Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Attorney Ken Harris.  

Dark Trades is a controversial historical fiction novel that discuss "What if the South had won the Civil War?"

 Ken graduated from the University of North Carolina as an undergraduate and from law school. Harris has practiced law in North Carolina for over 30 years. He has handled and litigated personal injury claims across the state including to the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Harris is a former NBA and NFL agent. He has handled various business matters for Earvin "Magic" Johnson for over 25 years. Harris has also represented and worked with notable entertainment figures like Mathew Knowles. Harris is currently the CEO of one of the largest minority energy marketers in the US.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Attorney Ken Harris.  
Dark Trades is a controversial historical fiction novel that discuss "What if the South had won the Civil War?"
 Ken graduated from the University of North Carolina as an undergraduate and from law school. Harris has practiced law in North Carolina for over 30 years. He has handled and litigated personal injury claims across the state including to the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Harris is a former NBA and NFL agent. He has handled various business matters for Earvin "Magic" Johnson for over 25 years. Harris has also represented and worked with notable entertainment figures like Mathew Knowles. Harris is currently the CEO of one of the largest minority energy marketers in the US.

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

Attorney Ken Harris wrote a controversial novel, "Dark Trades" - What if the South had won the Civil War?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/6e0fa19c-b52e-4624-9412-b18700ddba36/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 Yasmine Cheyenne.

📝 Summary of the Interview

Yasmine Cheyenne, an Air Force veteran, mental wellness advocate, and author, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss her journey from a disadvantaged upbringing to becoming a published author and wellness coach. She shared insights from her books—The Sugar Jar and her latest, Wisdom of the Path—which focus on boundaries, healing, and self-empowerment. The conversation explored her military experience, personal transformation, and how she helps others confront fear and reclaim their lives.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks
Fear of failure and disappointment keeps many people stuck.
Yasmine encourages people to confront fear and take action anyway.
Her own decision to join the Air Force was a leap of faith that changed her life.

2. Military Discipline and Life Lessons
The Air Force taught her discipline, consistency, and resilience.
She applies these lessons to her personal and professional life.
Quote: “Do you want to bet on yourself? Be willing to believe in yourself.”

3. Writing as Empowerment
Her first book, The Sugar Jar, focuses on boundaries and self-care.
Her second book, Wisdom of the Path, is about using past experiences as wisdom, not shame.
Writing helped her transform her life and inspire others from similar backgrounds.

4. Boundaries and Self-Prioritization
Without boundaries, people become overwhelmed and resentful.
Saying “no” and advocating for yourself is essential to mental wellness.
Quote: “We have to get comfortable letting people be disappointed with us.”

5. Redefining “Selfish”
Being selfish is often misunderstood.
Prioritizing yourself is necessary for success and well-being.
Quote: “Every successful person has had to be selfish at some point.”

6. Wisdom of the Path
The book encourages readers to trust their instincts and take the next step.
It’s not a checklist—it’s a collection of relatable stories and reflections.
Quote: “Use those experiences that you’re judging yourself for as wisdom to help you move forward.”

7. Mental Wellness Practice
Yasmine helps people through coaching, writing, and speaking.
She emphasizes healing through storytelling and shared experiences.

8. Accessibility
Her books are available in print, digital, and audio formats.
She personally narrates the audiobook version of Wisdom of the Path.

💬 Notable Quotes
“Even if things fail, you have what it takes to get yourself to where you want to be.”
“Take the meat and leave the bone.”
“You already know what the next step is. What would happen if you just took it?”
“We’ve been an enemy toward ourselves for years and don’t even realize it.”

#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 Yasmine Cheyenne.
<hr>
📝 Summary of the Interview
Yasmine Cheyenne, an Air Force veteran, mental wellness advocate, and author, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss her journey from a disadvantaged upbringing to becoming a published author and wellness coach. She shared insights from her books&mdash;The Sugar Jar and her latest, Wisdom of the Path&mdash;which focus on boundaries, healing, and self-empowerment. The conversation explored her military experience, personal transformation, and how she helps others confront fear and reclaim their lives.
<hr>
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks
<ul>
<li>Fear of failure and disappointment keeps many people stuck.</li>
<li>Yasmine encourages people to confront fear and take action anyway.</li>
<li>Her own decision to join the Air Force was a leap of faith that changed her life.</li>
</ul>
2. Military Discipline and Life Lessons
<ul>
<li>The Air Force taught her discipline, consistency, and resilience.</li>
<li>She applies these lessons to her personal and professional life.</li>
<li>Quote: &ldquo;Do you want to bet on yourself? Be willing to believe in yourself.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
3. Writing as Empowerment
<ul>
<li>Her first book, The Sugar Jar, focuses on boundaries and self-care.</li>
<li>Her second book, Wisdom of the Path, is about using past experiences as wisdom, not shame.</li>
<li>Writing helped her transform her life and inspire others from similar backgrounds.</li>
</ul>
4. Boundaries and Self-Prioritization
<ul>
<li>Without boundaries, people become overwhelmed and resentful.</li>
<li>Saying &ldquo;no&rdquo; and advocating for yourself is essential to mental wellness.</li>
<li>Quote: &ldquo;We have to get comfortable letting people be disappointed with us.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
5. Redefining &ldquo;Selfish&rdquo;
<ul>
<li>Being selfish is often misunderstood.</li>
<li>Prioritizing yourself is necessary for success and well-being.</li>
<li>Quote: &ldquo;Every successful person has had to be selfish at some point.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
6. Wisdom of the Path
<ul>
<li>The book encourages readers to trust their instincts and take the next step.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s not a checklist&mdash;it&rsquo;s a collection of relatable stories and reflections.</li>
<li>Quote: &ldquo;Use those experiences that you&rsquo;re judging yourself for as wisdom to help you move forward.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
7. Mental Wellness Practice
<ul>
<li>Yasmine helps people through coaching, writing, and speaking.</li>
<li>She emphasizes healing through storytelling and shared experiences.</li>
</ul>
8. Accessibility
<ul>
<li>Her books are available in print, digital, and audio formats.</li>
<li>She personally narrates the audiobook version of Wisdom of the Path.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
💬 Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Even if things fail, you have what it takes to get yourself to where you want to be.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Take the meat and leave the bone.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;You already know what the next step is. What would happen if you just took it?&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve been an enemy toward ourselves for years and don&rsquo;t even realize it.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Mental Health: Her mental wellness practice helps people through coaching, writing, and speaking.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/60bb01c7-0e26-48be-a25a-b404017ab774/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 Alaysia Miller.

A certified nurse practitioner, travel nurse practitioner, and founder of NP Luxe CPR, a Florida-based CPR training company.

Alaysia discusses her journey from nurse to travel nurse practitioner, how frontline burnout pushed her into entrepreneurship, and why she launched a CPR education business. She explains the financial and lifestyle advantages of travel nursing, the importance of mentorship, the realities of entrepreneurship, and the major CPR survival gap in Black and underserved communities.

Rushion and Alaysia also dive into leadership, negotiating contracts, building a lucrative CPR business, and empowering community health through education.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

1. Showcase a path to financial freedom through nursing entrepreneurship

By highlighting travel nurse contracting and CPR instruction as viable wealth‑building vehicles.

2. Highlight the importance of CPR education in underserved communities

Especially addressing the survival gap in Black communities due to low CPR literacy.

3. Encourage aspiring entrepreneurs—especially women and healthcare workers

By sharing Alaysia’s experiences with mentorship, confidence building, and launching a service-based business.

4. Educate listeners on the realities of entrepreneurship

Including time demands, imposter syndrome, and the need for consistency and proper pricing.

🔑 Key Takeaways1. Travel Nurse Practitioners Have High Earning Potential

As a staff NP she would earn $100k per year, but as a travel NP she earned $100k in six months while gaining time freedom and flexibility.

Travel NP work is paid via 1099, opening the door to tax write-offs, investment flexibility, and entrepreneurial benefits.

2. Burnout Was the Catalyst for Change

Working six days a week during COVID and the pressure of commercialized urgent-care systems led to burnout, weight gain, and loss of self. This pushed Alaysia toward traveling, where she worked half the time for double the pay.

3. CPR Survival Rates Are Lower in Black & Underserved Communities

Alaysia explains that lack of exposure, knowledge, and basic emergency training leads to significantly lower cardiac survival rates in communities of color.

She addresses this through her nonprofit We Push Health, which brings CPR and medical education to rural and urban communities.

4. You Don’t Need to Reinvent the Wheel—Mentorship Is Key

She learned about mentorship in 2024 and emphasizes that mentors help you avoid costly mistakes and speed up your path.

“Find someone who is the ideal image of what you want to be and mimic what they do.”.

5. CPR Businesses Are Lucrative and Accessible

Almost every industry requires CPR certification:
Healthcare
Schools & daycares
Gyms
Police & fire departments
Hotels
Tattoo studios

These make CPR instruction a strong side hustle or full-time business, especially for healthcare professionals who already understand the material.

6. Entrepreneurship Requires Real Work

Alaysia breaks down the less glamorous side of building a business:
Imposter syndrome
The need for consistent marketing
Pricing confidently
Long hours initially
Learning branding, systems, and follow-up

“You only eat what you kill.”.

7. Communication and Adaptability Are Leadership Superpowers

Travel nursing requires walking into unfamiliar environments and leading without overpowering. She emphasizes:
Reading the room
Adjusting communication styles
Delegating the right way
Being assertive but team-oriented

“Adaptability is number one.”.

8. Negotiation Skills Changed Her Entire Career

She learned to stop undervaluing herself and start negotiating confidently:
First contract: underpriced
Second contract: raised rates dramatically
Uses supply‑and‑demand to justify price increases

“You miss 100% of the shots you never take.”.]

🗣️ Notable QuotesOn Entrepreneurship
“If you know how to save a life, don’t you think you know how to run a business?”.
“You only eat what you kill.”.

On Burnout
“I lost myself giving it to a job.”.

On Community Health
“They can’t know what they don’t know.”
“Survival rates for cardiac arrest are significantly lower in communities of color because they lack access to basic emergency skills.”.

On Mentorship
“You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to be successful.”
“Find someone who is the ideal image of what you want to be.”.

On Negotiation
“What’s the worst they can say? No.”

#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;Alaysia Miller.
A certified nurse practitioner, travel nurse practitioner, and founder of NP Luxe CPR, a Florida-based CPR training company.
Alaysia discusses her journey from nurse to travel nurse practitioner, how frontline burnout pushed her into entrepreneurship, and why she launched a CPR education business. She explains the financial and lifestyle advantages of travel nursing, the importance of mentorship, the realities of entrepreneurship, and the major CPR survival gap in Black and underserved communities.
Rushion and Alaysia also dive into leadership, negotiating contracts, building a lucrative CPR business, and empowering community health through education.
<hr>
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
1. Showcase a path to financial freedom through nursing entrepreneurship
By highlighting travel nurse contracting and CPR instruction as viable wealth‑building vehicles.
2. Highlight the importance of CPR education in underserved communities
Especially addressing the survival gap in Black communities due to low CPR literacy.
3. Encourage aspiring entrepreneurs&mdash;especially women and healthcare workers
By sharing Alaysia&rsquo;s experiences with mentorship, confidence building, and launching a service-based business.
4. Educate listeners on the realities of entrepreneurship
Including time demands, imposter syndrome, and the need for consistency and proper pricing.
<hr>
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Travel Nurse Practitioners Have High Earning Potential
As a staff NP she would earn $100k per year, but as a travel NP she earned $100k in six months while gaining time freedom and flexibility.
Travel NP work is paid via 1099, opening the door to tax write-offs, investment flexibility, and entrepreneurial benefits.
<hr>
2. Burnout Was the Catalyst for Change
Working six days a week during COVID and the pressure of commercialized urgent-care systems led to burnout, weight gain, and loss of self. This pushed Alaysia toward traveling, where she worked half the time for double the pay.
<hr>
3. CPR Survival Rates Are Lower in Black &amp; Underserved Communities
Alaysia explains that lack of exposure, knowledge, and basic emergency training leads to significantly lower cardiac survival rates in communities of color.
She addresses this through her nonprofit We Push Health, which brings CPR and medical education to rural and urban communities.
<hr>
4. You Don&rsquo;t Need to Reinvent the Wheel&mdash;Mentorship Is Key
She learned about mentorship in 2024 and emphasizes that mentors help you avoid costly mistakes and speed up your path.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Find someone who is the ideal image of what you want to be and mimic what they do.&rdquo;.
</blockquote>
<hr>
5. CPR Businesses Are Lucrative and Accessible
Almost every industry requires CPR certification:
<ul>
<li>Healthcare</li>
<li>Schools &amp; daycares</li>
<li>Gyms</li>
<li>Police &amp; fire departments</li>
<li>Hotels</li>
<li>Tattoo studios</li>
</ul>
These make CPR instruction a strong side hustle or full-time business, especially for healthcare professionals who already understand the material.
<hr>
6. Entrepreneurship Requires Real Work
Alaysia breaks down the less glamorous side of building a business:
<ul>
<li>Imposter syndrome</li>
<li>The need for consistent marketing</li>
<li>Pricing confidently</li>
<li>Long hours initially</li>
<li>Learning branding, systems, and follow-up</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;You only eat what you kill.&rdquo;.
</blockquote>
<hr>
7. Communication and Adaptability Are Leadership Superpowers
Travel nursing requires walking into unfamiliar environments and leading without overpowering. She emphasizes:
<ul>
<li>Reading the room</li>
<li>Adjusting communication styles</li>
<li>Delegating the right way</li>
<li>Being assertive but team-oriented</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Adaptability is number one.&rdquo;.
</blockquote>
<hr>
8. Negotiation Skills Changed Her Entire Career
She learned to stop undervaluing herself and start negotiating confidently:
<ul>
<li>First contract: underpriced</li>
<li>Second contract: raised rates dramatically</li>
<li>Uses supply‑and‑demand to justify price increases</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;You miss 100% of the shots you never take.&rdquo;.<a href="https://rushionmcdonald-my.sharepoint.com/personal/admin_rushionmcdonald_onmicrosoft_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Copilot%20Chat%20Files/Alaysia%20Miller%20(Podcast).txt">]</a>
</blockquote>
<hr>
🗣️ Notable Quotes On Entrepreneurship
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;If you know how to save a life, don&rsquo;t you think you know how to run a business?&rdquo;.</li>
<li>&ldquo;You only eat what you kill.&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
On Burnout
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;I lost myself giving it to a job.&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
On Community Health
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;They can&rsquo;t know what they don&rsquo;t know.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Survival rates for cardiac arrest are significantly lower in communities of color because they lack access to basic emergency skills.&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
On Mentorship
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;You don&rsquo;t have to reinvent the wheel to be successful.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Find someone who is the ideal image of what you want to be.&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
On Negotiation
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;What&rsquo;s the worst they can say? No.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Follow Your Passion: Travel nurse building a lucrative CPR business and empowers community health through education.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/6b37ed95-3133-4512-8e09-b4030162e4ce/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 Valerie Obaze.

Founder of R&R Skincare.  

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:
Highlight Valerie Obaze’s entrepreneurial journey in founding R&R Skincare.
Challenge stereotypes about Africa’s capabilities and resources.
Promote African-made beauty products and their global relevance.
Inspire others, especially women and diaspora Africans, to invest in and build businesses rooted in African heritage.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Breaking African Stereotypes
Valerie and Rushion discuss how Africa is often misrepresented in Western media.
Valerie emphasizes that ignorance is not always malicious, but it’s time to reframe the narrative through firsthand experience and platforms like social media.

“Ignorance doesn’t always have to be an insult. If you don’t know, you just don’t know better.” – Valerie Obaze

2. The Birth of R&R Skincare
Inspired by the birth of her daughter, Valerie sought natural skincare solutions.
She discovered liquid shea oil, which became her first product.
The brand name “R&R” stands for Rebecca Rose (her daughter’s name) and also Rest & Relaxation.

“I wanted to create a product that makes using these raw materials from the continent enjoyable.” – Valerie Obaze

3. From Garage to Global
Valerie started in her mother-in-law’s garage, turning it into a compliant mini factory.
She had no formal business plan, relying on her PR and branding background.
The brand now has three stores: one in Lagos and two in Accra, including one at the airport.

4. Authenticity and African Pride
Valerie insists on maintaining the African identity of her brand.
She uses locally sourced ingredients and ensures cruelty-free testing.
The brand supports women in the supply chain, creating economic opportunities.

“We don’t intend to hide that in any way. We just wanted to make raw materials sexy.” – Valerie Obaze

5. Expansion to the U.S.
Valerie is expanding R&R Skincare to the U.S., leveraging social media, activations, and PR expertise.
Products are manufactured in Africa, but distributed from U.S. warehouses to ensure timely delivery.

“We found our tribe over here… and this was the right time to come back to America.” – Valerie Obaze

🧴 Product Highlights
Shea Oil – First product, moisturizing and healing.
Body Butter – Whipped, light, and rich in essential oils.
Liquid Black Soap – Modern take on traditional African cleansing.
Hand Cream – Convenient and portable for dry conditions.

🌍 Big Picture Vision

Valerie’s goal is to grow an African brand globally, showcasing the richness of African resources and empowering local economies.

“This is just a small representative of the entire continent and what it is capable of.” – Valerie Obaze

#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 Valerie Obaze.
Founder of R&amp;R Skincare.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<hr>
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
<ul>
<li>Highlight Valerie Obaze&rsquo;s entrepreneurial journey in founding R&amp;R Skincare.</li>
<li>Challenge stereotypes about Africa&rsquo;s capabilities and resources.</li>
<li>Promote African-made beauty products and their global relevance.</li>
<li>Inspire others, especially women and diaspora Africans, to invest in and build businesses rooted in African heritage.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Breaking African Stereotypes
<ul>
<li>Valerie and Rushion discuss how Africa is often misrepresented in Western media.</li>
<li>Valerie emphasizes that ignorance is not always malicious, but it&rsquo;s time to reframe the narrative through firsthand experience and platforms like social media.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Ignorance doesn&rsquo;t always have to be an insult. If you don&rsquo;t know, you just don&rsquo;t know better.&rdquo; &ndash; Valerie Obaze
</blockquote>
<hr>
2. The Birth of R&amp;R Skincare
<ul>
<li>Inspired by the birth of her daughter, Valerie sought natural skincare solutions.</li>
<li>She discovered liquid shea oil, which became her first product.</li>
<li>The brand name &ldquo;R&amp;R&rdquo; stands for Rebecca Rose (her daughter&rsquo;s name) and also Rest &amp; Relaxation.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I wanted to create a product that makes using these raw materials from the continent enjoyable.&rdquo; &ndash; Valerie Obaze
</blockquote>
<hr>
3. From Garage to Global
<ul>
<li>Valerie started in her mother-in-law&rsquo;s garage, turning it into a compliant mini factory.</li>
<li>She had no formal business plan, relying on her PR and branding background.</li>
<li>The brand now has three stores: one in Lagos and two in Accra, including one at the airport.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
4. Authenticity and African Pride
<ul>
<li>Valerie insists on maintaining the African identity of her brand.</li>
<li>She uses locally sourced ingredients and ensures cruelty-free testing.</li>
<li>The brand supports women in the supply chain, creating economic opportunities.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t intend to hide that in any way. We just wanted to make raw materials sexy.&rdquo; &ndash; Valerie Obaze
</blockquote>
<hr>
5. Expansion to the U.S.
<ul>
<li>Valerie is expanding R&amp;R Skincare to the U.S., leveraging social media, activations, and PR expertise.</li>
<li>Products are manufactured in Africa, but distributed from U.S. warehouses to ensure timely delivery.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;We found our tribe over here&hellip; and this was the right time to come back to America.&rdquo; &ndash; Valerie Obaze
</blockquote>
<hr>
🧴 Product Highlights
<ul>
<li>Shea Oil &ndash; First product, moisturizing and healing.</li>
<li>Body Butter &ndash; Whipped, light, and rich in essential oils.</li>
<li>Liquid Black Soap &ndash; Modern take on traditional African cleansing.</li>
<li>Hand Cream &ndash; Convenient and portable for dry conditions.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🌍 Big Picture Vision
Valerie&rsquo;s goal is to grow an African brand globally, showcasing the richness of African resources and empowering local economies.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;This is just a small representative of the entire continent and what it is capable of.&rdquo; &ndash; Valerie Obaze
</blockquote>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Brand Building: Her goal is to grow her African brand globally and showcase the richness of African resources.  

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Attorney Ken Harris wrote a controversial novel, "Dark Trades" - What if the South had won the Civil War?

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