The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Friday, August 22nd, 2025. Subject: "My Husband Left Me, But He Didn't Move Out"

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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 Sonia Lewis.

CEO of The Student Loan Doctor, LLC

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To explore the student loan crisis in America, highlight Dr. Lewis’s entrepreneurial journey, and share insights on financial literacy, debt management, and empowering underserved communities—especially African American women.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. The Student Loan Crisis

• Student loans are the only major loan type in the U.S. without underwriting.
• Many borrowers accumulate debt before becoming employable.
• Women, especially African American women, carry the highest student loan debt.

“Student loan debt shows up most when people try to buy homes or start families—it’s like having a second mortgage.”

2. Dr. Lewis’s Journey to Entrepreneurship

• Started her business while working full-time, meeting clients in cafes.
• Went viral in 2018 after claiming the title of the first African American woman to own a student loan repayment company.
• Built her brand through community engagement, free workshops, and media exposure.

“I was taking clients from 6 to 10 at the Corner Bakery… I still owe some people some dates!”

3. Business Model & Impact

• Offers affordable consultations and a membership-based virtual university.
• Focuses on helping adults already in debt—not scholarships or financial aid.
• Maintains low prices to remain accessible to teachers and working-class clients.

“I never wanted to leave behind someone making \$60K a year. Quantity will always provide.”

4. Empowering African American Women

• Her research and business focus on how student loan debt disproportionately affects African American women.
• Creates a judgment-free space for clients to discuss financial struggles.

“If you owe \$900,000, I’m not going to start the call with ‘What happened?’”

5. Faith, Mentorship & Community

• Attributes her success to faith, discernment, and investing in mentorship.
• Believes entrepreneurship requires connection and collaboration.

“God shows up in rooms I haven’t made it to yet.”

6. Advice to Parents & Colleges

• Emphasizes the need for financial education before college.
• Encourages parents to prepare children for money management, not just rely on colleges.

“The college is a business. It’s not their job to manage your finances.”

💬 Notable Quotes

• “You want to put yourself in the middle of a big problem.”
• “Entrepreneurship can feel lonely—you’ve got to get out of your house.”
• “We don’t see each other’s credit scores, but debt is the quiet thing that plays in the back of your mind.”

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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

Founder of Snowie Atlanta:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To showcase Marcus Sonnier’s journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, highlight the inspiration behind Snowie Atlanta, and share insights on financial literacy, legacy-building, and faith-driven decision-making.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. From Corporate VP to Entrepreneur

• Marcus left a successful career as VP of PR supervision at a financial services firm to start Snowie Atlanta.
• He worked both jobs for five years before fully transitioning.
• His leap was guided by faith and a desire for self-reliance.

“I looked at my wife and said, ‘Hey, I'm getting one more bonus check. And then I'm jumping off the plane.’”

2. The Product: Shaved Ice with a Twist

• Snowie Atlanta offers customizable shaved ice with self-serve flavor stations.
• Inspired by childhood experiences in Louisiana with snowball stands.

“We give away the shaved ice, but we sell you the smiles.”

3. Family Legacy & Financial Literacy

• Marcus started the business to teach his sons about money—earning, saving, investing, and giving.
• His sons were involved from the beginning, learning entrepreneurship firsthand.

“I said, guys, look, we're going to be entrepreneurs in this business. We're going to do it together.”

4. Faith as a Driving Force

• Marcus credits divine guidance for his journey and connections.
• He views his business as a calling and a platform for community impact.

“I could feel God in my spirit saying, ‘Oh, you trust me, you really do.’”

5. Community Impact & Expansion

• Snowie Atlanta is expanding into Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves.
• The goal is to become a staple attraction and enhance the fan experience.

“I want all kids to want to go to a Braves game… to get a Snowie and have an experience.”

6. Giving Back

• Snowie Atlanta participates in fundraising for schools, churches, and nonprofits.
• Marcus finds joy in writing checks back to organizations that serve the community.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “You may not get everything you work for, but you will work for everything you get.”
• “We serve memories.”
• “I’m just trying to be obedient and do what I think God wants me to do in this business.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Thursday, August 21st, 2025. Subject: "Patiently Waiting For My Man To Settle Down"

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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 Ken Taunton.

Founder and president of The Royster Group, a nationally recognized, certified Black-owned professional staffing firm. Here's a breakdown of the key themes and takeaways:

🎯 Key Highlights from the Interview 🏢 About The Royster Group

• Founded in 2001, the firm specializes in:
  • Executive Search (C-suite to Director level)
  • Healthcare Staffing (physicians, nurses, ancillary staff)
• Operates nationally, serving both public and private sectors.

💼 Executive Search Insights

• Royster is a retained executive search firm, meaning they are hired by companies to find top-tier talent.
• Focuses on diverse, seasoned professionals with 7–10+ years of experience.
• Clients include major corporations like Home Depot, Merck, and Pfizer.
• Emphasizes the importance of diversity in leadership and actively includes women and people of color in candidate pools.

🏥 Healthcare Staffing

• Healthcare remains a high-demand field due to an aging population and workforce shortages.
• Royster recruits nationally and advertises through their website, conferences, and referrals.
• There’s a growing need for diverse healthcare professionals to reflect the population they serve.

🧾 Resume & Job Search Tips

• Resumes should be keyword-optimized to match job descriptions.
• Candidates should reach out to recruiters, follow up, and apply through multiple channels.
• Avoid vague resumes—include specific achievements and metrics.

🏆 Business Philosophy & Certification

• Thornton emphasizes the value of being a certified Black-owned business, not as a crutch but as a strategic advantage to gain access to opportunities.
• He acknowledges the challenges and scrutiny minority businesses face and the importance of capacity and execution.
• Advocates for mentorship, SBA resources, and relationship-building as keys to success.

📈 Entrepreneurial Journey

• Thornton transitioned from pharmaceutical sales and HR to founding his own firm after noticing a lack of diversity in executive placements.
• Started Royster with a bootstrap model—a desk, a phone, and determination.
• Now leads a $20M+ company and was named Small Business Person of the Year in Georgia.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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

A psychologist, life coach, and author of Six Weeks to Happy: The Ultimate Roadmap to Retrain Your Brain for Better Health, Greater Abundance, and Long Lasting Peace and Happiness.

Key Highlights from the Transcript:

• Fear and the Subconscious Mind: Zahra explains how fear, often rooted in the subconscious, can block personal growth and happiness. She emphasizes that 95% of our behavior is driven by subconscious patterns, which are survival-based and often limiting.

• Five Core Limiting Beliefs: These include feelings of not being good enough, not being deserving of love, or not being capable of success. These beliefs are common across all demographics, from teenagers to CEOs.

• Daily Routines and Stress: The conversation touches on how most people wake up stressed and reactive, rather than intentional. Zahra and Rushion discuss the importance of starting the day with purpose and calm to rewire the brain for success.

• Health and Happiness Connection: Chronic stress is linked to numerous health issues. Zahra advocates for mindfulness and emotional regulation as tools to improve both mental and physical health.

• Tools and Resources:

  • Happiness Planner: A free tool to help individuals assess what brings them joy and identify gaps in their current lifestyle.
  • Life Block Quiz: A playful assessment to uncover subconscious fear patterns and how they affect relationships, wealth, and self-worth.
  • Website: sixweekstohappy.com

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Wednesday, August 20th, 2025. Subject: "My Friend Is Doing The Most"

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

Role: Finance attorney, senior executive in the federal government, founder of Legacy Building LLC
Mission: To bridge the financial literacy gap for minority communities, emerging professionals, and small business owners, promoting lasting economic confidence and stability.

🧭 Purpose of the Interview

To highlight Lisa Mulrain’s transition from finance attorney to financial literacy advocate, and her efforts to empower underserved communities through education, legal expertise, and practical financial strategies.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Systemic Inequities in Finance

• Lisa’s work with Ginnie Mae exposed her to disparities in lending, appraisals, and access for low-to-moderate income families.
• She observed how minority communities were often preyed upon with unfavorable loan terms and undervalued property appraisals.

2. Financial Literacy Advocacy

• Lisa transitioned into advocacy to educate people on financial contracts, including mortgages, credit cards, and auto loans.
• She emphasizes understanding loan terms and avoiding high-interest debt traps.

3. Tips for Financial Empowerment

• Budgeting: Know your income vs. expenses.
• Multiple Income Streams: Invest in real estate and the stock market.
• Credit Awareness: Monitor and manage credit responsibly.

4. Small Business Guidance

• Avoid early debt accumulation.
• Scale inventory gradually.
• Understand the legal and financial implications of business credit.

5. Legal Expertise & Asset Protection

• Lisa offers estate planning and trust services to protect assets from lawsuits and creditors.
• She explains how trusts shield property and wealth from legal claims.

6. Insurance & Financial Stability

• Advocates for life and disability insurance as part of a financial toolkit.
• Recommends cash value whole life policies for long-term benefits.

7. Scam Awareness

• Warns against phishing and financial scams.
• Advises verifying sources and never sharing sensitive info without confirmation.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “The system is not set up for us to win.”
• “You have everything you need to acquire any finances that you desire.”
• “Don’t blindly hand your money over to someone if you don’t understand what you’re investing in.”
• “No one’s coming to save us. You have to do all you can to build multiple streams of income.”
• “A trust protects your assets from creditors and lawsuits.”

📞 Contact Info

• Website: LegacyBuildingLLC.com
• Instagram: @legacy_building_llc
• Phone: (202) 409-8513

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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