories involved how Howard joined Shalamar.

• He received an unexpected phone call while at the Motown building.
• He auditioned shortly afterward.
• Within days, he had joined the group and was performing on television.

The rapid sequence of events showed how quickly life can change when preparation meets opportunity.

Business Lesson: Major breakthroughs often arrive with little warning.

5. Longevity Requires Adaptability

Howard's career has spanned multiple generations of music fans.

• He discussed evolving with the industry while maintaining authenticity.
• He recognized the importance of growth without losing his artistic identity.
• Longevity comes from balancing innovation with consistency.

Business Lesson: The ability to adapt is essential for sustained success.

6. Believe in Yourself Before Others Do

Howard spoke about having confidence in his abilities long before widespread recognition.

• Self-belief helped him persevere through challenges and uncertainty.
• Confidence strengthened his willingness to pursue ambitious goals.
• External success followed an internal commitment to excellence.

Business Lesson: Confidence and vision often precede achievement.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Messages

The interview centered around several recurring themes that Howard expressed throughout the conversation:

"Preparation turns opportunity into success."

"You have to be ready when the door opens."

"Visualization helps create the life you want to live."

"Integrity is something nobody can take away from you."

"Don't wait for opportunity—prepare for it."

"Success starts with believing in yourself."

"Always be ready because your opportunity can come when you least expect it."

Overall Message

The interview was ultimately a masterclass on preparation, vision, self-belief, and longevity. Howard Hewett's story demonstrates that sustained success is not built on luck alone. It comes from years of disciplined preparation, maintaining strong values, visualizing success, and being ready when opportunity arrives. For entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals alike, his message was clear:

Stay prepared, protect your integrity, believe in your vision, and be ready when opportunity knocks.

#STRAW #BEST #SHMS

 

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