In this episode of Business First, Dr. Natalie Michon Alexander shares the inspiring story behind Heir Tight, a secure digital platform designed to help families organize vital documents and strengthen communication around legacy planning.

Dr. Alexander opens up about the personal experiences that motivated her to create the platform, the innovative features that make it unique, and the challenges she has faced in bringing it to market. She also reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, outlines her vision for the future of Heir Tight, and offers practical advice for anyone seeking to follow their true calling in life.

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Angela Alexander, Executive Director of the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA). Angela shares why certification is a game-changer for small businesses—especially those owned by minorities and women—opening doors to multi-million dollar opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

She emphasizes the importance of being proactive in pursuing certifications, the power of networking, and the strength of community support.

The conversation also explores how mergers and acquisitions can help build lasting business legacies and the ongoing challenges small businesses face in procurement.

Angela offers her insights on the future of NCTRCA, highlighting the importance of exposure and education in fueling sustainable growth for entrepreneurs.

Find the podcast on YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Amazon Music, or the Mean Ole Lion Media app.

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Natasha L. Rogers, head of 1221, a dynamic PR firm based in Birmingham, Alabama. They dive into Birmingham’s thriving business scene, Natasha’s path from media to public relations, and the realities of building a successful business from the ground up.

Natasha shares valuable insights on strategic communication, event planning, and the power of assembling strong, talented teams. She also opens up about the importance of mental health awareness during career transitions, as well as the role public speaking plays in professional growth. The conversation wraps with Natasha’s vision for the future of 1221 and her mission to make a lasting impact in the community.

Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

In this enlightening episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne welcomes Dr. LaJoyce Brookshire—host of Ask the Good Doctor on Mean Ole Lion Media—for a powerful conversation on the intersection of purpose, health, and transformation.

Dr. Brookshire shares her inspiring journey from a high-profile career in the music industry to becoming a doctor of naturopathy and a master herbalist. With candid reflections on personal health struggles and professional reinvention, she delivers a passionate message about the importance of knowing your body and taking charge of your wellness journey.

From the dangers of ignoring symptoms to the healing potential of holistic living, this episode is filled with practical guidance and motivation for anyone ready to prioritize health as wealth. Dr. Brookshire breaks down the myths of modern medicine, offers empowering advice for prevention and healing, and reminds us that true success starts with self-care.

Listen to the full episode on YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Amazon Music, or the Mean Ole Lion Media app.

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In this episode of the Business First Podcast, host Sonia Alleyne welcomes Theresa ONeal Redd, co-founder of Reimagined BK, a vintage fashion boutique located in the heart of Brooklyn. Theresa shares her entrepreneurial journey of launching the business alongside her husband, offering candid insight into building a brand rooted in community, culture, and creativity.

From navigating the dynamics of running a business as a couple to transitioning careers and understanding the evolving vintage fashion market, Theresa unpacks what it takes to thrive in retail today. She also highlights the importance of exceptional customer service, creating intentional spaces, and building the kind of support system every entrepreneur needs to succeed.

Whether you're an aspiring business owner or a retail veteran, this conversation is full of practical gems and inspiration for putting your business — and your purpose — first.

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Bobby Goodman Jr., founder and CEO of MuleWork, to explore the real-life challenges of launching and growing a small business. Bobby opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, the mission behind MuleWork, and the critical services his company provides—from tax guidance to operational strategy and community engagement.

They also discuss how new legislation is shaping the landscape for small businesses and why creativity, collaboration, and resilience are key ingredients for success. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this conversation offers invaluable insights into building a business that works for the entrepreneur and the community.

In this episode of Business First, host Sonya Alleyne sits down with Jessica Jones, founder and CEO of The Code Group and The Jessica Jones Collective, for a candid and empowering conversation on entrepreneurship, leadership, and purpose. A serial entrepreneur, Jessica shares her journey of building multiple businesses while championing the voices of women of color in leadership.

From navigating the challenges of toxic workplaces to fostering confident, value-driven leadership, Jessica offers practical strategies for new entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike. She discusses her work in organizational development, the importance of authentic leadership, and what must be central to business strategy. Listeners will also learn about her coaching business and her impactful books that provide real-world tools for thriving in today’s fast-paced work environments.

Tune in for a powerful dialogue filled with insight, inspiration, and the tools to put business first—with purpose.

In this episode of the *Business First Podcast*, host **Sonia Alleyne** sits down with certified AI consultant and trainer **Jennene Biggins** to break down the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on business. From her beginnings in the fashion industry to leading **Danso Digital Media Group**, Jennene shares her evolution into AI and her mission to help small businesses integrate these tools for real results.

The conversation dives into the practical side of AI—how tools like **ChatGPT** can boost productivity, streamline social media, assist with daily tasks, and even empower creatives without sacrificing artistic integrity. Jennene and Sonia address the fear surrounding AI, especially among entrepreneurs, and discuss the importance of data privacy, community education, and adapting to change in today’s tech-driven marketplace.

Whether you're a business owner, content creator, or just AI-curious, this episode offers valuable insight into how technology can enhance—not replace—your work.

In this episode of the *Business First Podcast*, host **Sonia Alleyne** sits down with **Susanne Mariga**, CPA, author, and expert in entrepreneurial finance, to unpack the transformative *Profit First* method. As a **fractional CFO**, Susanne helps business owners take control of their cash flow, make intentional profit, and build sustainable, successful businesses—especially within minority and underrepresented communities.

From her personal journey as an entrepreneur to her mission of empowering others to understand their numbers and value their services, Susanne shares practical strategies to move from surviving to thriving. The episode also highlights her broader vision of social impact, including sending girls to school globally through proceeds from her book.

In this inspiring episode of the Business First Podcast, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Yachtze Luchin, founder and CEO of Unite Oil and Gas International, to explore the importance of access, representation, and purpose in the energy sector.

Yachtze shares his powerful journey—from overcoming a challenging upbringing to building a thriving career in engineering and ultimately founding a mission-driven oil and gas company. Together, they discuss the systemic barriers in the industry, the value of diversity in leadership, and how entrepreneurs can balance profitability with social responsibility.

Whether you're an emerging business owner, a corporate leader, or someone passionate about building impact-driven enterprises, this episode is filled with actionable insights and motivating takeaways.