My next guest is Melody Holt. She is a producer and star on the OWN series “Love & Marriage: Huntsville,” entrepreneur, and homebuilder. The docu-series follows three power couples and longtime friends Melody and Martell Holt, LaTisha and Marsau Scott, and Kimmi and Maurice Scott in Huntsville, Alabama. Love & Marriage, airs every Saturday on OWN. She is also the host of OWN’s “Behind Every Man.” Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Melody Holt.
https://www.moneymakingconversations.com
https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/
https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv
https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/
Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

My next guest is Melody Holt. She is a producer and star on the OWN series “Love & Marriage: Huntsville,” entrepreneur, and homebuilder. The docu-series follows three power couples and longtime friends Melody and Martell Holt, LaTisha and Marsau Scott, and Kimmi and Maurice Scott in Huntsville, Alabama. Love & Marriage, airs every Saturday on OWN. She is also the host of OWN’s “Behind Every Man.” Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Melody Holt. https://www.moneymakingconversations.com https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/ https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/ Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

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

Interview of the Week: Melody Holt stars on two hit OWN Series, “Love & Marriage: Huntsville,” and “Behind Every Man”

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/86ffe790-ad3b-47dc-a73c-af620148992f/transcript

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

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to educate entrepreneurs—especially women business owners—on how to secure funding responsibly, avoid scams, and develop a strategic financial plan. It also highlights Katrina Fitten’s expertise as CEO/CFO of New Day for You Financial and her mission to help startups and small businesses access capital.

Key Takeaways


Funding Opportunities & Qualifications
Katrina helps women business owners secure up to $100,000 in 100 days or less, with same-day approval and next-day funding.
Basic qualifications include:

Credit score of 680+
Existing credit lines (at least $10,000)
A clear business mission and low-risk profile.


Avoiding Scams
Beware of unsolicited emails/texts promising easy money.
Do your homework:

Check companies on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Look for testimonials and partnerships with reputable banks (e.g., Chase, American Express).
Never share sensitive information without verifying legitimacy.


Importance of a Business Plan
Funding is not free money—you need a strategic plan.
Katrina calls it a “money mission”: know exactly how funds will be deployed.
Without a plan, money disappears quickly, leading to debt and bad credit.


Family & Friends Lending
Treat personal loans like business loans:

Have written agreements with terms, repayment schedule, and penalties.
Decide upfront if it’s a gift or a loan.


Services Offered by New Day for You Financial
SBA loans, equipment loans, purchase order financing.
Lines of credit and 0% interest credit cards (18–21 months).
Credit card stacking for higher funding amounts.
Credit restoration referrals for those with poor credit.


Success Story
Example: A tax accountant secured $160,000 in less than a week due to strong credit, revenue history, and a solid business plan.

Notable Quotes
“If you don’t have a plan for your money, your money will have a plan—and you’ll look up and it’s gone.”
“We don’t want to be out here racking up good debt and then you’re not going to be responsible.”
“You have to vet companies. Go to BBB, Google them, and check their credibility.”
“If I give you money, I decide—is it a gift or a loan? There are rules to borrowing money.”
“We say if you don’t get anything, we don’t get paid.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed&nbsp;Katrina Fitten.
<hr>
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to educate entrepreneurs&mdash;especially women business owners&mdash;on how to secure funding responsibly, avoid scams, and develop a strategic financial plan. It also highlights Katrina Fitten&rsquo;s expertise as CEO/CFO of New Day for You Financial and her mission to help startups and small businesses access capital.
<hr>
Key Takeaways
<ol>
<li>
Funding Opportunities &amp; Qualifications
<ul>
<li>Katrina helps women business owners secure up to $100,000 in 100 days or less, with same-day approval and next-day funding.</li>
<li>Basic qualifications include:
<ul>
<li>Credit score of 680+</li>
<li>Existing credit lines (at least $10,000)</li>
<li>A clear business mission and low-risk profile.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Avoiding Scams
<ul>
<li>Beware of unsolicited emails/texts promising easy money.</li>
<li>Do your homework:
<ul>
<li>Check companies on Better Business Bureau (BBB).</li>
<li>Look for testimonials and partnerships with reputable banks (e.g., Chase, American Express).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Never share sensitive information without verifying legitimacy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Importance of a Business Plan
<ul>
<li>Funding is not free money&mdash;you need a strategic plan.</li>
<li>Katrina calls it a &ldquo;money mission&rdquo;: know exactly how funds will be deployed.</li>
<li>Without a plan, money disappears quickly, leading to debt and bad credit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Family &amp; Friends Lending
<ul>
<li>Treat personal loans like business loans:
<ul>
<li>Have written agreements with terms, repayment schedule, and penalties.</li>
<li>Decide upfront if it&rsquo;s a gift or a loan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Services Offered by New Day for You Financial
<ul>
<li>SBA loans, equipment loans, purchase order financing.</li>
<li>Lines of credit and 0% interest credit cards (18&ndash;21 months).</li>
<li>Credit card stacking for higher funding amounts.</li>
<li>Credit restoration referrals for those with poor credit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Success Story
<ul>
<li>Example: A tax accountant secured $160,000 in less than a week due to strong credit, revenue history, and a solid business plan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<hr>
Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;If you don&rsquo;t have a plan for your money, your money will have a plan&mdash;and you&rsquo;ll look up and it&rsquo;s gone.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t want to be out here racking up good debt and then you&rsquo;re not going to be responsible.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;You have to vet companies. Go to BBB, Google them, and check their credibility.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;If I give you money, I decide&mdash;is it a gift or a loan? There are rules to borrowing money.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;We say if you don&rsquo;t get anything, we don&rsquo;t get paid.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Money Tips: She helps women business owners secure up to $100,000 in 100 days or less.  

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/2d7e1b93-7829-4f6e-bb68-b3cc0176a28f/transcript

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Latrease Price-Gistard.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to educate listeners on the mortgage industry, highlight the role and benefits of working with an independent mortgage broker, and provide practical advice on home financing options, credit challenges, and programs that support homeownership. It also shares Latrease’s entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned.

Key Takeaways


Background and Career Path
Latrease has a finance degree and started in investment operations in 1999.
Transitioned from auto financing and co-owning a car dealership to mortgage lending.
Became an independent mortgage broker in 2022 after being laid off during rising interest rates.


Role of an Independent Mortgage Broker
Holds her own license and partners with multiple lenders to offer tailored loan products.
Advocates for borrowers to ensure they get the right product, not just approval.
Specializes in helping first-time buyers, self-employed individuals, and those with unique challenges.


Home Financing Insights
Reverse Mortgages: Typically for seniors 62+, often used by those 75+ with equity and limited retirement funds. Provides tax-free cash without monthly payments; debt settled upon sale or refinance.
Zero Down Payment Programs: Offers up to 3% for down payment, attached to the mortgage; other programs provide up to 5% for down payment and closing costs.
FHA 203K Program: Allows buyers to finance home purchase and renovations in one loan—ideal for fixer-uppers.


Credit Challenges
Programs exist for credit scores as low as 500, but require higher down payments (10–20%) and result in higher interest rates.
Latrease consults and provides “what-if” scenarios to help clients improve credit over time.


Entrepreneurial Lessons
Mistakes: Starting without enough capital and a strong pipeline; economic timing matters.
Advice: Build capital, secure a solid client pipeline, and understand market conditions before going independent.

Notable Quotes


On independence:
“As a broker, you serve as that advocate for your borrower to make sure they’re getting the right loan product.”


On reverse mortgages:
“The beauty of it is there are no monthly payments going back to the institution. The debt is paid off when the home is sold or refinanced.”


On credit challenges:
“Programs go as low as 500 credit score, but those borrowers need 10–20% down.”


On entrepreneurial advice:
“Make sure you have strong capital and a solid pipeline before stepping out on faith.”


On perseverance:
“It’s all about follow-through. It’s all about your dream and whether you want to make it happen.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Latrease Price-Gistard.
<hr>
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to educate listeners on the mortgage industry, highlight the role and benefits of working with an independent mortgage broker, and provide practical advice on home financing options, credit challenges, and programs that support homeownership. It also shares Latrease&rsquo;s entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned.
<hr>
Key Takeaways
<ol>
<li>
Background and Career Path
<ul>
<li>Latrease has a finance degree and started in investment operations in 1999.</li>
<li>Transitioned from auto financing and co-owning a car dealership to mortgage lending.</li>
<li>Became an independent mortgage broker in 2022 after being laid off during rising interest rates.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Role of an Independent Mortgage Broker
<ul>
<li>Holds her own license and partners with multiple lenders to offer tailored loan products.</li>
<li>Advocates for borrowers to ensure they get the right product, not just approval.</li>
<li>Specializes in helping first-time buyers, self-employed individuals, and those with unique challenges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Home Financing Insights
<ul>
<li>Reverse Mortgages: Typically for seniors 62+, often used by those 75+ with equity and limited retirement funds. Provides tax-free cash without monthly payments; debt settled upon sale or refinance.</li>
<li>Zero Down Payment Programs: Offers up to 3% for down payment, attached to the mortgage; other programs provide up to 5% for down payment and closing costs.</li>
<li>FHA 203K Program: Allows buyers to finance home purchase and renovations in one loan&mdash;ideal for fixer-uppers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Credit Challenges
<ul>
<li>Programs exist for credit scores as low as 500, but require higher down payments (10&ndash;20%) and result in higher interest rates.</li>
<li>Latrease consults and provides &ldquo;what-if&rdquo; scenarios to help clients improve credit over time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Entrepreneurial Lessons
<ul>
<li>Mistakes: Starting without enough capital and a strong pipeline; economic timing matters.</li>
<li>Advice: Build capital, secure a solid client pipeline, and understand market conditions before going independent.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<hr>
Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>
On independence: &ldquo;As a broker, you serve as that advocate for your borrower to make sure they&rsquo;re getting the right loan product.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On reverse mortgages: &ldquo;The beauty of it is there are no monthly payments going back to the institution. The debt is paid off when the home is sold or refinanced.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On credit challenges: &ldquo;Programs go as low as 500 credit score, but those borrowers need 10&ndash;20% down.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On entrepreneurial advice: &ldquo;Make sure you have strong capital and a solid pipeline before stepping out on faith.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On perseverance: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s all about follow-through. It&rsquo;s all about your dream and whether you want to make it happen.&rdquo;
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Money Tips: She discusses home financing options such as Reverse Mortgages, Zero Down Payment Programs and FHA 203K Program.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/bf99d952-eeb3-4c49-ae40-b3cf0162b3bc/transcript

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

Purpose of the Interview
To spotlight Black Ambition, a national initiative founded by Pharrell Williams that funds and mentors Black and Brown entrepreneurs.
To share insights on entrepreneurship, access to resources, and strategies for scaling businesses.
To inspire and educate small business owners and innovators on how to leverage opportunities for growth.

Key Takeaways


About Black Ambition
Founded by Pharrell Williams to close the opportunity gap for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs.
Provides capital, mentorship, and masterclasses to help founders scale.
Has invested in 131 companies and awarded millions in funding.


Competition Structure
Annual national competition with 2,500–3,000 applications.
Categories include HBCU, National Finalists, Top Prize Winner, People’s Choice.
Process: Applications → 250 semifinalists → 3-month cohort → Demo Day for top 20–25 companies.


Unique Approach
Focus on high-quality mentorship, not “low vibrational” guidance.
Includes mental health and wellness support for entrepreneurs.
Partnerships with brands like Louis Vuitton for luxury retail insights.


Challenges for Entrepreneurs
Many fail by rushing applications and skipping info sessions.
Success requires clarity, traction, and persistence—sometimes multiple attempts.
Black women are the fastest-growing entrepreneurs but often remain solopreneurs; Black Ambition prioritizes team-building.


Pharrell’s Motivation
Believes in democratizing opportunity: “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.”
Inspired by those who believed in him early in his career.


Felecia Hatcher’s Journey
Former founder of Center for Black Innovation and Black Tech Week.
Emphasizes resilience: “I’m a C student and a college dropout, but I never let that define me.”
Advocates for creative pathways to success and capital access.

Notable Quotes
“Success leaves clues.” – On learning from past winners.
“Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” – Pharrell’s guiding principle.
“If it doesn’t work on you in that moment, it works for you in that moment. Either way, it works.” – On persistence.
“We have to start enjoying the process… be stretched, be cut by the process.” – On entrepreneurial growth.
“Wealth has a need for speed.” – On urgency in closing the wealth gap.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Felecia Hatcher.
<hr>
Purpose of the Interview
<ul>
<li>To spotlight Black Ambition, a national initiative founded by Pharrell Williams that funds and mentors Black and Brown entrepreneurs.</li>
<li>To share insights on entrepreneurship, access to resources, and strategies for scaling businesses.</li>
<li>To inspire and educate small business owners and innovators on how to leverage opportunities for growth.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Key Takeaways
<ol>
<li>
About Black Ambition
<ul>
<li>Founded by Pharrell Williams to close the opportunity gap for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs.</li>
<li>Provides capital, mentorship, and masterclasses to help founders scale.</li>
<li>Has invested in 131 companies and awarded millions in funding.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Competition Structure
<ul>
<li>Annual national competition with 2,500&ndash;3,000 applications.</li>
<li>Categories include HBCU, National Finalists, Top Prize Winner, People&rsquo;s Choice.</li>
<li>Process: Applications &rarr; 250 semifinalists &rarr; 3-month cohort &rarr; Demo Day for top 20&ndash;25 companies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Unique Approach
<ul>
<li>Focus on high-quality mentorship, not &ldquo;low vibrational&rdquo; guidance.</li>
<li>Includes mental health and wellness support for entrepreneurs.</li>
<li>Partnerships with brands like Louis Vuitton for luxury retail insights.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Challenges for Entrepreneurs
<ul>
<li>Many fail by rushing applications and skipping info sessions.</li>
<li>Success requires clarity, traction, and persistence&mdash;sometimes multiple attempts.</li>
<li>Black women are the fastest-growing entrepreneurs but often remain solopreneurs; Black Ambition prioritizes team-building.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Pharrell&rsquo;s Motivation
<ul>
<li>Believes in democratizing opportunity: &ldquo;Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Inspired by those who believed in him early in his career.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Felecia Hatcher&rsquo;s Journey
<ul>
<li>Former founder of Center for Black Innovation and Black Tech Week.</li>
<li>Emphasizes resilience: &ldquo;I&rsquo;m a C student and a college dropout, but I never let that define me.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Advocates for creative pathways to success and capital access.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<hr>
Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Success leaves clues.&rdquo; &ndash; On learning from past winners.</li>
<li>&ldquo;Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.&rdquo; &ndash; Pharrell&rsquo;s guiding principle.</li>
<li>&ldquo;If it doesn&rsquo;t work on you in that moment, it works for you in that moment. Either way, it works.&rdquo; &ndash; On persistence.</li>
<li>&ldquo;We have to start enjoying the process&hellip; be stretched, be cut by the process.&rdquo; &ndash; On entrepreneurial growth.</li>
<li>&ldquo;Wealth has a need for speed.&rdquo; &ndash; On urgency in closing the wealth gap.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Overcoming the Odds: She was a C student and a college dropout, but she is the CEO of Black Ambition.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ed5b820f-6f3f-458e-aad4-b399017812ba/transcript

Interview of the Week: Melody Holt stars on two hit OWN Series, “Love & Marriage: Huntsville,” and “Behind Every Man”

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