The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Monday, September 22nd, 2025. Subject: "He Shouldn't Be In My Purse"

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

🔹 Summary of the Interview

Stacey Gholar, founder of Bloom Creative Agency, shares her journey from being a young mother in Chicago to becoming a brand strategist and creative entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in marketing, media, and business. She emphasizes the importance of aligning personal identity with brand strategy, especially in the digital age. Stacey discusses her approach to brand audits, the role of social media, the impact of AI, and her passion for empowering women through entrepreneurship and skincare.

🔹 Key Takeaways 1. What Is a Brand Strategist?

• A brand strategist helps individuals and businesses define and articulate their brand clearly.
• “You are the brand, but you have to put the brand together in a way that people can articulate what you do.”

2. Social Media Strategy

• Stacey conducts social media audits to ensure alignment between personal and business branding.
• She recommends having separate personal and business accounts, but acknowledges blending them when appropriate.

3. Discovery Process

• Her process starts with a discovery call to understand the client’s “why” and goals.
• She believes passion must drive entrepreneurship—not just money.

4. Digital Branding & AI

• Stacey identifies as a digital brand specialist, helping Gen X women and others pivot into digital spaces.
• She uses AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini to enhance productivity but values human connection.
• “AI is an asset… but I don’t solely rely on it.”

5. Email Marketing

• Email is still vital: “If you're solely on social media, you can lose your business in a minute.”
• She advocates for funnel systems and community building outside of social platforms.

6. Going Viral vs. Being Valuable

• “You don’t need to go viral. You just need to be valuable.”
• She went viral unintentionally with a review of Harold’s Chicken, but stresses the importance of sustainable value over fleeting attention.

7. Brand Refresh & Outreach

• Most of her clients come through word of mouth, but she’s expanding her reach via social media.
• She encourages clients to step out of their comfort zones and engage in community-driven initiatives.

8. Skincare Line

• Stacey founded Skin Light Skincare at age 50 to promote pro-aging and natural beauty.
• She now focuses on organic body oils that are clean, hydrating, and hormone-safe.

🔹 Notable Quotes

• “Experience has been the best teacher for me.”
• “You don’t need to go viral. You just need to be valuable.”
• “If you stop learning, you stop growing.”
• “I want you to be a part of building your brand—not just me doing it for you.”
• “Social media is great, but word of mouth is still real.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Dennis Earls (Chairman & CEO) and Mikael Pyles (Vice President) of the Haltere Group.

A Black-owned real estate syndication and development firm. The conversation centers on financial empowerment, real estate investment, and community education, particularly within the Black community.

🧑‍💼 Guest Backgrounds Dennis Earls

• Chairman & CEO of the Haltere Group
• 25+ years in commercial real estate
• Brokered over $3 billion in transactions
• Founded Haltere Group during the COVID-19 pandemic to empower Black and Brown communities through real estate education and investment

Mikael Pyles

• Vice President of the Haltere Group
• Serial entrepreneur; co-founder of Quick Lick, the first Black-owned alcohol delivery service
• Graduate of Clark Atlanta University
• Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

🏢 About the Haltere Group

• A real estate syndication company focused on multifamily properties
• Founded by four Black professionals with expertise in finance, development, and brokerage
• Mission: “Born from within” – empowering individuals to build wealth from their own potential
• Raised $15M+ and acquired $40M+ in assets in just 3 years
• 133 of their 135 investors are Black

💡 Key Points & Highlights 🔑 Purpose & Vision

• Democratize access to high-value real estate investments
• Educate the Black community on commercial real estate
• Build generational wealth through collective investing

💰 Investment Model

• Minimum investment: $10,000
• Offers:
  • Quarterly dividends
  • Tax benefits via K-1 forms
  • Equity appreciation over time
• Focused exclusively on multifamily properties (not strip malls or retail)

🎓 Education First

• Emphasis on financial literacy over sales
• Inspired by Magic Johnson’s quote: “We’re experts in fashion and entertainment, but lagging in financial literacy.”

🎙️ Podcast: The HOW with Halter

• HOW = Helping Others Win
• Covers topics like investing, entrepreneurship, and financial wellness
• Available on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon, and Apple Podcasts

💬 Notable Quotes

“I got tired of building wealth for others who do not look like us.” – Dennis Earl

“We’re not pitching—we’re educating.” – Mike Pyles

“The world is hard on us. So we have to be hard on ourselves to prepare.” – Mike Pyles

“Take those dollars, put them into an investment, sit on it, and watch it grow.” – Dennis Earl

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

A financial coach specializing in wealth-building, shares his insights on personal finance, real estate investing, and financial independence. He discusses his journey, strategies for managing wealth, and the importance of financial literacy.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. His Financial Journey
• Started his financial journey by investing in real estate, acquiring his first duplex.
• Built a portfolio using financial strategies, later facing setbacks like Hurricane Katrina and the 2008 real estate crash.
2. Understanding Financial Stratospheres
• Defines different financial stages: failure, stability, growth, and independence.
• Emphasizes the need for strong financial foundations before pursuing major investments.
3. Infinite Banking Concept
• Explains how individuals can become their own financial gatekeepers rather than relying on banks.
• Encourages strategic financial planning to control one's money flow.
4. Middle-Income Struggles
• Discusses financial challenges middle-income individuals face, including debt accumulation and limited savings.
• Offers strategies for breaking free from debt and building long-term wealth.
5. Financial Coaching and Mentorship
• Stresses the importance of financial education, mentorship, and strategic planning.
• Encourages individuals to seek guidance and accountability in their financial journey.

📘 About His Financial Coaching
Brother Mujahid Muhammad provides coaching and financial strategies to help individuals build wealth. He specializes in real estate investing, insurance, and personal finance education.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Denella Ri'chard.

An award-winning travel expert, TV host, and former senior executive in the travel industry. The discussion focused on the transformative power of travel, breaking cultural barriers, and her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

The Importance of Travel

• Travel helps break down cultural barriers and expand perspectives.
• Experiencing different cultures makes people more open-minded and adaptable.

Overcoming Stereotypes as a Black Traveler

• Ri'chard shared experiences of racial stereotypes while traveling, including perceptions about Black Americans abroad.
• She emphasized the importance of representation in the travel industry.

Her Journey from Corporate Executive to TV Host

• Ri'chard held senior positions at Hilton Worldwide, Carnival Corporation, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
• The COVID-19 pandemic led to her unexpected career shift, launching her travel show.

Creating Traveling with Denella Ri'chard

• The show provides insider travel tips, destination guides, and cultural insights.
• Ri'chard helps viewers plan trips with confidence by scouting locations firsthand.

Entrepreneurship & Reinvention

• Losing her corporate job during COVID-19 pushed her to pursue her dream of hosting a travel show.
• She encourages others to embrace change and take risks in their careers.

📘 About Denella Ri'chard
Denella Ri'chard is the host and executive producer of the award-winning travel show Traveling with Denella Ri'chard. She has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential People in USA Hospitality and Travel.

Her show airs in over 40 cities and explores luxurious resorts, cruises, and cultural experiences worldwide. #AMI

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

For more insights, check out her interview here or learn more about her work here.

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

Co-founder of Well With All, a Black-owned, purpose-driven health and wellness brand dedicated to improving well-being in underserved communities.

Here’s a summary and analysis of the interview from Money Making Conversations Masterclass featuring Demond Martin, co-founder of Well With All, a purpose-led health and wellness brand:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview highlights:

• The founding and mission of Well With All.
• Demond Martin’s personal journey from poverty to hedge fund success.
• The importance of health equity and generational wellness.
• The development of premium wellness products tailored for underserved communities.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Mission of Well With All

• A Black-owned health and wellness brand focused on generational wellness.
• Invests 20% of profits into health equity for Black, Brown, and underserved communities.
  • Quote: “We’re not going to stop until we do it.”

2. Demond Martin’s Journey

• Grew up in poverty across Ohio, California, and North Carolina.
• Rose to become a managing partner at one of the world’s largest hedge funds.
• Mentored by influential figures like Erskine Bowles and David Thomas.
  • Quote: “Each one of those levels allowed me to see myself in a different light.”

3. Catalyst for Change

• A personal crisis involving his child’s mental health led to a deeper commitment to community wellness.
  • Quote: “The 14-year-old version of myself in the same scenario would likely be dead or in jail.”

4. Generational Wellness

• Defined as the intersection of health and wealth.
• Health is the foundation of long-term prosperity.
  • Quote: “The greatest asset you can have is your health.”

5. Product Line

• Includes multivitamins, sleep support, omega-3, vitamin D3 + K2, and targeted supplements for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
• Products are clinically studied, premium quality, and designed with underserved consumers in mind.
  • Quote: “Everything is clinically studied dosages with clinically studied ingredients.”

6. Community Engagement

• Products tested and promoted at events like Essence Fest and HBCU Classics.
• Emotional response from consumers validates the brand’s impact.
  • Quote: “Hundreds of people said, ‘This is really good.’ My wife was in tears.”

7. Mental Health Advocacy

• Collaborating with Boston Children’s Hospital to create free parenting toolkits for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention.
  • Quote: “We’re producing content to help folks manage through and get educated.”

🌟 Notable Moments

• Rushion McDonald shares his own health journey and praises Martin’s transparency.
• Martin emphasizes empathy from lived experience as a driving force behind his mission.
• The brand’s name, Well With All, reflects its inclusive and persistent ethos.

#AMI

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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

🎙️ Episode Overview

• Guest: Alicia Lyttle
• Topic: Demystifying AI for small businesses, content creators, and entrepreneurs.

🤖 Key Topics Discussed 1. What Is AI?

• Alicia defines AI as tools that can perform tasks like content creation, image generation, and data analysis—tasks once thought to require human intelligence.
• Tools like ChatGPT and Pictory.ai can help businesses scale faster and more efficiently.

2. AI for Content Creation

• Alicia explains how to:
  • Transcribe interviews using Otter.ai.
  • Turn transcripts into books using ChatGPT.
  • Create videos from scripts using Pictory.ai.
  • Generate social media content, book descriptions, and more—all with AI.

3. Real-World Application

• Rushion realizes he can turn his 850+ interviews into books, YouTube videos, and monetizable content using AI.
• Alicia emphasizes that AI can help generate “mailbox money”—passive income from repurposed content.

4. Her Business & Mission

• Alicia and her sister have run a marketing and training company for 24 years.
• They now focus exclusively on AI education and implementation for businesses.
• She offers corporate training, workshops, and free resources to help others adopt AI.

5. AI as a Business Equalizer

• AI levels the playing field for small and minority-owned businesses.
• It reduces operational costs and increases productivity.
• Alicia encourages Black entrepreneurs to become early adopters and not get left behind.

6. Training & Resources

• Alicia offers a free eBook: ChatGPT Made Easy on her website AliciaLyttle.com.
• She provides newsletters, videos, and one-on-one consultations.
• She stresses the importance of learning how to use AI properly to avoid poor results.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “AI is not going to replace you. But someone using AI might.”
• “We produced more content in one year using AI than in the previous ten years combined.”
• “You don’t need to hire a team—you need to hire the right tools.”
• “This is our chance to be early adopters. Don’t miss this wave.”

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS #AMI

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The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Friday, September 19th, 2025. Subject: "Oh Brother"

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

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview serves two main purposes:

1. To reflect on Skip Finley’s historic contributions to Black media and his pivotal role in launching the syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show.
2. To discuss his book, "Willing Captains of Color: America’s First Meritocracy", which chronicles the lives of over 50 Black and Native whaling captains and their overlooked legacy in American history.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Historic Black Media Deal

• In 2005, Skip Finley helped orchestrate a landmark media deal entirely conducted by Black executives and talent, including Steve Harvey and Rushion McDonald.
• This led to the creation of the Steve Harvey Morning Show, syndicated from flagship station WBLS in New York.

“To my knowledge, that is the only major media deal that was entirely conducted by Black people.” – Skip Finley

2. Innovative Business Model

• Skip introduced a new syndication model where stations paid licensing fees instead of just offering ad time.
• This model helped fund the show and set a precedent in radio syndication.

“It was the first time the model had ever been used.” – Skip Finley

3. Legacy of Black Whaling Captains

• Skip’s book documents the lives of 52 confirmed Black and Native American whaling captains, many of whom operated before the Civil War.
• These men led crews on dangerous, years-long voyages and were respected for their skill, not judged by their race.

“These men lived Martin Luther King’s future dream.” – Skip Finley
“Nobody cared who the captain was if they could bring the whale ship home with a full haul.”

4. Whaling as America’s First Meritocracy

• Whaling was a brutal but lucrative industry, and captains were chosen based on ability, not race.
• The captains mapped oceans, discovered islands, and brought back whale oil that powered the Industrial Revolution.

“Whaling was almost identically the model of venture capital today.” – Skip Finley

5. Life at Sea Was Grueling

• Voyages lasted 3–4 years, sometimes up to 11.
• Crews lived in cramped quarters, battled whales in small boats, and endured horrific conditions including roaches, bedbugs, and washing clothes in urine.

“Your space was roughly the size of a backseat of an SUV for 3 or 4 years.” – Skip Finley

6. Hidden Figures of Maritime History

• Many of these captains were never recognized in history books.
• Skip’s research relied on seamen’s protection papers, which acted like passports and documented race and identity.

“I was astounded to find these guys… It’s one of those Hidden Figures stories.” – Skip Finley

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “A slave is not an American. A West Indian is not American. But they are Black.”
• “They could flog a white man on a whale ship who they couldn’t look in the eye in South Carolina.”
• “Whale watching is now a bigger business than whale killing ever was.”

📚 About the Book

Title: Willing Captains of Color: America’s First Meritocracy
Focus: The untold stories of Black and Native whaling captains who defied racial norms and led crews across the globe.
Impact: Reframes American history by highlighting a merit-based system where skill and leadership triumphed over racial prejudice.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Thursday, September 18th, 2025. Subject: "My Husband Has Run Out Of Options"

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