Money Making Conversations Master Class

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Diana Lynch.  

She shares her journey from practicing law to acquiring nearly 1,000 acres in the Dominican Republic for a golf resort, emphasizing the importance of ownership and wealth-building in the Black community.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Transition from Law to Real Estate Development

   • Lynch has decades of experience in family, sports, entertainment, and business law.
   • She discusses how her legal background helped her navigate real estate investments.

2. The Importance of Ownership

   • Lynch emphasizes the need for Black entrepreneurs to invest in land and build generational wealth.
   • She explains how real estate provides financial stability compared to volatile stock markets.

3. Developing a Golf Resort in the Dominican Republic

   • She acquired nearly 1,000 acres to build a luxury golf resort.
   • The project aims to create a space for Black professionals to gather, invest, and build wealth.

4. Challenges & Lessons in Real Estate

   • Lynch shares insights on overcoming obstacles in real estate development.
   • She highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and long-term planning.

5. Mentorship & Community Impact

   • She discusses her commitment to mentoring young professionals and supporting education initiatives.
   • She encourages listeners to take control of their financial futures through smart investments.

📘 About Diana Lynch
Diana Lynch is an attorney and real estate developer focused on inspiring the Black community to pursue ownership and financial independence. Her latest project, a golf resort in the Dominican Republic, reflects her vision for creating lasting wealth and opportunities.

 

 

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed J Hackett.

Entrepreneur, community leader, and founder of Black Wall Street AVL in Asheville, North Carolina. J shares his journey from overcoming incarceration to becoming a successful business owner and advocate for Black entrepreneurship.

J discusses how he launched Asheville’s first Black-owned coffee shop, which became a hub for local entrepreneurs and led to the creation of Black Wall Street AVL—an incubator designed to help Black businesses start, grow, and scale. He also shares insider knowledge on grant writing, securing tourism dollars, and tapping into economic development resources that many business owners overlook.

Beyond business, J opens up about the challenges of reentry after incarceration, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of rewriting your own story. He also dives into the success of GrindFest, a growing three-day festival celebrating Black entrepreneurship, which started as a simple cookout and is now a major event funded by Asheville’s tourism board.

If you're looking for motivation, practical business strategies, or insight into how to turn setbacks into success, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in and learn how to build, grow, and thrive—no matter where you start.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

 

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Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Hi, I'm Rushion McDonald, the host of the weekly Money Making Conversations Master Class show. This show provides interviews and information for everyone. It’s time to stop reading other people’s success stories and start living your own.  Have you ever thought about starting a business? If so, why did – or didn’t – you do it?

Rushion McDonald shared valuable insights on how to be a successful business owner and the role Amazon Business can play in streamlining operations.

Keys to Business Success

• Hiring Wisely: Avoid hiring based on familiarity or budget alone—background checks and qualifications matter.
• Budgeting & Planning: Many businesses fail because they lack a financial plan before launching.
• Time Management: Running a business requires dedication—McDonald wakes up at 4:30 AM daily to stay ahead.
• Consistency & Trust: Businesses must be reliable—whether it’s keeping inventory stocked or ensuring parking availability for customers.
• Learning from Mistakes: McDonald shared his early struggles, including hiring unqualified staff and failing to pay taxes properly.

How Amazon Business Helps

• Bulk Purchasing: Saves time and money by allowing businesses to buy supplies in bulk.
• Smart Insights: Amazon Business Analytics helps track spending and optimize purchases.
• Efficiency & Convenience: Offers free accounts with no spending minimum, making it accessible for small businesses and large organizations alike.
• Flexible Payment Options: Businesses can choose multiple payment methods for streamlined transactions.

McDonald emphasized that Amazon Business can help entrepreneurs focus on growth rather than administrative burdens. His advice encourages strategic decision-making and leveraging technology for success. The Amazon Business account is free, and there’s no spending minimum.

#AMI

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#STRAW

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Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Laura Foos.

Founder of Foos Financial Services, entrepreneur, accountant, tax professional, salon owner, and commercial property owner. The conversation focuses on her journey from accountant and single mother to successful business owner, highlighting her strategies for wealth creation, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, leadership, and community impact.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview was designed to:

• Showcase Laura Foos as a successful entrepreneur and role model for women and small business owners.
• Educate entrepreneurs on tax planning, business growth, and financial management.
• Demonstrate the importance of creating multiple streams of income.
• Inspire aspiring business owners to pursue entrepreneurship despite challenges.
• Highlight the value of mentorship, faith, and perseverance in building long-term success.

Key Takeaways 1. Build Multiple Streams of Income

Laura's business philosophy centers on creating diverse income sources. Her portfolio includes:

• Tax preparation services
• Salon ownership
• Event space rentals
• Photography studio rentals
• Podcast studio rentals
• Residential and commercial real estate income

She believes relying on a single source of income limits growth and financial security.

2. Smart Tax Planning Fuels Business Growth

Laura emphasizes that many entrepreneurs make the mistake of writing off so many expenses that they show little or no profit. While this may reduce taxes, it can also make it difficult to qualify for loans, purchase property, or secure business financing.

Her approach is to balance tax savings with demonstrating enough profitability to grow and scale.

3. Ownership Creates Wealth

Rather than continuously renting commercial space, Laura focused on purchasing property in her business's name. This strategy enabled her to build equity while creating additional revenue opportunities through rentals and events.

4. Every Liability Should Have an Asset Attached to It

One of Laura's unique financial principles is that every expense should have a revenue-generating component tied to it.

Whether it's rental income covering a mortgage or booth rentals supporting salon expenses, she consistently creates assets that offset liabilities.

5. Entrepreneurship Begins at Home

As a single mother, Laura introduced her daughter to entrepreneurship early. Together they started a bracelet business, and Laura taught her daughter budgeting, reinvestment, savings, and customer service.

This hands-on experience helped instill confidence and business skills at a young age.

6. You Cannot Scale Without Delegation

Laura admits that trusting others was difficult initially. Over time, she learned that growth requires building a team and allowing experts to handle tasks outside her core strengths.

Hiring support staff, marketers, photographers, and assistants enabled her business to expand significantly.

7. Branding and Marketing Matter

Laura invested heavily in rebranding and strengthening her social media presence. Professional photography, consistent messaging, and educational content helped increase her visibility and attract new clients.

8. Health Is More Important Than Hustle

During the pandemic and commercial property expansion, Laura experienced a minor heart attack caused by stress and overwork.

The experience changed her perspective on entrepreneurship and reinforced the importance of work-life balance, team building, and self-care.

9. Relationship Capital Is Critical

Laura credits much of her success to relationships with mentors, business partners, bankers, real estate professionals, and other entrepreneurs who helped her navigate growth opportunities.

10. Faith Drives Her Decisions

Perhaps the most powerful theme throughout the interview is Laura's belief in what she calls "fearless faith." She approaches new opportunities with confidence, trusting that obstacles are learning experiences rather than reasons to stop moving forward.

Memorable Quotes On Tax Strategy

"To grow the business and expand and scale and be able to purchase things in the business name, we have to start showing something on paper."

On Wealth Building

"For every liability that I have, I want to figure out an asset that is going to pay for that."

On Leadership

"Let me do what I do well and let me pay people to do what they do well."

On Delegation

"There was no way I was going to grow if I didn't allow people."

On Being a Single Mother

"One income is not enough."

On Entrepreneurship and Health

"I realized for my health that I don't have to be invested 24 hours a day."

On Risk and Opportunity

"If it doesn't work, what does it matter? I'll just reorganize and learn the lesson and move on."

On Faith

"I have fearless faith."

Overall Message

Laura Foos' story demonstrates how financial knowledge, strategic planning, property ownership, multiple income streams, and strong faith can create lasting business success. Her journey offers a practical roadmap for entrepreneurs, particularly women and small business owners, who want to build wealth, create opportunities for others, and achieve success without sacrificing their values or purpose.

#BEST

#STRAW 

#SHMS

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Tre and Dr. Mac.  

They are both graduates of Howard; one is a she is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, and the other is a leader in the research and development of innovative nutritional supplements and products.  They are joining forces to create a community dedicated to health literacy and holistic wellness that breaks the stigma and myths about sexual health and sexual satisfaction.  They created RAMP, Real, Authentic Media Physicians, promoting health literacy, holistic wellness, and sexual health education.

Dr. Tre is an alumnus of Howard University College of Medicine and a Residency at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She has three decades of experience connecting the dots between mind, body, and soul in medicine. As a game changer, she drops knowledge, bold tips, and tools for shattering the myths and stigma surrounding sexual health. She is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical honor Society. She and Dr. Mac are joining forces to create a community dedicated to health literacy and holistic wellness that breaks the stigma and myths about sexual health and sexual satisfaction.

#BEST

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 #SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Audreanna Ayala.

🎙️ Episode Summary

She shares her inspiring journey from corporate finance professional to creative entrepreneur and founder of Ayala Balloon Events. Specializing in balloon décor and modern bounce house rentals, she has carved a niche in gender reveal events, blending artistry, family inspiration, and business savvy to create unforgettable experiences.

🔑 Key Points 👩‍💼 Background & Business Launch

• Works full-time in financial services while building her balloon décor business.
• Started in 2018 after becoming a mother and wanting to create unique party experiences for her children.
• Learned balloon artistry through Pinterest inspiration and formal balloon décor classes.

“I’m an artist—a balloon décor artist—not a balloon twister.”

🎈 Business Focus: Balloon Décor & Bounce Houses

• Offers custom balloon installations for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events.
• Provides modern bounce house rentals—elegant, white, and photo-friendly for adult events like bridal showers.
• Known for gender reveal setups with fireworks, detonators, and personalized backdrops.

“I’m creating core memories for every event in your life.”

💡 Creative Process & Client Experience

• Clients often bring inspiration photos, which she adapts with her own artistic flair.
• Emphasizes originality and refuses to replicate others’ designs exactly.
• Offers consultation, setup, and follow-up to ensure satisfaction.

“I want people to know me for my technique—not someone else’s.”

📣 Marketing & Branding

• Promotes primarily through Instagram, showcasing videos, stories, and behind-the-scenes content.
• Leverages her identity as a mother and perfectionist to connect with clients emotionally.

“I know what it’s like to be a mom. I want everything to be perfect.”

🚩 Challenges & Pain Points

• Corporate Events: Time constraints and setup logistics.
• Gender Reveals: Ensuring the correct gender color and managing firework safety.
• Last-Minute Changes: Accommodated when possible, but with additional fees.

“I don’t wear pink or blue to gender reveals—I stay neutral so I don’t give anything away.”

💰 Pricing & Operations

• Prices based on:
  • Materials and equipment
  • Labor and setup time
  • Insurance and safety
  • Additional staff for large events
• Emphasizes the importance of insurance and safety protocols, especially for fireworks and bounce houses.

🚀 Vision & Expansion

• Plans to expand gender reveal services beyond Georgia.
• Inspired by trends in Miami and aims to become a national leader in gender reveal experiences.
• Encouraged by Rushion to own her niche and market herself as the go-to expert.

“You are the queen of gender reveals. Own it.” — Rashawn McDonald

📌 Quotes to Highlight

• “Life doesn’t always go in order, but we can still create core memories.”
• “I’m not in the business of replicating someone else’s art.”
• “I want to be at the head of the gender reveal movement.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

 

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ash Cash Exantus.

He is one of the world's top financial educators. Dubbed as the "Hip-Hop Financial Advisor", he uses a culturally responsive approach in teaching financial literacy, wealth building, and entrepreneurship. He is also a speaker, 6x bestselling author, and creator of the #1 Community for Financial Spirituality.Company Description *MindRight Money Management is a culturally responsive financial education company that makes money management relatable, engaging, and effective. By blending music, pop culture, and real-time current events, we meet people where they are and guide them to where they want to be financially. Through dynamic workshops, impactful books, insightful articles, and easy-to-understand resources, we empower individuals and communities to build wealth, eliminate debt, and master their money with confidence and clarity.

Talking Points/Questions *Talking Points for Interview:
1. Align Your Savings & Spending
Why is aligning savings and spending essential?How can someone start aligning their finances today?Talking Point: A financial plan is the only way to take control of your money and design the life you desire.
2. Broaden Your Earnings
Why is having multiple streams of income important?What are some practical ways families can create additional income?Talking Point: Creating multiple streams of income is essential to securing financial stability and building wealth.
3. Underwrite Your Financial Freedom Fund
What is a financial freedom fund and why is it crucial?How can someone build one efficiently?Talking Point: A financial safety net is your first line of defense against life’s uncertainties.
4. Nurture Creditworthiness
How does credit impact wealth-building? What are the best ways to improve and maintain a strong credit score? Talking Point: A strong credit score is the key that unlocks opportunities to build wealth and financial freedom.
5. Diminish Liabilities
How do you differentiate between good and bad debt? Why is eliminating bad debt so important? Talking Point: Eliminating bad debt is the fastest way to reclaim your financial power and fuel wealth creation.
6. Amplify Investments
Why is investing critical to building wealth? What types of investments should families consider? Talking Point: Your money should work harder for you than you work for it—investing is how wealth multiplies.
7. Navigate a Life Insurance Strategy
How can life insurance be used as a wealth-building tool? What strategies can families use to “become their own bank”?Talking Point: Life insurance isn’t just protection; it’s a powerful tool to build and transfer generational wealth.
8. Create a Tax Wealth Strategy
Why is tax planning essential for wealth accumulation? How can families implement effective tax strategies? Talking Point: Minimizing taxes means keeping more of your money to grow and preserve your legacy.
9. Establish Legacy
What steps should families take to protect and pass on their wealth? Why is estate planning critical for generational wealth? Talking Point: A will and trust ensure your wealth lives on, protecting your family and preserving your vision for generations.

#AMI

#BEST

#STRAW

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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer, Rushion McDonald interviewed Ronnell Perry.  Ronnell is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and holds a master’s degree in public policy & management from Carnegie Mellon University and a B.A. in International Business from Dillard University.  Ronnell has more than 20 years of international travel and specializes in AfroLatin travel.

Talking Points/Questions *    
- How did you grow from a travel blog and resource to a full-fledged profitable travel business
- Why don't you consider yourself a travel agent?
- There are Black people in South America? What does it mean to specialize in tourism in AfroLatin communities?
-How did you move from virtual education project manager to tourism professional?
- How did you turn your hobby into your full-time job?
- You were laid off from your corporate job in 2022; tell us about how that impacted you.

Ronnell has more than 20 years of international travel and community development experience.

Ronnell is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, and holds a Master's Degree in Public Policy & Management from Carnegie Mellon University, and a B.A. in International Business from Dillard University. He served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay and Costa Rica, and has visited over 15 countries.

Rounding out over six years of service, he recently served as chair of the board of directors for an international education non-profit.

Ronnell also holds a certificate in Tourism & Hospitality Management from Florida Atlantic University.

He splits his time between Atlanta, GA and Salvador da Bahia, Brazil.

Evolved from a simple blog to a full blown bespoke travel company, AfroBuenaventura Transformative Travel is a pioneering travel service dedicated to offering immersive and culturally enriching experiences that celebrate the rich heritage and vibrant traditions of Afro-descendant communities. Our mission is to provide travelers with profound, transformative journeys that go beyond traditional tourism by deeply engaging with the history, culture, and contemporary life of African diaspora regions.

We specialize in crafting personalized itineraries that highlight the unique contributions of Afro-descendant cultures, showcasing everything from historical landmarks and local festivals to art, music, and cuisine. Our curated experiences are designed to foster meaningful connections, promote cultural understanding, and support sustainable and ethical tourism practices.

At AfroBuenaventura, we believe that travel has the power to inspire and transform. By focusing on authenticity and respect for local cultures, we create opportunities for travelers to gain a deeper appreciation of the global Afro heritage while contributing positively to the communities they visit. Whether you're exploring historic sites, participating in cultural events, or engaging with local artisans, our transformative travel experiences are designed to leave a lasting impact on both you and the places you visit.

#AMI

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Melissa Butler.

She is a Detroit native who has skillfully and strategically launched a start-up beauty brand, The Lip Bar, into a nationwide phenomenon. Melissa obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Finance from Florida A & M University before going on to work on Wall Street as a licensed stock broker. Her journey from stocks and bonds to beauty is one that she describes as natural, not because she loved makeup, but because she was frustrated with the industry and therefore created a solution.  She wanted to create a brand that would be inclusive, non-toxic and easy to use so that everyone could see themselves as beautiful.  “Everyone deserves to have representation. Without it, we are left seeking validation” she says. It was her belief in health and inclusion that lead her to make lipstick in her kitchen and develop the vegan line, The Lip Bar.

A career pivot is usually described as, “Changing from one career to another within the same industry or general field.” Well, Melissa Butler is here to let everyone know that this definition is not always accurate. Going from a career as a Wall Street Banker to founding, owning, and running her own vegan-based, woman-focused cosmetic line is a testament to how widely this word can be applied. Finding your true path in life is never easy, but taking the first step and pursuing a business that you believe in is worth any risk as Melissa can attest. Curious?

#AMI

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#BEST

#SHMS

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Yolanda Ragland.  

“Fix Your Feet ®” focuses on the surgical correction of painful and embarrassing forefoot deformities, including bunions and hammertoes, using the Tiara-Toe™ technique is the brainchild of Dr. Yolanda Ragland, AKA Queen of Toes™. Her mantra, "Providing medically necessary surgery with a cosmetic result®”, is synonymous with her surgical practice and its final outcome in keeping with her patients’ concerns. While most Podiatric and Orthopedic surgeons often substitute remedial foot surgical procedures for aesthetic obligations, Dr. Ragland integrates these two domains and furnishes her patients with both functionality and relief. The revolutionary Tiara-Toe™ technique is a Pedi-Plastic™ approach that yields the best enhancement results consistent with an aesthetic outcome.

*Talking Points/Questions
1. Who is Dr. Yolanda Ragland and she got her start in podiatry 
2. Her goals and current focuses
3. How her practice is different than any other podiatry practice in the world
4. How her knowledge helps everyone-how to take care of your feet (she can share tips to keep healthy, beautiful feet)
5. A unique reason Dr. Ragland loves Kanye’s shoes (and it’s not what many may think)
6. Dr. Ragland has grown an extremely successful practice in one of medicine’s most overlooked and exclusive fields. She will discuss how her business tactics can help anyone scale successfully and still have time for a life outside of work 
7. Fix Your Feet started with a vision of helping women, particularly Black women. Learn about other initiatives within Fix Your Feet brand dedicated to helping women  
8. Are high heels safe to wear all the time? Is there a certain age/weight limit for heels? Dr. Ragland discusses shoes that can make or break us 
9. What’s next for Fix Your Feet? DR discusses upcoming plans for growth and expansion to serve the community 
10. Summer time is around the corner! DR shares helpful tips for beautiful summertime feet and healthy foot care maintenance 

#AMI

#BEST

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#STRAW

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