Can heartbreak become your greatest purpose?

In this powerful episode of Next Level Power Players, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and content creator LaShonda Devaughn shares the incredible journey that transformed unimaginable loss into a thriving publishing career.

After being rejected by traditional publishers, LaShonda bet on herself, self-published her first novel, and went on to write 17 books, publish dozens of other authors, and build a loyal audience that now reaches millions through her relationship content and entrepreneurship.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• How tragedy inspired her first bestselling novel
• The realities of self-publishing before social media and eBooks
• Building a publishing company from the ground up
• Why her "Soft Life" message has sparked millions of views and heated conversations
• Bringing her bestselling books to life using AI-powered micro dramas
• How authors and entrepreneurs can adapt to the future without losing their authentic voice

Whether you're an author, entrepreneur, content creator, or someone chasing a dream, this episode is packed with wisdom, resilience, and practical lessons on building a lasting legacy.

🎙️ Guest: LaShonda DeVaughn
📚 National Bestselling Author | Entrepreneur | Speaker | Content Creator

Follow LaShonda DeVaughn:
Instagram: @lashondadevaughn
Facebook: /authorlashonda.devaughnpagetwo

📖 Ready to publish your own book?

Visit https://www.NextLevelPublishing.com

We are the first AI-powered Voice-to-Book publishing platform, helping aspiring authors transform their ideas into professionally published books.

If this episode inspired you, Like, Comment, Subscribe, and share it with someone who's ready to take their story to the next level.

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Website: www.DashawnTaylor.com

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Doctors told her she'd never do hair again. Today, she's working on some of Hollywood's biggest productions.

In this powerful episode of Next Level Power Players, host Dashawn Taylor sits down with acclaimed TV and film hairstylist, author, producer, and entrepreneur Joyce M. Gilliard to discuss an incredible journey of resilience, faith, and purpose.

After surviving a devastating on-set accident that nearly ended both her career and her life, Joyce refused to let tragedy define her future. Today, she's worked on major productions including the highly anticipated Michael movie, projects with Tyler Perry, Druski, the Oscars, and many of the entertainment industry's biggest names.

In this episode, Joyce shares:

• The movie set accident that changed her life forever
• How she overcame a career-ending diagnosis
• Working behind the scenes on Hollywood's biggest productions
• Her experiences on the Michael movie and with Druski
• Why authenticity will always outperform "fake it till you make it"
• The importance of social media in today's entertainment industry
• How faith, preparation, and perseverance opened doors she never imagined

This isn't just a conversation about Hollywood.

It's a masterclass on resilience, purpose, preparation, and believing in yourself when everyone else says it's impossible.

🎙️ Follow Joyce M. Gilliard
Instagram: @GilliardBeauty

👍 If this story inspired you, be sure to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more exclusive conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, filmmakers, authors, and industry leaders.

NEXT LEVEL POWER PLAYERS
Where Powerful Stories Meet Powerful People.
Hosted by Dashawn Taylor.

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Website: www.DashawnTaylor.com

Follow Dashawn Taylor for new interviews every week. instagram.com/dashawntaylor

What does it mean to carry one of the most important musical legacies in American history?

In this powerful episode of Next Level Power Players, host Dashawn Taylor sits down with Wiley Brown, son of the legendary Chuck Brown, the undisputed Godfather of Go-Go Music.

Wiley shares never-before-heard stories about growing up with his father, what Chuck Brown was really like away from the spotlight, and the responsibility of preserving one of Washington, D.C.'s greatest cultural treasures.

The conversation dives into:

• Growing up as Chuck Brown's son
• The true meaning and history of Go-Go music
• Lessons learned from one of music's greatest pioneers
• Carrying a legendary legacy while creating your own path
• Wiley's upcoming music and future projects
• Why Go-Go deserves worldwide recognition
• Advice for entrepreneurs, artists, and anyone chasing greatness

This isn't just a conversation about music.

It's a masterclass on legacy, humility, purpose, leadership, and building something that outlives you.

If you enjoy inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs, entertainers, creators, and cultural leaders, be sure to subscribe and join the movement.

🎙️ Follow Wiley Brown:
Instagram: @WileyBrown_

🌐 Support Go-Go Music:
https://change.org/respectgogo

Subscribe for more exclusive interviews with today's most influential entrepreneurs, artists, innovators, and visionaries.

NEXT LEVEL POWER PLAYERS
Powerful People. Powerful Stories.
Hosted by Dashawn Taylor.

Watch more episodes

https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPowerPlayers

Website: www.DashawnTaylor.com

Follow Dashawn Taylor for new interviews every week. instagram.com/dashawntaylor

Website: https://www.loxurioushairstudio.com

Welcome to another episode of NEXT LEVEL POWER PLAYERS, where we spotlight entrepreneurs, innovators, creators, and industry leaders who are building powerful brands and creating lasting impact.

In this inspiring conversation, host Dashawn Taylor sits down with Taheerah Newsome, founder of LOXURIOUS Hair Studio, to discuss the deeper meaning behind natural hair, personal freedom, entrepreneurship, and self-expression. With more than two decades of experience in the beauty industry, Taheerah shares her journey from healthcare professional to successful business owner and explains how helping clients embrace their natural hair has become part of a much larger mission.

In this episode, we discuss:

✔ The meaning behind "Hair Freedom Is Self Freedom"

✔ The personal journey of embracing natural hair and locs

✔ Building LOXURIOUS Hair Studio from the ground up

✔ Leaving a traditional career to pursue entrepreneurship

✔ The importance of trusting the process

✔ Self-confidence, identity, and personal transformation

✔ Creating a welcoming environment for every client

✔ The future of the natural hair and loc movement Whether you're an entrepreneur, beauty professional, creative, or someone navigating your own journey of growth and self-discovery, this conversation is packed with valuable insight and inspiration.

FEATURED GUEST Taheerah Newsome

Founder & Owner LOXURIOUS Hair Studio

🌐 Website: https://www.loxurioushairstudio.com

Watch more episodes

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Website: www.DashawnTaylor.com

Follow Dashawn Taylor for new interviews every week. instagram.com/dashawntaylor

In this inaugural episode of NEXT LEVEL POWER PLAYERS, host Dashawn Taylor sits down with acclaimed photographer and entrepreneur Bernadette Dare, founder of Dare Digitals. Bernadette shares her remarkable journey from receiving her first camera at age 14 to building a respected photography brand that has served clients across the Washington, DC region for more than two decades.

During this powerful conversation, Bernadette opens up about one of the most difficult chapters of her life, the loss of her mother, a period that led her to sleep in the backseat of her car and nearly walk away from photography forever. She discusses: • How photography became her purpose • The challenges of entrepreneurship • Building a successful creative business • Faith, resilience, and perseverance • Why every photographer must master their craft • The importance of branding and professionalism • The lessons that helped her keep going when she wanted to quit

This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and powerful life lessons for entrepreneurs, creators, photographers, and anyone pursuing a dream.

Guest: Bernadette Dare Dare Digitals

Guest Website: www.daredigitals.com

Instagram: @daredigitals_original

Subscribe to Next Level Power Players for weekly conversations with today's most inspiring entrepreneurs, creators, business leaders, and innovators.

NEXT LEVEL POWER PLAYERS Where Leaders Share Their Journey.

Watch more episodes

https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPowerPlayers

Website: www.DashawnTaylor.com

Follow Dashawn Taylor for new interviews every week. instagram.com/dashawntaylor