Strawberry Letter

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tammeca Rochester.
SUMMARY OF THE TAMMECA ROCHESTER INTERVIEW
From “Money Making Conversations Master Class” with Rushion McDonald
1. Purpose of the Interview
The interview was designed to:
Spotlight Tammeca Rochester, founder and CEO of Harlem Cycle, and her journey from engineering and corporate marketing into entrepreneurship.
Highlight the importance of holistic wellness, community‑based fitness, and representation within the fitness industry.
Inspire entrepreneurs—especially Black women—to pursue business ownership, develop strong business plans, and stay committed to their vision despite barriers.
Overall, the interview serves as both a success story and a lesson in entrepreneurship, community impact, and personal transformation.
2. Summary of Key Themes A. Re‑Defining Herself Through Education & Career Changes
Tammeca explains why she pursued multiple degrees—from Spelman and Georgia Tech to NYU Stern—and how each phase of her life motivated a new direction. She began in engineering, shifted to business, and ultimately found her passion in wellness.
B. The Birth of Harlem Cycle
Launched out of personal stress relief and a desire for culturally inclusive fitness spaces.
Indoor cycling reminded her of joyful childhood bike rides in Atlanta.
She wanted a wellness space where Black people felt seen, represented, and culturally connected—something missing from other cycling studios she attended.
C. Building a Community-Centered Fitness Brand
Harlem Cycle blends movement, music, and culture, playing the genres she grew up with—reggae, soca, hip‑hop—and fostering a socially connected environment.
She stresses that fitness isn’t just physical but also emotional and mental health.
D. Entrepreneurship: The Real Story
Tammeca self‑financed her business after being denied a bank loan.
She built her studio while still working full‑time and caring for a young child.
Her first year was grueling—waking up at 5:30am and working until after 9pm daily.
She emphasizes the importance of writing a business plan, using realistic projections, and staying true to your vision.
E. Mentorship, Representation, and Industry Impact
Over 60% of her team began as Harlem Cycle clients she later trained to become instructors.
She aims to shift the fitness industry to include more diverse voices and accessible community wellness options.
She plans for expansion, opening a third Harlem Cycle location in Newark to serve another community with limited wellness options.
3. Key Takeaways 1. You can redefine yourself at any point in life.
“We can always redefine ourselves at any moment in life.”
2. Wellness must address the whole person.
“Fitness is not just physical… it’s emotional and mental well‑being.”
3. Create community spaces where people feel represented.
Tammeca built Harlem Cycle because she felt isolated in other fitness spaces as the only person of color. She wanted a studio rooted in Black culture and community.
4. Entrepreneurship requires discipline, planning, and sacrifice.
“Write out your plan… and stay true to your plan.”
“Just because you build it doesn’t mean they’ll come.”
5. Community impact drives her business model.
Harlem Cycle isn’t just a workout studio—it's a culturally rooted community center focused on mental, emotional, and physical health.
6. Representation & mentorship matter.
“60% of my team started as clients that we trained.”
4. Memorable Quotes
Here are the strongest, most quotable lines from Tammeca:
On Reinvention
“Each time has been a moment in life where I evolved because of a goal I personally wanted.”
On Holistic Fitness
“Fitness to me is all about how we take care of our bodies—not just our physical body, but our emotional well‑being, our mental well‑being.”
On Creating Harlem Cycle
“I didn’t want to be the only person of color in the room—again. I wanted a place where my community could be seen.”
On Entrepreneurship
“Just because you build it doesn’t mean they’ll come… back down those numbers by 90%.”
On Community Impact
“We’re changing the fitness industry… starting here in Harlem by training our clients to be part of the wellness industry.”
On Cultural Integrity
“We don’t care about competition here—it’s about community.”
#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 Demond Martin.
Co‑founder and CEO of Well With All, a Black‑owned purpose‑driven wellness brand—joins Rushion McDonald to discuss health equity, entrepreneurship, his life story, his upcoming book Friends of the Good, and his new $1M AI Health Equity Prize.
Martin shares how his difficult upbringing in the projects and rural North Carolina shaped his commitment to giving back. After a successful 21‑year career as the only Black partner at a major hedge fund, he launched Well With All to merge consumer products, wellness, and social impact. The brand donates 20% of its profits to health‑equity initiatives.
He discusses product innovation, the importance of supplements in underserved communities, the power of Black longevity, and the need to prepare younger generations for healthier futures. He also explains his upcoming book—which uses Aristotle’s philosophy of “friends of the good” to show how meaningful relationships enable success.
The conversation is energetic, inspirational, and focused on using business as a force for social good.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
1. Introduce Well With All
A wellness company offering supplements and energy drinks while funding health‑equity solutions.
2. Share Martin’s Personal Journey
From poverty, trauma, and instability → to White House, Harvard Business School, and a top hedge fund.
3. Promote His Book, Friends of the Good
A philosophy‑driven exploration of friendship, mentorship, and community.
4. Announce the $1 Million AI Prize
A major initiative to scale AI tools that close health‑equity gaps.
5. Encourage Health Awareness in Underserved Communities
Particularly around longevity, dietary choices, energy consumption, and supplement use.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Health Equity Drives the Mission
Martin emphasizes that health is a human right and disparities in nutrition, maternal health, and mental‑health access must be addressed.
2. Well With All = Social Impact + Consumer Products
The company donates 20% of profits and creates healthier alternatives (energy drinks, supplements) to replace harmful daily habits like sugary sodas.
3. Personal Story Fuels Commitment
He overcame poverty, a traumatic home life, and limited opportunity—and believes he survived because others poured into him.
4. Mentorship Changed His Life
Major turning points included:
Student body president at UNC Charlotte
Assistant to the White House Chief of Staff
HBS acceptance
Training under hedge‑fund leader Phil Gross
5. Expertise Matters
His success with Well With All is grounded in 21 years as an investor specializing only in consumer companies.
6. AI Can Close Health Gaps
The $1M Well With All Prize supports AI tools already impacting at least 1,000 lives with the potential to scale to 100,000+.
7. Black Longevity Documentary
His company created a film (NAACP Image Award–nominated) featuring Black elders aged 85–106 to redefine narratives around Black health.
8. The Power of Friendship
His book teaches readers how to identify “friends of the good,” the relationships that define one’s path and joy.
🗣️ Notable Quotes from Demond Martin (from the transcript)
(All quotes sourced from:)
On Health Equity
“Health is a human right. Everyone deserves nutritious food… everyone deserves to see a doctor.”
“Where With All is not just a brand—it's a movement.”
On His Upbringing
“I grew up in the projects… lived in a trailer… had a heroin addict as a stepfather. I’ve seen things that gave me perspective.”
On Perspective and Survival
“If this was me at 14… I’d be dead or in jail.”
On His Mission
“I need to start giving back today. I’ve lived a life of giving back—my parents and grandparents instilled that in me.”
On Product Philosophy
“Small, incremental choices add up. Replacing one sugary soda a day is 45,000 fewer calories a year.”
On Expertise
“All I did for 21 years is invest in consumer companies. That was my expertise.”
On Friendship & His Book
“Show me your friends, I’ll show you your future.”
“Friendship is one of the most essential elements of joy.”
On Confidence & Mastery
“Five years into my career, I knew I knew what the hell I was doing.”
On AI
“We’re not rewarding ideas—we’re rewarding impact.”
#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 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 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
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 Anthony Tuggle.
Senior executive, transformational advisor, and founder/CEO of Tag Us Worldwide. With more than 30 years of leading global operations at AT\&T and other Fortune 10 organizations, Tuggle shares lessons in leadership, resilience, corporate success, personal health battles, entrepreneurship, and the importance of emotional intelligence in the AI era.
His story blends professional excellence with survival, detailing how he overcame kidney failure, a transplant, dialysis, and even kidney cancer—while simultaneously rising to the executive ranks and later launching his own leadership transformation company.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview’s goals were to:
1. Highlight Anthony Tuggle’s leadership journey
From a corporate executive managing global teams to the CEO of Tag Us Worldwide.
2. Share actionable insights on corporate success and leadership development
He explains the importance of foundation, consistency, emotional intelligence, and taking care of people.
3. Discuss the importance of DEI and equitable leadership
Tuggle emphasizes why diverse backgrounds, and diverse thoughts build strong companies.
4. Reveal the personal health challenges that shaped his perspective
His story serves as instruction, caution, and motivation.
5. Promote Tag Us Worldwide
A transformation consultancy helping organizations elevate culture and leadership.
💡 Key Takeaways
1. Success Requires Hard Work, Foundation & Intentionality
Success is not accidental.
Tuggle stresses:
Education (undergrad + MBA from Emory’s Goizueta Business School)
Moving 12 times across the country for opportunities
Consistency and showing up
“Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready” is one of his core principles.
2. Leadership = Taking Care of People
Tuggle explains that high-performing organizations have one thing in common:
Leaders take care of people, and people take care of the business.
He built a reputation for developing leaders who now lead in Fortune 50 companies.
3. Understanding the Rules of the Game Matters
Whether you’re an entrepreneur or corporate professional, there are rules:
Professionalism
Performance
Relationship building
Consistency
Respecting organizational culture
Many people fail because they enter the “game” without learning its rules.
4. DEI and Access Are Non-Negotiable for Strong Organizations
Tuggle is a firm supporter of diversity, equity, inclusion, both in culture and thought.
He says he would not be where he is today without people giving him a chance.
5. His Corporate Career Was Truly Global
He managed large teams across:
The Philippines
Costa Rica
Mexico
This global lens influences his approach to transformation and scaling businesses.
6. His Health Journey Defines His Resilience
Anthony Tuggle's story is extraordinary:
• Kidney failure in his 20s
Doctor told him he “should be dead.”
Caused by untreated hypertension.
• 25-year kidney transplant survivor
He received a deceased donor kidney and outlived the typical 10–15-year expectancy—twice.
• Kidney transplant failed again after 25 years
He returned to dialysis (hemodialysis → peritoneal dialysis).
• Kidney cancer diagnosis—found early
While preparing for another transplant, doctors discovered kidney cancer caused by long-term immunosuppressant medications.
He survived it: stage 1, noninvasive.
These challenges fuel his drive, urgency, and refusal to waste life.
7. Faith Was His Anchor Throughout
When diagnosed with kidney failure, he got on his knees and prayed.
He says God told him, “We're not done.”
This became his mantra for survival and purpose. [
8. Tag Us Worldwide: “Together Achieving Greatness”
His company focuses on:
Leadership transformation
Cultural elevation
Organizational outcomes
Preparing leaders for the AI-powered future
Tag Us delivers impact through:
Real-world corporate experience
AI-enhanced strategy
Emotional intelligence coaching
Business transformation frameworks
He blends AI + EQ, insisting companies should never rely on AI alone.
9. AI Won’t Replace Humans—But Humans Who Use AI Will Win
Tuggle led an AI organization for four years, and his stance is clear:
AI is here to stay
The “secret sauce” is people
Leaders must embrace change, not fear it
Emotional intelligence will enhance AI outcomes
10. Legacy = Family + Leadership + Service
He emphasizes shaping his daughter’s worldview and standards.
She graduated with honors from USC’s Marshall Business School.
He believes leaders should create environments where people can win—and that is his mission.
🗣 Notable Quotes (with citations) On success
“I didn’t just wake up and look like this—I put in the hard work.” [
On leadership
“If you take care of your people, they take care of you.”
On preparation
“Stay ready—we don’t have to get ready.” [
On DEI
“You need diversity of color but also diversity of thought.”
On fear
“I faced many obstacles throughout my life… fear becomes motivation.” [
On AI
“Good leaders embrace change. Great leaders inspire change.” [
On resilience
“I am highly favored… I’ve beaten the odds twice.” [
On purpose
“My passion is leadership; my purpose is changing lives.” [
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.