Strawberry Letter

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lisa Mulrain.
CEO of Legacy Building LLC and founder of Mulrain Law, in a wide‑ranging conversation about financial literacy, credit repair, estate planning, community impact, and the mindset shifts required for long-term financial success. The discussion highlights her personal journey, her transition from federal service to entrepreneurship, and her mission to educate and empower individuals—especially in minority communities—to build and protect wealth.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The purpose of Lisa’s appearance on Money Making Conversations Masterclass was to:
1. Educate listeners on financial literacy
She breaks down credit repair, debt management, estate planning, and smart investing in simple, actionable terms.
2. Promote her services
Lisa shares how Legacy Building LLC helps clients strengthen their financial footing and how Moraine Law protects the assets they build.
3. Inspire financial empowerment
Lisa’s personal story—from growing up in a financially challenged environment to becoming a securities attorney and entrepreneur—reinforces the idea that financial transformation is possible for anyone.
4. Encourage mindset change
She stresses that financial improvement begins with understanding one’s money mindset, especially for people raised in environments of scarcity.
💡 Key Takeaways
Below are the major themes and lessons Lisa shares throughout the discussion.
1. Your Money Mindset Shapes Your Financial Life
Lisa emphasizes that many financial problems stem from long‑standing beliefs formed during childhood—especially in communities where money was scarce. People often develop a “lack mentality”, influencing decisions like using credit irresponsibly or putting bills in a child’s name.
She teaches clients to first understand why they ended up in financial trouble before addressing how to fix it.
2. Credit Repair Requires Understanding the Root Cause
Lisa rejects quick‑fix credit repair approaches. Instead, she helps clients:
Assess what led to their financial hardship
Identify self-inflicted issues (overspending, poor planning)
Contact creditors directly
Negotiate payoffs or settlements
Avoid repeating the same mistakes
She notes that high‑interest credit cards (often 20%+) make it nearly impossible to pay off debt without a consolidation strategy.
3. Estate Planning Is Essential—Not Optional
Lisa stresses that everyone, not just wealthy people or seniors, needs an estate plan.
Key points:
A will and trust prevent the state from deciding what happens to your assets.
Even celebrities like Prince and Aretha Franklin suffered consequences of no estate plan, leading to long probate battles.
Trusts allow individuals to manage their own assets during life and ensure smooth transfer after death.
Estate planning protects homes, bank accounts, cars, jewelry, and other valuables.
She also explains that a trust must be funded and a will acts as a secondary backup.
4. Smart Investing Starts Early and Happens Consistently
Lisa outlines a clear investing roadmap:
✔ Use employer 401(k) match
Not contributing at least, the match percentage (e.g., 4% in federal roles) means leaving free money on the table.
✔ Open and fund a Roth IRA
After‑tax money → tax‑free growth
Contributions can be withdrawn without penalty before age 59½ in emergencies
Limits vary by age and year (e.g., $7,000 to $8,500)
✔ Open a brokerage account
She prefers long‑standing firms like Charles Schwab and Fidelity that allow fractional investing.
✔ Time in the market beats timing the market
Small consistent investments grow over time; you don't need large sums to start.
✔ Always research
Look at a company’s history, layoffs, strategy, and performance over time before investing.
5. Combining Law + Finance Gives Clients Full Protection
Lisa explains the unique advantage of running a financial literacy firm and a law firm:
Legacy Building: teaches people to build assets
Moraine Law: protects those assets
This integrated model helps clients avoid mistakes, shield wealth, and plan for long-term financial security.
6. Her Vision for Legacy Building LLC
In 5 years, she sees:
National and international expansion
Partnerships with small businesses
Partnerships with government agencies where employees earn good salaries but lack financial education
Increased financial literacy and asset acquisition among minority communities
Becoming a leader in helping everyday citizens gain confidence investing in the market
📣 Notable Quotes from the Interview
Below are standout quotes directly from the transcript (with citations).
On the value of being on the show
“Each time the show aired, I received numerous calls and some of those calls converted into clients.”
On the core of Legacy Building
“I was always curious about how we could all change our financial projection and help communities.”
On her motivation
“Helping people has always been at my core… I took great pleasure in serving the public.”
On money mindset
“When we grow up with lack, we adopt that lack mentality… We already start from a place of ‘we don’t have it.’”
On investing
“You’re leaving money on the table if you don’t contribute enough to get the 401(k) match.”
On the importance of estate planning
“You’ve worked so hard for your assets, and without a plan, the state decides how they get distributed.”
On the power of a trust
“A trust dictates your wishes and allows for effective management of your assets during life.”
On investment strategy
“It’s time in the market, not timing the market.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Listen and Subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 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
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Listen and Subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 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 Dr. Jacque Rushin and Robyn Donaldson.
Dr. Jacque Rushin (award‑winning business executive, educator, mental health professional, humanitarian) and Robyn Donaldson (2025 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award honoree for global STEM education) to discuss their celebration of Dr. Gladys B. West, a pioneering mathematician whose work laid the foundation for the GPS (Global Positioning System).
The conversation explores the intersection of Juneteenth, Black excellence, STEM education, and Dr. West’s life story, captured in her memoir It Began with a Dream. The guests highlight Dr. West as one of America’s last living “hidden figures”—a brilliant yet historically overlooked Black woman whose mathematical genius revolutionized everyday life.
They detail how Dr. West rose from sharecropper roots, excelled academically at Virginia State University, earned her master’s and PhD, spent 39 years contributing to government research, and ultimately developed the algorithms and modeling processes that power GPS. They also describe their collaborative effort to create the Westward Bound Program, a life‑skills and STEM‑focused curriculum inspired by Dr. West’s principles of wisdom, endurance, strategy, and precision.
Through humorous, emotional, and deeply insightful dialogue, the episode uplifts Dr. West’s accomplishments while discussing mental health, technology dependence, the importance of exposure to STEM pathways for underserved youth, and how the legacy of Black innovators must remain central in cultural celebrations like Juneteenth.
Purpose of the Interview
1. To honor and amplify Dr. Gladys West’s legacy
She is a living mathematical pioneer whose GPS contributions transformed global navigation and modern technology.
2. To connect her story to Juneteenth’s spirit of liberation and recognition
The guests highlight the “delayed recognition” of Black innovators and the importance of acknowledging hidden figures whose brilliance shaped society.
3. To promote STEM exposure in underserved communities
Robyn Donaldson emphasizes equitable access to STEM opportunities so children can compete in a global, tech‑driven world.
4. To introduce and promote the Westward Bound Program
The curriculum teaches STEM principles, life skills, and personal development inspired by Dr. West’s methodologies.
5. To highlight themes of resilience, humility, and lifelong learning
Dr. West’s quiet determination and academic persistence serve as a blueprint for young people and adults alike.
Key Takeaways
1. Dr. Gladys West is a “living hidden figure.”
Her research and mathematical modeling are the backbone of GPS, impacting navigation, transportation, military systems, and everyday digital tools.
2. Her journey exemplifies brilliance shaped by humility and hard work.
Born in 1930 to sharecropper parents, she excelled academically despite segregation, pursued multiple degrees, and overcame racial and gender barriers in government research settings.
3. Juneteenth is the perfect backdrop for honoring Dr. West.
Jacque stresses that Juneteenth represents “delayed freedom,” paralleling the delayed recognition of Black inventors and innovators.
4. STEM exposure is vital to equity.
Robyn insists that Black children are fully capable of STEM success—they simply lack exposure, not aptitude. Without STEM skills, young people risk being left behind in a robotics‑driven economy.
5. Technology should complement—not replace—human thinking.
Jacque cites Dr. West’s personal preference for physical maps over GPS to maintain cognitive sharpness and critical thinking, a warning about over‑dependence on AI and automation.
6. The Westward Bound Program bridges STEM, life skills, and personal development.
Built on the acronym “WEST”—Wisdom, Endurance, Strategy, Tracking—the program supports youth, adults, and entrepreneurs seeking direction and resilience.
7. Mentorship, community, and relationships are central themes.
Dr. West’s success was nurtured by professors and role models at her HBCU—mirroring how Jacque and Robyn now uplift the next generation.
8. Her story resonates globally and intergenerationally.
From college students to young children to adults, the principles from her memoir and program promote self‑belief, vision, discipline, and perseverance.
Notable Quotes
(All taken directly from the transcript.)
On Dr. West’s impact
“She’s a living hidden figure… her accomplishments have actually changed our way of living in every discipline of life.”
“Her technology… makes these things possible.”
On Juneteenth and recognition
“Juneteenth is about the delayed freedom of African Americans… and what Dr. West represents is the quiet, often overlooked brilliance that changes the world.”
On STEM access
“Our kids are not pursuing high‑paying STEM careers, not because of their aptitude, but simply because they have not been exposed.”
On Dr. West’s genius
“You don’t have to be loud to be a legacy.”
“She is just so humble, but she’s just brilliant. She’s like a mathematical genius.”
On technology & mental health
“She didn’t want to lose her critical thinking by depending on GPS… everything has a place, and it should complement you, not take over.”
On resilience & aspiration
“You have to believe there is something greater than what you’re standing in.”
“From sharecropper to pioneer—you can be someone from humble beginnings and change the world.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Listen and Subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 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 Damon Haley

Co‑founder of Glow and Flow Beauty, discussing his transition from entertainment and sports marketing into the beauty-supply industry, his mission to elevate service for Black and Brown communities, and the franchising model he is rolling out nationwide. Hosted by Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations Masterclass, the conversation highlights Haley’s business philosophy, community-driven approach, and long-term vision to create ownership opportunities through franchising.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to:
1. Highlight Damon Haley’s entrepreneurial journey How he moved from high-level event production and marketing (Nike, Pepsi, Coke) into beauty retail.
2. Explain why the beauty-supply industry needs Black ownership Haley outlines the disconnect between Black consumer spending and the lack of Black-owned beauty-supply stores.
3. Promote Glow and Flow Beauty’s mission A service-first retail model designed to uplift, educate, and serve Black and Brown consumers with dignity.
4. Introduce Glow and Flow’s franchising opportunity Haley frames franchising as a path for individuals to enter business ownership with support and a proven model.
5. Inspire listeners to embrace change and pursue entrepreneurship He shares personal experiences overcoming naysayers and trusting his instincts.
📌 Key Takeaways from the Interview 1. The Beauty Industry Is a Huge, Under-Owned Space for Black Entrepreneurs Black consumers spend heavily on beauty, but historically have not owned the supply-chain or retail footprint.
Haley wants to change that by bringing ownership and pride back to local communities.
2. Glow and Flow Beauty Focuses on Service, Experience, and Community The stores celebrate culture (Breast Cancer Month, Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month).
Customer care is central—Haley emphasizes smiles, water for coughing customers, and creating “fabulousness.”
3. Franchising Eliminates the “Start From Zero” Problem Haley believes franchising is more accessible than starting independently because: You get a proven model.
You get supply-chain support.
You avoid costly mistakes.

4. Hair Is the Cornerstone of the Business Glow and Flow launched its own synthetic hair brand, SLAY (with 3 Ys).
Synthetic hair dominates due to affordability.
Human hair is sourced from Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
5. Inventory & Capital Are Major Barriers to Entry Beauty supply requires heavy up‑front inventory investment.
Glow and Flow stays heavily stocked to maintain customer trust.
6. Data + Marketing Experience = Competitive Advantage Haley leverages his corporate marketing background (Nike, Foot Locker) to optimize retail presentation, customer experience, and product mix.
7. His Long-Term Vision: 40 Stores Nationwide His exit strategy is to build 40 Glow and Flow stores (McDonald jokes he’d smile at 100).
8. E-commerce and Community Outreach Expand Their Reach GlowAndFlowBeauty.com sells products and SLAY hair online, with shipping and local pickup.
Stores support community fundraisers by including materials in shoppers’ bags (up to 5,000 per month).
💬 Notable Quotes (From the Transcript) On the power of beauty in the community “When we look good, we feel good. When we feel good, we be good, we do good.”
On why Black beauty ownership matters “We’re buyers… we’re consumers… we just don’t own.”
On moving into the beauty industry “We’ve had the short end of the stick — not only from recycling our Black dollars, but the concept of service.”
On franchising “You don’t start from zero with a franchise… you have a corporation behind you.”
On entrepreneurship and criticism “There’s jealous, envy, and naysayers… but I’ve never been fearful of change.”
On customer service “I try to give you other stuff… I give you a smile… if you cough, I’m gonna give you some water.”
On the importance of hair “Hair is the cornerstone of our beauty industry.”
On long-term ambitions “I would love to have maybe 40 Glow and Flows nationwide.”
#SHMS #BEST #STRAW
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and Subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 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 Stacey Allen.
The founder and artistic director of Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective. This episode blends art, activism, education, and cultural preservation through the lens of Black history and dance.
Here are the key highlights:
🎭 About Stacey Allen
Founder of Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective, a professional dance company focused on art and wellness through the lens of Black women and girls.
Author of two children’s books, including: A Little Optimism Goes a Long Way (introduces children to Katherine Dunham)
D is for Dance and for the Diaspora (A–Z guide to African diaspora dance styles)

Recipient of the 2024 Children’s Publication Award from the National Association of Multicultural Education.
🩰 Dance as Activism
Stacy uses dance to tell stories of African American history, identity, and empowerment.
Her performances are rooted in education, cultural preservation, and social justice.
She emphasizes that dance is not just performance—it’s a tool for healing, storytelling, and activism.
🌍 Cultural Legacy & Freedom Colonies
Stacy’s work includes performances like The Fairy Tale Project, which tells the love story of the founders of the Sankofa Freedom Colony in Texas.
She collaborates with the Texas Freedom Colonies Project, which documents over 500 historically Black settlements in Texas.
These colonies were founded by formerly enslaved people post-emancipation and are often overlooked in mainstream history.
🌊 Emotional Pilgrimage
Stacy shares her transformative experience visiting Gorée Island in Senegal, a major slave port, and draws parallels to Galveston, Texas, where Juneteenth originated.
She reflects on the emotional weight of visiting ancestral lands and how it informs her art and mission.
📚 Educational Mission
Through her books, performances, and workshops (including in juvenile detention centers), Stacy educates youth and communities about Black history and identity.
She believes that knowing your history empowers your future.
📣 How to Connect with Stacy
Website: www.niasdaughters.com
Instagram: @niasdaughters
Facebook: Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective
💬 Rushion’s Reflections
Rushion expresses deep admiration for Stacy’s passion and educational impact.
He emphasizes the importance of sharing her work widely, especially the history of Texas Freedom Colonies, which he compares to the Underground Railroad in significance.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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