Strawberry Letter

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
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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
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Christina Dukes Brown.
CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic, NJ
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aimed to:
Raise awareness about the Boys & Girls Club’s impact on underserved communities in Paterson and Passaic, NJ.
Issue a call to action for volunteers, mentors, corporations, and donors to support youth programs.
Highlight challenges faced by marginalized communities and how the Club addresses them through education, nutrition, and character-building programs.
Key Takeaways
Community Impact
The Club serves 1,400 children and teens daily across two main clubhouses and 11 satellite sites.
Programs include academic support, tutoring, arts, athletics, and life skills development.

Challenges in the Community
High rates of homelessness, food deserts, and low literacy and math proficiency (only ~20% literate and ~15% proficient in math in Paterson).
Stereotypes and “deficit ideology” that assume poor or minority youth lack capacity for success.

Programs and Initiatives
Academic Support: Homework help, tutoring, and Saturday sessions.
Creative Outlets: Dance, musicals, and arts.
Sports & Aquatics: Swimming program praised for breaking stereotypes.
Young Adult Support (18–24): Internships, skill-building, and career readiness for those not pursuing college.

Call to Action
Volunteers and mentors needed to inspire youth.
Corporations and entrepreneurs encouraged to provide internships and teach business skills.
Donations critical—$4M annual fundraising goal to sustain programs.

Dr. Brown’s Motivation
Rooted in her upbringing in Jersey City during the crack era.
Believes in being part of the solution, not just complaining about systemic issues.
Emphasizes building “efficacious spirits” and affirming unique skills in youth.

Notable Quotes
On Motivation:
“I can’t complain about the position of Black and Brown people in society if I’m not going to do the work necessary to support its elevation.”

On Stereotypes:
“Deficit ideology assumes that if you are poor or minority, you do not have the capacity to be successful. We fight that every day.”

On Community Support:
“My community got me where I am today… I’m calling on the village to support what we’re trying to do.”

On Youth Potential:
“No matter where you come from, and no matter what you look like, you have the capacity to become great.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Shelli-Ann McKenzie.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview focuses on advocating for healthcare professionals, addressing the challenges they face, and introducing Shelli-Ann McKenzie’s nonprofit organization, Help for Healthcare Professionals (HCPP). The goal is to highlight burnout, financial struggles, and systemic issues in healthcare while promoting programs that support mental wellness, financial literacy, and career development.
Key Takeaways
Healthcare Workforce Challenges
Nurses and healthcare professionals face high stress, burnout, and long hours, leading to workforce shortages.
Many professionals struggle financially—24% live in poverty.
Lack of professors in nursing schools limits the number of students entering the profession.

Understanding Nursing Roles
Nursing includes multiple levels: Registered Nurse (RN): Associate or bachelor’s degree.
Advanced Practice Nurses: Master’s level (e.g., Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator).
Doctorate Level: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD.

Nurse practitioners often function as an extension of physicians, providing quality care.

Respect and Recognition
Nurses provide more direct care than any other health profession but often lack recognition.
Advocacy is key to ensuring nurses can practice at the highest level and improve access to care.

Why HCPP Was Founded
Born out of COVID-19 crisis and Shelli-Ann’s personal experience with burnout.
Mission: Provide mental health referrals, financial assistance (gift cards, gas), and professional development.
Programs include: Financial literacy workshops
Entrepreneurship training for healthcare professionals
Scholarships and internships for aspiring professionals


Youth Med Program
Targets ages 13–20 to build a healthcare workforce pipeline.
Offers hands-on training, CPR certification, exposure to neurosurgeons, and mentorship.
Tuition-free and designed to scale nationally.

Funding and Community Support
HCPP is a nurse-owned nonprofit, funded by federal grants and donations.
Annual event: Night of Grand and Gratitude—a charity awards dinner to raise funds for programs.

Notable Quotes
“No one else was coming to save us—so I created HCPP.”
“24% of healthcare professionals live in poverty.”
“If we don’t have enough professors, we cap nursing students—it’s cyclical.”
“The most rewarding part of nursing is showing up for people in their most vulnerable moments.”
“Every dollar we raise fuels education programs like Youth Med—strategic investment in the future of healthcare.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Wednesday, January 21st, 2026. Subject: "I Want Him To Talk To Me"
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