Verbally Effective

Malorie Hullett is the Owner and Primary Educator at Creative Collegiate Academy. She grew up in Cordova, TN the oldest of two siblings, Melanie and Michael, also known as the three M's. Malorie was an all-around girl who had a knack with kids, loved fashion, participated in cheer leading and always loved to stand out. Having a COGIC upbringing added a creative flare to Malorie's wardrobe. After she graduate from Cordova High School, she attended HBCU Lane College. Coming from a long line of educators, Malorie received a BA in Elementary Education in 2006. Her teaching career began in 2008 with her first group of kindergartners in Clarksdale, MS with Friars Point Elementary. Fast forward to today with Malorie leading her very own home-based preschool as the primary educator for kids ages 3-5 years with Creative Collegiate Academy. You will learn about her strong family ties deeply rooted in creativity from her mother and cousin which became a game changer in her ability to connect with children outside of the box. Malorie talks of the importance of having a solid support system, her long-term goals with CCA and the importance of self-care.

Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and raised in the city of Bridgeport, CT, Jeremie Serrano is a self-taught Artist and Chef that also works in the Advocacy & Policy field for underrepresented communities. Jeremie moved to the city of grit and grind for LOVE in 2017 reuniting with his boyfriend of six years. He noticed the disparity of health issues with people of color and responded three years ago by providing content via La Comida De Jeremie.

Through his brand and social media platforms, Jeremie openly shares his experience through

the lens of a gay, Latinx, plant-based guy maneuvering the world that was set up to go against

everything he is and stands for. Whether it’s his illustrations with a message for change or a

recipe to help teach a new vegan way to eat, one thing is always certain: you can find Jeremie

advocating for the people and working towards a more equitable and inclusive society.

To connect and learn more about Jeremie and his brand, check out his webstie at https://www.lacomidadejeremie.com/.

Did you know that your Tennessee State Representative for District 91 loves dinosaurs and action films? Also known as "THEE Stallion of Politics" by her close friends, London Lamar shares her journey with the Verbally Effective Podcast for Ep 131. Growing up in the White Haven, London developed her love for community at a very young age. After graduating from Central HS, she attended St. Mary's and returned to Memphis diving into politics head first. London explains that it is a very high price being a black woman in the political space in 2020 always having to be twice as good. She shares her thoughts on how the overwhelming pandemic has exposed a wide array of inefficiencies and gaps in our government structure. London also reminds us that we are celebrating the 100yr anniversary of the Women's Suffrage Movement that echoes the importance of this election year. Take a listen as London reminds you that she has taken a vow to serve the people and represent her generation as a true leader.

In this exclusive Verbally Effective Podcast episode taped at Royal Studios, Ena Esco sits down with brothers and Memphis natives Fresh and Chase Henry. These brothers are building a multi-millionaire empire while giving back to their community in the process. Beginning with a need to protect their tailors within their LA manufacturing facility, the birth of Henry Mask Co. was developed. Take a listen as the Henry brothers share some pretty cool anecdotes on how the company came together and how both play very important yet unique roles within the business. As we all come to grips with a pandemic and revolution rolled into one, Fresh and Chase shed light on how they are moving different in such a heightened space. You'll learn all about Mask Money Monday in addition to how Fresh and Chase have incorporated philanthropy within their business model.

Can you imagine growing up surrounded by legendary music greats? Well my guest for episode 129, Oona Mitchell Bean, is the granddaughter of the iconic Willie Mitchell of Hi Records who released records with likes of Al Green, O.V. Wright, Ann Peebles and many more. Oona, along with her brother Boo Mitchell, continues the family's third generation as influential music makers and producers.

Oona gravitated towards the business side of music helping her grandfather secure deals while becoming an expert at copywriting and publishing. Her personal growth also developed alongside famed producer David Gest as his assistant in the states and managing European tours with artists such as Peabo Bryson, Denise Williams and Melba Moore. In addition, Oona worked for free for fifteen years as a volunteer learning the ins and outs of festival planning. Through hard work and determination, she began planning festivals on her own merit such as MEMPHO Fest and the Memphis Springboard Festival. Oona spread her wings and started internet radio station Royal Radio where she promotes local artists and business as well as live streams.

In this episode you will hear some of the challenges Oona has faced as a double minority in the music business. She also shares quite a few stories with her many travels around the world promoting Memphis music. We touch on the importance of mental health awareness sharing our thoughts on the recent Kanye West updates. This topic segued into a discussion on how important it is to say “NO” in this industry when folks are beating down your door in need of a piece of you. Lastly, Oona speaks on her work with the exclusive Grammy's club dating back to 2008 where she is currently a board member for the local Memphis chapter.

"If serving others is below you, leadership is beyond you." This is the quote that comes to mind when I think of my next guest's journey.

Erik Henneghan is a proud native Memphian with Frayser roots and a passionate community advocate. He earned his Bachelor’s in Business Management from Southern University while on a track scholarship. During his time in college, Erik was battling with deep depression dealing with sports and family issues. Luckily, he overcame his bout with the help of a strong support system. After graduation, Erik transitioned into a long career where he has held engaged positions with organizations focused on growth, collaboration and workforce development. His community contributions run deep and have been recognized on a local, national and global level.

Tune in to hear Erik's journey and how he values relationships. He gives us a look inside how he reconnected with his father after years of pinned up emotions. He credits his wife for encouraging that relationship as he speaks of the importance of having a spouse who understands your needs. Towards the end of the podcast we touch on the "Entanglement" fiasco, race and the upcoming election.

Born and raised in Fort Worth, TX, known to most as Chef Tam, she is the owner of Chef Tam's Underground Cafe. Nestled in the heart of Memphis, TN, Chef Tam's restaurant is one of few that has voluntarily decided to go full take out during this novel pandemic. Growing up in Texas she married young and was heavily involved in church becoming a youth pastor. After graduating college with a business and marketing degree, she attended beauty school and opened a hair salon.

Tune in to find out the reasons for Chef Tam's move to Memphis, her long lineage of family cooks and her amazing television adventures on the Food Network with Guy Fieri and many others. You will also discover that even in the midst of uncertainty, Chef Tam remains resilient finding peace in her home garden.

Memphis native Brent Hooks comes from a legacy of racial justice activism. Brent is a young capitalist whose work ethic and education speaks volumes in creating the leader he is today. He grew up in a very diverse environment with him often being the only black male in many settings. Take a listen as Brent walks us through the importance of being civically engaged, relationship building and some very strong advice for budding entrepreneurs. He also shares some of his favorite reads that have shaped his business mind frame giving him an edge as a millennial. Brent is currently the co-owner of AllWorld Project Management, Vice President of Administration for 100 Black Men and a board member to Shelby County/City of Memphis Film and TV Commission.

Orange Mound native, Alexis Cole, is a saxophonist and highly decorated beauty queen. Having low self-esteem growing up, her mother always challenged her to go beyond. Alexis had a very cultured upbringing staring on the piano and transitioning to the saxophone in the 6th grade. She entered the pageant world at the age of sixteen and won the title of Miss Black Memphis. Alexis was also crowned Miss UAPB in 2013-14, Miss Black USA in 2019 and currently working towards the Elite Miss Tennessee Earth USA title.

Take a listen as Alexis walks us through her insecurities growing up, being the only black woman in many settings, her love for fast cars and how she is coping as an essential healthcare worker during COVID19.

Michael Butler Jr. is controlling the narrative through his lens. He is a self-taught cinematographer, photographer and content creator. The only boy with four sisters, Mike grew up in South Memphis. He headed to the navy after graduating from Wooddale High School in pursuits of traveling the world. After those four years of discover Michael eventually made his way back to Memphis. He shares why he picked up a camera after battling with depression. Scouring YouTube University to perfect his craft, Michael is now one of the most sought after photogs and filmmakers around. Take a listen as Michael describes his aesthetic, his involvement with capturing the recent protests and why his daughter Maddie is his muse.