The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025. Subject: "It's The D For Me"

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

***

### **Purpose of the Interview**

The interview on *Money Making Conversations Masterclass* aimed to:

*   Showcase Brittany Benson’s journey as a **brand strategist**, **AI consultant**, and founder of **The Branding Bar**.
*   Educate entrepreneurs and small business owners on **branding**, **social media strategy**, and the **impact of AI** on marketing.
*   Inspire listeners to leverage technology and consistency to build authentic brands.

***

### **Key Takeaways**

1.  **Early Branding Journey**
    *   Brittany unknowingly started building her brand in college through her TV show *On the Air with Brittany B*.
    *   She leveraged early platforms like YouTube and Facebook before “social media” was a term.

2.  **Consistency is Key**
    *   Success in branding comes from **consistent engagement**, even before monetization was possible.
    *   Brittany grew her Instagram following to over 130,000 by focusing on consistency rather than chasing trends.

3.  **Influencer Myth**
    *   Large follower counts don’t guarantee success; **engagement matters more than numbers**.
    *   “If I have 2,500 followers who listen to me, that’s more powerful than 100,000 who don’t.”

4.  **Paid vs. Organic Growth**
    *   Paid ads can help, but **organic growth builds trust**.
    *   Best practice: build an organic base first, then use paid ads to amplify.

5.  **Pivot to AI**
    *   Brittany pivoted from a traditional social media agency to **AI-driven branding solutions**.
    *   She creates **AI twins** for business owners—digital replicas that can produce content without the owner being physically present.

6.  **Generative AI in Marketing**
    *   AI tools can create graphics, videos, and even voice clones.
    *   Brittany emphasizes AI as a **tool to enhance workflow**, not replace human creativity.

7.  **Consulting Approach**
    *   Offers strategy calls to identify problems and recommend AI tools.
    *   Services range from **strategy planning**, **consulting**, to **done-for-you solutions**.

***

### **Notable Quotes**

*   **On branding:**  
    *“I was always building a brand, even when I didn’t realize I was building a brand.”*

*   **On engagement vs. followers:**  
    *“If I have 2,500 followers who listen to me, that’s more powerful than 100,000 who don’t.”*

*   **On AI’s role:**  
    *“AI is just a tool. It’s not going to replace your job—it still needs human direction.”*

*   **On staying ahead:**  
    *“I’ve been told I have the gift of insight to see what’s coming, even if it’s not popular yet.”*

*   **On her pivot:**  
    *“I started generating AI twins for business owners so they could show up online without showing up.”*

***

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Chef Marcus Samuelsson.

Interviewed centered around his book:

📘 The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food

Here are the key highlights:

🍽️ About the Book

• Purpose: To celebrate and document the legacy, creativity, and cultural impact of Black chefs in America.
• Structure: Divided into five chapters — Next, Remix, Migration, Legacy, Origin — each exploring different aspects of Black culinary history and innovation.
• Unique Feature: Includes profiles of 40 Black chefs and food storytellers, plus a directory of 200+ Black chefs and food writers with their Instagram handles — a first-of-its-kind resource.

🌍 Cultural and Historical Themes

• Black Culinary Legacy: From enslaved cooks to modern food innovators, the book traces the deep roots and wide influence of Black food culture.
• Diaspora Influence: African, Caribbean, and Southern U.S. flavors are explored, including dishes like plantains, oxtail pepper pot, and couscous with roasted figs.
• Food as Activism: Highlights figures like Georgia Gilmore and chefs who supported civil rights movements through food.

🍴 Mouthwatering Recipes Mentioned

• Coconut Fried Chicken
• Oxtail Pepper Pot with Dumplings
• Couscous with Roasted Figs
• Sweet Wild Berry Jam
• Hot Water Cornbread (Hoecakes)
• Gumbo à la Leah Chase (without a roux!)
• Shrimp & Grits with Piri Piri Sauce

💬 Conversation Highlights

• Rushion shares personal stories tied to food, family, and culture — from wild berry picking in Texas to his wife’s Belizean roots.
• Marcus emphasizes the importance of authorship and ownership in Black culinary contributions.
• They discuss the need for healthier eating, environmental awareness, and economic empowerment through food.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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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

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

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Inspire creatives and entrepreneurs by sharing Trey Haley’s journey in the entertainment industry.
• Highlight the importance of persistence, self-belief, and strategic networking.
• Promote Haley’s current work, especially the BET+ series The Family Business.
• Educate listeners on the realities of Hollywood and the long-term mindset needed for success.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Origin Story & Early Influences

• Trey Haley grew up in Dallas-Fort Worth, with a mother in corporate sales and a father who was a criminal defense attorney.
• His passion for entertainment began early, influenced by music, Spike Lee scripts, and editing during college at North Texas.

2. Leap of Faith to Los Angeles

• Moved to LA with no backup plan, driven by passion.
• Took a courier job to network and eventually landed an internship with Morgan Freeman’s company, Revelations Entertainment.

3. Building Tri Destin Studios

• Co-founded Tri Destin Studios with Nikita De Brown Jones.
• Emphasized creating their own lane and owning their content.
• Their goal: “Change the perception of the world” through storytelling where “we always win.”

4. The Family Business

• Based on Carl Weber’s bestselling book series.
• Independently produced before BET+ picked it up.
• Features a star-studded cast including Ernie Hudson, Valerie Pettiford, Michael Jai White, and Javicia Leslie.

5. Industry Wisdom

• Success in Hollywood is about relationships, consistency, and character.
• Warns against shortcuts and “hook-up culture” in entertainment.
• Encourages young creatives to focus on talent, value, and long-term growth.

🗣️ Notable Quotes

• On taking risks:
  “My mother said, go jump off the ledge and go fly like a bird.”

• On self-belief:
  “Who told you you could be an attorney? Nobody. You figured it out. I’m going to figure it out too.”

• On breaking into the industry:
  “I took a courier job just to meet people in the studios. I dressed like I worked there so they’d see me the way I needed to be seen.”

• On creating value:
  “The most powerful people create their own companies, their own stories, and tell them consistently.”

• On longevity:
  “If your roots aren’t settled and strong, anything can take you out.”

• On perspective:
  “Your perspective in life is the key. If you see negative, you’ll get negative. If you see the win, you’ll fly high.”

📺 Current Project Highlight

The Family Business

• Streaming on BET+
• Multi-season crime drama with layered storytelling and strong character development.
• Haley serves as executive producer and director.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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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

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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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The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Monday, December 22nd, 2025. Subject: "She Slapped My Husband"

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

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to showcase James Green’s entrepreneurial journey as the founder of KyuTeaCo (Kyushu Tea Company), a premium tea brand focused on curating authentic Japanese tea experiences. It highlighted his unique position as an African-American entrepreneur bridging cultures, his passion for tea, and his mission to educate consumers about tea’s health benefits and heritage.

Key Takeaways

1. Background & Inspiration

   • James Green grew up in Atlanta, studied international business and Japanese, and lived in Japan for five years.
   • His passion for tea began during a high school exchange program in Fukuoka, Japan, and deepened through cultural immersion.

2. Business Model

   • KyuTeaCo  partners with eight small, organic tea-growing families in Kyushu, Japan.
   • Direct-to-consumer and B2B approach: e-commerce platform launching soon, plus partnerships with cafes.
   • Simplified supply chain: Farmers → Kuti Co → Customer (eliminates middlemen, ensures fair pay for farmers).

3. Mission & Differentiation

   • Focus on storytelling and cultural connection, not just selling tea.
   • Educates consumers on tea’s health benefits (e.g., reducing hypertension and diabetes risks).
   • Premium curated experience vs. mass-market tea brands.

4. Challenges & Lessons

   • Kickstarter campaign failed due to lack of collaborators and marketing reach.
   • Learned importance of storytelling and emotional connection for crowdfunding success.

5. Social Impact

   • “11% for Good” Program: 11% of every sale goes to sustainability efforts for Japanese tea farming.
   • Name significance: “11” in Japanese sounds like “ii,” meaning “good.”

6. Future Plans

   • Launching e-commerce in January.
   • Exploring subscription models and virtual tea tastings.
   • Goal: Build a brand that consumers care about through cultural education and premium experiences.

Notable Quotes

• On launching a business:
  “I’m learning now more than anything, just launch it. Just go. You’ll build it brick by brick, day by day.”

• On cultural connection:
  “We’re not just selling tea; we’re telling the stories of Kyushu and these families. It’s about legacy and sustainability.”

• On social impact:
  “Every bag of tea someone buys, 11% goes toward rehabilitating the Japanese tea industry. We’re investing in their futures.”

• On entrepreneurship:
  “Anybody can sell a product. What we’re doing is creating an experience and educating people about the culture behind it.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

A deeply personal and insightful interview with former NBA player and author Troy “T-Hud” Hudson. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. First-Generation Wealth

• Troy Hudson’s book, First Generation Rich, explores the emotional and financial complexities of being the first in a family to acquire significant wealth.
• He distinguishes between being “rich” (temporary, income-based) and “wealthy” (long-term, legacy-building).

2. From Humble Beginnings to the NBA

• Raised in public housing in Carbondale, Illinois.
• Came from a tight-knit, low-income family where needs were prioritized over wants.
• Basketball became his vehicle to travel, grow, and eventually earn a $36 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2003.

3. The Pressure of Sudden Wealth

• Hudson discusses the mental and emotional toll of being the financial “savior” for family and friends.
• He coined the term “media lock-in” to describe how public knowledge of his contract changed how people treated him.
• Many relationships became transactional, leading to isolation and stress.

4. Financial Lessons & Mistakes

• Worst investment: launching a music label using his own money.
• Learned the importance of using other people’s money (OPM) and having a financial advisor.
• Even with an advisor, he sometimes made impulsive decisions due to youth and pressure.

5. The Athlete’s Dilemma

• Athletes often receive large sums of money at a young age with little financial education.
• Unlike team owners who collaborate, athletes often operate independently, missing opportunities for collective wealth-building.

6. Why He Wrote the Book

• To document his journey and help others—especially future first-generation earners—navigate the emotional and financial challenges of sudden wealth.
• Aims to break generational curses and preserve relationships strained by money.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Rich is temporary. Wealth is legacy.”
• “It’s lonely at the top—especially when you’re not getting along with family and friends.”
• “We don’t operate like the owners. The owners work together. The athletes don’t.”

📘 About the Book

• Title: First Generation Rich
• Author: Troy Hudson
• Available on: Amazon (Kindle & paperback) and 1GRich.com

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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