Strawberry Letter

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brett Chestnut.
Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual Goodwin, Wright Gwinnett. The conversation centers on Brett’s mission as a financial leader, his journey from engineering to financial planning, his commitment to mentoring, and his focus on expanding diversity in the financial services industry.
Brett describes how he transitioned from engineering in 2015 to financial planning because he wanted to help people regain the ability to dream—not just survive. He discusses his work in recruiting diverse advisors, supporting career‑shifting professionals, mentoring, and educating people on foundational financial decision‑making.
The interview also explores money mindsets, budgeting, the challenges of building wealth in communities of color, and the often‑overlooked emotional side of money. Brett emphasizes starting with the basics, not skipping steps (e.g., jumping straight to cryptocurrency), and building strong financial foundations.
Rushion repeatedly highlights Brett as a powerful brand and role model, underscoring the importance of Black leadership in financial fields and the role of representation in increasing trust and access.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview’s purpose is to:
1. Introduce Brett Chestnut as a trusted financial leader
Rushion aims to elevate Brett’s visibility as a Black managing director in financial services—an industry where representation has traditionally been limited.
2. Educate listeners on financial empowerment
Brett provides practical, relatable guidance on budgeting, investing, career transitions, and developing financial discipline.
3. Highlight Northwestern Mutual’s diversity initiatives
Brett explains how the company is intentionally investing in diverse advisors and underserved markets.
4. Inspire career‑based and financial self‑reflection
He encourages people to examine their spending habits, consider new career paths, and align decisions with long-term goals.
5. Promote mentorship and community uplift
Both Brett and Rushion stress the transformative power of mentorship and generational investment.
Key Takeaways
1. Financial empowerment starts with awareness
Brett urges everyone to analyze their last 2–3 months of spending to understand what their habits really prioritize.
2. You must “choose your hard”
Saving and planning may be difficult now, but the alternative is harder later. Financial success requires discipline, not magic formulas.
3. Wealth building is emotional as much as logical
Money connects to family, relationships, self‑worth, stress, and confidence. Advisors must understand clients emotionally, not just mathematically—especially women and diverse communities.
4. Don’t skip steps (especially with investing and crypto)
Many want to “get rich fast,” but Brett warns that skipping foundational steps (budgeting, savings, retirement planning) leads to confusion and poor decisions.
5. Mentorship works only with real relationship
True mentorship requires understanding someone’s full life story, not just giving advice.
6. Representation matters in financial services
Northwestern Mutual is investing heavily in diverse advisors not just for optics, but because entire markets have been historically underserved.
7. Closing the wealth gap requires generational strategy
One generation must be willing to be selfless, disciplined, and intentional with assets to move future generations forward.
8. Brett sees his work as multiplying impact
By developing new advisors and helping create “15 millionaires,” he hopes to create compounding community uplift.
Notable Quotes
On financial empowerment
“I want people to dream again. We’re not dreaming no more—we’re living because of obligation.”
“When we’re born we look like our parents, but when we die, we look like our decisions.”
On career purpose
“I help people who are successful but career‑disturbed. They want more.”
On money habits
“Look at your last three months of spending. Your money tells you what your real priorities are.”
On investing and crypto
“People want to skip steps… going from no savings straight to crypto.”
“If you don’t understand it, maybe it’s not time for you to invest in it.”
On mentorship
“To give someone feedback without relationship is harassment.”
“Let me hear your story… mentorship starts with knowing the inner person.”
On diversity and empowerment
“Their growth strategy is diversity… whole markets haven’t even been called on yet.”
On community and identity
“We’re special… if we regain that confidence and approach the marketplace with courage, everything changes.”
On wealth-building reality
“You have to choose your hard. Hard now or hard later.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Leonard S. Graham.
Social Security disability advocate, Leonard S. Graham joined Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations Master Class to explain how Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) really work, who qualifies, and how misconceptions prevent people—especially within the Black community—from receiving benefits they are legally entitled to. Graham has over 35 years of experience assisting clients nationwide with disability claims, appeals, and hearings.
The conversation sheds light on the disability process, eligibility, the appeals system, the role of advocates vs. attorneys, and the importance of education, honesty, and persistence in navigating Social Security.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
Educate listeners on Social Security disability benefits, including eligibility, filing, and appeals.
Debunk common myths, such as the belief disability is only for seniors.
Explain SSDI vs. SSI, work credits, resource limits, and Medicare connections.
Highlight the importance of advocacy, especially for underserved communities unfamiliar with the system.
Encourage individuals not to fear or stigmatize applying for disability, and to avoid misinformation from non‑professionals.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Disability Isn’t Just for Seniors
Many mistakenly think Social Security disability is only for people over 65, but anyone with the required work credits can qualify, regardless of age—even individuals in their 20s or 30s.
2. Working Does NOT Automatically Disqualify You
Applicants can work while applying as long as they do not exceed the monthly substantial gainful activity (SGA) threshold of $1,690 per month.
3. Every Claim Is Unique—Don’t Compare Your Case to Others
Graham warns clients not to take advice from neighbors or relatives because each disability case depends on medical evidence, work history, age, and individual conditions.
4. SSDI Requires Work Credits; SSI Is Needs-Based
SSDI: Requires 20 credits minimum, 40 credits for maximum benefit, earned through past work. Assets do not affect eligibility.
SSI: For people with low resources ($2,000 single / $3,000 married). Primary home/car do not count as resources.
5. Medicare Comes After Approval
Medicare eligibility begins 24 months after being awarded SSDI benefits.
6. Appeals Are Normal—Most Initial Claims Are Denied
95% of initial applications are denied, and the real opportunity often comes during a hearing before an administrative law judge. Persistence is essential.
7. Honesty Prevents Fraud & Overpayments
Applicants should always disclose their financial situation truthfully to avoid fraud investigations and repayment demands.
8. Disability Benefits Can Provide Back Pay
Approved claimants often receive a Notice of Award detailing monthly benefits and any back pay owed. Representatives are only paid from back pay—not monthly benefits.
9. Stigma & Fear Prevent People from Applying
Graham emphasizes that pride, fear, and misinformation often stop people—especially in the Black community—from seeking help, even when disability support could save them financially.
🗣️ Notable Quotes ✔ On Who Needs Disability
“What if you get in a car accident… or have an illness and you can’t work? Those are reasons to file for disability.”
✔ On Misinformation
“Don’t talk to your neighbor or relatives about your claim… Each claim is its own individual claim.”

✔ On Work Limits
“You can still work and have an active claim as long as you don’t gross over $1,690 a month.”
✔ On Stigma
“Some people feel applying for benefits makes them look a certain way. But the system is there to help you when you are unable to work.”
✔ On Honesty
“Just tell the truth. If they catch you on the fraud side, you’ll have to pay the money back.”
✔ On Perseverance
“Getting a denial is nothing out of the norm… The key is to continue with the claim.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alaysia Miller.
A certified nurse practitioner, travel nurse practitioner, and founder of NP Luxe CPR, a Florida-based CPR training company.
Alaysia discusses her journey from nurse to travel nurse practitioner, how frontline burnout pushed her into entrepreneurship, and why she launched a CPR education business. She explains the financial and lifestyle advantages of travel nursing, the importance of mentorship, the realities of entrepreneurship, and the major CPR survival gap in Black and underserved communities.
Rushion and Alaysia also dive into leadership, negotiating contracts, building a lucrative CPR business, and empowering community health through education.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
1. Showcase a path to financial freedom through nursing entrepreneurship
By highlighting travel nurse contracting and CPR instruction as viable wealth‑building vehicles.
2. Highlight the importance of CPR education in underserved communities
Especially addressing the survival gap in Black communities due to low CPR literacy.
3. Encourage aspiring entrepreneurs—especially women and healthcare workers
By sharing Alaysia’s experiences with mentorship, confidence building, and launching a service-based business.
4. Educate listeners on the realities of entrepreneurship
Including time demands, imposter syndrome, and the need for consistency and proper pricing.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Travel Nurse Practitioners Have High Earning Potential
As a staff NP she would earn $100k per year, but as a travel NP she earned $100k in six months while gaining time freedom and flexibility.
Travel NP work is paid via 1099, opening the door to tax write-offs, investment flexibility, and entrepreneurial benefits.
2. Burnout Was the Catalyst for Change
Working six days a week during COVID and the pressure of commercialized urgent-care systems led to burnout, weight gain, and loss of self. This pushed Alaysia toward traveling, where she worked half the time for double the pay.
3. CPR Survival Rates Are Lower in Black & Underserved Communities
Alaysia explains that lack of exposure, knowledge, and basic emergency training leads to significantly lower cardiac survival rates in communities of color.
She addresses this through her nonprofit We Push Health, which brings CPR and medical education to rural and urban communities.
4. You Don’t Need to Reinvent the Wheel—Mentorship Is Key
She learned about mentorship in 2024 and emphasizes that mentors help you avoid costly mistakes and speed up your path.
“Find someone who is the ideal image of what you want to be and mimic what they do.”.
5. CPR Businesses Are Lucrative and Accessible
Almost every industry requires CPR certification:
Healthcare
Schools & daycares
Gyms
Police & fire departments
Hotels
Tattoo studios
These make CPR instruction a strong side hustle or full-time business, especially for healthcare professionals who already understand the material.
6. Entrepreneurship Requires Real Work
Alaysia breaks down the less glamorous side of building a business:
Imposter syndrome
The need for consistent marketing
Pricing confidently
Long hours initially
Learning branding, systems, and follow-up
“You only eat what you kill.”.
7. Communication and Adaptability Are Leadership Superpowers
Travel nursing requires walking into unfamiliar environments and leading without overpowering. She emphasizes:
Reading the room
Adjusting communication styles
Delegating the right way
Being assertive but team-oriented
“Adaptability is number one.”.
8. Negotiation Skills Changed Her Entire Career
She learned to stop undervaluing herself and start negotiating confidently:
First contract: underpriced
Second contract: raised rates dramatically
Uses supply‑and‑demand to justify price increases
“You miss 100% of the shots you never take.”.]
🗣️ Notable Quotes On Entrepreneurship
“If you know how to save a life, don’t you think you know how to run a business?”.
“You only eat what you kill.”.
On Burnout
“I lost myself giving it to a job.”.
On Community Health
“They can’t know what they don’t know.”
“Survival rates for cardiac arrest are significantly lower in communities of color because they lack access to basic emergency skills.”.
On Mentorship
“You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to be successful.”
“Find someone who is the ideal image of what you want to be.”.
On Negotiation
“What’s the worst they can say? No.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mowbray and Cherina Rowand
Co-founders of The Rowand Group and One Stop Taxes, the largest Black-owned virtual tax preparation service in America. The interview highlights their business evolution, scaling strategies, community impact, and the creation of the Black Tax Festival.
🧭 Interview Outline 1. Background & Origins
Both from Memphis, Tennessee; met in high school.
Started tax preparation in 2010 as a mom-and-pop operation.
Transitioned from brick-and-mortar to virtual model by 2015.
2. Business Philosophy
Entrepreneurship is defined as service to others.
Mowbray is the visionary; Cherina is the implementer.
Emphasis on scaling with structure: legal, accounting, HR.
3. One Stop Taxes
Grew from a single office to over 1,000 virtual franchise locations.
Offers free training, no startup costs, and shared revenue model.
Built a platform allowing clients to submit documents and sign remotely.
4. Virtual Tax Model
Designed for convenience and accessibility.
Clients and tax preparers never need to meet in person.
Platform includes document upload, e-signature, and cloud storage.
5. Franchise & Training
Learning Management System (LMS) for onboarding.
Training includes tax prep, customer acquisition, and platform use.
Strategic partnerships with local businesses (e.g., dealerships, daycares).
6. Black Tax Festival
Annual event held in Atlanta
Combines networking, education, and recognition.
Includes IRS updates, business workshops, and the Titan Awards.
Open to all entrepreneurs, not just tax professionals.
7. Expansion & Diversification
Own restaurants in Memphis and the Dominican Republic.
Franchised Fat Tuesday and Esco Restaurant (did \$1M in first 6 weeks).
Own a yacht for rental experiences in the DR.
Plans to develop a restaurant strip near FedExForum in Memphis.
💡 Key Takeaways
Vision + Execution = Growth: Their complementary roles fuel business success.
Virtual is Scalable: Transitioning to virtual allowed exponential growth.
Community Impact Matters: Black Tax Festival fosters education and recognition.
Diversification is Strategic: Restaurants and real estate expand their brand.
Mentorship & Learning: They study successful entrepreneurs like Tilman Fertitta.
Faith & Family Drive: Their journey is rooted in love, planning, and purpose.
🗣️ Notable Quotes
“Entrepreneurship means being a servant to other people.”
“The same thing that works at \$1M doesn’t work at \$15M.”
“We had to fire ourselves from some jobs and hire professionals.”
“We built a platform where you can do taxes from your couch.”
“We started before social media—we know belly-to-belly marketing.”
“Recognition matters—people don’t get it at home or work.”
“We’re trying to bridge the wealth gap through proper paperwork.”
“We bought a yacht in the Dominican Republic to rent for experiences.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Yasmine Cheyenne.
📝 Summary of the Interview
Yasmine Cheyenne, an Air Force veteran, mental wellness advocate, and author, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss her journey from a disadvantaged upbringing to becoming a published author and wellness coach. She shared insights from her books—The Sugar Jar and her latest, Wisdom of the Path—which focus on boundaries, healing, and self-empowerment. The conversation explored her military experience, personal transformation, and how she helps others confront fear and reclaim their lives.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks
Fear of failure and disappointment keeps many people stuck.
Yasmine encourages people to confront fear and take action anyway.
Her own decision to join the Air Force was a leap of faith that changed her life.
2. Military Discipline and Life Lessons
The Air Force taught her discipline, consistency, and resilience.
She applies these lessons to her personal and professional life.
Quote: “Do you want to bet on yourself? Be willing to believe in yourself.”
3. Writing as Empowerment
Her first book, The Sugar Jar, focuses on boundaries and self-care.
Her second book, Wisdom of the Path, is about using past experiences as wisdom, not shame.
Writing helped her transform her life and inspire others from similar backgrounds.
4. Boundaries and Self-Prioritization
Without boundaries, people become overwhelmed and resentful.
Saying “no” and advocating for yourself is essential to mental wellness.
Quote: “We have to get comfortable letting people be disappointed with us.”
5. Redefining “Selfish”
Being selfish is often misunderstood.
Prioritizing yourself is necessary for success and well-being.
Quote: “Every successful person has had to be selfish at some point.”
6. Wisdom of the Path
The book encourages readers to trust their instincts and take the next step.
It’s not a checklist—it’s a collection of relatable stories and reflections.
Quote: “Use those experiences that you’re judging yourself for as wisdom to help you move forward.”
7. Mental Wellness Practice
Yasmine helps people through coaching, writing, and speaking.
She emphasizes healing through storytelling and shared experiences.
8. Accessibility
Her books are available in print, digital, and audio formats.
She personally narrates the audiobook version of Wisdom of the Path.
💬 Notable Quotes
“Even if things fail, you have what it takes to get yourself to where you want to be.”
“Take the meat and leave the bone.”
“You already know what the next step is. What would happen if you just took it?”
“We’ve been an enemy toward ourselves for years and don’t even realize it.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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