Dive into the inspiring journey of Talicia Patterson, owner of Jayde Suites and Jayde Beauty Supply, and a true Black Boss Lady of Chicago entrepreneurship! This episode unpacks how Talicia, a wife and mother of four, fearlessly left a secure 7-year career as a CTA rail operator to pursue her childhood passion for braiding.

Talicia shares the pivotal moments in her career, from realizing the strong market demand for her skills (after briefly leaving braiding for higher wages) to rapidly launching two salon suites. Listen in as she reveals the intense challenges of opening a brick-and-mortar business, including the 6-month zoning battle where she paid rent on an empty space while still working from home—a true lesson in resilience and tenacity.

Learn how she successfully expanded her initial bulk supply buying into a thriving beauty supply store, and why she decided to transition the business from online to a physical location in 2024. This interview is a must-listen for anyone interested in Black women entrepreneurship, the beauty industry, scaling service-based businesses, and mastering the art of the career pivot.

Dive into the incredible true story of Mary Ellen Pleasant, the 19th-century Black entrepreneur who became one of the wealthiest women in America during the California Gold Rush. Discover how this financial genius secretly used her massive fortune as a dedicated abolitionist and operative for the Underground Railroad. Learn about her groundbreaking legal fight that successfully desegregated public transit in San Francisco decades before the national Civil Rights Movement. Often called the "Black City Hall," Pleasant's influence made her a powerful Civil Rights pioneer and the original "Black Boss Lady." Don't miss this deep dive into a forgotten icon of African American history and entrepreneurship!

In this dynamic episode of the Black Boss Ladies Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Frankie Shipman-Amuwo, a true powerhouse in Public Health Operations and a leader focused on dismantling systemic barriers.

Dr. Shipman-Amuwo shares her incredible journey, from serving as the Interim Director of Emergency Preparedness for Cook County to her pivotal role as Assistant Commissioner for the COVID Bureau at the Chicago Department of Public Health, where she spearheaded the city's community-based testing operations.

Frankie gets candid about the high-stakes environment of executive leadership, revealing her personal struggle with fear and imposter syndrome while managing massive, life-saving programs. She explains how her DrPH focus on equity, power, and trauma-informed practice fuels her work as a social justice change agent.

Tune in to learn why Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is non-negotiable for adaptive leaders and how Dr. Shipman-Amuwo balances strategic management for vulnerable populations—from Children and Youth Services to Senior Services—with her new role as Senior Director for Community Health. A must-listen for anyone interested in Black women in leadership, public health careers, and leading with courage and compassion.