Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Latrease Price-Gistard.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to educate listeners on the mortgage industry, highlight the role and benefits of working with an independent mortgage broker, and provide practical advice on home financing options, credit challenges, and programs that support homeownership. It also shares Latrease’s entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned.

Key Takeaways

1. Background and Career Path

   • Latrease has a finance degree and started in investment operations in 1999.
   • Transitioned from auto financing and co-owning a car dealership to mortgage lending.
   • Became an independent mortgage broker in 2022 after being laid off during rising interest rates.

2. Role of an Independent Mortgage Broker

   • Holds her own license and partners with multiple lenders to offer tailored loan products.
   • Advocates for borrowers to ensure they get the right product, not just approval.
   • Specializes in helping first-time buyers, self-employed individuals, and those with unique challenges.

3. Home Financing Insights

   • Reverse Mortgages: Typically for seniors 62+, often used by those 75+ with equity and limited retirement funds. Provides tax-free cash without monthly payments; debt settled upon sale or refinance.
   • Zero Down Payment Programs: Offers up to 3% for down payment, attached to the mortgage; other programs provide up to 5% for down payment and closing costs.
   • FHA 203K Program: Allows buyers to finance home purchase and renovations in one loan—ideal for fixer-uppers.

4. Credit Challenges

   • Programs exist for credit scores as low as 500, but require higher down payments (10–20%) and result in higher interest rates.
   • Latrease consults and provides “what-if” scenarios to help clients improve credit over time.

5. Entrepreneurial Lessons

   • Mistakes: Starting without enough capital and a strong pipeline; economic timing matters.
   • Advice: Build capital, secure a solid client pipeline, and understand market conditions before going independent.

Notable Quotes

• On independence:
  “As a broker, you serve as that advocate for your borrower to make sure they’re getting the right loan product.”

• On reverse mortgages:
  “The beauty of it is there are no monthly payments going back to the institution. The debt is paid off when the home is sold or refinanced.”

• On credit challenges:
  “Programs go as low as 500 credit score, but those borrowers need 10–20% down.”

• On entrepreneurial advice:
  “Make sure you have strong capital and a solid pipeline before stepping out on faith.”

• On perseverance:
  “It’s all about follow-through. It’s all about your dream and whether you want to make it happen.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Entrepreneur, Mentor, and Founder of Renew Construction Services & STEM Exposure

🔑 Episode Highlights 🔄 From Incarceration to Inspiration

• Robyn shares her journey from a strict religious upbringing to incarceration due to drug-related activities.
• Served 5 years in prison, where she earned two associate degrees and developed a passion for learning and leadership.

🧹 Building a Business from the Ground Up

• Learned high-level cleaning skills in prison and at Hilton during work release.
• Founded Renew Construction Services, which grew from cleaning trailers to major contracts like:
  • Tampa Convention Center
  • NFL Super Bowl & Kickoff
  • City of Tampa, Moffitt Cancer Center, USF

🏗️ Strategic Growth & Collaboration

• Became a Home Depot distributor.
• Uses collaboration to uplift smaller contractors and scale projects.
• Emphasizes relationship-building and proactive planning over reactive bidding.

👩🏽‍🔬 STEM Exposure Nonprofit

• Founded STEM Exposure to introduce Black girls to underrepresented STEM careers.
• Offers local and global architecture and construction camps.
• Operates in 10 countries and 4 time zones with a focus on AI, engineering, and design.

🏆 Recognition & Legacy

• Honored with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Embraces her past as part of her story, using it to inspire others.
• Celebrates milestones like putting bills on autopay as symbols of stability and peace.

🌐 Websites

• STEM Exposure: stemxposure.org (drop the “e” in “exposure”)
• Renew Construction Services: renewconstructionservices.com

 

#SHMS #BEST #STRAW

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

📝 Summary of the Interview

Miko Branch shares the inspiring journey of building Miss Jessie’s, a premium hair care brand for curly hair, alongside her late sister Titi Branch. The brand was born at their kitchen table in Brooklyn and named after their paternal grandmother, Jessie Mae Branch. Miko discusses the importance of authenticity, education, and innovation in product development, and how Miss Jessie’s became a trusted name in the textured hair care industry. The conversation highlights the brand’s commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their natural hair and the evolving trends in beauty and self-expression.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

• To showcase the entrepreneurial journey behind Miss Jessie’s.
• To highlight the importance of authenticity, education, and innovation in building a brand.
• To discuss the impact of natural hair acceptance and evolving beauty standards.
• To inspire listeners with a story of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Authentic Beginnings

• Miss Jessie’s was founded in a Brooklyn brownstone at the kitchen table.
• Inspired by their grandmother Jessie Mae Branch, who was the first female CEO they ever saw.
• Quote: “She ran her family from her kitchen table.”

2. Product Innovation

• First product: Curly Pudding—a game-changer for curly hair.
• Products are designed for all textured hair types: wavy, curly, kinky, transitional, and multicultural.
• Quote: “We just try to come up with a solution to be helpful.”

3. Education is Key

• Miss Jessie’s provides detailed information on hair types and how to use products.
• The website includes guides for identifying hair texture and selecting the right products.
• Quote: “Information and communication is key to success.”

4. Social Media & Word of Mouth

• Early growth came from chat forums and word-of-mouth before social media existed.
• Social media is now an additional platform to connect and educate customers.
• Quote: “Way before social media, women were chatting and spreading the word.”

5. Inclusivity & Representation

• Products are for everyone—men, women, children, and all ethnicities.
• Focus on embracing natural beauty and rejecting outdated beauty ideals.
• Quote: “Hair has no color… we’re all looking for solutions.”

6. Salon as R&D Hub

• Their salon served as a testing ground for product development and customer feedback.
• Quote: “We built our business in the salon… it became our R&D and testing ground.”

7. Natural Hair Movement

• Natural hair is no longer a trend—it’s a cultural shift.
• Seen on public figures like Oprah and Michelle Obama.
• Quote: “Natural hair is preferred… it’s how people want to express themselves.”

💬 Notable Quotes

• “We started our business in our brownstone at our kitchen table.”
• “We didn’t go to business school—we went to Jessie Mae Branch’s kitchen.”
• “Curly Pudding did everything it said it was going to do.”
• “We realized our work was not finished—we had to educate.”
• “Natural hair is not a trend—it’s here to stay.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mowbray and Cherina Rowand.

🎙️ Interview Summary: Mowbray & Cherina Rowand Purpose of the Interview

To showcase the entrepreneurial journey of Mowbray and Cherina Rowand, co-founders of The Rowand Group and One Stop Taxes, the largest Black-owned virtual tax preparation service in America. The interview highlights their business evolution, scaling strategies, community impact, and the creation of the Black Tax Festival.

🧭 Interview Outline 1. Background & Origins

• Both from Memphis, Tennessee; met in high school.
• Started tax preparation in 2010 as a mom-and-pop operation.
• Transitioned from brick-and-mortar to virtual model by 2015.

2. Business Philosophy

• Entrepreneurship is defined as service to others.
• Mowbray is the visionary; Cherina is the implementer.
• Emphasis on scaling with structure: legal, accounting, HR.

3. One Stop Taxes

• Grew from a single office to over 1,000 virtual franchise locations.
• Offers free training, no startup costs, and shared revenue model.
• Built a platform allowing clients to submit documents and sign remotely.

4. Virtual Tax Model

• Designed for convenience and accessibility.
• Clients and tax preparers never need to meet in person.
• Platform includes document upload, e-signature, and cloud storage.

5. Franchise & Training

• Learning Management System (LMS) for onboarding.
• Training includes tax prep, customer acquisition, and platform use.
• Strategic partnerships with local businesses (e.g., dealerships, daycares).

6. Black Tax Festival

• Combines networking, education, and recognition.
• Includes IRS updates, business workshops, and the Titan Awards.
• Open to all entrepreneurs, not just tax professionals.

7. Expansion & Diversification

• Own restaurants in Memphis and the Dominican Republic.
• Franchised Fat Tuesday and Esco Restaurant (did \$1M in first 6 weeks).
• Own a yacht for rental experiences in the DR.
• Plans to develop a restaurant strip near FedExForum in Memphis.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Vision + Execution = Growth: Their complementary roles fuel business success.
• Virtual is Scalable: Transitioning to virtual allowed exponential growth.
• Community Impact Matters: Black Tax Festival fosters education and recognition.
• Diversification is Strategic: Restaurants and real estate expand their brand.
• Mentorship & Learning: They study successful entrepreneurs like Tilman Fertitta.
• Faith & Family Drive: Their journey is rooted in love, planning, and purpose.

🗣️ Notable Quotes

• “Entrepreneurship means being a servant to other people.”
• “The same thing that works at \$1M doesn’t work at \$15M.”
• “We had to fire ourselves from some jobs and hire professionals.”
• “We built a platform where you can do taxes from your couch.”
• “We started before social media—we know belly-to-belly marketing.”
• “Recognition matters—people don’t get it at home or work.”
• “We’re trying to bridge the wealth gap through proper paperwork.”
• “We bought a yacht in the Dominican Republic to rent for experiences.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

A seasoned financial literacy educator and coach. Laura shares her deeply personal journey into financial education, sparked by a lack of preparedness in her own life and a family experience that resulted in the loss of generational wealth. Through candid storytelling and practical advice, she empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures with strategic planning, budgeting, and mindset shifts.

🧭 Key Themes

• Financial Empowerment: Building financial literacy to live life on your own terms.
• Generational Wealth: The importance of estate planning and legacy preservation.
• Budgeting & Cash Flow: Identifying spending leaks and creating emergency funds.
• Mindset Over Age: Rejecting age as a limitation to financial or personal growth.
• Community Impact: Educating underserved communities and promoting financial independence.

🗂️ Episode Outline

1. Introduction by Rushion McDonald

   • Purpose of the show and encouragement to learn from others’ success stories.

2. Meet Laura Finney

   • Financial coach and educator with a mission to empower through financial literacy.

3. Turning Point at 50

   • Laura’s wake-up call after her 50th birthday and the realization of financial unpreparedness.

4. Family Legacy Lost

   • A powerful story of losing family land due to lack of a will, now replaced by an Amazon facility.

5. Common Financial Mistakes

   • Taking advice without personalized planning.
   • Misunderstanding retirement and financial independence.

6. Advice for 30s and 40s

   • Pay yourself first.
   • Avoid inaccessible savings vehicles.
   • Start planning early.

7. Budgeting Tips

   • Cut back on dining out, personal care, and entertainment.
   • Build emergency funds—even starting with $1/day.

8. Financial Misconceptions

   • Living for today vs. planning for tomorrow.
   • The myth of “having time” to save later.

9. How Laura Works with Clients

   • Initial consultation → personalized interview → strategic financial roadmap.

10. Closing Thoughts

    • Encouragement to take control of your financial future and live life on your terms.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Nobody’s really retiring. We’re not great-grandma on the porch with lemonade anymore.”
• “Don’t let age define how you live your life.”
• “Everything starts with a budget.”
• “You can’t chase money. You have to plan for it.”
• “If you can save a dollar a day, you can build an emergency fund.”

👤 About the Guest: Laura Finney

Laura Finney is a financial literacy educator with over eight years of experience in the financial services industry. She specializes in delivering personalized financial literacy programs, workshops, and one-on-one consultations. Her mission is to help individuals and families achieve financial stability and long-term success through education, strategic planning, and empowerment.

📞 Contact Laura Finney

• Website: LauraFinneyEnterprises.net

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

President of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC). Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Breaking Barriers in Construction

• Monique Strong is a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated and white-dominated industry.
• She leads NABWIC’s Atlanta chapter, advocating for leadership, equity, and professional development for Black women in construction.

2. What “Construction” Really Means

• Construction isn’t just hard hats and manual labor—it includes:
  • General contracting
  • Project management
  • Estimating
  • Safety coordination
  • Architecture and engineering
  • Business ownership and development

3. Legacy and Inspiration

• Monique’s passion for construction was inspired by her grandfathers and her grandmother, who helped build the home she grew up in.
• Her journey includes a degree in engineering from Clark Atlanta University and further training in construction management.

4. Challenges and Triumphs

• Faced skepticism from family and industry peers.
• Overcame stereotypes and isolation as a young Black woman in construction.
• Emphasizes the importance of knowing who you are and embracing your identity as a woman in the field.

5. The Power of Mentorship and Community

• NABWIC provides a supportive network for women at all stages of their construction careers.
• Weekly calls, mentorship, and shared resources help members grow and succeed.

6. Why Diversity in Construction Matters

• Diversity reflects the makeup of the country and brings innovation and detail-oriented excellence to the field.
• Inclusion in leadership and contracting opportunities is essential for equity and community development.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “You don’t have to be hard. You just have to be hungry.”
• “We are the unicorns people are looking for.”
• “I like to take something that’s nothing and make it something.”

🎯 Advice for Women in Construction

• Get involved with a community like NABWIC that supports your growth.
• Seek mentorship from women at all stages—beginning, middle, and end of their careers.
• Embrace your uniqueness and use it to lead and innovate.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Founder of Full Bloom.

Here’s a breakdown of the key themes and takeaways:

🌸 About Full Bloom

• Mission: To help people “bloom into their best selves” through self-discovery, journaling, and affirmations.
• Origin: Born during the pandemic when Parris began sharing motivational content on TikTok.
• Name Meaning: Inspired by plants — just like them, people need the right environment and care to thrive.

📓 The Product: Guided Journal

• Title: Back to Me: The Journey Back to Self
• Format: Available in both hardcover and digital.
• Content: 365+ daily prompts and space for affirmations to encourage reflection, self-awareness, and personal growth.
• Purpose: Helps users explore their identity, values, relationships, and goals.

🎭 Parris’ Background

• Former professional dancer and actress in Los Angeles.
• Toured internationally and appeared in commercials and TV shows.
• Transitioned from entertainment to entrepreneurship after facing industry frustrations and seeking more control over her path.

💡 Entrepreneurial Insights

• Started with no formal business plan or funding — bootstrapped using personal savings.
• Faced rejection from banks but turned it into a strength by maintaining full ownership.
• Built a loyal community through authenticity and vulnerability on social media.
• Key to success: Quality product + genuine connection with audience.

💬 Quotes That Resonate

• “Sometimes all you have to do is just start.”
• “If we’re not in the right environment, we’re not going to thrive.”
• “People are looking for real people they can relate to.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

A natural-born entrepreneur and community leader. 

🎙️ Guest Background: Michael Woodward

• Grew up in Liberty City, Miami, in a low-income housing project known as the "Poke and Bean" projects.
• Learned early business skills from his grandmother, who was the local "candy lady."
• Served briefly in the military as a way out of poverty.
• Became a teen father and took his son with him to college at Florida A&M University (FAMU).
• Known for his hospitality and work ethic during college—cooked for friends and maintained a welcoming home.

🏠 Entrepreneurial Journey

• Bought his first duplex at age 20, renovated it, and rented it out.
• Built a real estate portfolio while working as an educator.
• Founded Woodward Property Group, a full-service home improvement and property management company.
• Became one of Lowe’s top contractors through a combination of skill, networking, and mentorship.

📚 Educational Impact

• Worked as an assistant principal and educator for 20 years.
• Founded Alpha Educational Consultants, Inc.
• Took students on college tours, especially to HBCUs, to expose them to higher education opportunities.
• Ran STEM programs and mentoring initiatives with a 99.9% college placement rate.

💡 Life Lessons & Advice

• Emphasizes financial literacy: avoid unnecessary spending (e.g., new cars every year).
• Advocates for education as a path to wealth.
• Believes in the village mentality—community support and shared success.
• Encourages young people to choose between college, military, or trade school.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

A cybersecurity expert and AI consultant. The conversation explores cybersecurity best practices, the rise of AI, and how Gregory is helping churches and nonprofits leverage technology to spread the gospel.

🔐 Cybersecurity Insights 🔹 Gregory’s Background

• Based in Dallas, Texas.
• Works full-time as an ethical hacker and cybersecurity consultant for major corporations and governments.
• Also a serial entrepreneur with ventures in real estate, consulting, and software.

🔹 Key Cybersecurity Takeaways

• Multitasking Myth: Gregory argues that humans are not wired for multitasking—focus leads to better outcomes.
• Password:
  • Avoid using simple passwords like “1234.”
  • Don’t reuse passwords across platforms.
  • Use passphrases (e.g., Bible verses) for stronger security.
  • Change passwords regularly.
• Password Vaults: Recommends using reputable services like Google or Microsoft.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Strongly encourages using 2FA to protect accounts.
• Phishing Scams:
  • Be wary of urgent or fear-based emails.
  • Always verify suspicious messages by contacting the company directly.
  • Scammers often mimic trusted brands (e.g., Facebook, Bank of America).

🔹 The Bigger Picture

• Cybercrime now generates more revenue than global drug trafficking.
• Criminal organizations are well-funded and recruit tech talent to build sophisticated scams.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence & Opportunity 🔹 AI as a Tool for Good

• Compares AI to the Gutenberg printing press—initially misused, but ultimately transformative.
• Believes AI’s potential far outweighs its risks.

🔹 AI in Business

• Helps businesses identify “million-dollar problems” and solve them with AI.
• Example: Built a toll-tracking app for a car rental company that became more profitable than the rental business itself.
• Encourages entrepreneurs to use AI tools to build apps without needing coding skills.

🔹 AI in Education

• Created a custom math quiz app for his daughter using her course materials and AI.

🙏 AI for Churches & Nonprofits

• Gregory focuses on helping churches and nonprofits use AI to:
  • Spread the gospel.
  • Operate more efficiently.
  • Compete with limited budgets.
• Offers consulting and resources through his website: GregoryRichardson.ai

📚 Book Mentioned

• Gregory has authored a book on using AI to solve business problems and create scalable solutions.

🎙️ Closing Notes

• Rushion praises Gregory’s passion, clarity, and practical advice.
• Plans to bring him back for a deeper dive into AI’s role in faith-based and nonprofit work.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

A registered pharmacist and author. Dr. McElroy discusses medication safety, her career in pharmacy, and her children's book, It's Not Candy, which educates children and parents on the importance of proper medication storage and awareness.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. The Importance of Medication Safety

   • Medications are a leading cause of accidental poisoning in children.
   • Parents must store medicines properly and educate children on their dangers.

2. Dr. McElroy’s Pharmacy Journey

   • Started in chemistry before transitioning to pharmacy school.
   • Has nearly three decades of experience in retail and hospital pharmacy.

3. Challenges in the Pharmacy Profession

   • Pharmacists face increasing workloads, including vaccinations and insurance issues.
   • The profession has seen strikes due to excessive demands and responsibilities.

4. Educating Children & Parents

   • Her book It's Not Candy teaches kids to recognize medicine and avoid accidental ingestion.
   • She emphasizes the need for early education, starting as young as three years old.

5. Community Outreach & Consulting

   • Founded MediManage Consulting to promote medication safety and health education.
   • Works with schools and organizations to distribute her book and raise awareness.

📘 About Dr. Yolanda D. McElroy
Dr. McElroy is a pharmacist, consultant, and author dedicated to improving medication safety and health education. Her book It's Not Candy helps families prevent accidental overdoses and promotes responsible medication use.

Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

#AMI

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.