Business of the Beat

Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton, the founder, CEO and mastermind of Chillhouse, a groundbreaking wellness spa, products and accessories. Whether visiting their flagship in SoHo or replicating spa-like experiences in your home, Chillhouse provides a modern-day affordable alternative to indulging in your own wellness. During this episode, Cyndi dives deep into her entrepreneurial journey as she draws inspirati...

This week Ceci Kurzman, Founder of OurX, a personalized program for total hair and scalp wellness, discusses her global upbringing, passion for music, and journey into the entertainment industry where she worked with iconic artists - such as Michael Jackson, Alicia Keys, and Sade. Ceci takes us through the birth of OurX emphasizing innovation, personalization, sustainability and above all else cus...

This week, Annagjid "Kee" Taylor, a celebrity hair stylist, salon owner, , and author of the children's book All Hair Is Good Hair, goes deep into her evolution from a young girl passionate about styling dolls' hair to a successful entrepreneur. Pivotal moments are reflected upon, including an act of kindness at a Beyonce concert that went viral, and the inspiration behind her children's book, whi...

Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks, the Founder of Ashunta Sheriff Beauty, continues her journey from makeup artist to business executive in a special part two episode. Ashunta dives into the importance of mentorship – mentoring new artists and the role of having mentors as the foundation for expanded success. She shares how high-profile clients, like Rihanna, remind her of the importance of patience, trus...

This week, Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks, Founder of Ashunta Sheriff Beauty, takes us through a two-part series of her journey. Ashunta shares about her career rooted in artistry that goes beyond the palette to a diversified portfolio of products and services. She discusses pivotal experiences at MAC, emphasizing its role as a vital training ground for makeup artists and the moments that led to new op...

This week Sir John Barnett, Creative Director, Executive, and Global Makeup Artist joins us to kick off Season 4 of Business of the Beat. On this special 151st episode, Sir John discusses his journey, highlighting the shift from being a highly sought after celebrity makeup artist to a beauty industry leading executive as Kilian Paris' first makeup Creative Director. He is an advocate for inclusivi...

This week Business of the Beat celebrates 150 episodes. In this special 150th episode, we hear from five amazing past guests, Nyakio Greico, founder of , Thirteen Lune, and Relevant: Your Skin Seen, Tai Beauchamp, founder of Brown Girl Jane and Morning Mindset, Angel Cornelius, founder and CEO of Maison 276, Ron Robinson, founder of BeautyStat Cosmetics, and Youmie Francois, founder and CEO of Fle...

This week on Business of the Beat we are joined by Aishetu Fatima Dozie, founder and CEO of Bossy Cosmetics. Aishetu shares her background, born to Nigerian immigrant parents in Boston, and traces her academic and professional journey in finance, including roles at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Lehman Brothers. Aishetu discusses her burnout and transformative period of self-reflection, leadin...

Welcome back to the second part of our episode with BrainTrust Founders Studio members Dianne Austin, Co-Founder & CEO, and Pamela Shaddock, Co-Founder and COO of Coils to Locs, as part three of our series on remarkable founders from the Build in Tulsa Ecosystem. In this episode, Dianne and Pamela discuss the multifaceted challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs in the beauty industry, while unders...

In this episode, we feature BrainTrust Founders Studio members Dianne Austin, Co-Founder & CEO, and Pamela Shaddock, Co-Founder and COO of Coils to Locs, as part three of our series on remarkable founders from the Build in Tulsa Ecosystem. They also participated in the “Spotlight on Tulsa: Roots of a Self-care Economy” survey that focused on 33 beauty and wellness entrepreneurs who are part of the...

This week we dive into part two of our three-part series featuring remarkable founders from the Build in Tulsa Ecosystem. Episode two features TaNesha Rushing, Founder of Mi Tea Lounge. TaNesha is a multifaceted entrepreneur with a background in music and artistry. She started My Tea Lounge in February 2020, initially focusing on creating a cozy space for local artists with live music and tea. TaN...

This week marks the beginning of our enlightening three-part series featuring remarkable founders from the Build in Tulsa Ecosystem. Each of the founders featured in this series were part of our “Spotlight on Tulsa: Roots of a Self-care Economy” survey that focused on 33 beauty and wellness entrepreneurs who are part of the Tulsa ecosystem. Episode one features TJ Woodberry, Founder of Poppi’s Spa...

This week, Keya Neal, the founder of the Kolour Kulture and Texture VS Race. opens up about her personal transformation, recounting her journey from being a conventional Black stylist to embracing the versatility of working with all hair types. She emphasizes that professionals in the beauty industry aren't just performers but thinkers and creators, highlighting the value of their intellectual con...

This week, Yasmin Zeinab, the extraordinary founder behind Abi Amé shares her inspiring journey, transitioning from a career as a lawyer to the launch of her groundbreaking skincare brand. In her quest to develop Abi Amé, Yasmin embarked on a remarkable endeavor, engaging in 1,000 conversations with women worldwide during the pandemic. Through these conversations, she unveiled a common concern: th...

This week, Dawn Myers, the visionary founder behind Ritualist, provides a glimpse into the promising future of her company. Dawn created Ritualist because she wanted all women to be able to work out, travel, and manage our families and careers without having to sacrifice basic hygiene or confidence in our appearance. Their signature product, The Mint, will bring your wash day into the 21st century...

This week, we are joined by Nikki Porcher, the visionary Founder of Buy From A Black Woman, as she delves into her inspiring journey from the Air Force to becoming the visionary behind this transformative organization. Nikki shares her perspectives on the term 'Black Girl Magic' and sheds light on the formidable challenges that confront Black female business owners, underscoring the pressing need...

This week I had the chance to speak with Felicia Leatherwood, celebrity hairstylist and inventor of the Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush. Felicia discussed hair care challenges faced by young black girls while sharing her personal experiences. She discussed the evolution of inclusivity in dolls like Barbie, and the importance of self-confidence and hair care. Felicia delves into her career as a...

This week we are diving into the final episode of a special four-part series, with our partners at Famous Amos to support their grant program, “Ingredients For Success”, with guest Brittany Tillman, Founder of Health Neurotics. Brittany discusses her journey as a Founder and the creation of her bestselling product Grandma G’s Herbal Tea and where the inspiration comes from. Her educational backgro...

This week on part three of a special four-part series with our partners at Famous Amos to support their grant program, “Ingredients for Success”, Tracy Vontélle Green and Nancey Harris, Co-Founders of Vontélle Eyewear share how celebrating every win has lead them to growth and success for their business. Tracy and Nancey met in college and their bond of friendship has blossomed through life’s chal...

This week, we are jumping into our second episode of a special four-part series with our partners at Famous Amos to support their grant program, “Ingredients For Success” with guests LaToya Stirrup, LaTasha Stirrup, and LaTrice Stirrup, Co-Founders of Kazmaleje! The Stirrup Sisters provide a heartfelt glimpse into their family dynamics and the profound sisterly bond that defines their journey. Wit...

As part of a two part series, Alicia Williams shares the Entrepreneurial side of her career through the creation of NASH + PINO. Alicia and her husband, Marques Williams launched the 10 Free, Vegan, Cruelty Free, Nail Lacquer “as a labor of love because it's not only in the green beauty space where there are not a lot of brands that speak to black and brown consumers but also incorporates a wide r...

This week, we are launching our first episode of a special four part series with our partners at Famous Amos to support their grant program, “Ingredients For Success”. To kick things off, Rachna Patel, Vice President of Marketing - Distinctive Brand Cookies at Ferrero talks about the origin and purpose of Famous Amos and the organic nature of creating an authentic connectivity between the brand an...

This week, Vernon Martin, renowned hair artisan, entrepreneur and founder of Vernon Martin’s Salon and Day Spa, shared his incredible career journey and his tenacity and faith to rebuild his salon post covid. Vernon discusses how the mind is a powerful thing, and his choice to overcome and persevere. Vernon shares some of the key highlights of illustrious career including his memorable moments wit...

This week, Joy M. Hutton, founder of on the go GLAM™ and Joy of Consulting shares her many verticals of entrepreneurship and how merging her skills, passion and corporate expertise are the blueprint for creating a joyful life and business path. She highlights her unwavering commitment to getting rest and being a “huge advocate of naps” and restoration. We also dive into Joy’s inclusion on the Inc....

As part of a two part series, Alicia Williams, the first Senior Director Anti-Racism & Racial Equity at the haircare products company DevaCurl, shares her intrapreneurial role to lead strategy and ensure anti-racism touches all aspects of the brand. This year, Alicia led an initiative with The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), the largest and most inclusive national trade organization represe...