Who Got Next? The Podcast

Welcome to Volume 6 of the WGN.

 

Hey folks. I’m Back! We’re talking to Noel Pipkin, founder of Barre Belle Ballet here in CLT. Barre Belle is a nonprofit organization that is a portable dance studio designed to provide universal access to the art of dance in the CLT communities and schools. Noel found her love for ballet at a very young age. She credits ballet being a focal point in her development into adulthood and saw an opportunity and a need to create these opportunities here in CLT. She sits down with me to talk about the importance of diversity in dance, her journey, and her taking the leap in creating the organization. I also ask a very important question. How do keep the feet up to par when doing ballet? Because I can only imagine the HammerTime percolating in those shoes once you’re done. LOL. J/k, but seriously, How? Lol. #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure

This week I had the privilege of talking to Chef Oscar Johnson & Chef Darryl Cooper (aka Coop), owners of Jimmy Pearls, a pop-up restaurant located at 7th Street Market in uptown CLT. Originally from Hampton, VA, these two didn't formally meet until attending Johnson & Wales, where their culinary journey started for them. With Jimmy Pearls they have a unique style to seafood, but with a flare of soulfood mixed in. On this episode we discuss the story they want to be told through their cooking, what made them decide to go into business together, the landscape of black restaurants in CLT, being mentored by Soulfood Sessions and, and definitely what is next for JP? Listen to Chef Coop tell you what HE WILL NOT BE COOKING at Jimmy Pearls!! LOL

Oh, scroll on over to the next page and check out this tasty fish sandwich with the Jimmy sauce I had the luxury of smashing! #WhogotnextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

Although I have a podcast of my own I would be remiss to not acknowledge another podcast that is on the grind making their mark in the CLT Community. Had a chance to chop it up with Jumpman Jones, Jukebox Johnny, and James aka Jellyfish of the K!ck!n $#!T Podcast. We talk about how the podcast was created and what topics they liked to discuss with their listeners. We definitely touch on the landscape of podcasting in CLT and what it means to have diverse content between different platforms representing the city. Please make sure y'all check them out and listen them discuss the latest topics in current events and pop culture! These brothers are NEXT! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

This week WGN had the opportunity to talk with Bubba, one of the founders of Bank City Bike Club here in CLT. We discussed how the formulation of the bike club started, the importance of staying active, the misconceptions of cycling amongst African Americans, and how he saw a path for the bike club to be formed into a bona fide business. He also breaks down what type of bike you will need when you are cycling for long periods of times. In closing, don’t think your HUFFY you’ve had since grade school will do the job. It will not! I definitely asked! LOL. This was a dope conversation and yall will enjoy this for sure. Take a listen and get familiar with Bank City. #WhoGotNext #CLTure QuarantineEdition

This week we’re talking to Salim and Kimani, co-founders of Ascend Apparel LLC. In 2017, the company established themselves as a luxury brand and pushing the envelope of creating products with quality material for consumers across the globe. In our conversation Salim and Kimani discuss how their awkward introduction with one another while attending WSSU lead to a friendship that catapulted into a partnership. They also touch on how their partnership works within the company and the importance of holding each other accountable; even when it may cut deep. Through our conversation you can definitely see these brothers are family and want to create generational wealth and great items through Ascend Apparel. Y’all take a listen. These brothers definitely are NEXT! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

One thing CLT has is a variety of places to eat and when I say "Eat" I'm talking about "Good Eating" around here.

This week I had the pleasure of speaking to Cory Wilkins, founder of DailySpecialCLT, that consists of letting us know what restaurants consumers need to check out here in the CLT community. Cory is a foodie and he wanted others to know about these places as well. What started out as trying to find the food specials turned into an opportunity to help restaurants promote their brand via social media. If you follow DailySpecialCLT on IG you can see why restaurant owners are clambering at the chance to get Cory's critique; it's not just his word but also the visuals he produces to capture the essence of the dishes in particular. This conversation discusses how his hobby turned into a business opportunity. Y'all get to know Cory. He Got Next!!!#WhogotnextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

Let’s be honest. We all know how demanding the liquor business can be. It’s not for the faint of heart. Got to have thick skin to get into this type of business, but it looks like Taylor is on the path of crushing all those barriers. This week I had the pleasure of speaking to Taylor R., the owner of Redd Rose Vodka. We discuss how Redd Rose was born and the inspiration behind the name. We talk about her goals and aspirations on what she EXPECTS Redd Rose to do, the legacy she wants to create for her family, her early challenges when forming the company, and talking about how doubters can fuel your ambition to be successful. Please be on the lookout for Redd Rose! She definitely has NEXT! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

This week I am talking with a fellow Fay State alum , and the owner of TYME, an artisan that specialize in hand made candles and fragrant products. We discuss what inspired her to create her business and touch on KNOWING YOUR CUSTOMER as an aspiring entrepreneur; which is extremely important when growing your business. We also the importance of building a brand and marketing products in different environments, and being open to CHANGE! So sit back, light a candle, and take a listen. You have nothing but TYME! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

This week we are getting into some ART! I’m talking with artist Leon Parker who resides here in CLT. We discuss how he got started and the emergence of the art scene here in and the exposure it’s giving to those who are starting to cook with church grease and bubbling under the radar. He gives his opinion on the cultural impact the BLACK LIVES MATTER MURAL had on not just the CLT Community but other cities across the U.S. I couldn’t let this brother leave without telling me about what influences his style and the notable artists’ work he enjoys. It was great getting to know Leon. Please take a listen. This is a good one. As always, thanks for tuning in! Leon, YOU’RE UP NEXT SIR! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

On this week’s episode WGN is chatting with Deanna Taylor, a Queen City native, and Editor-in-Chief for It’s the Block, a new digital publication designed to be a cultural resource for people of color who operates in the creative space and entrepreneurship here in Charlotte community. Her and I discuss what It’s the Block will mean for us in the future and touch on the many changes the city has gone through in the past several years. Deanna wears many hats outside of her newly appointed position. She is an attorney, author, avid traveler, foodie, and definitely keeps up with the latest sneaker releases (you know that’s right up my alley). This was definitely a great conversation. You all take a listen as she lets me know what’s crackin’ on HER BLOCK! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition