In this episode of The Taniesha Westbrook Show, I’m joined by my husband and co-founder, Greg Westbrook, for a real conversation about what it has actually taken to build Shop Black Fest behind the scenes.

People see the events, the crowds, the vendors, the community support, and the growth, but they do not always see the parts that almost broke us. We talk about starting with an idea, building as a husband-and-wife team, learning how to work together, and figuring out what it really means to move from hustle mode into building a sustainable business.

We also talk about our early experiences in entrepreneurship, corporate America, and what made us want to build something centered around Black business and Black culture. Greg shares his perspective as a Black man founder, and I share more about what it felt like trying to build something while also navigating being Black in corporate spaces.

This episode also gets into the business lessons we had to learn the hard way. We talk about scaling too fast, trying to go from a few cities to way too many, canceling events, dealing with customers, managing cash flow gaps, restructuring the business, and realizing that making money does not mean the business is actually built to last.

A big part of this conversation is also about roles. When you build with someone else, especially your spouse, you have to figure out who does what, what each person is actually good at, and where the business needs help. We talk about the difference between doing the things you like to do and doing the things the business actually needs.

Toward the end, we get into a deeper conversation about Black business support. Should we be trying to help every business owner, or should we be investing more energy into the entrepreneurs who are ready to grow? We talk about hustle mode, growth-minded entrepreneurs, capacity, and why support without responsibility does not always help people build better businesses.

This episode is for founders, couples in business, Black entrepreneurs, community builders, and anyone who is trying to build something that is bigger than just making quick money.

Drop your thoughts in the comments. Do you think Black business support should be for everybody, or should we focus more on the businesses that are ready to grow?

In this episode, I’m joined by my sister, Stephanie Johnson, a financial strategist and wealth educator who helps entrepreneurs leverage credit, structure their businesses, and build access to wealth.

We talk about why money is such a taboo topic in the Black community, especially for entrepreneurs, and why so many business owners feel uncomfortable being honest about revenue, profit, expenses, and what they actually pay themselves.

We also share our own story as sisters and entrepreneurs. Before Shop Black Fest, before the businesses we have now, we started a vintage fashion brand together while we were at Tennessee State University. That eventually led to us opening BTS Studios in East Nashville, where we had a full creative studio, commercial rent, big ideas, and very little understanding of how to actually manage the money side of the business.

This conversation gets into the financial foundation every entrepreneur needs. We talk about separating personal and business finances, creating a real budget, tracking your money, understanding what your business actually needs, and asking whether the things you are spending money on are going to make money back.

Stephanie also shares why credit can be such a powerful tool for entrepreneurs and why learning how to leverage personal and business credit can help you stop paying for everything out of pocket.

This episode is for entrepreneurs who are making money but still feel like they are struggling. It is a real conversation about financial literacy, business credit, budgeting, money habits, and telling the truth about where your business really stands.

Listen in and ask yourself this: is your business actually growing, or is the money still all over the place?

In this episode, I’m talking about Pinky Cole, the founder of Slutty Vegan, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and what her story reveals about fast growth, public success, and the pressure Black founders face when their businesses become cultural symbols.

This conversation is not about judging her. It is about the bigger reality that many Black business owners deal with when the business grows faster than the systems, team, finances, and operations can handle.

I break down the difference between Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, why Chapter 11 does not automatically mean a business is shutting down, and how restructuring can sometimes be part of the business journey.

I also talk about the pressure to perform success online while dealing with debt, taxes, burnout, hiring, operations, and the real growing pains that people do not always see from the outside.

This episode is about Pinky Cole, Slutty Vegan, Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Black-owned businesses, fast growth, and the hidden cost of building something that looks successful to everybody else.

Listen in and tell me what you think. Is bankruptcy always a failure, or can it be a tool for rebuilding?

This episode originally aired under Cool Girls Create, now The Taniesha Westbrook Show.

In this conversation, I’m sitting down with Charmin Bates, the founder of Creative Girls Rock, a Nashville-based nonprofit created to empower young girls through creativity, the arts, and self-expression.

Charmin started Creative Girls Rock around the pandemic, and since then, she has grown it into a real movement. What started as a vision has expanded into annual experiences like Sneaker Ball, major community partnerships, and now a physical location. She has built the organization to the point where she was able to leave her job and run her nonprofit full-time.

In this episode, we talk about Charmin’s journey from loving fashion, visual arts, ballet, and tap dancing to creating powerful light shows, working with female artists, and building a nonprofit that makes space for young girls to see themselves as creative, powerful, and capable.

One of the biggest themes in this conversation is the power of relationships. Charmin shares how networking, genuine connections, and staying open to people helped create major opportunities, including sponsorships from Fortune 500 companies.

We also talk about getting out of your comfort zone, taking bold chances, and not waiting until everything feels perfect before you move. Charmin’s story is a reminder that creativity can open doors, but relationships, courage, and consistency are what help you build something that lasts.

Tune in for a conversation about creativity, purpose, nonprofit growth, community, and building the confidence to go after the ideas that will not leave you alone.

Welcome to "Cool Girls Create," the podcast that empowers and inspires aspiring women entrepreneurs and creators! Join host Taniesha Westbrook and her incredible guests!

Join us for an insightful conversation with Donzaleigh Powell, a creative who has gracefully transitioned from the confines of corporate America into the vibrant worlds of event curation and photography. In this episode, Donzaleigh shares her journey, offering wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Donzaleigh explores the essence of hosting events and the risks involved. She discusses the importance of trusting in yourself even in moments of uncertainty when turnout may be minimal. Emphasizing the significance of dedication and authenticity, she highlights the value of focusing on and cherishing the attendees who do show up, regardless of numbers.

Moreover, Donzaleigh dives into the nuances of collaboration, stressing the importance of aligning with like-minded individuals whose values and vision complement your own. She advocates for thoughtful consideration of each collaborator's intentions, ensuring a partnership that could result in mutual growth and success.

Donzaleigh shares insights into the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of defining one's true goals and aspirations. From achieving financial comfort to cultivating multiple streams of income, she offers advice tailored to individual needs and ambitions.

Tune in as Donzaleigh inspires listeners to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape with resilience, authenticity, and a clear sense of purpose, reminding us that success is not solely defined by monetary wealth but by the fulfillment derived from pursuing one's passions and realizing one's true potential.

Welcome to "Cool Girls Create," the podcast that empowers and inspires aspiring women entrepreneurs and creators! Join host Taniesha Westbrook and her incredible guests!

Join us for an illuminating conversation with Tegan Mingo, a seasoned television, news, and film producer, as we explore the intricacies of pitching oneself to the media from a producer's perspective.

In this episode, Tegan shares invaluable tips on crafting compelling press releases that resonate with producers. Emphasizing the importance of going beyond the standard who, what, when, and where, Tegan advocates for incorporating the "why" by leveraging impactful data and numbers. She stresses the need to articulate how an event or announcement will be executed, ensuring its relevance to the target audience and aligning with the producer's storytelling objectives.

Drawing from her wealth of experience, Tegan encourages listeners to embrace risks and seize opportunities, even in uncharted territories. Reflecting on her own journey as a young black woman entering the industry, she candidly discusses the challenges of self-doubt and the importance of faith and support from mentors.

Tune in as Tegan Mingo shares her insights, empowering aspiring media professionals to navigate the complexities of pitching with confidence and authenticity, while also inspiring them to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.

Welcome to "Cool Girls Create," the podcast that empowers and inspires aspiring women entrepreneurs and creators! Join host Taniesha Westbrook and her incredible guests!

I had an enlightening conversation with Julie Lilliston, an esteemed publicist recognized for her impactful contributions to the industry. Named one of Nashville Business Journal's women of influence, Julie shares insights into the world of public relations and its crucial role in shaping brands.

Welcome to "Cool Girls Create," the podcast that empowers and inspires aspiring women entrepreneurs and creators! Join host Taniesha Westbrook and her incredible guests!

Welcome to "Cool Girls Create," the podcast that empowers and inspires aspiring women entrepreneurs and creators! Join host Taniesha Westbrook and her incredible guests!

In this inspiring episode, join us for a heartfelt conversation with the remarkable Dr. Katherine Brown. With sincerity and passion, Dr. Brown opens up about her journey and the impactful work she's doing in her community. Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, Dr. Brown's unwavering determination propelled her forward, turning every "no" into fuel for her journey toward "yes."

Through her own experiences, Dr. Brown shares invaluable insights on perseverance, self-belief, and understanding one's true worth. She distinguishes between influence and leadership, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself while pursuing goals.

At the core of our discussion is Dr. Brown's profound commitment to creating positive change. As the founder of her own nonprofit organization, she has touched the lives of over 300,000 students, working tirelessly to reshape the narrative and opportunities for young black individuals.

Tune in to learn how Dr. Katherine Brown's relentless perseverance and dedication are reshaping communities, one day at a time. Discover how her journey serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment, inspiring us all to embrace our potential and drive change in the world around us.

Welcome to "Cool Girls Create," the podcast that empowers and inspires aspiring women entrepreneurs and creators! Join host Taniesha Westbrook and her incredible guests!

In this enlightening episode, join me as I sit down with Melaneice Gibbs, a force to be reckoned with in the world of dance and the esteemed coach of the Sophisticated Ladies at Tennessee State University. Despite possessing a scholarship for dance, Melaneice initially didn't envision it as her career path. She shares her journey, highlighting the skepticism she faced from those around her who couldn't comprehend making a career from the arts.

Our conversation dives into the challenges of turning passion into profit, as Melaneice gives insight on monetizing creativity and establishing a sustainable business model. We explore the art of prioritization, discussing strategies to reduce stress and manage multiple goals effectively.

Melaneice also offers a glimpse into her toolbox of skills learned through years of navigating the competitive dance industry. From networking to mastering marketing and sales tactics, she emphasizes the importance of black business owners seizing opportunities, obtaining certifications, and continually enhancing their expertise.

As our discussion unfolds, Melaneice challenges us to embrace self-belief and take the necessary risks for success. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, aspiring dancer, or simply seeking inspiration to pursue your passions, this episode is bound to ignite the spark of possibility within you. Tune in and embark on a journey of empowerment and enlightenment with Melaneice Gibbs.