From cutting hair in 7th grade to owning Seattle's 'J Styles Barbershop' for 20 YEARS, Jameel Shabazz's journey is a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

In our latest episode, Jameel shares how his father, the legendary Brother Benjamin Shabazz's lessons shaped his path. Also he speaks on how barbershops should be treated as community centers and serve everyone from "the grandmother bringing her grandchild" to "the pastor," and how faith anchors his business decisions.

Key highlights you won't want to miss:

• How he turned self-taught skills into a thriving business

• The surprising way he defines entrepreneurship

• His powerful philosophy of "creating your own sun"

• Why he believes marriage saved his life

• The secret to building a barbershop that serves the entire community

Whether you're a barber, business owner, or someone seeking purpose beyond profit, this conversation cuts deeper than hair—straight to what makes a life well-lived.

In our latest episode, we sit down with LaTaunya Witherspoon, founder of 'Spoon Fed Training' @spoonfed_training and one of the less than 3% of Black women who own fitness facilities nationwide!

From competing on American Ninja Warrior to training NFL stars like Richard Sherman, LaTaunya shares her journey of building a fitness empire that was voted "Best Gym in Renton" in 2023.

In this powerful conversation, she reveals:

• How she started her business by clearing her entire savings

• Her approach to making fitness accessible for ALL bodies

• Why she believes in taking things "one spoonful at a time"

• The mindset that keeps her competitive edge sharp

• How faith drives her entrepreneurial journey

This episode is packed with gems for fitness enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to transform their passion into purpose.

Resilience, creativity, and purpose define Seattle artist Creative Lou's remarkable journey.

In this episode, Damon Brown opens up about:

• His transition from corporate design to becoming one of Seattle's most impactful public artists

• Overcoming a life-altering health crisis that temporarily left him paralyzed

• Creating the first Black-themed marathon running shoe for Brooks

• Designing Starbucks' 50th anniversary poster and special collection

• His signature "complex simplicity" style that invites viewers to complete the narrative

"Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought." This Einstein quote that Damon shared perfectly captures his innovative approach to art that transforms communities.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation about art, identity, and the healing power of creativity.

Michelle Lang-Raymond, founder and Executive Director of Acts on Stage, joins The Up and Up to share her journey of creating spaces where artists of color and people of faith can bring their full authentic selves. From her southern roots in Mississippi to building a groundbreaking theater company in Seattle, Michelle discusses how she's bridging the gap between faith communities and artistic expression.

In this episode, we explore:

• How Michelle secured a million-dollar grant to launch Acts on Stage

• The challenges of being an artist of faith in traditional spaces

• Building a theater company during the pandemic

• Creating authentic community through artistic expression

• The importance of doing your best work at whatever level you're at

Michelle shares powerful insights on leadership, creativity, and the transformative power of theater. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or community builder, this conversation offers wisdom on staying true to your calling while building something meaningful.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jesse Rhodes Jr., author of "Leadership Unlocked: Harness the Power of Your Ambition" and a transformative leader who's reshaping how we think about authentic leadership and personal growth.

From his groundbreaking work as Head of Inclusion, Diversity & Equity at Amazon Web Services to mentoring our youth and future leaders of tomorrow, Jesse shares how a mantra he created at age 16 - "The power of vision drives me forward" - has guided his remarkable journey from first-generation college graduate to corporate change maker.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Transforming crisis into opportunity in his first week at Amazon - the week of George Floyd's murder

• Why removing doors is more powerful than opening them for future leaders

• The five principles of authentic leadership development

• His journey from Big 4 accounting firms to Fortune 500 leadership

• The story behind his new book "Leadership Unlocked"

In a world where artists struggle to survive, Julie Chang Schulman chose to build something different. Journey from her early days as a teenage hip-hop artist navigating trauma through music, to becoming the architect behind Seattle's most innovative creative movement.

Discover how 'Forever Safe Spaces' and 'On The Block' are revolutionizing the creative economy by putting community ownership and artist wellbeing first. With over 200+ artists supported and multiple spaces in Capitol Hill, Julie reveals how hyperlocal impact creates lasting change.

This isn't just about art - it's about healing, community power, and redefining success on artists' terms. Whether you're a creator, community builder, or someone who believes in the power of art to transform lives, this conversation will change how you think about creative spaces.

Learn how:

• Hip-hop became a tool for healing and community building

• Personal trauma transformed into collective triumph

• 342 events in 2024 built a creative revolution

• Community ownership models can reshape creative economies

• Hyperlocal focus creates sustainable impact

This is one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

Join us for an inspiring journey through Everett's first-ever Let Us Create showcase, where entrepreneurs and creatives came together to celebrate community, innovation, and success!

KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• Building successful businesses from scratch

• The importance of community in entrepreneurship

• Overcoming challenges and staying focused

• Finding your authentic voice in business

• The power of networking and collaboration

• Real stories of persistence and growth

GUEST HIGHLIGHTS:

Miguel Leyva shares his unique approach to customer satisfaction in the printing industry, offering free samples and ensuring quality results.

Mary Cartier takes us through her journey from Alaska to international fashion weeks, showcasing her talent in makeup artistry and beauty.

Marshall Hugh discusses the importance of being prepared to sprint in different lanes as a multi-faceted creative and shares insights about his music and event production journey.

Eliza Whitman reveals how she created a unique space at Charmed Beauty Collective where beauty professionals can maintain their individuality while working as a team.

Jessica Ho reveals how she transitioned from tech to becoming the Mortgage Queen, helping families build wealth through real estate.

Aaron Davis, the visionary behind the showcase, discusses creating opportunities for creatives and building community in Everett.

Brandon McKenzie gives us an inside look at the diamond industry and his journey from mining in West Africa to creating custom jewelry.

Jenna Von Schneider opens up about her path from personal struggles to building a successful interior design business.

From Corporate Tech Executive to Cultural Bridge Builder: Meet Keisha Free, founder of Hey Black Seattle. Journey through her transformation from a 15-year tech industry veteran to creating a digital platform connecting Black culture, business, and community across the Pacific Northwest. Learn how personal purpose became a powerful movement for change.

Key gems shared:

• Redefining Black excellence

• The power of authentic community building

• Why saying no preserves your peace

• How to maintain service at your core

Plus, the incredible story of how

Hey Black Seattle was born!

Join us as 'DJ Nayiram' shares his extraordinary journey from Medina, Ghana to becoming Seattle's premier Afrobeats curator. Learn how he went from practicing on YouTube tutorials to sharing stages with Davido and revolutionizing the Pacific Northwest music scene. This episode is a masterclass in cultural entrepreneurship, music business development, and authentic community building.

🎵 In this episode:

1. The power of staying teachable in the music industry

2. Building cultural bridges through music

3. How rejection led to opening for Davido

4. Creating authentic spaces in new markets

5. Balancing entrepreneurship with artistry

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', we sit down with Laron Daniels, former pro basketball player turned entrepreneur, and Co-Owner of the amazing 'Self-Made Couture'.

Laron shares his journey of stepping off the court and making a bold pivot from sports to the business world of fashion by partnering with the founders of Self-Made Couture, a bespoke luxury clothing brand based in downtown Seattle. With a vision to dress everyone in the city in custom-tailored style, Laron discusses the transition from athlete to businessman and the opening of Self-Made Couture’s Seattle storefront, diversifying the luxury fashion scene and impacting in style.

We explore the brand's mission to empower clients with personalized, high-quality fashion and the importance of supporting small businesses in driving Seattle’s economic growth. Tune in to hear Laron's insights on building a brand, the thrill of crafting custom pieces for men, women, and children, and his passion for bringing accessible luxury to the heart of Seattle.

This story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp