Money Making Conversations Master Class

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

Director of the Morehouse Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (MIEC). Here are some key highlights and themes from the conversation:

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Empowering Black and Brown Entrepreneurs

• MIEC focuses on helping scalable, mid-sized Black and Brown businesses grow.
• Over 400 businesses have been supported, resulting in:
  • 850+ new jobs
  • $34M+ in new capital
  • $82M+ in new revenue

2. The “Three C’s” of the Small Business Executive Program

• Capital: Access to funding.
• Connections: Building meaningful relationships with decision-makers.
• Contracts: Securing business opportunities with large firms.

3. Breaking Stereotypes

• Dr. Bussey emphasizes the need to challenge the narrative that Black communities lack skilled labor or entrepreneurial drive.
• Entrepreneurship is described as being “in our DNA,” rooted in resilience and survival.

4. Strategic Partnerships

• MIEC collaborates with major corporations (e.g., JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo) to fund training programs.
• Partnerships with organizations like Goodwill provide free job training and even stipends for participants.

5. Sustainability as a Business Opportunity

• Dr. Bussey highlights the massive potential in sustainability sectors:
  • EV Infrastructure: $163B industry
  • Green Building: $324B
  • Agriculture: $20B
  • Renewable Energy: $952B
• Encourages entrepreneurs to think beyond traditional business models and tap into these emerging markets.

6. Access to Opportunity

• Beyond capital, access to opportunity is a major barrier.
• MIEC connects small businesses with large “primes” (e.g., general contractors) to help them enter supply chains.

7. Mindset Shift

• Dr. Bussey discusses the psychological and historical barriers that prevent some from pursuing entrepreneurship.
• Emphasizes the importance of resilience, preparedness, and community support.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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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!

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Booker T. Washington.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To spotlight Booker T. Washington’s innovative work in real estate development—specifically his creation of micro home communities in Atlanta—and to inspire underserved communities to pursue homeownership as a path to wealth, stability, and empowerment.

🧭 Key Takeaways 1. Vision Behind Teche Homes

• Teche Homes builds micro home communities (not tiny homes) ranging from 400–1000 sq ft.
• Focused on affordable, accessible homeownership in urban areas, especially for Black communities.
• Projects aim to revitalize blighted neighborhoods and promote reverse gentrification.

2. Flagship Projects

• South Park Cottages: 29 homes on 2.8 acres in College Park, GA. Sold out before construction.
• Union Park Cottages: 26 homes + coffee shop in Union City, GA. First mixed-use micro home community in the U.S.
• Upcoming: The Park at Brawley in partnership with Killer Mike and Shay Render.

3. Affordability & Impact

• Average home price: $180K–$220K.
• Average buyer: 40 years old, $80K+ income.
• Mortgage: ~$1,800/month—comparable to rent in metro areas.
• Emphasis on ownership over renting to build generational wealth.

4. Community Features

• Full-size appliances, smart home tech (e.g., palm readers, motion lights).
• Shared amenities: gardens, grills, walking paths.
• No garages—shared parking to maximize land use.

5. Social Mission

• Tackles systemic issues: housing inequality, food deserts, underfunded schools.
• Generates tax revenue to support local services (e.g., teachers, police).
• Promotes “pride of ownership” and community uplift.

6. National Raffle

• $250 entry for a chance to win a fully furnished $250K home.
• Proceeds support down payment assistance and homeownership education.
• Winner announced Christmas Eve.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “You’re not locked out. You’ve just been stifled with a vision of home availability that you don’t know you can get.”
• “We call it reverse gentrification.”
• “You can’t allow your dreams to just sit inside of you… they’re God dreams.”
• “We took a $150K piece of dirt and turned it into $6.3M of real estate value.”
• “Faith without works is dead. And we do a lot of non-work in some of these Black communities.”
• “You’ve given away $240,000 in rent by age 37. That’s your down payment.”

🔗 Call to Action

• Website: techie-homes.com
• Instagram: @techiehomes | @mrbookert

#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 Jeff Cade. 

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to inspire listeners—entrepreneurs, small business owners, and individuals—about the importance of health and wellness in achieving personal and professional success. It introduces Jeff Cade’s 360 Health and Wellness Network, which focuses on mindset, diet, and exercise as pillars for a holistic lifestyle.

Key Takeaways

1. Health and Wealth Connection

   • Wealth cannot buy health; longevity depends on lifestyle choices.
   • Self-care is essential for sustaining business success and personal well-being.

2. Jeff Cade’s Background & Motivation

   • Over 15 years in health and wellness, with experience in hospitality and healthcare.
   • Personal tragedy: lost both parents to cancer, which fueled his mission.
   • Author of Battleground Cancer to educate on mental, physical, and spiritual resilience.

3. Core Philosophy

   • “Take food as medicine, not medicine as food.”
   • Three pillars: Mindset, Diet, Exercise—you can’t have one without the others.
   • Advocates plant-based diets, hydration, and mindfulness practices.

4. Actionable Advice

   • Know your body and listen to its signals.
   • Reduce sugar and processed foods; crowd out unhealthy items with colorful plates.
   • Use affirmations: “I am healed, healthy, happy.”
   • Transformation is incremental: start with 30-, 45-, or 90-day goals.
   • Stress management is critical—stress kills and triggers unhealthy habits.

5. Programs & Engagement

   • Offers personalized coaching and programs via JeffK360.com.
   • Focus on accountability partnerships and individualized plans.

Notable Quotes

• On transformation:
  “What you don’t change, you choose.”
• On health and success:
  “Self-care is the new health care.”
• On mindset:
  “I am healed, I am healthy, I am happy.”
• On accountability:
  “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.”
• On purpose:
  “You can’t serve others if you don’t serve yourself first.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

A real estate broker and entrepreneur who overcame a challenging upbringing in foster care, teen motherhood, and systemic adversity to become a successful businesswoman. Kimberly shares her journey of resilience, faith, and determination, offering inspiration to anyone facing difficult circumstances. Her story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of believing in oneself.

🧭 Key Points 🌱 Early Life & Adversity

• Raised in foster care from a young age due to her mother’s struggles with addiction.
• Took on a caregiver role for her younger brothers at age 9.
• Became a mother at 15 and had two children by 18, while still caring for her siblings.

💪 Resilience & Mindset

• Developed a survival mindset early on, driven by responsibility and love for her family.
• Found faith and spiritual grounding during her time in foster care.
• Never doubted her ability to succeed despite overwhelming odds.

🎓 Education & Career Path

• Returned to complete her high school diploma and pursued technical education.
• Earned a degree in electronics engineering and transitioned into the IT world.
• Later became a licensed real estate agent and opened her own brokerage.

🏡 Business Ventures

• Founder of a real estate brokerage in McDonough, Georgia.
• Focuses on educating and empowering first-time homebuyers and entrepreneurs.
• Co-owner of a property preservation company, Get Adventurous, with her husband.

🤝 Leadership & Branding

• Leads a small team of agents with a hands-on, mentorship-driven approach.
• Emphasizes adaptability, personal growth, and celebrating small victories.
• Operates within a price range of $250K–$750K and above, adapting to market trends.

💬 Notable Quotes

“I’m superwoman. I’m phenomenal.”

“Foster care is supposed to be temporary, but sometimes it becomes permanent.”

“It never dawned on me that I wouldn’t be successful.”

“You can do anything. There is nothing you can’t do in this life.”

“Practice resilience. If you don’t have a support system, look in the mirror and talk to yourself.”

“I’m always in the mindset of staying adaptable.”

“My goal is to educate, motivate, and teach people that we can own real estate.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tracy Hudson.

A celebrity skincare expert:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Educate listeners on proper skincare routines.
• Debunk common skincare myths.
• Highlight the importance of tailored skincare products.
• Showcase Tracy Hudson’s expertise and influence in the skincare industry.

🧴 Key Takeaways 1. Skincare Myths Debunked

• Myth: Warm water opens pores and cold water closes them.
  • Truth: Pores are not muscles and do not open or close. Warm water is good for cleansing, but cold rinses are optional and not pore-closing.
  • Quote: “Pores are not muscles. They don’t open and close.”

2. Tailored Skincare Is Essential

• Over-the-counter products are often ineffective due to lack of regulation and personalization.
• Medical-grade products are more effective and not necessarily more expensive.
  • Quote: “FDA does not regulate over-the-counter skincare products.”

3. Facials Have Real Benefits

• Facials improve blood circulation, reduce stress, and have anti-aging effects.
• Results vary based on the type of facial and consistency of care.
  • Quote: “Facials are not just feel-good treatments—they’re anti-aging and deeply cleansing.”

4. Skincare for All Skin Types

• Tracy works with clients with facial hair and customizes treatments accordingly.
  • Quote: “Come in with your face the way you normally wear it.”

5. Natural Products: Use with Caution

• Aloe vera and sea moss can be beneficial but may not deliver strong results for issues like hyperpigmentation.
  • Quote: “Natural products are great, but they often fall short in delivering tangible changes.”

6. Holistic Wellness Approach

• Tracy emphasizes self-care, fitness, and nutrition as part of skincare and overall wellness.
  • Quote: “When you look good, you do good, you feel good.”

🌟 Notable Moments

• Rushion McDonald humorously realizes he’s been misinformed about skincare for decades.
• The interview ends with Rushion committing to better skincare and embracing terms like “exfoliation.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

📝 Summary of the Interview

Yasmine Cheyenne, an Air Force veteran, mental wellness advocate, and author, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss her journey from a disadvantaged upbringing to becoming a published author and wellness coach. She shared insights from her books—The Sugar Jar and her latest, Wisdom of the Path—which focus on boundaries, healing, and self-empowerment. The conversation explored her military experience, personal transformation, and how she helps others confront fear and reclaim their lives.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks

• Fear of failure and disappointment keeps many people stuck.
• Yasmine encourages people to confront fear and take action anyway.
• Her own decision to join the Air Force was a leap of faith that changed her life.

2. Military Discipline and Life Lessons

• The Air Force taught her discipline, consistency, and resilience.
• She applies these lessons to her personal and professional life.
• Quote: “Do you want to bet on yourself? Be willing to believe in yourself.”

3. Writing as Empowerment

• Her first book, The Sugar Jar, focuses on boundaries and self-care.
• Her second book, Wisdom of the Path, is about using past experiences as wisdom, not shame.
• Writing helped her transform her life and inspire others from similar backgrounds.

4. Boundaries and Self-Prioritization

• Without boundaries, people become overwhelmed and resentful.
• Saying “no” and advocating for yourself is essential to mental wellness.
• Quote: “We have to get comfortable letting people be disappointed with us.”

5. Redefining “Selfish”

• Being selfish is often misunderstood.
• Prioritizing yourself is necessary for success and well-being.
• Quote: “Every successful person has had to be selfish at some point.”

6. Wisdom of the Path

• The book encourages readers to trust their instincts and take the next step.
• It’s not a checklist—it’s a collection of relatable stories and reflections.
• Quote: “Use those experiences that you’re judging yourself for as wisdom to help you move forward.”

7. Mental Wellness Practice

• Yasmine helps people through coaching, writing, and speaking.
• She emphasizes healing through storytelling and shared experiences.

8. Accessibility

• Her books are available in print, digital, and audio formats.
• She personally narrates the audiobook version of Wisdom of the Path.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Even if things fail, you have what it takes to get yourself to where you want to be.”
• “Take the meat and leave the bone.”
• “You already know what the next step is. What would happen if you just took it?”
• “We’ve been an enemy toward ourselves for years and don’t even realize it.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

📝 Summary of the Interview

Rebecca Jarvis, Emmy Award-winning journalist and ABC News Chief Business, Technology, and Economics Correspondent, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss her ABC News Original documentary on the GameStop stock phenomenon. The interview explored her career journey from finance to journalism, the mechanics and implications of the GameStop surge, the role of apps like Robinhood, and the broader lessons about investing and financial literacy. Jarvis emphasized the importance of understanding market dynamics, the risks of single-stock investing, and the power of storytelling in educating the public.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

• To highlight the GameStop stock surge and its impact on everyday investors.
• To explain the financial mechanics behind trading apps like Robinhood.
• To share Rebecca Jarvis’s career path and insights into journalism and finance.
• To promote financial literacy and responsible investing.
• To showcase the ABC News Original documentary and its human-centered storytelling.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Rebecca Jarvis’s Career Path

• Studied economics at the University of Chicago.
• Started in investment banking to pay off student loans before transitioning to journalism.
• Cold-called editors and pitched finance-based stories to break into media.

2. GameStop Stock Phenomenon

• GameStop’s stock surged from ~$4 to $350 due to social media hype, especially on Reddit.
• Influencers like Roaring Kitty (Keith Gill) played a key role in rallying retail investors.
• The event revealed how collective action by small investors can disrupt Wall Street norms.

3. Robinhood’s Role and Controversy

• Robinhood allowed easy access to trading but faced a collateral call due to high trading volume.
• Restricted buying of GameStop, causing public backlash.
• Despite controversy, Robinhood’s user base grew, and it remains a major player in retail investing.

4. Risks of Single-Stock Investing

• Investing in individual stocks is akin to gambling—high risk, high reward.
• Long-term investing in diversified portfolios (e.g., 401(k), IRA) is more stable and proven.
• Leverage (borrowing to invest) can amplify gains but also magnify losses.

5. Human-Centered Storytelling

• The documentary featured diverse investors: a 10-year-old, a new parent, anonymous traders, and more.
• These stories illustrated the emotional and financial motivations behind investing.
• Jarvis emphasized the importance of representation and relatability in financial reporting.

6. Historical Parallels

• The GameStop surge echoed past financial bubbles (e.g., dot-com era, 2008 crisis).
• Technology changes, but human behavior in markets remains consistent.

7. Financial Literacy and Empowerment

• Jarvis advocates for teaching kids about investing through familiar brands.
• Quote: “Invest in what you know.”
• Encourages people to ask questions, seek mentorship, and take initiative in learning finance.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Anytime you put money into a single stock, it is the equivalent of betting.”
• “Robinhood became the poster child for all the anger and outrage.”
• “It only takes one person to return your call to change your career.”
• “This moment gave GameStop a second life.”
• “We see these things happening over and over again… history repeats itself.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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 Felecia Hatcher.

Purpose of the Interview

• To spotlight Black Ambition, a national initiative founded by Pharrell Williams that funds and mentors Black and Brown entrepreneurs.
• To share insights on entrepreneurship, access to resources, and strategies for scaling businesses.
• To inspire and educate small business owners and innovators on how to leverage opportunities for growth.

Key Takeaways

1. About Black Ambition

   • Founded by Pharrell Williams to close the opportunity gap for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs.
   • Provides capital, mentorship, and masterclasses to help founders scale.
   • Has invested in 131 companies and awarded millions in funding.

2. Competition Structure

   • Annual national competition with 2,500–3,000 applications.
   • Categories include HBCU, National Finalists, Top Prize Winner, People’s Choice.
   • Process: Applications → 250 semifinalists → 3-month cohort → Demo Day for top 20–25 companies.

3. Unique Approach

   • Focus on high-quality mentorship, not “low vibrational” guidance.
   • Includes mental health and wellness support for entrepreneurs.
   • Partnerships with brands like Louis Vuitton for luxury retail insights.

4. Challenges for Entrepreneurs

   • Many fail by rushing applications and skipping info sessions.
   • Success requires clarity, traction, and persistence—sometimes multiple attempts.
   • Black women are the fastest-growing entrepreneurs but often remain solopreneurs; Black Ambition prioritizes team-building.

5. Pharrell’s Motivation

   • Believes in democratizing opportunity: “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.”
   • Inspired by those who believed in him early in his career.

6. Felecia Hatcher’s Journey

   • Former founder of Center for Black Innovation and Black Tech Week.
   • Emphasizes resilience: “I’m a C student and a college dropout, but I never let that define me.”
   • Advocates for creative pathways to success and capital access.

Notable Quotes

• “Success leaves clues.” – On learning from past winners.
• “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” – Pharrell’s guiding principle.
• “If it doesn’t work on you in that moment, it works for you in that moment. Either way, it works.” – On persistence.
• “We have to start enjoying the process… be stretched, be cut by the process.” – On entrepreneurial growth.
• “Wealth has a need for speed.” – On urgency in closing the wealth gap.

#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 Lawrence Phillips. 

Purpose of the Interview

Key Takeaways

1. Background & Career Shift

   • Phillips studied Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech and worked at Accenture in IT consulting for nearly a decade.
   • Despite career success, he felt unfulfilled and decided to pursue his passion for travel, leading to the creation of Green Book Global.

2. Travel Experience

   • Traveled to 30+ countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica, in less than a year.
   • Realized the need for a platform addressing “traveling while Black” concerns—safety, cultural acceptance, and inclusivity.

3. Green Book Global

   • Inspired by the historical Green Book (1936–1966), which guided Black travelers during segregation.
   • Offers city-level Black-friendly scores, road trip planners, and Black-owned restaurant recommendations.
   • Over 150,000 app downloads in 2025; partnered with Expedia; strong social media presence.

4. Black Ambition Program

   • Program provided funding opportunities and a transformative Evoke Wellness experience.
   • His personal “why” statement:
     “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.”

5. Impact & Vision

   • Advocates systemic change by partnering with destinations to improve inclusivity.
   • Highlights the economic power of Black travelers (over $140 billion annually).
   • Encourages Black travelers to explore global opportunities beyond U.S. racial constraints.

Notable Quotes

• “You can be successful and still not be happy.” — On leaving a lucrative career for passion.
• “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” — His guiding principle.
• “There’s riches in niches.” — On unapologetically focusing on Black travelers.
• “Just because somebody said no doesn’t mean they said no to you—they said no at that time.” — On persistence in entrepreneurship.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ryan Richmond and Greg Bowman.

✅✅ Summary of Popcorn Remix Interview with Greg Bowman & Ryan Richmond on Money Making Conversations Master Class

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to:

• Introduce Popcorn Remix, a gourmet popcorn brand founded by Greg Bowman and Ryan Richmond.
• Share their entrepreneurial journey and vision for creating unique, flavorful popcorn experiences.
• Discuss strategies for branding, scaling, and community engagement in the snack industry.
• Inspire listeners with insights on innovation, persistence, and partnership.

Key Takeaways

1. Origin & Concept

   • Popcorn Remix was born from a passion for reinventing traditional popcorn with bold flavors and premium ingredients.
   • Mission: “To create a snack that’s fun, flavorful, and unforgettable.”

2. Innovation in Flavor

   • Offers creative flavor combinations that go beyond standard butter and caramel.
   • Focus on quality ingredients and consistent taste experience.

3. Entrepreneurial Challenges

   • Faced hurdles in branding and distribution in a competitive snack market.
   • Overcame obstacles through community support and strategic partnerships.
   • Quote: “We had to convince people that popcorn could be gourmet.”

4. Community & Culture

   • Emphasized building a brand that resonates culturally, not just as a snack but as an experience.
   • Quote: “Popcorn Remix is about more than popcorn—it’s about creating moments.”

5. Advice for Entrepreneurs

   • Importance of persistence and adaptability.
   • Quote: “Don’t be afraid to remix the ordinary into something extraordinary.”

Notable Quotes

• “We had to convince people that popcorn could be gourmet.”
• “Popcorn Remix is about more than popcorn—it’s about creating moments.”
• “Don’t be afraid to remix the ordinary into something extraordinary.”

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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