At first glance, authors and entrepreneurs might seem like they live in separate worlds. But they are more connected than you might think. Traditionally, books have been treated as stand-alone works, limiting their potential impact. Out of the 11,000 books published every day, only about 1,000 make over $1,000 a year. But what if your book could do more than sit on a shelf? What if it could spark a movement, create consistent income, and build the foundation of a thriving business?

In this episode, we’re diving into how your book can be the blueprint for your brand, the manifesto of your mission, and the seed that grows into a profitable platform. For Black entrepreneurs, who often face barriers to capital, mentorship, and visibility, authorship can be a powerful form of ownership and authority. That’s why we’re joined by Taurea Avant, a graduate of Hampton University, a two-time TEDx speaker, and the Queen of Book Profiting. She has helped over 6,000 speakers and coaches become published authors and turn their books into multiple streams of income. In this masterclass style episode, she walks you through the exact steps to go from book to business while giving you the tools to scale your impact along the way.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why most books don’t generate real income and how to change that

• The mindset shift needed to go from author to entrepreneur

• How to turn chapters from your book into offers, services, or experiences

• What systems and tools you need to run a book-based business

• How to use your book to land speaking opportunities and media features

• Why your book should be a core part of your brand, not just a side project

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/248

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

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When it comes to growing a brand online, we’re often told to follow trends, look polished, and stick to what's “proven.” But the truth is, real growth and real connection often starts with creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to be yourself. For Black entrepreneurs, there’s a lot of pressure to get it right from the beginning. But what if your breakthrough came not from being perfect, but from being free?

In this episode, we’re breaking down how rediscovering your creativity and honoring your inner child can unlock authenticity, consistency, and visibility in your content. We understand how confusing and overwhelming it can feel trying to show up on social media while staying true to your brand and your mental wellness. That’s why we brought in Aaron Chism, a creative strategist and former TikTok Creator Manager who’s worked with some of the top digital voices in the game. Through his work with content creators and now as the founder of Inner ChYld Creative, Aaron shares how to build your brand without losing yourself in the process.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• What it really means to tap into your inner child as a creative entrepreneur

• How to use authenticity as a competitive advantage in branding

• Key content strategies for building an engaged audience on platforms like TikTok and Instagram

• How to stay consistent with content without feeling overwhelmed

• How to work with social media algorithms instead of fighting them

• Tools and techniques to track your content’s performance and improve over time

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/247

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Got a question? We’d love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA 

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You're posting on social media, following trends, and showing up online... but your ideal clients still aren’t converting. Sound familiar?

In today’s digital-first business world, it’s no longer enough to just show up online. To stand out and build a sustainable business, we as Black entrepreneurs must learn how to own our digital space and turn that presence into real income. But with so much noise online, how do you create content that connects, builds trust, and converts without relying on complicated ad strategies?

In this episode, digital strategist and creative brand builder Quintel Harcum joins us to break down what it really takes to digitally dominate. He shares how to attract the right audience, convert them into clients, and build a long-term digital presence rooted in ownership, value, and trust.

If you're tired of chasing trends and ready to build a digital strategy that actually works for your business, this conversation is for you.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why digital domination is about owning your space, not chasing followers

• How the digital world has changed the way we attract and convert clients

• The key differences between relying on social media vs. owning your audience

• How to build digital trust and credibility with lead magnets, email, and storytelling

• Simple, low-cost strategies to grow your audience without paid ads

• How to make it easier for clients to buy from you and stop leaving money on the tab

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/246

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Got a question? We’d love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA 

Connect with us on Instagram: 

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When we talk about business success, the focus is often on what things look like from the outside: numbers, visibility, and public wins. But what about what it feels like to actually run your business behind the scenes?

In this solo episode, we’re closing out Women’s History Month with a powerful reflection on internal success. Because building a business that looks good but feels heavy, misaligned, or overwhelming is not the goal. You deserve a business that supports you fully. One that nurtures you emotionally, mentally, financially, and energetically.

Whether you’re in a season of growth, realignment, or simply questioning what’s next, this conversation will help you reconnect to your own definition of success and give you tools to build from that place. 

THINGS YOU’LL LEARN DURING THIS EPISODE:

• Why internal success matters and how it impacts the way you build

• How to define what success feels like, not just what it looks like

• Ways to build a business around your values and capacity

• How to stop performing for outside approval and start aligning inward

• The role systems play in protecting your energy and creating ease

• How to do regular check-ins with your business to stay in alignment

—--

Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/245

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Got a question? We’d love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA 

Connect with us on Instagram: 

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In today’s fast-paced digital world, accessibility and customization are no longer optional. They’re essential. As a Black entrepreneur, you know that creating a business that serves diverse audiences means acknowledging that not everyone learns or engages with content the same way. Yet, many business owners overlook the importance of designing experiences that truly meet the needs of all users, leading to lost opportunities and disengaged customers.

In this episode, we dive deep into why "one size does not fit all" when it comes to education, business, and digital accessibility. Whether you’re building an online course, running a coaching business, or providing digital products, understanding how to personalize and adapt your offerings can set you apart in a competitive market.

Kianjai Huggan, an engineer, educator, and entrepreneur, joins us to break down the why and how of creating customizable, inclusive solutions for diverse learners and customers. As the founder of Webquity, a company dedicated to improving digital accessibility, Kianjai brings her expertise at the intersection of education and technology to this conversation. 

If you want to future-proof your business, build deeper connections with your customers, and ensure that your offerings are accessible to everyone, this episode is a must-listen!

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why a “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t work in education or business

• The impact of accessibility gaps on underrepresented communities, especially Black entrepreneurs

• Practical steps to make your digital content and services more inclusive

• The role of technology and AI in bridging the accessibility gap

• Simple changes you can make today to improve digital accessibility

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/244

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Got a question? We’d love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA 

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Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs, leading in business innovation and breaking barriers in industries where we’ve historically been underrepresented. But let’s be real—the journey isn’t always easy. Access to capital, visibility, and positioning for major opportunities can still be a challenge. Yet, despite these obstacles, Black women continue to thrive, build, and create pathways where none existed before.

At Black to Business, we understand the challenges and the power that comes from learning from those who have already paved the way. That’s why, in honor of Women’s History Month, we’re bringing together some of the most impactful lessons from powerhouse Black women entrepreneurs who have graced the podcast.

This episode is a curated compilation of wisdom, covering key areas that are essential for business growth.

You’ll hear from incredible past guests who have successfully navigated entrepreneurship and dropped gems on how to elevate your mindset, position yourself for success, and build a legacy.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, this episode is packed with insights that will help you grow and take your business to the next level.

• How to break free from imposter syndrome and self-doubt

• Why stepping into your power is essential for success

• The role of branding, messaging, and storytelling in securing opportunities

• How to use relationships and social capital to elevate your business

• Why building a community is just as important as building a business

• How to move from working in your business to working on it

• Strategies for creating generational wealth through entrepreneurship

Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/243

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Got a question? We’d love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA 

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Balancing a growing business with the pressures of motherhood is something many entrepreneurs know all too well. 

You’re juggling endless responsibilities, working to stay on top of your business goals, and striving to be fully present for your family, all while feeling like there’s barely enough time or energy for yourself. 

The pressure to “do it all” can easily feel overwhelming, but here’s the truth, you don’t have to do it all. Success shouldn’t come at the expense of your mental and physical well-being. 

In this episode, Krystle Redding, a powerhouse business coach and mother of nine, reveals how to embrace a balanced approach to entrepreneurship. Redding shares how setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and knowing when to pass off certain demands can lead to long-term success that doesn’t burn you out. 

If you’ve ever felt like you’re stretched too thin, or if you’re questioning how to keep everything together while growing your business, this conversation is for you. 

Krystle’s insights will help you create a strategy that not only allows your business to thrive but also enables you to care for yourself and your family in the process. 

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• How embracing both motherhood and entrepreneurship can fuel your success 

• Why setting clear boundaries is essential to protecting your energy and avoiding burnout

• Practical ways to build a self-care strategy that fits into your busy life 

• How small, consistent self-care practices create long-term success 

• The importance of prioritizing your mental health while growing your business 

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/242

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Got a question? We’d love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA 

Connect with us on Instagram: 

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In this episode of the Black to Business podcast, we sit down with Derek Lewis, a seasoned corporate executive turned entrepreneur, as he shares his journey from a 35-year career at PepsiCo to building his own business. Derek discusses the mindset shifts, transferable skills, and strategic planning required to transition from corporate leadership to business ownership. He also explores the importance of relationships, financial discipline, and staying true to your values while growing a business.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• The importance of mindset when making the leap from a 9-5 to business ownership

• Transferable skills from corporate that set you up for entrepreneurial success

• How to stand firm on your values while making strategic business decisions

• The role of relationships and partnerships in scaling a business

• Why playing the long game is crucial in business growth

• Navigating financial challenges and building financial habits for long-term success

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/241

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Got a question? We’d love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA 

Connect with us on Instagram: 

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Too many entrepreneurs stay focused on what’s in front of them—getting clients, making sales, and keeping their business afloat. While handling the day-to-day is important, real growth happens when you start thinking long-term, even before you feel ready.

Bigger opportunities, whether it’s brand partnerships, speaking engagements, sponsorships, or high-level clients, don’t just show up out of nowhere. They come to businesses that have positioned themselves to receive them. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck in survival mode, constantly working but never really moving forward, this conversation is for you. It’s time to shift your mindset, tighten up your business operations, and position yourself for bigger opportunities, even if you don’t feel ready yet.

• Why you can’t stay in survival mode if you want to grow your business

• The difference between operating for survival vs. operating for growth

• How to position yourself for bigger opportunities before you feel ready

• Simple branding and messaging shifts that can help you attract the right people

• The systems and habits that make growth and scaling easier

• Why building relationships can be the key to unlocking major opportunities

• How to start thinking like a CEO and making long-term decisions for your business

Opportunities won’t wait for you to feel ready, you have to prepare in advance. So let’s make sure the moves you’re making today are setting you up for success tomorrow.

Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/240

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Got a question? We’d love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA 

Connect with us on Instagram: 

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Setbacks are a part of the journey for every entrepreneur, but they don’t have to be the thing to stop you. They can be the setup for something greater. We understand that overcoming challenges like financial issues, business struggles, or self-doubt can make you question if you’re on the right path. 

But success isn’t just about having the perfect idea. It’s about being resilient, having the right mindset, and being ready to adjust when things don’t go as planned. In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to turn obstacles into opportunities.

Melva LaJoy Legrand, founder and CEO of LaJoy Plans, knows firsthand that setbacks don’t define your success. She made a bold career shift from education to building LaJoy Plans, a thriving business known for its innovative event management.

From financial challenges to personal loss and discrimination, Melva’s journey is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to keep going. In this episode, she breaks down how you can apply the same drive and determination to your own business journey.

If you ever felt like quitting, this episode is for you. You’ll receive honest, inspiring insights along with practical tips to help you stay focused, work through challenges, and keep believing in yourself.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• How resilience and authenticity fuel long-term success 

• Why mental health and self-care are essential to effective leadership 

• The power of meaningful relationships in driving business growth

• How to navigate challenges with confidence and adaptability 

• Strategies to overcome fear and take bold leadership risks

• Ways to maintain passion and purpose in your work 

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/239

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Got a question? We’d love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA 

Connect with us on Instagram: 

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