Essie Marie was created to impact the heart health epidemic within the women and minority communities. Founder, Itiona Scott shares how her mother's death became the motivation for her company.

Topics Covered
Why Essie Marie is different.
How did Essie Marie Start?
How we got into Whole Foods
What are the flavors?
Future aspects of the brand?
Where can we find the product?

More on Essie Marie

Essie Marie prides itself on being the only African American woman owned heart-healthy dressing and marinade brand in it’s category. Itiona plans to take Essie Marie products national, to help as many people as possible fight against the silent killer, heart disease.This family recipe salad dressing is tasty, healthy and the perfect addition to any family gathering. 

Essie Marie was created to impact the heart health epidemic within the women and minority communities. Founder, Itiona Scott shares how her mother's death became the motivation for her company.Topics Covered<ul><li>Why Essie Marie is different.</li><li>How did Essie Marie Start?</li><li>How we got into Whole Foods</li><li>What are the flavors?</li><li>Future aspects of the brand?</li><li>Where can we find the product?</li></ul>More on Essie MarieEssie Marie prides itself on being the only African American woman owned heart-healthy dressing and marinade brand in it’s category. Itiona plans to take Essie Marie products national, to help as many people as possible fight against the silent killer, heart disease.This family recipe salad dressing is tasty, healthy and the perfect addition to any family gathering.&nbsp;

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

Rushion Interviews Therapist Turned Heart Healthy Food Preneur, Itiona Scott, talks creating Essie Marie, the healthy delicious salad dressing!

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ac81ca03-e10a-4cc9-b327-af6201314ef4/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 Dr. Leketa Hawkins.

Also known as the Pocketbook Strategist. She is a financial literacy advocate and business consultant based in North Carolina, offering tools and resources to help individuals and small business owners take control of their financial futures.

🔑 Key Themes and Takeaways: 💼 About Dr. Leketa Hawkins
Founder of PocketbookStrategies.com, which offers financial literacy programs, tools, and resources.
Also runs Hawdleigh.com, a platform for financial education courses and templates.
Her mission is to provide low-cost or no-cost financial education to underserved communities.

💡 Financial Literacy & Upbringing
Like many, Leketa grew up in a household where money was not discussed—a common cultural norm that left many unprepared for adult financial responsibilities.
She emphasizes the importance of breaking generational cycles by involving children in financial conversations early.

🧠 Emotional Spending
One of the most common financial pitfalls she sees is emotional spending—buying things to cope with stress, boredom, or celebration.
She recommends tracking spending for one week to identify patterns and triggers.
Online shopping makes emotional spending easier and more dangerous due to its convenience.

📊 Budgeting Strategies
Advocates for the 50/30/20 rule:

50% for needs
30% for wants
20% for savings or debt
Encourages people to “name your money before you spend it”—assign every dollar a purpose.

👧🏾 Youth Financial Literacy
Stresses the importance of teaching kids that money is a tool, not a goal.
Encourages parents to:

Let kids ask financial questions.
Teach saving from every dollar earned.
Explain compound interest and the value of investing.

👩🏽‍💼 Empowering Women Financially
Many women feel overwhelmed or disempowered financially.
Dr. Hawkins encourages women to take small steps toward financial clarity and view financial wellness as a form of self-love.

💬 Final Lessons
“Money doesn’t change who you are—it amplifies who you are.”
Understanding the difference between assets and liabilities is foundational:

Assets put money in your pocket.
Liabilities take money out.

#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 Dr. Leketa Hawkins.
Also known as the Pocketbook Strategist. She is a financial literacy advocate and business consultant based in North Carolina, offering tools and resources to help individuals and small business owners take control of their financial futures.
<hr>
🔑 Key Themes and Takeaways: 💼 About Dr. Leketa Hawkins
<ul>
<li>Founder of PocketbookStrategies.com, which offers financial literacy programs, tools, and resources.</li>
<li>Also runs Hawdleigh.com, a platform for financial education courses and templates.</li>
<li>Her mission is to provide low-cost or no-cost financial education to underserved communities.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
💡 Financial Literacy &amp; Upbringing
<ul>
<li>Like many, Leketa grew up in a household where money was not discussed&mdash;a common cultural norm that left many unprepared for adult financial responsibilities.</li>
<li>She emphasizes the importance of breaking generational cycles by involving children in financial conversations early.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🧠 Emotional Spending
<ul>
<li>One of the most common financial pitfalls she sees is emotional spending&mdash;buying things to cope with stress, boredom, or celebration.</li>
<li>She recommends tracking spending for one week to identify patterns and triggers.</li>
<li>Online shopping makes emotional spending easier and more dangerous due to its convenience.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
📊 Budgeting Strategies
<ul>
<li>Advocates for the 50/30/20 rule:
<ul>
<li>50% for needs</li>
<li>30% for wants</li>
<li>20% for savings or debt</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Encourages people to &ldquo;name your money before you spend it&rdquo;&mdash;assign every dollar a purpose.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
👧🏾 Youth Financial Literacy
<ul>
<li>Stresses the importance of teaching kids that money is a tool, not a goal.</li>
<li>Encourages parents to:
<ul>
<li>Let kids ask financial questions.</li>
<li>Teach saving from every dollar earned.</li>
<li>Explain compound interest and the value of investing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
👩🏽&zwj;💼 Empowering Women Financially
<ul>
<li>Many women feel overwhelmed or disempowered financially.</li>
<li>Dr. Hawkins encourages women to take small steps toward financial clarity and view financial wellness as a form of self-love.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
💬 Final Lessons
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Money doesn&rsquo;t change who you are&mdash;it amplifies who you are.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Understanding the difference between assets and liabilities is foundational:
<ul>
<li>Assets put money in your pocket.</li>
<li>Liabilities take money out.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Money Talk: She helps individuals and small business owners take control of their financial futures.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/63c34323-e3c6-450a-bf2e-b454015ac8b4/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 Jennifer Gaddis.

Interview Summary

Show:Money Making Conversations Masterclass
Host: Rushion McDonald
Guest: Jennifer Gaddis – Senior Quality Assurance Engineer, Educator, Founder of Road to QA

1. Purpose of the Interview

The primary purpose of the interview is to inspire and educate everyday people—especially those without college degrees or traditional tech backgrounds—on how to pivot into technology careers, specifically Quality Assurance (QA), and to reframe fear around AI, layoffs, and automation into opportunity.

Jennifer’s story is used as proof of concept that:
You do not need a college degree to succeed in tech
Transferable skills already qualify many people for QA roles
AI does not eliminate jobs—it creates new opportunities
Strategic career pivots can result in life-changing income and freedom

Rushion positions Jennifer not only as a success story, but as a new blueprint for wealth-building through skills, not credentials. [

2. Interview Overview (High-Level Summary)

Jennifer Gaddis shares how she:
Pivoted into tech in 2021 with no degree
Went from $40K to six figures within 90 days
Built a $400K+ remote household income with her husband
Created Road to QA, helping 200+ people land tech jobs
Accidentally built a multi-million-dollar education business
Used personal hardship, COVID, financial stress, and family responsibility as fuel—not limitations

She explains what Quality Assurance engineering is, why it is resistant to AI replacement, and how regular users of apps are already doing parts of QA work without realizing it. 

3. Key Takeaways A. You’re Already More Qualified Than You Think

Jennifer emphasizes that everyday digital behavior translates into QA skills:
Using apps
Identifying bugs
Expecting software to “work correctly”
Navigating systems as an end user

This insight forms the core of her teaching philosophy. 

B. The Faster You Add Skills, the Faster You Increase Income

Jennifer repeatedly notes:

“The difference in your paycheck is your skillset.”

By stacking skills (manual QA → automation → AI testing), professionals increase their market value, not just job security.

C. AI Is a Career Accelerator, Not a Threat

Rather than fearing AI, Jennifer encourages people to:
Work alongside AI
Become the humans overseeing AI systems
Move into hybrid QA + automation + AI roles

She stresses that human oversight is still required in tech deployment. 

D. Entrepreneurship Can Be Accidental—but Scalable

Jennifer did not initially plan to build a company. Her business emerged from:
Instagram stories
A $97 beginner e-book
Real student outcomes

Her willingness to:
Raise prices
Build systems
Hire specialists
Learn financial discipline

Allowed Road to QA to grow sustainably. 

E. Representation and Access Matter

Jennifer openly discusses:
Being a Black woman in tech
Coming from financial insecurity
Navigating family obligations
Redefining success for future generations

Her story challenges stereotypes about who “belongs” in tech careers. [

4. Notable Quotes from the Interview

“I landed my first year in tech within 90 days.”[

“The difference in your paycheck is your skillset.” 

“You’re already a software tester—you just don’t know it yet.”[

“I didn’t set out to build a company. I said yes to myself.”[

“AI still needs human oversight.” 

“My journey was already different, so I had to build something different.” 

5. Overall Message

Jennifer Gaddis’s interview reinforces a central theme of Money Making Conversations:

Income growth follows skill alignment, not traditional credentials.

Her journey reframes:
Fear → strategy
Job loss → skill expansion
Limited access → self-investment

The interview serves as both motivation and roadmap for anyone seeking financial mobility through tech—without gatekeeping.

#SHMS #BEST #STRAW

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;<a href="https://rushionmcdonald-my.sharepoint.com/personal/admin_rushionmcdonald_onmicrosoft_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Copilot%20Chat%20Files/JENIFFER%20GADDIS%20.txt"></a>Jennifer Gaddis.
Interview Summary
Show: Money Making Conversations Masterclass Host: Rushion McDonald Guest: Jennifer Gaddis &ndash; Senior Quality Assurance Engineer, Educator, Founder of Road to QA
<hr>
1. Purpose of the Interview
The primary purpose of the interview is to inspire and educate everyday people&mdash;especially those without college degrees or traditional tech backgrounds&mdash;on how to pivot into technology careers, specifically Quality Assurance (QA), and to reframe fear around AI, layoffs, and automation into opportunity.
Jennifer&rsquo;s story is used as proof of concept that:
<ul>
<li>You do not need a college degree to succeed in tech</li>
<li>Transferable skills already qualify many people for QA roles</li>
<li>AI does not eliminate jobs&mdash;it creates new opportunities</li>
<li>Strategic career pivots can result in life-changing income and freedom</li>
</ul>
Rushion positions Jennifer not only as a success story, but as a new blueprint for wealth-building through skills, not credentials. <a href="https://rushionmcdonald-my.sharepoint.com/personal/admin_rushionmcdonald_onmicrosoft_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Copilot%20Chat%20Files/JENIFFER%20GADDIS%20.txt">[</a>
<hr>
2. Interview Overview (High-Level Summary)
Jennifer Gaddis shares how she:
<ul>
<li>Pivoted into tech in 2021 with no degree</li>
<li>Went from $40K to six figures within 90 days</li>
<li>Built a $400K+ remote household income with her husband</li>
<li>Created Road to QA, helping 200+ people land tech jobs</li>
<li>Accidentally built a multi-million-dollar education business</li>
<li>Used personal hardship, COVID, financial stress, and family responsibility as fuel&mdash;not limitations</li>
</ul>
She explains what Quality Assurance engineering is, why it is resistant to AI replacement, and how regular users of apps are already doing parts of QA work without realizing it.&nbsp;
<hr>
3. Key Takeaways A. You&rsquo;re Already More Qualified Than You Think
Jennifer emphasizes that everyday digital behavior translates into QA skills:
<ul>
<li>Using apps</li>
<li>Identifying bugs</li>
<li>Expecting software to &ldquo;work correctly&rdquo;</li>
<li>Navigating systems as an end user</li>
</ul>
This insight forms the core of her teaching philosophy.&nbsp;
<hr>
B. The Faster You Add Skills, the Faster You Increase Income
Jennifer repeatedly notes:
<blockquote>
&ldquo;The difference in your paycheck is your skillset.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
By stacking skills (manual QA &rarr; automation &rarr; AI testing), professionals increase their market value, not just job security.
<hr>
C. AI Is a Career Accelerator, Not a Threat
Rather than fearing AI, Jennifer encourages people to:
<ul>
<li>Work alongside AI</li>
<li>Become the humans overseeing AI systems</li>
<li>Move into hybrid QA + automation + AI roles</li>
</ul>
She stresses that human oversight is still required in tech deployment.&nbsp;
<hr>
D. Entrepreneurship Can Be Accidental&mdash;but Scalable
Jennifer did not initially plan to build a company. Her business emerged from:
<ul>
<li>Instagram stories</li>
<li>A $97 beginner e-book</li>
<li>Real student outcomes</li>
</ul>
Her willingness to:
<ul>
<li>Raise prices</li>
<li>Build systems</li>
<li>Hire specialists</li>
<li>Learn financial discipline</li>
</ul>
Allowed Road to QA to grow sustainably.&nbsp;
<hr>
E. Representation and Access Matter
Jennifer openly discusses:
<ul>
<li>Being a Black woman in tech</li>
<li>Coming from financial insecurity</li>
<li>Navigating family obligations</li>
<li>Redefining success for future generations</li>
</ul>
Her story challenges stereotypes about who &ldquo;belongs&rdquo; in tech careers. <a href="https://rushionmcdonald-my.sharepoint.com/personal/admin_rushionmcdonald_onmicrosoft_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Copilot%20Chat%20Files/JENIFFER%20GADDIS%20.txt">[</a>
<hr>
4. Notable Quotes from the Interview
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I landed my first year in tech within 90 days.&rdquo; <a href="https://rushionmcdonald-my.sharepoint.com/personal/admin_rushionmcdonald_onmicrosoft_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Copilot%20Chat%20Files/JENIFFER%20GADDIS%20.txt">[</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;The difference in your paycheck is your skillset.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;You&rsquo;re already a software tester&mdash;you just don&rsquo;t know it yet.&rdquo; <a href="https://rushionmcdonald-my.sharepoint.com/personal/admin_rushionmcdonald_onmicrosoft_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Copilot%20Chat%20Files/JENIFFER%20GADDIS%20.txt">[</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t set out to build a company. I said yes to myself.&rdquo; <a href="https://rushionmcdonald-my.sharepoint.com/personal/admin_rushionmcdonald_onmicrosoft_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Copilot%20Chat%20Files/JENIFFER%20GADDIS%20.txt">[</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;AI still needs human oversight.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;My journey was already different, so I had to build something different.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</blockquote>
<hr>
5. Overall Message
Jennifer Gaddis&rsquo;s interview reinforces a central theme of Money Making Conversations:
<blockquote>
Income growth follows skill alignment, not traditional credentials.
</blockquote>
Her journey reframes:
<ul>
<li>Fear &rarr; strategy</li>
<li>Job loss &rarr; skill expansion</li>
<li>Limited access &rarr; self-investment</li>
</ul>
The interview serves as both motivation and roadmap for anyone seeking financial mobility through tech&mdash;without gatekeeping.
<hr>
#SHMS #BEST #STRAW

Follow Your Passion: She pivoted into tech in 2021 with no degree and went from $40K to six figures within 90 days.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f33c32c2-a4e4-437b-b50a-b454015a3157/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 Moniek Garside.

A licensed clinical social worker and founder of Fit Life Wellness. Here's a comprehensive summary of the episode:

🎙️ Guest: Moniek Garside
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Georgia, Colorado, Illinois, South Carolina, and Minnesota.
Founder of Fit Life Wellness, a private mental health and wellness practice.
Author of the guided journal I Can, I Will.

🧠 Key Topics Discussed 🧘‍♀️ What Therapy Really Is
Therapy is not just “talking on a couch”—it’s a safe space for vulnerability, healing, and personal growth.
It involves unpacking emotional challenges, not just surface-level advice.

🔄 Life Transitions
Includes shifts like:

Moving from corporate to entrepreneurship
Divorce or children leaving home
Personal reinvention
Therapy helps individuals navigate uncertainty and redefine stability.

🧑‍💼 Mental Health for Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs often neglect self-care in pursuit of success.
Therapy helps them prioritize balance, manage burnout, and maintain mental clarity.
Moniek emphasizes the importance of processing emotions and having a support system.

📘 About the Book: I Can, I Will
A 30-day guided journal with weekly themes and daily prompts.
Designed to help individuals:

Reflect on their emotions
Reset their mindset
Overcome depression, anxiety, and life transitions
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and MoniekGarside.com

🧩 Common Mental Health Misconceptions
Mental health is often oversimplified or trivialized on social media.
Terms like “anxiety” and “boundaries” are used without understanding.
Real healing requires professional guidance, not just affirmations or apps.

🧍‍♀️ Moniek’s Personal Journey
Originally a nursing major, she transitioned to social work after realizing her passion was emotional care.
She created Fit Life Wellness to have autonomy in how she supports clients.
She is both a therapist and a therapy client—emphasizing the importance of self-work.

🧠 Mental Health Red Flags
Depression: Irritability, isolation, loss of interest, low motivation.
Anxiety: Racing thoughts, physical symptoms (e.g., heart palpitations), constant worry.

🧰 Therapy vs. Technology
Apps and AI tools can supplement mental health care (e.g., affirmations, breathing exercises).
But they cannot replace the human connection and insight of a trained therapist.

🌐 Connect with Moniek Garside
Website: MoniekGarside.com
Practice: Fit Life Wellness
Services: Virtual therapy, clinical supervision, mental health resources

#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 Moniek Garside.
A licensed clinical social worker and founder of Fit Life Wellness. Here's a comprehensive summary of the episode:
<hr>
🎙️ Guest: Moniek Garside
<ul>
<li>Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Georgia, Colorado, Illinois, South Carolina, and Minnesota.</li>
<li>Founder of Fit Life Wellness, a private mental health and wellness practice.</li>
<li>Author of the guided journal I Can, I Will.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🧠 Key Topics Discussed 🧘&zwj;♀️ What Therapy Really Is
<ul>
<li>Therapy is not just &ldquo;talking on a couch&rdquo;&mdash;it&rsquo;s a safe space for vulnerability, healing, and personal growth.</li>
<li>It involves unpacking emotional challenges, not just surface-level advice.</li>
</ul>
🔄 Life Transitions
<ul>
<li>Includes shifts like:
<ul>
<li>Moving from corporate to entrepreneurship</li>
<li>Divorce or children leaving home</li>
<li>Personal reinvention</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Therapy helps individuals navigate uncertainty and redefine stability.</li>
</ul>
🧑&zwj;💼 Mental Health for Entrepreneurs
<ul>
<li>Entrepreneurs often neglect self-care in pursuit of success.</li>
<li>Therapy helps them prioritize balance, manage burnout, and maintain mental clarity.</li>
<li>Moniek emphasizes the importance of processing emotions and having a support system.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
📘 About the Book: I Can, I Will
<ul>
<li>A 30-day guided journal with weekly themes and daily prompts.</li>
<li>Designed to help individuals:
<ul>
<li>Reflect on their emotions</li>
<li>Reset their mindset</li>
<li>Overcome depression, anxiety, and life transitions</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Available on Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, and MoniekGarside.com</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🧩 Common Mental Health Misconceptions
<ul>
<li>Mental health is often oversimplified or trivialized on social media.</li>
<li>Terms like &ldquo;anxiety&rdquo; and &ldquo;boundaries&rdquo; are used without understanding.</li>
<li>Real healing requires professional guidance, not just affirmations or apps.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🧍&zwj;♀️ Moniek&rsquo;s Personal Journey
<ul>
<li>Originally a nursing major, she transitioned to social work after realizing her passion was emotional care.</li>
<li>She created Fit Life Wellness to have autonomy in how she supports clients.</li>
<li>She is both a therapist and a therapy client&mdash;emphasizing the importance of self-work.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🧠 Mental Health Red Flags
<ul>
<li>Depression: Irritability, isolation, loss of interest, low motivation.</li>
<li>Anxiety: Racing thoughts, physical symptoms (e.g., heart palpitations), constant worry.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🧰 Therapy vs. Technology
<ul>
<li>Apps and AI tools can supplement mental health care (e.g., affirmations, breathing exercises).</li>
<li>But they cannot replace the human connection and insight of a trained therapist.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🌐 Connect with Moniek Garside
<ul>
<li>Website: MoniekGarside.com</li>
<li>Practice: Fit Life Wellness</li>
<li>Services: Virtual therapy, clinical supervision, mental health resources</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Follow Your Passion: Originally a nursing major, she transitioned to social work after realizing her passion was emotional care.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/9b95e255-8cc7-4681-8b81-b44f00f24c8b/transcript

Rushion Interviews Therapist Turned Heart Healthy Food Preneur, Itiona Scott, talks creating Essie Marie, the healthy delicious salad dressing!

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