Scale Up Your Business

In this relaunch episode of Scale Up Your Business , Zakia Ringgold sits down with Craig Lytle for a focused conversation on income planning, estate planning, and the discipline of making financial decisions before crisis forces them. Craig explains what income and estate planning means in practical terms for business owners. This is not about extreme wealth. It is about structuring dependable inc...

For service-based business owners looking for inspiration and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen! Join our host as she sits down with Joanne Scioli, founder of JBS Inspection Services, who built a thriving specialized business using scent detection canines to uncover bed bug infestations. Joanne shares how she turned an unexpected layoff into an opportunity, navigated the challenges o...

Are you in the market to buy a car for your business? In this episode of Scale Up Your Business, we sit down with John Rice—otherwise known as the "Inside Man" of the car industry. With over a decade of experience working every angle of the car business, John spills the secrets dealers DON'T want you to know. From hidden dealer incentives to mind-blowing dealership math, he reveals how car buyers—...

Are you a small business owner in Philadelphia ready to take your business to the next level? In this episode, host Zakia Ringgold sits down with Leslie Acosta, a seasoned educator, and the Outreach & Engagement Manager for the Philadelphia Department of Commerce. Leslie unveils all the details on the city’s brand new Catalyst Fund—a $5 million grant initiative designed to accelerate small busines...

In this episode of Scale Up Your Business, Zakia Ringgold sits down with the innovative Candace Johnson, creator of the Touchy Feely Intimacy Card Game. Dive into a conversation filled with intentionality and exploration as Candace shares the inspiration behind this universal play game designed to foster genuine connections through communication and physical energy. Learn about her journey from a...

Today, we're thrilled to have Latoya Johnson, the dynamic founder of Natural Body Essentials, as our guest. Latoya’s journey began with a personal quest to alleviate her family's eczema and has since blossomed into a booming skincare brand offering over 40 natural products. In this episode, she shares her inspiring story from medical professional to skincare entrepreneur, her top-selling products,...

Keisha is a passionate entrepreneur who brings hands-on, virtual cooking classes to the Philadelphia and tri-state area. In this episode, Keisha shares her journey from being a new parent discovering a gap in home-cooked meals to becoming an influential mobile cooking instructor. We delve into her unique business concept, the challenges she's faced in balancing work and home life, and her impactfu...

In this episode, Atiya shares her incredible journey from mixing herbs in her mother's kitchen to creating a holistic wellness product line that now reaches clients as far as Germany. We'll dive into her deep-rooted passion for natural remedies, the lessons she learned from her supportive mother, and the pivotal role of community and resilience in her entrepreneurial path. Atiya also offers invalu...

For small business owners seeking actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen. Carissa Reiniger , CEO of Silver Lining, breaks down how traditional coaching and training often fall short for entrepreneurs. Instead, she champions behavior-based support systems tailored to help owners build sustainable habits and achieve lasting change. With over 20 years of experience, Carissa discusses the...

Learn how a pandemic pivot turned Jonathan's side hustle into a business success. Jonathan shares his journey, the challenges he faced, and the invaluable lessons he's learned from the ScaleUp program. Find out what makes GoFor Delivery stand out and get insider tips that could transform your own business. Hit play and get ready to be inspired!  Access show notes and learn more at https://la21phil...

Listen to the inspiring journey of Marie Jeanne Aka, founder of Shining Light Green Cleaning Services. Learn how she turned natural ingredients like lemons and vinegar into eco-friendly cleaning products, and her plans to create jobs in Philadelphia. Find valuable business tips, the importance of perseverance, and how Marie uses AI to boost her company. Tune in for an episode full of innovation, r...

If you've ever wondered how to turn your artistic hobbies into a thriving business, this episode is for you! Join us in this episode as Nicole Dupree, founder of Indigo and Green, shares her journey from hobbyist to business owner. Learn how she creates unique, eco-friendly products and explore her TV show that takes you into the heart of nature. Tune in for inspiring stories, creative tips, and f...

Discover the extraordinary journey of Nzingha Ma'at and her innovative approach to healing in this episode of Scale Up Your Business! Learn how she helps people overcome tough issues like anxiety and imposter syndrome by blending traditional talk therapy with unique methods like acupuncture, yoga, and sound healing. Get ready to be inspired by Nzingha's story of turning her passion into a thriving...

Listen to this episode where Marisia Robinson of Seed, Weed, Reap, shares her journey from corporate downsizing to teaching communities how to grow their own food sustainably. Discover the top gardening tips everyone asks her about and learn how she uses Facebook groups to connect and grow her audience. Plus, get insider advice on valuing your time and knowing your customer to scale up your busine...

In this episode we\'re joined by Kiarra Solomon and Kasie Jones, the dynamic duo behind \"Dads Do Dope Things,\" an event aimed at honoring fathers in our community who often go unrecognized. Hosted at the 4th District Container Village, this event celebrates dads who make significant contributions, not just to their own families, but to the community at large. In this episode, we learn about the...

Are you a homeowner looking to maximize your property\'s value? Are you struggling with how to stage your home to attract potential buyers or renters? Do you want to learn how small, strategic changes can significantly impact your home\'s market value? In this episode of Scale Up Your Business, host Zakia Ringgold sits down with Allyson Moultrie, the founder of A. Renee Home Designs, to discuss th...

In today's episode, we sit down with Nija Wiggins, the owner of Corneeys, a Philadelphia-based food cart specializing in gourmet corn on the cob and popcorn. Nija shares her journey of turning her childhood dream into a reality and discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting and scaling her business. She also touches upon her experience with the ScaleUp Your Business program and offers valua...

The Department of Commerce helps businesses start, operate and grow in Philadelphia. Commerce also funds and works in partnership with local organizations to connect businesses with as many resources as possible. Businesses can contact the Department of Commerce’s Office of Business Services for one-on-one assistance by calling 215-683-2100 or emailing business@phila.gov If you are a business owne...

Scott is not only a renowned transit activist, but also a passionate historian dedicated to preserving Philadelphia\'s rich past. In this episode, Scott takes us on a captivating journey through the layers of history that make Philadelphia truly unique. We\'ll delve into the stories of influential figures like Benjamin Franklin, whose impact on the city goes far beyond his famous inventions. We\'l...

Erica Martinez started her journey with crochet almost 17 years ago when her son was in a neonatal intensive care unit. Wanting to find solace from her sadness, she took a bus ride to Walmart and stumbled upon a crochet magazine with needles. Intrigued, she picked up a ball of yarn and taught herself how to crochet. By 2010, Erica had honed her craft and began selling layette sets while working at...

Erica shares her journey of starting her business Subian by selling items on Instagram, meeting up with customers in designated spots, selling items next to her mothers home and even selling out of her trunk. She emphasizes the importance of passion and commitment for success, and encourages listeners to be patient and have faith in the process. Erica discusses the challenges she faces with shippi...

Isalene Johnson Baptiste, founder of Izzily Waisted and business owner in The West Philadelphia Container Village joins us for a fascinating conversation. Isalene shares her journey of transitioning from selling jewelry to exploring the world of kiosks and heat press printing. She discusses the importance of finding the right location for her business, the challenges she faced, and her \'aha\' mom...

Folami Irvine is the CEO of the Precious Jewels Prevention Program and a fifth-generation folklore healing artist. She developed a passion for herbs at a young age when her grandmother introduced her to sassafras tea. As she grew older, other family members shared their knowledge of different herbs, fueling her interest further. Taking her passion seriously, Folami embarked on a journey to expand...

Lakia Brown, the owner and sole designer of The Kreative Lab, is a talented creator of wearable art. Growing up in a large household with limited options, Lakia began her journey by customizing and repurposing clothing. Her passion for textiles and fashion deepened during her time living in the Middle East, where she discovered unique handmade garments and developed relationships with local vendor...

Join us as Marina shares her journey, from learning from influential figures like Dr. Sebi to opening a shop in The West Philadelphia Container Village in Philadelphia. She\'ll also provide valuable insights for new business owners and highlight the importance of a holistic approach to healing. So, get ready to scale up your business with Marina on today\'s episode of Scale Up Your Business.