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What happens when a million-mile corporate traveler trades global supply chains for hand-poured candles? Sherry Owens-Thompson's remarkable transformation from retail VP to founder of Wild Orchid Candle Company reveals how decades of strategic business experience can ignite an entrepreneurial flame.

After years of feeling like "just another asset" in corporate America, Sherry embraced her passion for candle-making—discovering that creating the perfect candle requires a delicate dance between science and art. She explains the crucial differences between mass-market candles that burn black, sooty smoke and her premium, sustainable creations using coconut, apricot, and soy waxes that burn cleaner and last longer.

Beyond building a thriving business with impressive customer retention, Sherry's story illuminates how entrepreneurship enables purpose-driven work. Through her WOW Academy, she brings STEAM education to young people, teaching emotional regulation and mindfulness alongside candle science. Her private labeling services help fellow small businesses create memorable branded products that outlast traditional promotional items.

The conversation delves into the intersection of business strategy and social impact, offering practical wisdom for anyone considering their entrepreneurial journey. As Sherry says, "You truly are the master of your own destiny," emphasizing the importance of surrounding yourself with people who help you level up rather than hold you back.

Ready to explore how your skills might fuel an unexpected business opportunity? Visit wildorchidcandles.com to discover how science, sustainability, and strategy come together in perfect harmony.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest marketing trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates from us, be sure to follow us at 5starbdm.com. See you next time on Follow The Brand!

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Solving the $10,000 Problem: Your Path from Personal Brand to Investment-Ready Business

What separates thriving businesses from struggling ones? According to Grant McGaugh, CEO of Five Star BDM, it's the ability to solve high-value problems while building a multi-dimensional business strategy. In this illuminating session, Grant shares his journey from corporate IT professional to business advisor, revealing how a layoff in 2019 became the catalyst for creating a comprehensive business framework that now serves entrepreneurs worldwide.

The cornerstone of Grant's approach is what he calls "the $10,000 problem" - identifying and addressing challenges that represent significant financial value to potential clients. This threshold matters because it's where prospects stop scrolling and start engaging. As Grant explains, "If what you're doing is not solving at least a $10,000 problem, most people will just keep scrolling past you." This insight forms the foundation of the BRAVE Blueprint - a methodology encompassing Brand identity, Research, Assets, Visibility, and Execution.

Grant reveals how his business operates across three interconnected dimensions. Personal branding serves as the entry point, creating the know-like-trust factor essential for attracting clients. Business development transforms individual expertise into scalable frameworks, recurring revenue models, and operational efficiencies. Finally, investment banking strategies position businesses for capital raises, strategic partnerships, or eventual exits - requiring demonstrable competitive advantages, protected intellectual property, and reliable financial forecasts.

For entrepreneurs feeling stuck, Grant offers a refreshing perspective on business growth: "Senior leaders typically aren't operating in the present, they're operating in the future. They're creating the future that we're going to experience." This forward-thinking approach includes developing specific milestones, building financial reserves, and sometimes considering acquisition rather than organic growth when time-to-market is critical.

Ready to transform your business from personality-dependent to investment-ready? Connect with the Black Business Network every Friday and Saturday from 8am to noon Eastern time to learn more about growing your business and accessing this global community of entrepreneurs.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest marketing trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates from us, be sure to follow us at 5starbdm.com. See you next time on Follow The Brand!

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What happens when compassion meets operational excellence in healthcare leadership? Alexander Fernandez's journey from frontline nursing to Corporate Director at Jackson Health System reveals the transformative power of people-centered leadership in high-pressure healthcare environments.

Known affectionately as "The Mayor," Fernandez brings a rare ability to unite clinical and administrative teams while driving measurable results. His leadership philosophy—"the heart behind the hustle"—perfectly captures how he balances human connection with strategic execution. Born into a family where his grandmother modeled compassionate service and his father rose from being a Cuban orphan to becoming the first Hispanic police officer in Metro Dade and eventually a U.S. diplomat, Fernandez inherited both compassion and a powerful work ethic that defines his approach to healthcare operations.

While many leaders focus exclusively on metrics, Fernandez builds cultures that sustain performance by reducing turnover and fostering loyalty across diverse teams. "I build trust and structure at the same time," he explains, ensuring operational support recognizes that people are not just numbers. This approach has proven particularly effective when leading complex initiatives spanning patient access, stroke care, workforce staffing, and system-wide technology implementations.

Mentorship stands as a cornerstone of Fernandez's leadership strategy. Having benefited from the guidance of a CEO who recognized his potential early in his career, he now pays this forward by nurturing others' growth. His advice to aspiring healthcare leaders? Find a mentor and don't let fear stop you from moving forward. "Confidence comes through experience," he shares, emphasizing that stepping into challenging roles builds the expertise needed to navigate healthcare's complex landscape.

Connect with Alexander on LinkedIn under Alexander A Fernandez or email at afernandez3@jhsmiami.org to learn more about his approach to transformational healthcare leadership.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest marketing trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates from us, be sure to follow us at 5starbdm.com. See you next time on Follow The Brand!