What happens when passion meets purpose and a $70 grill becomes a gateway to legacy?In this episode of Business in the Black, we sit down with Chef Darius Lintz, founder of My Mama Said You Can’t Cook, to talk about humble beginnings, high standards, and second chances.From working the line at the Hilton Garden Inn to feeding hundreds at Atlanta pop-ups, Chef Darius shares how betting on himself even when rent was due turned into a movement for change.We talk fatherhood, mentorship, community, and why gourmet Southern food should stay accessible to the people who created it.If you’ve ever had to take a leap of faith with limited resources and big dreams, this one’s for you.🎧 Listen to learn how faith, flavor, and focus can feed a whole community.

Dr. Jay Ken Harris shows how lateral networking propelled him from private practice to advising the MA Attorney General—while keeping his firm intentionally boutique. Learn the money rule (“if it’s not paying for itself, it’s a bill”), how to price like a pro, and a simple “work-backward” exit plan. Real talk on grief, confidence, and building systems-level impact in mental health.

This week on Business in the Black, Dr. Jay Ken Harris keeps it 100 about grief, therapy that fits, and why he left burnout behind to build a consulting niche that actually works for his life. We talk impostor syndrome (even with a PhD), using FMLA without the runaround, and how to pair faith with a real plan. If you’re stuck, tired, or ready to pivot—this is your playbook. Tap in, take notes, get paid.

What happens when your main income disappears? In our 10th episode, we bring back fan favorite Stella Stone of Stella Pies for a raw, resilient update on life after a sudden job loss. We unpack the mindset and moves that kept her business alive—building offers, leaning on relationship capital, and saying yes to new lanes (hello, booking agent life). We also break down why mentors matter (and how to find them) and share the simple “Two Chairs” decision ritual that keeps you grounded under pressure. If you’re navigating uncertainty, this is your blueprint: perseverance, community, and actionable steps to stand on business.

What happens when passion meets purpose and a pup named Kirby? In this episode of Business in the Black, we sit down with Reginald, founder of Kirby’s Paw Palace, a Black-owned dog boarding business redefining trust and care in Atlanta’s pet community.

In this episode of Business in the Black, we sit down with Anthony Bryant—founder and president of the Knee High Foundation—to unpack the unfiltered truth behind building a nonprofit from the ground up. What started as a way to keep kids off the streets through football has grown into a powerful mentorship network impacting over 1,000 youth.From rejection letters to $22,000 donut fundraisers, Anthony shares how he turned purpose into impact, one helmet, one scholarship, and one long night at a time. We talk about the weight of leadership, the cost of community work, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind in Opelika and beyond.Whether you're running a nonprofit, coaching kids, or just trying to turn your mission into motion this one’s for you.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Christine James, we go deeper.

Following her inspiring journey from corporate vet medicine to clinic ownership in Episode 6, this episode zooms in on how Dr. James builds legacy beyond her title through compassionate leadership, community impact, and a mindset of preparedness.

We talk about what it means to really care for people while building a practice, how she models work-life balance for her team, and why she raises chickens and quail as part of her long-term strategy for self-sufficiency and service.

This episode covers:

• Leading with empathy while running a team

• Creating space for joy and rest—for herself and her employees

• Her global mindset on community care and disaster relief

• The $2 mindset: what’s really worth your time, money, or energy

• Building a business that can outlive you and provide for others

If you listened to Part 1, this follow-up completes the story. If you’re building something that matters, this one’s for you.

After 21 years leading in corporate veterinary medicine, Dr. Christine James walked away from the title, the salary, and the stress to build something of her own. In this powerful episode of Business in the Black, Dr. James shares what inspired her to become a veterinarian at just 8 years old, the moment she knew it was time to leave corporate America, and the $2 mindset that shapes every business decision she makes.

We talk legacy, leadership, and what it really costs to open a veterinary clinic (spoiler: it’s a lot more than $250K). But most importantly, we explore how she’s using her practice to educate and serve Black and brown pet owners, dismantle judgment in care, and create compassionate spaces for animals and people.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between security and purpose—this is the episode for you.

🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you stream.
📲 Connect with us: @businessintheblackpod

911 dispatcher by day, momager by night — Zelenka Boyd is building a brand fueled by faith, family, and unshakable grit. In this powerful episode of Business in the Black, Zelenka opens up about surviving an abusive marriage, starting over from nothing, and turning her love for writing into a digital platform that now includes viral skits, brand partnerships, and autism advocacy.

You’ll hear how she balances content creation with raising three kids, what she’s learned about trusting the wrong people online, and why she’s committed to transparency, even when it’s hard. This episode is a masterclass in persistence, purpose, and protecting your peace in the public eye.

🎧 Listen and be inspired to start with what you have — and trust that your voice matters.

Meet Dwanna “Stella” Stone, the powerhouse behind Stella Pies. In this episode, we dive into her journey from childhood memories in Aunt Marie’s kitchen to selling $1.50 pies and becoming a vendor at major events.She opens up about the pivot from her lunch-to-go business, the meaning behind her name and slogan “Try One, Eat Two,” and the challenges of funding her dream. Stella also shares how being a Black entrepreneur shapes her approach to pricing, community, and legacy — including building a future with her granddaughters by her side.It’s real talk on resilience, faith, and flavor. Tap in