Black To Business

Name: J.O. Malone Current Title: Founder of BLCK Market Location: Houston, TX Educational Background: Prairie View A&M   About J.O: J.O. Malone, a Houstonian, film producer, and serial entrepreneur, was first established as a game-changer in the independent film industry. A graduate of Prairie View A&M University, in 2017, Malone founded BLCK Market Houston which gave small black businesses a place to sell their products and services to the community. Since then, BLCK Market has grown to be the nation's largest bi-monthly marketplace and has now extended its presence in its flagship retail store located in Pearland Town Center. Malone resides in Houston with his wife Riesse and their two sons.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How to prepare for growth in spite of limited resources Why does reputation, marketing, and branding matter How to stand out in a competitive market How to manage a diverse customer base How to use storytelling to sell the shopping experience How to create a community around

Name: Johanne Brierre Business Name: NYbeautySuites Current Title: Founder  Location: Brooklyn, NY Educational Background: B.P.S '2010 - Major in Hospitality Management at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)    About Johanne: Founder of Trendy Tripping:  Coworking management company that works closely with independent developers and small businesses to develop strategies that get results.    Johanne founded her latest entrepreneurial venture, NYBeautysuites in 2020 during COVID-19.  NYBeautySuites is a hybrid model of flexible beauty suites that offer short-term and long-term rental options designed for entrepreneurs to build a beauty legacy of their own. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The state of the beauty industry The benefits of a shared working space Why you don’t have to know everything before starting your business How to break into a new industry The power of building your network and community in business Starting a business with little knowledge about the industry Why you have to be disru

Name: Octavia Conner Business Name: Say Yes To Profits Current Title: CEO Location: Atlanta Educational Background: Bachelor's in Accounting   About Octavia: Octavia Conner is a financial consultant specializing in outsourced CFO and tax services. With a focus on profitability, her firm Say Yes to Profits has built a track record of helping over 90% of its clients grow between 30% and 350% within a year and reducing their tax liabilities by 60% or more.   With her signature Say Yes To Profits Virtual CFO services, Octavia has successfully taken consulting firms from low six-figure to over $1 million in revenue including her own firm. Octavia has over a decade of experience in accounting and finance and was selected as a top 50 accountant in North America by Hubdoc in 2018.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How to maintain a positive cash flow in your business The key financial metrics to track in your business How to price your products/services for profit When you should and shouldn’t offer discounts in y

Name: Monique T. Marshall Business Name: Black To Business Current Title: Chief-In-Charge Location: Brooklyn, NY Educational Background: Howard University   About Monique: Monique T. Marshall is an Entrepreneur, Thought-Leader, and Influencer.  As the Chief-in-Charge of Black to Business, a platform providing Black entrepreneurs with the resources and connections to start and grow their businesses. Monique has furthered this mission through her podcast, speaking engagements, and workshops. After graduating from Howard University with a BBA in Supply Chain Management, the Georgia native relocated to Brooklyn, NY to continue the greater mission of increasing the number of successful Black startups.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: About our founder and what inspired her to start Black To Business What we do at Black To Business What’s next for us Tips for gaining clarity in your business For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to: blacktobusiness.com/76 Thank you so much for lis

Name: Gieselle Allen Business Name: Gieselle Allen Coaching Current Title: CEO & Founder Location: Montclair, NJ Educational Background: Certified coach via CTI   About Gieselle: Are you a leader of color who wants to lead and empower in revolutionary ways? Then you need Gieselle Allen...   Gieselle works with revolutionary leaders of color to support them in expanding their businesses, team, and leadership, while also ensuring their needs are met in the process. In her mindset-first approach, she combines mindset, trauma healing and intuition to help her clients create and expand their businesses and revolutionary leadership practices.   When Gieselle's not coaching, you can find her soaking up the sun in her hammock and taking outrageously long walks with her dog, Syrup.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How to be unapologetically Black in your business and messaging How racial and intergenerational trauma has affected Black peoples ability to show up authentically and lead How the white entrepreneur

Name: XayLi Barclay Business Name: TDG Visual Solutions LLC - Start Shoot Grow Current Title: Video Content Creation Coach & Thinkific Expert   About XayLi: XayLi Barclay is a Visual Content Creation Coach & Thinkific Expert for Business Leaders, and Online Course Creators. She specializes in helping entrepreneurs effectively stand out and make a genuine impact in the digital space. Through knowledge-based content and online courses, she teaches others how to effortlessly create the visual learning experiences they've always dreamed of in order to unlock multiple revenue streams, attract paid opportunities and connect on a deeper level with their audience.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The different types of video content  How to use video content to transform your business and increase your sales How to plan your video content around the different seasons in your business Deciding on which social media platform(s) to host your video content Shifting your mindset and overcoming the fear of bein

Name: Marlon Nichols Current Title: Managing Partner, MaC Venture Capital   About Marlon: Marlon Nichols is a founding managing partner at MaC Venture Capital (formerly known as Cross Culture Ventures), which finds the entrepreneurs who are building the future for the rest of America. He's a former Kauffman Fellow and Investment Director at Intel Capital, with an extensive background in technology, private equity, media, and entertainment. Marlon's unique eye for global trends and shifts in consumer behavior has helped him capture many high-potential investments, which include Gimlet Media, MongoDB, Thrive Market, Fair, LISNR, Mayvenn, Blavity, Pipe, Wonderschool, and other companies that reflect overlooked markets.   He serves on the board of directors for Ajua, Blavity, Finesse, Kauffman Fellows Program, LISNR, Ryff, Sote and Wonderschool. Marlon is the recipient of MVMT50's SXSW 2018 Innovator of the Year award, a 2018 nominee of the ADCOLOR in Tech award, Digital Diversity's Innovation & Inclusion Cha

Name: Tiffany Washington Current Title: Founder of Transformation7 Location: Houston, TX Education:  Masters Degree: the University of Texas at Austin, M.Ed, Focus: Anti Racist Leadership Bachelor's Degree: Dillard University, Psychology Certified Cognitive Coach   About Tiffany: With over 16 years of sought-after experience and knowledge in business and education, as well as a relentless drive to spread the impact of her expertise, Tiffany finally ditched her day job as a school principal to help women open her consultancy firm and start The Wealthy Consultant Podcast.   Tiffany has also been a televised recurring guest expert on FOX News channel, The CW, as well as a speaker for stages such as TEDx, Rolls Royce, and Humana. She’s also landed contracts with names such as ESSENCE, The City of Houston, and Frost Bank.   Her programs and events such as Women Winning at Work and Pitches, Proposals, and Partnerships have helped emerging entrepreneurs overcome their business hurdles and secure consistent 5-figure

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