Black Fridays

What Up Doe?! This week, we’re joined by Allen Smith, Founder and Managing Partner of Musa Capital, a venture platform on a mission to disrupt the traditional VC model and create equitable access to capital. With a background spanning the NFL, Stanford, and major tech companies like Microsoft and LinkedIn, Allen brings a wealth of experience to the conversation on funding, innovation, and empoweri...

This week, we sit down with Madala Mathurin, co-founder and CEO of Kozen, an on-demand yoga and wellness platform redefining how we approach self-care in the workplace. With a background in software development and a passion for mental health, Madala shares how Kozen is helping organizations boost morale, creativity, and connection through holistic wellness practices. This episode explores the int...

This week, we’re joined by the incredible Ber-Henda Williams, a visionary empath, leadership coach, and advocate for feminine leadership. Through her work as a bilingual poet, coach, and speaker, Ber-Henda empowers women leaders to step into their power with empathy, creativity, and intention. We're talking: The power of feminine leadership and why it’s needed now more than ever. How Ber-Henda...

What Up Doe?! This week, we’re bringing you a special live episode recorded at the heart of Detroit’s east side—Morningside Café! We had the honor of sitting down with Jeffrey D. Lewis II, the visionary owner of this community-driven coffee shop, for an intimate conversation in front of a live audience. From his journey as a lifelong Detroiter to launching Morningside Café in 2023, Jeff is redefin...

What Up Doe?! This week, we’re honored to sit down with Dwan Dandridge, the Co-Founder and CEO of Black Leaders Detroit (BLD), an organization dedicated to providing financial support and resources to Black entrepreneurs and community leaders in Detroit. Dwan's vision for economic empowerment is reshaping how Black-led businesses access capital, helping to build a more inclusive and equitable...

What Up Doe?! This week, we're honored to have Detroit City Council President Pro Tem James Tate join us for an insightful conversation on mental health, leadership, and community. We begin by discussing the 'Protect Your Crown' initiative, a mental health campaign he spearheaded to address and destigmatize mental health concerns in Detroit. Councilman Tate also shares his journey to b...

What Up Doe?! This week, we’re diving into four powerful Black organizations that every entrepreneur should know about. From financial support to community-building and professional development, these organizations are making a massive impact. In this episode, we explore why these groups are essential resources for Black business professionals and how you can leverage them to grow your business. W...

What Up Doe?! This week, we’re diving deep into the untold stories of history with Toya Coleman, creator and host of the hit podcast “That Wasn’t in My Textbook.” Known for uncovering hidden narratives and challenging mainstream historical accounts, Toya is on a mission to make history engaging, accessible, and thought-provoking. In this episode, we discuss how understanding the past can empower t...

What Up Doe?! This week, we’re honored to welcome Mario McLean, founder of SUITe Life - Men’s Accessories, LLC, and author of "Every Day Is An Interview." Mario’s journey from foster care to entrepreneurship is a powerful testament to resilience, personal branding, and the transformative power of style. Through SUITe Life, he is helping individuals craft confidence and make lasting impress...

What Up Doe?! This week, we're honored to have Jonathan "JG" Galloway, the visionary founder and CEO of Audio Wave Network, as our guest. Established in 2016, Audio Wave Network is a Detroit-based podcast network amplifying the voices of people of color. JG's journey from launching his own podcast, "Negus with a Podcast," to building a platform that nurtures diverse narrati...

What Up Doe?! This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Geralyn Gaines, a powerhouse speaker, coach, and advocate for self-empowerment. With nearly a decade of experience at Ford Motor Company, Geralyn has honed her skills in Global Dealer Engagement, Customer Experience, and Marketing, Sales & Service. She now uses her expertise to inspire individuals and organizations to embrace authenticity, bui...

What Up Doe?! This week, we’re excited to welcome Detroit Diamond, an extraordinary rapper, storyteller, and rising star from Detroit, Michigan. You may know her as a standout finalist on Netflix’s "Rhythm + Flow" Season 2, where her raw talent, authenticity, and energy captured the hearts of judges and audiences alike. Diamond’s journey from basketball scholarships to the stage is marked...

What Up Doe?! This week, we’re switching things up as I step into the interviewee chair for a special episode recorded at the Nucleus Hub at the University of Miami. Shoutout to Anthony Mendez, co-founder of Nucleus, for hosting and conducting this insightful interview. We’re diving deep into my journey as the creator and host of the Black Fridays Podcast, from its humble beginnings to its growth...

What Up Doe?! This week, we're sitting down with Roland "Ro Spit" Coit, a true trailblazer in Michigan's sneaker and streetwear culture. From his roots in Pontiac, Michigan, to becoming the owner of the iconic Burn Rubber sneaker boutique and Two18 in Detroit, Ro's journey is as inspiring as it is impactful. As an entrepreneur, rapper, and DJ, Ro blends creativity, business acu...

What up doe?! This week, we’re excited to sit down with Jasmine Brooks, M.Ed., founder of JMB Advising, a company dedicated to empowering students and families through personalized post-secondary planning. Jasmine’s journey from educator to entrepreneur was fueled by her passion for addressing the disparities in college and career readiness in her community. Through one-on-one sessions, group work...

What Up Doe?! This week, we're thrilled to have Jennyfer Crawford-Williams, the dynamic force behind Ask Jennyfer and All Things Detroit. Known as the Queen of Small Business Advocacy, Jennyfer has dedicated her career to uplifting local entrepreneurs and creating platforms that showcase Detroit's vibrant small business community. From organizing the renowned All Things Detroit events to l...

What Up Doe?! This week, we're joined by the incredible Tiffany "T.Barb" Barber, a comedian, actress, and multi-talented entrepreneur who defied the odds to follow her dreams. After 14 years in social work, T.Barb made the bold decision to pursue comedy, leaving behind a stable career to blaze her own trail. From being a first-generation college graduate to becoming a beloved stand-up...

This week, we're diving deep into the world of film and television with the talented Timashion Jones. He's a visionary filmmaker who's using his passion to tell powerful stories and inspire audiences. From directing thought-provoking films to mentoring aspiring filmmakers, Timashion's journey is truly inspiring. We'll discuss his latest projects, the challenges and rewards of f...

What Up Doe?! In this episode, we sit down with Daniel and Zachary Easterly, the visionary founders of WeCannBe, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a sustainable and inclusive future through education, technology, and financial empowerment. They discuss their groundbreaking 40 Acres App, which revolutionizes real estate by allowing individuals to invest in tokenized shares of real est...

What Up Doe?! In this episode, we sit down with Andrei "Mr. Duffy" Nichols II, Detroit's #1 Community Relations Consultant and the driving force behind The Duffy Enterprise. At just 26 years old, Mr. Duffy has built a name for himself as a social influencer, Director of Impact, and community leader. We explore how he channels his passion for innovation and relationship building into tr...

What Up Doe?! In this episode, we dive into the world branding as we sit down with Justin Dunn. Justin is one of the top business and branding coaches and the Founder of The Sprint System™, helping creative entrepreneurs escape the time-for-money trap and build scalable six-figure businesses that gift them time and money freedom. With over 15 years of experience, Justin has coached over 1,500 free...

What Up Doe?! In this episode, we dive into the world of beauty, entrepreneurship, and representation with the founder of Della’s, a Black-owned beauty supply store in Ann Arbor. We explore how this unique business is creating a sense of belonging for BIPOC beauty lovers in a city that has long lacked diversity in the beauty industry. From growing up in Toledo surrounded by family beauty rituals t...

What Up Doe?! In this episode, we sit down with Mario Kelly, a visionary entrepreneur and community advocate. Mario shares his journey from humble beginnings to founding Believe 313 Staffing, a company focused on connecting Detroiters with job opportunities while giving back to the community. We explore his approach to staffing, community development, and his drive to create a sustainable and incl...

What Up Doe?! Racheal Allen is a true pioneer when it comes to operations and setting up businesses for success. With over 20 years of experience as an executive leader, serial entrepreneur and business coach, Racheal has helped thousands of students learn how to grow and scale their startups. Racheal is now introducing her new book “Get Your Business Legit" a comprehensive, step-by-step guide...

What Up Doe?! Discover the inspiring story of Beverly Beal Jr., a successful attorney who turned her passion for law and entrepreneurship into a thriving business. Hear how she transitioned from working at prestigious law firms in Atlanta and New York City to launching her own firm, The Law Office of Beverly Beal. Learn about Beverly's journey as she shares insights into the world of intellect...