Rashod grew up as an athlete and a musician. He thought his life would take him into the music industry. But he ended up falling in love with inspiring other people and exposing his peers to a lifestyle that was only seen on television. He wanted to find a way to use his voice to uplift others. That became the mission of SUAVV.  SUAVV Magazine was started out of frustration while shopping for reading material for a flight. When Rashod had to purchase almost $50 in magazines to get one overall concept of what he wanted to read. He realized that there was nothing on the media market that spoke to him directly as a 20 something-year-old black man. Rashod wanted, fashion, sports, cars, music, relationships, entertainment, and all of those things to speak to him. To date, SUAVV has interviewed some of the biggest celebrities and public figures in our generation. They look forward to more philanthropic endeavors, increased presence in the media world, and expanding their lifestyle brand.   DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: The importance of listening to your readers How to push through the trial and error process Why your delivery, approach, and personality matters The future of the magazine industry   Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts:     For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to:  blacktobusiness.com/ep37-rashoddavenport   RESOURCES MENTIONED Grammarly Book: Do You x Russell Simmons  STAY CONNECTED:    Rashod: Instagram |  Facebook | Twitter   Black to Business:  Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook     

Black to Business

EP 37: How to Grow an Online Magazine from Zero to an Established Authority with Rashod Davenport of SUAVV Magazine

Style blogger, social media specialist and digital media maven Christina S. Brown is a New York native and the founder of fast-growing lifestyle destination LoveBrownSugar.com. Recognized everywhere from The New York Times to Essence Magazine as a top lifestyle blog, LoveBrownSugar.com focuses on fashion and beauty for multicultural women with an emphasis on self-empowerment. DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: What it means to be a digital influencer How to create YOUR brand The impact of sharing your voice and perspective as an influencer What brands look for in influencers How to get paid as an influencer Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts: For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to: blacktobusiness.com/ep36-christinabrown STAY CONNECTED:   Christina: Instagram |  Facebook | Twitter

EP 36: Raising Brand Awareness the Smart Way with Christina Brown

  Frederick is the CEO and founder of Pigeonly, a platform that makes it easy for people to search, find and communicate with an incarcerated loved one. A born entrepreneur, Frederick launched and sold his first business at the age of 19. His desire to attain the American dream on his terms took him down the wrong path and at 23, he was indicted for distributing 3,000 kg of marijuana. It was during this four-year federal prison sentence a new idea surfaced, one that would give him an opportunity to impact the lives of people no one else was paying attention to - inmates, Pigeonly was born. Pigeonly's technology cuts the cost of expensive prison calls by 80% and allows people to send their inmate photos, greeting cards, and more right from a cell phone, tablet or computer. Although the company is still young, Hutson has grown Pigeonly to become one of the largest independent inmate service providers in the country. DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: Journey from prison to entrepreneurship The state of Black males in entrepreneurship Why being disciplined matters How to build your team starting with your network   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Solo Funds From Good to Great x Jim Collins     STAY CONNECTED: Frederick:  Website | Instagram | Twitter Black to Business:  Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

EP 35: Winning Against All Odds + Cultivating Black Male Entrepreneurs with Frederick Hutson of Pigeonly

Johnny Bailey is a Social Entrepreneur and Executive Director of The ShineHard Family, a 501(c)3 organization based in Washington DC. ShineHard's mission is to recognize and connect the nation's top black millennial leaders, then unify them to educate and inspire the next generation of young black leaders. The ShineHard Family is comprised of entrepreneurs, artists, and corporate innovators from companies like ESPN, Google, Nike, Amazon, CNN, & more. Primarily focused on economic empowerment for people of color, ShineHard leverages relationships to seamlessly transfer knowledge from today’s outstanding leaders to the future professionals and black business owners. In five years, ShineHard’s community programs have empowered 2000+ DC millenials and reached over 100,000 viewers online. A native of Petersburg, Virginia, Johnny has been recognized by the Washington Wizards for outstanding leadership, was named Top 30 under 30 by HBCU Buzz and recently Top 35 Millennial Influencers by NBT Talks. Johnny is also a former Track & Field standout from Hampton University and earned a Master’s Degree in Marketing, respectively. DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: Using your influence to create future Black leaders The importance of the visibility of Black success The power of a virtual mentor Leveraging your relationships to transfer knowledge Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts: For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to: blacktobusiness.com/ep34-johnnybailey OTHER PLACES TO LISTEN: Apple | Stitcher | Google Play STAY CONNECTED: Johnny:  Website | Instagram | Twitter Black to Business:  Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

EP 34: Passing the Baton: Creating the Next Generation of Leaders x Johnny Bailey of The ShineHard Family

In a post-Obama era where Blacks Americans are proclaiming their blackness now more than ever, it's disappointing to see Black-owned businesses shy away from serving their own people. What mainstream brands do so intently with Eurocentric brand messaging and imagery - Black businesses steer clear of for fear of "limiting themselves" if they focus solely on Black audiences. Storyteller Amber Williams is at the forefront of efforts to dispel this myth of limitation by pushing Black businesses towards more sophisticated-unapologetic branding. Her brand storytelling agency PunkyFlair teaches Founders and CEOs how to improve their sales through stories built around their true customers. Amber has crafted brand language for Armani, CVS, The U.S Olympics, and now uses her talents to service black-owned startups such as Camille Rose Naturals, Heat Free Hair, and Shea Radiance. Amber's aim is to shift the idea from merely "buying Black" to "serving Black," and she would love to share it with your listeners to transform their brand messaging. DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: Where to start when crafting your brand story Improving your sales through your story How to be unapologetically Black in your branding Why not targeting the Black community could be hurting your business Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts:   For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to: blacktobusiness.com/ep33-amberwilliams   STAY CONNECTED: Amber:  Website | Instagram | Twitter Black to Business:  Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

EP 33: Why "Serving Black" is the New "Buying Black," x Amber Williams of PunkyFlair

Michell began exploring social media out of necessity, when he was stuck on campus as a cadet at the United States Military Academy. Michell was expelled from the academy in 2012. The days leading to his expulsion forced him to stand up for himself when no one else would. The days after his expulsion challenged him to choose new life goals for himself. Michell finished school at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he began to leverage his social media presence to negotiate more press opportunities for his music discovery platform, Artistic Manifesto. Michell was a writer before he was an influencer. He continues to write about the difficulties of his entrepreneurial journey in a way that many of his peers can relate to. As Michell observed the way social media can be used as leverage for bigger writing opportunities, he continued to dedicate time to growing his social media presence. As he observed the importance of visuals on social media he began to carve out a visual identity to match his writing. In late 2016, Michell signed on to work with SHADE management, and officially embraced the concept of being an influencer. Michell has worked on campaigns with Red Bull, TIDAL, and McDonalds. He has been featured in JET Magazine, Billboard Magazine, and Blavity for his work as an influencer. Michell is currently preparing to release his first book, 'Keep It 100: A series of daily affirmations for millennials (who are tired of being called millennials)." The book is slated for release in Summer 2018 via 13th & Joan. DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: How to build your influence through social media Getting clear on your messaging and revenue streams How not to be too “salesy” Offering perspective on your social platforms Staying up to date on social trends   Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts: For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to: blacktobusiness.com/ep32-michellclark   RESOURCES MENTIONED SHADE 13th & Joan  STAY CONNECTED: Michell:  Website | Instagram | Twitter Black to Business:  Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook       

EP 32: Social Currency: How to make money using social media x Michell Clark

The Ambassador of LA, CEO, a Marketing/Branding Genius, and an inspiration to her community; Miss Diddy has earned every title and more! A true leader of her generation, Miss Diddy has broken through barriers in a male driven industry from the moment she figured out it was lacking something... Her! She currently sits as the Only Woman Promoter in Hollywood, CA. The capital of the most important force to this culture, The Entertainment Industry. Miss Diddy is the rhythm of this city, where she was born and raised. She is the go to woman in Hollywood for artists to showcase their talents, DJs to continue to prove why they are needed in the music industry and street brands to gain visibility while connecting to the people who keep them in business. Miss Diddy has resurrected what it means to party LA style! She is the only female promoter to actively work in the music industry and promote at the same time. She got her start doing West Coast Lifestyle promotions for G.O.O.D music, a label founded by none other than Kanye West. The success from this helped Miss Diddy recognize her skill in the entertainment industry while soaking up knowledge as she sat under Kanye West, John Monopoly and Don Crawley. Taking the knowledge she acquired from some of the most successful in the industry and turning it into her own, gave Miss Diddy the platform to spread her wings. Since then she has worked with some of the top named executives, celebrities and companies in the industry. She branded the Countries biggest comedy show "All Def Comedy Live" alongside ADD and Russell Simmons, this “GentleWoman” is also the CEO of a premier marketing firm, The Brand Group,Inc., and Owner of Production company "The People Group Inc. " With many layers to her growing career, Miss Diddy has acquired and plans to retain the title, Ambassador of L.A. DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: The power of being “The Connect” How to create the room people want to be in The importance of protecting your womanhood How to surround yourself with the right people Thriving in a male-dominated industry   For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to: blacktobusiness.com/ep31-missdiddy

EP 31: How To Create Powerful Connections and Influence x Miss Diddy

Jay Colby is a writer, journalist and founder of The Black Detour. Jay has dedicated his life to not only change the negative perception of Black people in mainstream media but to join the growing movement in America to empower Black people all across the United States. A quote by Malcolm X keeps Jay inspired to continue his work "I’ve had enough of someone else’s propaganda. I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it’s for or against." Jay is also a proud alum of Prairie View A & M University. DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: How he’s changing the negative perception of the Black community in media Building a following on social media before creating a website How to deal with criticism in business Running a startup as a Black male Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts: For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to: blacktobusiness.com/ep30-jaycolby RESOURCES MENTIONED Les Brown Damon Dash - Breakfast Club Interview STAY CONNECTED: Jay:  Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Black to Business:  Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook   

EP 30: How Jay Colby of The Black Detour Is Keeping The Black Community Informed

Launching his career as assistant to the Jonas Brothers, Benoni Tagoe quickly became a part of the band’s day-to-day management team and developed a keen sense of entrepreneurship. Since then, Tagoe has produced content for both TV and New Media on platforms that have collectively garnered over 20 million views. In his current role, Tagoe is the head of business development for Issa Rae Productions (The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl and HBO’s ‘Insecure’). Additionally, Tagoe was profiled as a “Modern Man” in Black Enterprise magazine for his work with his management & consulting company, The Bizz Plan, which works with various media brands, including Uninterrupted (LeBron James’ sports platform), beauty entrepreneur Peakmill, and financial expert Tonya Rapley. DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: Living an authentic life Dealing with life’s rough patches Why a transparent business model works How to monetize things you control Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts:   For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to: blacktobusiness.com/ep29-benonitagoe  RESOURCES MENTIONED Book: Homegoing x Yaa Gyasi   STAY CONNECTED: Benoni:  Instagram | Twitter Black to Business:  Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook       

EP 29: How To Control Your Own Life Story x Benoni Tagoe of The Bizz Plan

George Olokun is a global change agent that is connected to the core of humanity, a socially conscious humanitarian, entrepreneur, globally recognized and nationally ranked speaker, and life trainer and best-selling author. He's one of America's leading millennial trailblazers and impacts the way those creating change live their lives. George is the Founder and Executive Director of the Next Big Thing Movement, a global non-profit social movement that has become the voice and platform for millennials around the globe. DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: Defining social responsibility, and the impact it has on your business How to launch big, even when you don’t have all the answers What it takes to build a business community The importance of others believing in your vision Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts: For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to: blacktobusiness.com/ep28-georgeolokun

EP 28: The Impact of Social Responsibility in Your Business x George Olokun

While in law school, Jeffery founded The MusicianShip, a non-profit organization that facilitates music lessons, experiences and opportunities for at-risk youth. Under Jeffery’s direction as CEO, The MusicianShip has grown from serving 2 students in 2009, to, in 2018, serving 1000 youth in Washington, DC and 200 youth in Pretoria, South Africa.  The MusicianShip has a budget of over a half-million dollars, with a part- and full-time staff of 30, and has garnered both financial and in-kind support from companies such as Google, Tidal, Hard Rock Cafe, Delta Airlines, Capital One, Wells Fargo, and Dropbox. As a result of Jeffery’s work with The MusicianShip, he was named one of DC’s Top 30 Under 30 by WKYS/96.3, B.E. Modern Man by Black Enterprise Magazine, and one of Magic Johnson’s 32 Under 32. In 2013, Jeffery was inducted—as an honorary member—in to Phi Mu Alpha, the largest, oldest music fraternity in the world, after negotiating a partnership with the fraternity to help expand The MusicianShip around the nation. In May of 2014, Jeffery completed a Nonprofit Executive Leadership Certificate Program at Georgetown University and, in 2017, was invited by Red Bull to be a contributor at their global social entrepreneur incubation academy. Jeffery just got married in November and loves to travel, having visited over 25 countries. DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: The process of starting a Nonprofit Why a nonprofit vs. for-profit How to form a team and delegate in your organization How to work more “on your business” and less “in your business” The importance of mentorship and relationships in the entrepreneurial journey Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts:   For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to: blacktobusiness.com/ep27-jefferytribble RESOURCES MENTIONED Book: The E-Myth 

EP 27: How to Start a Nonprofit That Makes a Difference with Jeffery Tribble of The MusicianShip

Guinean-born, NYC-raised strategist, obsessed with all things branding and public relations,  Fatou is best known for helping fellow millennials gain clarity around the “who, what, why” of their visual brands. Barry encourages the building of authentic and strategic brands while positioning clients for success in their respective markets. Fatou's client list includes high-profile influencers, creatives and small businesses. Fatou got her start as a social coordinator for Marc Ecko Cut and Sew managing all of the brand's digital assets and campaigns. This lead to a career in the world of digital marketing and interactive media at Iconix Brand Group, working with brands such as Starter, Umbro, Rocnation and Modern Amusement. Fatou's work is driven by her desire to encourage young female professionals to navigate the spheres of PR and brand development. She has created several digital/online spaces to grow and connect this community and share knowledge and experience to generate opportunity. Fatou believes in the power of collaborative mentorship and sharing crucial information important to a young professional's development, which is what motivates and rewards her as it drives her work and personal growth. DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: How to be BYOP: Be Your Own Publicist Finding your UVP: Unique Value Proposition How to tell “your story” to get press What steps to take to hire someone to handle your PR For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to: blacktobusiness.com/podcast RESOURCES MENTIONED Pitch Rate HARO Cision Grammarly 

EP 26: Be Your Own Publicist + How to know if you’re ready for exposure with Fatou Barry

Monique T. Marshall is an Entrepreneur, Thought-Leader, and Influencer.  As the Chief in Charge of Black to Business, a platform providing resources and connections to aspiring Black entrepreneurs. She is on a mission to increase the number of successful Black startups. Monique has also furthered this mission through her podcast, speaking engagements, and workshops. During this episode Monique discusses what it really means to be a powerful woman, clarity when it comes to your passion, making sure your side hustle brings in income before calling it a business, and much more. Monique is a wonderful combination of drive and wisdom. She not only brings a lot to this podcast, but find out how she’s doing the same for her community. For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to: blacktobusiness.com/podcast       

EP 25: Having Power and Clarity In Your Vision

At 5, Arabia envisioned herself becoming a doctor. At 17, she became a teen mom to a baby boy, whose life was tragically taken away at four months. Her youngest sister was shot and killed while riding in a friend’s car just a few years later. Both tragedies caused her to persevere. She didn’t have any money for medical school. She studied at Hunter College. She was later awarded a scholarship to study medicine at the Latin American School of Medicine in Havana, Cuba. Nearly a decade later after graduating from Hunter College, completing medical school in Cuba, and learning to speak Spanish fluently, she completed her residency as an Emergency Medicine Resident Physician at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Dr. Arabia now has her own Podcast called "The Visit" where she uses her story to empower the community. She's the ultimate "Lifestyle Physician" healing through entertainment, as she uses her experiences to develop creative ways to educate on hardcore true facts about the body, mind, and soul. DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: Why team “No sleep” is NO good Treating your body like a temple How to listen to your body and get proper rest How the people around you are affecting you For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to: blacktobusiness.com/podcast

EP 24: Self Care and Entrepreneurship x Dr. Arabia Mollette

Malcolm “MJ” Harris is an internationally recognized financial services CEO and motivational success teacher whose rise began when he started an insurance agency - at his dining room table as a side business - while working as a Management Consultant for a “Big 4” firm. Through sharing his story with the world on social media about overcoming personal and financial trials, the business quickly grew into a multi-national financial services and self-improvement powerhouse. MJ serves as chairman and chief executive of MJ Harris Global Enterprises, which wholly owns or oversees the operations for MJ Harris OmniMedia, National Care Financial Group, National Care Premiere Partners NA, and other companies in the financial services and entertainment industries. National Care is one of America’s largest African-American owned financial services firms. MJ Harris OmniMedia manages the production and distribution of MJ’s financial, sales training, and empowerment content across multiple platforms including publishing, digital media, and live events. He has been featured by Oprah Winfrey, USA Today, Black Enterprise, Huffington Post, and Ebony Magazine. DURING THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSSED: How to live a limitless life How you feel about yourself reflects your circumstances Overcoming mental blocks and fear Building your confidence in business RESOURCES MENTIONED Think and Grow Rich x Napolean Hill The Power of Positive Thinking x Norman Vincent Peale For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to: blacktobusiness.com/podcast

EP 23: Living Your Best Life x Malcolm Harris

Join us as we chat with some of todays top entrepreneurs, creatives, and industry leaders within the black community as they share tips and resources to help sustain and grow black businesses. We are committed to improving and connecting the black dollar

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