Operations Unfiltered

In this week’s episode of Baltimore County Unfiltered , Zuryna’s got the scoop on what’s poppin’ around the County! 🍽️ Baltimore County Restaurant Week wraps this weekend—so grab those crab tots while you can (she’s team Lib’s Grill, btw). 📚 The library is doing the most —from free kids’ vision exams to cooking demos. It’s giving community hub energy. 🎤 Zuryna’s also hosting The Business of Infl...

In this special segment of Baltimore County Unfiltered , Zuryna breaks down a major policy change that could hit your pockets—especially if you run a service-based business in Maryland. Starting July 1, 2025, the state will begin taxing certain digital services at 3%, including web design, cloud storage, SEO, and more. Who’s impacted? What services are taxable? What should you do to stay compliant...

This week's episode is equal parts juice, joy, and just keep going. This week on Operations Unfiltered , I’m chopping it up with Kelly, the founder of Mova Nature, a Black woman-owned holistic juice brand born right here in Baltimore City. We get into how she built this business from scratch during the pandemic, turned pain into purpose, and why she's not just making juice—she's building a whole m...

In this special Operations Unfiltered segment, Zuryna breaks down two big updates for Baltimore County: 🍽 Free Summer Meals are available for youth 18 and under at select libraries from June 23–August 15. Meals must be eaten on-site and are first come, first served. 🗺 Redistricting Update: Baltimore County may move from 7 to 9 council districts. Councilman David Marks shares his concerns, and Zury...

This week, I’m joined by Adriana, the powerhouse behind Black Girls Love Football , a movement that started as a passion project and grew into a vibrant online space that celebrates sisterhood, sports culture, and showing up boldly in male-dominated arenas. In this heartfelt and unfiltered conversation, Adriana shares her journey from falling in love with football to building a brand rooted in joy...

In this quick solo episode, I’m sharing a full-circle career moment — I’ve officially joined the Executive Advisory Board for the PATIENTS Program at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. If you’ve followed my A Seat at the Table journey, you know how much this means to me. It’s a milestone rooted in purpose, passion, and a deep commitment to community and equity. Learn more about the PAT...

In this episode of Operations Unfiltered , your favorite marketing project manager girly, Zuryna, chats with Tyra Sellers — the visionary founder of Ty’s Garden , a holistic wellness brand rooted in intention, luxury, and community. Based in the DMV, Tyra opens up about her journey from concept to community cornerstone, blending skincare rituals, wellness teas, trauma-informed yoga, and dry vegan...

What happens when a finance brain meets a creative heart? You get Nick Valenti , co-founder and CEO of MĀDIN , a bicoastal creative agency that’s redefining strategy, storytelling, and influence. In this episode of Operations Unfiltered , Nick joins me to talk about his journey from private equity to brand campaigns, the origin of the  MĀDIN name (hint: it’s not a typo), and how his agency blends...

The Today Show tried it with a TV mom bracket (Claire Huxtable vs. Carol Brady? Be serious), but it sparked something deeper—moms have always been the blueprint for marketing. No PR team. No big budget. Just strategy, vibes, and unmatched relatability. In this episode of Operations Unfiltered , we take a walk down memory lane and a scroll through today’s feed to explore how mom creators like @jali...

This week we are talking all about the dollars behind the dupe deals. In this episode, we’re diving into the ripple effect of increased tariffs on Chinese imports and what that really means for content creators, small business owners, and marketing teams alike. With recent announcement from Shein and Temu about upcoming price hikes, pending shifts in packaging costs and vendor timelines, this conv...

Let’s talk about the logistics behind the legacy. In this episode, we’re diving into the behind-the-scenes of one of Baltimore’s most iconic events— The Fells Point Fun Festival . Now in its 59th year, this historic neighborhood celebration draws thousands each fall with live music, local vendors, and waterfront vibes—but what does it really take to pull it off? From coordinating 300+ vendors to g...

In this episode, we’re showing love to the woman who’s quietly making major moves in the world of sports—Nicole Lynn. If her name doesn’t ring a bell yet, don’t worry... it will. Nicole isn’t just in the room, she’s running it. As the first Black woman to represent a top NFL draft pick and the current President of Football Operations at Klutch Sports (yes, the same Klutch that reps LeBron, Jalen H...

Let’s talk about the money behind the highlights.  In this episode, we're getting into the world of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and how student-athletes are turning their influence into income. From beauty brand sponsorships to social media game plans, we’re unpacking what it means to market yourself while still running drills and midterms. This isn’t just about sports—it’s about strateg...

In this special episode of Operations Unfiltered, we're back with Simone Phillips, aka Charm City Table, a prominent influencer in Baltimore and the DMV. We discuss upcoming plans for Charm City Table, she shares some candid social media experiences with business owners, and offers invaluable advice on thriving as a content creator or collaborating with influencers as a business owner. Tune in for...

90s fashion is officially back, and it’s not just about the clothes—it’s about the culture shift bringing malls back to life. On this episode of Operations Unfiltered , we're breaking down the resurgence of brands like Levi’s, GAP, and Old Navy while questioning how Forever 21 fell off so hard. Is this all thanks to influencer marketing? Are shopping malls really making a comeback? And what can br...

Ever wondered how social media plays a role in local government? In this episode of Operations Unfiltered , Zuryna sits down with Baltimore County Councilman David Marks to break down the intersection of digital engagement and civic service. From improving community spaces to tackling food deserts and traffic safety, Councilman Marks shares how he’s using creative solutions to keep District 5 thri...

This week, I’m diving into my second week of the Board Member Pipeline Leadership Program with Associated Black Charities, and let me tell you—this is not just a seat at the table, it’s a masterclass in what it actually means to serve on a board. From breaking down the roles of board members (yes, everyone and their mama has a job to do) to case studies that had my inner professional student thriv...

In this episode of Operations Unfiltered , we’re tackling crisis management in the digital age —where one viral moment can make or break a brand. From Diddy’s lawsuits to Jay-Z’s legal battle with Buzbee , we break down how high-profile figures handle public scrutiny and what businesses can learn from their strategies (or mistakes). Then, in Behind the Briefcase , I share a real-world challenge I’...

Welcome to another episode of Operations Unfiltered ! Today, I’m bringing you inside my personal journey as I embark on the six-week Board Member Pipeline Leadership Program with Associated Black Charities in Baltimore. It’s been years in the making, and I’m taking you along for the ride! In this episode, I’ll dive into my vision board dream of serving on nonprofit boards, the inspiration behind t...

In this episode of Operations Unfiltered, we delve into significant cultural moments from the past week. Topics include the rise in immigration arrests under the new administration and its impact on the cultural landscape, major roster changes in the Las Vegas Aces WNBA team, and the backlash against Target's rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Join us as we explore how these...

In this episode, we’re unpacking: 🔥 The LA Wildfires: Reflecting on the devastation, the importance of empathy, and ways content creators can navigate posting during sensitive times. 📱 The Looming TikTok Ban: What does the potential ban mean for creators? We're talking practical advice for diversifying your platforms, building an email list, and staying connected with your audience. 💌 The Newsl...

In this episode of Operations Unfiltered , we’re joined by Teauna Frazier, founder of *Be More Girly*, a thriving Baltimore-based community for women in the DMV area. Hosted by Zuryna, this conversation dives deep into the behind-the-scenes of building a brand that’s grown to over 16,000 followers in less than a year, all while Teauna juggles multiple roles. We explore Teauna's inspiring journey,...

In this episode of Operations Unfiltered , we dive into the fascinating journey of BET, from its cultural dominance to its quiet decline, and explore how project management could be the key to reviving its magic. Join your host, Zuryna as she breaks down the iconic moments that made BET a staple of Black entertainment and the strategic missteps that have led to its current struggles. We examine th...

In this episode of Operations Unfiltered, we are talking about the intricate marketing strategies behind the latest wellness craze. With GLP-1 receptor agonists making waves in the health and weight-loss industry, we break down how Kourtney Kardashian Barker’s Lemme GLP-1 daily supplements are shaking up the space.  We dive into the pros and cons of promoting over-the-counter supplements versus FD...

Welcome to Operations Unfiltered, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of influencer and talent management. In this episode, host Zuryna speaks with award-winning content creator and influencer Simone Phillips, also known as Charm City Table . They discuss Simone's journey into content creation, her influence on the Baltimore food scene, her team, and the challenges and achievements along...