Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Stacey Gholar.

🔹 Summary of the Interview

Stacey Gholar, founder of Bloom Creative Agency, shares her journey from being a young mother in Chicago to becoming a brand strategist and creative entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in marketing, media, and business. She emphasizes the importance of aligning personal identity with brand strategy, especially in the digital age. Stacey discusses her approach to brand audits, the role of social media, the impact of AI, and her passion for empowering women through entrepreneurship and skincare.

🔹 Key Takeaways 1. What Is a Brand Strategist?

• A brand strategist helps individuals and businesses define and articulate their brand clearly.
• “You are the brand, but you have to put the brand together in a way that people can articulate what you do.”

2. Social Media Strategy

• Stacey conducts social media audits to ensure alignment between personal and business branding.
• She recommends having separate personal and business accounts, but acknowledges blending them when appropriate.

3. Discovery Process

• Her process starts with a discovery call to understand the client’s “why” and goals.
• She believes passion must drive entrepreneurship—not just money.

4. Digital Branding & AI

• Stacey identifies as a digital brand specialist, helping Gen X women and others pivot into digital spaces.
• She uses AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini to enhance productivity but values human connection.
• “AI is an asset… but I don’t solely rely on it.”

5. Email Marketing

• Email is still vital: “If you're solely on social media, you can lose your business in a minute.”
• She advocates for funnel systems and community building outside of social platforms.

6. Going Viral vs. Being Valuable

• “You don’t need to go viral. You just need to be valuable.”
• She went viral unintentionally with a review of Harold’s Chicken, but stresses the importance of sustainable value over fleeting attention.

7. Brand Refresh & Outreach

• Most of her clients come through word of mouth, but she’s expanding her reach via social media.
• She encourages clients to step out of their comfort zones and engage in community-driven initiatives.

8. Skincare Line

• Stacey founded Skin Light Skincare at age 50 to promote pro-aging and natural beauty.
• She now focuses on organic body oils that are clean, hydrating, and hormone-safe.

🔹 Notable Quotes

• “Experience has been the best teacher for me.”
• “You don’t need to go viral. You just need to be valuable.”
• “If you stop learning, you stop growing.”
• “I want you to be a part of building your brand—not just me doing it for you.”
• “Social media is great, but word of mouth is still real.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Latabia Woodward.

A visionary founder and CEO of Who's Got Next Music Inc., joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss her music tech startup and its mission to amplify emerging talent through technology-driven competitions. She also serves as chairman of the Ann Cephus Family Fund, advocating for STEM education in underserved communities.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Background & Journey into Music Tech

   • Latasha, a graduate of East Carolina University, built a successful career in business and technology before venturing into the music industry.
   • She was introduced to the business side of music when her son, Offset of Migos, asked for help managing his affairs while touring globally.
   • After navigating the complexities of artist management, record labels, and industry contracts, she recognized gaps in music business education for young creatives.

2. Who's Got Next Music App & Platform

   • Who's Got Next Music is an artist amplification platform that leverages genre-based music competitions to discover and promote emerging talent.
   • Competitions occur in three rounds—two in-app voting rounds followed by an in-person event for finalists.
   • The global accessibility of the platform allows artists from North America and Canada to showcase their work while fans worldwide participate in voting.

3. Music Business Education & Fair Competition

   • Many young artists lack business knowledge, leading to unfair deals or lost opportunities.
   • The app provides a structured way for artists to engage with fans, gain visibility, and retain full rights to their music.
   • Producers contribute cleared, non-sampled beats to the platform, ensuring artists avoid legal complications.

4. Upcoming Launch & Events

   • Beta version is currently available on Apple & Google Play stores, with an official launch planned for June.
   • A February event will introduce the app to the music community, featuring panel discussions with entertainment attorneys, sync licensing experts, and emerging artists.
   • Hip-hop will be the first competition genre, followed by expansions into R&B, gospel, and other categories.

5. Artist & Fan Participation Model

   • Artists pay a $199 contest entry fee, gaining access to premium beats and promotional exposure.
   • Fan voting is real-time and transparent, directly influencing competition results.
   • Winners receive $5,000, legal services from McKinley Law Firm, and additional business support.

6. Ann Cephus Family Fund & STEM Advocacy

   • Latasha founded the Ann Cephus Family Fund in honor of her mother, advocating for technology education among young creatives.
   • The Sound Pathways program provides high school students in Atlanta with music business education using AI-powered songwriting tools.
   • Students learn music production, business strategy, and transferable skills for various industries.

📘 Resources & Contact Information
Latasha Woodward’s initiatives are accessible through:
🔗 Music App: Who's Got Next Music
🔗 Foundation: https://anncephusff.org
🔗 Social Media: @WhosGotNextMusic

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Isaiah Tatum.

A 24-year-old entrepreneur, touring artist, and hotel owner:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview showcases Dr. Isaiah Tatum’s extraordinary journey from homelessness to becoming a venture capitalist, hotel developer, and touring saxophonist. It aims to inspire young entrepreneurs by highlighting the importance of faith, planning, mentorship, and financial literacy.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Early Passion for Music

• Began playing saxophone at age 10.
• Influenced by legends like Kenny G, Curtis Mayfield, and Aretha Franklin.
• Practiced obsessively, leading to proficiency and touring opportunities.
• Maintains a strong connection to music despite business ventures.

“I couldn’t wait to get home and play… I practiced six hours a day.” — Isaiah Tatum

2. Entrepreneurial Drive & Financial Literacy

• Overcame homelessness and used that experience to fuel ambition.
• Became an equity investor in Jazz Pharmaceuticals at 18.
• Invested in real estate and hotel development with a focus on recession-proof models.

“I didn’t want to be an artist who had to stay on tour to maintain. I wanted to be financially free.” — Isaiah Tatum

3. Hotel Ownership & Strategy

• Owns two Candlewood Suites and an Embassy Suites in Georgia.
• Focuses on extended-stay models for consistent revenue.
• Emphasizes customer experience and operational efficiency.

“Even if they’re spending $160, make them feel like they’re spending $1 million.” — Isaiah Tatum

4. Mentorship & Education

• Studied finance and earned credentials from Wall Street Prep.
• Values mentorship from icons like Kenny G and Keith Worsham.
• Now mentors others and encourages financial literacy and self-confidence.

“Don’t look for who you are to fit in with everybody else… Elevate yourself.” — Isaiah Tatum

5. Vision & Future Endeavors

• Developing new properties in Tupelo, MS and Nashville, TN.
• Planning a Sweat Hotel concept and returning to music with a new album and tour.
• Driven by a daily mindset of growth and execution.

“Even though I’ve done really good, it’s about what I’m doing tomorrow.” — Isaiah Tatum

📌 Notable Quotes

• “Faith and a plan. A lot of people jump out there on faith. You better have a plan in your back pocket.” — Rushion McDonald
• “I fell in love with credentials… I wanted to maximize every opportunity.” — Isaiah Tatum
• “Let your results speak for themselves.” — Isaiah Tatum

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Earthquake.

Comedian, Actor, Entrepreneur and Radio Host

• Comedy Icon known for his Netflix special Chappelle’s Home Team Presents Earthquake: Legendary (produced by Dave Chappelle).
• Host of Quake’s House on Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Network via SiriusXM.
• Longtime contributor to the comedy scene since the 1990s, with roots in Atlanta.

🎤 Key Themes & Insights 🧠 Comedy with Purpose

• Earthquake emphasizes that his comedy is rooted in truth and humor—not shock value or controversy.
• He uses comedy to educate, especially on health issues like colonoscopies, encouraging Black men to prioritize their well-being.

💼 Business of Comedy

• Talks about the evolution from performing for meals to becoming a headliner.
• Shares insights on managing a team and making tough decisions to grow professionally.
• Advocates for professionalism over loyalty when scaling a business.

📺 Upcoming Projects

• New comedy special titled “Joke Telling Business” filmed in Atlanta.
• Developing a sitcom with Bill Burr, backed by Fox Network President Michael Thorn.

📻 Quake’s House Radio Show

• A platform for emerging comedians.
• Described as “The View with comedians,” focusing on hot topics and real-life scenarios.

❤️ Personal Life

• Credits his fiancée (soon-to-be wife) for grounding and motivating him.
• Says being “properly loved by a Black woman” has transformed his life and career.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “I’m in the joke telling business. I’m not your pastor, not your critic. Judge me on the jokes.”
• “Being properly loved by a woman, especially a Black woman, is a beautiful thing.”
• “Laughter is the best healing ever.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brandon Bronaugh.

A life transition expert and one of the faces of A&E’s hit show Hoarders.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Explore the deeper emotional and psychological aspects of hoarding.
• Highlight Brandon Bronaugh's unique approach to helping individuals and families transition through crisis-level home situations.
• Educate the audience on the realities behind the TV show Hoarders and the broader mission of Brandon's company, Lifecycle Transitions.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Hoarding Is a Mental Health Crisis

• Hoarding is not just clutter—it’s often a manifestation of unresolved trauma.
• The physical accumulation reflects emotional and psychological pain.

“You learn more about a person from their home than any other facet of their life.” – Brandon Bronaugh

2. Lifecycle Transitions: A Holistic Approach

• Bronaugh’s company blends emotional, logistical, and real estate support.
• Services include cleanup, therapy, home evaluations, and even relocation.
• The Transition Evaluation Assessment (TEA) helps clients decide whether to stay, sell, or relocate.

3. Clients Often Don’t Self-Identify as Hoarders

• Most clients are high-functioning individuals who don’t recognize their behavior as hoarding.
• Shame and embarrassment are major barriers to seeking help.

“Very few people have ever called it. I mean, we do… but what I didn’t know is what it took for them to get to that point.”

4. Health and Safety Risks

• Hoarding environments can lead to respiratory issues, mold, fire hazards, and even death.
• Bronaugh created a mold remediation division after realizing the health dangers hidden behind clutter.

5. Demographics and Challenges

• About 80% of Bronaugh’s clients are Caucasian, but hoarding affects all races and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Cases range from teenagers to the elderly.
• Hoarding has a high recidivism rate (65–70%).

6. Spiritual and Entrepreneurial Journey

• Bronaugh started as a property preservation contractor.
• His mission evolved into a humanitarian effort to save lives.

“God had a plan. He said, no, you’re going to save lives and change.”

💬 Notable Quotes

• “When you go home, that’s when the mask is taken off. That’s when you can be your most authentic self.”
• “For every one year that a client goes without addressing the hoarding conditions… is equivalent to about one day of actual cleanup.”
• “We’re going to build this ecosystem… that we can do what most companies would take nine months to do in 30 days.”
• “The home is killing them.”

📞 How to Get Help

• Website: LifecycleTransitions.com
• Email: info@lifecycletransitions.com
• Services include in-home evaluations, virtual assessments, and a zero-contact cleanup option for clients too ashamed to be present.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lisa Mulrain.

Role: Finance attorney, senior executive in the federal government, founder of Legacy Building LLC
Mission: To bridge the financial literacy gap for minority communities, emerging professionals, and small business owners, promoting lasting economic confidence and stability.

🧭 Purpose of the Interview

To highlight Lisa Mulrain’s transition from finance attorney to financial literacy advocate, and her efforts to empower underserved communities through education, legal expertise, and practical financial strategies.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Systemic Inequities in Finance

• Lisa’s work with Ginnie Mae exposed her to disparities in lending, appraisals, and access for low-to-moderate income families.
• She observed how minority communities were often preyed upon with unfavorable loan terms and undervalued property appraisals.

2. Financial Literacy Advocacy

• Lisa transitioned into advocacy to educate people on financial contracts, including mortgages, credit cards, and auto loans.
• She emphasizes understanding loan terms and avoiding high-interest debt traps.

3. Tips for Financial Empowerment

• Budgeting: Know your income vs. expenses.
• Multiple Income Streams: Invest in real estate and the stock market.
• Credit Awareness: Monitor and manage credit responsibly.

4. Small Business Guidance

• Avoid early debt accumulation.
• Scale inventory gradually.
• Understand the legal and financial implications of business credit.

5. Legal Expertise & Asset Protection

• Lisa offers estate planning and trust services to protect assets from lawsuits and creditors.
• She explains how trusts shield property and wealth from legal claims.

6. Insurance & Financial Stability

• Advocates for life and disability insurance as part of a financial toolkit.
• Recommends cash value whole life policies for long-term benefits.

7. Scam Awareness

• Warns against phishing and financial scams.
• Advises verifying sources and never sharing sensitive info without confirmation.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “The system is not set up for us to win.”
• “You have everything you need to acquire any finances that you desire.”
• “Don’t blindly hand your money over to someone if you don’t understand what you’re investing in.”
• “No one’s coming to save us. You have to do all you can to build multiple streams of income.”
• “A trust protects your assets from creditors and lawsuits.”

📞 Contact Info

• Website: LegacyBuildingLLC.com
• Instagram: @legacy_building_llc
• Phone: (202) 409-8513

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Attorney Felita Cornog.

An adoption attorney and foster care advocate.

Felita Cornog shares her personal journey from a traumatic childhood—losing her mother to domestic violence and her father to incarceration—to becoming a passionate advocate for children in foster care. She discusses the differences between adoption and foster care, the emotional toll of her work, and how others can support children in the system even if they don’t become foster parents themselves.

🧭 Interview Outline 1. Introduction

• Felita shares that her passion for law began in her teens but she pursued it in her 30s after becoming a mother and homemaker.

2. Personal Backstory

• Felicia’s mother died from domestic violence; her father went to prison.
• She and her brother were raised by extended family, avoiding the foster system.
• This inspired her to help children who aren’t as fortunate.

Quote: “I wanted to turn that story of pain into my passion.”

3. Understanding Foster Care vs. Adoption

• Foster Care: Temporary placement with the goal of reunification.
• Adoption: Permanent legal relationship.
• Children may be placed in foster homes or group homes.

Quote: “The goal of foster care is always reunification first.”

4. Stereotypes and Realities

• Many children in foster care are not abused but neglected or orphaned.
• Misconceptions about emotional instability are common.

Quote: “That’s one of the biggest myths—that all children in foster care have emotional problems.”

5. Emotional Impact of the Work

• Finalizing adoptions is joyful but bittersweet, especially when siblings are separated.
• Felita handles all types of adoptions except international.

Quote: “Adoptions are one of the few times people leave a law office happy.”

6. Support for Foster Parents

• Foster parents receive stipends and Medicaid support.
• Services include mental health, respite care, and caseworker assistance.

7. How to Help Without Fostering

• Volunteer with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).
• Donate to private foster care agencies.
• Use platforms to raise awareness.

8. Adoption Process & Requirements

• Must be 21+ years old.
• Can be single or married.
• Must pass background checks, home evaluations, and physicals.

Quote: “We’re not just going to give a child to anyone who raises their hand.”

9. National Adoption Month

• Celebrated in November, inspired by Dave Thomas (Wendy’s founder).
• Aims to raise awareness for children in foster care needing adoption.

10. Closing

• Felita shares her contact info:
  • 📞 Phone: (404) 298-7373
  • 🌐 Website: www.cornoglaw.com

Quote: “Keep leading with your gifts. Keep winning.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Dr. Farrah Laurent.

A former emergency room nurse turned entrepreneur and career coach, shares her journey from bedside care to building a six-figure business helping new nurses land high-paying jobs and launch their own ventures. The conversation explores nursing as a lucrative and flexible career path, the importance of mindset, and the power of personal branding.

🔑 Key Points 💼 Career Journey & Motivation

• Dr. Laurent was inspired by the TV show Trauma: Life in the E.R. to become an emergency nurse.
• She worked 13 years in ER nursing, including at a Level 1 trauma center in Detroit.
• Transitioned into education and leadership before launching her coaching business.

💰 Nursing as a High-Income Career

• New nurses in cities like NYC and Northern California can earn $100K–$175K starting salaries.
• National average is around $70K, but opportunities vary by region and specialization.
• Nurse anesthetists can earn $200K–$300K+.

“New graduate nurses today… are making baseline at least $100,000, up to $175K.”

🧠 Mindset & Coaching

• Emphasizes abundance mindset over scarcity.
• Coaches nurses on resume writing, interview prep, and personal branding.
• Encourages nurses to invest in themselves through coaching and professional development.

“If I can do it, you can do it too. It all starts with an idea and the mindset.”

📈 Entrepreneurship for Nurses

• Nurses are increasingly turning to consulting, coaching, and telehealth for flexibility.
• Dr. Laurent founded the Nurses Making Money Moves conference and authored a workbook by the same name.
• Organized her first conference in just 10 weeks, attracting 70 nurses from 20 states.

“You’re using your intellectual property—what you already know—to monetize.”

🌍 Diversity & Representation

• Advocates for racial, gender, and linguistic diversity in nursing and leadership.
• Notes that patient outcomes improve when care providers reflect the communities they serve.

“We need more diversity in nursing and nursing leadership to close the gaps in healthcare inequalities.”

💡 Advice for New Nurses

1. Get clear on your goals and ideal work environment.
2. Prepare thoroughly for interviews—don’t wing it.
3. Build a strong LinkedIn presence—95% of recruiters check it.
4. Negotiate: Know your worth, research salaries, and pitch your value.

“Don’t just settle. Go after what you want.”

🚩 Red Flags in Job Offers

• Disorganized interview process
• Unwelcoming management
• High turnover
• Rushed job offers without clarity on responsibilities

📣 Closing Quote

“Nurses are big problem solvers. Find the problem you want to solve and go for it.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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