Strawberry Letter

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ryan Richmond and Greg Bowman.
Co‑owners of Popcorn Remix, a Georgia‑based gourmet popcorn brand known for more than 60 innovative flavors ranging from King Crab Legs to Charlene’s Banana Pudding to chocolate‑covered strawberry.
Together they share their partnership story, the origin of Popcorn Remix, the explosive growth of their brand, how they built a powerhouse fundraising platform (WePowerFundraisers.com), their expansion into major sports and entertainment venues, and the unique combination of hustle, creativity, faith, and community service that drives their success.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview was designed to:
1. Highlight the Popcorn Remix brand and its explosive growth
From a storefront in Conyers, GA, to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Truist Park, the Georgia World Congress Center, the Atlanta Dream, and major convention centers.
2. Showcase their entrepreneurship journey as Black founders
They share how they partnered, overcame limitations, created their own lane, and scaled a product category long dominated by major national brands.
3. Promote their fundraising platform (WePowerFundraisers.com)
A system that gives organizations up to 50% of gross sales, ships popcorn directly to supporters, and supports churches, schools, nonprofits, cheer teams, and more.
4. Inspire entrepreneurs
Greg and Ryan share candid advice on partnership, sacrifice, differentiating your product, and believing in your gifts.
💡 Key Takeaways
1. A Powerful Partnership Built on Hustle, Trust & Alignment
Greg and Ryan met years ago through a men’s empowerment group and eventually partnered after Greg conceived the popcorn concept.
Ryan didn’t have the money but had “all the hustle in the world”—and that’s the partnership foundation.
They call themselves the Visionary & Executioner, committing to outwork anyone and always show up for each other.
2. Popcorn Remix Was Created to “Remix” What Popcorn Could Be
The brand name came from their church’s theme, “Year of the Remix.”
They wanted flavors never seen before: butter pecan, crab legs, chocolate‑covered strawberry, cookies and cream, lemon pound cake, jerk chicken, etc. [
Only three people in the world know the signature butter pecan formula.
3. Their Innovation Extends Beyond Flavors — Even the Kernels Are Different
They use “mushroom” kernels (round, fluffy) instead of standard “butterfly” kernels to prevent breakage, reduce seed fragments, and support orthodontic patients. [
Their popcorn is fluffier, smoother, and more versatile for gourmet coating.
4. The Storefront Is an In‑Person Experience
The Conyers, GA store provides:
Free sampling of all 60+ flavors
Music based on the time of day
Engaging, fun staff
Fresh gourmet popcorn made on-site
The storefront is intentionally designed to be a “vibe.”
5. Live Activations Are Their Secret Weapon
Their background in music and entertainment helps them:
Work crowds
Convert curious customers into buyers
Perform high‑energy demos
Showcase “activation flavors” like Lemon Pound Cake, which comes with instructions
These activations drew attention at Falcons games, arenas, conventions, and more.
6. Popcorn Remix Is in Major Venues Across Georgia
They have partnerships with:
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (all levels)
Truist Park / Atlanta Braves
State Farm Arena
Atlanta Dream
Georgia World Congress Center
Georgia International Convention Center
They’re a favorite for cheer, volleyball, and large-scale events.
7. Their Brand Went Viral — Celebrities and even the White House Took Notice
Celebrity/luminary support includes:
Whoopi Goldberg
Daymond John
Sherri Shepherd
Anthony Hamilton
Cathy Hughes (Radio One/TV One founder)
The White House (Hip-Hop 50th celebration invitation)
Their popcorn has literally made it to the White House.
8. Their Fundraising Platform Is a Game-Changer
WePowerFundraisers.com gives:
Up to 50% of gross sales to organizations
Automated direct‑to-door delivery
No upfront costs
10‑day fundraiser windows
Ten curated flavors for easy purchase
They’re now targeting national Greek organizations (“Divine Nine”) to scale. [
9. Massive Growth: $1.5 Million in 3 Years
They realized they “had something” when they hit $1.5 million in revenue, without debt, and only two founders running things.
They even had to turn down a $4M deal because they didn’t yet have the production capacity—prompting them to invest heavily in a new warehouse.
10. They Reinvented Their Ops with Subscriptions & TikTok Shops
They recently added:
A monthly popcorn subscription
A TikTok Shop that allows creators to sell Popcorn Remix and earn revenue
These innovations help them scale nationally.
🗣 Notable Quotes (with citations) On their partnership
“He said, ‘I ain’t got a whole bunch of money… but I got all the hustle in the world.’”
On their role to each other
“I refuse to be outworked… whenever you call, I’m available.”
On Popcorn Remix’s purpose
“We want to remix popcorn… make it unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.”
On competition
“When you're going against a giant, you gotta have something real… We had a rocket launcher.”
On their breakthrough moment
“We grossed $1.5 million in three years… from popcorn. I knew we had something.”
On celebrity validation
“When Whoopi sent the picture… and then the White House… that was it.”
On entrepreneurship
“Dreams don’t expire. How you start is not how you finish.”
On community fundraising
“It’s one thing to ask for something. It’s another to give something back.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Diane Strand
An award‑winning serial entrepreneur, media producer, speaker, and coach. She is the co‑founder of JDS Video & Media Productions, a seven‑figure production company, and the creator of DigiFest, a major digital‑media and arts festival in Temecula, California.
Diane shares her journey from a dyslexic child discouraged from pursuing the arts, to a Hollywood professional working on television hits like Friends, General Hospital, and Veronica’s Closet, to a successful entrepreneur empowering creative to turn their passions into profitable businesses. She discusses resilience, visibility, storytelling, leadership, the power of the arts, and how she built DigiFest into a hub for digital creators, students, and industry professionals.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview highlights:
1. Diane’s evolution from Hollywood talent to business owner
Her shift from TV and production work to launching her own media company and coaching others.
2. The mission behind DigiFest
Why she created an annual digital media festival to bridge Hollywood and emerging creators.
3. How the arts empower people personally and professionally
Diane explains how creativity builds communication skills, confidence, resilience, and community.
4. Her framework for turning passion into profit
Through storytelling, visibility strategies, networking, and stepping outside comfort zones.
5. Advice for future generations of creatives and entrepreneurs
Her approach to learning, mentorship, and launching ideas before feeling “ready.”
💡 Key Takeaways
1. Creativity + Storytelling = Universal Power
Diane defines the arts broadly: anything involving storytelling—painting, acting, photography, filmmaking, writing, animation, design, music, digital content.
She emphasizes that the arts are inclusive, accessible to all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
The arts train:
Communication
Confidence
Problem‑solving
Thick skin
Resilience
Adaptability
These skills transfer directly to business and leadership.
2. Overcoming Dyslexia and Early Discouragement
As a child, she struggled with reading and undiagnosed dyslexia.
People—including her parents—told her she shouldn’t pursue the arts. She refused to listen.
Her determination led to winning the role of Betsy Ross in her second‑grade play, igniting her lifelong creative path.
3. A Successful Run in Hollywood
When Showtime rejected her, she went back to school to get her bachelor’s degree, then returned and worked on major productions such as:
Friends
General Hospital
Veronica’s Closet
Hollywood taught her professionalism, creativity, and authenticity—but also that the industry can be cutthroat and subjective.
4. Passion → Purpose → Profits
Diane explains that passion alone isn’t enough.
The real breakthrough comes when passion turns into a purpose, which then creates profits. [
She discovered this when she left Hollywood within 15 seconds of agreeing to start her own production business after realizing reality TV’s lifestyle conflicted with being a present parent.
Her success framework includes:
High visibility
Networking
Leveraging the “Hollywood effect”
Storytelling as authority
Consistency
Constant learning
5. Building a Seven‑Figure Media Company
JDS Productions creates professional video content, marketing media, casting calls, and digital products.
She used door‑to‑door outreach, chamber of commerce networking, public speaking, and visibility strategies to grow.
6. Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
Diane repeatedly stresses:
Growth happens in discomfort
Saying yes leads to opportunity
Visibility requires vulnerability
Today she speaks on national stages, podcasts, and industry events—something that once required tremendous courage.
7. DigiFest: Her Digital Media Festival
DigiFest was created when the long‑running Temecula film and music festival shut down, and the city asked her to take over. She refused to run a traditional film festival and instead created something aligned with her expertise—digital media.
DigiFest is:
A competition
A networking event
An educational conference
A celebration of digital storytelling
Festival features include:
Workshops (AI, film, podcasting, animation, scriptwriting)
Celebrity speakers (Curtis Young, Colin Egglesfield, Sam Larsen, Justin Guarini)
Film screenings
Performances
Red carpet
Awards
Professional‑student collaboration
It spans three days every April (Fri–Sun) at her 10,000 sq ft studio space in Temecula.
8. Women in Hollywood & Finding Her Voice
Diane acknowledges that Hollywood can be sexist, abusive, and insensitive to women.
She faced inappropriate situations during her work on reality TV—but quickly made clear she “does not play like that.” [
She helps other women and young creatives find confidence, courage, and professional boundaries.
9. Resilience, Ethics, and “Haters”
Diane remains grounded in:
Ethical behavior
Professionalism
Strong documentation
Karma
Leading by example
She believes leadership gets more public as you climb, and criticism is inevitable when you challenge others.
10. Advice for the Next Generation
Her advice is timeless:
“Start before you’re ready.”
If she waited for perfection, she never would’ve launched DigiFest or her company.
Say yes, show up, be visible, and trust that your purpose will reveal itself through action.
🗣 Notable Quotes On dreams and action
“A dream is direction, realization, evaluation, and taking action to create momentum.”
On the power of the arts
“The arts are inclusive. They teach resilience, confidence, and how to get back up.”
On her Hollywood departure
“I said yes within 15 seconds… I wanted something more for me and my family.” [
On growth
“When you get comfortable being uncomfortable, you’re going to grow.”
On DigiFest
“It’s anything that lives in the digital space—from film to AI to podcasting to animation.”
On overcoming discouragement
“I was told I shouldn’t or couldn’t… but I said, ‘Just watch me.’”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Bamidele Farinre
Founder of No Ceiling Consulting, a biomedical scientist, STEM expert, agile project manager, and advocate for professional development, mentorship, and removing internal and systemic limitations (“ceilings”).
They discuss her STEM background, the evolving role of AI in science, the meaning of “no ceilings,” navigating personal and professional barriers, mentorship, setbacks, agile leadership, and how individuals—especially people of color—can create opportunity even in the face of bias and structural limitations.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The purpose of having Bamidele on the show was to:
1. Highlight her work at No Ceiling Consulting
Her firm helps individuals and organizations unlock potential, elevate performance, and lead with purpose, specializing in STEM leadership, DEI, professional development, and agile project management.
2. Explore the concept of “No Ceilings”
She provides a framework for breaking through personal and professional barriers—emphasizing that many “ceilings” are internal, learned, or based on access and systemic issues.
3. Discuss STEM, AI, and the future of work
She explains the growing role of automation and AI, how it reshapes STEM roles, and why professionals must upskill, adapt, and embrace professional development.
4. Provide strategies for career advancement
Her insights include mentorship, persistence, self‑advocacy, managing setbacks, and adopting agile mindsets.
💡 Key Takeaways
1. STEM + AI = New Opportunities, Not Job Loss
Automation and AI enhance efficiency, reduce manual labor, and create new roles—especially in labs and diagnostics. Instead of replacing workers, AI demands that professionals upskill and leverage technology for faster, better outcomes.
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2. “No Ceilings” Means Removing Internal + External Barriers
Bamidele distinguishes between:
Personal ceilings
Internal doubts
Imposter syndrome
Feeling “not enough” despite capability
Learned perceptions from bias or discouraging environments
Professional ceilings
Being overlooked for opportunities
Lack of access to resources (even when resources exist)
Systemic barriers, bias, and limited upward mobility
“No ceilings” means operating from a mindset of possibility, not limitation.

3. Mentorship Is the Missing Link in Many Careers
Mentorship provides:
Guidance
Access
A blueprint from those who have “been there”
Confidence building
She explains that while mentorship is more visible today, access to the right mentorship still matters.

4. Setbacks Are Strategies in Disguise
She argues setbacks can redirect you to more aligned paths. Her personal example:
She failed her A‑level science subjects in the UK
A lecturer told her to “rethink her career”
Instead, she re‑enrolled, tried again, and succeeded
Setbacks force reassessment, new strategies, and new paths—if you don’t let them define you.

5. Professional Success Requires Initiative and Advocacy
She emphasizes:
Don’t wait for opportunities—go after them
Knock on multiple doors
Apply for roles even if you don’t feel 100% ready
Learn from interviews even if you don’t get the job
Rushion supports this point with his IBM story: opportunity started when he stopped complaining and clearly shared his goals.

6. Agile Leadership Applies Beyond Technology
Agile principles help leaders:
Think quickly and adapt
Focus on collaboration and accountability
Encourage self‑management
Support teams through “servant leadership”
Reflect and iterate rather than waiting for perfect plans
Agile mindset = resilience + responsiveness.

7. Faith, Vision, and Purpose Drive Her Journey
Bamidele speaks candidly about:
Faith guiding her through rejection and setbacks
Conversations with God grounding her
Believing her life is a “living testimony” of grace and perseverance

🗣 Notable Quotes (with citations) On AI and automation
“Automation makes life easier… without it, manual methods take hours, weeks, months to get results.”
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On embracing AI
“AI is not taking your jobs, but those that ignore the AI will be left behind.”

On personal ceilings
“You’re thinking to yourself, ‘I can’t do it,’ even though you have the evidence to show you can.”

On professional ceilings
“You may have access, but you don’t have access to access.”

On initiative
“I don’t wait for opportunities—I always go for it. Worst case, you’ll say no.”

On setbacks
“When you have a setback, you’re thinking: what can I do? This can’t stop me.”

On mindset
“Life is all about risk. You have to look for solutions; there has to be another way.”

On faith
“Grace carried me to where I am today… my life is a living testimony.”

On the meaning of ‘No Ceilings’
“Why do we even have a ceiling in the first place? Let’s operate in a world where we don’t see the ceiling—only possibilities.”
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#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dawnn Lewis.
Summary of the Interview
On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dawnn Lewis—iconic actress, singer, songwriter, voice actress, philanthropist, and founder of the A New Day Foundation. The conversation traces her extraordinary career, starting from her childhood as a singer, dancer, and actor, through her rise to fame on A Different World, her decades-long voiceover career (including The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks), and her ongoing philanthropic work supporting youth nationwide.
Dawnn discusses the challenges of being a multi-talented artist in an industry eager to box people into one lane, how A Different World both elevated and pigeonholed her, and how animation opened a vast new chapter for her that has lasted more than 30 years. She shares her philosophy on longevity, discipline, relationships, and the responsibility to give back. The interview also highlights her foundation’s programs supporting students, HBCUs, and underserved communities.
Purpose of the Interview
1. Celebrate Dawnn Lewis’s multi-decade, multi-disciplinary career
The interview showcases the depth of her talent—from singing and songwriting to acting, animation, and Broadway.
2. Highlight representation and legacy
Dawnn discusses the cultural impact of A Different World and her groundbreaking role as a Black female captain in Star Trek: Lower Decks.
3. Inspire audiences with her journey from Bed-Stuy to global success
Her story emphasizes perseverance, big dreaming, and ignoring limitations others impose.
4. Promote the A New Day Foundation
Dawnn details programs empowering youth, HBCU students, and underserved communities.
5. Provide insight into surviving and thriving in entertainment
She shares the importance of relationships, versatility, and constant self-improvement.
Key Takeaways
1. She was a “triple threat” long before Hollywood discovered her
Singing, dancing, and acting from age 7–11, she began performing professionally at 10 and even launched her own musical theatre degree program at the University of Miami.
2. A Different World brought fame but also typecasting
While it launched her into global visibility, it also led people to underestimate her songwriting, music, and voiceover abilities.
3. Her voice acting career spans more than 30 years
She has voiced characters on The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Craig of the Creek, Fairly OddParents, Mortal Kombat, and many more.
Her entry into animation came from imitating her young niece for a role.
4. Representation matters deeply to her
Seeing Nichelle Nichols on Star Trek inspired her as a child; today, Dawnn is one of the very few Black captains in the Star Trek universe.
5. The industry rewards resilience and relationships
Dawnn emphasizes that her longevity comes from consistently doing excellent work and nurturing her professional network.
6. She founded the A New Day Foundation to uplift youth
Her programs serve teens, HBCU students, and communities nationwide, providing mentorship, laptops, scholarships, and life skills training.
7. Dawnn’s journey is one of intentional growth and constant reinvention
She never stopped expanding—into Broadway, television, songwriting, animation, philanthropy, and leadership.
Notable Quotes
(All quotes from the uploaded transcript.)
On talent and early training
“I was singing, dancing at seven, acting at eleven… doing all three professionally since I was about ten years old.”
“I thought I was going to be a recording artist… I had my own single out. I was charting on Billboard.”
On being boxed in
“I didn’t start getting pigeonholed until I did A Different World… now you’re just an actress.”
On entering animation
“There weren’t very many people of color in the animation world… the director said, ‘Who are you? How come I never met you before?’”
“I get to voice characters they wouldn’t hire me visually to play.”
On representation and Star Trek
“In the legacy of Star Trek, it’s me and Avery Brooks as the Black captains.”
“Seeing Nichelle Nichols made me hopeful… she was my hero.”
On career longevity
“You quiet the naysayers by just showing up and doing the work.”
“God keeps opening doors and giving me what I need to walk through them successfully.”
On giving back
“I am my best investment.” (also used in her foundation’s mission)
“Where you were yesterday is not where you have to end up today.”
@#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sharise Nance.
Purpose of the Interview
To showcase Sharise Nance’s mission in mental health advocacy, entrepreneurship, and workplace wellness.
To discuss her companies: Hand in Hand Counseling Services – addressing mental health disparities in Black communities.
Vitamin C Healing – building trauma-sensitive, wellness-centered workplace cultures.

To educate on stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, and financial equity in the mental health field.
Key Takeaways
Hand in Hand Counseling Services
Founded with college roommate Tess Kenny in Pittsburgh.
Created a safe space for mental health support in underserved communities.
Celebrating 12 years in operation.

Breaking Mental Health Stigma
Built trust through community presence and transparency.
Advocated therapy as normal: “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.”
Education on what therapy is and isn’t.

Understanding Stress
Eustress (positive stress) vs. Distress (overwhelming stress).
Physical signs: sweating, rapid heartbeat, tense shoulders, jaw clenching.
Stress can lead to depression and anxiety—seek professional help.

Impact of COVID-19
Isolation amplified mental health issues.
Introduced concept of co-regulation—healing through community and connection.

Vitamin C Healing
Originated from her book Vitamin C Healing for the Mind, Body.
Evolved into a brand offering workshops, consultations, and burnout assessments.
Focused on helping professionals and leaders prevent compassion fatigue.

Financial Equity in Mental Health
Advocates for fair pay: “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.”
Challenges the mindset that passion work means low income.
Encourages professionals to set boundaries and value their expertise.

Burnout & Organizational Cost
Unaddressed burnout costs companies millions annually.
Leads to quiet quitting, low productivity, and high turnover.
Investing in wellness saves money and improves culture.

Personal Journey
Biggest bet: leaving full-time job in 2017 to pursue entrepreneurship.
Therapy helped her navigate fear and grief (especially after losing her father).
Quote: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”

Notable Quotes
“We can care deeply and earn abundantly.”
“I’m a therapist who has a therapist.”
“Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
“We heal when we are in community—it’s hard to heal in isolation.”
“Compassion fatigue isn’t just a feel-good topic; it costs companies millions.”
“Betting on myself was the best investment I ever made.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI
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