Rich Lessons

On this episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena travel to the DMV to interview Ashley Young, the co-founder, CEO, and lead stylist of Bridal Babes, a size-inclusive bridesmaid gown line. She launched the company with her husband, Charles, after struggling to find appropriate bridesmaid gowns for her wedding. Bridal Babes was featured on season 14 of ABC's Shark Tank and they received an in...

In this deeply personal episode of Rich Lessons , Sevetri and Sheena sit down with Ronaldo Hardy, a former finance executive turned national CEO, lead pastor, artist, and unapologetic “people builder.” Ronaldo opens up about what it means to lead with both vision and vulnerability while living with ADHD. He reflects on how the loss of his mother during the COVID-19 pandemic shook his world and res...

🎓 It’s graduation season across the country, and in this special LIVE taping of Rich Lessons at Dillard University, Sheena and Sevetri sit down with two of Dillard University’s honorary doctorate recipients during commencement week. This episode is RICH in legacy, purpose, and power — featuring the untold stories of two phenomenal women who are breaking barriers and building futures. ⁣Christal M....

In this powerful episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena sit down with financial educator, entrepreneur, and former Wall Street analyst Ashley Fox, founder of Amplify, to discuss her journey from managing millions for the wealthy to democratizing financial education for everyday people. Ashley opens up about her personal struggles, rebuilding after setbacks, and how she's bridging the gap...

In this episode of Rich Lessons , we sit down with Timothy and Melodie Simmons, the powerhouse duo behind JourneyWell. From launching the brand in 2016 to opening a brand-new studio and office space, they share how grit, God, and vision fueled their path. Tim shares how his roots in Baton Rouge and passion for empowering creators led to the birth of JourneyWell. Melodie brings her brilliance in br...

In this episode, we dig into the hidden costs of global trade and who really pays the price. We break down how tariffs and shifting trade policies between the U.S. and China are reshaping the future for small businesses, from rising costs to supply chain hurdles. But we don't stop there: we also dive into the growing online debate around fake designer bags, exposing how classism and capitalism are...

Today marks Sevetri’s 2nd wedding anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than by pulling back the curtain on the big day? We’re joined by Anissa Coleman, CEO of Elegance by Ace and the mastermind behind Sevetri’s wedding, to talk all things luxury wedding planning. From budgets to vendor wrangling, tune in as we break down the true cost, time, and talent it takes to bring a high-end wedding...

In this inspiring episode of Rich Lessons, we sit down with entrepreneur and boutique owner Tia Whittington, the powerhouse behind H Kyle Boutique. From the classroom to the fashion world, Tia shares how she went from teaching preschool to building a thriving e-commerce business while being a mom, wife, and one-woman show. She opens up about her journey from substitute teaching to launching on Ets...

On this episode, Sevetri and Sheena dive into the “cost of success”—or better yet, what no one tells you about having more : more money, more knowledge, more to give, and more for others to take. They share personal reflections on how success can bring unexpected challenges, from emotional burnout to shifting relationships, and why boundaries become more essential than ever.

Sevetri and Sheena are back and leveling ALL the way up with new guests, in-studio vibes, and the realest convos yet. This season, they are diving into everything from generational wealth and the good (and bad) of money, to protecting yourself and your business — and yes, even marriage and relationships. Hit follow on your favorite podcast platform + subscribe on YouTube. Lock in. Subscribe. Tell...

Welcome to GRITS! If you’re new here, allow us to introduce ourselves. We’re Sevetri and Sheena — two entrepreneurs who’ve spent years navigating the ups, downs, and wild in-betweens of building companies. Together, we’ve raised tens of millions in funding, participated in the world’s top accelerators, solved tough problems, and learned plenty of hard-won lessons along the way. And now, we’re exci...

Akintunde Ismail Maiyegun has a diverse work experience spanning various industries and roles. Akintunde Ismail co-founded Big Wolf Games, a mobile gaming developer and publisher, where they served as the Chairman/CEO and helped raise funding and establish partnerships. Akintunde Ismail also co-founded Hingeto, an online retailer platform, where they held the role of CTO which was later acquired b...

In this episode of Rich Lessons, hosts Sevetri and Sheena dive into the ups and downs of maintaining physical health as entrepreneurs. They discuss how stress, anxiety, and grind culture affect sleep, weight, and overall well-being. Sevetri shares her personal experiences with fluctuating weight, anxiety-induced health struggles, and holistic approaches like acupuncture and fasting. The hosts also...

In this episode, Sevetri and Sheena catch up on life, career moves, and upcoming travels! Sheena shares her journey of rebuilding in 2025, while Sevetri preps for her Cape Town trip with the Henry Crown Fellowship. They also dive into Paradise with Sterling K. Brown, Severance, and Silo, plus their love-hate relationship with streaming services. And of course, Mardi Gras, birthday plans, and Beyon...

In this episode of Rich Lessons with Sevetri and Sheena, we dive into the art of networking—how to get in the right rooms, build meaningful connections, and leverage opportunities. Whether you're an introvert navigating new spaces or looking to network up and across, we share insights, personal experiences, and practical tips to help you expand your circle and maximize your opportunities. Plus, a...

In this Rich Lessons episode, hosts Sevetri and Sheena welcome their first guest, award-winning journalist and entrepreneur Sherrell Dorsey. She shares her journey from launching The Plug to its acquisition, dives into climate tech and sustainability, and explores Black innovation in business. Sherrell also discusses the future of work, and building wealth while making an impact. Tune in for insig...

As January 2025 wraps up, we break down the major DEI rollbacks hitting corporate America, with Target at the center of the controversy. What does this mean for Black-owned businesses and diversity efforts moving forward? Plus, we discuss federal funding freezes, small business challenges, and the growing wealth gap. To close, we dive into Super Bowl excitement in New Orleans, its economic impact,...

In this episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena dive into the realities of fundraising and bootstrapping for entrepreneurs. They explore the pros and cons of bootstrapping, from maintaining full control to the challenges of limited resources, and share personal stories of building businesses from the ground up. They also discuss navigating the complex world of venture capital, raising over $50...

As we step into 2025, we're reflecting on the incredible journey that brought us here. In this episode of Rich Lessons, we're taking it back two years to 2023, when we both made the bold decision to transition out of our companies. Sevetri exited at CEO and Sheena made the hard decision to shutdown her company, CapWay. We'll talk about the pivotal moments that led to those changes, the...

In this special episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri Wilson and Sheena Allen discuss the recent tragedies affecting communities in LA, including wildfires and the impact of misinformation. They draw parallels to Hurricane Katrina, emphasizing the importance of community support, the challenges of navigating insurance claims, and the role of social media in disaster response. The conversation highlight...

In this episode of Business Truths Pt. 2: Rich Lessons, we dive into candid stories about navigating entrepreneurship, the mental and financial challenges of building startups, and the rich lessons learned along the way. From pitching to investors and scaling ventures to the mental toll of leadership, our hosts share raw insights on the realities of business, personal growth, and resilience. Tune...

In the first episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri Wilson and Sheena Allen share their journeys from small-town roots in the South to becoming successful entrepreneurs. They discuss how they built their first companies, navigated challenges as Black women in tech, and transitioned from bootstrapped ventures to raising millions in venture capital. From pitching big ideas to learning the hard lessons of...

Welcome to Rich Lessons with Sevetri Wilson and Sheena Allen , where we cut through the noise and dive into the real conversations that matter. Brought to you by Grit: Girls Raised in the South, this podcast explores the hard truths, life lessons, and stories that shape us. From business to personal growth and everything in between, we’re keeping it raw, real, and most importantly, rich in lessons...