How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield

#HowIGotHere guest and interior design entrepreneur Rasheeda Gray shares how she was able to turn her corporate skills into a full time creative venture, all while nurturing her family and managing her career.

Stream Season 3, Episode 8 to hear more!

In this special episode of How I Got Here, host Dreena Whitfield, the founder and CEO of WhitPR, takes the mic solo to share her personal journey as an entrepreneur and her insights on Black Business Month.

Dreena opens up about the challenges and triumphs she has faced in building her agency, emphasizing the importance of diversity and authenticity in the PR industry. She discusses the role of Black agencies, the impact of larger firms encroaching on multicultural work, and the significance of championing Black founders and issues within the community.

Tune in to this inspiring episode to gain valuable insights from Dreena on navigating the PR industry, the significance of Black Business Month, and practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to make their mark.

Summary:

Necole Kane is the visionary force behind Necole Bitchie, xo Necole, and the new wellness brand, My Happy Flo. She started her career in entertainment news and celebrity gossip, eventually launching Necole Bitchie, which became the go-to black-focused celebrity website. After the success of Necole Bitchie, she rebranded to xo Necole, focusing on empowering black women with content on mental health, relationships, and more. In 2017, Will Packer acquired xo Necole. Necole has now launched My Happy Flo, a hormone balance supplement for women with periods.

Key Takeaways:

• Necole started Necole Bitchie after moving to a small town and realizing her vision was bigger than working at Walmart.
• She grew Necole Bitchie to 20 million daily page views through consistency and dedication.
• The rebrand to xo Necole was driven by a desire to create a platform for black women to discuss topics beyond celebrity news.
• Necole's acquisition by Will Packer was a result of her viral video and a series of conversations over several months.
• She faced challenges during the acquisition process, including concerns about alignment and the future of her brand.
• Necole's latest venture, My Happy Flo, was inspired by her personal experiences with her mother's battle with breast cancer and her own studies in holistic health.
• My Happy Flo aims to provide black women with a hormone balance supplement that addresses common deficiencies and supports overall reproductive health.

Episode Website

In this Episode:

In this episode, starting at 0:00:30, we delve into Necole Kane's fascinating journey from aspiring actress to digital media powerhouse. At 0:02:20, discover the inception of her influential blog Nicole B****y, followed by her strategic pivot to Exo Nicole at 0:04:02, highlighting her adaptive business acumen. Necole reveals her effective networking strategies at 0:05:33 and the pivotal viral interview with Chili at 0:06:11 that propelled her into the spotlight.

The challenges and transformation from Necole Bitchie to xo Necole are candidly discussed at 0:07:40 and 0:08:47, providing insights into Necole's resilience and vision. A significant moment in her career is the acquisition of xo Necole by Will Packer in 2017, detailed at 0:10:57, marking a new chapter in her professional journey.

Necole opens up about her personal struggles, including depression and fear of failure, at 0:12:21, and shares her insights on vision alignment and building the right team at 0:19:44. The episode also explores her venture into women's health with My Happy Flo, addressing the need for education around menstrual cycles and hormonal imbalances, touched upon at 0:25:21.

Concluding at 0:34:55, Necole shares her excitement for the future of My Happy Flo and offers personal insights, including her advice to her younger self and her self-care activities, wrapping up with where to follow her journey on social media at 0:37:13.

In the episode, Christina Rice, the founder of OMNoire, shares her inspiring journey from a career in public relations to building a platform that redefines wellness and community for black women and women of color. She discusses her transition from PR to launching her own agency and the challenges she faced along the way. Christina also talks about the moment she discovered her passion for yoga and how it led her to create Omniwar. She shares her vision for the future of the brand and the importance of community and self-care in the wellness industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Christina Rice transitioned from a career in public relations to launching her own agency before starting OMNoire.
• OMNoire is a platform that redefines wellness and community for black women and women of color.
• Christina's passion for yoga and her journey led her to create OMNoire as a safe space for black women to explore wellness and healing.
• OMNoire offers retreats, a home collection, and an academy to empower and support black women on their wellness journeys.
• Christina believes in the power of community and self-care and aims to create a one-stop wellness shop through OMNoire.

Episode Outline:

In this podcast episode, beginning at 0:00:30, we're introduced to Christina Rice, whose varied career journey is admired by host Dreena. From her high school dream of being an attorney, noted at 0:02:38, to opening a Nashville clothing store at 0:04:26, and transitioning to a PR career in New Jersey at 0:07:28, Christina's path is diverse and inspiring.

A pivotal moment occurs at 0:10:59 when Christina starts her own agency after being laid off. This period also marks her wellness journey, as she discovers yoga and eventually becomes a certified teacher, a topic touched upon at 0:12:36. Christina's significant venture, Omnoire, aimed at healing for black women, is conceived in early 2016, highlighted at 0:13:32.

The episode at 0:21:17 delves into the meaning behind "Omnoire" and Christina's achievements, including planning retreats and securing sponsorships. She shares her experience of focusing solely on Omnoire at 0:16:03 and attributes its success to community care and pioneering in the wellness industry at 0:25:33.

Christina discusses expanding Omnoire into home products at 0:44:49 and her vision for it as a comprehensive wellness brand at 0:49:54. She offers advice to entrepreneurs at 0:51:22, emphasizing listening to one's inner voice. The episode wraps up around 0:57:46 with Christina sharing Bali's transformative impact on her wellness journey.

Connect with Christina on....

Instagram: @christinamrice

Linktree: ChristinaRice

In this captivating podcast episode, join me as I delve into the extraordinary journey of Michelle Ganey, the brilliant mind behind Lamiga Events. From aspiring lawyer to event planning entrepreneur, Michelle's story is one of following your passion and embracing unconventional career paths. Get ready to be inspired by her insights on building a thriving business, finding a balance between work and family, and creating impactful event designs. Don't miss this empowering conversation on how to navigate the world of event planning with excellence and authenticity. Tune in now!

- Michelle's journey from aspiring lawyer to event planner

- The importance of family and work-life balance

- Finding inspiration and setting price points in the industry

- Creating a strong community and building relationships

- Embracing niche markets and becoming an authority

Episode Outline:

In this latest episode of "How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield," listeners are treated to the extraordinary story of Michelle Ganey, the creative mind behind Lamiga Events. [00:00:00] The episode begins with Dreena expressing her enthusiasm about having Michelle as a guest. [00:00:00] Dreena starts with an intriguing question to Michelle, asking about her high school yearbook prediction for her future. [00:00:37] Michelle reveals her initial ambition to become an attorney, a path quite different from her current career. [00:00:51] She shares that this aspiration stemmed from her childhood, inspired by the character Claire Huxtable from "The Cosby Show." [00:01:12] The discussion moves to Michelle's academic pursuits, highlighting her college degree in political science. [00:01:29] Michelle also discusses her decision to work full-time after college to support herself independently. [00:02:28]

The episode then explores Michelle's transition into event planning, inspired by her personal experience with planning her wedding. [00:02:55] Michelle talks about the lack of established career paths in event planning 23 years ago and her initial focus on milestone celebrations. [00:02:55] Dreena shifts the conversation to the challenges faced by entrepreneurs who juggle a full-time job with their passion projects. [00:05:15] Michelle reflects on the changes in the event planning industry, noting the influence of the movie "The Wedding Planner" and the rise of wedding blogs. [00:05:42] She recounts her experience from 2004 to 2007, when event planning was her side hustle, with a focus on milestone birthday celebrations. [00:11:00]

A poignant moment in the episode occurs when Michelle shares advice she gave to a planner struggling to differentiate herself. [00:33:55] Michelle emphasizes the importance of leveraging one's unique qualities as a strength. [00:39:00] Dreena then inquires about the factors contributing to the success of Michelle and Lamiga Events. [00:40:28] The episode concludes with Michelle describing herself in one word and mentioning one of her legacy clients. [00:42:37]

Kamilah Forbes was supposed to be a doctor. She went to Howard University with a plan to study medicine and act on the side. Freshman biology changed that. She walked across campus to the theater department, and the rest is a story of hip hop theater festivals, Def Poetry Jam, HBO, and eventually becoming the Executive Producer of the Apollo Theater in Harlem.

Key Takeaways:

• The clear career path does not always exist in arts and entertainment; sometimes you have to create the lane and build the audience for it yourself.
• Your biggest collaborators are often already sitting next to you; Kamilah's Howard classmates became her lifelong creative partners and co-builders.
• Moving a legacy institution forward means shifting from reverence to relevance while honoring everything that came before.
• Saying yes to a job while seven months pregnant taught Kamilah that there is never a "perfect time" to step into your purpose.
• The people you build with early in your career often become the people you build with for life.

In this conversation, Dreena Whitfield sits down with Kamilah Forbes inside the Apollo Theater to talk about growing up as a first-generation Jamaican American theater kid in Chicago, pivoting from pre-med to fine arts at Howard, and co-founding the Hip Hop Theater Festival to create a space that didn't exist for young voices. Kamilah shares how a job interview to be an assistant to Stan Lathan turned into her first role in television on Def Poetry Jam for HBO, how she rose from talent executive to executive producer, and how a consulting gig at the Apollo eventually led to the opportunity to help shape its future.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Why Kamilah chose Howard University and how HBCUs create spaces for Black identity and creative growth
• How hip hop theater was born from young artists who didn't see themselves reflected on existing stages
• The path from Def Poetry Jam to directing and producing across theater and television
• How the Apollo Theater transitioned from a commercial venue to a mission-driven nonprofit
• Adapting Ta-Nehisi Coates' "Between the World and Me" from book to stage to HBO film
• What it means to lead a 90-year-old institution through expansion, including two new theaters at the Victoria
• Producing the upcoming Soul Train musical with Questlove and Dominique Morisseau
• Navigating work-life balance as a working mom at a demanding cultural institution
• Advice for young Black artists: your biggest assets are sitting right next to you

Who Should Listen: If you are a creative professional navigating arts and culture, a Black woman in leadership at a legacy institution, someone figuring out how to bridge passion and profession, or anyone interested in the intersection of art, activism, and community building, this episode is for you.

About Kamilah Forbes: Kamilah Forbes is the Executive Producer of the Apollo Theater. A Howard University graduate, she co-founded the Hip Hop Theater Festival and has directed and produced across theater and television, including Def Poetry Jam and the HBO adaptation of "Between the World and Me." She is currently producing the Soul Train musical alongside Questlove and Dominique Morisseau.

Learn more about the Apollo Theater: https://www.apollotheater.org Follow Kamilah Forbes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamilahf

Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you prefer audio. Watch the full video episode on Substack: https://howigotherewdreenaw.substack.com Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@howigotherewdreenaw

Subscribe to How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield for more conversations on purpose, leadership, and reinvention.

• (00:00) - Dreena Whitfield welcomes Kamilah Forbes, Executive Producer of the Apollo Theater

In the latest episode of the How I Got Here podcast, host Dreena Whitfield sits down with Dayna Bolden, CEO of Define Bold Fitness, to discuss her inspiring journey from a Division One basketball player to a successful fitness entrepreneur. Dayna's story emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and embracing unexpected paths to success. The episode also delves into the rise of influencer careers and the challenges faced along the way. Dayna takes the opportunity to promote her fitness brand, Define Bold Fitness, and kindly asks for support. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and be inspired by Dayna's incredible journey.

- Dayna's journey from basketball player to fitness brand CEO

- Emphasizing the importance of following passion and unexpected paths to success

- The rise of influencer careers and the importance of genuine impact

- Building a successful brand and launching a collection

- Taking risks and pursuing passion as a full-time influencer

I believe that the important thing is that we stay true to our values.

relevant keywords, How I Got Here podcast, interview, Dayna Bolden, CEO, Define Bold Fitness, Division One basketball player, fitness brand, passion, unexpected paths to success, the rise of influencer careers, challenges, genuine impact, support, Drena Whitfield, multi-talented blogger, entrepreneur, influencer, self-care, self-love, empowerment, women worldwide, New York, Under Armour, marketing, athletic company, climbing the corporate ladder, influencer career, change agent, inspiring people, purpose, genuine impact, children's book, personal brand, content creation, documenting, a new collection, leggings, sports bra, zip-up jacket, retail, team, bulk content creation, documenting, growth, impact, community, social media, Define Bold Fitness.

Connect with Dayna on....

Instagram: @daynabolden

Website: www.daynabolden.com

Welcome to the latest episode of "How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield," where we delve deep into the inspiring stories of individuals who have achieved remarkable success in their respective fields. In this captivating installment, we explore the fascinating journey of none other than Rasheeda Gray, an extraordinary entrepreneur and interior design maven.

In this episode, Rasheeda sits down with Dreena to discuss her path to becoming an entrepreneur and the unexpected twists and turns along the way.

From high school aspirations in the creative business world to a successful corporate career, Rasheeda shares her personal journey of self-discovery and finding her true passion. Tune in as she opens up about the influences that shaped her career choices, including her aunt's work in a corporate environment, a character on a TV show, and a communications course in high school.

Rasheeda takes us through her transition from the insurance industry to interior design, showcasing the importance of embracing different experiences and constantly evolving. She shares her fears, doubts, and the financial preparations she made before taking the leap into entrepreneurship.

Join us as we delve into the rollercoaster nature of entrepreneurship and the bravery it takes to pursue your dreams. We'll also explore the day-to-day life of an interior designer, the importance of building a portfolio, and tips for designing your own home on a budget.

Don't miss out on this witty, inspiring, and relatable episode featuring the incredible journey of Rasheeda and her passion for interior design. Get ready to be motivated and empowered to chase your own dreams, no matter where life takes you. Tune in now and be inspired!

- Rasheeda's background and career path

- Early interests and experiences

- Transitioning into interior design

- Leaving a corporate job to start own business

- Challenges and doubts of entrepreneurship

- Growth of Gray Space Interiors and real estate development

- Daily routine as an interior designer

- Advice for entering the design industry

- Importance of planning and measurement in design

- Believing in oneself and building relationships

- Exciting updates and upcoming projects

"You are crafting your career right now, even as a high school student. You just never know what your experiences will lead you to." - Rasheeda

Keywords: high school, 23 years ago, creative, business world, college, marketing, advertising, entrepreneur, curating, creating, painting, artist, interior design, space planning, sketching, apartment, white box, corporate job, risk taker, partner, health insurance, savings, liquid cash

Rasheeda will be XYZ in ten years. [00:00:36] Trying different careers. [00:09:17] Knowing when to launch Gray Space interiors. [00:12:03] Planning the transition from corporate job to entrepreneurship. [00:12:38] Balancing purpose, passion, and stress. [00:15:24] Similarities between Rasheeda and Dreena. [00:15:56] Three tips for designing a home on a budget. [00:26:19] Goldman Sachs $10,000 small business program. [00:32:58]

Connect with Rasheeda on....

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grayspaceinteriors/

Website: https://grayspaceinteriors.com/

Welcome to another inspiring episode of "How I Got Here" with Dreena Whitfield! In this captivating podcast episode, we delve into the importance of community support for black businesses and entrepreneurs and the urgent need for a shift in consciousness within the black community.

Join us as Dreena Whitfield sits down with the remarkable Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, the visionary CEO of the Village Market. Dr. Hallmon's social enterprise not only supports black businesses but also promotes cultural awareness, making her the perfect guest for this enlightening discussion.

Prepare to be inspired as Dr. Hallmon shares her incredible entrepreneurial journey and unwavering vision for the Village Market. From her high school yearbook prediction of owning multiple small businesses and traveling extensively to the reality of making it happen, Dr. Hallmon's story will leave you in awe.

But that's not all! In this episode, Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon takes the mic to discuss her experience of moving to Atlanta and building her own brand. She reveals how Atlanta's vibrant arts and culture scene inspired her to become an entrepreneur and the challenges she faced along the way.

We'll also explore the transition from education to entrepreneurship, as Dr. Hallmon highlights the importance of economic development and upward mobility within black communities. Her journey from a one-person operation to the thriving Village Market will leave you motivated and ready to take on the world.

But wait, there's more! Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon will also share invaluable insights into starting a business, advocating for entrepreneurs, and the unapologetic value that black people bring to society. Her powerful words will resonate with aspiring entrepreneurs and community advocates alike.

So, if you're ready to embrace the power of community support and witness the transformative shift in consciousness within the black community, don't miss this extraordinary episode of "How I Got Here" with Dreena Whitfield.

Tune in now and be part of the movement that empowers black entrepreneurs and showcases their incredible products. Remember, when black people are empowered, every community prospers. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be inspired and make a difference.

- Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon's journey as an entrepreneur and vision for the Village Market

- Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon's experience of moving to Atlanta and building their brand

- Importance of authentic self-expression and surrounding oneself with genuine individuals in Atlanta's entrepreneurial spirit

- Transition from education to entrepreneurship and the importance of small businesses in lifting communities out of poverty

- Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon's journey in starting a business and advocating for entrepreneurs

- Overcoming self-doubt as an entrepreneur and embracing the privilege

- Importance of supporting small black businesses and excellence in supporting black entrepreneurs

- Support as a verb and the significance of support in entrepreneurship

- Importance of finding and surrounding oneself with supportive and like-minded individuals

- Our Village United and the Elevate program for Black businesses

- Expansion of the Elevated Cities program nationally

- Importance of community support and conscious support for the black community

- Shift in consciousness and consistent support for black businesses and individuals

Introduction with Dreena Whitfield [00:00:00] Dr. Key Hallmon talks about being a classroom teacher and her dedication to her students [00:07:31] Dr. Key Hallmon discusses the stress and challenges of being an entrepreneur [00:10:02] Dr. Key Hallmon shares her perspective on affirming oneself and being unapologetically for her people [00:13:06] Dr. Key Hallmon talks about the importance of having a vision and expanding beyond one's...

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howigotherewdreenaw.substack.com

Welcome to How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield. In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Felicia Hatcher, CEO of Pharrell Williams Black Ambition Opportunity Fund and co-founder of Black Tech Week conference. Hatcher shares her story of overcoming the challenges of being a C student in high school and how scholarships changed her perspective on education. Her experience led her to author the C Students Guide to Scholarships and start her own educational consulting business, teaching nontraditional students how to navigate the college application process. We discuss the impact of biased guidance from counselors on young individuals and how it affected Hatcher's decision-making. She emphasizes the importance of having someone in your corner with higher expectations and belief in your abilities. We also touch on Hatcher's experiences in experiential marketing and social media in the early 2000s, working with brands such as Nintendo and Sony. Hatcher shares her experience of entering the tech space through marketing and eventually launching Code Fever to teach African American and Caribbean youth how to code. We also discuss Black Tech Week and the Black Ambition Opportunity Fund, which invests in black and Latinx startup founders and provides resources and funding for Black-owned businesses. Don't miss this episode full of valuable insights and inspiring stories. Follow Felicia Hatcher on all social media platforms and check out the Black Ambition Prize for entrepreneurial funding opportunities.

- Interview with Felicia Hatcher, CEO of Black Ambition Opportunity Fund

- Winning scholarships changed her perspective

- Creating opportunities for nontraditional students

- Importance of having supportive mentors

- Encouragement can change life trajectory

- Early exposure to technology and coding

- Launching Code Fever to teach coding to youth

- Origin of Black Tech Week and its purpose

- Journey of starting a frozen dessert business

- Overcoming financial difficulties as an entrepreneur

- Building an entrepreneurship ecosystem in Miami

- Black Ambition Opportunity Fund's mission and programs

- Abundant mindset and not creating limitations

- Quickfire questions and future projects

- Where to follow and subscribe to the speaker

Introduction [00:00:23] Starting a business after college [00:09:30] Creating immersive experiences [00:11:55] Social media boom [00:12:06] Jumping into the tech field [00:12:43] Founding Code Fever [00:14:45] Branding strategy: associating with experiences [00:26:19] Planning during financial difficulties [00:32:22]

Connect with Felecia on....

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feleciahatcher/

Website: https://www.feleciahatcher.com/