Verbally Effective

Music is a way of life for my guest for episode 34 Tonya Dyson. This singer/songwriter is the founder of NeoSoulVille which is a Memphis lifestyle marketing and event production firm that caters to the “soulful” side of life. Take a listen as Tonya gives us a rich lesson in music history with the birth of Stax Records and Hi Records. As many of you know, the recording industry is filled with numerous stories of talented artists having to navigate their way through unmerited contracts. Much has changed since then however Ena and Tonya discuss many parallels that are still seen today in the music business from generating multiple streams of income to cultivating an acceptance for original music. Tonya also describes the significance of her recent trip to Cuba and how when she returned home she was robbed blind. As a result, she is now a resident at the South Main ArtSpace Lofts which is home to creatives of all disciplines to live and work.

Memphis definitely lives in my guest for episode 33. DeVonte Payton wears the "M" proudly as he advocates for engagement and development in the community involving schools, families, nonprofits, and private sector. As you take a listen to his journey you'll find that the road hasn't always been easy. While many of us were enjoying our college years in our late teens, DeVonte was shaping his work ethic and starting a family. This UofM graduate walks us through his passion for education, career changes, unemployment, "downtown living" and his love for craft beer. He also has a major announcement to share with everyone regarding his next move with charter schools.

Cultured can be defined as being refined, educated and polished. My guest for episode 32, Rhobb Hunter Jr., definitely fits into those categories. He's lived in multiple cities and countries throughout the world and is part owner of Robusto by Havana Mix cigar lounge in the heart of downtown Memphis. You many have seen him on the reality show “Bar Rescue” that offers professional expertise and renovations to businesses. Also, discover how he moved to Memphis to assist his father Rhobb Sr. in penetrating the $20 billion cigar industry. Of that $20B, African Americans only capture 2%. As a result, there are huge plans underway to grow the business. Take a listen as he enlightens us on tales from the Far East, side effects of the cigar industry and their upcoming cigar festival.

Many of you may know my guest for episode 31 for his contributions with the Memphis music scene and the Shelby County school system. However, Peppa's story begins growing up in the South Memphis community. As a graduate of White Station High School he was introduced to the music business early on by DJ Paul. This relationship flourished into artist management and Peppa becoming the Vice President of Def Jam South and being very instrumental in Yo Gotti's career. Take a listen as Peppa gives the raw and uncut stories of Memphis artists breaking into the business and how he continuously reinvents himself within the industry. As of today, Peppa has found a bigger purpose which is philanthropy. He walks us through how he developed the billboard campaign for Shelby County Schools in addition to improving school registration through his community engagement projects. Although Peppa is heavily involved with the school system, his love for music has not wavered. On Sept 2nd, Peppa is presenting the Memphis Legends Rap Concert featuring some of your favorites such as Tommy Wright III, Skinny Pimp, Gangsta Blac, Gangsta Boo, Playa Fly, La Chat, Al Kapone, DJ Squeaky, DJ Zirk, Criminal Mane, SMK and Gangsta Pat. Only Peppa could pull something off of this magnitude.

Nothing but good vibes ever since I met my soror Tiffany Dotson. And if you know her, you would know that she is one of Lil Wayne's biggest fans. He actually inspired her to get 26 tattoos. Her love of art has a story behind it. And her love for music goes even deeper. Tiffany is one of the few award winning female promoters in the city of Memphis. Although this is a male dominated industry, TDOT has excelled with flying colors. Her artist showcase series entitled "Speakerboxx" has featured many talented artists from the city and is now currently "on road." Take a listen to episode 30 as Tiffany walks us through growing up in Germantown, being a classically trained pianist, college life, being an educator and lastly her love for the music business.

The law can be interpreted in so many ways. It seems as though the world we live in today forces us to understand and sometimes challenge the law as it stands. In episode 29, Ena sits down with her soror Victoria Young who is currently approaching her last year of law school at University of TN College of Law. They discuss her road to law school as a native Memphian in addition to various projects she has in the works. She is about to open Spincult in the heart of the Medical District on August 25 which is an indoor cycling studio. In addition, she will host the first edition of Le Dîner en Blanc Memphis on next Saturday, August 4, 2018 for over 1000 guests. As you listen to this epidsode you will see how Victoria has made it a priority to promote the culture and rich soulful history of the city.

East St. Louis native, El Mac, lightens up episode 28 with an array of topics. He begins with his start at Memphis State University as a marketing/journalism student who was pledged into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity as a freshman. At this time in life social media was at its beginning stages and El was an eager participant. Hence, El's daily "HOT TOPIC" on facebook. He talks us through how he develops the topics and some very entertaining stories from going viral.

Many are called but few are chosen. I've been seeing the term "BOSS" thrown around lately as if this is something easy. In episode 27, you get a chance to meet a real boss who wears many hats. Chef Ragan is a serial entrepreneur, chef, mother and wife. Although she makes it looks easy please believe the grind is not for the faint of heart. Ragan tells us how her story began as a teenage mother who beat the odds, her start in owning her first business and how her magnetic personality transitioned her into television/radio. We also touch on many other topics such as the recent "self-made" title Forbes granted Kylie Jenner, paying taxes, eating clean,

One Love Theo is an international independent artist from Trelawny, Jamaica specializing in reggae/dancehall music. Theo moved to the states at the tender age of eleven and began his musical journey. Although he's lived in quite a few states, he calls Memphis,TN home. In episode 26, Theo discusses growing up in Jamaica, his transition as an immigrant to the US and being accepted as a reggae/dancehall artist in this fickle music business. In addition, he talks about his passion for fast cars which birthed his very own car club called the "Memphis Head Turners."

There are numerous variables that go into blogging. I didn't realize this until I met lifestyle blogger and visual content creator Kim Thomas. Although the blogging community in Memphis is currently in its growth stage, the opportunities are endless. Kim walks us through the many components that make up a successful blog which doesn't always mean thousands of followers on social media. Engagement is key! It takes hard work and dedication in which Kim provides workshops helping other bloggers monetize their craft. In episode 25 Kim and I discuss her life before blogging, the transition process, the blogging community and her many projects designed to assist and inspire other bloggers.