Business First w/Sonia Alleyne

In this enlightening episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne welcomes Dr. LaJoyce Brookshire—host of Ask the Good Doctor on Mean Ole Lion Media—for a powerful conversation on the intersection of purpose, health, and transformation. Dr. Brookshire shares her inspiring journey from a high-profile career in the music industry to becoming a doctor of naturopathy and a master herbalist. With cand...

In this episode of the Business First Podcast, host Sonia Alleyne welcomes Theresa ONeal Redd, co-founder of Reimagined BK, a vintage fashion boutique located in the heart of Brooklyn. Theresa shares her entrepreneurial journey of launching the business alongside her husband, offering candid insight into building a brand rooted in community, culture, and creativity. From navigating the dynamics of...

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Bobby Goodman Jr., founder and CEO of MuleWork, to explore the real-life challenges of launching and growing a small business. Bobby opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, the mission behind MuleWork, and the critical services his company provides—from tax guidance to operational strategy and community engagement. They also...

In this episode of Business First, host Sonya Alleyne sits down with Jessica Jones, founder and CEO of The Code Group and The Jessica Jones Collective, for a candid and empowering conversation on entrepreneurship, leadership, and purpose. A serial entrepreneur, Jessica shares her journey of building multiple businesses while championing the voices of women of color in leadership. From navigating t...

In this episode of the *Business First Podcast*, host **Sonia Alleyne** sits down with certified AI consultant and trainer **Jennene Biggins** to break down the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on business. From her beginnings in the fashion industry to leading **Danso Digital Media Group**, Jennene shares her evolution into AI and her mission to help small businesses integrate the...

In this episode of the *Business First Podcast*, host **Sonia Alleyne** sits down with **Susanne Mariga**, CPA, author, and expert in entrepreneurial finance, to unpack the transformative *Profit First* method. As a **fractional CFO**, Susanne helps business owners take control of their cash flow, make intentional profit, and build sustainable, successful businesses—especially within minority and...

In this inspiring episode of the Business First Podcast, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Yachtze Luchin, founder and CEO of Unite Oil and Gas International, to explore the importance of access, representation, and purpose in the energy sector. Yachtze shares his powerful journey—from overcoming a challenging upbringing to building a thriving career in engineering and ultimately founding a missio...

In this inspiring episode of the Business First Podcast, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Yachtze Luchin, founder and CEO of Unite Oil and Gas International, to explore the importance of access, representation, and purpose in the energy sector. Yachtze shares his powerful journey—from overcoming a challenging upbringing to building a thriving career in engineering and ultimately founding a missio...

In this impactful episode of the #BusinessFirstPodcast, host #SoniaAlleyne sits down once again with entrepreneur and visionary #RobertBlackwellJr. to explore the vital role of economic empowerment in the #BlackCommunity. Reflecting on the enduring legacy of #BlackWallStreet, Blackwell challenges outdated charity models and calls for a shift toward building human and social capital as the foundati...

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with wine industry trailblazer Stephanie Browne, founder of Divas UnCorked, and author of the newly released book Sipping Sense. Stephanie shares her inspiring journey through the world of wine—from breaking barriers as a Black woman in a predominantly white industry to creating inclusive spaces that celebrate culture, community, and...

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Kelli Lester, co-founder of Onyx Rising, about the importance of change management, financial wellness, and inclusive leadership. Kelli shares her journey of embracing change, the significance of financial education, and the strategies her firm employs to help individuals and organizations achieve their goals. The conversation delve...

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Byron McGowan, a cattle farmer and arborist, about the historical context of Black farmers in the U.S., the challenges they face today, and the importance of educating consumers about sustainable farming practices. Byron shares his personal journey into agriculture, the stigma surrounding farming careers, and the lessons he learned...

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Shante Bacon, a communication strategist and founder of One35 Agency. They discuss Shante's journey through entrepreneurship, the impact of COVID-19 on her personal and professional life, and the importance of building genuine relationships in business. Shante shares insights on her agency's advocacy for black-owned businesses and m...

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne talks with Freedom Farlow Cook and Tom Cook, the creative duo behind Freedom Rites Productions. They discuss their latest play, 'Take No Tea for a Fever,' and explore the dynamics of their partnership, the journey of playwriting, the challenges of directing, and the importance of support in creative endeavors. The conversation also touches on t...

As the nation witnesses a troubling shift in corporate commitments to DEI, with major brands like Target and Walmart pulling back from inclusive marketing strategies, the ripple effects are real—especially for Black-owned brands and advertising agencies that have long been advocates for authentic representation. In this timely re-release, @TDeveaux, CEO of the legendary @Burrell_Comm, speaks power...

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Jackie O. Asare, a seasoned public relations expert, about the evolution of PR and marketing, the importance of cultural sensitivity in messaging, and the critical role of listening in crafting effective communication strategies. They discuss the differences between marketing and PR, the impact of influencers, and how small business...

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Thurman Trotman, an expert in SharePoint, about the challenges business owners face in solving their own problems. Thurman shares his journey into the IT field and how he became a SharePoint specialist. He emphasizes the importance of organization in business and how SharePoint can streamline processes, automate tasks, and serve as...

**Rerelease: Business First Podcast with Sonia Alleyne & Robert Blackwell Jr.** In this episode of *Business First*, host **Sonia Alleyne** sits down with **Robert Blackwell Jr.** to discuss the power of **Black entrepreneurship** in addressing economic disparities. Blackwell emphasizes the importance of **aspirational leadership**, the historical role of **Black business owners in civil rights mo...

In this episode, Dr. Eden-Reneé Hayes, a business strategist and coach, discusses the current landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the business world. She emphasizes the importance of understanding DEI as a framework for respect and fairness, rather than a preferential treatment system. Dr. Hayes highlights the business case for DEI, noting that diverse teams drive innovation and...

In this episode, Ty Woods shares her inspiring journey from homelessness to becoming a successful entrepreneur and business coach. She discusses the importance of resilience, community support, and the power of believing in oneself. Ty emphasizes the need for small businesses to get their finances in order and prepare for upcoming funding opportunities, particularly through grants and proper credi...

In this episode of Business First, host Sonya Alleyne talks with Mark Money Green, a prominent figure in the hip hop industry. Mark shares his journey from aspiring musician to influential agent and manager, discussing his experiences with iconic artists and the evolution of hip hop. He emphasizes the importance of passion, trust, and intuition in navigating the music business, while also reflecti...

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Emmy award-winning producer Dario Harris about his upcoming documentary, 'Legacy of Land,' which explores the history of his family, particularly his great grandparents, James and Bessie Ham. Dario shares insights into his journey as a filmmaker, the importance of family legacy, and the lessons learned from his military experience....

In this episode, John Speaks returns to discuss the closure of his restaurant, Hyperion Public, and the subsequent legal battles he faces due to alleged harassment and systemic racism. He shares his experiences of intimidation from local authorities after publicly identifying his business as Black-owned. John emphasizes the importance of standing up against systemic injustices and aims to set a pr...

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne engages with Germaine Miller-Summers, founder of Hope of Vision Publishing, to explore the transformative power of storytelling and the journey of becoming a published author. Germaine shares her transition from a successful career in the music industry to establishing her own publishing company, emphasizing the importance of following one's in...

In this engaging conversation, Melba Moore reflects on her illustrious career spanning over five decades, breaking barriers in Broadway, R&B, and television. She shares insights into her latest project with her daughter, the evolution of her career, and the impact of social media on her audience reach. Melba offers valuable advice for aspiring artists navigating the modern entertainment landscape...