Island Money 365

In this special end-of-year episode of Island Money 365 , I sit down with the dynamic Kobey Smith , entrepreneur advocate, bridge-builder, and changemaker at the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. If you’re a current or aspiring business owner—this is your episode. Packed with laughs, real talk, and insights you didn’t know you needed. We cover: What the Chamber of Commerce really does—and why...

In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, I sit down with my girl Annie White-Brown — founder of @naturalannieessentials — and we go all the way in! From growing up in rural Jamaica and revival church culture (yup, full revival church vibes!) to building a nationally recognized candle company from her kitchen, Annie shares her inspiring immigrant journey, entrepreneurial pivots, and the power of cu...

After a 17-year corporate career ended unexpectedly, Evelyn Ruiz didn’t stop—she pivoted. In this episode of  Island Money 365 , we sit down with the powerhouse behind  Hasta Luego, Friend —a mobile café and soon-to-be brick-and-mortar rooted in family legacy, resilience, and delicious coquito-infused drinks.  From selling her beloved sneaker collection to hauling a vintage trailer from Florida, E...

In this episode of Island Money 365, I sit down with Sasha Allen Walton, Hartford native, Gullah Geechee descendant, and founder of Sasha’s Whole Earth, to explore how ancestral wisdom, spiritual practices, and plant medicine come together in her work as a healer, storyteller, and culture keeper. We talk about: 🌿 What it means to be Gullah Geechee and why cultural preservation matters 🍵 How Sash...

In this powerful episode of Island Money 365, Petra-Ann sits down with Peta-Gaye Tomlinson — a dynamic public health administrator, quality improvement expert, and media consultant — to talk about faith, financial wisdom, and the fight for better community health. 🇯🇲💪🏽 Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and raised in New York, Peta-Gaye shares her inspiring journey from working in women’s shelters to...

In this episode of  Island Money 365 , Petra-Ann chats with  Mosi Moses , founder of  Connecticut Trails LLC , about her incredible journey from  Dominica —the Nature Island—to building a diverse, welcoming hiking community in  New England . Mosi opens up about embracing new seasons, navigating cultural shocks, learning America’s credit system, and how hiking became her form of healing and empower...

In this episode of Island Money 365, I sit down with Crystina Cardozo, former math teacher turned real estate investor and financial literacy advocate to break down how she’s helping families build wealth through creating real estate strategies like house hacking, short-term rentals, and Midwest investing… all while raising kids, managing properties, and staying grounded in her immigrant roots. Wh...

What happens when you leave a 20+ year career in education to start over? For Dr. Nicole Grimes, that leap of faith became the beginning of  Carib Biz Network (CBN)  — a thriving ecosystem designed to empower Caribbean entrepreneurs and help close the racial wealth gap. In this episode of  Island Money 365 , Nicole shares: Why she left a successful career as an award-winning educator and principal...

We all face invisible walls, self-doubt, fear, past failures, or even external voices telling us what we can and cannot do. But here’s the truth: limitations are often illusions we’ve accepted as reality. Whether you’re aiming for personal growth, career breakthroughs, or simply a life of greater freedom and fulfillment, this episode will inspire you to take that first step forward.

In this episode, Dr. Terell Hill, Superintendent of Windsor Public Schools in Windsor, CT, shares his inspiring journey to educational leadership. We explore his views on why parents shouldn’t overextend themselves financially for college, the importance of shared responsibility in shaping children’s behavior, and the unique challenges immigrant students face when transitioning into U.S. schools....

In this episode, I sit down with Tari Thomas as she shares her inspiring journey of building a six-figure real estate portfolio, starting with just $3,000 in savings.  From purchasing her first property to strategically growing her investments, Tari breaks down the steps, mindset, and lessons that helped her succeed.  She also explains why real estate can be a powerful tool for anyone looking to b...

Dive into the vibrant world of Andre Rochester, a celebrated artist, curator, and mentor whose work bridges creativity and community. In this inspiring episode, Andre shares his journey from childhood sketches to leading impactful public art projects, mentoring emerging artists, and curating an impressive collection at UConn Health. Discover how art transforms spaces, fosters collaboration, and cr...

In this powerful episode of  Island Money 365 , Petra-Ann is joined by her husband for a heartfelt conversation about the silent forces shaping our financial choices. Are you truly making your own money decisions—or are you bending to the pressure of friends, family, coworkers, or social media? They explore: The impact of relationships on your spending How to set loving financial boundaries The di...

In this powerful episode of Island Money 365, Sabine a Haitain American mother shares her powerful migration story and her journey raising a child with special needs. Through honest reflection, she opens up about the emotional and financial challegnes that come with caregiving, managing money anxiety, and navigating cultural expections around mental health and faith. Sabine speaks candidly about t...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Attorney Reine Boyer, as she shares her remarkable journey from immigrant beginnings to becoming a community advocate legal trailblazer. Discover how she’s building bridges in justice, empowering families through trust and mediation, and paving the way for future generations in law. This episode is a must listen for anyone passionate about justice, legacy...

In this special Mother’s Day episode, I dive into the complexities of motherhood, money, and the constant pressure to give your children everything—while still teaching them the true value of financial responsibility. If you're a mother, I know how challenging and even frustrating this can feel. But helping your children develop smart financial habits is one of the most valuable gifts you can...

In this inspiring episode of Island Money 365, Petra-Ann Brown chats with dynamic Tiffany Grant, an Accredited Financial Counselor and the award winning voice behind Money Talk with Tiff. Tiffany opens up about her journey from childhood lesson on money to becoming a financial powerhouse, sharing personal stories of triumph, struggles, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned along the way. Discov...

Join us as Olia Bartley, an accomplished Associate Director and Jamaican immigrant, shares her inspiring journey from childhood challenges to corporate success in aerospace and beyond. In this episode, Olia reveals her unique “Goodie Bag Philosophy” for career growth, strategies for creating multiple income streams, and her passion for mentoring and empowering women in STEM and leadership roles. D...

This week, I sat down with  Chris Raimo , a Connecticut native, visionary entrepreneur, and founder of the  Happy Cat Hotel & Spa , one of the most unique and luxurious boarding franchises exclusively for cats.  What started as a local pet care business has now grown into a  multi-unit franchise with national reach —and it all began with a bold decision to leave college and follow his curiosit...

  Joint Bank Accounts: Smart Move or Risky Decision?   In this episode of  Island Money 365 ,  my husband and I  tackle one of the most debated financial topics in marriage— joint bank accounts . Is it the best move for financial success, or could it lead to trouble?    We’re breaking it all down:  + The Benefits:  Transparency, trust, teamwork & financial growth  + The Fears:  Loss of financi...

In this inspiring episode of Island Money 365, we welcome Saha Faye, co-founder of Ovel Coffee. Sasha shares her unique journey from a destination wedding in Jamica to founding a sustainable coffee brand build on the rich tradition of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. She discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of working directly with farmers, and her commitment to sustainabilit...

In this powerful episode of Island Money 365, I sit down with Attorney Philip Berns, an experienced immigration lawyer, to tackle some of the most urgent questions surrounding immigration, deportation, and financial security. 💡Key Topics Covered: • Your legal rights as an undocumented immigrant • How to protect your assets and prevent deportation • Common immigration myths & mistakes that cou...

In this episode, we’re sitting down with Dr. Jackie Evans Phillips, a trailblazer with over 30 years of experience in education, counseling, and youth development. Dr. Jackie shares her personal journey of breaking generational trauma, empowering communities, and building economic sustainability.  💡 In this episode: The power of resetting and healing from past trauma Creating safe spaces for teen...

Have you ever wondered if your current bank account setup is holding you back financially? In this eye-opening episode, I break down the importance of having the right bank accounts for your financial goals and how the wrong setup could quietly drain your wealth.   From understanding the role of savings, checking, and high-yield accounts to exploring tips for avoiding fees and maximizing interest,...

From lifting weights in his room to buff up to impress girls to becoming a D1 athlete to building a fitness empire. Brian Lowe shows how a little spark can become a giant fire.  Brian Lowe shares his story of seeing his family working very hard but was always at the mercy of someone else. Through this lens he decided that he will be an employer and not an employee  Check out his website here: Invu...