A Bright Idea

Riply Media: The AI Tool Built By Journalists For Journalists

Amber Key — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode, I sat down with Jen Austin, a three-decade radio veteran who's been heard on over 100 stations across the U.S., reaching over 10 million listeners, and has held virtually every role in the business, from music director to producer, and executive. After 30 years of watching the same story unfold everywhere she went, reduced staffs, shrinking budgets, and communities going without reliable local news coverage, she decided to make a change. So she founded Riply, an AI-assisted intelligence platform that helps local radio stations produce reliable, locally-focused news more quickly and affordably, without needing a full newsroom to do it.

In this episode - Jen Austin shares her 30-year journey in media, the evolution of journalism, and the innovative AI platform Ripley designed to support local newsrooms. Discover how technology and human storytelling are shaping the future of journalism, especially in news deserts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jen Austin and Ripley

08:51 Growing Up in a News Desert

20:45 The AHA Moment Behind Ripley

28:38 Developing the Ripley Platform

39:04 Conclusion and Future of Journalism

Resources

https://riplymedia.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinjen/

https://www.instagram.com/riplymedia

43 Interviews Later: What Finally Got Me Hired

Amber Key — Wed, 13 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Yes, you read that correctly. 43 Interviews later, I am back employed!! In this episode of A Bright Idea Podcast I’m giving you all my tips and tricks to make your job search a little easier!

Motus Crucis: Bringing Parkour Back to D.C.

Amber Key — Wed, 06 May 2026 11:01:56 GMT

In This week’s episode I chat with Nate Revolus - of Motus Crucis the one and only Parkour academy in Washington, DC

Nate’s training program and gym is dedicated to teaching movement, discipline, and community through parkour. His journey began as a teenager after discovering parkour online and quickly becoming obsessed with mastering the craft. What started as hours of daily training evolved into a deep passion not just for the sport itself, but for teaching others how to move with confidence and control.

Many may not know this, but Long before Parkour gained mainstream attention in the U.S., D.C. was quietly becoming a central hub for the movement, thanks in large part to organizations like American Parkour, founded by Mark Toorock. The city attracted top athletes from across the country, hosted national and international training events, and offered the perfect urban landscape for the sport to thrive. But when that early infrastructure faded, it left behind a passionate community with nowhere to go—creating a gap that Nate saw not as an ending, but as an opportunity to rebuild something even stronger.

In 2025, with the support of his family, Nate opened his own gym, building it in just a few weeks and creating a permanent home for parkour in the city. Today, Motus Cricus Parkour is more than a training facility—it’s a community hub where students of all levels develop physical skill, mental resilience, and a sense of belonging.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Parkour and Its Revival in DC
07:06 The Philosophy and History of Parkour
13:46 Personal Journey and Early Influences in Parkour
19:50 Mental Fortitude and Life Lessons from Parkour
21:41 Choosing Parkour Over Traditional Career Paths
22:29 The Shift from Physical Therapy to Parkour Coaching
24:06 Taking the Leap: Quitting the Day Job
28:23 Revitalizing Parkour Culture in DC
31:03 Overcoming Financial Hurdles to Open a Gym
33:50 The Emotional Journey of Opening the Gym
36:50 Teaching Techniques and Building Confidence in Students
40:49 The Life Lessons Parkour Teaches Children
43:16 Final Thoughts and Community Support

Resources

Modus Crucis Parkour - https://www.moduscrucis.com
Parkour DC on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parkourdc
NYPK (New York Parkour) - https://nypk.com
Georges Herbert (Founder of parkour philosophy) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_Herbert

Guest Links

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/motus_crucispk/

Website - https://www.instagram.com/motus_crucispk/

Fia's Fabulous Finds: How Community Saves Small Businesses

Amber Key — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:48:51 GMT

This week’s episode is a really special one for me—because it’s not just a conversation, it’s a full-circle moment.

Before A Bright Idea was what it is today… before the studio setup, before the growth… I was just a college student with a mic and a curiosity about people building something of their own. And one of the very first people I ever interviewed was today’s guest.

Fia Thomas is the owner of Fia’s Fabulous Finds, a consignment boutique in the Petworth neighborhood of Washington, D.C. that has been serving the community for over 13 years. But this isn’t just a store—it’s a space rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, resilience, and community.
In this episode, we talk about how Fia turned her love of thrifting into a thriving business, how she survived the pandemic by reinventing her entire model through Facebook Live, and what it really takes to keep your doors open when everything feels uncertain.

Missing in Action: She Left a $350K Job to Build Something She Could Not Find

Amber Key — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode, I sat down with Jordan Polk, founder and CEO of M.I.A. also known as missing in action - a Detroit-based hair and scalp care brand on a mission to make the outdoors more accessible. A former investment banker and software private equity investor , Jordan left Wall Street to build the category she couldn't find — protection-first haircare for textured hair experiencing damage and dryness while living actively outdoors.

Missing in Action’s hero product, HairBlockTM, is a clean, science-forward daily barrier serum that supports against UV, chlorine, salt water, and cold weather.

Jordan placed 2nd at Beauty Tank LA in 2026 and is backed by 20+ years of haircare industry expertise through her advisor network.

In this episode, Jordan and I chat about her experience going from private equity to founding Missing in Action. And through her experience in high-finance, she shares her strategies for fundraising, building a credible brand, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Jordan’s Journey

02:00 - Inspiration Behind MIA

05:00 - Customer Feedback in Product Development

08:30 - Leveraging Private Equity Skills

12:00 - Focusing on One Product

15:00 - Funding Strategies

20:00 - Strategic Business Growth

24:00 - Navigating Funding Challenges

28:00 - Building an Inclusive Brand

32:00 - Digital Marketing Strategies

36:00 - Networking for Investment

40:00 - Overcoming Product Challenges

44:00 - Establishing Credibility

48:00 - Personalizing Branding

52:00 - Strategic Investor Engagement

56:00 - Leveraging Partnerships

60:00 - Mindset Shifts for Success

64:00 - Building a Scalable Business

68:00 - Social Media Impact

72:00 - Focused Marketing Approach

76:00 - Lessons for New Entrepreneurs

80:00 - Supporting Jordan and MIA

resources

Jordan's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jordanismia/

Missing in Action (MIA) - https://www.missinginaction.com/

First Look Ventures - https://firstlookventures.com/

LinkedIn Profile of Jordan -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanapolk/

Missing in Action's Instagram -

https://www.instagram.com/thebrandismia/

Laid Off, Not Left Behind

Amber Key — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:12:32 GMT

In this episode of A Bright Idea Podcast, I share my personal experience with being laid off and emphasize the importance of having a backup plan. I discuss mindset shifts, the value of side hustles, and practical tips for financial resilience during career transitions.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Episode
02:52 Personal Experience with Layoffs
06:13 The Importance of Backup Plans
08:48 Reframing the Narrative of Entrepreneurship
11:58 Protecting Your Peace with Multiple Income Streams

So Curious: Building a Greeting Cards Company Bigger Than Hallmark

Amber Key — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:02:56 GMT

On this week’s episode, I sat down with Justin Shiels, a creative futurist, author, and founder of SoCurious. He creates joy-centered art, analog experiences, and creative practices rooted in self-love and nervous-system care. His work helps people slow down, feel safe, and reconnect with what it means to be human in a digital world.

In this episode - Justin shares how he went from being a creative director - a profession he decided on when he was just 8 years old to founder of So Curious where he emphasizes authenticity, community building, and the power of joy in business. We discuss practical strategies for launching a creative business, the importance of iteration, and how to stay true to your purpose amidst challenges.

A Bright Idea: Flynanced pt. 2

Amber Key — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Flynanced is back for a part 2 episode! In this episode, Cinneah El-Amin takes questions from 9-5 hotties looking to make their next career move.

My 'aha' Moment

Amber Key — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:05:13 GMT

Welcome back for season 3 of A Bright Idea Podcast! In this episode of A Bright Idea, I reflect on my journey as an entrepreneur and podcaster. There was no other person who could help me tell this story but my sister, Kayla. Join us to discuss our childhood in Pittsburgh, the entrepreneurial spirit instilled in us, and my transition from media sales to launching her podcast. Our conversation highlights the importance of storytelling, the challenges faced in the media industry, and the motivation behind creating a platform for black and brown businesses. Don't miss my insights on personal growth, the significance of supporting each other, and the diverse guests expected in the new season. Enjoy! This week's sponsor: Chosen Advisory Group: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/bilal-afolabi/ Takeaways -Amber took a break between seasons to recharge and gather feedback. -Childhood experiences in Pittsburgh shaped their work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. -Amber's first business was a greeting card company called Birdhouse Greeting Cards. -The importance of storytelling in both journalism and entrepreneurship. -Amber transitioned to media sales to understand the business side of the industry. -Challenges in media sales included competition from social media advertising. -Amber pursued a master's in journalism and digital storytelling during the pandemic. -The podcast aims to close the knowledge gap for black and brown businesses. -Amber emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses. The podcast features diverse guests to inspire and educate listeners. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Season Three 02:39 Childhood and Upbringing 07:59 The Spark of Entrepreneurship 14:10 Education and Storytelling 27:24 Media Sales Journey 34:40 Innovative Marketing Strategies 37:11 Transitioning in Media Sales 40:11 Navigating Life During a Pandemic 44:13 The Impact of 2020 on Journalism 48:57 Launching A Bright Idea Podcast 53:57 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations

Tye Barrett | Building a Luxury Brand with a Message of Self-Expression and Individuality

Amber Key — Wed, 08 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT

On this week's episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Tye Barrett, the owner of Amami, an Italian leather handbag brand based in Los Angeles. Tye’s mission to celebrate individuality and self-love shines through her brand’s collection ‘Me’. From climbing the corporate ladder at Disney and Warner Brothers to embracing her unique path as a single parent, Tye’s story is one of resilience, self-acceptance, and empowerment. 00:00 - Intro 01:40 - Background 08:15 - Pursuing storytelling as a career 11:35 - Transitioning to the business side and climbing the corporate ladder 16:20 - Tye's career goals 20:30 - Raising a daughter as a single mother 26:00 - AMAMI 30:50 - Creating a luxury brand 37:30 - What influenced Tye to create a product based on self love? 42:40 - Finding the right factor for AMAMI 46:40 - The design concept of the bag 49:45 - Conveying your message in your product 50:40 - 35th St. Builders sponsorship 51:20 - Chose Advisory Group sponsorship 52:00 - From product to market 57:15 - Tips for people who aspire to create hand bags 1:01:55 - Bootstrapping 1:05:15 - Challenges and discouragement 1:08:20 - Funding opportunities outside of bootstrapping 1:10:00 - Plans for expanding the reach of AMAMI 1:13:35 - Rapid fire questions 1:24:50 - Contact information Website: https://www.amamiluxury.com/ Today's Sponsors: Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation -⁠⁠ https://www.3sb.io/ Take control of your financial freedom: Schedule your complimentary consultation at www.chosenadvisorygroup.com today.

Capital City Mambo Sauce (PT 2): "Living the Life I've Always Dreamed of"

Amber Key — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 10:14:08 GMT

Join us as we take a walk around the Capital City Mambo Sauce where house, where Arsha and her team package and ship her mambo sauces across the country. In this mini episode, Arsha talks to us about her keys to success, how she's been able to scale Capital City Mambo Sauce through partnerships in the community, and how she is intentional about letting the brand speak for itself rather than being front and center. Get ready to dive a little deeper on the founder behind this notable sauce. Timestamps: 00:00 - 00:57 Introduction 00:57 - 2:20 Establishing Partnerships with Brands in the Community 02:20 - 02:57 Seeing an Uptick in Interest 02:55 - 06:05 The Reason for Not Wanting to be the Face of the Brand 06:05 - 08:51 Running the Operations 08:53 - 10:30 Living the Life She Always Dreamed Of 10:30 - 11:52 What's Next For Arsha Jones Where you can buy Capital City Mambo Sauce: https://www.capitalcity.com/ Today's Sponsors: Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation -⁠⁠ https://www.3sb.io/ Take control of your financial freedom: Schedule your complimentary consultation at www.chosenadvisorygroup.com today. Where you can buy Capital City Mambo Sauce: https://www.capitalcity.com/ Today's Sponsors: Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation -⁠⁠ https://www.3sb.io/ Take control of your financial freedom: Schedule your complimentary consultation at www.chosenadvisorygroup.com today.

A Bright Idea: Relai

Amber Key — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT

On this week's episode- we are joined by Miles Martin, Co-founder of Relai.

With Relai, selling and picking up products just became a lot easier. Miles Martin and his co-founder Tracy Tann Jr. came together during quarantine to build a company called Relai. It’s a last mile startup that builds apps for exchange zones. Using these exchange zones, buyers and sellers can store products in a locker for pickup! After a series of beta tests, Relai launched 1 app in late spring 2023 in Richmond, Va with 2 exchange zones. Now, relai has 3 apps available in 9 cities that access 100 exchange zones across the US.

Cedric Singleton: Run Your Small Business Like A Corporation

Amber Key — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode of A Bright Idea Podcast, I sit down with Cedric Singleton, managing partner at J.Galt Financial Suite. We discuss the importance of building business credit, the differences between corporate and entrepreneurial environments, and the common pitfalls that small businesses face. Cedric shares insights from his extensive corporate career and emphasizes the need for effective management, simplified business planning, and strategic marketing to ensure business success. The conversation provides valuable advice for entrepreneurs looking to thrive in their ventures.

Takeaways

Small businesses can learn from the structured approach of large corporations.

Cash flow management is crucial for business sustainability.

Separating personal and business finances is essential to avoid financial pitfalls.

Effective management and leadership training can significantly impact business success.

A simplified business plan can be more effective than a lengthy one.

Marketing is vital; businesses must actively promote themselves to succeed.

Investing in team training can enhance productivity and morale.

Identifying a clear strategic goal is key to business planning.

Accountability within a team is necessary for executing business plans.

Entrepreneurs should seek expert advice to navigate business challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cedric Singleton and Jaygalt Financial Suite

01:32 Cedric's Corporate Journey and Transition to Entrepreneurship

11:03 Lessons from Corporate America for Small Businesses

17:04 Understanding Financial Challenges Faced by Small Businesses

26:13 Building Business Credit and Financial Independence

33:02 Understanding Financial Challenges in Small Businesses

35:47 The Importance of Effective Management

40:03 Scaling Your Business: Starting Small

51:13 Crafting a Concise Business Plan

01:00:09 Navigating Marketing Mishaps

Sponsors:

Chosen Financial Group - https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/bilal-afolabi/

Digital Career Opportunities Worldwide - https://www.dcowmember.com/

Chosen Advisory Group: Make Your Money Work For You

Amber Key — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 10:00:00 GMT

On this week's episode- we’re Joined by the founder of Chosen Advisory Group, and Wealth Management Advisor Bilal Afolabi

Bilal was born in Togo, Africa, and moved to Hartford, Connecticut at 8 years old.

Bilal started his wealth management journey at 19 years old through a nationally ranked internship program at Northwestern Mutual. He was the number one intern in the Northeast, ranking Top 10 nationally out of twenty five hundred interns in 2014 and 2015.

Today Bilal Afolabi is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, a Chartered Financial Consultant, and founder and wealth management advisor at Chosen Advisory Group where he specializes in working with pre-retirees/retirees and the emerging affluent.

Bilal is a nationally ranked speaker on financial planning, speaker at the national medical conference, and has been in articles from the certified financial planning board. He currently serves on the Goodwin University School of Business Advisory Board to assist in shaping their curriculum and improving enrollment for new students. For his hard work, Forbes recognized him as Best-In-State Top Financial Security Professional in 2023, and he was awarded Bilal as the youngest ever 4 under 40 in the state of Connecticut in 2016.

In this episode- Bilal and I discuss his upbringing, how he worked to achieve a healthy relationship with money, and how his client can make their money work for them.

00:00 - Introduction

2:41 - What would you 8-year-old self think of your success?

4:14 - Background on being from Togo

6:40 - What jobs did your parents have in Togo?

7:55 - How would your parents describe you as a kid?

9:50 - Adjusting and assimilating to American culture

13:10 - Establishing friendships in the USA

14:32 - How did you decide on college and your career?19:26 - 35th Street Builders sponsorship

20:18 - What was your and your family's relationship with money?

25:40 - Wealth management journey and your goals

29:15 - Lessons from your internship at Northwest Federal

30:30 - Working full-time for Northwest Federal

33:40 - Career before starting Chosen Advisory Group

35:50 - Intrapreneurship

36:30 - Steps taken to starting your own firm

40:15 - Leadership style

44:45 - Target audience and why retirees & boomers are your top clients

47:55 - What makes C.A.G. different from other firms?49:35 - How to set up families and next generation for success

53:45 - Behaviors and lessons of highly successful people

54:45 - Savings advice for solopreneurs 58:30 - Relationship with money today

1:01:00 - Conversations about money, and how he is setting up his family for financial success

1:04:00 - Social media contact

1:04:50 - Rapid fire questions and answers

Show notes:

Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/bilalafolabi/

Website: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/bilal-afolabi/

Today's Sponsor:

Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation -⁠ https://www.3sb.io/

OnPar Now: "Second to education, golf is one of the most important tools to have in your toolbox"

Amber Key — Wed, 22 May 2024 09:59:55 GMT

Jan Receski is the founder and CEO of @OnPar Now. A state-of-the-art indoor golf instruction and practice space located in the newly renovated Terminal building in the Strip District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Jan wasn’t always a golfer.. the first time she ever picked up clubs was in a golf elective in college.. but after a 30 year career with The Hillman Company, a prominent Pittsburgh Family office where she worked in Data systems, she realized the profound impact golf has on both business and personal relationships. While discovering this, she also noticed golf left many people outside of the circle - those people being women.

The led Jan to take matters into her own hands… create a space where all people can enjoy golf and the benefits the sports have on strengthening relationships. With an idea in the midst of a global pandemic and cashing out on her 401K to build a dream - Jan built OnPar Now from the ground up.

In this episode, Jan and I discuss the idea that started it all, the bet she took on herself, and the team of people who stood behind her to ensure this aha moment came to life.

00:00 - Intro

01:45 - Background

05:05 - What did you think your purpose was going to be when you were in college?

07:05 - Working in information systems in Pittsburgh, PA for 30 plus years

09:30 - How 'OnPar Now' came to be

13:35 - Where did your fight to create 'OnPar Now' come from?

15:18 - 35th Builders sponsorship

16:20 - How did you get support when your business was created at the start of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic?17:00 - Golf and business: Why women should be out on the course

22:40 - Success stories from 'OnPar Now' clients

24:25 - Chosen Advisory Group sponsorship

25:00 - Building 'OnPar Now' from the ground up

35:50 - Creating the 'OnPar Now' dream team

38:10 - Advice to women who have bright ideas that might rock the boat

41:25 - Being a mother

42:50 - Growth plans for 'OnPar Now'

43:50 - How can people find you and 'OnPar Now?'

45:40 - Rapid fire questions

Today's Sponsors: Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation -⁠⁠ https://www.3sb.io/ Take control of your financial freedom: Schedule your complimentary consultation at www.chosenadvisorygroup.com today.

A Bright Idea: Built By Browns

Amber Key — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:58:51 GMT

On this week's episode- how this husband and wife duo created a décor rental business all starting with a donut wall.

[Take a beat here before bringing in the music]

While planning their wedding, Kait and Joe Brown realized how expensive and stressful planning a wedding would be and decided they would make a huge effort to save everywhere they could without sacrificing the look and feel they wanted for their big day.

The couple decided to get resourceful and utilized second-hand items, major discounts, and even building their own decor. The week following their wedding, Kait and Joe received several inquiries about all of their décor, but mostly - the donut wall. Excited to try something new as Mr. and Mrs. - the couple launched Built by Browns, a décor rental company based out of the Philadelphia area that provides trendy, picturesque items for special events.

In this episode, the couple shares the qualities they saw in each other as partners, how they operate their rentals, and how rewarding it is to see something they created as a way to save money bring others so much joy

A Bright Idea: StreetSmart Tailoring

Amber Key — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT

On this week's episode- we are joined by Burrell Brown, owner of StreetSmart Tailoring, a mobile tailoring company based in Washington, DC.

Burrell is a data scientist by day and a tailor at all other times. Perfecting his tailoring skills with the help of YouTube, Burrell has found so much joy, fulfillment and purpose through connecting with his clients and helping people feel confident in how they look.

A Bright Idea: CampSpaces

Amber Key — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT

CampSpaces is a brick & mortar franchise concept that offers physical spaces and full-service content experiences for production teams, business owners and marketing professionals.

Campspaces’s flagship location is in Hyattsville, Maryland right outside of Washington, DC.

Built out of a necessity for entrepreneurs looking for a place to work, CampSpaces launched in 2016. While working as a coworking space, Patrice noticed that creators were booking the space on weekends for photoshoots and filming content. That’s when the lightbulb went off in Patrice’s head that Campspaces could be more than just a spot for people to work, but a place to empower and equip founders, experts, creators, and teams with in-house support to confidently create content they love.

In this episode, we dive into how important vertical integration is in scaling your business, listening to the voice that keeps reminding you to go after your dreams, and how being a trendsetter in an overwhelmingly saturated industry Patrice decided to use her influence as an opportunity to empower other entrepreneurs aspiring to invest in a content studio.

Spigot Guard: The Invention Saving Patients From Deadly Hospital Infections

Amber Key — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:03:39 GMT

In this conversation, Amy Huser discusses her journey as an entrepreneur in the healthcare sector, focusing on her innovative product, SpigotGuard, designed to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). She shares insights from her nursing background, the challenges of developing a medical device, and the importance of patient safety. The discussion also covers the impact of hospital-acquired infections, the significance of clinical trials, and the future of healthcare innovation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Spick Guard and Innovation in Medicine05:52 The Journey of a Nurse to CEO11:58 The Day-to-Day Life of a Nurse17:52 Understanding Hospital-Acquired Infections24:10 The Impact of Catheter-Associated Infections25:12 Evidence-Based Practices for CAUTI Prevention27:37 Innovative Solutions to CAUTI Challenges29:04 The Journey of Product Development31:03 Clinical Studies and Efficacy Testing34:19 Global Expansion and Market Adoption37:23 Success Stories and Positive Outcomes40:50 The Device's Versatility Across Care Settings42:18 Navigating Hospital Systems and Distributors45:10 Building a Supportive Network48:08 The Emotional Journey of Entrepreneurship50:06 Future Plans and Exit Strategy52:20 Innovations Beyond CAUTIs56:41 Final Thoughts and Resources

Prescription Chicken: Chicken Noodle Soup, Working with Family, and Just Starting over being Perfect

Amber Key — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

This week, I’m joined by cousins Valerie Zweig and Taryn Pellicone of Prescription Chicken - A chicken noodle soup delivery business based in Washington, DC. Valerie and Taryn always knew they’d work in the food industry. As young girls, they would help their families host dinner parties, attend cooking camps and would eventually work to develop fast-casual and dining restaurants… But being entrepreneurs was not in the cards…until Valerie caught a bout of Laryngitis and couldn't find a delivery option for chicken noodle soup to give her the relief she needed. That’s when she called in her little cousin Taryn with the bright idea to make their own chicken noodle soap. With a dream, a concept, and some determination, the founders started prescription chicken in September 2016.

Now - prescription chicken is not only a soup delivery business. It can also be found in grocery stores and online. Not to mention, their newest product Cookstix - which is a new and sustainable take on chicken broth.

In this episode, we discuss how this simple idea turned into a thriving business, the challenges and triumphs that come with being food entrepreneurs, and the beauty behind forgetting about being perfect and just starting.

Resources:

Website: Prescriptionchicken.com

Socials: @prescriptionchicken

Chapters:

00:00 Navigating Stress and Risk in Business

01:32 The Culinary Roots of Prescription Chicken

05:41 From Personal Experience to Business Idea

14:36 The Journey of Starting Prescription Chicken

22:48 Scaling the Business and Learning from Experience

30:49 Funding and Financial Growth Strategies

36:36 Innovating in the Chicken Stock Market

41:42 Challenges and Growth in Entrepreneurship

46:36 Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs

48:35 Future Plans and Innovations

Gambix: The Future of AI Driven Web Solutions

Amber Key — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 10:16:03 GMT

Claudius Taylor, the founder and CEO of Gambix, a technology company at the forefront of dual-use AI products and digital services for government and enterprise clients. With deep expertise in product development, business strategy, and AI integration, Claudius is leading the creation of Strata—an AI-powered UX optimization platform designed to help businesses boost user engagement, increase conversions, and make smarter, data-driven decisions. His mission is clear: solve complex challenges with innovative, scalable technology.In this episode, Claudius Taylor talks about how he went from building a computer at the age of seven to leading a tech company that leverages AI for web development. We chat about his early passion for technology, his experiences in venture capital, and the founding of Gambix. Claudius chats with us about the importance of teamwork, leadership, and the role of AI in simplifying tech development for non-technical users. He also shares insights on maintaining a work-life balance and the significance of networking in achieving success.

A Bright Idea: D17

Amber Key — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT

On this week's episode- we’re joined by Terrance Diggs, a Baltimore - area based designer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and all around creative. He is most notably making his mark as creative director of the streetwear and lifestyle brand, D17.

Founded in 2016, the Towson University graduate has used his combined passion for athletics and design too create a diverse portfolio of designs for Maryland creatives and brands. He’s partnered with several athletic teams in the Maryland area as well as worked for Asics on global social media campaigns such as the 2020 Olympics, BAPE, and denim tears just to name a few.

D17 is more than just a clothing brand. It focuses on three pillars, Athletics, Design, and Community. Through its apparel line, D17 also advocates for both local and youth sports in the Maryland- Virginia area. Terrance’s success begins with his consistency and also the art of the cold call…Through out this episode you’ll hear how Terrance bootstrapped his company by cold emails, sending free gear to prospects, and the tried and true…sliding in the DMs

A Bright Idea: NeeChic

Amber Key — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 04:00:00 GMT

On this week's episode, we are joined by Anetra Byrd – Owner of Neechic.

Anetra is a certified Personal Stylist and Image Consultant based in the Richmond, VA area. Since launching Nee Chic in 2014, Anetra has partnered with retailers and boutiques such as Dillard’s, Ann Taylor and Banana Republic, as well as Short Pump Town Center, to offer the best clothing and accessories for her clients.

Anetra’s goal is to inspire her clients through her knowledge and her ability to pick the best clothing and accessories to fit their brand, personality, and personal style. Above all, Anetra strives to invigorate, build confidence, educate, collaborate, and provide exquisite styling for entrepreneurial, corporate, and everyday life.

First Light Coffee: Brewing a New Beginning After a Government Layoff

Amber Key — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode - I sat down with Annie Leverich - founder of First Light Coffee. a Maryland-based coffee company rooted in connection, community, and giving back. Before launching her business, Annie led the press team for USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and held communications roles with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the UN World Food Program. Annie worked for USAID for over a decade and When the Trump Administration shut down the agency, her role disappeared overnight. At first there was shock… and then she did the only thing that felt true: bet on the dream she’d been saving for…A coffee company.

In this episode, Annie and I get into how we went from working at USAID to taking a leap of faith into entrepreneurship, how she is blending her background in storytelling and humanitarian work to fuel her business, and her mission of giving back.

Resources:

Website: firstlightcoffeemd.com

Instagram: firstlightmornings

A Bright Idea: Smoky Mmmeats

Amber Key — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 12:29:35 GMT

On this week’s episode, we are joined Chelse Prejean - founder of Smoky Mmmeats a plant based meat company based in Washington, DC.

Smoky meats believes that when it comes to feeding and providing a more sustainable future, we don’t have to sacrifice quality. Our positive choices no matter how small can have a huge impact on our health, our local communities, and our planet. Smoky Mmmeats provides their customers with nourishing plant based meats that not only have natural ingredients and a sustainable packaging, but the best tasting quality plant- based meats possible.

If you were to ask Chelse if she’d work in the plant based food industry around 10 years ago, she would have said no. Growing up, Chelse was into the sciences. She is a chemical engineer by trade and while working in the field, discovered that she had a new found passion for not only making plant based food but selling these foods to a consumer. In 2021, she decided she’d leave the engineering field and start Smoky meats full time. Chelse grew up on the outskirts of Houston, Texas and lived a very stereotypical country life. Her father was a cowboy and she spent many days attending rodeos or going to families farms where they not only owned livestock like chickens, pigs, cows, and horses, but also hunted what they ate.

Also plant-based, Chelse still missed the classic Texas recipes she grew up with, so as an engineer she saw a problem and began to solve it, but this time she did it right in her kitchen. She recreated plant based versions of the animal proteins that her Texas cowboy dad taught her how to smoke and grill growing up.

Learn more about Smoky Mmmeats:

Smokymmmeats.com

Instagram: @smokymmmeats

A Bright Idea: SKNNSELF BONUS episode [VIDEO]

Amber Key — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 21:01:36 GMT

On this week's episode we’re joined by Desaray Garland, owner of Sknnself, a lip oil and lip scrub line based out of Virginia Beach.SKNNSELF BY DESARAY provides hand crafted, easy to use, products that will elevate your “me time”. The mission of SKNNSELF BY DESARAY is to empower people to embrace their natural and authentic self while using the very same products proven to be effective by the founder herself. This line of products symbolizes facing your fears and ignoring the doubt. After three long years, Desaray is proud to share the result of her own healing journey. With confidence, she intends to show a part of herself through the art of self care. Desaray is a therapist by day and a business owner all other times. In this episode, Desaray and I dive into what it means to actually practice self care, debunking selfishness, and how her beauty line is teaching people that investing in yourself is one of the first steps to healing.

How you can support Desaray's business:

Website: https://www.sknnself.shop/

Instagram: @sknnself

A Bright Idea: Flynanced

Amber Key — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:41:09 GMT

Flynanced empowers ambitious professionals to effortlessly build wealth by earning more in their 9-5 careers without shame. Our award-winning, community-led platform provides a proprietary curriculum to teach financial literacy and career advancement. We're dedicated to redistributing wealth back into the hands of Black professionals with 275,000+ followers and 1,000+ students and counting. Our founder, Cinneah El-Amin, has developed and launched consumer-facing credit products at American Express, Mastercard, and PayPal. In 2022, she was named an Entreprenista 100 Winner by Chase Ink in Best Community-led Business. Cinneah is a graduate of Barnard College at Columbia University and the Wake Forest University School of Business.

A Bright Idea: Marie Methods

Amber Key — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT

On this week’s show we are joined by Chanel Person, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Marie Methods. Marie Methods is a cosmetics research and development laboratory located in Maryland. It provides formulation and development services for indie beauty brands. The areas of formulation and development include hair care, skincare, and makeup. The services provided by Marie Methods gives up and coming beauty entrepreneurs access to affordable product formulation along with the appropriate product testing. Chanel has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Hampton University, and a Master of Business and Science degree in Personal Care Science from Rutgers University. In addition to her education, Chanel is also involved in the cosmetic science community. She currently serves on the executive board for the Mid-Atlantic Chapter Society of Cosmetic Chemists. She stays up to date on both scientific development and marketing industry trends to assist in the creation of successful beauty products. Chanel enjoys working with clients and turning their ideas into products that customers will love! Follow Marie Methods: @mariemethods Website: www.mariemethods.com

A Bright Idea: Tori Orr

Amber Key — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Tori, an investor at Vera Equity, specializes in early-stage enterprise software and AI startups. She earned her MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. During her time at Wharton, Tori was awarded the inaugural Hettie Simmons Love fellowship and the Edward B. Shils/Leonard L. Zeidman Fellowship in Entrepreneurship. She also held key positions as Managing Partner of the Dorm Room Fund and VC Fellow at Harlem Capital. She previously worked at Tesla, Intel, BCG Digital Ventures, and Goldman Sachs in roles that span Engineering, Product Management, Venture Building, and Investment Management. She’s a proud HBCU graduate of Spelman College and the University of Michigan where she earned dual degrees in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering. Above all, she is deeply passionate about creating opportunities for minorities in entrepreneurship and tech.

While this show focuses on the stories of small business and start-up entrepreneurs, today we’re switching it up to discuss a common challenge among many business owners: FUNDING.

In this episode, Tori will dive into what Venture capitals are, if venture funding is necessary all businesses, and the steps and approaches you can take to raise venture funding for your business.

A Bright Idea: My Optimal Image

Amber Key — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Style, grace, refinement, and professionalism are the words that clients of My Optimal Image, LLC, use to describe its founder and owner, LaVetta B. Goldsborough, MBA, Refinement Coach. Through education and empowerment via individual and group activities and training, My Optimal Image helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to achieve to maximize their potential and quality of life.

Focusing on personal and professional refinement, etiquette, and protocols, LaVetta guides individuals in several key areas, such as business and wine etiquette, personal image and style, confidence in presentations and leadership, and handling difficult situations with grace.

A Bright Idea: Emma G Music

Amber Key — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 04:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode- we are joined by @emmagmusic, author, award-winning writer, two-time TedX speaker, and youth empowerment coach. Emma uses the magic of music to uplift and motivate audiences worldwide.
Born with a rare neurological condition called hydrocephalus, Emma G has recovered from multiple traumas including 10 brain surgeries by writing and singing her truth, sharing her experiences, and turning her lessons into blessings.
Emma’s goal is to save the world one song at a time.
Through the music she composes and the songs she helps teenagers write on their own- Emma G is a force and she has created such an impactful way to empower our youth through music.

A Bright Idea: New Brooklyn Farms (Revisit)

Amber Key — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 13:55:47 GMT

On this week’s episode - we are joined by Doug Adams the owner of ⁠New Brooklyn Farms⁠. New Brooklyn Farms is an independently owned and operated urban farm and green event space, located on a formerly vacant residential lot in the heart of the Washington DC suburb Mount Rainier, MD.During his off time from his advertising career, Doug Adams made smoothies and juices made of natural ingredients. He sold his smoothies and juices at local farmers markets and to coworkers, but he always wondered where his produce was coming from. Even though he was using organic ingredients, Doug was unsettled with the fact that his fruit was coming from miles away. He thought “what if I grow my own fruits and vegetables?”

A Bright Idea: Anne W. Thomas

Amber Key — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 11:44:16 GMT

On this week's show, we are joined by watercolor artist Anne W. Thomas. Anne Thomas had an unlikely path to the art studio. After graduating from the University of Maryland in 2003 with a degree in History, she began her career working on Capitol Hill. Later she transitioned to the Commerce Department where she got to travel the world and work with Cabinet members. She finished her time there as Deputy Press Secretary and transitioned to private sector work at a leading global public relations firm in 2007. Marriage, four babies, and part-time PR work followed. When that fourth baby headed off to full-time school in 2022, Anne, a lifelong secret artist with an entrepreneurial bent, saw an opening for making her dreams of focusing on artwork a reality. Simultaneously, she was realizing e-commerce had changed her life and shopping habits. She saw the opportunity that social media provided for artists and jumped feet first into the creative community of female entrepreneurs and founders that were democratizing fashion, home goods, art and more. I’m excited to share Anne’s story today because to encourage my listeners that it is never too late. This is a story of pivot, faith, and patience for the moment it’s time to make the leap. Anne W. Thomas Instagram: @anne.wharam.thomas Website: www.annewthomas.com. Jungli Vintage Instagram: @jungli_vintage Website: shopjungli.com. UndiWash Instagram: @undiwash Website: thegoodboxboutique.com

The Business Side of The Music Industry: TopShelfLeek

Amber Key — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 05:00:00 GMT

This week, I'm joined by Malik Roberts, also know as, Top Shelf Leek.In this episode, Malik and I talk about his music career and the importance of his early musical influences. We get into how he taught himself how to make music - a skill that’s actually harder than it seems and how 2020 was a turning point where he discovered he could turn his passion into a lucrative career.

Later, he shares his experience on the evolving landscape of the industry, the business of music producing, the need for a respectful and safe environment in the industry, particularly for women, and advice for aspiring producers navigating their careers.

As always, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Instagram @ABrightIdeaPodcast for behind-the-scenes content and updates. And if you're enjoying the show, leave us a review—it really helps spread the word. Let’s get into this episode!

Sponsors:

Chosen Advisory Group: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/bilal-afolabi/

Resources:

To work with TopShelfLeek, you can follow him on Instagram @TopShelfLeek

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:05 Malik's Musical Journey Begins

06:20 The Formation of HOH and Early Influences

11:09 Transitioning from Art to Music Production

15:22 Self-Taught Music Production Techniques

19:34 Turning Passion into a Lucrative Career

21:58 Opportunities in the Music Industry Beyond Performance

24:13 The Creative Process in Music Production

28:19 Overcoming Creative Blocks

30:23 Memorable Collaborations and Professional Growth

31:57 The Value of Passion Over Training

32:36 Adapting to Different Artist Personalities

34:04 Trends in the Music Industry

37:33 The Role of Women in Hip Hop

41:33 Navigating the Music Business

43:47 Challenges and Misconceptions in Music Production

46:36 Advice for Aspiring Producers

Iesha The Groomer: A Safe Space for Pets

Amber Key — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 22:16:58 GMT

In this episode, we are joined by Aisha White, a dog groomer and owner of Haus Pups in based in Towson, Maryland. Aisha shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood marked by homelessness to finding her passion in dog grooming. She discusses the pivotal role animals played in her life, her dreams of becoming a veterinarian, and the various jobs she held before establishing her own business. Aisha shares her passion for creating a welcoming environment for pets, the challenges she faced in establishing her business, and her commitment to empowering others in her field. The discussion highlights the importance of resilience, representation, and the evolving landscape of pet care services.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aisha White's Journey

03:04 Growing Up with Animals and Overcoming Adversity

05:54 The Impact of Homelessness on Aisha's Life

09:10 Dreams and Aspirations: From Vet to Fashion

11:53 Navigating Education and Career Challenges

15:01 Finding Strength in Work and Professionalism

17:55 The Transition to Dog Grooming

20:46 Building Confidence and Skills in Grooming

24:11 The Importance of Passion in the Grooming Industry

26:54 Aisha's Vision for the Future

36:48 Be Your Own Boss: The Entrepreneurial Spirit

39:26 The Journey to Opening a Salon

43:10 Overcoming Challenges and Manifesting Dreams

46:31 Breaking Barriers in the Grooming Industry

49:43 Creating a Unique Pet Spa Experience

57:24 The Growth of the Pet Grooming Industry

01:01:41 The Role of Groomers in Pet Health

01:03:08 Advice to My Younger Self

01:07:55 Proud Moments and Life Lessons

01:09:46 Connecting with Aisha: Social Media and Services

Resources: Follow Tinted Health on Instagram: @tintedhealth Subscribe to Tinted Health's newsletter: www.tintedhealth.com Sponsors: Chosen Financial Group: https://chosenadvisorygroup.com/

Tori Orr: Steps For Raising Venture Funding For Your Business (Revisit)

Amber Key — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 16:13:40 GMT

While this show focuses on the stories of small business and start-up entrepreneurs, today we’re switching it up to discuss a common challenge among many business owners: FUNDING.

In this episode, Tori will dive into what Venture capitals are, if venture funding is necessary all businesses, and the steps and approaches you can take to raise venture funding for your business.

Swap DC | Bringing Awareness to the Consequences of Consumerism on our Environment

Amber Key — Wed, 15 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode of a bright idea, we are joined by Zsameria Rayford - founder of Swapdc . Swap DC is a creative recycling event in Washington, D.C. That fosters a diverse community around swapping clothing for residence who want to reduce reuse and live a more sustainable life. Did you know that the fashion industry is responsible for 8 to 10% of global missions according to the United Nations economic commissions. Swap DC aims to bring awareness to the consequences of consumerism on our environment and our culture. Taking a pop up approach, Swap DC hosts collaborations with local businesses all over the DC area. Tune in this Wednesday to hear our conversation about DC culture, its influence on Zsameria’s style, and how she saw I need to cultivate more sustainable lifestyle – starting with clothing.

00:00 - Intro

01:10 - Growing up in DC and developing her own style

04:20 - How would your friends describe you growing up?

05:48 - What led you to starting Swap DC?

07:25 - Describe the changes you saw when you left DC for school, and then came back home

08:10 - Where did you grow up in DC?

10:48 - 35th St. Builders sponsorship

11:45 - Where did the idea for Swap DC come from?

14:20 - What was the reaction to Swap DC when you first started?

15:15 - How did you get the word out about events?

16:35 - Process of putting Swap DC events together

20:25 - Swap DC and its emphasis on community

23:00 - How are you educating people on how Swap DC is saving the planet?

24:20 - Chosen Advisory Group sponsorship

25:10 - Success stories from Swap DC events

27:10 - Fast fashion and diversifying sizes for all people

29:05 - Fashion and its effects on the planet

31:10 - Swap DC and collaborating with other businesses

32:10 - How are you making money?

35:15 - What strategies have worked for you and Swap DC over the years?

36:20 - How can someone who isn't from DC contribute to the community of DC?

37:30 - Are swaps here to stay?

38:15 - What's next for Swap DC?

40:20 - How can people volunteer with Swap DC?

41:30 - Rapid fire questions

49:55 - Contact information Today's Sponsors: Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation -⁠⁠ https://www.3sb.io/ Take control of your financial freedom: Schedule your complimentary consultation at www.chosenadvisorygroup.com today.

A Bright Idea: 2023 WRAP UP!!!

Amber Key — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 14:56:07 GMT

The end of a season is only the beginning of a new journey. Thank you for joining us on this wild ride. See you soon for season 2!

In this episode, Amber takes you down memory lane to recap our most watch, most shared, and most inspired episodes of season 1 based on our fan favorites!

Why The Idea of "Starving Artist" Doesn't Exist Anymore: Lewis Pell

Amber Key — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this week’s episode, we are joined by my dear friend..A contemporary artist from Pittsburgh, PA, Lewis Pell to talk about the idea of “the starving artist” and why this concept doesn’t exist anymore. We discuss how Lewis went from trying to climb the corporate ladder in the environmental science industry to becoming a full time artist.

Sponsors:

Chosen Advisory Group: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/bilal-afolabi/

Resources:
Lewis Pell: thelewv.com

Instagram: @Pelllewis

00:00The Evolution of the Starving Artist

03:24Childhood and Artistic Foundations1

1:09Navigating Education and Career Choices

19:33From Environmental Science to Art

24:53The Shift from Corporate Dreams to Artistic Pursuits

33:28The Journey to Artistry

38:59Embracing Change and Financial Independence

41:09The Evolving Perception of the Artist

50:01Building a Sustainable Art Career

56:46Celebrating Success and Future Aspirations

Kelsey Russell: Knowing is Sexy (Revisit)

Amber Key — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 12:57:19 GMT

When was the last time you read newspaper?
According to a 2022 survey conducted by the media insights projects, 44% of Gen Z report never received news and information from traditional sources compared with 45% of younger millennials and 31% of older millennials.
Kelsey Russell is looking to change that.
Kelsey Russell is a content creator and full time graduate student at Teachers College, Columbia University. Through her platform, Russell breaks down articles from national and local newspapers and magazines to help her viewers discern information in a more palatable way.
Kelsey believes education should be entertaining and entertainment should be educational. This mantra comes to life on her TikTok page of almost 100K followers where she dynamically reads different forms of print media to her audience. By promoting an approach to new information from a state of curiosity and nostalgia, she hopes to make generations fall back in love with learning.
In this interview, we discuss:
- Growing up in an entrepreneurial family
-Her rise on Tiktok
-How she is teaching media literacy to multi-generations
-How she's helping to financial contribute to print media outlets
-How her career in content creation is paving a new path for how she sees herself as an entrepreneur.
Episode Resources:
Kelsey Russell Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kelscruss
Kelsey Russell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelscruss/
Join the Bright Idea community on IG: @abrightideapodcast
Rate, Subscribe, and Review the podcast on Apple and Spotify
Stay in touch with me: jacksonstreetmediaco@gmail.com
Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me in your shares while you are listening @abrightideapodcast
Edited: @chrisj.kraemer

A Bright Idea: Lumiere Vodka [VIDEO]

Amber Key — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT

This week's episode- we’re joined by Terrence Wheeler, founder of Lumiere Vodka. Lumiere- which stands for Light Vodka was put through 51 iterations before developing the flavorful, aromatic, and aesthetically pleasing drink that it is today. Terrence created his own vodka from scratch in his dorm room at Hampton University as an alternative to the popular college party drink, Jungle Juice. He named it "Litty Juice" and sold it for $5. Now Lumiere Vodka is sold in 49 states excluding Alaska. In this episode, we discuss the inception of Lumiere Vodka, raising funding, and how he is helping to revolutionize the vodka industry.

Why Your Business Needs a Podcast in 2026!!!

Amber Key — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMT

n this episode of A Bright Idea Podcast, I help your business be the best it can be in 2026 by sharing the transformative power of podcasting for business growth. I cover why every business should consider starting a podcast, learn efficient editing tips for busy entrepreneurs, and understand the importance of building a strong podcast team. I also highlight podcasting as an important marketing tool and share strategies for effective monetization. Tune in for practical insights and tips to enhance your brand visibility and achieve podcasting success.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to A Bright Idea Podcast05:02 Why Every Business Needs A Podcast09:20 Clarifying Your Podcast Purpose13:29 Building A Podcast that Supports Your Brand18:08 Episode Structures That Convert21:53 Finding the Right Guests for Your Podcast26:13 Planning Episodes With A Business Strategy27:12 Recording with Confidence32:41 Editing for Busy Entrepreneurs46:49 Monetizing As A Business Owner40:26 Marketing Your Podcast50:54 Creating A Rate Card for Sponsorships53:52 Building A Podcast Team Resources:How to Stop Letting Everything Effect You by Daniel Chidiac https://amzn.to/49OANmS

"You don't have to build something from scratch to be an entrepreneur": Solidcore's CEO Bryan Myers

Amber Key — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this week's episode, we are joined by Bryan Myers, the CEO of Solidcore, a boutique fitness studio that’s redefining what it means to build strength - mentally and physically. With over 130 locations across 25 states and DC, Bryan went from being a loyal Solidcore client to becoming its CEO, steering the company through remarkable growth while staying true to its core mission. Bryan and I talk about his unconventional path to entrepreneurship from advising fortune 500 companies as a consultant with The Boston Consulting Group, taking a leap of faith by becoming the director of DC founded start-up SweetGreen, to becoming one of only a few black CEO in the fitness space. In this episode, Bryan teaches us that you don't need to build a company from scratch to be an entrepreneur. You can use the skills you already have to scale someone else's vision. I hope you’ve all been as inspired as I have by Bryan’s story. My biggest takeaway from our conversation is that you don’t have to start something from scratch to be an entrepreneur. Bright Ideas can still happen by helping to build upon someone elses idea. If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review—your feedback helps us keep bringing you more stories like Bryan’s. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @ABrightIdeaPodcast for updates, and if there’s a topic or guest you’d like to hear from next, drop us a message. Sponsors: Chosen Advisory Group: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/bilal-afolabi/ Resources: Solidcore: https://solidcore.co/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-Oi7BhA1EiwA2rIu29OUHtfkidaJp9MxPZuF_eNr11faIPWA8F0YrvY3-LYS47hlbe8Y-RoCbr8QAvD_BwE Chapters 00:00 Redefining Entrepreneurship 02:50 Brian Myers: From Client to CEO 06:07 Childhood Influences and Early Aspirations 08:50 Navigating Career Choices 12:08 The Shift from Consulting to Entrepreneurship 15:02 Building Sweetgreen: A Transformative Experience 17:52 Transitioning to SolidCore: A New Challenge 21:06 The Impact of SolidCore on Community 23:53 Leadership Transition: From COO to CEO 36:23 Leadership Transition and Legacy 38:10 Personal Growth and Financial Awareness 40:33 Customer-Centric Approach in Business 41:29 Maintaining Brand Integrity During Change 44:24 Engagement Strategies for Client Retention 47:47 SolidCore's Unique Position in the Fitness Industry 51:30 Diversity and Inclusion as a Business Strategy 54:56 The Weight of Representation in Leadership 58:45 Creating Safe Spaces for All Communities 01:00:42 Impact Over Income: A CEO's Perspective 01:03:31 Redefining Entrepreneurship 01:04:59 Legacy and Future Vision for SolidCore 01:06:55 Exciting Developments Ahead for SolidCore

Dryy: Revolutionizing Dry Cleaning

Amber Key — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode of A Bright Idea, I sit down with Ken Sandy, founder and CEO of Dry, a modern dry cleaning service that utilizes technology and innovative solutions to meet customer needs.

Ken shares his journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, discussing the challenges and successes he faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, resilience, and adapting to change, especially during the pandemic. Ken's vision for Dry includes continuing to disrupt the traditional dry cleaning industry while maintaining a strong commitment to social responsibility and customer service.

Courtney Ramsey & Co: Celebrating All of Women's Milestones

Amber Key — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we chat with courtney about what led her to photography, emphasizing her polished style and the importance of capturing joy, particularly among Black women. She discusses her dual career as a federal contractor and photographer, highlighting the challenges and rewards of balancing both. Courtney reflects on the influences of the strong women in her family and how they shaped her understanding of beauty and strength. She also delves into her experiences photographing burlesque performers, which taught her about empowerment and body positivity. Throughout the conversation, Courtney emphasizes the significance of creating a comfortable experience for her clients, the importance of continuous learning in her craft, and her desire to help women see their own narratives through her portraits. Ultimately, she aims to celebrate the journey of women and redefine beauty standards, especially for aging women.

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Photography Style

02:59 Navigating Dual Careers: Government and Photography

05:59 The Journey of a Photographer: From Passion to Profession

08:59 Capturing Joy: The Impact of Community Events

11:58 Influences of Womanhood: Family and Representation

15:01 Empowerment Through Burlesque: A Unique Perspective

18:00 Celebrating Women: The Core of Photography

21:10 Creating a Comfortable Experience: The Spotlight Effect

23:55 The Art of Transformation: From Nervousness to Confidence

26:56 A Full-Service Photography Experience

29:47 Empowering Aging Women: Breaking Societal Norms

32:52 Celebrating the Wisdom of Women: Stories of Resilience

36:18 Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs

38:06 Balancing 9 to 5 and Creative Pursuits

41:50 Networking and Community Building

45:23 The Importance of Continuous Learning

50:38 Branding and Client Experience

52:18 Finding Your Niche in Photography

57:18 The Emotional Impact of Photography

01:00:31 Personal Growth Through Creative Work

01:05:30 Legacy and Narrative in Portraits

courtneyramsey.co

social media: courtneyramsey.co

Niccofeem: First Full-Time Rapper in U.S. Military History

Amber Key — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 09:51:38 GMT

In this episode of A Bright Idea Podcast, we chat with Niccolas Feemster, the first full-time rapper in the US military. We discuss Nicco's journey from a family with musical roots to becoming a performer, his experiences in the Army, and the unique challenges of creating music within a military context. Nico shares insights on the importance of mental health, the process of sync licensing, and the sacrifices he made to pursue his passion for music. The conversation highlights the significance of adaptability and personal growth in the ever-evolving music industry.

KweliTV: Building A Streaming Platform

Amber Key — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Our guest today is DeShuna Spencer - the founder & CEO of kweliTV, a global streaming service that curates the largest library of indie Black films & docs from across the globe.As a former journalist & radio host, DeShuna’s work focuses on the intersection of media images and implicit bias. She speaks frequently on media representation, diversity in the streaming & the OTT space, social entrepreneurship, the effects of Black trauma content, challenges & opportunities in the media landscape, starting a media tech venture, women in media & tech, and her journey as a Black founder. In this episode, DeShuna discovers creating a space for diverse narratives and the impact of media on community representation. She also addresses the challenges of building a platform in a competitive landscape and the significance of staying true to one's mission amidst external pressures.

Shanda Studio: Simplifying Podcasting for Beginners

Amber Key — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Joining us is Dumi Mabhena, the founder of Shanda Studio - An AI- powered app that streamlines podcast production, making content creation effortless. Through Shanda Studio, users save time and effort editing their podcast through Shanda Studio’s text based audio editing and publishing features.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Dumi Mabhena was inspired by the lack of diverse local stories in his home country and wanted to democratize podcasting by making the process easier for beginners. Dumi is a recent Georgetown MBA graduate who partnered with his co-founder, Paul Kassar with a background in software engineering, to create a user-friendly podcast editing platform. Their goal is to simplify podcasting for new creators, helping them focus on storytelling rather than getting bogged down by technical details.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Podcasting and Entrepreneurship

04:10 Doomy's Background and Global Perspective

10:00 Cultural Identity and Upbringing

13:51 Early Influences and Entrepreneurial Spirit

18:00 First Business Venture: Bright Care Laundry Soap

23:49 Challenges and Lessons from Business Failure

29:51 Rebuilding and New Opportunities

36:09 Pursuing an MBA and Personal Growth

38:04 Navigating Entrepreneurship and Education

40:20 The Birth of a Podcast During a Pandemic

43:12 Amplifying Positive Narratives from Zimbabwe

47:18 Overcoming Podcasting Challenges and Burnout

50:59 Innovating Podcast Editing with Shanda Studios

53:50 The Power of Community in Entrepreneurship

57:26 Simplifying Podcast Production for Beginners

01:01:29 Future Aspirations and Market Focus

01:07:01 Lessons from the Entrepreneurial Journey

Guest Information:

Shanda Studios: https://www.shanda.studio/

Keep in touch with A Bright Idea:

Watch on YouTube: @Abrightideapodcast

Follow on IG: @abrightideapodcast

Follow on TikTok: @abrightideapodcast

Sponsors:

Chosen Financial Group: www.chosenadvisorygroup.com

Abokibee Kilishi: From the motherland to your tastebuds

Amber Key — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode I sit down with Blessing Ndon, the inspiring founder of Abokibee Kilishi, a Nigerian beef jerky brand. Blessing shares her journey from childhood memories of Kilishi in Nigeria to launching her own jerky business in the US. Discover the cultural significance of Kilishi, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the power of authenticity and social media in building a brand.

Abokibee Kilishi: https://abokibeemeats.com/

Abokibee Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/abokibeekilishi/

A Bright Idea: UndiWash

Amber Key — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 01:58:42 GMT

Shannon Thomas is the founder of Undiwash, a plant based vegan laundry detergent used to kill the bacteria known to cause vaginal infections. While working in an OB/GYN office, Shannon noticed some of the most common issues that women were experiencing were recurrent yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.

In 2019, Shannon decided that she heard enough complaints about recurrent vaginal infections from her patients and herself. Through research, building relationships with doctors and whipping up organic and natural ingredients in her kitchen, UndiWash was born.

A Bright Idea: Lessons I Learned from Students

Amber Key — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:23:58 GMT

This week I'm bringing you a solo episode highlighting my recent speaking engagement with undergraduates at American University. Turns out I learned just as much from them as they learned from me. Here are 5 questions they asked me during Q&A that I think could benefit all of you. Enjoy!

Mental Health Emergency Fund: Making Therapy More Accessible

Amber Key — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Over 27 million adults in the United States with a mental illness are untreated, according to Mental Health America. Out of that number, only 1 in 3 Black adults seek help. One of the biggest barriers that adult with mental illness face is the out of pocket cost of treatment. In this episode of A Bright Idea, Jessica Smith, founder of the Mental Health Emergency Fund, is helping people in the Baltimore area afford therapy and medications while raising funding for those in need. Starting with her own mental health emergency fund to prioritize her mental health, Jessica saw how imperative it was to be able to have the money you need to take care of yourself. That sparked that aha moment to found a nonprofit dedicated to improving mental health access in Black and Brown communities. Takeaways Jessica Smith founded the Mental Health Emergency Fund to address mental health access. The fund provides financial assistance for therapy to those in need. Jessica's personal mental health challenges inspired her to create the fund. Stigma around mental health is prevalent in Black and Brown communities. Many individuals view mental health struggles as a personal weakness. Financial barriers prevent 40% of applicants from accessing therapy. The fund has screened over 300 individuals for anxiety and depression. Community support is crucial for mental health recovery. Jessica emphasizes the importance of building a strong support system. The organization aims to expand its reach to more communities. Having someone guide me through complex financial decisions is beneficial. Job searching can feel like a full-time job. Mental health support is crucial for young adults. The application process for funding is thorough and data-driven. Many people struggle with financial insecurity affecting their mental health. Holistic therapy options are essential for diverse healing needs. Creating a directory for BIPOC therapists addresses representation issues. The organization has provided significant financial support to those in need. Personal growth and organizational impact are intertwined. Advocating for mental health while managing personal challenges is commendable. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Advocacy 03:03 Jessica's Upbringing and Early Influences 07:40 The Birth of the Mental Health Emergency Fund 14:01 Navigating Personal Challenges and Aha Moments 19:46 Addressing Financial Barriers in Mental Health 23:25 Stigma and Seeking Help in Marginalized Communities 27:37 The Importance of Financial Guidance 28:34 Job Search Struggles and Resume Revamp 30:52 Mental Health Support for Young Adults 32:14 Application Process for Mental Health Funding 35:30 Understanding the Need for Financial Assistance 39:24 Holistic Approaches to Mental Health 42:03 Creating a Directory for BIPOC Therapists 44:50 Impact and Growth of the Organization 49:51 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations Sponsors: Chosen Financial Group - https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/bilal-afolabi/ Digital Career Opportunities Worldwide - https://www.dcowmember.com/ Today's Guest: Website: https://www.mentalhealthemergencyfund.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthemergencyfund

Anthony McCray: Self-Discovery behind the lens, Journey into photography, during photography into full time gig

Amber Key — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 13:11:42 GMT

We're thrilled to have Anthony McCray join us, a visionary photographer hailing from West Baltimore. Anthony's journey is nothing short of inspiring, having overcome profound challenges to discover his artistic passion. Growing up in Park Heights, Anthony faced adversity on multiple fronts, from external threats to personal struggles within his own home. However, it was through these hardships that Anthony found solace and expression in the art of photography. What began as a means of escape blossomed into a transformative journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. Anthony's work is a testament to the power of photography as a medium for storytelling and reimagining representation. Specializing in capturing the essence of Blackness, Anthony challenges traditional narratives by showcasing the beauty, resilience, and diversity of Black life in all its forms. Drawing inspiration from a myriad of sources, Anthony's creativity knows no bounds. From conceptualizing futuristic editorial shoots to reimagining life through an African American lens, Anthony's work is a fusion of personal experiences, aspirations, and a deep desire to reshape perceptions. Join us as we delve into Anthony's remarkable journey, explore the power of photography as a tool for social change, and uncover the stories behind his captivating images. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and uplifted as we discover the transformative impact of art and creativity with Anthony McCray. Timestamps for Anthony McCray 00:00 - Intro 01:20 - Background/growing up in west Baltimore 13:52 - Unlocking Anthony's artistic ability 16:40 - Life caused Anthony to pick up a camera 20:30 - First camera purchase 22:30 - Anthony's draw to photography 28:25 - Turning his passion into profit 32:25 - Competing in an over-saturated market 40:20 - Budgeting and running a full-time business 44:05 - 35th St. Builders sponsorship 44:55 - Working and living in your purpose 47:55 - Advice to younger Anthony 49:50 - Anthony's village 51:25 - Rapid fire + contact info Website:https://www.anthonymccrayphoto.com/about-anthony-m Today's Sponsor: Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation - http://www.3sb.io/

Safety and Security Consultants: Protecting Employees from Active Shooter Scenarios

Amber Key — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 12:04:36 GMT

On this week's episode- we’re joined by founder of Safety and Security Consultants - Terrance Brown. Terrance Brown holds over 36 years of combined military, law enforcement, and safety management with the US Air Force, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Mercy Health Systems. Joining the U.S. Air Force as a Security Forces Specialist in 1984, Terrence's service took him to Langley Air Force Base, Ghedi Air Base, and Nellis Air Base, where he played pivotal roles in securing vital resources and responding to threats. After his discharge following the Gulf War, Terrence transitioned into law enforcement, rising through the ranks to become a Master Patrolman with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police where he helped to suppress gang activity, trained with the Dignitary Witness Protection Unit, and worked with SWAT in a patrol capacity serving high risk warrants and conducting building searches Today, as the founder of Safety and Security Consultants LLC (SSC), Terrence continues his mission to prepare organizations for the unexpected. With a focus on incident response planning and active threat preparation, he empowers businesses, schools, and public venues to mitigate risks and protect lives. Terrence's dedication to education and training ensures that his team of consultants delivers the most up-to-date information and strategies to their clients. Through SSC's unique eight-step process, they equip organizations with the tools they need to navigate crisis situations effectively. 00:00:18:28 - 00:00:50:10 - Introduction 00:00:50:12 - 00:10:39:21 - Introduction to Terrance Brown's background 00:12:37:05 - 00:15:08:15 - Terrance Brown discusses founding Safety & Security Consultants 00:15:27:00 - 00:17:24:05- Terrance Brown discusses the importance of tailored security measures for different organizations 00:17:24:08 - 00:17:55:07 - Terrance Brown talks about the growth of his consultancy and the importance of communication Website: https://www.safetysecurityconsultants.com/ Today's Sponsor: Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation -⁠⁠ https://www.3sb.io/

A Bright Idea: Jungli Vintage

Amber Key — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Rajni Rao is the owner and curator of DC-based Jungli Vintage, a colorful and funky vintage pop-up shop that focuses on the 70s, 80s, and 90s vintage. Although she has been thrifting for years, Rajni has owned this business for almost 3 years.

Her racks of clothing are always filled with patterns, bold colors, and accessories that will make you smile. She draws equal parts inspiration from her Indian heritage, as she does being a 90s baby who grew up watching Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

Since her first pop-up on the sidewalk in front of the She Loves Me flower shop in the dead of winter, she has become a regular vendor at a number of vintage markets around DC and has even helped organize a few of her own.

A Bright Idea: New Brooklyn Farms

Amber Key — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 04:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode - we are joined by Doug Adams the owner of New Brooklyn Farms. New Brooklyn Farms is an independently owned and operated urban farm and green event space, located on a formerly vacant residential lot in the heart of the Washington DC suburb Mount Rainier, MD.
During his off time from his advertising career, Doug Adams made smoothies and juices made of natural ingredients. He sold his smoothies and juices at local farmers markets and to coworkers, but he always wondered where his produce was coming from. Even though he was using organic ingredients, Doug was unsettled with the fact that his fruit was coming from miles away. He thought “what if I grow my own fruits and vegetables?”

Hey Nice to Meet You: Taking the Simplifying Networking

Amber Key — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode of A Bright Idea Podcast, we chat with Desiree Jones, a networking expert and author of 'Hey, Nice to Meet You' as well as the founder of Hey, follow up, an app that that reminds you to follow up with your connections.

We discuss the importance of networking, share personal experiences, and explore how to change the mindset around networking from a daunting task to an opportunity for genuine connection.

Desiree shares practical tips for effective networking, common mistakes to avoid, and the significance of maintaining relationships.

Tinted Health: A New Kind Of Healthcare

Amber Key — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:00:00 GMT

In this week's episode I sit down with Rebecca Caesar, founder of Tinted Health, a platform designed to enhance representation in healthcare. Rebecca shares her journey through the healthcare industry, her experiences as a Black woman in leadership, and the motivation behind creating Tinted Health. In this episode, we dive into the importance of diversity, cultural sensitivity training for providers, and how technology can empower patients to find healthcare that reflects their communities. Rebecca discusses the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, her vision for the future of Tinted Health, and the broader implications for diversity and inclusion in healthcare. We discuss: Rebecca Caesar founded Tinted Health to enhance representation in healthcare. The platform focuses on connecting Black and Brown patients with providers who understand their cultural backgrounds. Rebecca's journey in healthcare highlighted the lack of diversity in leadership roles. She experienced a glass ceiling effect as a Black woman in healthcare administration. Cultural literacy and sensitivity training are crucial for healthcare providers. Tinted Health aims to create a safe space for minority patients in healthcare. The platform uses technology to empower patients in finding relatable providers. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of mentorship and networking in her career. Success for Tinted Health includes transforming a million lives and paving the way for future leaders. Family support plays a significant role in Rebecca's entrepreneurial journey. Resources: Follow Tinted Health on Instagram: @tintedhealth Subscribe to Tinted Health's newsletter: www.tintedhealth.com Sponsors: Chosen Financial Group: https://chosenadvisorygroup.com/

Imania Beauty: How this founder launched a trailblazing haircare product with $2500 and a dream

Amber Key — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMT

For years, Nia Imani captivated audiences as a natural haircare influencer on YouTube, collaborating with industry giants like Mielle Organics, The Mane Choice, and Shea Moisture. But with over 125,000 subscribers on YouTube, she knew it was time to harness her expertise for her own brand. Introducing Imania Beauty, where luxury meets natural. Nia created a High Maintenance Elixir, a multipurpose hair and scalp oil infused with a blend of broad-spectrum CBD and natural ingredients, meticulously formulated to stimulate hair growth, soothe the scalp, and lock in moisture. Using her knowledge of digital marketing through influencing, Nia has built a large following on Instagram and a dedicated email list. Since the launch of her Elixr, Nia has launched other streams of income including a hair extensions line and a hair salon located in the Atlanta area. With a mission to “give your hair a break,” Nia aims to redefine the haircare experience, making it relaxing and enjoyable for everyone. As Nia leads the charge, she paves the way for other Black women to pursue their dreams in beauty entrepreneurism.

00:05 - Introduction

2:00 - Rapid fire questions

8:30 - YouTube journey

11:50 - Discovering hair care products for you

12:50 - Evolution of hair care products

13:20 - Natural hair care peers on YouTube

14:15 - Concept behind Nia's YouTube channel

15:40 - Feedback from subscribers

16:50 - From a hobby to a job: monetizing YouTube

18:50 - Balancing YouTube and school

20:00 - Goals with YouTube

21:15 - Knowing your purpose among your peers

23:35 - 35th St. Builders sponsorship

24:35 - Entrepreneurial journey

27:35 - Ingredients for the elixir

29:00 - Working with women with scalp conditions

29:35 - Finding the perfect ingredients

31:05 - Covid-19 pandemic and the beauty industry

32:15 - Funding Imania Beauty

34:00 - From testing to shelves: a product timeline

35:00 - Launch plan for Imania Beauty

38:00 - Advice for building a brand

39:30 - Expanding Imania Beauty

42:00 - Imania Beauty and vertical integration

44:00 - Views on Nia’s competitors in the beauty industry

45:30 - Pros and cons of entrepreneurship

48:00 - Pitching to venture capital firms/accessibility

50:40 - Next steps for Imania Beauty

51:25 - Social media contact info Show notes: ⁠https://imaniabeauty.com/pages/shop-now https://www.instagram.com/imaniabeauty/ Today's Sponsor: Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation -⁠ https://www.3sb.io/⁠

Jenna Levine Liu: From Ad Sales to building a thriving community for moms

Amber Key — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 11:00:00 GMT

We are joined by Jenna Levine Liu, founder and president of Sixx Cool Moms.

Sixx Cool Moms is a national network of social groups for moms. Sixx currently operates 45 chapters across 13 states, with over 110k active and engaged members. Using her decade of media and advertising experience, Jenna turned a traditionally free medium into a profitable space for advertisers to reach local moms on a personal level, and for moms to connect with each other and foster life changing friendships.

In this episode, Jenna touches on her own experience entering motherhood, how her need for community and like minded women led her to founding a group for mothers, and how she is disrupting the narrative of what it means to be a mother in the 21st century. Enjoy!

Timecodes/Chapters for Sixx Cool Moms

0:00 - Intro1:16 - Getting to know Jenna

5:30 - The draw of advertising and sales

8:30 - Political advertisement

11:10 - Navigating being an outspoken woman

15:10 - ADHD in the workplace

17:08 - Advertisement

18:00 - Starting Sixx Cool Moms

28:05 - Differentiating between Sixx Cool Moms and other mom orgs

31:05 - Sixx Cool Moms and growth

34:15 - Sixx Cool Moms and culture building

36:50 - Navigating social media and parasocial relationships

40:30 - Leading Sixx Cool Moms

45:00 - Balancing multiple roles

47:00 - Advice for funding a business like Sixx Cool Moms

49:00 - Establishing relationships with businesses for funding

49:50 - Affiliate marketing and deliverables

57:14 - Challenges

59:10 - Societal changes that can help moms

1:03:15 - Motherhood and judgement

1:05:00 - What's next for you and Sixx Cool Moms

1:06:00 - A message to Jenna's daughter, Poppy

1:06:30 - Rapid fire questions

Show notes:

https://www.facebook.com/jennanicole/

https://www.facebook.com/sixxcoolmoms

https://www.instagram.com/jennalevineliu/

https://www.instagram.com/sixxcoolmoms

www.sixxcoolmoms.com

Today's Sponsor:

Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation - https://www.3sb.io/

The People's Institute for Common Good: Education Entrepreneurship and the Disruption of Traditional Education Systems

Amber Key — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

On this week's episode, I am joined by Dr. Lance Bennett - the President and Founder of The People’s Institute for the Common Good, a non-profit organization with a big vision to create spaces where people come together to learn from each other, wrestle with hard questions, and serve their communities for the common good. He is also a Visiting Scholar at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Leadership, Equity & Justice and Center for Minority Serving Institutions at Rutgers University.

Dr. Bennett is an adjunct faculty member in the Doctor of Education in Leadership and Higher Education Program at St. Edward’s University. In the higher education profession, he serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of Liberal Education, the flagship magazine of the American Association of Colleges and Universities. He is also a published author with articles published in the disciplines of higher education, teaching learning, and interpersonal communication.

In this episode - Dr. Bennett and I sat down to chat about how went from being on the track to becoming a university president to an educational entrepreneur. We get into how he's challenging traditional systems with the People's Institute for the Common Good, insights on creating spaces for lifelong learning, the importance of community-focused education, and his vision for a more inclusive and impactful educational landscape.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Lance Bennett and His Vision

12:11 Dr. Bennett's Journey in Education

20:14 Catalyst for Change: The Birth of the People's Institute

26:26 Building the People's Institute for Common Good

28:08 Exploring Community Learning Spaces

32:05 Creating Safe Spaces for Tough Conversations

36:14 Bridging Theory and Real-World Impact

40:26 The Future of Educational Entrepreneurship

45:12 Redefining Higher Education

50:41 Envisioning Success for the People's Institute

Resources

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/instituteforcommongood/

Website: https://instituteforcommongood.org/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-people-s-institute-for-the-common-good/

https://instituteforcommongood.org/

A Bright Idea: Beauty Maven Raven

Amber Key — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 17:38:04 GMT

On this week's episode we’re joined by beauty influencer Raven Small- also known as @Beautymavenraven. Raven is an online beauty educator and content creator from Baltimore, MD currently living in New York City. Her dream's always been to inspire people worldwide to be their best selves and to feel beautiful. She's been creating content for well over ten years. Before creating content full-time, Raven worked with well-known brands; leading their social media marketing efforts, building their influencer marketing strategies, and connecting influencers to brands such as SheaMoisture, MADAM by Madam CJ Walker, and other brands at Unilever - one of America's leading parent brand for the beauty industry. Content creation has always been her creative escape from her 9-5. She's built her community (the bb's) from the ground up. Her hard work and authenticity have allowed her to work with brands like COVERGIRL, Nordstrom, Milani Cosmetics, KOSAS, Carol's Daughter, and more. She's a beauty and social media-obsessed gal who loves discussing makeup, skincare, and anything beauty-related. From her content alone, you can tell she's passionate about what she does.

Join the Bright Idea community on IG: @abrightideapodcast

Rate, Subscribe, and Review the podcast on Apple and Spotify

Stay in touch with me: jacksonstreetmediaco@gmail.com

Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me in your shares while you are listening @abrightideapodcast

Follow Raven: @beautymavenraven

Buy her favorite projects: https://www.amazon.com/shop/beautymavenraven?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_aipsfshop_aipsfbeautymavenraven_SBRFW9ASH5W47TXJDHXD&language=en_US

Edited: @chrisj.kraemer

Capital City Mambo Sauce: Creating a Taste of Home for Washington, DC Natives

Amber Key — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:45:44 GMT

Sometimes inconveniences can form brilliant ideas. In Arsha Jones's case it was the fact that her go-to wing spot and mambo sauce was no longer down the street. Arsha Jones- founder of Capital City Mambo Sauce was born and raised in Washington, DC. When she and her family moved to the suburbs, Arsha began making her own mambo sauce in her kitchen. Realizing she could give back to her community by creating “a taste of home,” Arsha and her family started marketing and selling the sauce now known as Capital City Mambo Sauce. Today, you can find Capital City Mambo sauce in over 3,000 grocery stores, online - through their website and Amazon, and through several partnerships including the Washington Commanders, McDonald’s, and many more. In this episode, Arsha and I discuss growing up in the nation's capital, founding a mambo sauce company, and thirteen years later, how Arsha still feels like she's just getting started. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:25 - Describe growing up in Washington, D.C. 04:05 - How would you parents describe you growing up? 06:25 - Arsha's background in art 14:10 - Art and entrepreneurship 18:25 - Applying lessons learned to her own business 21:25 - 35th Street Builders sponsorship 22:00 - Capital City Mumbo Sauce 24:30 - What is mumbo sauce? 28:45 - Perfecting the recipe 33:05 - Building partnerships 37:25 - Vertical integration 40:25 - Chosen Advisory Group sponsorship 41:00 - Funding multiple businesses 43:35 - Paying yourself 44:40 - Arsha's keys to success Where you can buy Capital City Mambo Sauce: https://www.capitalcity.com/ Today's Sponsors: Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation -⁠⁠ https://www.3sb.io/ Take control of your financial freedom: Schedule your complimentary consultation at www.chosenadvisorygroup.com today.

A Bright Idea: Imani At Home

Amber Key — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 02:22:49 GMT

Imani Keal is the content creator behind Imani At Home, a DC-based home & lifestyle blog. She believes all people, regardless if they rent or own, should invest in their happiness by improving the spaces in which they live. Through her Instagram and blog, Imani shares renter-friendly DIYs and tips for the design-obsessed millennial. Her studio apartment has been featured in The New York Times, Apartment Therapy, The Washington Post, and Domino.com.

Kid Onyx: Emotional Regulation Cards for Black and Brown Youth

Amber Key — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Kid Onyx was born out of Nia's passion to provide essential tools for the children she serves in the vibrant communities of Los Angeles, Compton, and Inglewood. As a social worker, Nia recognized the need for resources that truly resonated with the experiences of her young clients.

Nia created Kings and Queens Emotion Cards, a revolutionary tool designed to help young black children identify and manage their emotions. In a time of heightened stress and uncertainty, especially during the pandemic, these cards offer a lifeline for children navigating through challenging emotions

With disruptions in schooling, sleeping schedules, and social interactions, it's more important than ever to equip children with the skills to manage their emotions effectively. The Kings and Queens Cards serve as a guiding light, helping children regain stability and confidence as they transition back to their everyday routines.

In this episode, Nia and I delve into her own journey with controlling emotions, how she became interested in mental health counseling and, into the transformative impact of social-emotional learning and the invaluable role that Kid Onyx plays in supporting the emotional well-being of children of color. We also get into her podcast What’s good with you - where she and her co-host seek to eliminate stigmas for black millennials and Generation Z to encourage healthy emotional regulation.

00:00 - Intro

03:20 - Balancing it all

05:00 - 9-5 therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic and making the switch

07:40 - Background in therapy

10:30 - Nia as a kid

16:00 - Verbalizing emotions

18:10 - The draw to psychology

22:40 - Biggest concerns in child therapy (before creating Kid Onyx)

24:45 - Emotional regulation

26:35 - Teaching kids emotional regulation and how to cope

28:15 - 35th St. Builders sponsorship

29:10 - Aha moment

31:35 - Kid Onyx

39:35 - Marketing Kid Onyx

39:50 - What's next for Kid Onyx?

40:50 - Entrepreneurial goals

44:15 - Biggest reward as a therapist

47:10 - What's Good With You? podcast

50:40 - What led you to hopping on the mic?

53:20 - Approach to W.G.W.Y.

59:35 - Becoming the person you want to be

1:04:15 - Rapid fire

Show notes: ⁠https://www.kidonyx.com/ https://www.instagram.com/_kidonyx/

https://linktr.ee/whatsgoodwithyou?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=07607bb2-62e5-4067-874d-917ea162c70c

Book recommendations:

The Four Agreements - Don Miguel Ruiz: https://amzn.to/3JfcH68

All About Love - Bell Hooks: https://amzn.to/3TZtCyD

Worthy - Jada Pinkett Smith: https://amzn.to/4417QyX

Today's Sponsor: Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation -⁠ https://www.3sb.io/⁠

Kelsey Russell: Knowing Is Sexy

Amber Key — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 12:11:59 GMT

When was the last time you read newspaper? According to a 2022 survey conducted by the media insights projects, 44% of Gen Z report never received news and information from traditional sources compared with 45% of younger millennials and 31% of older millennials. Kelsey Russell is looking to change that. Kelsey Russell is a content creator and full time graduate student at Teachers College, Columbia University. Through her platform, Russell breaks down articles from national and local newspapers and magazines to help her viewers discern information in a more palatable way. Kelsey believes education should be entertaining and entertainment should be educational. This mantra comes to life on her TikTok page of almost 100K followers where she dynamically reads different forms of print media to her audience. By promoting an approach to new information from a state of curiosity and nostalgia, she hopes to make generations fall back in love with learning. In this interview, we discuss: - Growing up in an entrepreneurial family -Her rise on Tiktok -How she is teaching media literacy to multi-generations -How she's helping to financial contribute to print media outlets -How her career in content creation is paving a new path for how she sees herself as an entrepreneur. Episode Resources: Kelsey Russell Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kelscruss Kelsey Russell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelscruss/ Join the Bright Idea community on IG: @abrightideapodcast Rate, Subscribe, and Review the podcast on Apple and Spotify Stay in touch with me: jacksonstreetmediaco@gmail.com Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me in your shares while you are listening @abrightideapodcast Edited: @chrisj.kraemer

Cassandra Whitlow: Ensuring Success for the Next Generation, Insights on Career Development, The Evolving Landscape of Recruiting

Amber Key — Wed, 01 May 2024 06:30:00 GMT

Job hunters listen up! we’re delighted to introduce Cassandra Whitlow, CRS a highly accomplished Recruiter, Career Coach, and Author.Cassandra began her career at IBM in Information Technology, later transitioning to Human Resources and Recruiting where she found her true passion. Her extensive experience spans across Fortune 500 companies in diverse industries like telecommunications, banking, transportation, and insurance.Driven by a deep desire to help individuals unlock their full potential, Cassandra’s expertise in talent acquisition and recruitment strategies has been instrumental in guiding organizations to attract top talent. On this week’s episode, we delve into Cassandra’s insights on career development, mentorship, and the evolving landscape of recruitment. Join us as we uncover the strategies and principles that have made Cassandra Whitlow a trusted advisor in the world of professional growth.

If you would like to learn about her services, head to her website www.cassandrawhitlow.com

Timecodes for Cassandra Whitlow:

00:00 - Intro

01:30 - Background/Working for IBM

04:30 - Knowing that IBM wasn't for her

06:45 - Transitioning into a new career

08:55 - Myers-Briggs test13:15 - Cassandra's aah haa moment
17:00 Approach to talent acquisition/tips for helping people get jobs

19:05 - Recruiting in a digital age

24:25 - 35th St. Builders sponsorship

26:10 - Answering the "tell me about yourself" question

27:40 - Challenges in today's market and how to approach them

30:30 - How to stay at a job and how to climb the ladder

33:35 - Do you believe in job-hopping?

40:00 - Mentors in the workplace

42:15 - What to look for in a mentor

43:15 - Trends and changes in the recruiting industry

46:50 - A.I. and job recruiting/job hunting

47:40 - A.I. tolls for job searching

48:45 - Services Cassandra provides and contact information

50:20 - Hopes for helping people with her services

52:40 - Rapid fire questions

Today's Sponsor: Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation - http://www.3sb.io/

Dembo Inc.: How to Build an Effective Team as an Entrepreneur

Amber Key — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT

This week we’re joined by the founder of Dembo Inc. Stephanie Coradin.As the founder of DEMBO Inc, Stephanie brings over 18 years of expertise in leadership and development training, along with life coaching for individuals and groups across diverse industries. With an MBA and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, her unique background equips her to uncover hidden barriers to growth and offer impactful solutions. Stephanie’s philosophy centers on the power of employee empowerment and dynamic leadership. She understands that when leaders prioritize valuing their team members and entrusting them with responsibility, it creates a culture where everyone is inspired to excel. Join us as we explore Stephanie’s insights, strategies, and passion for fostering growth and resilience in both individuals and organizations. Whether you’re a leader seeking to empower your team or an individual striving for personal development, Stephanie’s wisdom will inspire you to reach new heights.#abrightidea #podcast #entrepreneurship #buildingateam #leadership #professionaldevelopment #demboinc

Show timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

02:40 - Stephanie's background

08:00 - Shifting careers

10:15 - What was your 'ahh haa' moment?

12:45 - Creating the framework for leading employees

15:00 - From sidegig to full-time job

16:50 - 35th St. Builders sponsorship

17:45 - Dembo Inc. services and organizations they work with

19:40 - Accessing the needed of an organization

20:40 How has your job changed over the years?

22:30 - Mental health and leadership

23:15 - Employee struggles in the workplace

25:00 - Trends and bad leadership

29:30 - When do companies call Dembo Inc.?

31:00 Training and coaching leadership

32:00 - Success stories

33:45 - Identifying the roles ono a team

36:15 - Leadership tips for entrepreneurs

40:40 - Conversations to have with employees as an entrepreneur

43:10 - How to go about passing the torch

45:50 - Most rewarding part of running Dembo Inc.

46:50 - Challenges in running Dembo Inc.

47:40 - What's next for Dembo Inc.?

48:10 - Contact info/wrap

Show notes:

Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/demboinc/

Website: https://www.stephaniecoradin.com/

Today's Sponsor:

Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation -⁠⁠ https://www.3sb.io/⁠

CDL Driving Academy: Bootstrapping from scratch to 7-figures and how he is helping businesses do the same

Amber Key — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

This week, I am joined by Jonathan Marques, founder of CDL Driving Academy, one of the most recognized CDL training schools in the country, with over 150,000 subscribers on YouTube and a multi 7-figure business he built from the ground up.

Jonathan recently launched a business consulting firm specifically to help small business owners doing $250,000+ in annual revenue scale up to $1,000,000+ in sales, $1,000,000+ in profit, and structure their companies to scale and sell.

He’s passionate about sharing the exact systems, hiring frameworks, and mindset shifts that help everyday entrepreneurs break free from the “operator trap” and actually grow a business that runs — and sells — without them.

In this conversation, Jonathan and I speak about his early years from starting his first business as a college athlete to building a successful truck driving school. Then we get into the importance of focusing on cash flow, the value of personal development, and innovative marketing strategies like leveraging YouTube to grow his business.

Root Branch Media: How One Woman Bought a City Block Without Investors or Grants - The Power of Belief

Amber Key — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode of A Bright Idea podcast, Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew shares her inspiring journey as the first black woman to buy a block in Baltimore. She discusses the importance of financial literacy for creatives, the myths surrounding entrepreneurship, and the significance of building a legacy through education and community engagement. Dr. Vonnya emphasizes the need for creatives to understand the business side of their work and how storytelling plays a crucial role in their success. Her vision for Root Branch as a multiverse of opportunities showcases her commitment to empowering the next generation and creating lasting impact in the community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Vanya Pettigrew

03:00 The Journey of Entrepreneurship

05:56 Myths and Realities of Entrepreneurship

09:11 The Importance of Business Skills for Creatives

11:50 Owning a Block: A Legacy of Empowerment

14:49 Education and Media: Building Futures

18:09 Creating Opportunities for the Underserved

28:47 Innovative Solutions for Remote Engagement

30:46 Building Trust and Transparency in Mentorship

32:23 Navigating Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship

35:52 The Importance of Diverse Income Streams

39:06 Creating a Sustainable Business Ecosystem

41:18 Supporting Creatives and Community Development

47:39 Legacy and Long-Term Impact

53:03 Embracing Your Unique Expertise

TattMe: How these college roommates created an app that is transforming how people discover, connect with, and book tattoo artists

Amber Key — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 10:00:00 GMT

This week on A Bright Idea Podcast,I sit down with Mylon Blueford, co-founder of @tattme.app — a tech-driven platform transforming how people discover, connect with, and book tattoo artists.
With a background in software engineering and a deep love for tattoo culture, Mylon is on a mission to make the tattoo industry more inclusive, efficient, and accessible. From simplifying the booking process to spotlighting underrepresented artists, TattMe is shaping the future of tattoo culture.

Lola Capital Group: Flipping, Funding, and Forging a New Future for Baltimore

Amber Key — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 10:00:00 GMT

On today's episode, I spoke with Cornelius Weaver - the Fund Manager of the Baltimore Flip Fund, managed by Lola Capital Group—a real estate investment firm on a mission to breathe new life into Baltimore’s neighborhoods. With more than fifteen years in construction management and engineering, Cornelius has overseen over half a billion dollars in commercial projects—everything from university buildings to hospitals.

Alongside his wife and business partner, Ellena Weaver, he’s spent the last three years in the residential space, flipping and restoring homes that had been sitting vacant and turning them into affordable, beautiful places for families to live. Together, they’re not just building properties—they’re building pathways to wealth and revitalizing communities one house at a time.

Cornelius lives by the scripture, “To whom much is given, much is required.” That principle guides both his work and his purpose—using what he’s been given to create lasting impact in the city of Baltimore.

In this episode, Cornelius and I discuss the transformative impact of real estate investment in Baltimore. We explore the vision for Lola Capital Group, focusing on eradicating vacancies, creating affordable housing, and building generational wealth. Cornelius shares insights into the challenges and successes of flipping homes, the importance of community impact, and the personal journey of working alongside his wife.

Email: partners@thelolacapitalgroup.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolacapitalgroup/

Infinity Mobile Cigar Lounge: Redefining the Cigar Experience, Building a Legacy

Amber Key — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode - I sat down with Quincy and Tara Tucker, the founders of Infinity Mobile Cigar Lounge. The Infinity Mobile Cigar Lounge goes beyond the traditional brick and mortar setting by bringing an upscale cigar lounge experience directly to you! From Chesapeake, Virginia through the DMV and all over the east coast, Infinity Mobile Cigar Lounge’s sleek and sophisticated mobile lounge is designed to create an oasis of relaxation and sophistication wherever they park their wheels.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Infinity Mobile Cigar Lounge

03:04 The Journey of Entrepreneurship

05:47 The Concept and Design of the Lounge

09:00 Expanding the Business and Services Offered

12:04 Targeting the Female Audience in Cigar Culture

15:09 Creating a Unique Cigar Brand

17:56 The Importance of Product Diversification

20:55 Personal Background and Tobacco Heritage

24:47 Unexpected Paths: From Corporate to Entrepreneurship

27:22 Building Community Connections

28:24 Cigars and Motorcycles: A Unique Business Idea

29:22 Working with a Spouse: Trust and Comfort

31:29 Best Practices for Spousal Business Partnerships

32:54 Overcoming Initial Challenges in Business

34:24 Balancing Full-Time Work and Entrepreneurship

37:09 Learning from Mistakes in Business

40:19 The Power of Exposure and Networking

42:17 Generational Wealth: Beyond Money

45:11 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

46:17 Looking Ahead: Future Plans for the Business

Resources:

Website:https://www.infinitymobilecigarlounge.com/services

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/infinitymobilecigarlounge/

Liquid Intrusion: From Home Brew to Prince George's County's First Black-Owned Brewery

Amber Key — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:29:52 GMT

On this episode of A Bright Idea Podcast, I sit down for an exclusive in-person interview with Andrew and Jasmine Dill, the founders of Liquid Intrusion, the first black-owned brewery in Prince George's County. They share their journey of starting the brewery during the pandemic, the challenges they faced, and their commitment to community representation in the craft beer industry. The couple discusses their unique brewing process, the importance of partnerships, and their mission to educate others about craft beer. They also highlight their innovative approach to creating distinct flavors and their plans for future growth.

Shuga X Ice: Bringing A Taste of Home to America's Favorite Dessert

Amber Key — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 10:00:00 GMT

A Bright Idea is back for a new season and a sweet treat. On this week's episode I speak with Ndidiamaka Agu, founder of Sugar and Ice, an ice cream brand that infuses rich African flavors into classic American desserts. Ndidiamaka shares her journey from a medical background to entrepreneurship, influenced by her family's entrepreneurial spirit. She discusses the challenges of starting her business, the importance of childhood memories in her flavors, and her vision for the future of Sugar and Ice, including plans for national shipping and collaborations.

Adam Leeper: Stop Niching yourself, Finding Your Genius Zone, Understanding Your Brand's Purpose

Amber Key — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Today, I am joined by my friend, Adam Leeper, the CEO/Founder of Forge Achievement Coaching LLC. He’s a business coach bringing a unique blend of military leadership and AI expertise to help small businesses streamline, scale, and stay true to their mission.

In this episode, Adam and I talk about the importance of finding one’s purpose, the skills he learned in the military that translate to entrepreneurship, and the significance of community and leadership in both personal and professional realms.

Later, Adam shares insights on decision-making under pressure, the value of discipline, and the unique leadership training that he received in the military that you don’t get in corporate America. He discusses his coaching approach, focusing on helping business owners discover their strengths and purpose through his Operation Pathfinder Workshop. The conversation also leads to the concept of branding, advocating for a personal approach where business owners can explore all parts of themselves and their business, rather than limiting themselves to a single focus area.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to A Bright Idea Podcast

00:59 The Journey of Adam Leeper

11:34 Finding Purpose in Business

23:45 Skills from Military to Entrepreneurship

31:07 Navigating Workplace Discrimination

34:13 The Transition to Entrepreneurship

36:01 Finding Your Leadership Style

38:57 The Importance of Self-Discovery

42:53 Building a Personal Brand

44:43 Operation Pathfinder Workshop Overview

53:09 Identifying Your Genius Zone

59:27 Adapting Your Brand as You Grow

Sponsors:

Chosen Advisory Group: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/bilal-afolabi/

Resources:

Work with Adam: https://stan.store/CoachAdam

Papi Cuisine: Merging Bold Flavors, Culture, and Innovation beyond Food

Amber Key — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:52:00 GMT

In this episode of the Bright Idea Podcast, Amber Key interviews Alex Perez, the founder of Papi Cuisine, a unique food brand that merges cultures through Afro-Latin fusion cuisine. Alex shares his journey from humble beginnings in Baltimore to building a successful restaurant and product line. He discusses the importance of storytelling, social media, and community engagement in growing his brand. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced during the pandemic, the mindset shifts required for entrepreneurship, and the definition of wealth beyond monetary success. Alex emphasizes the importance of following one's calling and the impact of fear on decision-making, encouraging listeners to take action despite their fears.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Papi Cuisine and Alex Perez

05:20 The Vision Behind Papi Cuisine

09:48 Baltimore's Unique Food Scene

13:10 Identifying Gaps in the Market

15:03 The Journey from Home Cooking to Business

19:08 The Role of Social Media in Growth

29:02 Transitioning to a Nationally Recognized Brand

29:44 Building a Flavorful Foundation

34:07 Navigating the Pandemic's Challenges

39:39 Mindset Shifts in Business

45:09 Defining Success and Future Aspirations

53:35 Wealth Beyond Money

57:19 Learning from Mistakes

01:00:01 Overcoming Fear to Chase Dreams

The Black Bar Applicant Fund: Helping Aspiring Lawyers Overcome The Financial Barriers of Admission

Amber Key — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:25:34 GMT

On today’s show, I’m joined by Octavia Carson — an attorney, advocate, and the founder of The Black Bar Applicant Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing Black representation in the legal profession by helping aspiring lawyers overcome the financial barriers of bar admission.

A first-generation attorney and valedictorian of Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Octavia created the Fund after witnessing firsthand how systemic inequities and economic hardship prevent many talented Black graduates from becoming licensed attorneys. Through her leadership, the organization has provided critical financial and emotional support for bar applicants across the country—covering exam fees, living expenses, and mentorship during one of the most challenging phases of their legal journey.

In addition to her nonprofit work, Octavia is the principal attorney of Carson Legal Strategies PLLC, where she helps creatives and entrepreneurs protect their brands through trademarks, contracts, and business formation. Her mission across all of her work is to create access, equity, and empowerment in spaces where Black professionals have historically been excluded.

When she’s not advocating for the next generation of Black attorneys, Octavia enjoys traveling—having visited over 40 countries—and uses her global experiences to inspire her approach to justice, creativity, and leadership.

In this episode, We’ll talk about her personal journey, why the bar exam is more than just a test, and how her nonprofit is changing lives one applicant at a time.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Octavia Carson and Her Mission

02:52 The Bar Exam: Myths and Realities

05:47 Octavia's Journey to Law and Advocacy

08:33 Law School Experience During the Pandemic

11:34 The Movement for Diploma Privilege

14:36 Researching the Bar Exam's Racist History

17:37 The Impact of COVID-19 on Legal Education

20:22 Bar Exam Costs and Accessibility Issues

27:19 The Costly Journey to Becoming an Attorney

29:54 Advocating for Diploma Privilege

33:20 The Push for Bar Exam Reform

35:58 Founding the Black Bar Applicant Fund

39:54 Impact Stories from the Fund

45:54 Policy Changes for a Fairer Legal System

49:43 Making Law School Accessible

52:45 Supporting the Mission of Change

Resources

To learn more, visit blackbarapplicantfund.org, or email support@blackbarapplicantfund.org. You can also follow them on social media at @blackbarapplicantfund.

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Lola Capital Group: Flipping, Funding, and Forging a New Future for Baltimore

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Liquid Intrusion: From Home Brew to Prince George's County's First Black-Owned Brewery

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