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

🎙️ Interview Summary: Erica Gwyn on Money Making Conversations Masterclass Purpose of the Interview

To spotlight Erica Gwyn’s journey as a faith-driven entrepreneur, her work with nonprofits through her company Nonprofit Guru LLC, and her educational initiatives including Seven Oaks Academy Montessori. The interview aims to inspire listeners by sharing Erica’s story of resilience, leadership, and community impact, while offering practical advice for nonprofit founders and small business owners.

🧭 Interview Outline 1. Introduction

• Host Rushion McDonald introduces the show and its mission to inspire and educate entrepreneurs.
• Erica Gwyn is welcomed as the founder and CEO of Nonprofit Guru LLC and Seven Oaks Academy Montessori.

2. Background & Career Journey

• Erica shares her early experiences, including working with Spelman College and Habitat for Humanity.
• She discusses her expertise in grant writing and nonprofit management.

3. Nonprofit Guru LLC

• Origin of the name “Nonprofit Guru” from her cousin, an attorney.
• Focuses on helping nonprofits with fundraising, board development, and strategy.
• Works with organizations that have at least \$300,000 in revenue and an existing board.

4. Common Mistakes in Nonprofit Startups

• Placing unqualified family members on boards.
• Lack of understanding of board responsibilities, especially fundraising.
• Over-reliance on grants without diversifying funding sources.

5. Board Development Advice

• Ideal board size: 5–7 members to avoid deadlocks.
• Seek members with legal, accounting, program design, and volunteer coordination expertise.
• Importance of board training programs like United Way’s VIP program.

6. Faith-Driven Entrepreneurship

• Erica shares her personal story of becoming a single mother at 19 and losing her child’s father.
• Her journey of healing through service and community involvement.

7. Seven Oaks Academy Montessori

• Purchased an existing preschool and transformed it into a boutique Montessori school.
• Focus on cradle-to-pre-K education with plans to expand after-school and summer programs.
• Offers unique features: professional chef, small class sizes, diverse staff, on-site therapy, and classroom cameras for parental viewing.

8. Summer Camp & Educational Expansion

• Originated from a math and science summer camp inspired by her son Cameron.
• Plans to revive the camp and expand educational offerings.
• Emphasis on creating a cradle-to-college pipeline for students.

9. Marketing & Branding

• Erica acknowledges the need to improve her visibility and branding.
• Encouraged by Rushion to relaunch her website and promote her services more actively.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Authenticity & Expertise Matter: Erica’s credibility stems from her hands-on experience and passion for nonprofit work.
• Board Composition is Crucial: A well-trained, committed board is essential for nonprofit success.
• Diversify Funding Sources: Don’t rely solely on grants—explore individual giving, estate planning, and in-kind donations.
• Faith & Purpose Drive Success: Erica’s personal challenges fueled her commitment to community service and entrepreneurship.
• Education is Empowerment: Her Montessori school and summer camps aim to provide foundational learning and long-term academic success.
• Marketing is Essential: Visibility and branding are key to expanding impact and reaching the right audience.

🗣️ Notable Quotes

• “You’re a nonprofit guru—you know nonprofits in your sleep.”
• “Your board’s primary job is to be a fundraiser.”
• “I’m a faith-driven entrepreneur. I walk in my purpose and that is a gift.”
• “Community means accepting and respecting people and organizations working together in an ecosystem.”
• “I started giving back to others, and I loved it. I’ve never known how to turn it off.”
• “You have a glow about you… you are a superpower.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

Founder of Melody Vaughn Interiors (MVI), conversation dives into the art and business of interior design, with a focus on accessibility, personalization, and the emotional power of home spaces.

🎙️ Guest: Melody Vaughn

Title: Interior Designer, Founder of Melody Vaughn Interiors (MVI)
Specialties: Kitchens, bathrooms, renovations, art consultation, and staging

🏡 Key Highlights ✨ Design Philosophy

• Interior design is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for well-being.
• Everyone deserves a beautiful space, regardless of budget.
• Design should reflect how people live, not just how it looks.

🧠 Personal Journey

• Started as a hobby—reorganizing closets and rearranging furniture as a child.
• Inspired by her father, a landscaper, and early exposure to beautiful homes.
• Returned to school to become a certified kitchen designer.
• Worked with Home Depot, then transitioned into flipping homes and full-scale renovations.

🛠️ Design Process & Team

• Melody leads a team that includes:
  • Senior and mid-level designers
  • Contractors (painters, electricians, wallpaper installers, etc.)
  • Sourcing specialists and assistants
• Emphasizes project management, timelines, and behind-the-scenes coordination.
• Compares the design process to composing music—each element must harmonize.

🎨 Client-Centered Approach

• No “one-size-fits-all” style—designs are based on:
  • Client lifestyle
  • Regional influences (East Coast vs. West Coast aesthetics)
  • Color psychology
  • Even the client’s wardrobe!
• Two types of clients:
  • Personal/homeowners: require emotional connection and time
  • Investors/flippers/Airbnb owners: want fast, functional, stylish results

🧩 Managing Expectations

• Design takes time—up to a year for full transformation.
• Contracts include clear timelines and exit clauses to protect both parties.
• AI and rendering tools help visualize concepts, but human connection is key.

📍 Location

• Based in Atlanta, GA
• Available for travel—“There’s a Hartfield-Jackson Airport, and I’ll jump on a plane in a minute!”

💬 Rushion’s Take

• Praises Melody’s ability to make design relatable and emotionally resonant.
• Highlights her professionalism, creativity, and growing popularity with listeners.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Derrick "D" Hayes.  

Founder and CEO of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, about entrepreneurship, generational wealth, and community building.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

Building Generational Wealth

• Hayes emphasized the importance of financial literacy and ownership in creating lasting wealth.
• He shared his journey from humble beginnings to building a multimillion-dollar restaurant empire.

Overcoming Challenges & Second Chances

• Hayes revealed that he once faced legal troubles, but a dismissed case gave him a second chance.
• He used that opportunity to turn his life around and pursue entrepreneurship.

The Story Behind Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks

• Hayes started his business in a small gas station in Atlanta, eventually expanding into a nationally recognized brand.
• He credits his grandfather’s cooking lessons for inspiring his passion for food.

Community Impact & Business Growth

• Hayes is committed to giving back to underserved communities, offering mentorship and business opportunities.
• He discussed how Black entrepreneurs can break barriers in the food industry.

📘 About Derrick Hayes
Derrick Hayes is a self-made entrepreneur who built Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks into a thriving restaurant chain. His story is one of resilience, second chances, and financial empowerment.

#AMI

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Amber C. Saunders.

An estate planning attorney and founder of The Saunders Firm, about generational wealth, estate planning, and financial literacy in the Black community.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

The Importance of Estate Planning

• Saunders emphasized that estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who owns assets, including homes, jewelry, and even bank accounts.
• She shared how her family’s experience with probate court inspired her to educate others on avoiding financial hardships.

Generational Wealth & Legacy

• Many Black families lose wealth due to lack of estate planning, leading to long legal battles and financial instability.
• Saunders stressed that generational wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about education, financial literacy, and structured wealth transfer.

Common Misconceptions About Estate Planning

• Many people believe wills and trusts are only for the rich, but anyone with assets should have a plan.
• She debunked myths about DIY estate planning, warning that generic online templates can lead to legal complications.

Protecting Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs

• Entrepreneurs must plan for succession, ensuring their businesses can survive beyond their leadership.
• She advised business owners to structure their companies properly, so they don’t just create a job for themselves but build a lasting enterprise.

📘 About Amber C. Saunders
Amber C. Saunders is a leading estate planning attorney, dedicated to helping families secure their financial futures. She founded The Saunders Firm, specializing in wealth preservation, estate planning, and business succession strategies.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Tuesday, October 14th, 2025. Subject: "He's So Good, Yet So Bad"

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Travis T. Wade.

CEO of The Guardian, a private security corporation. The discussion focused on hiring the right people, leadership strategies, and the importance of HR in business success.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

The Importance of HR in Hiring

• Wade emphasized that HR is the backbone of any business, ensuring the right people are hired and retained.
• He shared insights on how HR principles translate into building a strong security team.

Finding the Right Employees

• The Guardian uses a conversational interview approach rather than traditional questioning.
• Wade believes that getting candidates comfortable reveals their true personality, helping assess their suitability for security roles.

Key Traits for Security Professionals

• Patience is the most important quality—impatient candidates are not a good fit for security work.
• Security officers must be calm, observant, and able to de-escalate situations rather than react impulsively.

Reducing Employee Turnover

• Wade stressed that treating employees well after hiring is just as important as selecting the right candidates.
• He shared strategies for lowering turnover by fostering a supportive work environment.

📘 About Travis T. Wade & The Guardian
Travis T. Wade is a seasoned HR professional with over 25 years of corporate experience. His company, The Guardian, operates in Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina, providing armed and unarmed security, personal protection, and private investigations.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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

Serial entrepreneur and founder of Maxwell, a platform focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as tiny homes:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To educate listeners on the growing trend of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), their practical uses, legal considerations, and how platforms like Maxwell help homeowners navigate the process of building or buying tiny homes—especially in light of new options like Amazon’s prefab homes.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

1. What Are ADUs?

   • Formerly known as tiny homes or granny flats, ADUs are small, secondary housing units built on residential properties.
   • They range from 150 to 1200 square feet and serve various purposes: rentals, studios, housing for aging parents, or personal retreats.

2. Growing Popularity

   • Driven by housing shortages and affordability issues, especially in states like California.
   • Governments are easing restrictions to allow more ADUs to be built, including San Diego’s initiative to allow unlimited ADUs if they’re affordable.

3. Use Cases

   • Rental income
   • Housing for retirees or aging parents
   • Studios (music, yoga), guest houses, or nanny quarters

4. Amazon’s Entry

   • Amazon now sells prefab two-story tiny homes under \$50,000.
   • While appealing, buyers must understand the additional costs and logistics: foundation, utilities, permits, and construction.

5. Legal & Practical Considerations

   • ADUs must be permitted and built to code to be safe and legally rentable.
   • Homeowners should consult their city’s building department before starting.
   • A certificate of occupancy is required for someone to legally live in the unit.

6. Maxwell Platform

   • Offers resources, videos, and guidance for anyone interested in building or buying ADUs.
   • Helps users find reliable contractors and understand the full scope of building an ADU.

7. Impact on Property Value

   • ADUs generally increase property value by adding rentable living space.
   • They are a viable wealth-building strategy through real estate investment.

8. Social Impact

   • ADUs could be a solution to homelessness by providing affordable housing options.
   • Cities like San Diego are already exploring this potential.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “You’re not building a Lego kit here.” — Paul Dashevsky on the complexity of constructing ADUs
• “There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Rushion McDonald, echoing the theme of entrepreneurship
• “Go down to your building department at your city and ask them what guidelines they have.” — Paul’s advice on starting an ADU project
• “If you invest in real estate… that’s a great way to build wealth.” — Paul on the financial benefits of ADUs
• “I wish America would look at the possibilities of seeing what ADUs can do for the homeless community.” — Rushion McDonald on the social potential of tiny homes

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Monday, October 13th, 2025. Subject: "A Masterpiece Without Peace Or A Piece"

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Introduce Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones’ work helping entrepreneurs and professionals “bankroll their brilliance”.
• Encourage listeners to monetize their unique talents and create multiple streams of income.
• Inspire individuals to align their purpose with their profession for greater impact and fulfillment.
• Share strategies for overcoming fear, embracing authenticity, and building scalable businesses.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. From Casting to Coaching

Nicole’s early career in talent management and casting helped her develop a gift for recognizing people’s potential. She now uses that gift to help entrepreneurs and executives identify their “DNA” (Distinct Natural Ability) and turn it into income.

“I could see you and how you could fit into the script… That’s really what I do with entrepreneurs now.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones

2. Purpose Is Your Power

Nicole emphasizes that purpose is the one thing you never get fired from. Aligning your work with your purpose leads to higher performance and deeper fulfillment.

“When you bless somebody with the thing that you do, they’re gaining—and you’re gaining for God.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones

3. Multiple Streams of Income

She teaches clients to diversify their income by creating products, programs, and services that don’t require their constant presence—what she calls “money while you sleep” or “mailbox money.”

Examples include:

• Lawyers creating online courses for clients who can’t afford billable hours.
• Gymnasts licensing their training methods and renting out facilities.

“Your comfort zone is where your dreams go to die.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
“If you are physically tied to the money you make, you’re capping your potential.” – Rushion McDonald

4. Stop Giving Away Your Brilliance

Nicole warns against giving away intellectual property for free. She encourages professionals to recognize the value of their expertise and package it into paid offerings.

“You’re giving away your cookie for free… You have value that people will pay for.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones

5. Create a Methodology

She helps clients build a blueprint for their expertise, turning routines and habits into teachable systems. Her metaphor: “You can’t see the label from inside the jar,” meaning people often overlook their own value.

“It’s really helping someone produce the value that is coming out of you effortlessly.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones

6. Authenticity Is a Business Strategy

Nicole encourages people to embrace their full personality, even if it’s “too much” for some. She believes that being yourself is the key to attracting the right audience and opportunities.

“Stop letting people turn down your light. This is who I am. God made me this way.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “Corporate doesn’t need more of corporate.”
• “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
• “Each of us were born to disrupt whatever system we’re called to work in.”

🌟 Impact of the Interview

This episode is a masterclass in personal branding, purpose alignment, and entrepreneurial strategy. Nicole’s energy and clarity make her insights actionable and inspiring, especially for professionals looking to pivot, scale, or rediscover their value.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

Ann Cephus Family Fund, established by Latabia Woodward alongside her husband and children and named in honor of her mother Ann Cephus, is founded to bridge the technology skills gap for students with creative aspirations. The fund seeks to provide an innovative educational experience for young creatives, empowering them to harness their talents and carve out successful careers through a nurturing and constructive environment that encourages academic excellence, embraces emerging technologies, and enables transferable skills needed to forge successful creative or other industry careers.

Dr. Glynis Lee is an accomplished and versatile executive, fulfilling leadership roles across human resources and information technology. Her unique value proposition combines strategic program and project management capabilities, information technology expertise, and broad human resources knowledge to facilitate cultural transformations in large, global organizations. Her passion lies in incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion as an integral component of business strategy. She aspires to effect positive change through actionable learning to help leaders prioritize access and opportunity for all.

Dr. Lee’s heart and passion for inclusion and opportunity fuel her commitment to giving back. She works with InspiredU Atlanta, an organization that bridges the digital divide in technology access and skills for underserved families. She is a past board member of the Forever Pink Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the development and implementation of community service initiatives and scholarships in DeKalb County, GA. She has acted as a mentor to numerous students through various programs, including Women In Technology and other corporate early talent programming. Dr. Lee currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Ann Cephus Family Fund Corporation, whose mission is to embrace, inspire, and motivate young creatives to propel them into successful careers.

#AMI

#BEST

 #STRAW

#SHMS

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