Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interview Ashley Joi Boyd. Born and raised in Detroit, Ashley Joi Boyd made a name for herself as a Grammy nominee, music producer, composer (co-writer behind Justin Bieber's hit "Yummy"), and real estate developer. Now, with the release of her book, who can include the title author? Ashley filed for bankruptcy and has returned to financial health, so she wrote a book entitled "Financially Fly: Mastering Money and Wealth for Women.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interview Ashley Joi Boyd. Born and raised in Detroit, Ashley Joi Boyd made a name for herself as a Grammy nominee, music producer, composer (co-writer behind Justin Bieber's hit "Yummy"), and real estate developer. Now, with the release of her book, who can include the title author? Ashley filed for bankruptcy and has returned to financial health, so she wrote a book entitled "Financially Fly: Mastering Money and Wealth for Women.

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!

https://www.moneymakingconversations.com

https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations

https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/

https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv

https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!
https://www.moneymakingconversations.com
https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/
https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv
https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Money Making Conversations Master Class

Start your day with laughs, love, and real talk from Steve Harvey and his hilarious crew Shirley Strawberry, Carla Ferrell, Nephew Tommy, and Junior on the #1 morning radio show in America. Prank calls, life advice, celebrity guests, and nonstop energy. Follow, favorite, and subscribe now so you never miss a moment!

Steve Harvey brings his unmatched charisma and wisdom to mornings across the country, mixing comedy, culture, and connection like no one else. Whether you need a laugh, a lift, or a little perspective, The Steve Harvey Morning Show delivers it all.

Join millions who tune in every day, and make Steve and the crew part of your morning routine!

Start your day with laughs, love, and real talk from Steve Harvey and his hilarious crew Shirley Strawberry, Carla Ferrell, Nephew Tommy, and Junior on the #1 morning radio show in America. Prank calls, life advice, celebrity guests, and nonstop energy.&nbsp;Follow, favorite, and subscribe now so you never miss a moment!
Steve Harvey brings his unmatched charisma and wisdom to mornings across the country, mixing comedy, culture, and connection like no one else. Whether you need a laugh, a lift, or a little perspective, The Steve Harvey Morning Show delivers it all.
Join millions who tune in every day, and make Steve and the crew part of your morning routine!

The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Overcoming bankruptcy, Grammy nominee Ashley Joi Boyd tells her story, "Financially Fly: Mastering Money and Wealth for Women."

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/cab77ad4-c4e1-4583-a87d-b101015ad678/transcript

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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

Summary of the Interview

On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dawnn Lewis—iconic actress, singer, songwriter, voice actress, philanthropist, and founder of the A New Day Foundation. The conversation traces her extraordinary career, starting from her childhood as a singer, dancer, and actor, through her rise to fame on A Different World, her decades-long voiceover career (including The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks), and her ongoing philanthropic work supporting youth nationwide.

Dawnn discusses the challenges of being a multi-talented artist in an industry eager to box people into one lane, how A Different World both elevated and pigeonholed her, and how animation opened a vast new chapter for her that has lasted more than 30 years. She shares her philosophy on longevity, discipline, relationships, and the responsibility to give back. The interview also highlights her foundation’s programs supporting students, HBCUs, and underserved communities.

Purpose of the Interview

1. Celebrate Dawnn Lewis’s multi-decade, multi-disciplinary career

The interview showcases the depth of her talent—from singing and songwriting to acting, animation, and Broadway.

2. Highlight representation and legacy

Dawnn discusses the cultural impact of A Different World and her groundbreaking role as a Black female captain in Star Trek: Lower Decks.

3. Inspire audiences with her journey from Bed-Stuy to global success

Her story emphasizes perseverance, big dreaming, and ignoring limitations others impose.

4. Promote the A New Day Foundation

Dawnn details programs empowering youth, HBCU students, and underserved communities.

5. Provide insight into surviving and thriving in entertainment

She shares the importance of relationships, versatility, and constant self-improvement.

Key Takeaways

1. She was a “triple threat” long before Hollywood discovered her

Singing, dancing, and acting from age 7–11, she began performing professionally at 10 and even launched her own musical theatre degree program at the University of Miami.

2. A Different World brought fame but also typecasting

While it launched her into global visibility, it also led people to underestimate her songwriting, music, and voiceover abilities.

3. Her voice acting career spans more than 30 years

She has voiced characters on The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Craig of the Creek, Fairly OddParents, Mortal Kombat, and many more.
Her entry into animation came from imitating her young niece for a role.

4. Representation matters deeply to her

Seeing Nichelle Nichols on Star Trek inspired her as a child; today, Dawnn is one of the very few Black captains in the Star Trek universe.

5. The industry rewards resilience and relationships

Dawnn emphasizes that her longevity comes from consistently doing excellent work and nurturing her professional network.

6. She founded the A New Day Foundation to uplift youth

Her programs serve teens, HBCU students, and communities nationwide, providing mentorship, laptops, scholarships, and life skills training.

7. Dawnn’s journey is one of intentional growth and constant reinvention

She never stopped expanding—into Broadway, television, songwriting, animation, philanthropy, and leadership.

Notable Quotes

(All quotes from the uploaded transcript.)

On talent and early training
“I was singing, dancing at seven, acting at eleven… doing all three professionally since I was about ten years old.”
“I thought I was going to be a recording artist… I had my own single out. I was charting on Billboard.”

On being boxed in
“I didn’t start getting pigeonholed until I did A Different World… now you’re just an actress.”

On entering animation
“There weren’t very many people of color in the animation world… the director said, ‘Who are you? How come I never met you before?’”
“I get to voice characters they wouldn’t hire me visually to play.”

On representation and Star Trek
“In the legacy of Star Trek, it’s me and Avery Brooks as the Black captains.”
“Seeing Nichelle Nichols made me hopeful… she was my hero.”

On career longevity
“You quiet the naysayers by just showing up and doing the work.”
“God keeps opening doors and giving me what I need to walk through them successfully.”

On giving back
“I am my best investment.” (also used in her foundation’s mission)
“Where you were yesterday is not where you have to end up today.”

@#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-money-making-conversation-28341098/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">iHeartRadio</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-making-conversations-master-class/id1264705641" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3ABAQdTXqAnhGwxrsjFa5y" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/">www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/</a> or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.&nbsp; I want to alert you, so you don&rsquo;t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.&nbsp; Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed&nbsp;Dawnn Lewis.
<hr>
Summary of the Interview
On&nbsp;Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dawnn Lewis&mdash;iconic actress, singer, songwriter, voice actress, philanthropist, and founder of the A New Day Foundation. The conversation traces her extraordinary career, starting from her childhood as a singer, dancer, and actor, through her rise to fame on A Different World, her decades-long voiceover career (including The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks), and her ongoing philanthropic work supporting youth nationwide.
Dawnn discusses the challenges of being a multi-talented artist in an industry eager to box people into one lane, how A Different World both elevated and pigeonholed her, and how animation opened a vast new chapter for her that has lasted more than 30 years. She shares her philosophy on longevity, discipline, relationships, and the responsibility to give back. The interview also highlights her foundation&rsquo;s programs supporting students, HBCUs, and underserved communities.
<hr>
Purpose of the Interview
1. Celebrate Dawnn Lewis&rsquo;s multi-decade, multi-disciplinary career
The interview showcases the depth of her talent&mdash;from singing and songwriting to acting, animation, and Broadway.
2. Highlight representation and legacy
Dawnn discusses the cultural impact of A Different World and her groundbreaking role as a Black female captain in Star Trek: Lower Decks.
3. Inspire audiences with her journey from Bed-Stuy to global success
Her story emphasizes perseverance, big dreaming, and ignoring limitations others impose.
4. Promote the A New Day Foundation
Dawnn details programs empowering youth, HBCU students, and underserved communities.
5. Provide insight into surviving and thriving in entertainment
She shares the importance of relationships, versatility, and constant self-improvement.
<hr>
Key Takeaways
1. She was a &ldquo;triple threat&rdquo; long before Hollywood discovered her
Singing, dancing, and acting from age 7&ndash;11, she began performing professionally at 10 and even launched her own musical theatre degree program at the University of Miami.
2. A Different World brought fame but also typecasting
While it launched her into global visibility, it also led people to underestimate her songwriting, music, and voiceover abilities.
3. Her voice acting career spans more than 30 years
She has voiced characters on The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Craig of the Creek, Fairly OddParents, Mortal Kombat, and many more. Her entry into animation came from imitating her young niece for a role.
4. Representation matters deeply to her
Seeing Nichelle Nichols on Star Trek inspired her as a child; today, Dawnn is one of the very few Black captains in the Star Trek universe.
5. The industry rewards resilience and relationships
Dawnn emphasizes that her longevity comes from consistently doing excellent work and nurturing her professional network.
6. She founded the A New Day Foundation to uplift youth
Her programs serve teens, HBCU students, and communities nationwide, providing mentorship, laptops, scholarships, and life skills training.
7. Dawnn&rsquo;s journey is one of intentional growth and constant reinvention
She never stopped expanding&mdash;into Broadway, television, songwriting, animation, philanthropy, and leadership.
<hr>
Notable Quotes
(All quotes from the uploaded transcript.)
On talent and early training
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;I was singing, dancing at seven, acting at eleven&hellip; doing all three professionally since I was about ten years old.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;I thought I was going to be a recording artist&hellip; I had my own single out. I was charting on Billboard.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
On being boxed in
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t start getting pigeonholed until I did A Different World&hellip; now you&rsquo;re just an actress.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
On entering animation
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;There weren&rsquo;t very many people of color in the animation world&hellip; the director said, &lsquo;Who are you? How come I never met you before?&rsquo;&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;I get to voice characters they wouldn&rsquo;t hire me visually to play.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
On representation and Star Trek
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;In the legacy of Star Trek, it&rsquo;s me and Avery Brooks as the Black captains.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Seeing Nichelle Nichols made me hopeful&hellip; she was my hero.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
On career longevity
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;You quiet the naysayers by just showing up and doing the work.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;God keeps opening doors and giving me what I need to walk through them successfully.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
On giving back
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;I am my best investment.&rdquo; (also used in her foundation&rsquo;s mission)</li>
<li>&ldquo;Where you were yesterday is not where you have to end up today.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
@#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Uplift: She discusses A Different World and her groundbreaking role as a Black female captain in Star Trek: Lower Decks.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/02a7eccf-85b5-47af-ae82-b3f0016755e1/transcript

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jasmine Hood

Founder of Better Bodies Massage in Atlanta (originally from Greenville, South Carolina), joined Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations Masterclass to share her journey from CNA to licensed massage therapist, the realities of being a traveling service provider, and the wellness benefits of massage therapy.

She discusses body alignment, stress, trauma release, the differences between massage modalities, alternative treatments like cupping, entrepreneurship during COVID‑19, safety considerations for mobile therapists, corporate/wellness partnerships, and her long‑term goal of building a scalable massage brand supported by contractors.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:
Highlight how massage therapy supports physical and emotional wellness, including stress, posture, and pain relief.
Educate listeners on the types of massages, proper stretching techniques, and how body tension accumulates.
Explore entrepreneurship in the wellness space, including launching a business during COVID‑19.
Discuss safety and professionalism in mobile massage therapy.
Show how Jasmine is building a sustainable small business through networking, corporate events, and contractor partnerships.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Career Shift & Fearless Beginnings
Jasmine switched from working as a CNA to moving to Atlanta alone with no support system—motivated by a desire for change and inspired by her mother’s independence.
She emphasized overcoming fear and taking leaps even when circumstances are uncertain.

2. Massage Therapy Is Both Physical & Emotional Healing
Massage releases tension, trauma, and stress stored in the body, especially in the neck, shoulders, and lower back.
Many people carry pain from work, daily habits, or emotional strain—and massage helps restore balance.

3. The Three Most Popular Massage Types

Jasmine explained the differences clearly:
Swedish Massage — Gentle, relaxing, ideal for beginners and stress relief.
Deep Tissue — Targets chronic pain and trigger points but may be intense for clients who are not accustomed to it.
Sports Massage — Faster movements, stretching, and ideal for athletes.

She stressed that deep tissue should not be rushed—the muscle needs warming before intense pressure.

4. Stretching Is Critical—Most People Do It Wrong
Stretching should be held 30 seconds to 1 minute, not quick movements or rolling the neck.
Consistent stretching prevents the “tight forward lean” posture many people develop.
Lower‑body stretches (glutes, hamstrings, hips) dramatically improve back pain.

5. Travel Massage: Safety, Boundaries & Professionalism
Jasmine screens new clients by phone before accepting appointments.
She immediately declines inappropriate requests (e.g., sexualized services).
She only sees first‑time clients during daylight and shares her location with trusted contacts.
She maintains a clear, therapeutic-only brand despite public misconceptions.

6. Entrepreneurship Journey & Business Model
She built her business during COVID‑19, initially offering lower prices, then raising them as her brand grew.
Corporate wellness events and golf tournaments became a major revenue stream.
She hires contractors to scale for events.
Her long‑term goal is “mailbox money”—a business run by a team while she steps away from hands-on work.

7. Alternative Treatment: Cupping Therapy
Cupping uses suction to pull stagnant blood, loosen muscle tissue, and improve circulation.
Cups can remain stationary or be moved along the back to flush tension.

8. The Jasmine Experience
Sessions are designed around clients’ comfort, in their own homes, with their preferred music and ambiance.
Post‑massage, clients can immediately rest—no stress of getting dressed or driving home.

🗣️ Notable Quotes ✔ On taking risks

“I just jumped up and moved. I didn’t know anyone… I just said I’m going to start over.”



✔ On stress in the body

“We all carry trauma. When you’re stressed, it all ends up in your body.”



✔ On deep tissue massage

“If it gets to be too much, let me know. Don’t be afraid to speak up.”



✔ On stretching

“If you don’t use it, you’re going to lose it.”



✔ On business growth

“Some days are easy and some days are like… alright, don’t know. But you keep going.”



✔ On long‑term goals

“I don’t plan on being hands-on forever. The goal is to build my brand and have a team I can send out—like Amazon.”



#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-money-making-conversation-28341098/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">iHeartRadio</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-making-conversations-master-class/id1264705641" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3ABAQdTXqAnhGwxrsjFa5y" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/">www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/</a> or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.&nbsp; I want to alert you, so you don&rsquo;t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.&nbsp; Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed&nbsp;Jasmine Hood
Founder of Better Bodies Massage in Atlanta (originally from Greenville, South Carolina), joined Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations Masterclass to share her journey from CNA to licensed massage therapist, the realities of being a traveling service provider, and the wellness benefits of massage therapy.
She discusses body alignment, stress, trauma release, the differences between massage modalities, alternative treatments like cupping, entrepreneurship during COVID‑19, safety considerations for mobile therapists, corporate/wellness partnerships, and her long‑term goal of building a scalable massage brand supported by contractors.
<hr>
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
<ul>
<li>Highlight how massage therapy supports physical and emotional wellness, including stress, posture, and pain relief.</li>
<li>Educate listeners on the types of massages, proper stretching techniques, and how body tension accumulates.</li>
<li>Explore entrepreneurship in the wellness space, including launching a business during COVID‑19.</li>
<li>Discuss safety and professionalism in mobile massage therapy.</li>
<li>Show how Jasmine is building a sustainable small business through networking, corporate events, and contractor partnerships.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Career Shift &amp; Fearless Beginnings
<ul>
<li>Jasmine switched from working as a CNA to moving to Atlanta alone with no support system&mdash;motivated by a desire for change and inspired by her mother&rsquo;s independence.</li>
<li>She emphasized overcoming fear and taking leaps even when circumstances are uncertain.</li>
</ul>
2. Massage Therapy Is Both Physical &amp; Emotional Healing
<ul>
<li>Massage releases tension, trauma, and stress stored in the body, especially in the neck, shoulders, and lower back.</li>
<li>Many people carry pain from work, daily habits, or emotional strain&mdash;and massage helps restore balance.</li>
</ul>
3. The Three Most Popular Massage Types
Jasmine explained the differences clearly:
<ul>
<li>Swedish Massage &mdash; Gentle, relaxing, ideal for beginners and stress relief.</li>
<li>Deep Tissue &mdash; Targets chronic pain and trigger points but may be intense for clients who are not accustomed to it.</li>
<li>Sports Massage &mdash; Faster movements, stretching, and ideal for athletes.</li>
</ul>
She stressed that deep tissue should not be rushed&mdash;the muscle needs warming before intense pressure.
4. Stretching Is Critical&mdash;Most People Do It Wrong
<ul>
<li>Stretching should be held 30 seconds to 1 minute, not quick movements or rolling the neck.</li>
<li>Consistent stretching prevents the &ldquo;tight forward lean&rdquo; posture many people develop.</li>
<li>Lower‑body stretches (glutes, hamstrings, hips) dramatically improve back pain.</li>
</ul>
5. Travel Massage: Safety, Boundaries &amp; Professionalism
<ul>
<li>Jasmine screens new clients by phone before accepting appointments.</li>
<li>She immediately declines inappropriate requests (e.g., sexualized services).</li>
<li>She only sees first‑time clients during daylight and shares her location with trusted contacts.</li>
<li>She maintains a clear, therapeutic-only brand despite public misconceptions.</li>
</ul>
6. Entrepreneurship Journey &amp; Business Model
<ul>
<li>She built her business during COVID‑19, initially offering lower prices, then raising them as her brand grew.</li>
<li>Corporate wellness events and golf tournaments became a major revenue stream.</li>
<li>She hires contractors to scale for events.</li>
<li>Her long‑term goal is &ldquo;mailbox money&rdquo;&mdash;a business run by a team while she steps away from hands-on work.</li>
</ul>
7. Alternative Treatment: Cupping Therapy
<ul>
<li>Cupping uses suction to pull stagnant blood, loosen muscle tissue, and improve circulation.</li>
<li>Cups can remain stationary or be moved along the back to flush tension.</li>
</ul>
8. The Jasmine Experience
<ul>
<li>Sessions are designed around clients&rsquo; comfort, in their own homes, with their preferred music and ambiance.</li>
<li>Post‑massage, clients can immediately rest&mdash;no stress of getting dressed or driving home.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🗣️ Notable Quotes ✔ On taking risks
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I just jumped up and moved. I didn&rsquo;t know anyone&hellip; I just said I&rsquo;m going to start over.&rdquo; 
</blockquote>
✔ On stress in the body
<blockquote>
&ldquo;We all carry trauma. When you&rsquo;re stressed, it all ends up in your body.&rdquo; 
</blockquote>
✔ On deep tissue massage
<blockquote>
&ldquo;If it gets to be too much, let me know. Don&rsquo;t be afraid to speak up.&rdquo; 
</blockquote>
✔ On stretching
<blockquote>
&ldquo;If you don&rsquo;t use it, you&rsquo;re going to lose it.&rdquo; 
</blockquote>
✔ On business growth
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Some days are easy and some days are like&hellip; alright, don&rsquo;t know. But you keep going.&rdquo; 
</blockquote>
✔ On long‑term goals
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t plan on being hands-on forever. The goal is to build my brand and have a team I can send out&mdash;like Amazon.&rdquo; 
</blockquote>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Career Change: She shares her traveling licensed massage therapist brand and the wellness benefits of her job.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/79f3506a-4f28-4b8d-8bb0-b411014b1663/transcript

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To spotlight Crystal Hughes’ entrepreneurial journey, her resilience through adversity, and her innovative contributions to the beauty industry and nonprofit work. The interview aims to inspire listeners by showing how personal challenges can fuel impactful ventures.

🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Early Entrepreneurship & Adversity
At age 21, Crystal opened her first wig and natural hair salon in a flea market.
Shortly after, she was incarcerated for bank fraud—a decision she made out of desperation to fund her business dreams.
She wrote a book titled Money and My Daughter while in prison, inspired by her experiences and authors like Wahida Clark.

2. Wig Capital Foundation
Founded to donate medical wigs to cancer patients and others in need.
Crystal collected and donated over 5,000 wigs in the first year.
Partnered with beauty supply stores and hospitals (e.g., Howard University Hospital, MedStar).
Schools helped refurbish wigs in exchange for community service hours.

3. Mobile Glam Squad
A tech-driven initiative likened to “Uber for beauty services.”
Connects licensed beauty professionals with clients, especially those who are immobile or in hospitals.
Aims to provide group health insurance for stylists and expand to college campuses.

4. Personal Healing & Resilience
Survived a serious car accident resulting in chronic pain.
Opted out of surgery and explored “sexual healing” as a form of pain management.
Worked in a Nevada brothel during recovery, combining physical therapy with alternative healing.

5. Land Development in Utah, Alabama
Inherited one acre of land from her grandparents.
Plans to build an adult living facility and raise funds through seasonal events like scavenger hunts.
Noted signs of economic growth in the area (new gas station, dialysis center, Dollar General).

6. Use of Technology
Embraced tech tools like ChatGPT for legal and business support.
Shares tech resources with cosmetology students during marketing tours.

💬 Notable Quotes
“I always wanted to have my own beauty supply store… I figured out a way to do it.”
“I wasn’t the brains in the operation… but I knew I had to stay confident.”
“Anything over $1,000, they had to kind of question it.”
“I wrote my book in prison… it’s fiction based on true events.”
“I didn’t want to lose myself… I had to figure out a way.”
“You are a genius.” — a compliment she received from a mentor after promoting her nonprofit.
“You can’t stop yourself sometimes… you don’t let the system stop you.” — Rushion McDonald on Crystal’s entrepreneurial spirit.

📌 Final Thoughts

Crystal Hughes’ story is one of resilience, reinvention, and resourcefulness. From incarceration to innovation, she has turned personal pain into purpose, creating platforms that empower others—especially women facing medical and financial challenges.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed&nbsp;Crystal Hughes.
<hr>
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To spotlight Crystal Hughes&rsquo; entrepreneurial journey, her resilience through adversity, and her innovative contributions to the beauty industry and nonprofit work. The interview aims to inspire listeners by showing how personal challenges can fuel impactful ventures.
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🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Early Entrepreneurship &amp; Adversity
<ul>
<li>At age 21, Crystal opened her first wig and natural hair salon in a flea market.</li>
<li>Shortly after, she was incarcerated for bank fraud&mdash;a decision she made out of desperation to fund her business dreams.</li>
<li>She wrote a book titled Money and My Daughter while in prison, inspired by her experiences and authors like Wahida Clark.</li>
</ul>
2. Wig Capital Foundation
<ul>
<li>Founded to donate medical wigs to cancer patients and others in need.</li>
<li>Crystal collected and donated over 5,000 wigs in the first year.</li>
<li>Partnered with beauty supply stores and hospitals (e.g., Howard University Hospital, MedStar).</li>
<li>Schools helped refurbish wigs in exchange for community service hours.</li>
</ul>
3. Mobile Glam Squad
<ul>
<li>A tech-driven initiative likened to &ldquo;Uber for beauty services.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Connects licensed beauty professionals with clients, especially those who are immobile or in hospitals.</li>
<li>Aims to provide group health insurance for stylists and expand to college campuses.</li>
</ul>
4. Personal Healing &amp; Resilience
<ul>
<li>Survived a serious car accident resulting in chronic pain.</li>
<li>Opted out of surgery and explored &ldquo;sexual healing&rdquo; as a form of pain management.</li>
<li>Worked in a Nevada brothel during recovery, combining physical therapy with alternative healing.</li>
</ul>
5. Land Development in Utah, Alabama
<ul>
<li>Inherited one acre of land from her grandparents.</li>
<li>Plans to build an adult living facility and raise funds through seasonal events like scavenger hunts.</li>
<li>Noted signs of economic growth in the area (new gas station, dialysis center, Dollar General).</li>
</ul>
6. Use of Technology
<ul>
<li>Embraced tech tools like ChatGPT for legal and business support.</li>
<li>Shares tech resources with cosmetology students during marketing tours.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
💬 Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;I always wanted to have my own beauty supply store&hellip; I figured out a way to do it.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;I wasn&rsquo;t the brains in the operation&hellip; but I knew I had to stay confident.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Anything over $1,000, they had to kind of question it.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;I wrote my book in prison&hellip; it&rsquo;s fiction based on true events.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t want to lose myself&hellip; I had to figure out a way.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;You are a genius.&rdquo; &mdash; a compliment she received from a mentor after promoting her nonprofit.</li>
<li>&ldquo;You can&rsquo;t stop yourself sometimes&hellip; you don&rsquo;t let the system stop you.&rdquo; &mdash; Rushion McDonald on Crystal&rsquo;s entrepreneurial spirit.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
📌 Final Thoughts
Crystal Hughes&rsquo; story is one of resilience, reinvention, and resourcefulness. From incarceration to innovation, she has turned personal pain into purpose, creating platforms that empower others&mdash;especially women facing medical and financial challenges.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Overcoming the Odds.  Once incarcerated.  She now connects licensed beauty professionals with those who are immobile or in hospitals.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/71771cff-ef22-4a0a-b59e-b3f60147db9e/transcript

Overcoming bankruptcy, Grammy nominee Ashley Joi Boyd tells her story, "Financially Fly: Mastering Money and Wealth for Women."

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