Strawberry Letter

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Shelby Williams.
🌟 Summary of the Shelby Williams Interview
(From “Money Making Conversations Masterclass” with Rushion McDonald)
The interview features Shelby English Williams, a registered nurse and founder of SEW Nursing, LLC, a luxury concierge nursing firm based in Atlanta. She shares her personal journey from childhood inspiration, to becoming an RN, to ultimately building a business that provides personalized, at‑home, patient‑first nursing services.
Shelby also discusses the challenges nurses face, the importance of compassionate care, entrepreneurship in healthcare, and her annual nursing celebration event called the Nursing Shindig.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview serves to:
1. Highlight Shelby Williams’ entrepreneurship journey
She demonstrates how nurses can expand beyond traditional clinical roles and launch independent nursing businesses.
2. Educate the audience about concierge nursing
Shelby breaks down what “luxury nursing care” means and how her services differ from standard home health and Medicare‑funded care.
3. Inspire nurses to pursue business ownership
She provides advice, real stories, and a transparent look into the challenges and rewards of being a nurse‑entrepreneur.
4. Promote her event — the Nursing Shindig
An annual celebration and empowerment gathering for nurses.
📌 Key Takeaways 1. Shelby’s Background & Calling
Inspired by her church community and early exposure to elders.
Knew she wanted to be a nurse since age 3.
Progressed through CNA → LPN → RN.
Her mother’s example and support kept her going through challenges.
2. COVID‑19 Shaped Her Perspective
Was in RN school during the pandemic.
Virtual classes, limited hospital access, and intense stress shaped her view of nursing.
The pandemic reinforced her commitment rather than discouraging her.
3. Why She Started SEW Nursing, LLC
Leadership burnout in assisted living roles.
Discovered entrepreneurship via an older nurse on TikTok and a podcast.
Realized: “You are your own business as a registered nurse.”
Her company provides luxury concierge care, including: Medication management
Clinical assessments
Wellness visits
Healthcare coordination
Accompanying clients to doctor appointments
Short‑term or situational nursing support

4. What “Luxury Nursing” Means to Her
It’s not about extravagance — it’s about meeting patients where they are with:
Personalized care
In‑home support
Time, presence, and dignity
Services that standard insurance‑based care can’t provide
5. Her Approach to Care
Shelby emphasizes:
Service before money
Relationship‑building
Compassion for families in crisis
Making clients feel safe and understood
Not being driven by profit in urgent situations
She shares a story about driving over an hour on a Sunday to help a client’s mother without charging upfront — because the priority was care, not fees.
6. Hospice Wisdom
Shelby reframes the term:
Hospice isn’t always the end.
Patients can “graduate” off hospice.
Hospice includes chaplains, social workers, aides, nurses.
Helps families get affairs in order — from paperwork to emotional support.
7. The Nursing Shindig
A social + educational event for nurses.
Features:
VIP entrepreneurship session
Workbooks with business steps
Keynote speakers
Food, DJ, dancing (Cupid Shuffle, Electric Slide)
Vendor booths
Nurse recognition awards
Next event:
📅 August 8, 2026 — Atlanta (ATL Experience)
8. Her Message About Nursing & the System
Nurses are not properly represented.
Staffing ratios are unsafe.
Public doesn't realize the burden of caring for 5–7 patients at once.
Nurses are mentally, physically, emotionally stretched.
Yet many stay because caregiving is a calling.
9. Entrepreneurship Advice for Nurses
Write the plan. Make it plain. Stick to it.
Fear is real but manageable.
Stay committed even with long days and nights.
Keep revisiting your business plan.
Sacrifice is necessary: she still works full‑time while building her company.
💬 Notable Quotes (Attributed to Shelby or Rushion) On purpose and calling
“I remember being three years old saying I wanted to be a nurse.”
“My mother paved the way. She didn’t let me quit.”
On entrepreneurship
“You are your own business as a registered nurse.”
“Write the plan and make it plain — and stick to it.”
“It takes sacrifice. My bedtime may be 2 or 3 AM sometimes.”
On luxury nursing
“Meet me where I’m at and provide the care I need — that’s luxury.”
On hospice
“Hospice doesn’t have to be the end. Some people graduate off hospice.”
“While they’re still here, make them comfortable — however comfort looks for them.”
On patient families
“You’ve done a good job. You set up services. Now let us help you.”
On service vs money
“It’s not always about the dollar. My reward is your referral.”
“I didn’t take a dollar because it wasn’t about that — it was about the care.”
On why she keeps returning to the profession
“The reward and the service — that’s what brings me back.”
Rushion on trust
“All you want is for the person you love to be cared for with dignity.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Valerie Obaze.
Founder of R&R Skincare.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
Highlight Valerie Obaze’s entrepreneurial journey in founding R&R Skincare.
Challenge stereotypes about Africa’s capabilities and resources.
Promote African-made beauty products and their global relevance.
Inspire others, especially women and diaspora Africans, to invest in and build businesses rooted in African heritage.
🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Breaking African Stereotypes
Valerie and Rushion discuss how Africa is often misrepresented in Western media.
Valerie emphasizes that ignorance is not always malicious, but it’s time to reframe the narrative through firsthand experience and platforms like social media.
“Ignorance doesn’t always have to be an insult. If you don’t know, you just don’t know better.” – Valerie Obaze
2. The Birth of R&R Skincare
Inspired by the birth of her daughter, Valerie sought natural skincare solutions.
She discovered liquid shea oil, which became her first product.
The brand name “R&R” stands for Rebecca Rose (her daughter’s name) and also Rest & Relaxation.
“I wanted to create a product that makes using these raw materials from the continent enjoyable.” – Valerie Obaze
3. From Garage to Global
Valerie started in her mother-in-law’s garage, turning it into a compliant mini factory.
She had no formal business plan, relying on her PR and branding background.
The brand now has three stores: one in Lagos and two in Accra, including one at the airport.
4. Authenticity and African Pride
Valerie insists on maintaining the African identity of her brand.
She uses locally sourced ingredients and ensures cruelty-free testing.
The brand supports women in the supply chain, creating economic opportunities.
“We don’t intend to hide that in any way. We just wanted to make raw materials sexy.” – Valerie Obaze
5. Expansion to the U.S.
Valerie is expanding R&R Skincare to the U.S., leveraging social media, activations, and PR expertise.
Products are manufactured in Africa, but distributed from U.S. warehouses to ensure timely delivery.
“We found our tribe over here… and this was the right time to come back to America.” – Valerie Obaze
🧴 Product Highlights
Shea Oil – First product, moisturizing and healing.
Body Butter – Whipped, light, and rich in essential oils.
Liquid Black Soap – Modern take on traditional African cleansing.
Hand Cream – Convenient and portable for dry conditions.
🌍 Big Picture Vision
Valerie’s goal is to grow an African brand globally, showcasing the richness of African resources and empowering local economies.
“This is just a small representative of the entire continent and what it is capable of.” – Valerie Obaze
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Pastor Dexter Jenkins.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aimed to educate and inspire listeners about wealth creation through real estate and financial literacy, particularly for individuals over 50. Pastor Jenkins shared strategies for building generational wealth, shifting mindsets about money, and leveraging real estate as a primary tool for financial independence.
Key Takeaways
Intersection of Faith, Finance, and Business
Pastor Jenkins emphasizes that faith and financial success are not mutually exclusive. He advocates using biblical principles as a success manual, especially from Proverbs.

Real Estate as “Low-Hanging Fruit” for Wealth
Real estate is one of the simplest and most effective ways to build wealth because land is finite and historically valuable.

Mindset Over Money
Wealth building starts with changing beliefs about money. Many misconceptions learned in childhood or church need to be unlearned.

Refire, Don’t Retire
For those over 50, Jenkins encourages leveraging life experience to create new income streams instead of slowing down.

Social Security Reality Check
The average Social Security check (~$1,400/month) is insufficient for most Americans, highlighting the need for personal wealth strategies.

The SHIP Method
Stewardship: Direct your money intentionally.
Ownership: Own assets that appreciate and generate cash flow.
Entrepreneurship: Consider business ownership as a wealth-building tool.

Education Before Action
Start with learning—books, podcasts, seminars—before diving into real estate or other ventures.

Community Wealth Building
Jenkins supports initiatives like “buying back the block” to revitalize neighborhoods and build collective wealth.

Secrets to Success
Desire, planning, education, and execution are essential. Dreams without plans remain dreams.

Upcoming Resources
Jenkins is releasing a book: The Real Estate Wealth Creation Blueprint, offering practical steps for using real estate to build wealth.

Notable Quotes
“Real estate is the lowest hanging fruit on the wealth creation tree.”
“People came here to work the land—now it’s time for us to own it.”
“It’s not time to retire; it’s time to refire.”
“Social Security was designed for a different era. You can’t live on $1,400 a month in America.”
“The Bible is more than religion—it’s a success manual.”
“If you don’t have a desire for wealth, we can talk all day and nothing will change.”
“Stewardship, Ownership, Entrepreneurship—those are the pillars of wealth.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teresa Edwards.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to introduce Teresa Edwards’ book The Mirror Method: 12 Weeks to Stop Abandoning Yourself, a guided workbook designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing tendencies, set boundaries, and prioritize their own needs without guilt. It focuses on personal empowerment, mental health, and rediscovering one’s authentic self.
Key Takeaways
People-Pleasing and Boundaries
People-pleasing becomes harmful when you agree to things you don’t want to do, leading to stress and resentment.
Setting boundaries is essential for self-respect and mental health.

The Mirror Method
A 12-week guided process to “unravel” harmful patterns and rediscover your true self.
Emphasizes self-reflection, journaling, and gradual transformation at your own pace.

Selfishness vs. Self-Care
Edwards reframes “selfish” as a positive concept: prioritizing your health and happiness is necessary, not negative.
You can’t be your best for others if you’re not your best for yourself.

Health as a Wake-Up Call
Stress is a silent killer; Teresa’s own health issues (high blood pressure) forced her to reevaluate her life.
Happiness and well-being should not be age-limited—“You’re never too old to return to yourself.”

Letting Go of Toxic Relationships
Users often exploit people-pleasers; recognizing and removing such relationships is crucial.
Fully committing to the Mirror Method means accepting hard truths and being okay with losing people who drain you.

Therapy and Mental Health
COVID accelerated acceptance of therapy in communities where it was previously stigmatized.
Mental health is as important as physical health—“The mind is a muscle too.”

Workbook Details
Available on Amazon and at themirrormethodworkbook.com in print and downloadable formats.
Exercises involve writing and self-reflection to confront truths and break patterns.

Notable Quotes
“Boundaries are key.”
“Selfish is not a negative word—it’s perseverance of yourself.”
“You can’t throw a party and be mad at your own party.”
“Enough is enough—look in the mirror and say it.”
“You’re never too old to return to yourself.”
“Stress is that silent killer.”
“Fully commit means accepting all those good, bad, or ugly moments—and being okay with letting go.”
“The mind is a muscle too.”
“Be okay with being okay.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Katrina Fitten.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to educate entrepreneurs—especially women business owners—on how to secure funding responsibly, avoid scams, and develop a strategic financial plan. It also highlights Katrina Fitten’s expertise as CEO/CFO of New Day for You Financial and her mission to help startups and small businesses access capital.
Key Takeaways
Funding Opportunities & Qualifications
Katrina helps women business owners secure up to $100,000 in 100 days or less, with same-day approval and next-day funding.
Basic qualifications include: Credit score of 680+
Existing credit lines (at least $10,000)
A clear business mission and low-risk profile.


Avoiding Scams
Beware of unsolicited emails/texts promising easy money.
Do your homework: Check companies on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Look for testimonials and partnerships with reputable banks (e.g., Chase, American Express).

Never share sensitive information without verifying legitimacy.

Importance of a Business Plan
Funding is not free money—you need a strategic plan.
Katrina calls it a “money mission”: know exactly how funds will be deployed.
Without a plan, money disappears quickly, leading to debt and bad credit.

Family & Friends Lending
Treat personal loans like business loans: Have written agreements with terms, repayment schedule, and penalties.
Decide upfront if it’s a gift or a loan.


Services Offered by New Day for You Financial
SBA loans, equipment loans, purchase order financing.
Lines of credit and 0% interest credit cards (18–21 months).
Credit card stacking for higher funding amounts.
Credit restoration referrals for those with poor credit.

Success Story
Example: A tax accountant secured $160,000 in less than a week due to strong credit, revenue history, and a solid business plan.

Notable Quotes
“If you don’t have a plan for your money, your money will have a plan—and you’ll look up and it’s gone.”
“We don’t want to be out here racking up good debt and then you’re not going to be responsible.”
“You have to vet companies. Go to BBB, Google them, and check their credibility.”
“If I give you money, I decide—is it a gift or a loan? There are rules to borrowing money.”
“We say if you don’t get anything, we don’t get paid.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.