Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Woodward.

A natural-born entrepreneur and community leader.

🎙️ Guest Background: Michael Woodward

• Grew up in Liberty City, Miami, in a low-income housing project known as the "Poke and Bean" projects.
• Learned early business skills from his grandmother, who was the local "candy lady."
• Served briefly in the military as a way out of poverty.
• Became a teen father and took his son with him to college at Florida A&M University (FAMU).
• Known for his hospitality and work ethic during college—cooked for friends and maintained a welcoming home.

🏠 Entrepreneurial Journey

• Bought his first duplex at age 20, renovated it, and rented it out.
• Built a real estate portfolio while working as an educator.
• Founded Woodward Property Group, a full-service home improvement and property management company.
• Became one of Lowe’s top contractors through a combination of skill, networking, and mentorship.

📚 Educational Impact

• Worked as an assistant principal and educator for 20 years.
• Founded Alpha Educational Consultants, Inc.
• Took students on college tours, especially to HBCUs, to expose them to higher education opportunities.
• Ran STEM programs and mentoring initiatives with a 99.9% college placement rate.

💡 Life Lessons & Advice

• Emphasizes financial literacy: avoid unnecessary spending (e.g., new cars every year).
• Advocates for education as a path to wealth.
• Believes in the village mentality—community support and shared success.
• Encourages young people to choose between college, military, or trade school.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Paris Fletcher.

Founder of Full Bloom.

Here’s a breakdown of the key themes and takeaways:

🌸 About Full Bloom

• Mission: To help people “bloom into their best selves” through self-discovery, journaling, and affirmations.
• Origin: Born during the pandemic when Parris began sharing motivational content on TikTok.
• Name Meaning: Inspired by plants — just like them, people need the right environment and care to thrive.

📓 The Product: Guided Journal

• Title: Back to Me: The Journey Back to Self
• Format: Available in both hardcover and digital.
• Content: 365+ daily prompts and space for affirmations to encourage reflection, self-awareness, and personal growth.
• Purpose: Helps users explore their identity, values, relationships, and goals.

🎭 Parris’ Background

• Former professional dancer and actress in Los Angeles.
• Toured internationally and appeared in commercials and TV shows.
• Transitioned from entertainment to entrepreneurship after facing industry frustrations and seeking more control over her path.

💡 Entrepreneurial Insights

• Started with no formal business plan or funding — bootstrapped using personal savings.
• Faced rejection from banks but turned it into a strength by maintaining full ownership.
• Built a loyal community through authenticity and vulnerability on social media.
• Key to success: Quality product + genuine connection with audience.

💬 Quotes That Resonate

• “Sometimes all you have to do is just start.”
• “If we’re not in the right environment, we’re not going to thrive.”
• “People are looking for real people they can relate to.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.