Who Got Next? The Podcast

This week we're talking to Cozy and Malaysha. Cozy is a graphic designer that's provided his work for many CLT creatives and small businesses in the city. Cozy come highly recommended and respected by his peers and clients trust him to bring their vision to life. His attention to detail and weaving CLT culture into his work is what sets him apart from many in his field of work. Malaysha is a visual arts educator and creator, whose work has been featured in many outlets and events across the city; and more recently featured at the Black Girl Art Show. Malaysha, also a CLT native, speaks on the identity of the city and where the art community fits into the future plans with the frequent growth of Charlotte. This was a great conversation and hope you all enjoy as well. #WhoGotNext #CLTure

This week we’re chopping it up with Ryan Howell. Too many things to name that’s he’s had his hands in including the QC Social Group, Hillman Day Party, COLOURS Day Party, the newly established Blackberry Weekend, just to name a few. Ryan is always creating and don’t see any signs of him slowing down. Although he considers himself to be a low-key individual this brother lets the success of his events do the talking for him. Even then he’s still going to be him. Take a listen and get to know him. Dope convo. Appreciate that conversation Bruh! #WhoGotNext #CLTure

It's almost time for Eat Black Charlotte Restaurant week and their Food & Culture Festival to hit CLT this summer so we had to chop it with the organizers of this event. This week we're talking with a few of the co-founders of EAT BLK CLT DailySpecialCLT and Food Plug CLT. The fellas let us know what's in store for the event and discuss some of the things they learned as the event grows year after year. We also talk about the nuances of food reviews for restaurants and food trucks and how the businesses learn and build off the feedback moving forward. DailySpecialCLT is a recurring WGN guest, and it was a privilege to chop it up with Food Plug as well. #WhoGotNext #CLTure

In honor of Women's History Month, I wanted to discuss Black women working in corporate America. Most executive roles or positions that require somebody to be the face of their company are not people of color. Not saying all of them fall in that category, but the number isn't as high as it should be. In my opinion, the last couple of years we have seen a shift in corporate America focusing on how to tackle diversity in the workplace. Another big question is how do companies that are in the minority compete with bigger companies to land contracts with them? Let's meet Alexis K, DEI advocate for Turner Construction in Charlotte, NC. Her role is to ensure that small minority businesses are prepared through engagement and training. On our sit-down Alexis talks about her journey in her field, the power of networking, and the joy of providing opportunities to the small fishes in a big pond and will continue to do so. Also, here is fun a fact about Alexis. Did you all know that she is training to get her pilot license? #WhoGotNext #CLTure

On this week's episode of WGN we're catching up with Vashti, the owner of Carolina Blitz here in the QC.  Since the last time she was on the pod ya girl has been BLITZIN'! Business is on the upswing, the sports credentials are validated, and the RESPECT has been cemented. We talk about what she has learned since becoming a business owner in the short few years and what it's like covering the Carolina Panthers, Tarheels, Blue Devils, and NC State? Vashti gives a little insight on a few things she wouldn't mind getting "her lick back" on starting her sports journalism career and the importance on being unapologetically black in a white male dominated field. For the next young black women aspiring to cover sports just take a page out of  her book. Like I told her, "Vashti did that so hopefully you don't have to go through that!". Yea I stole Shawn Corey Carter's bars. SO! LOL #WhoGotNext #CLTure

Welcome Back! Thank you for tuning in to the WGN. Starting off this volume with some cooking! Meet Santana Burriss, private chef, mixologist, and Culinary entrepreneur. Burriss is a CLT native that has a serious passion for food and we discuss how traveling across the globe shaped his experiences in the kitchen. Burriss doesn't dismiss that fact that his foundation for food started in his the family kitchen at a young age, and gives the credit it deserves, but Santana's skill set grew from traveling across the globe where he was able to study the food culture and implement that into his own recipes. This conversation we discuss him working in some of Atlanta's premiere restaurants, going to school in NY for culinary arts, and the documentary he is working on presently here in CLT that will highlight the food scene here in the city. Here is a fun fact: if you are a fan of the Food Network then you might've seen Satana as a contestant on Supermarket Stakeout around the fall of 2022. Thank you all for tuning in. #WhoGotNext #CLTure

If you know me then you would know I probably enjoy R&B way more than Hip Hop. Some good ass singing will always be my choice to set the mood. Now Cyanca, this sista right here.....definitely is making strides with some good music. I caught wind of Cyance a few years ago and had a fan (in me) ever since. Cyanca got her start in church, but to my surprise she wasn't interested in singing. She wanted to play the instruments in the choir; but she also could sing. Her talents got her to UNCG on a music scholarship where she would continue to work on her skill set. After a brief break from being tied to music she picked it back up once her job relocated her to CLT. It was then she started making her rounds with likeminded individuals who were doing music here. When you get co-signs from Elevator Jay & Lute you gotta be doing something dope, and that dope is what Cyanca Is! #WhoGotNext #CLT

This week WGN is diving back into real estate. This time we are getting into the woman's perspective. I had the pleasure to sit down with the homie Anita M, a realtor here in CLT who is ready to assist you with your home purchasing needs. Our conversation hits on a couple key topics. Anita gives the pod insight on why she decided to become a realtor and hits on some key points that first time homebuyers might miss. Outside of her loving to help potential buyers achieve their dream home. Although Anita says doing the job is very rewarding, she does speak on what it takes to perform her duties at a high level; minus the challenges that she faces sometimes being a black woman in the industry. It's great to get a different view from a woman's POV and I hope you will enjoy this conversation. Make sure to check out her offer at the end only through WGN! In closing, make sure you let her know WHO GOT NEXT sent ya! # WhoGotNext #CLTture #Vol9

Micki Blendz says she fell in love with music at a young age. Having siblings that were older allowed her to get a taste of what it felt like to be "OUTSIDE", which define that we know a thing or two about music. It wasn't until attending college she realized she wanted to be DJ. As most say, the rest is history. Since I enjoy music and love the craft of being a DJ this is how our conversation was conducted.:

We talk about the importance of working on your craft and being only as good as your next gig, so staying on your toes and being ready is the key. We also discuss the state of being a DJ today and her future aspirations in music. I asked her what is her dream DJ'ing Gig? Fun Fact: She went by another name before Micki Blendz. Peep her answer on this episode! lol.  Always great to just talk music, and that we did! Appreciate ya Micki!

One theme that is constant with the WGN pod is cultivating relationships within business. Without it you might have a difficult time finding success. Professional relationships are the cornerstone of business building and you have to find your lane when establishing them. Gio, the owner of Fitted CLT definitely understands the importance of that. Sitting down with him you can hear how he learned that early when he was pushing his brand out of his trunk. That's how the grind started with him; and from there is where Fitted CLT was born. Not long afterwards he formed a bond with Zay, his right hand man with the business, and together they have some things brewing for the company. This pod we talk about their partnership, their creative approach in collaborating with others immersed in the city, the journey of starting a business, and the meaning behind the "the purple brim", the signature tag for their hats. I enjoyed talking with these two brothers and you will definitely enjoy it too! #WhoGotNextCLT #Vol 9