X is for Xcellent » Podcast

Testimonials for services and companies are the best way to gain insight. I personally have never worked with anyone in the small business lending space, but knowing entrepreneurs who have has been an incredible gateway to meeting brilliant people in finance. Jerel Harvey and Valley Ridge Partners are a wonderful resource for those seeking financing opportunities to grow their business.

This year Pamper Us Mobile Massage Services has really blossomed to being a powerful company in the mobile services space. The owner, Brandi Fox, was guided through each step of the financing process by Jerel from early in January to the grand opening of her Pamper Lounge in mid-September. Their partnership in business continues even after the grand opening as Brandi looks to continue to propel her business forward. So unlike other banks where their interactions are impersonal, Valley Ridge Partners provides a personalized customer service experience as well as custom products and services.

Jerel and Valley Ridge Partners are strong proponents of education and awareness of how small businesses can grow through financing opportunities. I’m excited for you all to listen to this conversation as the information flow is priceless. For more information about Valley Ridge Partners please visit the website, Facebook, email or give them a call at (704)701-7460.

Until next post…

X is for Xcellent » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://xjohnsondotnet.wordpress.com/

The conversation about being Black in STEM fields is something that can’t just happen once because the black experience has layers. Just as the opportunities are great for STEM fields in general, there are some not so pretty situations that we sometimes face as black people in career fields that lack diversity. My guests for this particular session of Black in STEM were Gavin Boulware, Tiffany Stokely, Gabe Mabry and Tim Noble.We touch on everything from the interview process for our first jobs to how we go in to work after situations in which black people are unjustly killed.

There isn’t more for me to say that hasn’t been addressed in the recording so definitely take a listen. You won’t regret it.

Until next post…

X is for Xcellent » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://xjohnsondotnet.wordpress.com/

Tailgating season is underway and what better way to have great tasting burgers and ribs fresh off the grill than with an incredible sauce. This is where Triple Whammy Sauces comes in for the win. Tyler Frazier began Triple Whammy Sauces back in 2011 while still in college. His creativity in the kitchen mixing sauces won him a reputation for being “that BBQ sauce guy”. His company’s reputation then grew based on the unique spin he puts in what would otherwise be a rather traditional sauce.

Tyler is admittedly a driven individual.  He is constantly pursuing perfection and always wants to make sure he puts his best sauce forward. Listening to his five year business plan you can easily hear he is willing to step outside of his comfort zone for ambition’s sake. His passion for growing his brand is further amplified with a mindset to give back to the community.Tyler has a heart for charity and making sure, if he can help it, that no one will go hungry at any event Triple Whammy Sauces is featured.

Definitely take a listen to the interview to hear the story behind the company’s unique name, the plans on a potential Annual Triple Whammy Cookout and more. If you are interested in finding more information on Triple Whammy Sauces or just want some to have on your ribs and burgers for an upcoming tailgate, go ahead and check it out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Until next post…

X is for Xcellent » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://xjohnsondotnet.wordpress.com/

So being in the world of Software Engineering as an African American woman has actually been a lonely road since graduation. I honestly haven’t been on very many development teams with anyone else I can relate to. It goes without saying that people are more likely to cultivate relationships with people who they can relate to and if you can’t relate to anyone in the workplace it can be a detriment to your career. Finding someone who is where I want to be and who is willing to mentor me in that direction has been hard, so I figured I’d ask Facebook if others, not just in IT, but in all Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields felt the same way.

And from that Black in STEM parts 1 and 2 were born.

Part one highlights that while the STEM majors in college were challenging, the careers are very diverse and plenteous. My guests Britney Epps, Glasher Robinson, and Tompson Lubin each spoke about how diversity, or lack there of, in the classroom effected their college experience. Then we discussed how our understanding of diversity in our respective majors transitioned upon starting our current professions. We summed it all up with how we can bring more African American people in STEM and ensure the next generation is aware of all the available scholarships, internship and co-op opportunities that are available. Take a listen…Part 2 coming soon.

X is for Xcellent » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://xjohnsondotnet.wordpress.com/

Let it be known that  Allante Whitmore is a phenomenal woman in every way. Her education and primary focus through both her undergraduate and masters degree programs was agricultural and bio-engineering. She is a lady of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated with great enthusiasm for educating people about the opportunities bio-fuel will bring in the upcoming years. But as with many engineers, Allante has created a channel for herself to express her creativity and she calls it Napier Designs.

Napier Designs is a Detroit-based company primarily focused on creating custom jewelry and house decor. Napier Designs operates in similar fashion as the ever popular ‘Paint with a Twist’ parties or Pampered Chef parties. Allante brings the supplies for you and a group of friends to create your own custom designed jewelry/home decor and you just bring your creative vibes (and maybe some wine). If you’re feeling creative and want to walk away from hanging out with your closest friends feeling accomplished, Napier Designs is definitely the way to go.

In the interview below one of my favorite clips comes from the part where we talk about the future growth plans for Napier Designs. Because it is such a unique way to create memories for groups of people, the idea is primed for growth in major cities around the US. If you are a bead or home decor designer, interested in helping to bring Napier Designs to your city, or looking to host a party in your city, definitely contact Allante via email, her website or give her a call at (313)574-6542. Take a listen and enjoy.

X is for Xcellent » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://xjohnsondotnet.wordpress.com/

Music is one of the most powerful sources of motivation, emotion, actions and thoughts. Music touches the heart and the soul in such a unique way that it is important to think about what we listen to. It’s not always obvious that the messages we get from music can be internalized until you can’t get a song out of your head and can’t quit singing it. The type of songs I want to get stuck in my head have a positive, empowering or thoughtful message. When creating the iHope Campaign EP, these were three of the most important themes in Phillip Bush‘s mind.

He wanted to create music not only for the masses, but he also wanted to represent his own life and perspective. As with many artists, finding his sound, tone and message took a bit of exploration, but soon enough he found his rhythm rapping about his view on what all is going on in the world. We are in a world that can be depressing and disengaging to those of us in the African American community today. Phillip’s music addresses the perspective of a black man in this society tasked with protecting and dreaming for the life he has with his wife and children. His music is also a reflection of his Christian beliefs in that he has vowed to keep his message clean and honest. It’s an EP you can safely play with children and older people in the room.

With this in mind, take a listen to the podcast to hear clips of the songs from the iHope Campaign EP and also be sure to go download his music at any of the links below.

iTunes – http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1134880066?ls=1&app=itunes

Google Play-https://play.google.com/…/…/Phillip_Bush_The_iHope_Campaign…

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/iHope-Campaign-Phillip-…/…/B01IGCDY5G

Apple Music – http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1134880066

Tidal – https://listen.tidal.com/album/63040271

Cheers to #MusicMonday and until next post folks…

X is for Xcellent » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://xjohnsondotnet.wordpress.com/

You may know her as Vivian Jones, but I know her as Aunt Viv. Her bubbly personality is contagious and her words are always authentic and sincere. I met her back in January and I felt like I’ve known her for decades. I’m super proud of her to have accomplished so much this year and for achieving goals she has set out for herself. Her story is nothing short of inspiring, and I hope you take to heart the advice she gives.

As often as possible, Vivian shares her passion for artistic expression with people of all ages. She serves at a YMCA creative writing class but her gift is so versatile, she can also get a group artists together to perform for a night of cultural unity. It’s a known fact that the gifts you have will make room for you, and Vivian’s life is an active depiction of just that. She excels in whatever environment she is in and in all things, she gives God glory.

I would encourage you to attend her upcoming show tomorrow August 24th in Greensboro, NC titled Let’s Spill the Tea, but it’s already sold out!! But have no fear, Aunt Viv will have many more events later in the year that will foster safety for your thoughts and creativity. So be sure to keep up with her via email, Facebook or Instagram.to see what she’s up to. You literally have so much to learn about my friend and I’m so excited she chose to share a little about her story here with me! Take a listen below.

Until next post folks…

X is for Xcellent » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://xjohnsondotnet.wordpress.com/

The black community is rising. I feel it. I know more people are opening their eyes to the reality that their current situation CAN be and SHOULD be improved. Not only socially gain respect, but also start building wealth so this country has no choice but to listen. African American people hold a significant amount of buying power, we just aren’t spending it wisely. We are focused on living day by day, month to month, check to check, when we need to focus on moving forward. We are not designed to stay in one place. The purpose of this conversation is to ignite inspiration for more black people to focus on improving their financial situations and invest in ourselves. Hope you enjoy this show and join the conversation and use the hashtag #BlackFinancesMatter!!

Listen in below or check out the podcast here

 https://xjohnsondotnet.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/xisforxcellentpaneldiscussion.mp3

X is for Xcellent » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://xjohnsondotnet.wordpress.com/

Alexandra DeRaye Funches is a graphic designer by trade that comes from a family line of entrepreneurs. Also the name DeRaye is a family jewel passed on through 3 generations. Alex chose to use her middle name as the name of her company as she attributes much of her success to the support of her family to start her own businesses.

DeRaye & Company started in 2005 as primarily a business for bath and body products selling everything from body butters and lotions to body sprays and soaps. After graduating from the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, her inspiration for products came from deciding what gifts to give during the holiday season. Armed with an idea and willing family to help her develop her crafts, Alex soon perfected her skin care line of plant based, 100% organic products.

The entire story of Alex’s entrepreneurship journey has had various turns, twists and directions. But now she has revamped her business and fueled it to move forward more successfully than before. Recently Alex moved to Charlotte and this year won the Women Entrepreneurs 2.0 Pitch Competition. As the recipient of $1,000, she plans to use it to continue to expand her business to cover all of the services she can provide. Because she has so many talents, she wants her company to embody all that she has to offer. Listen in below to hear Brandi and Alex talk about the current and future plans for DeRaye & Co. If you would like to try some of her products please visit her site or visit her on Facebook.

Until next post folks…

X is for Xcellent » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://xjohnsondotnet.wordpress.com/

If you have not seen these two episodes of the Lights…Camera…Action series, definitely go watch them here and here. Neither of those two productions would be possible if it was not for the cinematographic genius of Milanio Drummond. Milanio was originally inspired to get involved in film making back in middle school drama. He realized early on that being behind the camera gives you a unique opportunity to mold the emotional development of a film or video. By him having such a strong cinematographic intuition, Milanio makes it seem easy to choose which shots would leave the strongest imprint on the viewers mind.

Milanio developed his craft further by obtaining his bachelors degree in digital film making and video production at the Art Institute of Charlotte after a career in the United States Army. While there, he created his cinematographic thesis titled Crooked Smile, based on a long time interest in horror films. Crooked Smile to this day would still be considered Milanio’s crown jewel and if you check out this trailer you will see exactly why! He created this particular piece from scratch and put three years of effort into developing it to the artwork it is. He wrote the script, directed, and recorded the short film.

But to say Milanio is a one dimensional individual would be truly naive. Not only is his videography superb, but his photography and DJ skill are A-1 as well. To check out more of Milanio’s work and see what all he has to offer, definitely look him up on Facebook on his business page or email him at [email protected]. But definitely listen to the entire podcast as Milanio has a special treat for any clients who listen all the way through his interview with us on X is for Xcellent. You really don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to work with a local Charlotte talent.

X is for Xcellent » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://xjohnsondotnet.wordpress.com/