Black on Shelf

It is a beautiful thing to do life with your loved ones while impacting the world. 

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Psyche Terry, CEO and Founder of Urban Hydration, a Black and family-owned beauty brand. Thirteen years ago, Terry and her college sweetheart, now husband, Vontoba, decided to create a solution to address their struggles with dry skin and hair. Their solution was Urban Hydration, effective and affordable clean beauty products. Terry started off by selling her products in church parking lots, and today, Urban Hydration is sold in more than 30,000 retail stores.

For Terry, Urban Hydration is more than a business, it is also an avenue to give back and one of Urban Hydration’s most significant milestones was building clean water drinking wells for communities in Kenya.

This episode will equip you with the wisdom to live a full life while chasing your dreams. Tune in and discover how to leverage relationships and partnerships for success in business and life.

For the full show notes, visit our website: https://www.blackonshelf.com/episodes

To connect with Urban Hydration:
Visit the Urban Hydration website: https://www.urbanhydration.com/
Follow Urban Hydration  on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanhydration/
Follow  Urban Hydration  on Twitter: https://twitter.com/urbanhydration
Follow  Urban Hydration on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UrbanHydration/
Follow  Urban Hydration on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@urbanhydration?lang=en

Connect with Black on Shelf:
Follow BOS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackonshelf/
Connect with BOS on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-on-shelf/
Connect with Tenaj on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenajferguson
Follow BOS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blackonshelf/
Visit the Black on Shelf website: https://www.blackonshelf.com

Watch the full interview on Youtube: https://youtu.be/HSGk2YHIYOE  

It is often said that failure is a crucial part of success, and my guests, Marx and Amber Succes, can definitely relate. This dynamic duo shares their story of launching Côtier, a party goods company. Their success story is far from a walk in the park. Through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, Marx & Amber have a lot to say about what it takes to walk the path to finding one’s niche and excelling at it.

Marx and Amber started as college sweethearts and have blossomed into great business partners. Though their journey started in the corporate world, they’ve both always wanted to own something of their own. As their family grew, Amber decided that she needed a more flexible schedule and with Marx’s support, she waved goodbye to corporate America and started the entrepreneurship journey.

For the full show notes, visit our website: https://www.blackonshelf.com/episodes

Stream Black on Shelf NOW on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Stitcher, iHeartmedia, and Pandora!

To connect further with Côtier Brand:
Visit the Côtier Brand website: www.cotierbrand.com
Follow Côtier Brand on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotierbrand/
Follow  Côtier Brand on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotierbrand

Connect with Black on Shelf:
Follow BOS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackonshelf/
Connect with BOS on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-on-shelf/
Connect with Tenaj on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenajferguson
Follow BOS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blackonshelf/
Visit the Black on Shelf website: https://www.blackonshelf.com

Watch the full interview on Youtube: https://youtu.be/iz1KrsItfKA

A dog is a man’s best friend, and we see that sentiment reflected in how we invest in the care of our pets, from medical care and clothing to accessories and pet food. Today’s guest is Renaldo Webb, Founder and Chief Product Officer at PetPlate, a fresh-cooked dog food company.

Today’s episode is filled with insights for anyone who is ready to make a difference in uncharted territory. Renaldo passionately shares how planning, research, mentorship, and collaboration are vital to scaling a successful business.

For the full show notes, visit our website: https://www.blackonshelf.com/episodes

Stream Black on Shelf NOW on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Stitcher, iHeartmedia, and Pandora!

About Renaldo Webb:
Renaldo Webb is Founder and Chief Product Officer at PetPlate. Inspired by his dog Winston, Renaldo founded PetPlate after deciding that he did not want to feed his dog anything less than real food. After making hundreds of batches of home-cooked dog food for Winston and his pup pals, Renaldo decided to launch a pet food brand that he could proudly call his own.

Renaldo graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in Physics, and prior to starting PetPlate worked at LCatterton and McKinsey & Company. He launched PetPlate as a nationwide subscription service in early 2017, following an appearance on the hit TV show Shark Tank.

To connect with PetPlate:
Visit the PetPlate website: https://www.petplate.com/
Follow PetPlate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petplate/
Follow PetPlate on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/petplate?lang=en
Follow PetPlate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petplate/
Connect with Renaldo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renaldo-webb/

Connect with Black on Shelf:
Follow BOS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackonshelf/
Connect with BOS on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-on-shelf/
Connect with Tenaj on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenajferguson
Follow BOS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blackonshelf/
Visit the Black on Shelf website: https://www.blackonshelf.com

Watch the full interview on Youtube: https://youtu.be/mwm7tPraDjg

Today’s guest is Brittany Golden, and one word that describes her is "survivor". She teaches us that even though life is full of curveballs, and tough times don’t discriminate, resilience will lead you to a state of thriving. That mindset took her through a healing process after a painful series of life experiences that ultimately led to the brilliant idea to start It’s a Golden Life aka IGL nails, a premium press-on nails brand.

Enjoy today’s episode and learn how to turn pain points into success stories!

For the full show notes, visit our website: https://www.blackonshelf.com/episodes

Stream Black on Shelf NOW on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Stitcher, iHeartmedia, and Pandora!

To connect further with IGL Nails:
Visit the IGL Nails website: https://iglnails.com/
Follow IGL Nails on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iglnails/
Follow IGL Nails on Twitter: https://twitter.com/iglnails/
Follow  IGL Nails on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IGLNails/
Follow IGL Nails on Ticktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iglnails

Connect with Black on Shelf:
Follow BOS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackonshelf/
Connect with BOS on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-on-shelf/
Connect with Tenaj on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenajferguson
Follow BOS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blackonshelf/
Visit the Black on Shelf website: https://www.blackonshelf.com

Watch the full interview on Youtube: https://youtu.be/z_Ng8796xg0 

Today’s episode is sure to keep you engaged! My guest Bianca Rush is a go-getter who knows what she wants and goes for it! Her parents were very instrumental in her financial goals, and they ensured that she understood the value of a dollar. By the fifth grade, she already had a financial goal she was determined to reach by a specific age.

Sassy Hair Cap produces hair and length inclusive satin caps for all hair textures and lengths. In this episode, Bianca discusses vital information about getting your business trademarked, finding a manufacturer, and her goal to help one hundred women launch and scale their beauty business.

For the full show notes, visit our website: https://www.blackonshelf.com/episodes

Stream Black on Shelf NOW on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Stitcher, iHeartmedia, and Pandora!

To connect further with Sassy Hair Cap:
Visit the Sassy Hair Cap website: https://sassyhaircap.com/
Follow Sassy Hair Cap on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassyhaircap/
Follow Sassy Hair Cap on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SassyHairCap
Follow Sassy Hair Cap on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SassyHairCap/
Follow Bianca Rush on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biancabuildsbrands/

Connect with Black on Shelf:
Follow BOS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackonshelf/
Connect with BOS on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-on-shelf/
Connect with Tenaj on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenajferguson
Follow BOS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blackonshelf/
Visit the Black on Shelf website: https://www.blackonshelf.com

Watch the full interview on Youtube: https://youtu.be/zLXj4L0jymQ 

It is not unusual to hear a rallying call for individuality and the message that you have the freedom to become who you want to be. Fulfilling the dream of one’s parents is often frowned upon, but in Chef Chef Liz’s case, it has been one of the best decisions she’s ever made. Raised by a single mother who worked as a welder, Chef Liz described her mother as a hard worker, a strong woman who never gave up and a mother who sacrificed everything to take care of her children.

And while her mother was busy working, Chef Liz had to step up to the plate to take care of her siblings, and her role included cooking. Her mother taught her how to cook savory dishes, and her grandmother taught her how to cook sweet dishes. Stepping up to the plate and learning from the matriarchs of her home laid a great foundation for who she is today and what she does.

You’ll discover Chef Liz's story of resilience; her strength and passion are palpable. After being told that her dream could never become a reality, she brings us a dream in a scoop. Every scoop of these innovative southern-inspired desserts is proof that dreams come through.

Enjoy this episode as Chef Chef Liz dishes out profound wisdom about life, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and partnership

For the full show notes, visit our website: https://www.blackonshelf.com/episodes

Stream Black on Shelf NOW on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Stitcher, iHeartmedia, and Pandora!

To connect further with Creamalicious:
Visit the Creamalicious website: https://www.socreamalicious.com/
Follow Creamalicious on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socreamalicious/
Follow Creamalicious on Twitter: https://twitter.com/socreamalicious
Follow  Creamalicious on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socreamalicious/

Connect with Black on Shelf:
Follow BOS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackonshelf/
Connect with BOS on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-on-shelf/
Connect with Tenaj on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenajferguson
Follow BOS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blackonshelf/
Visit the Black on Shelf website: https://www.blackonshelf.com

Watch the full interview on Youtube: https://youtu.be/TmmXmEnuCQo

 In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Calvin Quallis, Founder and CEO of Scotch Porter, a men’s personal care brand. His journey to entrepreneurship can be traced back to his childhood working with his mom who owned a one-stop-shop featuring a beauty parlor, barber shop, and a beauty supply store. He credits the long hours spent doing chores in his mother’s shop as a foundation for what he currently does.

After college, while working at a job he didn’t enjoy, he had the brilliant idea to start a one-of-a-kind barbershop. It was like deja vu! He remembered how customers would come into his mother’s shop and leave feeling better about themselves. Calvin recreated that experience through his barbershop by providing a community hub for men and creating products that met their personal care needs.

This episode is loaded with wisdom that will inspire you to step out in faith and go for your dreams!

For the full show notes, visit our website: https://www.blackonshelf.com/episodes

To connect with Scotch Porter:
Visit the Scotch Porter website: https://www.scotchporter.com/
Follow Scotch Porter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scotchporter/
Follow Scotch Porter on Twitter: https://twitter.com/scotchporter
Follow Scotch Porter on Facebook: https://twitter.com/scotchporter
Follow Calvin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calvin_quallis/
Connect with Calvin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinquallis/

Connect with Black on Shelf:
Follow BOS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackonshelf/
Connect with BOS on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-on-shelf/
Connect with Tenaj on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenajferguson
Follow BOS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blackonshelf/
Visit the Black on Shelf website: https://www.blackonshelf.com

Watch the full interview on Youtube: https://youtu.be/GDro2kVyo5Y

Life does not always go as we plan, but when you are walking on purpose, it will always make sense at the end of the day.

For this episode, I chatted with Jasmin Foster, founder of Be Rooted, a stationery company creating a space for women of color to see themselves in places they are not usually represented. Jasmin's love for stationery started as a young girl and she remembers the thrills she felt at the sight of stationary and artwork.

Amidst the pandemic and the social injustice movement of 2020, she took the bold step to launch her business without a logo. Instead, she focused on the product first and then worked on the branding later. Jasmin is the definition of courageous and highlighted throughout our conversation is how she boldly takes non-traditional routes.

Jasmin’s story shows us that sacrifices surely do pay off; she has made many, leading to a thriving business that meets a need in the marketplace. In today’s episode, you will learn the importance of having a brand strategy, budgeting, leveraging your network, getting legal advice for your business, and lots more as you build the brand of your dreams.

For the full show notes, visit our website: https://www.blackonshelf.com/episodes

Stream Black on Shelf NOW on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Stitcher, iHeartmedia, and Pandora!

About Jasmin Foster:
Jasmin Foster founded Be Rooted to create a space for women of color to see themselves in a place they hadn’t been. Weaving culture into every design and message, Be Rooted inspires customers to explore their inner muse and celebrate self. We want our customers to know, you are seen, and you belong here.

To connect with Be Rooted:
Visit the Be Rooted website: https://berootedco.com/
Follow Be Rooted on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berootedco/
Follow Be Rooted on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/BeRootedCo
Follow Be Rooted on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeRootedCo/

Connect with Black on Shelf:
Follow BOS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackonshelf/
Connect with BOS on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-on-shelf/
Connect with Tenaj on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenajferguson
Follow BOS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blackonshelf/
Visit the Black on Shelf website: https://www.blackonshelf.com

Watch the full interview on Youtube: https://youtu.be/9Wyns3Ev8FI 

Failure is never the end. You can turn losses into wins.

In today's episode, I chatted with Brianna Arps, Founder of MOODEAUX, a clean luxury fragrance label that combines scent and skincare. After being unexpectedly laid off from her dream job as a journalist, Brianna was depressed. Life as she knew it took a drastic turn, and she turned to a daily self-care routine of applying fragrance to uplift her and ease her stress.

During her routine, she realized that putting on perfume always made her feel better. The simple whiff of a familiar fragrance served as a friendly reminder that she was still worthy! Brianna’s discovery led her to research the connection between scents, memory, and emotions. From her research, she noticed two gaps: there weren’t many Black founders in the fragrance industry, and there was limited information about the connection between scent and its impact on emotions.

This episode will inspire you! You will learn about the power of connecting with your consumers, making your skills transferable, and making the best of disappointments.

For the full show notes, visit our website: https://www.blackonshelf.com/episodes

To connect MOODEAUX:
Visit the MOODEAUX website: https://moodeaux.com/
Follow MOODEAUX  on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/moodeauxofficial/
Follow MOODEAUX  on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MOODEAUX
Follow MOODEAUX on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MOODEAUXOfficial/
Follow MOODEAUX  on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moodeaux/
Follow Black in Fragrance: https://www.instagram.com/blackinfragrance/
Follow Brianna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannaarps/

Connect with Black on Shelf:
Follow BOS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackonshelf/
Connect with BOS on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-on-shelf/
Connect with Tenaj on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenajferguson
Follow BOS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blackonshelf/
Visit the Black on Shelf website: https://www.blackonshelf.com

Watch the full interview on Youtube: https://youtu.be/dQ_WufQns8Y 

Starting small is not a crime!

In today’s episode, I chatted with Akua Kyerematen Nettey, Founder and CEO of Berry Bissap, a company producing all-natural West African spiced hibiscus drinks. Akua’s story is one for the books. Simply put, starting small is not a crime!

Born in Oklahoma City to Ghanaian immigrants, Akua grew up cooking Ghanaian meals with her mother and the meals were often accompanied by a refreshing glass of bissap. A drink that not only tastes good but is also good for you because it is rich in antioxidants. The desire to share the goodness of bissap, bring African representation to the shelves and create generational wealth, which Akua describes as the freedom to live the life of your dreams, gave birth to the idea for Berry Bissap.

For the full show notes, visit our website: https://www.blackonshelf.com/episodes

Stream Black on Shelf NOW on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Stitcher, iHeartmedia, and Pandora!

To connect with Berry Bissap:
Visit the Berry Bissap website: https://berrybissap.com/
Follow Berry Bissap on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berrybissap/?hl=en
Follow Berry Bissap on Twitter: https://twitter.com/berrybissap?lang=en
Follow Berry Bissap on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Berry-Bissap-106212731094619
Follow Akua on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/akua-a-kyerematen-nettey-0064a5182/
Follow Akua on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/akuanettey/?hl=en

Connect with Black on Shelf:
Follow BOS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackonshelf/
Connect with BOS on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-on-shelf/
Connect with Tenaj on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenajferguson
Follow BOS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blackonshelf/
Visit the Black on Shelf website: https://www.blackonshelf.com

Watch the full interview on Youtube: https://youtu.be/rOJWJoQiux8