Business First w/Sonia Alleyne

Barbara Clarke Ruiz, an activewear designer turned entrepreneur, shares her journey and the launch of her lifestyle brand for dogs called Lick You Silly Products and found success on Amazon. Barbara emphasizes the importance of finding the right suppliers, creating standout packaging, and telling a compelling story to build a successful brand. She also shares advice for creative entrepreneurs and the importance of finding a supportive circle of mentors and advisors. Barbara talks about her love for her job and the importance of listening to your gut and finding time for self-reflection. Barbara emphasizes the value of relationships and staying connected in the industry.

In this conversation, Sonia Alleyne talks with Theresa Merritt-Watson, author of the book 'Black Tech, Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, Leaders in Technology.' They discuss the importance of teaching African-American history to young students and the lack of representation of African-American figures in mainstream education. They also touch on the importance of critical thinking skills and nurturing a child's passion. Theresa shares her experiences as a parent and offers insights into effective parenting strategies. She also talks about her organization, Synergy Training Solutions, which focuses on advocating for African-American students and providing support for parents and educators. Theresa emphasizes the need for change and empowerment within the African-American community.

In this episode of Business First with Sonya Alleyne, Sonya interviews Shawn Townsend, the president and CEO of the Restaurant Association, Metropolitan Washington. They discuss the opportunities and challenges in the restaurant industry, particularly in Restaurant Association, Metropolitan Washington. Shawn shares his background in the restaurant business and his experience as the director of the mayor's office of nightlife and culture. They also talk about the impact of the pandemic on restaurants, the elimination of the tip credit system, and the future of the industry. The episode concludes with a discussion of upcoming events and resources for restaurant owners.

DC Restaurant Summer Week Starts August 12, 2024

Andrea Baskett-Pee, founder of Atwasi, a Jamaican luxury travel concierge, discusses the opportunities and challenges in the tourism industry. She shares her journey of moving to Jamaica and starting a tech consultancy before transitioning into the tourism industry. Andrea emphasizes the importance of showcasing the authentic culture, history, and land of Jamaica to travelers. She also highlights the need for more equity and transparency in the tourism industry, particularly in supporting smaller businesses. Andrea plans to expand Atwasi to other Caribbean islands and eventually to parts of West Africa.

Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence is the CEO and founder of Raymona H. Lawrence Coaching, a speaker, corporate trainer, consultant, and professor of health policy and community health. She challenges broken systems that hinder people from reaching their potential, drawing from her experiences as an African-American woman with sickle cell disease. Dr. Lawrence emphasizes the importance of disrupting broken systems and creating change in communities. She works with large companies to improve engagement and build authentic connections with communities. In her work with women-owned businesses, she helps them connect the dots and build teams to ensure success. Dr. Lawrence's future focus is on building psychological safety within teams and continuing to challenge broken systems.

Chef Rock Harper discusses the importance of reclaiming culinary rights and decolonizing our tongues. He shares the history of fried chicken and its negative portrayal in media, as well as the lack of Black-owned fried chicken restaurants in the industry. Chef Rock emphasizes the need for representation and economic empowerment in the food industry. He also talks about his restaurant, Queen Mother's Fried Chicken, and the intentional use of high-quality ingredients to serve a great product. Chef Rock discusses the importance of focusing on a core product or concept in the restaurant industry, the challenges of running a restaurant with a wide variety of menu items, and the need for sufficient capital in the industry. He also shares his background and journey in the culinary world, including his time working with B. Smith. Chef Rock emphasizes the power of knowing your customer and solving their problems, as well as the importance of collaboration and maximizing revenue streams in the food business. He also discusses his future goals, including expanding into media and creating spaces for community gathering and creation.

Angelo Ellerbee discusses his work in the music industry, including his efforts to enhance communities through education and the performing arts. He shares stories of working with artists like James Mtume and Melba Moore, emphasizing the importance of relationships and mentorship. Ellerbee also talks about his book, 'Before I Let Go: Life Lessons from an Industry Guru,' which aims to inspire and motivate readers to appreciate the gift of life. He highlights the need for Black people to support and uplift each other, and shares his plans for future projects in film and TV.

Sonia and her guest Marcia Cole talk launching a business. So if you are planning launching a business or just recently launched one this is your episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Business First podcast with your host, Sonia Alleyne! In this episode, we have a special guest, Shalita Grant, an incredibly talented actress and the proud owner of Four Naturals. Join us as we delve into Shalita's inspiring journey, from her successful acting career to the launch of her own company.

Shalita Grant has captivated audiences with her incredible performances on screen, showcasing her remarkable talent and versatility. However, behind the scenes, Shalita faced a common yet significant challenge - dealing with hair issues on set. Determined to find a solution, she embarked on a remarkable entrepreneurial venture that would soon become Four Naturals.

In this engaging conversation, Shalita Grant shares her experiences as an actress and how her personal struggles with hair issues led her to identify an unmet need in the market. With her passion for natural hair care and the desire to empower others facing similar challenges, Shalita courageously took the leap and founded Four Naturals.

Tune in to the Business First podcast as Sonia Alleyne sits down with Shalita Grant, the talented actress and owner of Four Naturals, and discover the fascinating story of how she turned her passion into a thriving business. Get ready for an engaging conversation that will leave you inspired to pursue your dreams, no matter the challenges that lie ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sonia chats with construction business owner Ladi Goldwire. Yes you read it correctly and she is running things and making her presence known in this male dominated business. Hear her story this week on Business First.

  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.