Strawberry Letter

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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.

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 Latrease Price-Gistard.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to educate listeners on the mortgage industry, highlight the role and benefits of working with an independent mortgage broker, and provide practical advice on home financing options, credit challenges, and programs that support homeownership. It also shares Latrease’s entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned.
Key Takeaways
Background and Career Path
Latrease has a finance degree and started in investment operations in 1999.
Transitioned from auto financing and co-owning a car dealership to mortgage lending.
Became an independent mortgage broker in 2022 after being laid off during rising interest rates.

Role of an Independent Mortgage Broker
Holds her own license and partners with multiple lenders to offer tailored loan products.
Advocates for borrowers to ensure they get the right product, not just approval.
Specializes in helping first-time buyers, self-employed individuals, and those with unique challenges.

Home Financing Insights
Reverse Mortgages: Typically for seniors 62+, often used by those 75+ with equity and limited retirement funds. Provides tax-free cash without monthly payments; debt settled upon sale or refinance.
Zero Down Payment Programs: Offers up to 3% for down payment, attached to the mortgage; other programs provide up to 5% for down payment and closing costs.
FHA 203K Program: Allows buyers to finance home purchase and renovations in one loan—ideal for fixer-uppers.

Credit Challenges
Programs exist for credit scores as low as 500, but require higher down payments (10–20%) and result in higher interest rates.
Latrease consults and provides “what-if” scenarios to help clients improve credit over time.

Entrepreneurial Lessons
Mistakes: Starting without enough capital and a strong pipeline; economic timing matters.
Advice: Build capital, secure a solid client pipeline, and understand market conditions before going independent.

Notable Quotes
On independence:
“As a broker, you serve as that advocate for your borrower to make sure they’re getting the right loan product.”

On reverse mortgages:
“The beauty of it is there are no monthly payments going back to the institution. The debt is paid off when the home is sold or refinanced.”

On credit challenges:
“Programs go as low as 500 credit score, but those borrowers need 10–20% down.”

On entrepreneurial advice:
“Make sure you have strong capital and a solid pipeline before stepping out on faith.”

On perseverance:
“It’s all about follow-through. It’s all about your dream and whether you want to make it happen.”

#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 Damon Haley

Co‑founder of Glow and Flow Beauty, discussing his transition from entertainment and sports marketing into the beauty-supply industry, his mission to elevate service for Black and Brown communities, and the franchising model he is rolling out nationwide. Hosted by Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations Masterclass, the conversation highlights Haley’s business philosophy, community-driven approach, and long-term vision to create ownership opportunities through franchising.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to:
1. Highlight Damon Haley’s entrepreneurial journey How he moved from high-level event production and marketing (Nike, Pepsi, Coke) into beauty retail.
2. Explain why the beauty-supply industry needs Black ownership Haley outlines the disconnect between Black consumer spending and the lack of Black-owned beauty-supply stores.
3. Promote Glow and Flow Beauty’s mission A service-first retail model designed to uplift, educate, and serve Black and Brown consumers with dignity.
4. Introduce Glow and Flow’s franchising opportunity Haley frames franchising as a path for individuals to enter business ownership with support and a proven model.
5. Inspire listeners to embrace change and pursue entrepreneurship He shares personal experiences overcoming naysayers and trusting his instincts.
📌 Key Takeaways from the Interview 1. The Beauty Industry Is a Huge, Under-Owned Space for Black Entrepreneurs Black consumers spend heavily on beauty, but historically have not owned the supply-chain or retail footprint.
Haley wants to change that by bringing ownership and pride back to local communities.
2. Glow and Flow Beauty Focuses on Service, Experience, and Community The stores celebrate culture (Breast Cancer Month, Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month).
Customer care is central—Haley emphasizes smiles, water for coughing customers, and creating “fabulousness.”
3. Franchising Eliminates the “Start From Zero” Problem Haley believes franchising is more accessible than starting independently because: You get a proven model.
You get supply-chain support.
You avoid costly mistakes.

4. Hair Is the Cornerstone of the Business Glow and Flow launched its own synthetic hair brand, SLAY (with 3 Ys).
Synthetic hair dominates due to affordability.
Human hair is sourced from Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
5. Inventory & Capital Are Major Barriers to Entry Beauty supply requires heavy up‑front inventory investment.
Glow and Flow stays heavily stocked to maintain customer trust.
6. Data + Marketing Experience = Competitive Advantage Haley leverages his corporate marketing background (Nike, Foot Locker) to optimize retail presentation, customer experience, and product mix.
7. His Long-Term Vision: 40 Stores Nationwide His exit strategy is to build 40 Glow and Flow stores (McDonald jokes he’d smile at 100).
8. E-commerce and Community Outreach Expand Their Reach GlowAndFlowBeauty.com sells products and SLAY hair online, with shipping and local pickup.
Stores support community fundraisers by including materials in shoppers’ bags (up to 5,000 per month).
💬 Notable Quotes (From the Transcript) On the power of beauty in the community “When we look good, we feel good. When we feel good, we be good, we do good.”
On why Black beauty ownership matters “We’re buyers… we’re consumers… we just don’t own.”
On moving into the beauty industry “We’ve had the short end of the stick — not only from recycling our Black dollars, but the concept of service.”
On franchising “You don’t start from zero with a franchise… you have a corporation behind you.”
On entrepreneurship and criticism “There’s jealous, envy, and naysayers… but I’ve never been fearful of change.”
On customer service “I try to give you other stuff… I give you a smile… if you cough, I’m gonna give you some water.”
On the importance of hair “Hair is the cornerstone of our beauty industry.”
On long-term ambitions “I would love to have maybe 40 Glow and Flows nationwide.”
#SHMS #BEST #STRAW
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 Stacey Allen.
The founder and artistic director of Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective. This episode blends art, activism, education, and cultural preservation through the lens of Black history and dance.
Here are the key highlights:
🎭 About Stacey Allen
Founder of Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective, a professional dance company focused on art and wellness through the lens of Black women and girls.
Author of two children’s books, including: A Little Optimism Goes a Long Way (introduces children to Katherine Dunham)
D is for Dance and for the Diaspora (A–Z guide to African diaspora dance styles)

Recipient of the 2024 Children’s Publication Award from the National Association of Multicultural Education.
🩰 Dance as Activism
Stacy uses dance to tell stories of African American history, identity, and empowerment.
Her performances are rooted in education, cultural preservation, and social justice.
She emphasizes that dance is not just performance—it’s a tool for healing, storytelling, and activism.
🌍 Cultural Legacy & Freedom Colonies
Stacy’s work includes performances like The Fairy Tale Project, which tells the love story of the founders of the Sankofa Freedom Colony in Texas.
She collaborates with the Texas Freedom Colonies Project, which documents over 500 historically Black settlements in Texas.
These colonies were founded by formerly enslaved people post-emancipation and are often overlooked in mainstream history.
🌊 Emotional Pilgrimage
Stacy shares her transformative experience visiting Gorée Island in Senegal, a major slave port, and draws parallels to Galveston, Texas, where Juneteenth originated.
She reflects on the emotional weight of visiting ancestral lands and how it informs her art and mission.
📚 Educational Mission
Through her books, performances, and workshops (including in juvenile detention centers), Stacy educates youth and communities about Black history and identity.
She believes that knowing your history empowers your future.
📣 How to Connect with Stacy
Website: www.niasdaughters.com
Instagram: @niasdaughters
Facebook: Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective
💬 Rushion’s Reflections
Rushion expresses deep admiration for Stacy’s passion and educational impact.
He emphasizes the importance of sharing her work widely, especially the history of Texas Freedom Colonies, which he compares to the Underground Railroad in significance.
#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 Ingrid Jacobs.
A veteran enterprise leader, former HR executive, and Chief Growth Officer for The Revenue Retreat, a luxury boutique retreat for executive women who want to build profitable businesses without burnout. She and Rushion discuss her corporate background, her unique approach to customer integration, the challenges women face in entrepreneurship, pricing psychology, common business mistakes, age-related limiting beliefs, and the transformational design of her retreat program.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The purpose of Ingrid’s appearance was to:
1. Share her expertise in helping high‑achieving women build sustainable, profitable businesses
Ingrid works with corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and women ready to transition from corporate careers into entrepreneurship.
2. Highlight The Revenue Retreat
She explains how the retreat helps women clarify their offer, price correctly, identify customers, and prepare mentally and emotionally for entrepreneurship.
3. Educate listeners on business fundamentals
Rushion brings her on to break down pricing, customer targeting, confidence, and transitioning from corporate “9–5” to entrepreneurship.
4. Address issues unique to women, executives, and people of color
Especially around pricing themselves correctly, recovering from burnout, and building confidence in their value.
💡 Key Takeaways
1. Corporate experience can translate powerfully into entrepreneurship
Ingrid spent two decades at companies like Raytheon, Whirlpool, and JLL, working in HR, human capital, and DEI.
She emphasizes she wasn’t a traditional HR leader—she focused on customer integration, business growth, and improving client outcomes.
2. High‑achieving women aren’t only executives
They can be community leaders, nonprofit leaders, or entrepreneurs who excel in their areas but may not have formal corporate titles.
3. Entrepreneurship requires more work—especially early on
New entrepreneurs often don’t realize they must handle every aspect of the business themselves: operations, marketing, sales, pricing, and delivery.
4. Pricing is one of the biggest challenges for women and people of color
Key problems:
Undervaluing their expertise
Fear of charging what they’re worth
Worrying clients won’t pay higher rates
Getting mentally stuck in low pricing
Ingrid says women often dramatically underprice themselves and need help adjusting their mindset.
5. Knowing your customer matters more than trying to sell to everyone
Selling to “anybody” makes entrepreneurs sound desperate; true growth comes from targeting the right buyer and offering a solution they value.
6. Avoid common first‑year business mistakes
These include:
Poor pricing
Not knowing your ideal customer
Doing everything for everyone
Expanding into too many offerings too fast
Operating out of desperation rather than strategy
7. Age is an asset—not a liability
Older entrepreneurs bring wisdom, experience, critical thinking, and problem‑solving ability.
She argues people use age as a cover for deeper fears about failure and judgment.
8. The Revenue Retreat combines luxury, education, and wellness
The retreat model includes:
A luxury residential environment
Chef‑prepared meals
12‑woman cohorts
Business planning rigor
Pricing clarity
Customer identification
Mental and emotional readiness
Wellness activities
8‑weeks of virtual follow‑up coaching
It’s intentionally structured as not a workshop but a holistic transformation experience. [
9. She priced her retreat through competitive research + self‑awareness
She studied other programs, benchmarked pricing, calculated expenses, and aligned it with her unique “sweet spot”—monetization skill + passion for helping women + love of hosting experiences.
🗣 Notable Quotes (with citations) On her corporate background
“Bring me on board if you're looking for figuring out how do we get better customer integration… so that we can zero in on more sales.”
On defining high‑achieving women
“There are movers and shakers who don’t necessarily have a corporate pedigree, but they are still getting things done.”
On underpricing
“Many times women… fall in this trap where they're scared to put out the real amount.” [
On realizing she was undercharging
“I wasn't even charging half of what she was saying… that epiphany changed the game for me.”
On first‑year mistakes
“Desperation is palpable… and that is a turnoff.” [
On age
“Age to me is an asset… you’ve got cognitive rigor.”
On burnout
“A lot of people who are interested in this work are already burned out and don’t even recognize their own signs.”
On what the retreat delivers
“We help everyone come up with their pricing, what is their product… and wrap up where people have a plan forward.” [
Her core sales pitch
“I offer executive women a retreat where they can experience luxury and end with a business plan they can use Monday morning to drive revenue.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.