Business First w/Sonia Alleyne

In this episode, Sonia Alleyne chats with Clarisse Peria Mekongo, a multi-disciplinary artist and owner of Culture Boutique. Clarisse shares her journey from Cameroon to the United States, her passion for various art forms, and the challenges she faced as an immigrant artist. She discusses the importance of cultural expression in her work, the materials she uses, and her vision for the future of C...

In this episode, Gina Brown shares her inspiring journey of love and entrepreneurship with her husband, Steve, as they build their apparel brand, My BK Life. From their childhood friendship in Brooklyn to reconnecting and starting a business together, Gina discusses the importance of community, the challenges of balancing work and personal life, and their future aspirations for the brand. The conv...

Barbara Clarke Ruiz, an activewear designer turned entrepreneur, shares her journey and the launch of her lifestyle brand for dogs called Lick You Silly Products and found success on Amazon. Barbara emphasizes the importance of finding the right suppliers, creating standout packaging, and telling a compelling story to build a successful brand. She also shares advice for creative entrepreneurs and...

In this conversation, Sonia Alleyne talks with Theresa Merritt-Watson, author of the book 'Black Tech, Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, Leaders in Technology.' They discuss the importance of teaching African-American history to young students and the lack of representation of African-American figures in mainstream education. They also touch on the importance of critical thinking skills and nurturing a...

In this episode of Business First with Sonya Alleyne, Sonya interviews Shawn Townsend, the president and CEO of the Restaurant Association, Metropolitan Washington. They discuss the opportunities and challenges in the restaurant industry, particularly in Restaurant Association, Metropolitan Washington. Shawn shares his background in the restaurant business and his experience as the director of the...

Andrea Baskett-Pee, founder of Atwasi, a Jamaican luxury travel concierge, discusses the opportunities and challenges in the tourism industry. She shares her journey of moving to Jamaica and starting a tech consultancy before transitioning into the tourism industry. Andrea emphasizes the importance of showcasing the authentic culture, history, and land of Jamaica to travelers. She also highlights...

Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence is the CEO and founder of Raymona H. Lawrence Coaching, a speaker, corporate trainer, consultant, and professor of health policy and community health. She challenges broken systems that hinder people from reaching their potential, drawing from her experiences as an African-American woman with sickle cell disease. Dr. Lawrence emphasizes the importance of disrupting broken s...

Chef Rock Harper discusses the importance of reclaiming culinary rights and decolonizing our tongues. He shares the history of fried chicken and its negative portrayal in media, as well as the lack of Black-owned fried chicken restaurants in the industry. Chef Rock emphasizes the need for representation and economic empowerment in the food industry. He also talks about his restaurant, Queen Mother...

Angelo Ellerbee discusses his work in the music industry, including his efforts to enhance communities through education and the performing arts. He shares stories of working with artists like James Mtume and Melba Moore, emphasizing the importance of relationships and mentorship. Ellerbee also talks about his book, 'Before I Let Go: Life Lessons from an Industry Guru,' which aims to inspire and m...

Sonia and her guest Marcia Cole talk launching a business. So if you are planning launching a business or just recently launched one this is your episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Business First podcast with your host, Sonia Alleyne! In this episode, we have a special guest, Shalita Grant, an incredibly talented actress and the proud owner of Four Naturals. Join us as we delve into Shalita's inspiring journey, from her successful acting career to the launch of her own company. Shalita Grant has captivated audiences with her incredible performances on screen,...

Sonia chats with construction business owner Ladi Goldwire. Yes you read it correctly and she is running things and making her presence known in this male dominated business. Hear her story this week on Business First.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continuing our goal to help make your business bigger better and bolder, Bob Ingram brings his experience in media publishing, diversity and inclusion and as a business consultant to the podcast. Join Sonia for some great stories and some great advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran retail business owner talks about her transition from the music business and drive to find financing to create her latest venture the Happy Mango.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Sonia and her guest Debra Hare-Bey talk lessons learned in failure and how to turn those lessons into success. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week a fresh take on the haircare business. Leah Davis gives us some insight on her style and how she shares what she's learned from years of experience with her students. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sonia talks to Grooming Salon owner Darius Davie about his take on grooming at his business Groom Guy. He discusses his business model, unique partnerships and plans for the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A true Hustle to Handling Business story. Lisa literally started on the streets on New York which is where she developed her ""street smarts"". Hear her evolving story this week on Business First with Sonia Alleyne. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is where the music business and child care intersect. It only happens when you have a focused, talented business woman that is determined to get it done. If you have a main gig and a side hustle you hope to turn into a main hustle this is your episode. Business First with Sonia Alleyne. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Sharon Soloman stops by to talk about her Mind Body and Soul candles. Sonia discusses Sharon's focus, the community in Brooklyn, inspiration from her Dad and the companies rebrand.  This is the podcast where we put Business First. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Business First Podcast talks with master Brander Christopher Augmon. While the fashion industry is a tough nut to crack His story may remind you of your own but hopefully his definitely determination will. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Business First Podcast, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with the extraordinary Salma Salma Qarnain, a true powerhouse and pioneer in the worlds of both entertainment and science. Salma Qarnain is not your typical Hollywood success story; she's an award-winning actress, producer, a rocket scientist, and a co-founder of Black Man Films. But she's so much more than just her impres...

Sonia talks with Aria Craig wellness business owner and the nuances as well as the benefits of the genre. Selfcare is on display this week in this episode of Business First. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inventor Lisa Ascolese is back to talk about her new project that can help you ignite the creator in you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Entrepreneur Tawanda Story is on the podcast this to talk about the trending business of elder care. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.