EmpowerHER Business Podcast

What if the next version of your business doesn’t require more force—just more vision? This Soul Spa moment invites you to pause and reimagine what’s possible for you. In Part 5 of The Soul Spa series on the EmpowerHER Business Podcast , Linette offers a reflective pause designed to help you expand beyond limitation and expectation. Created for Black women entrepreneurs in their first five years,...

From rock bottom to remarkable - AJ Vassar’s journey proves you can rise again. In this Expert Series episode, AJ shares how homelessness, humility, and mentorship changed everything. Host Linette Cottrell sits down with AJ Vassar to unpack a powerful story of downfall, accountability, and resilience. AJ opens up about sleeping in his car for months, meeting a mentor in Atlanta who didn’t hand him...

Do you ever feel yourself bracing for what’s next instead of opening to it? This Soul Spa moment invites you to soften, breathe, and open yourself to clarity, support, and possibility.  In Part 4 of The Soul Spa series on the EmpowerHER Business Podcast, Linette guides you through a quiet, heart-centered reflection designed to help you open—emotionally, mentally, and energetically. This moment is...

If money still feels intimidating, this episode will shift everything. We’re talking to three powerhouse finance women who believe accounting is about partnership—not perfection. Host Linette Cottrell sits down with Monique Vassall, Rhonda Brown, and Nikki Moteng for an honest conversation about why so many women hesitate to get financial support, what a healthy accountant relationship actually lo...

Feeling pulled in a dozen directions as you grow your business? This Soul Spa moment helps you slow down and gently navigate what’s next with clarity and calm. In Part 3 of The Soul Spa series on the EmpowerHER Business Podcast, Linette offers a quiet, reflective pause to help you reconnect with your internal compass. Created for Black women in their first five years of entrepreneurship, this mome...

When was the last time you paused to honor your growth, your power, and your voice?  This Soul Spa moment invites you to slow down and remember what it means to truly own who you are. In Part 2 of The Soul Spa series on the EmpowerHER Business Podcast , Linette guides you through a reflective pause centered on “O is for Own.” This moment is designed especially for Black women entrepreneurs navigat...

Feeling stretched thin, tired, or emotionally overloaded?  This Soul Spa pause centers “H is for Heal”—a gentle moment to breathe, soften, and come back home to yourself. In Part 1 of The Soul Spa series on the EmpowerHER Business Podcast (formerly Women of Color in Business Podcast) , Linette guides you through a restorative reflection designed to support healing at the nervous-system level. Crea...

Feeling stuck while trying to grow your business? You’re not alone. 💡💼 In this episode of the EmpowerHER Business Podcast (formerly Women of Color in Business Podcast), we wrap up our “Failing in the First Five” series by uncovering three hidden traps that keep Black women entrepreneurs from reaching 6-figure success—and how to break free from them. You’ll learn how to: Start tracking your cash...

Success isn’t just about revenue — it’s about alignment, peace, and purpose. In this episode, we explore how to build a holistic business ecosystem that supports your growth and your well-being. ✨ You’ll discover: • What a holistic business ecosystem really means • How to integrate peace, purpose, and profit • Systems and boundaries that protect your energy • Ways to create sustainable success —...

Is fear around money keeping your business from thriving? 💰💬 In this episode of the EmpowerHER Business Podcast (formerly Women of Color in Business Podcast), we’re continuing our “Failing in the First Five” series—unpacking the mindset and money mistakes that hold many Black women entrepreneurs back from hitting their next level. You’ll learn how to: Overcome the fear of pricing your services c...

Let’s talk about the money mindset — and why pricing can feel so personal. In this episode, we unpack why many Black women entrepreneurs struggle with pricing and how to confidently charge what you’re worth. ✨ You’ll discover: • Why underpricing is more emotional than logical • How to align pricing with your value and audience • Tips to raise prices without losing clients • Simple mindset shifts...

She was fired and vowed she’d never work for anyone again. A decade later, Nicole Murphy built Barter Black—an ecosystem reshaping how Black entrepreneurs grow. In this powerful episode of the EmpowerHER Business Podcast (formerly Women of Color in Business Podcast), host Linette Cottrell sits down with Nicole Murphy, who turned a painful exit from corporate into a thriving entrepreneurial empire....

Struggling to get traction in your first five years of business? 🚫💼 In this episode of the EmpowerHER Business Podcast (formerly Women of Color in Business Podcast), we’re kicking off Part 1 of our “Failing in the First Five” series—where we break down the biggest mistakes holding Black women entrepreneurs back from sustainable success. You’ll uncover how to: Avoid the chaos of no clear financia...

Not everyone is your customer — and that’s your secret weapon. In this episode, we break down how to identify, connect with, and serve the audience you’re truly meant to impact. ✨ You’ll discover: • How to define your target market beyond demographics • Tools and questions to identify your ideal client • Common mistakes new entrepreneurs make in audience building • How clarity attracts clients (a...

She turned a simple business card into a full-on business. Now she’s sharing the tech, marketing, and mindset lessons every new entrepreneur needs. In this episode of the EmpowerHER Business Podcast (formerly Women of Color in Business Podcast), host Linette Cottrell sits down with Arba Cooper—digital technologist, marketing strategist, and lifelong lover of all things tech. From earning a full sc...

Entrepreneurship isn’t a highlight reel — it’s a full, messy, beautiful story. In this episode, we get real about the highs, lows, and everything in between, and why finding your tribe matters more than you think. ✨ You’ll discover: • What nobody tells you about entrepreneurship’s emotional rollercoaster • How to build and lean on your community through tough seasons • Why vulnerability is a powe...

Ready to stop the income rollercoaster and scale with consistency? 💸✨ In this episode of the EmpowerHER Business Podcast (formerly Women of Color in Business Podcast), we’re continuing our “Scaling to 6 Figures” series with the keys to creating repeatable income, sustainable systems, and unshakable CEO energy. You’ll learn how to: Build repeatable income streams that generate steady, predictable...

So many of us were taught to “do it all” — but does hustle really equal success? In this episode, we unpack the difference between employee vs. entrepreneur mindsets and the myth of the solo empire builder. ✨ You’ll discover: • Why the employee mindset still shows up in entrepreneurship • How the “independent woman” narrative can hold your business back • The truth about collaboration vs. competi...

You don’t need to do it all alone to grow your business! 💰✨ In this episode of the EmpowerHER Business Podcast (formerly Women of Color in Business Podcast), we’re diving into Part 2 of our “Scaling to 6 Figures” series—focused on building wealth with strategy, support, and smart money moves. You’ll discover how to: Create a Money Map that aligns your goals with real numbers and next steps Deleg...

Ready to scale your business with ease and intention? 💼✨ In this episode of the EmpowerHER Business Podcast (formerly Women of Color in Business Podcast), we’re breaking down Part 1 of our “Scaling to 6 Figures” series—with practical, bite-sized tips designed for Black women entrepreneurs in their first five years of business. You’ll learn how to: Build a financial dashboard that gives you insta...

For years, I believed that being busy meant being successful. Now, I know better: Ease is the new Excellence. Let this morning meditation episode be your gateway to peace, faith and building a business that allows space for miracles. Remember, you are not built to do it all alone. Divine energy and Love are always available to assist your success. Use this meditative affirmation series to help you...

What if your business could fuel your joy instead of your exhaustion? 💕💼  In this episode of the EmpowerHER Business Podcast (formerly Women of Color in Business Podcast), host Linette Cottrell chats with Dr. Cicely Horsham Brathwaite, a seasoned entrepreneur with 15 years in business—7 of those dedicated to helping Black women shed exhaustion and design lives, businesses, and careers they truly...

We’re taking a short break as we rebrand and prepare exciting new content for you. Over the next few weeks, please enjoy our solo episodes full of Short Sweet Success tips and fresh insights to keep you inspired.    ✨ Use this time to catch up on past episodes you may have missed—and get ready for our relaunch with new branding, guests, and sponsors.    👉 Make sure to Follow the podcast so you’l...

We’re taking a short break as we rebrand and prepare exciting new content for you. Over the next few weeks, please enjoy our solo episodes full of Short Sweet Success tips and fresh insights to keep you inspired. ✨ Use this time to catch up on past episodes you may have missed—and get ready for our relaunch with new branding, guests, and sponsors. 👉 Make sure to Follow the podcast so you’ll be t...

This is part of a 3 Episode Solo series from our Short Sweet Success Tips drops. Today we share tips on Money moves that will help you lay the foundation for your business thriving and lasting beyond the First Five years. We’re taking a short break as we rebrand and prepare exciting new content for you. Over the next few weeks, you’ll still hear solo episodes and fresh insights to keep you inspire...