Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Trey Haley.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Inspire creatives and entrepreneurs by sharing Trey Haley’s journey in the entertainment industry.
• Highlight the importance of persistence, self-belief, and strategic networking.
• Promote Haley’s current work, especially the BET+ series The Family Business.
• Educate listeners on the realities of Hollywood and the long-term mindset needed for success.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Origin Story & Early Influences

• Trey Haley grew up in Dallas-Fort Worth, with a mother in corporate sales and a father who was a criminal defense attorney.
• His passion for entertainment began early, influenced by music, Spike Lee scripts, and editing during college at North Texas.

2. Leap of Faith to Los Angeles

• Moved to LA with no backup plan, driven by passion.
• Took a courier job to network and eventually landed an internship with Morgan Freeman’s company, Revelations Entertainment.

3. Building Tri Destin Studios

• Co-founded Tri Destin Studios with Nikita De Brown Jones.
• Emphasized creating their own lane and owning their content.
• Their goal: “Change the perception of the world” through storytelling where “we always win.”

4. The Family Business

• Based on Carl Weber’s bestselling book series.
• Independently produced before BET+ picked it up.
• Features a star-studded cast including Ernie Hudson, Valerie Pettiford, Michael Jai White, and Javicia Leslie.

5. Industry Wisdom

• Success in Hollywood is about relationships, consistency, and character.
• Warns against shortcuts and “hook-up culture” in entertainment.
• Encourages young creatives to focus on talent, value, and long-term growth.

🗣️ Notable Quotes

• On taking risks:
  “My mother said, go jump off the ledge and go fly like a bird.”

• On self-belief:
  “Who told you you could be an attorney? Nobody. You figured it out. I’m going to figure it out too.”

• On breaking into the industry:
  “I took a courier job just to meet people in the studios. I dressed like I worked there so they’d see me the way I needed to be seen.”

• On creating value:
  “The most powerful people create their own companies, their own stories, and tell them consistently.”

• On longevity:
  “If your roots aren’t settled and strong, anything can take you out.”

• On perspective:
  “Your perspective in life is the key. If you see negative, you’ll get negative. If you see the win, you’ll fly high.”

📺 Current Project Highlight

The Family Business

• Streaming on BET+
• Multi-season crime drama with layered storytelling and strong character development.
• Haley serves as executive producer and director.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Schenta D. Randolph.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To spotlight Dr. Randolph’s work as a nurse scientist, her leadership of the HEET Lab, and her efforts to address health inequities—especially HIV prevention—in Black communities in the U.S. South. The interview also aims to educate listeners on the broader scope of nursing, the importance of representation, and systemic challenges in healthcare.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Dr. Randolph’s Background

• HBCU graduate from North Carolina A&T.
• Associate Professor at Duke University School of Nursing.
• Founding Director of the HEET Lab (Health Equity through Engagement, Advocacy, and Trust).

2. The Role of Nurse Scientists

• Nurse scientists conduct research to develop evidence-based interventions.
• Less than 1% of nurse scientists are Black.
• Nursing extends beyond bedside care into entrepreneurship, behavioral science, and public health.

3. HEET Lab Mission

• Focuses on HIV prevention among Black women and young Black men.
• Engages communities through partnerships with beauty salons, barbershops, and nonprofits.
• Funded by NIH and other foundations, with a $4.4 million grant for HIV prevention research.

4. Health Inequities in the South

• Higher HIV rates in the Southern U.S. due to systemic racism, lack of access to care, and population density.
• Social determinants of health (e.g., education, food deserts, redlining) contribute to disparities.

5. Systemic Racism & Denial in Healthcare

• Systemic racism creates barriers in healthcare access and delivery.
• Denial within the Black community about health issues (e.g., HIV, obesity, diabetes) is often rooted in distrust of the healthcare system.

6. The Role of the Church & Messaging

• Churches can be powerful platforms for health education but often stigmatize HIV.
• Messaging around HIV prevention (e.g., PrEP) often excludes Black women, leading to low adoption.

7. Mentorship & Representation

• Dr. Randolph co-founded Black PhD Nurse Scientists to mentor future scholars.
• Conducts HBCU tours to expose nursing students to research careers.
• Only 3 of 33 HBCU nursing schools offer PhD programs—highlighting a gap in academic pathways.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Nursing is so much more than the bedside.”
• “Less than 1% of nurse scientists are Black.”
• “HEET stands for Health Equity through Engagement, Advocacy, and Trust.”
• “Representation matters. I became a nurse because I saw a Black woman who looked like me.”
• “We are truly our brother and our sister’s keeper.”
• “We have to advance our own health and be opinion leaders.”
• “This means more to me than my New England Journal of Medicine article.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

🔹 Summary of the Interview

Stacey Gholar, founder of Bloom Creative Agency, shares her journey from being a young mother in Chicago to becoming a brand strategist and creative entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in marketing, media, and business. She emphasizes the importance of aligning personal identity with brand strategy, especially in the digital age. Stacey discusses her approach to brand audits, the role of social media, the impact of AI, and her passion for empowering women through entrepreneurship and skincare.

🔹 Key Takeaways 1. What Is a Brand Strategist?

• A brand strategist helps individuals and businesses define and articulate their brand clearly.
• “You are the brand, but you have to put the brand together in a way that people can articulate what you do.”

2. Social Media Strategy

• Stacey conducts social media audits to ensure alignment between personal and business branding.
• She recommends having separate personal and business accounts, but acknowledges blending them when appropriate.

3. Discovery Process

• Her process starts with a discovery call to understand the client’s “why” and goals.
• She believes passion must drive entrepreneurship—not just money.

4. Digital Branding & AI

• Stacey identifies as a digital brand specialist, helping Gen X women and others pivot into digital spaces.
• She uses AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini to enhance productivity but values human connection.
• “AI is an asset… but I don’t solely rely on it.”

5. Email Marketing

• Email is still vital: “If you're solely on social media, you can lose your business in a minute.”
• She advocates for funnel systems and community building outside of social platforms.

6. Going Viral vs. Being Valuable

• “You don’t need to go viral. You just need to be valuable.”
• She went viral unintentionally with a review of Harold’s Chicken, but stresses the importance of sustainable value over fleeting attention.

7. Brand Refresh & Outreach

• Most of her clients come through word of mouth, but she’s expanding her reach via social media.
• She encourages clients to step out of their comfort zones and engage in community-driven initiatives.

8. Skincare Line

• Stacey founded Skin Light Skincare at age 50 to promote pro-aging and natural beauty.
• She now focuses on organic body oils that are clean, hydrating, and hormone-safe.

🔹 Notable Quotes

• “Experience has been the best teacher for me.”
• “You don’t need to go viral. You just need to be valuable.”
• “If you stop learning, you stop growing.”
• “I want you to be a part of building your brand—not just me doing it for you.”
• “Social media is great, but word of mouth is still real.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed El' Deity Princey.

📝 Summary of the Interview

El' Deity Princey is a transformational master coach, author, and speaker with a background in social science, neuroscience, and trauma recovery. In this powerful and deeply personal interview, she shares her journey from childhood trauma and dysfunction to becoming a high-achieving coach helping others reprogram their minds, cut toxic ties, and build wealth-driven lives. Her book, Monetize a Mind That’s Colonized, and her coaching business, 11 Master Consulting, are tools she uses to empower others to transcend adversity and manifest success.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Mindset is the Foundation of Wealth

• “Energy is currency.” True prosperity begins with internal transformation.
• Reprogramming the subconscious mind is essential to breaking free from societal conditioning and limiting beliefs.

2. Cutting Toxic Ties

• Toxic relationships—whether personal, familial, or professional—drain energy and hinder growth.
• “When you cut toxic ties, you thrive.”
• Applies to both employees and employers: focus on those who contribute positively to your mission.

3. Coaching vs. Therapy

• Coaching focuses on present and future goals, while therapy often addresses past trauma.
• El' Deity emphasizes accountability, strategy, and results in her coaching practice.

4. Routine Builds Wealth

• Daily habits, environment, and self-care routines are critical to building internal and external wealth.
• “Everyone has a gift. Everyone has a talent.” Routine helps unlock and monetize those gifts.

5. Healing from Trauma

• She shares her personal experience with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and how childhood PTSD mirrors veteran PTSD.
• Her journey from dysfunction and cult-like environments to academic and personal success is a testament to resilience.

6. Manifestation Requires Action

• Her concept of “Coagulation Law” emphasizes that belief alone isn’t enough—resources and action are required to manifest goals.
• Life is like Monopoly: strategy and movement are key to winning.

7. Empowering Language

• Words shape reality. Avoid saying “I’m struggling”—instead, affirm your intelligence and capability.
• “Speak life into yourself.”

8. Client Success Stories

• She helped a client leave a toxic home, pursue her talents, and attract a supportive partner—demonstrating how mindset shifts lead to real-world success.

9. Accessibility & Services

• Offers free live coaching on TikTok three times a week.
• Book: Monetize a Mind That’s Colonized is available on Amazon under her real name, Princess Halo.
• Coaching and courses available through 11 Master Consulting.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “When you master your emotions, you master your reality.”
• “Healing doesn’t take years—it takes intention.”
• “I got tired of begging for crumbs of love and began to give myself loads of love.”
• “Your self-image is what you attract.”
• “Are you tired yet? If yes, it’s time to pivot.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mowbray and Cherina Rowand.

🎙️ Interview Summary: Mowbray & Cherina Rowand Purpose of the Interview

To showcase the entrepreneurial journey of Mowbray and Cherina Rowand, co-founders of The Rowand Group and One Stop Taxes, the largest Black-owned virtual tax preparation service in America. The interview highlights their business evolution, scaling strategies, community impact, and the creation of the Black Tax Festival.

🧭 Interview Outline 1. Background & Origins

• Both from Memphis, Tennessee; met in high school.
• Started tax preparation in 2010 as a mom-and-pop operation.
• Transitioned from brick-and-mortar to virtual model by 2015.

2. Business Philosophy

• Entrepreneurship is defined as service to others.
• Mowbray is the visionary; Cherina is the implementer.
• Emphasis on scaling with structure: legal, accounting, HR.

3. One Stop Taxes

• Grew from a single office to over 1,000 virtual franchise locations.
• Offers free training, no startup costs, and shared revenue model.
• Built a platform allowing clients to submit documents and sign remotely.

4. Virtual Tax Model

• Designed for convenience and accessibility.
• Clients and tax preparers never need to meet in person.
• Platform includes document upload, e-signature, and cloud storage.

5. Franchise & Training

• Learning Management System (LMS) for onboarding.
• Training includes tax prep, customer acquisition, and platform use.
• Strategic partnerships with local businesses (e.g., dealerships, daycares).

6. Black Tax Festival

• Annual event held in Atlanta (Oct 16–18).
• Combines networking, education, and recognition.
• Includes IRS updates, business workshops, and the Titan Awards.
• Open to all entrepreneurs, not just tax professionals.

7. Expansion & Diversification

• Own restaurants in Memphis and the Dominican Republic.
• Franchised Fat Tuesday and Esco Restaurant (did \$1M in first 6 weeks).
• Own a yacht for rental experiences in the DR.
• Plans to develop a restaurant strip near FedExForum in Memphis.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Vision + Execution = Growth: Their complementary roles fuel business success.
• Virtual is Scalable: Transitioning to virtual allowed exponential growth.
• Community Impact Matters: Black Tax Festival fosters education and recognition.
• Diversification is Strategic: Restaurants and real estate expand their brand.
• Mentorship & Learning: They study successful entrepreneurs like Tilman Fertitta.
• Faith & Family Drive: Their journey is rooted in love, planning, and purpose.

🗣️ Notable Quotes

• “Entrepreneurship means being a servant to other people.”
• “The same thing that works at \$1M doesn’t work at \$15M.”
• “We had to fire ourselves from some jobs and hire professionals.”
• “We built a platform where you can do taxes from your couch.”
• “We started before social media—we know belly-to-belly marketing.”
• “Recognition matters—people don’t get it at home or work.”
• “We’re trying to bridge the wealth gap through proper paperwork.”
• “We bought a yacht in the Dominican Republic to rent for experiences.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

CEO and co-founder of Amplify Africa.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Highlight Dami Kujembola’s journey as an immigrant entrepreneur.
• Showcase the mission and impact of Amplify Africa.
• Promote the upcoming Africon event and its cultural significance.
• Address stereotypes about Africa and advocate for accurate representation.
• Inspire listeners to connect with their heritage and pursue entrepreneurial goals.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Amplify Africa’s Mission

• Amplify Africa is a media and entertainment company focused on bridging the gap between the African continent and the global Black diaspora.
• It promotes African culture through events, media, and partnerships, reaching 12 million people monthly across the US, UK, Brazil, and Africa.

2. Combatting Stereotypes

• Dami emphasizes the need to correct misconceptions about Africa, especially those perpetuated by Western media.
• He uses media as a tool to educate and reshape narratives about African life, culture, and innovation.

3. Africon Festival

• A multi-day cultural and business event in Atlanta featuring:
  • A marketplace with 100+ businesses.
  • Pitch competitions for startups and short films.
  • Music, fashion, food, and film experiences.
  • Support from the Atlanta Mayor’s Office.
• Designed to make attendees feel immersed in African culture, especially Lagos, Nigeria.

4. Nollywood’s Global Rise

• Nollywood is the third-largest film industry globally.
• Netflix and other platforms have helped elevate African stories and talent.
• Dami’s company partnered with Regal Cinemas for a nationwide Nollywood release.

5. Afro Ball Gala

• An annual gala honoring successful individuals of African descent.
• Aims to inspire others by showcasing excellence and validating dreams regardless of skin color.

6. Challenges & Resilience

• Dami discusses immigration challenges, funding cuts, and political shifts affecting cultural events.
• Despite setbacks, he remains optimistic and committed to fostering global connections.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “The event is purely geared towards access.” – On the purpose of Africon.

• “I’ve probably never seen a lion in my entire life.” – On the absurdity of stereotypes about Africa.

• “Our goal is to make our world smaller.” – On creating immersive cultural experiences.

• “I didn’t know where to find successful people who looked like me.” – On the inspiration behind Afro Ball.

• “I’m actually not special… it’s really representative of the need of people right now.” – On the growth of Amplify Africa.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mildred J. Mills.

Topic: Life journey, resilience, and her memoir Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs, and Rising Above Her Roots

Mildred J. Mills shares her powerful story of growing up on a cotton farm in Alabama as one of 17 children, overcoming domestic violence, poverty, and systemic barriers to become a successful IT executive, author, podcaster, and motivational speaker. Her memoir is a testament to resilience, faith, and self-determination.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

1. Promote her memoir and its message of overcoming adversity.
2. Inspire entrepreneurs and small business owners with her story of resilience and reinvention.
3. Highlight the importance of storytelling as a healing and motivational tool.
4. Encourage faith over fear in personal and professional growth.

🔑 Key Takeaways 🌾 Humble Beginnings

• Grew up on a 60-acre cotton farm in Whitaker, Alabama.
• Picking cotton was physically brutal and emotionally taxing.

“You’re bent at a 90-degree angle all day picking cotton… it hurts.”

📚 Writing the Memoir

• Wrote the book after age 60 to heal and share wisdom.
• Did not consult her husband before publishing — it was her story to tell.

“I didn’t want anybody telling me… ‘Why didn’t you do it this way?’ It is my story.”

💪 Resilience Defined

• Resilience means getting up after being knocked down.
• She credits her mother’s wisdom and her own determination.

“Failure is not an option… I wasn’t going back to that cotton field.”

🧠 Faith Over Fear

• Her guiding principle is faith over fear — trusting in the journey despite uncertainty.

“Fear sits on your shoulder and says you’re not good enough. Faith says walk through the door.”

🏫 Education & Mentorship

• A white teacher saw potential in her and helped her escape the cotton fields by recommending a tech school.
• Her father, despite initial hesitation, paid for her education in cash.

“He paid \$500 in 1969 — a lot of money for a farmer.”

👩‍💻 Career & Independence

• Became an IT executive, starting in 1969 as a computer programmer.
• Advocates for women’s financial independence and self-worth.

“God gave me gifts that I must share… I’m not going to depend on somebody else.”

📖 Future Projects

• Upcoming book: The Hope Club — explores the impact of incarceration on families, especially children.

“I’ve seen what such a life can do to children… it breaks up families.”

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “Do the best you can with what you have.” — Her mother’s mantra.
• “Don’t expect someone else to pay for your dreams.”
• “I’m no victim. I’ve never been a victim.”
• “We’re not dreaming big enough.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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