Strawberry Letter

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Germaine Bolds-Leftridge.
💼 Business Overview
I Know Skincare: A skincare brand created to empower women—especially Black women—by embracing their real age and promoting self-care.
Mission: To challenge the anti-aging narrative and replace it with a pro-aging, affirming message: “#RealAge.”
Inspiration: Germaine’s late mother, whose glowing skin and wisdom about self-care sparked the brand’s creation.
💡 Key Insights
Anti-Aging vs. Pro-Aging: Germaine rejects the term “anti-aging,” advocating instead for embracing the natural aging process as a privilege and a journey.
Target Market: Primarily Black women over 40, though the products are inclusive and used by a diverse customer base.
Marketing Strategy: Focused and intentional—Germaine emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience and not trying to market to everyone.
Cultural Relevance: The brand is rooted in cultural pride, self-affirmation, and economic empowerment, drawing parallels to movements like Black Wall Street.
🧠 Business Wisdom
“The win happens in the fourth quarter.”
“If you don’t like what you see, do something about it.”
“You can’t sell to everyone. Know your audience and serve them well.”
📦 Bonus Highlights
Dragonfly Symbolism: Represents transformation and resilience—core themes of the brand.
Clinical Testing: Products are tested specifically on Black women to ensure effectiveness for their unique skincare needs.
Legacy Building: Germaine’s goal is to create generational wealth and a lasting legacy for her family and community.
#AMI
#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Charles Cofield.
Thanks! The transcript from this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass features an inspiring and high-energy interview with CPA and financial educator Carter Cofield, co-founder of Melanin Money. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Melanin Money: A Mission-Driven Firm
Co-founded by Carter Cofield and a financial advisor friend to serve the Black community.
Focuses on helping business owners save on taxes and invest wisely.
Aims to close the wealth gap and promote financial independence.
2. Authenticity as a Brand
Carter left corporate America after being told to hide his success and identity (e.g., facial hair, tattoos, car).
Built his brand by being unapologetically himself—fun, energetic, and passionate about financial literacy.
His authenticity has helped him connect with a wide audience and become a standout in a traditionally “boring” industry.
3. Personal Tragedy & Financial Awakening
Lost both parents by age 16.
Used grief as motivation to excel academically and professionally.
Learned the importance of financial literacy after receiving only $5,000 from a $25,000 life insurance policy following his father’s death.
4. Financial Literacy & Health
Believes “health is wealth and wealth is health.”
Poor financial decisions often lead to poor health decisions (e.g., fast food due to affordability).
Financial stress can directly impact physical and mental well-being.
5. Melanin Money Awards
Annual event in Atlanta (July 18–20) celebrating Black wealth and financial milestones.
Awards given for reaching net worth goals ($100K, $500K, $1M, $10M).
Designed to make wealth-building visible and celebrated in the Black community.
6. Generational Wealth: Redefined
Not just about leaving money to your kids.
True generational wealth means your money lasts for multiple generations.
Involves setting up trusts, investments, and financial education for future heirs.
7. Free Weekly Financial Classes
Carter hosts free money classes every Wednesday at 7 PM ET.
Accessible via his Instagram: @cofield_advisors
💬 Notable Quotes
“Fear is Finally Exiting Average Reality.”
“It’s okay to sleep in late when your money woke up early.”
“The scariest thing is getting to the end of your life and realizing you never truly lived.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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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
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brian Custer.
Summary of the Interview
On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Brian Custer—Emmy Award–winning sportscaster, ESPN anchor, play-by-play commentator, cancer survivor, fashion enthusiast, and HBCU graduate of Hampton University. The discussion moves through Custer’s early life in Columbus, Ohio; the influence of Black media figures on his career; his journey from a childhood dreamer sitting beside his grandmother watching Walter Cronkite to becoming a nationally recognized sports broadcaster; and his path into fraternity life as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi.
Custer describes how he discovered broadcasting at an early age, secured internships in high school, and worked grueling night shifts in radio before transitioning into television. But the most powerful portion of the interview is his emotional recounting of his battle with aggressive prostate cancer at age 42—a diagnosis he initially wanted to hide. He shares the moment his doctor insisted he use his platform to educate men of color about prostate cancer, a mission he now treats as a calling.
The interview ends with sports talk—including commentary on the Gervonta “Tank” Davis vs. Ryan Garcia fight—and a heartfelt exchange about mentorship, legacy, and the importance of Black excellence and representation in media.
Purpose of the Interview
1. To spotlight Brian Custer’s broadcasting journey
He shares how childhood influences, mentors, and early opportunities shaped his journalism career.
2. To promote awareness about prostate cancer in men of color
Custer uses his personal story to break stigmas surrounding screenings, early detection, and open discussion.
3. To inspire listeners to pursue their dreams despite obstacles
He emphasizes resilience—from working overnight radio shifts to confronting a life-threatening diagnosis.
4. To highlight the impact of HBCUs and Black fraternities
He explains how Hampton University and Kappa Alpha Psi shaped his identity and leadership.
5. To celebrate representation in sports media
Custer honors trailblazers like Irv Cross, James Brown, and Carol Simpson, showing how visibility opened doors.
Key Takeaways
1. Early exposure builds dreams
Watching Walter Cronkite, Friday Night Videos, and Ted Koppel developed his passion for broadcasting.
His grandmother’s nightly viewing rituals deeply influenced him.
2. Representation matters
Seeing Irv Cross, James Brown, and Carol Simpson on television affirmed his ambition and provided powerful role models.
3. Hard work—not shortcuts—built his career
Custer’s first job was midnight–8 a.m. radio, reading hourly newscasts.
He later interned and volunteered long after programs ended to gain experience.
4. Prostate cancer is a silent but deadly threat
His routine physical revealed a suspicious PSA level (5.4), leading to a biopsy and an aggressive cancer diagnosis.
He initially refused repeat screenings due to stigma but credits his doctor’s persistence with saving his life.
5. Using his platform for good became a mandate
His surgeon urged him to become an advocate for prostate cancer awareness—particularly for Black men, who are disproportionately affected.
6. Vulnerability creates connection
Custer’s openness about fear, masculinity, and mortality mirrors Rushion’s own thyroid cancer journey, creating an intimate, healing conversation.
7. Career longevity requires authenticity and relationship-building
Custer praises mentors like James Brown and the brotherhood of Black media professionals.
He underscores the importance of connections—not shortcuts—in building a respected brand.
Notable Quotes
(All directly from the transcript.) [Brian Custer | Txt]
On childhood dreams & representation
“I knew what I wanted to do when I was five.”
“Ted Koppel… the way he interviewed people… I was enthralled.”
“Irv Cross was the guy… then it became James Brown for me.”
On fraternity life
“All I knew was Kappa Alpha Psi.”
“The streets of heaven are crimson and cream.”
On breaking into broadcasting
“My first job… midnight to eight… delivering the newscast every hour.”
“The news director said, ‘You certainly don’t look the way you sound.’”
On prostate cancer
“You got cancer. It’s aggressive.”
“All I heard was cancer.”
“My doctor said, ‘Use your platform… men of color need a young face like you.’”
On stigma and survival
“People stereotype what a cancer survivor looks like.”
“Cancer doesn’t go away when you ignore it.”
On sports and life
(On Garcia vs. Tank Davis):
“That liver shot… it was a business decision. He’s too pretty to get his face rearranged.”
On brotherhood and mentorship
“You’re a legend in this business.”
“We’re brothers now… I’m lumping you in with my best friend.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Jocelyn Pearson.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview on Money Making Conversations Masterclass with Rushion McDonald and Jocelyn Pearson aimed to:
Share Jocelyn’s journey of graduating debt-free by securing $126,350 in scholarships.
Educate families on how to avoid student loan debt through her proven system, The Scholarship System.
Dispel myths about scholarships and provide actionable steps for parents and students.
Key Takeaways
Scholarship System Approach
Jocelyn developed a six-step process to simplify scholarship applications and avoid overwhelm.
Focus on breaking the process into small, manageable steps rather than a vague “go get money” directive.

Common Myths Debunked
Too early or too late to apply: Start by junior year; it’s never too late—even college seniors can apply.
Only perfect students or low-income families qualify: Many scholarships don’t require high GPA or athletic ability.
All good scholarships are gone: Smaller, local scholarships ($500–$5,000) add up over time.
It takes too much time: With a system and reusable materials, effort decreases each year.

Avoiding Scholarship Scams
Beware of “easy,” “enter to win,” or sweepstakes-style scholarships—they often sell personal data.
Real scholarships require effort and personalization.

Role of Parents
Parents should help with planning and identifying legitimate scholarships but not complete applications for students.
Committees can detect when parents write essays.

AI in Scholarship Applications
Jocelyn warns against copy-pasting AI-generated essays.
Her platform introduced TESS, an AI assistant for ethical guidance and support.

Financial Aid Basics
Submit FAFSA even if you think you won’t qualify; some colleges and states require it.
Combine all sources—government aid, institutional aid, and private scholarships.

For Current College Students
Check with financial aid offices, academic departments, and organizations for scholarships available after freshman year.

Entrepreneurial Journey
Jocelyn turned her passion into a business by starting with a book, building an email list, and launching webinars.
She emphasizes persistence and ignoring naysayers.

Notable Quotes
“I had to accumulate my way to getting college paid for—the mere mortals’ way to going to college without tons of debt.”
“Most families want scholarships, but they get stuck in the overwhelm.”
“There’s no big red easy button—but with clear steps, it feels less daunting.”
“We’re saying no to the broken system… It takes, on average, 21 years to pay off student loans.”
“With great power comes great responsibility—AI can help, but only if used ethically.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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