When you’re a Black entrepreneur building from the ground up, the pressure to have it all figured out can be overwhelming. You’re told to have a perfect brand, a full team, and six months of savings before you even get started. But for many of us, that kind of access just isn’t our reality. And still, we’re expected to make it work. This episode is your reminder that you don’t need to wait for the stars to align. You can start and grow your business with what you already have.

In this conversation, startup strategist and educator Boomy Tokan shares a practical system designed for those of us who have had to figure things out without a blueprint. With over two decades of experience helping thousands of entrepreneurs navigate the early stages, Boomy breaks down how to grow a sustainable business without burnout, overspending, or second-guessing every move. This episode speaks directly to those navigating entrepreneurship as a first-generation builder, showing you how to grow smarter while honoring your journey.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why traditional business advice can keep Black entrepreneurs stuck and how to break free from it

• How to uncover business ideas rooted in your unique skills, gifts, and lived experience

• Boomy’s 11-step system to grow your business sustainably with what you have

• How to validate your idea and build traction without spending money you don’t have

• The value of starting small and building trust within a specific niche

• How to create consistent income and move forward without constantly hustling for new clients

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/254

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

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Let’s be honest. When you hear “LinkedIn,” your first thought might be that it’s just for job seekers, corporate professionals, or people in industries that don’t reflect your own. Maybe you’ve avoided it because it feels stiff, too polished, or like a space where you have to shrink who you are just to fit in. But here’s what most folks miss: LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools for building relationships, increasing visibility, and growing your business. If you’re not using it with intention, you’re likely missing out on real opportunities.

In this episode, we sit down with Larry Long Jr., also known as “LinkedIn Larry,” to break down exactly how to make LinkedIn work for you. Larry is the Chief Energy Officer of LLJR Enterprises and a top LinkedIn influencer who has built a thriving brand by showing up as his full, authentic self. He shares step-by-step strategies for optimizing your profile, creating content that connects, and turning conversations into meaningful business relationships—without watering down your personality or playing small.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why LinkedIn is still one of the most powerful yet overlooked tools for entrepreneurs

• How to build a profile that reflects your value and draws the right opportunities

• Simple content ideas to help you show up consistently, even if you’re not sure what to post

• How to move from connection requests to meaningful conversations and collaborations

• The smart way to ask for recommendations that boost your credibility and reach

• What it means to stay visible and top-of-mind without feeling like you're constantly selling

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/253

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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If you're building your business from the ground up and finding it hard to grow beyond a certain point, you’re not alone. Maybe you're stuck juggling everything, feeling like the business can’t run without you, or just hitting a wall around that six or seven-figure mark. This episode is for you if you’ve been wondering what it really takes to get to that next level and why, despite your efforts, things still feel like they depend solely on you.

In today’s conversation, we’re joined by Sammy Orelien, a serial entrepreneur who has built and scaled multimillion dollar businesses starting from scratch. He breaks down why so many entrepreneurs become the bottleneck in their own growth, how to shift from operator to CEO, and what it truly means to build a business that runs beyond your personal hustle. Sammy’s insights are clear, actionable, and rooted in experience that speaks directly to the challenges many Black entrepreneurs face in scaling sustainably.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• What it actually means to be the bottleneck in your own business and how to recognize it

• Why personal growth is just as important as business strategy if you want to scale

• How to move from being the “doer” in your business to thinking and acting like a CEO

• Practical ways to start delegating and build a team, even if you're on a tight budget

• What systems and structure you need in place to scale sustainably

• How to make high-return decisions with your time, money, and energy as your business grows

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/252

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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If you’re building something powerful with your business, you’ve probably thought about who it’s all for. But have you really planned for what happens to that business when you’re no longer in the driver’s seat?

Whether you’re just getting started or years in, thinking about the future can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves tough conversations about money, death, or legacy. But not having a plan is a risk too many Black entrepreneurs are taking, and it’s costing us the very generational wealth we’re working so hard to build.

In this episode, we’re joined by David Edey, a Certified Executor Advisor with over 40 years of experience in estate and legacy planning. David knows firsthand the cost of not having your affairs in order. After settling his own parents’ estate took seven years, $50,000 in legal fees, and a toll on his health, he made it his mission to help others avoid the same fate. He breaks down the critical steps every entrepreneur, especially Black business owners, needs to take to create a clear succession plan, protect their assets, and ensure their business can live on.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• What succession planning really is and why it’s essential for your business from day one

• The real-life consequences of not planning ahead and why generational wealth stops without preparation

• How to start identifying and training a future leader within your business

• Why a will, a power of attorney, and succession plan are non-negotiables for business owners

• What role your digital assets and business documents play in protecting your legacy

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/251

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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As a Black entrepreneur building something from the ground up, you’ve probably felt like traditional media isn’t built for you. Maybe you’ve been told you need to land a TV spot or a magazine feature to gain real credibility. But in today’s media world, there are so many more ways to be seen, heard, and taken seriously, and many of them are right at your fingertips. Diversifying your media coverage means learning how to show up across different platforms in a way that fits your brand and reaches your audience, without trying to force yourself into spaces that don’t serve you.

In this episode, Leah Frazier, an Emmy Award-winning media strategist and founder of Think Three Media, joins us to break down exactly how to do that. Leah shares why visibility is no longer about chasing TV interviews and how to build a media presence that aligns with your brand, connects with your community, and actually helps you grow. Whether you're just starting out or ready to get intentional with your visibility, this conversation will give you the tools and mindset to start showing up strategically and authentically.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• What it actually means to diversify your media coverage as a business owner

• Why relying only on traditional press can limit your brand’s growth and visibility

• How to choose media platforms that align with your audience and business goals

• The difference between credibility-building coverage and conversion-driven platforms

• How to tell the right story for the right outlet without losing your voice

• What to do after you get featured to maximize the impact of your media exposure

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/250

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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If you’ve ever felt like you had to choose between making money and staying true to your creativity, this episode is for you. We’re diving into the real meaning of creative control and why ownership, financial literacy, and mindset are non-negotiable when it comes to building wealth on your own terms. Whether you're in music, content creation, or any business, there’s a way to protect your vision and still build something profitable and powerful.

In this conversation, we’re joined by DIVINE, hip hop artist turned tech entrepreneur and the co-founder of Notes, a financial empowerment platform designed for independent artists and creators. From growing up in the projects and navigating real-life challenges to building fintech startups and working alongside industry legends like Rakim, DIVINE brings a lived experience that is both rare and incredibly relevant. He breaks down how to create multiple income streams, avoid predatory financial traps, shift from talent to ownership, and why his story is proof that it doesn’t matter where you start. What matters is that you start.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• What creative control really means and why it’s key to long-term wealth

• Mindset shifts that help you move from survival mode to ownership mindset

• Practical ways creators and entrepreneurs can generate multiple income streams

• Financial traps to avoid as an independent artist or early-stage business owner

• How to leverage credit, tech, and automation to take back control of your business

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/249

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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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!

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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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 

Connect with us on Instagram: 

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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: 

https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/ 

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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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