Black To Business

Name: Nike Anani Current Title: Founder at Nike Anani Consulting    About Nike: Nike Anani is an entrepreneur, Speaker, and Consultant. She was rated as a top-100 Family Business Consultant globally. She helps her clients bridge the gap between the senior and younger generations. As a result, they communicate, collaborate, and collectively gain clarity, to increase profit and productivity in their family businesses. With over a decade of family business expertise in Nigeria, Nike helps owners lead their family organizations to long-term impact and legacy. Her inside experience as a second-generation family business owner birthed a passion to help other families in building legacy enterprises that would outlive them. Nike is an accountant (ex-Deloitte UK) and a top-rated family business expert, with a Family Business and Wealth advisor qualification from Family Firm Institute. She is the co-founder of African Family Firms, a pan-African association of family businesses, and the host of "The Connected Generatio

Name: Armond Davis Current Title: CEO/ General Partner The Paragon Group Location: Atlanta, GA  Educational Background: Davis has two Master's degrees (MBA in Finance and MS in Commercial Real Estate Investment), investment experience at Goldman Sachs and Suntrust, and 15 years of business operating experience.   About Armond: Armond Davis is an American businessman and investor. He is the founder and Managing Partner of The Paragon Group, a private equity and venture capital firm, which invests primarily in seed and growth stage businesses with minority and female founders and commercial real estate. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida A&M University with an MBA in Finance in 2002. In 2019, Davis received his second Master's degree when he obtained an MS in Commercial Real Estate Investment from Georgia State University. Davis is heavily involved in community leadership in Metro Atlanta. He is an alum of the United Way's Volunteer Involvement Program as well as the leadership programs of the Urban

Name: Kristen Wiggins Current Title: Copywriter & Sales Strategist - Kristen Noelle Digital Marketing Location: PG County, Maryland Education: B.S. in Marketing, University of Maryland College Park About Kristen: Kristen Noelle is a Maryland-based copywriter and sales funnel strategist for wellness entrepreneurs, who believes that we all deserve for life to feel like our own oasis. Her online business journey started in 2013 when she built her first e-commerce website selling waist beads with her mom. Since then, Kristen has freelanced and worked full-time in many corners of the world and across many techs and marketing niches, chasing the freedom and flexibility that excelling in these spaces can bring. As a former digital nomad, she spent 3 years working, living, and playing in Southeast Asia, enamored by all the world has to offer. Kristen's purpose in life is to help others live freely and authentically so they can live with more peace and joy. She loves writing email funnels and coaching service pr

Name: Darrian Mikell Current Title: CEO and FOUNDER at Qualifi Location: Noblesville, IN Educational Background:  Indiana Wesleyan University - Bachelor's Degree in Entrepreneurship and Finance.   About Darrian Mikell: Darrian Mikell is the Co-Founder and CEO of Qualifi, a SaaS platform that powers the fastest phone interview experience in the world and helps recruiting teams hire great candidates faster than ever before.   He graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2013 with a Bachelor's Degree in Entrepreneurship and Finance. Darrian was a 2-sport athlete in both Basketball and Track & Field and was a national champion in the Long Jump. He is based in the Indianapolis area and is a dedicated husband and father of 3.   DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: Tips for recruiting and hiring for your business as it grows Knowing when’s the best time to hire for your business How to land and hire the best candidates for your business How to create an onboarding process and prepare for a new hire Ways to out

Name: Keina Newell Current Title: Financial Coach - Wealth Over Now  Location: Washington, DC   About Keina: Keina Newell is the founder of Wealth Over Now, where she works with professional women and solopreneurs to create new possibilities with their money so they can save more, pay off debt, invest in themselves and stress less about money. She is passionate about her work and finds no greater satisfaction than helping her clients start managing their money with joy because they've learned to feel the possibility where they once felt shame, guilt, overwhelm, and anxiety.   When she is not coaching, Keina is spending quality time with friends and family and encouraging herself to work out! To learn more about Keina head over to Wealth Over Now and explore her tips to manage your money well. DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: How to make smart investments as a business owner What you should consider before borrowing money for your business How to create a financial plan and budget for your business Why a bus

Name: Brandy Varnado Current Title: Accountability Coach Location: Chicago, IL  Educational Background:  Former K-12 teacher. B.A. in English, Master"s of Art in Urban Education  About Brandy: Brandy is a serial entrepreneur influencing individuals to heal, learn and grow through self-accountability. She is an author, portrait photographer, host of Brandy Was Here the podcast and the creator of TBM Skincare.   DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: The difference between personal and business boundaries, and why setting boundaries is important  How to set boundaries that work for you How to communicate your set boundaries with your clients, employees, and family.  The importance of strategic goal setting for your business How to hold yourself accountable to your set goals For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to: blacktobusiness.com/66 Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Name: Mary Sipo  Current Title: CEO and FOUNDER at CEEK Location: Sacramento, California Educational Background: Georgia Institute of Technology: MSEE, Field Of StudyGlobal Innovation Management, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Syracuse University: BSEE, Field Of StudyElectrical Engineering   About Mary Sipo: Mary Spio's guiding force has always been her sense of wonder, even during her years as a deep space engineer. Now, as the CEO and Founder of CEEK, her imagination continues to propel her into the spotlight as VR's new, shining star. Check her out in Rolling Stone. CEEK VR Inc. is a streaming platform for virtual events where musicians and content creators can directly connect to their audiences. Mary worked as a rocket scientist, raised $10M in VC, and launched a VR unicorn - all while raising a family.   DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: How to make the  transition from full-time work to entrepreneurship  The importance of being aware of your company policies and ensuring there is no confl

Name: Abu Fofanah Current Title: Digital Marketing Strategist  Location: Miami, FL Educational Background: Penn State Schreyer Honors College- Bachelor's Degree, Supply Chain and Information Systems    About Abu: Abu Fofanah is a digital strategist and entrepreneur. He is the CEO of a digital marketing agency called House of Fofanah, which is aimed at developing technology-focused solutions to help brands monetize their online communities. In 2019, Abu launched Power Your Launch Virtual Marketing Accelerator targeted to helping small business owners utilize digital marketing, specifically paid advertisement to excel in the growth of their business. Since its initiation in 2019, the Marketing Accelerator has helped over 5000 women of color founders begin monetizing their brands online and on social. DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: What is digital advertising, its importance, impact, and distinction from traditional marketing  The good and bad of digital advertising - the importance of testing the market,

Name: Sakita Holley Current Title: CEO, House of Success PR  Location: NYC Educational Background: Howard University Alum   About Sakita: Sakita Holley is an award winning publicist and the Founder/CEO of House of Success PR. The ten year old firm has worked with a wide array of clients that include Luster's Pink, African Pride, Lottabody, KinkyCurlyYaki, Harlem Arts Festival, Heat Free Hair and more. In addition to her PR work, she also hosts a popular business podcast called The Sakita Method, which is designed to help millennial women win at work, in business and everywhere in between. Sakita has been featured by Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise, Women's Biz Journals, xoNecole and more for her PR and business expertise. In 2017, Sakita was named as one of PRWeek's 40 Under 40 honorees and she is a proud graduate of Howard University. You can find and follow her on social media @MissSuccess. DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: How to start building your PR Strategy - starting with what you have  How do you

Name: Samantha McCoy Current Title: Founder and CEO MissionKey Communications, LLC Location: Columbia, MD Educational Background: BA, Corporate Communications, Elon University MS, Management, University of MD Global Campus   About Samantha: Samantha McCoy has provided communications support to corporations, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs since 2006. As a public relations professional, Samantha understands the value of media placements, as they help companies increase trust with their audience and attract new clients, supporters, and investors. She has secured placements on a variety of television, radio, digital, and print outlets and has also served as a senior producer at a local radio station in Baltimore, MD. Through these experiences, Samantha has developed specific insight on how media professionals decide what they will cover, and helps others to be prepared for their time in the spotlight. Samantha is an experienced public speaker, with experience presenting to youth, college students, and professional

Name:‌‌ Tatiana O'Hara Current‌ ‌Title:‌‌ ‌Agency & Team Operations Coach  Location:‌‌ ‌Atlanta  Educational‌ ‌Background:‌‌ ‌Bachelors in Hospitality Management  ‌ ‌ About‌ ‌Tatiana:‌ ‌ Tatiana O’Hara is an Agency & Team Operations Coach that helps successful, yet overwhelmed online business owners create the structure needed for their team & daily operations, so they can focus on scaling sustainably. She’s helped dozens of leaders optimize their team and learn essential leadership skills that have yielded hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales growth. She’s helped many agencies and coaches gain the structure needed to grow at exponential rates. She has also worked with business owners starting a team for the first time. Some of her client wins include decreasing team payroll by 50%, hitting highest cash months while working less hours, decreasing average hour work weeks by more than 20%, and ultimate clarity on taking their companies to the next level. In her free time she enjoys roller skati

Name: Loran Geeter Current Title: Positioning Coach & Systems Strategist - Loran Elise Collective Location: Atlanta, GA Educational Background: BS in Psychology and an MBA   About Loran: Loran Geeter is a Positioning Coach & Systems Strategist. She helps experienced service providers such as VAs, OBMs & Systems Strategists who have DIY'd their business into a hot mess and now they want to work with a positioning coach who can help position their brand with expert authority so that they can finally step into CEO.   As a service provider herself, Loran understands the power of positioning yourself as an authority in the online space and creating a sustainable and profitable business that not only transforms your clients but your life as well. Through her signature Framework in her Built For Authority coaching program, she has been able to teach online done-for-you service providers how to serve themselves and own their lane. She gives major clarity about the systems you need to take your business fr

Name: George Pitts Current Title: Owner, George Pitts & Company Location: Oklahoma    About George: George Pitts is a Business Strategist, Real Estate Investor, and Wealth Building Enthusiast who teaches people how to turn their passions into profits   DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: What is passive income and how to create your own  Using what you have to start small and build to greatness  The difference between passion and knowledge - how to start a business with what you are confident in  How to create profit projections for your business idea The role of technology and social media in business  How to develop and market your brand  How to make use of social media and content creation to grow your business The importance of planning your content and information  For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to: blacktobusiness.com/59 Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast

Name:‌‌ ‌Anthony Fraiser  Current‌ ‌Title:‌‌ ‌Founder/CEO ABF Creative  Location:‌‌ ‌Newark, NJ   ‌ ‌ About‌ ‌Anthony:‌ ‌ Anthony Frasier is the founder/CEO of ABF Creative, America’s first and only AI-driven multicultural podcast production company. ABF Creative writes, produces, and releases a full roster of general interest (news, business, sports, entertainment, lifestyle) and children's titles, and was the recent recipient of a national Webby Award in the Diversity & Inclusion category. Sponsors for ABF Creative's podcasts include Prudential Insurance and BET, and the company has creative partnerships with the Essence Podcast Network, Driven Society, and the Brooklyn Museum, and Benchmark Creative Group. ABF Creative's titles have generated over 5MM streams and downloads for its creative partners. Anthony is a former producer of audio content for NPR, and has been a featured presenter at Afros and Audio events, the Spotify Sound Up Program, the SXSW Conference, and the Lean Startup Conference. He is

Name: Andrena Sawyer Current Title: President P.E.R.K. Consulting    About Andrena: Andrena Sawyer is the President of P.E.R.K. Consulting, an advisory firm for small to mid-sized nonprofits and businesses. For her work with nonprofits and small businesses, she has received numerous awards including the Startup Africa Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award, The Black Business Review’s 40 Under 40, The International Alliance for Women World of Difference 100 Award, the Women-Owned Small Business Award by the Associated Black Charities, and the Hope for Africa Leadership in Community Development Award. In addition to her work with entrepreneurs and nonprofits, she is the author of several books, including The Misadventures of a New Entrepreneur: 5 Things They Won’t Teach You in Business School   DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: How to plan for the future/longevity for your business The importance of a business plan and how to create clear strategies  How to prepare for a business pitch and what key things to in

Name: Jean Alerte  Current Title: Serial Entrepreneur                          ACA Branding Agency Location: Atlanta, GA Educational Background: 21 years of being an entrepreneur, real estate owner, consultant, educator & obtained a doctorate in 2014. Education is through the process.   About Jean: Jean Alerte is an award-winning entrepreneur with a variety of work experience in the areas of marketing, management, and sales. Along with founding his company ACA Branding Agency, he has produced comedy concerts and tours for acts such as Chris Tucker, Kevin James, Charlie Murphy, and Kevin Hart. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Unity in the Community Foundation of Brooklyn, New York where he has given out $36,000 to high school students to attend college based on his first book “Do Right, Do Good” & turned it into a successful entrepreneurial program entitled “FAITH GRIND INSPIRE” teaching over 2,000 inner-city students Entrepreneurship & Leadership. Originally from Port au Prince, Hai

DISCLAIMER: The content in this episode contains information and discussions of mental illness and mental health crisis, and incarceration, which some listeners may find triggering. If you need support at any time, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK. Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Name: Dr. Tina Webb Current Title: Owner, DR TINA WEBB, LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER, INC. Location: Los Angeles, CA Educational Background: Dr. Webb is licensed through the State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services, with honors in the major, from California State University Dominguez Hills. She has also earned both a Master of Social Work degree and Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California. Dr. Webb is a Diplomate and Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist through The Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therap

Name: Alicia McKenzie  Current Title: Founder McKenzie Enterprise LLC dba Lift Like A Mother Location: Washington, DC   About Alicia: Alicia McKenzie, aka @LiftLikeAMother, is the founder and operator of McKenzie Enterprise LLC, where she has created a premier digital coaching service that focuses on women's holistic health & wellness. In addition, she most recently launched Amplify Health and Wellness Inc, a charitable foundation platform dedicated to empowering the underserved and underrepresented communities by creating health and wellness opportunities that are accessible to all. The vision is ending the healthy lifestyle and representation poverty gap. She believes that we must work together to create positive and representative healthy role models that can lift up the underserved.   DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: How to start small and build up your diet and workout habits Why early adoption of a healthy lifestyle makes attaining it easier Tips on balancing life and business Why working out isn’

Name: Anthony and Janique Edwards Current Title: Anthony Edwards Founder/CEO EatOkra Janique Edwards Co-Founder/Coo EatOkra Location: New York Educational Background:            Anthony Edwards: Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science           Janique Edwards: Bachelor of Arts degree in English   About Anthony Edwards: Anthony is a team leader with the ability to teach, mentor, motivate, maximize productivity and improve the efficiency of an organization. Anthony is a full-stack developer whose primary languages are React Native, Ruby on Rails, Ruby, Javascript, HTML, and CSS. and joined BuildingBlok as a junior full-stack developer in 2014. Anthony created his first app solo in 2016 - EatOkra. In 2019, he was promoted to the role of CTO at BuildingBlok who's software manages over 50 thousand projects worth over 800 million. At BuildingBlok, Anthony organizes scrum meetings, designs & writes tests, assigns tasks, and trains his team members. In 2018, Anthony started his own software development an

Name: Aquaus Kelley  Current Title: Educator and Founder  Location: New Brunswick, NJ Educational Background: Rutgers University Graduate    About Aquaus: (Uh • Kway • Us) Aquaus Kelley is a forward-thinking educator, founder, and strategist who is extremely passionate about building brands, empowering communities, and uplifting humanity.   DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: The power of Black men and representation The impact of Black culture in other communities How to build efficient and scalable systems that add value to those you serve Why it’s important to recognize the different learning styles of your audience How outdated teaching styles is hindering the advancement of our communities For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to: blacktobusiness.com/52    Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast! We’ve also partnered with thecreativebrutha to curate our 2021 list of Black men inspiring in the business world and in their