Strawberry Letter for Friday, April 11th, 2025: "His Son Better Quit Trying Me"

A woman writes in about her 40 year old stepson. When she was first involved with his father, the son wanted nothing to do with her. Now...things have changed and she suspects he is hitting on her. Listen to what Steve & Shirley have to say about that!

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Thomas Barnes.  A product of the APS(Atlanta Public Schools), attended Morehouse College, and has a degree in Management from GSU(Ga State) with an emphasis in CIS(Information Systems). Thomas owns Experimax, a complete retail computer store that specializes in sales, service, and support of all things Apple. Welcome to Money Making Conversations Master Class, Thomas Barnes.

We also offer the same services in the Windows and Samsung world, but Apple is our core business. In addition to the services offered to our walk-in customers daily, we can provide IT consulting and engagement for schools, churches, and businesses at large, particularly small businesses or organizations that do not have a dedicated IT resource or staff. We can also help to better utilize your IT budget or funding by working together to identify your your business and computer needs to see how we can assist in future procurement and hardware refresh efforts. 

Talking Points/Questions * 
1) Who is Thomas Barnes

2) Tell us a little bit about Experimax

3) How did you come to work in the IT industry ad now a business owner of Experimax?

4) How has my past life/work experience contributed to my becoming a business owner?

5) Why Experimax, why a franchise?

6) How can you and your team at Experimax serve the local community and the Atlanta/Sandy Springs community at large?

7) What has the journey been like on this road of entrepreneurship?

8) Who and/or what motivated you to start your own business?

9) Any suggestions to those considering pursuing their dreams and business ownership?

10) Plans for the future?

#AMI

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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

America's Songbird Myrna Clayton (Alabama born, Atlanta raised) is a singer best known for performing jazz music. Commissioned by the U.S. State Department to represent American music abroad at U.S. embassies around the world, Myrna has performed in 5 of the seven continents, including countries such as France, Germany, Russia, Namibia, Switzerland, and most recently, Ghana's 2024 Jazz in January Festival. Tagged “The Maynard Ferguson of Jazz vocals” by a Jazz orchestra conductor in Kazan, Russia, audiences are mesmerized by her soul-filled, profound musical message. 

Dear to Myrna’s heart is advocacy for accessibility for performing artists on the disability spectrum to highlight their talents and help improve their career trajectory and life possibilities. Whether performing in the United States or abroad, America's Songbird Myrna Clayton's classy performances are simply unforgettable.  For more information, visit www.MyrnaClayton.com. 

Company Description *
CedarTree Worldwide LLC - a Social Enterprise Business that facilitates diplomatic music cultural exchange inside and outside of America through the motto:"valuing differences, celebrating similarities and honoring oneness".

#BEST

#AMI

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SHOWAbility, Inc. - a 501c3 nonprofit that creates opportunities that empower performing artists/actors across the disability spectrum to showcase and develop their talents through performances, artists development, accessibility, employment and enjoyment. Our Northstar is to be for the arts/entertainment industry what the Paralympics and Special Olympics are for the sports industry - showcase talent and excellence.

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ash Cash Exantus.

He is one of the world's top financial educators. Dubbed as the "Hip-Hop Financial Advisor", he uses a culturally responsive approach in teaching financial literacy, wealth building, and entrepreneurship. He is also a speaker, 6x bestselling author, and creator of the #1 Community for Financial Spirituality.Company Description *MindRight Money Management is a culturally responsive financial education company that makes money management relatable, engaging, and effective. By blending music, pop culture, and real-time current events, we meet people where they are and guide them to where they want to be financially. Through dynamic workshops, impactful books, insightful articles, and easy-to-understand resources, we empower individuals and communities to build wealth, eliminate debt, and master their money with confidence and clarity.

Talking Points/Questions *Talking Points for Interview:
1. Align Your Savings & Spending
Why is aligning savings and spending essential?How can someone start aligning their finances today?Talking Point: A financial plan is the only way to take control of your money and design the life you desire.
2. Broaden Your Earnings
Why is having multiple streams of income important?What are some practical ways families can create additional income?Talking Point: Creating multiple streams of income is essential to securing financial stability and building wealth.
3. Underwrite Your Financial Freedom Fund
What is a financial freedom fund and why is it crucial?How can someone build one efficiently?Talking Point: A financial safety net is your first line of defense against life’s uncertainties.
4. Nurture Creditworthiness
How does credit impact wealth-building? What are the best ways to improve and maintain a strong credit score? Talking Point: A strong credit score is the key that unlocks opportunities to build wealth and financial freedom.
5. Diminish Liabilities
How do you differentiate between good and bad debt? Why is eliminating bad debt so important? Talking Point: Eliminating bad debt is the fastest way to reclaim your financial power and fuel wealth creation.
6. Amplify Investments
Why is investing critical to building wealth? What types of investments should families consider? Talking Point: Your money should work harder for you than you work for it—investing is how wealth multiplies.
7. Navigate a Life Insurance Strategy
How can life insurance be used as a wealth-building tool? What strategies can families use to “become their own bank”?Talking Point: Life insurance isn’t just protection; it’s a powerful tool to build and transfer generational wealth.
8. Create a Tax Wealth Strategy
Why is tax planning essential for wealth accumulation? How can families implement effective tax strategies? Talking Point: Minimizing taxes means keeping more of your money to grow and preserve your legacy.
9. Establish Legacy
What steps should families take to protect and pass on their wealth? Why is estate planning critical for generational wealth? Talking Point: A will and trust ensure your wealth lives on, protecting your family and preserving your vision for generations.

#AMI

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

 

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

Kathleen Bertrand began talking in 2009 about a new film festival to attract people of color to Atlanta’s growing film industry. From a discussion with her then CEO William Pate at the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, to talks with film enthusiasts and potential film partners, Bertrand began to assemble the team and resources needed to launch what was to become BronzeLens Film Festival, a non-profit organization. While everybody knew about Tyler Perry’s Atlanta-based empire, Bertrand and her colleagues created a platform for broader engagement in the industry for people of color and did so in a way that showcased Atlanta and its history and culture.

Under Bertrand’s visionary leadership as executive producer, BronzeLens has grown to receive attention and accolades from across the country and around the world. It is a charter member of ARRAY (formerly AFFRM), the film distribution network founded by producer/director Ava DuVernay in 2011. BronzeLens has been mentioned in articles about film diversity in publications such as the New York Times, the LA Times, Atlanta Magazine, Oz Magazine, and Ebony Magazine. In late 2016, the festival was named as an Academy Award Qualifying Film Festival for the Short Film Award. This tremendous honor is one of only 3 such designations in the country for film festivals that support the work of people of color. In its most recent film season, the festival received film submissions from 59 countries around the world. BronzeLens has received two “Best of Atlanta” Awards from Atlanta Magazine: “Best Showcase for New Filmmakers,” and “Best Place to Break into the Film Industry.”

Kathleen has received numerous awards for her work with BronzeLens. In 2016, she was given the Georgia Highlight Award, as part of the annual Georgia Film Gala. In 2018, she received the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from her alma mater Spelman College, which honored her careers in both hospitality and the film industry. Additionally, in 2018, she was inducted into the Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame, which also honored her dual careers in film and in hospitality. In 2019, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms presented Bertrand with the City of Atlanta’s highest honor – The Phoenix Award. Recent honors include the 2023 Image Award presented by Atlanta Film Society, the Synergy Award from African American Film Critics Association and being recognized by Georgia Entertainment Magazine as one of “200 Most Influential of Georgia’s Creative Industries.”

Company Description *
BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia is a non-profit organization, founded in 2009, that is dedicated to bringing national and worldwide attention to Atlanta as a center for film and film production for people of color. The mission of the BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia is two fold: to promote Atlanta as the new film mecca for people of color; and to showcase films and provide networking opportunities that will develop the next generation of filmmakers.

#BEST

#STRAW 
#SHMS

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Strawberry Letter for Thursday, April 10th, 2025: He Puts It Down, But He's Broke

"Dear Steve and Shirley, my man and I were friends for years and he’s always been down on his luck. I called him Bad Luck Barry because he couldn’t ever catch a break. Over the years, we grew fond of each other and we slowly became more than friends. One day he admitted that he’s always loved me and that’s why he has taken such good care of me for 25 years. I could not remember one time he took care of me but then I had flashbacks of the small but sweet things he’s done for me. Things like coming over in the middle of the night when my dishwasher was leaking and painting my bedroom and helping me rake leaves one Sunday afternoon. I then remembered how I had to pick him up and take him back to his brother’s house after he helped me. Despite all of that, I fell for him after we made love for the first time. He went from Bad Luck Barry to Boss Daddy because he put it down! That’s his nickname now and my friends laugh at me because my man is not the boss of anything..."

Listen to hear Steve & Shirley's responses!

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Strawberry Letter for Wednesday, April 9th, 2025: Nothing Has Changed Since She Got Her Ring

"Dear Steve and Shirley, I’m about to marry an intense woman and she stays lit, meaning she doesn’t know when enough is enough. It was fun when we first met and we were out every night or we’d take a limo ride to Chicago for dinner and have sex in the limo on our way home. She would shop all day and get me as many nice things as she bought herself. We have a lot of money between us so it was not an issue. I did a big thing and bought a big ring and decided to settle down. We’re both 41 so it’s time to stop kicking it and get serious about marriage..."

Listen to hear the rest of the letter and Steve & Shirley's responses!

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Strawberry Letter Subject for Tuesday, April 8th, 2025: "I Slipped Up and Went Back For More

"Dear Steve and Shirley, I’m married to a great man that looked good and had everything going for him, except in the bedroom. I told myself that sex wasn’t everything and I managed to make it for 3 years without cheating. Up until our wedding, I was sleeping with my daughter’s father..."

Listen to Steve & Shirley's Responses!

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The Strawberry Letter for Monday, April 7th, 2025: My Husband And His Pretty Best Friend.

"Dear Steve & Shirley, I've known my husband since I was in high school and we have been in an on and off relationship for 31 years. Years ago, my husband made bad choices and he was sentenced to eight years in prison for selling marijuana. I stood by him the entire time he was incarcerated because I knew he was my soulmate. When he got out of prison, he kept his promise to be with me forever and we have been married for five years. He has a good job, even though he's an ex -con and he bought us a new house and he takes care of our finances. My only problem is that he works from home and has a lot of free time during the day. Since he likes to hang out with his friends while I'm at work, there is one friend in particular that I have a huge problem with. We have both known her since high school, since we were in high school, but they became closer friends over the years…"

 

Listen for the rest of the story and to hear Steve & Shirley’s responses!

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Sheila Michelle Foye. 

She founded Precis Screening, LLC.   An award-winning, credited, 24/7 National Provider of Occupational Health solutions such as Drug Testing, Clinical Lab, Workplace safety solutions, and consultancy.  She was motivated to start the company because of the murder of her 24-year-old son during a drug deal.   

Talking Points: Operationalizing Pain into Purpose. Transition from Corporate into Personal Branding. Book "Unbroken".

1. Possible Question Bank: Why did you become an Entrepreneur and what will be your entrepreneurial legacy?
2. What advice would you give someone who wanted to start their own healthcare business?
3. What separate advice would you give to new aspiring entrepreneurs and new entrepreneurs in terms of business funding and managing company financials?
4. How have your business relationships grown over the years?
5. What is your winning formula for cultivating and maintaining relationships with customers and key partners?
6. What is the #1 factor in your success to date? What are the individual characteristics that you think you've that have fostered your success?
7. How do you start your typical day vs how do you end your typical day?
8. Rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 when taking risks. Share your why behind this.
9. What references do you use to stay current on industry trends and changes?
10. What's your process for updating your business strategies accordingly?
11. Share a loss you may have experienced that you bounced back from or didn't bounce back from.
12. What are some tools you leverage to maintain an organization that allows you to function as your best self?
13. What's on your music playlist or what book are you currently reading?
14. How do you measure success in your business, both financially and non-financially?

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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