Breaking Barriers: Julia Isaac of Preferred Waste Solutions

What happens when service, entrepreneurship, marriage, and an unconventional industry collide?

On this episode of Women, Wealth & Entrepreneurship, host Ariel Shaw, MBA, sits down with Julia Isaac, CEO and Co-Owner of Preferred Waste Solutions, a minority-, woman- and veteran-owned sanitation company that Julia operates alongside her husband and business partner, Dawayne Isaac.

Julia’s journey is anything but traditional. A veteran and former law-enforcement professional, she has taken the discipline, leadership and commitment to service developed throughout her career and applied them to building a growing sanitation company. Alongside Dawayne—who brings more than 35 years of waste-management experience—the couple is carving out space in an industry where women and minority entrepreneurs have historically had limited representation.

This conversation goes beyond trash collection. Julia shares what it takes to build and scale an essential-service business, navigate entrepreneurship with your spouse, compete for larger opportunities, lead in a male-dominated industry, and turn operational excellence and customer service into a competitive advantage.

The conversation is especially timely as Preferred Waste Solutions enters a new chapter of growth. In 2026, the company was selected by the City of Selma, Alabama, for its residential and commercial waste collection contract—an expansion beyond its Georgia service footprint and a significant milestone for the company.

Tune in for a conversation about breaking barriers, building infrastructure, creating generational wealth, serving communities, and having the courage to build a business in spaces where few women who look like you are represented.

Women, Wealth & Entrepreneurship — where we talk about the businesses, strategies and stories behind women building wealth, creating impact and changing industries.Breaking Barriers in the Business of Waste: Julia Isaac of Preferred Waste Solutions

What happens when service, entrepreneurship, marriage, and an unconventional industry collide?

On this episode of Women, Wealth & Entrepreneurship, Ariel Shaw sits down with Julia Isaac, CEO and Co-Owner of Preferred Waste Solutions, a minority-, woman- and veteran-owned sanitation company that Julia operates alongside her husband and business partner, Dawayne Isaac.

Julia’s journey is anything but traditional. A veteran and former law-enforcement professional, she has taken the discipline, leadership and commitment to service developed throughout her career and applied them to building a growing sanitation company. Alongside Dawayne—who brings more than 35 years of waste-management experience—the couple is carving out space in an industry where women and minority entrepreneurs have historically had limited representation.

This conversation goes beyond trash collection. Julia shares what it takes to build and scale an essential-service business, navigate entrepreneurship with your spouse, compete for larger opportunities, lead in a male-dominated industry, and turn operational excellence and customer service into a competitive advantage.

The conversation is especially timely as Preferred Waste Solutions enters a new chapter of growth. In 2026, the company was selected by the City of Selma, Alabama, for its residential and commercial waste collection contract—an expansion beyond its Georgia service footprint and a significant milestone for the company.

Tune in for a conversation about breaking barriers, building infrastructure, creating generational wealth, serving communities, and having the courage to build a business in spaces where few women who look like you are represented.

Women, Wealth & Entrepreneurship — where we talk about the businesses, strategies and stories behind women building wealth, creating impact and changing industries.

When Pain Finds Purpose;

Tosha Smith-Mills & UNHEARD VOICES

It fits your brand because it moves beyond the documentary itself and speaks directly to women navigating business, life, leadership, adversity, and purpose.

When Pain Finds Purpose: Tosha Smith-Mills & UNHEARD VOICES

What happens when one of the most difficult chapters of your life becomes the catalyst for purpose?

On this episode of Women, Wealth & Entrepreneurship with Ariel Shaw, MBA, Ariel sits down with Tosha Smith-Mills, creator and producer of the award-winning docuseries UNHEARD VOICES: A Mother’s Quest for Freedom.

What begins as a conversation about an important documentary becomes a deeply personal discussion about motherhood, resilience, advocacy, entrepreneurship, healing, and finding the courage to use your voice.

Tosha shares the journey behind UNHEARD VOICES and how her family's experience ultimately inspired a project amplifying the stories of mothers and families.

Ariel and Tosha also explore what it takes to transform a personal experience into purposeful work—from developing a vision and telling difficult stories to building a platform capable of creating conversations far beyond your own community.

This episode is about more than a film.

It's about what happens when women decide their experiences will not silence them—and instead use those experiences to create, lead, advocate, and make an impact.

In this conversation:

• The story behind UNHEARD VOICES
• Motherhood, family, and resilience
• Turning pain into purpose
• Finding your voice after difficult seasons
• Entrepreneurship and purpose-driven work
• The power of storytelling
• Building something meaningful from personal experience
• Creating impact through film and advocacy

About Our Guest

Tosha Smith-Mills is the creator and producer of the award-winning docuseries UNHEARD VOICES: A Mother’s Quest for Freedom. Drawing from her own family's journey, Tosha has developed a platform that brings greater visibility to the experiences of mothers and families impacted by incarceration while creating space for conversations surrounding healing, advocacy, and change.

About Women, Wealth & Entrepreneurship

Hosted by Ariel Shaw, MBA, Women, Wealth & Entrepreneurship brings listeners conversations with entrepreneurs, executives, community leaders, creatives, and changemakers who are building businesses, creating opportunities, navigating leadership, and redefining what success and wealth can look like.

Now in Season 7, the podcast continues its mission of equipping, informing, and inspiring women through conversations at the intersection of business, wealth, leadership, entrepreneurship, and purpose.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and your favorite podcast platforms.

Connect & Follow

Follow Women, Wealth & Entrepreneurship and Southern Crescent Women In Business for upcoming episodes, conversations, events, and resources for women in business.

#WomenWealthEntrepreneurship #ToshaSmithMills #UnheardVoices #ArielShaw #WomenInBusiness #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInFilm #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Purpose #Podcast

Women, Wealth & Entrepreneurship Podcast Hosted by Ariel Shaw, MBA

Season 7 Episode 2Title: Preserving Culture Through Cuisine: Celebrity Chef Carlos Brown on Gullah Geechee Heritage, Entrepreneurship, and Legacy

In this compelling episode of the Women, Wealth & Entrepreneurship Podcast, host Ariel Shaw, MBA welcomes celebrity chef, entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador Chef Carlos Brown for an inspiring conversation about food, heritage, business, and legacy.Born and rooted in the rich traditions of the South Carolina Lowcountry, Chef Brown shares how his Gullah Geechee heritage has profoundly influenced his culinary philosophy, entrepreneurial journey, and commitment to preserving culture through food.More than a chef, Carlos Brown is a storyteller whose dishes serve as a bridge between generations—honoring the traditions, ingredients, techniques, and history of the Gullah Geechee people while introducing those flavors to audiences across the country.

During this engaging discussion, listeners will discover:

* The history and significance of the Gullah Geechee culture and its impact on Southern cuisine

* How family traditions, storytelling, and community shaped Chef Brown's culinary identity

* The role food plays in preserving cultural heritage and educating future generations

* Lessons learned from building a successful culinary brand rooted in authenticity

* The intersection of culture, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity* How chefs and business owners can leverage their unique stories to stand out in competitive industries

* The importance of honoring one's roots while embracing innovation and growth

* What legacy means to Chef Brown and how he hopes to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and culinary professionals.

Throughout the episode, Ariel and Chef Brown explore the deeper connection between food and identity, discussing how cuisine can serve as both a business venture and a powerful vehicle for cultural preservation.Chef Brown's story is a reminder that entrepreneurship is not simply about building a brand—it's about honoring where you come from, sharing your gifts with the world, and ensuring that the stories of your ancestors continue to be told.

This episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, food enthusiasts, cultural advocates, and anyone interested in the power of heritage, community, and purpose-driven leadership.

Memorable Takeaway: "Every recipe tells a story. Every meal carries a legacy. When we preserve our culture through food, we preserve a piece of ourselves for generations to come."

Hosted by: Ariel Shaw, MBAFounder & President, Southern Crescent Women in Business

Special Guest: Celebrity Chef Carlos BrownJoin us for a conversation that celebrates entrepreneurship, cultural excellence, and the enduring legacy of the Gullah Geechee people through the universal language of food.

WWE is a globally heard podcast elevating conversations around leadership, economic empowerment, ownership, and entrepreneurship. Entering Season 7, the podcast has successfully produced six impactful seasons, positioning itself as a trusted platform for women founders, executives, professionals, and decision-makers worldwide. Built on credibility, consistency, and conversion—where influence meets action.

Southern Crescent Women In Business is a conglomerate of women owned businesses and women in business, looking to change the landscape of the Southern Crescent and South Metro Atlanta.

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Season 7 of Women, Wealth and Entrepreneurship Podcast with host and creator Ariel Shaw, MBA, opens with a powerful, forward-thinking conversation that sits at the intersection of money, opportunity, and influence. In this premiere episode, we welcome Latavius Powell of CSG Wealth Group for an insightful dialogue on how today’s evolving economy is creating new pathways to wealth—especially for women, entrepreneurs, and the next generation.

From the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities to the expanding influence of film, media, and digital platforms, this episode breaks down what it truly means to build sustainable wealth in a rapidly shifting landscape. Latavius shares expert perspective on how NIL is not just for athletes—but a broader blueprint for personal branding, ownership, and monetization.

We also dive into the critical importance of financial literacy—not as a buzzword, but as a foundational tool for long-term success. Whether you’re a business owner, creative, student, or emerging leader, this conversation equips you with practical insight on managing money, leveraging opportunities, and thinking strategically about wealth creation.

This episode also explores:

• How entrepreneurship is evolving in the digital and entertainment economies
• The business of film and why it matters for regional economic growth

• Creating generational wealth

Season 7 starts with intention, clarity, and a call to action: get informed, get positioned, and get paid.

Built on credibility, consistency, and conversion—To connect with Founder Ariel Shaw & Southern Crescent Women In Business, follow us on all social media platforms and learn more at www.scwibga.org

Women, Wealth and Entrepreneurship Podcast Season 6, 2025

Welcome to Women, Wealth & Entrepreneurship with Ariel Shaw, MBA! We want to increase your bottom line and create generational wealth that lasts way beyond you! It’s 2025 and we are in Season 6! Wow! How Exciting! This is the year of Focus and Continued Expansion. Our 2025 Media Participants Include Sylvia Dennis-Wray of Sylvia The Advocate; Mica Johnson of The Mica Johnson State Farm Agency; Shamica Davis of JTS Vacations LLC; LaQuita Brooks of The Motivational Maven.

We welcome Dr. John C. Lipman, MD, FSIR. Founder & Medical Director of Atlanta Fibroid Center.

Dr. John Lipman is a board-certified Interventional Radiologist and renowned authority in the non-surgical treatment of uterine fibroids. He is also a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and an award-winning public speaker. He received his Masters and Medical degrees from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1985. He completed a residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and then did a fellowship in Vascular & Interventional Radiology at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine.

Women, Wealth and Entrepreneurship Podcast Season 6!

Welcome to Women, Wealth & Entrepreneurship with Ariel Shaw, MBA! We want to increase your bottom line and create generational wealth that lasts way beyond you! It’s 2025 and we are in Season 6! Wow! How Exciting! This is the year of Focus and Continued Expansion.

We sit down with Mayor Anthony S Ford, the current Mayor of The City of Stockbridge. Mayor Ford is the 1st African American Mayor in The City of Stockbridge and was the 1st African American Mayor in the entire Henry County. Mayor Anthony S. Ford, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired) brings thirty years of logistics and operational experience at various levels of management while serving in the United States Army. Mayor Ford is also an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Rho Sigma Lambda Chapter, and a member of VFW Post 12180. The City of STOCKBRIDGE is part of the ATLANTA metropolitan area and has over 30,000 residents.

Our 2025 Media Participants Include Sylvia Dennis-Wray of Sylvia The Advocate; Shamica Davis of JTS Vacations LLC; and LaQuita Brooks of The Motivational Maven.

Southern Crescent Women In Business STEM & Entrepreneurship Campers Produces "What It Means to Be A Black Teenage Girl In Today's World"

This all girls camp with a focus this year on Rising 9th through 11th grade. The camp this year had a different focus, that included film, production, and programming.

The girls--Selah, Trinity, Elise, and Khloe-- shared their beliefs, challenges, and hopes on the mic, while the other STEM Girls worked behind the scenes in production of the podcast and video.

Southern Crescent Women in Business Inc is a conglomerate of women owned businesses and women in business that have come together to change the economic landscape in the South Metro Area. Southern Crescent Women in Business was founded by local businesswoman Ariel Shaw, MBA. Our 4th Annual 2025 Multi-Day STEM & IMMERSION Camp was outfitted with a ton of activities to Inspire our young girls to think creatively, analytically collaborate, and solve problems. All While Having Fun!

This concludes our special session of Women, Wealth & Entrepreneurship Podcast STEM Girls Special Edition.

Southern Crescent Women In Business STEM & Entrepreneurship Campers Produces "What It Means to Be A Black Teenage Girl In Today's World"

This all girls camp with a focus this year on Rising 9th through 11th grade. The camp this year had a different focus, that included film, production, and programming.

The girls--Selah, Trinity, Elise, and Khloe-- shared their beliefs, challenges, and hopes on the mic, while the other STEM Girls worked behind the scenes in production of the podcast and video.

Southern Crescent Women in Business Inc is a conglomerate of women owned businesses and women in business that have come together to change the economic landscape in the South Metro Area. Southern Crescent Women in Business was founded by local businesswoman Ariel Shaw, MBA. Our 4th Annual 2025 Multi-Day STEM & IMMERSION Camp was outfitted with a ton of activities to Inspire our young girls to think creatively, analytically collaborate, and solve problems. All While Having Fun!

This concludes our special session of Women, Wealth & Entrepreneurship Podcast STEM Girls Special Ediition.