Strawberry Letter

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Karimah McFarlane.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To explore Karimah McFarlane’s multifaceted journey—from her corporate leadership roles at Google and Workday to becoming the owner of Buckhead Art & Company—and to inspire others to embrace change, pursue entrepreneurship, and understand the value of art as a tool for wealth-building and cultural empowerment.
🧭 Key Takeaways 1. Corporate Career & Tech Leadership
Karimah has 20+ years in Human Resources, specializing in mergers and acquisitions.
At Google, she supported AI and Pixel teams as a People Business Partner, despite initially thinking the recruiter’s call was spam.
Currently at Workday, she partners with the Chief Revenue Officer to build high-performing sales teams and develop leadership pipelines.
2. Navigating Change & Cultural Shifts
Transitioned from the East Coast (DMV area) to the Bay Area, facing cultural adjustments (e.g., lack of familiar foods, hair products).
Found support through Delta Sigma Theta sorority and Black Googlers Network.
Emphasized the importance of embracing discomfort and new experiences for personal and professional growth.
3. HR as a Strategic Asset
HR is more than hiring/firing—it’s about scaling businesses, developing talent, and preventing legal issues.
Small businesses often undervalue HR until a crisis occurs.
HR should be seen as a strategic partner on leadership teams.
4. Art as Wealth, Culture & Healing
Karimah owns Buckhead Art & Company, the only art gallery in Buckhead, Atlanta.
Inspired by her exposure to art investment at Google and her role in selecting art for corporate spaces.
Advocates for marginalized artists by helping them with branding, IP protection, and business structure.
5. Making Art Accessible
The gallery focuses on beginner and mid-level collectors, offering education and approachable experiences.
Offers virtual consultations, art fairs, and community events to demystify art buying.
Emphasizes the emotional, cultural, and financial value of art.
6. Recognition & Impact
Buckhead Art & Company was named Best Art Gallery in Georgia (2023 & 2024).
Uses her platform to educate, empower, and elevate artists and collectors alike.
Promotes artist development through storytelling, branding, and business mentorship.
💬 Notable Quotes
“Empowerment is figuring out what you do best and using your talent to help others.”
“Don’t shy away from opportunities that give you insights and experiences.”
“HR helps you scale your organization—it’s not just about hiring and firing.”
“Art has always been at the forefront of royalty, wealth, and education.”
“We specialize in humans. When you walk into our gallery, you are equal.”
“You don’t have to win an Oscar to be a great actor. Same with art—you don’t need a traditional path to be successful.”
🔗 Connect with Karimah McFarlane
Gallery: Buckhead Art & Company
YouTube: Buckhead Art & Company
Instagram: @buckheadartandcompany
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Justin M. Lee.
Purpose of the Interview
To showcase Dr. Lee’s journey from a young real estate agent to a multi-industry entrepreneur.
To inspire listeners with strategies for wealth-building through real estate, construction, and logistics.
To encourage financial literacy, ownership, and collaboration within underserved communities.
To issue a call to action for minorities to explore opportunities like Amazon DSP and real estate investment.
Key Takeaways
Early Career & Education
Started young in real estate, embraced discomfort in rooms dominated by older professionals.
Leveraged millennial tech skills (social media marketing) to help veteran brokers grow.
Earned a doctorate degree and became a licensed real estate broker.

Social Media as a Business Tool
Built a strong presence on TikTok (90K followers) and other platforms.
Helped older real estate firms thrive by creating digital visibility.
Emphasized that “business must look as good online as in person.”

Financial Literacy & Homeownership
African-American communities often lack foundational financial knowledge.
Key barriers: misunderstanding credit, fear of debt, and lack of exposure to ownership benefits.
Advocates teaching the difference between good debt (real estate) and bad debt (consumer credit).

Real Estate Process
Initial onboarding: credit score, income, tax filing.
Connect clients with lenders, secure pre-approval, then negotiate and close within 30–45 days.
Uses property tours as motivation even for those not yet approved.

Pooling Resources for Wealth
Industry dominated by white men and foreign investors who use syndication.
Dr. Lee created a private family fund with fraternity brothers and friends.
Acquired 150+ apartment units and commercial properties by pooling resources and forming LLCs.

Amazon DSP Opportunity
Owns an Amazon Delivery Service Partner business (42 trucks, 200 employees).
Offers minorities a chance to apply for DSP with $10K grant.
Taught him true CEO skills: HR, payroll, compliance, and scaling operations.

Construction Business
Entered construction after experiencing exploitation in fix-and-flip projects.
Learned the business side (permits, change orders) and got licensed.
Built major projects like a 10,000 sq. ft. restaurant in Atlanta.
Advocates for Black representation in construction, an industry dominated by whites and Hispanics.

Personal Background
Raised in New Orleans during Katrina by a single mother and grandparents.
Mother invested FEMA checks into real estate, teaching him property management and renovation skills early.
Believes knowledge is power and emphasizes planning and consistency.

Notable Quotes
On embracing discomfort:
“I learned to embrace the uncomfort and make it one of my biggest strengths.”

On social media:
“You have to make your business look the same way online as in person.”

On financial literacy:
“Real estate is always going to be good debt. Bad debt is the Macy’s card.”

On collaboration:
“Pooling resources shows how far we can go and how fast we can go—but together.”

On planning:
“If you don’t plan, you plan to fail. All you have to do is stick to the plan.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed April Lancit.
Founder of a private therapy practice focused on culturally sensitive therapy for Black and Brown communities.
Main Topics: Cultural differences in therapy
Challenges in modern relationships and marriage
The impact of technology on human connection
The role of therapy in addressing generational trauma and stress
The future of therapy in the age of AI

💡 Key Insights 1. Culturally Sensitive Therapy
April emphasizes the importance of therapists understanding the lived experiences of marginalized communities.
Black and Brown clients often face unique challenges that require a nuanced, empathetic approach.
2. Modern Relationship Struggles
Top issues in marriage therapy: finances, infidelity, and communication.
Communication is often overlooked but is foundational to resolving other issues.
3. Technology & Disconnection
The rise of remote living and digital communication is reducing opportunities for organic human interaction.
Couples are increasingly using text messages—even within the same home—to communicate, which can erode intimacy.
4. Therapy as a Preventative Tool
Therapy shouldn't be reserved for crises; it can be a proactive tool for personal and relational growth.
Pre-marriage counseling is often skipped or done too late, missing key conversations about values, finances, and intimacy.
5. AI in Therapy
April sees potential in AI as a supplementary tool but stresses it cannot replace the human connection essential to effective therapy.
🧠 Final Message
April encourages people to seek therapy not out of crisis, but as a way to grow and connect more deeply—with themselves and others. She remains hopeful that with intention and effort, society can rebuild meaningful human connections.
#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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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Leketa Hawkins.
Also known as the Pocketbook Strategist. She is a financial literacy advocate and business consultant based in North Carolina, offering tools and resources to help individuals and small business owners take control of their financial futures.
🔑 Key Themes and Takeaways: 💼 About Dr. Leketa Hawkins
Founder of PocketbookStrategies.com, which offers financial literacy programs, tools, and resources.
Also runs Hawdleigh.com, a platform for financial education courses and templates.
Her mission is to provide low-cost or no-cost financial education to underserved communities.
💡 Financial Literacy & Upbringing
Like many, Leketa grew up in a household where money was not discussed—a common cultural norm that left many unprepared for adult financial responsibilities.
She emphasizes the importance of breaking generational cycles by involving children in financial conversations early.
🧠 Emotional Spending
One of the most common financial pitfalls she sees is emotional spending—buying things to cope with stress, boredom, or celebration.
She recommends tracking spending for one week to identify patterns and triggers.
Online shopping makes emotional spending easier and more dangerous due to its convenience.
📊 Budgeting Strategies
Advocates for the 50/30/20 rule: 50% for needs
30% for wants
20% for savings or debt

Encourages people to “name your money before you spend it”—assign every dollar a purpose.
👧🏾 Youth Financial Literacy
Stresses the importance of teaching kids that money is a tool, not a goal.
Encourages parents to: Let kids ask financial questions.
Teach saving from every dollar earned.
Explain compound interest and the value of investing.

👩🏽‍💼 Empowering Women Financially
Many women feel overwhelmed or disempowered financially.
Dr. Hawkins encourages women to take small steps toward financial clarity and view financial wellness as a form of self-love.
💬 Final Lessons
“Money doesn’t change who you are—it amplifies who you are.”
Understanding the difference between assets and liabilities is foundational: Assets put money in your pocket.
Liabilities take money out.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI
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