Episode Description

In this powerful and transparent episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, we sit down with Promise “The Boss Builder”, the visionary founder behind Business Besties, a nationwide network empowering women to build sustainable businesses, find community, and walk in purpose.

From selling French bulldogs and dancing in Vegas to leading thousands of women through entrepreneurship and mindset transformation, Promise shares her remarkable journey of faith, redemption, and business brilliance.

Together, J Haleem and Promise go deep on what it means to rebuild your life from scratch, the mindset shifts needed to grow from “hustler” to CEO, and how women can create true freedom — emotionally, spiritually, and financially.

• The real story behind the Business Besties movement and how it grew to 7 chapters nationwide.
• Why community over competition is the foundation of her success.
• The hard lessons from entrepreneurship, faith, and forgiveness after personal trials.
• How Promise transformed from exotic dog breeder and entertainer to business mentor and leader.
• What it means to “water your business like a bamboo tree” — patience, preparation, and persistence.
• The difference between hustling for survival and building for sustainability.
• Why women must learn to ask for help — and how vulnerability attracts real support.
• How automation, systems, and faith can build generational wealth.

In this flavorful episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, we sit down with Chef O, owner and chef of House of Dutch Pot, one of Las Vegas’ premier Caribbean restaurants. From humble beginnings cooking out of his garage in New York to competing on the Food Network, Chef O shares his inspiring journey of hustle, faith, and flavor.

He opens up about the lessons learned working 16 years at Applebee’s, how he used his street smarts and corporate training to build a restaurant brand, and why entrepreneurship is about sacrifice, community, and service. This conversation is a masterclass in business mindset — seasoned with a side of oxtail and escovitch snapper.

• How Chef O turned a garage kitchen into a Caribbean food destination.
• Why he views food as a cultural bridge that bonds people together.
• The importance of long-term planning: his 10-year development plan before moving to Las Vegas.
• Business lessons from 16 years at Applebee’s and how corporate training shaped his success.
• Why entrepreneurship is selfless and built on solving community problems.
• The difference between being rich and building true wealth.
• How he keeps House of Dutch Pot thriving with customer-first strategies.
• His upcoming projects, including a new Caribbean brunch concept: Rum & Toast.
• What it’s like competing on the Food Network alongside Guy Fieri and other celebrity chefs.

Episode Description

This week, J Haleem welcomes power couple Nicci and Jameen Willis, the driving force behind Black Henderson, a thriving nonprofit dedicated to celebrating Black excellence, culture, and community in Nevada. Together, they share their journey from meeting on MySpace to building businesses, writing books, raising a family, and creating one of the most impactful cultural events in the city — the Black Henderson Family Reunion.

From real estate and investing to authorship and community building, Nicci and Jameen prove what teamwork, vision, and purpose can achieve.

• How Nicci & Jameen met and built 18+ years of love, marriage, and business.
• The story behind Black Henderson: from six people on Facebook to thousands united in community.
• The importance of legacy, generational wealth, and owning brokerages — not just businesses.
• The challenges (and rewards) of working with your spouse and balancing family life.
• How real estate shaped their journey — from short sales in 2008 to investing, flipping, and coaching today.
• Why entrepreneurship is about service and freedom, not just money.
• Insights from their books:
• Before You Buy, Read This (Nicci Willis) — a guide for first-time homebuyers.
• Mind Rehab (upcoming by Jameen Willis) — a blueprint for personal development and mindset growth.
• What to expect at the 5th Annual Black Henderson Family Reunion (September 27th, 2025 @ Cornerstone Park).