Business First w/Sonia Alleyne
At the Business First Podcast hosted by Sonia Alleyne our mission is simple: we want to help Black and Brown Business owners make their businesses Better, Bigger and Bolder. Listen weekly as we provide information and inspiration for new and established business owners, entrepreneurs and those looking to turn that side hustle into a their main hustle. We'll feature guests with dynamic stories to inspire, motivate and guide you wherever you are in your business journey.
Episodes
April 22, 2025 • 28 mins
In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne talks with Freedom Farlow Cook and Tom Cook, the creative duo behind Freedom Rites Productions. They discuss their latest play, 'Take No Tea for a Fever,' and explore the dynamics of their partnership, the journey of playwriting, the challenges of directing, and the importance of support in creative endeavors. The conversation also touches on the marketing aspects of theater and...
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April 15, 2025 • 35 mins
As the nation witnesses a troubling shift in corporate commitments to DEI, with major brands like Target and Walmart pulling back from inclusive marketing strategies, the ripple effects are real—especially for Black-owned brands and advertising agencies that have long been advocates for authentic representation.
In this timely re-release, @TDeveaux, CEO of the legendary @Burrell_Comm, speaks powerfully on the role of Black business...
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April 8, 2025 • 55 mins
In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Jackie O. Asare, a seasoned public relations expert, about the evolution of PR and marketing, the importance of cultural sensitivity in messaging, and the critical role of listening in crafting effective communication strategies. They discuss the differences between marketing and PR, the impact of influencers, and how small businesses can leverage event coordination ...
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April 1, 2025 • 40 mins
In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Thurman Trotman, an expert in SharePoint, about the challenges business owners face in solving their own problems. Thurman shares his journey into the IT field and how he became a SharePoint specialist. He emphasizes the importance of organization in business and how SharePoint can streamline processes, automate tasks, and serve as a powerful tool for document manage...
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March 25, 2025 • 55 mins
**Rerelease: Business First Podcast with Sonia Alleyne & Robert Blackwell Jr.**
In this episode of *Business First*, host **Sonia Alleyne** sits down with **Robert Blackwell Jr.** to discuss the power of **Black entrepreneurship** in addressing economic disparities. Blackwell emphasizes the importance of **aspirational leadership**, the historical role of **Black business owners in civil rights movements**, and why **economic in...
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March 18, 2025 • 31 mins
In this episode, Dr. Eden-Reneé Hayes, a business strategist and coach, discusses the current landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the business world. She emphasizes the importance of understanding DEI as a framework for respect and fairness, rather than a preferential treatment system. Dr. Hayes highlights the business case for DEI, noting that diverse teams drive innovation and better decision-making. She shares...
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March 11, 2025 • 64 mins
In this episode, Ty Woods shares her inspiring journey from homelessness to becoming a successful entrepreneur and business coach. She discusses the importance of resilience, community support, and the power of believing in oneself. Ty emphasizes the need for small businesses to get their finances in order and prepare for upcoming funding opportunities, particularly through grants and proper credit management. She also highlights t...
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March 4, 2025 • 40 mins
In this episode of Business First, host Sonya Alleyne talks with Mark Money Green, a prominent figure in the hip hop industry. Mark shares his journey from aspiring musician to influential agent and manager, discussing his experiences with iconic artists and the evolution of hip hop. He emphasizes the importance of passion, trust, and intuition in navigating the music business, while also reflecting on the challenges and sacrifice...
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November 26, 2024 • 30 mins
In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Emmy award-winning producer Dario Harris about his upcoming documentary, 'Legacy of Land,' which explores the history of his family, particularly his great grandparents, James and Bessie Ham. Dario shares insights into his journey as a filmmaker, the importance of family legacy, and the lessons learned from his military experience. The conversation emphasizes the sig...
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November 5, 2024 • 33 mins
In this episode, John Speaks returns to discuss the closure of his restaurant, Hyperion Public, and the subsequent legal battles he faces due to alleged harassment and systemic racism. He shares his experiences of intimidation from local authorities after publicly identifying his business as Black-owned. John emphasizes the importance of standing up against systemic injustices and aims to set a precedent for minority-owned business...
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October 29, 2024 • 37 mins
In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne engages with Germaine Miller-Summers, founder of Hope of Vision Publishing, to explore the transformative power of storytelling and the journey of becoming a published author. Germaine shares her transition from a successful career in the music industry to establishing her own publishing company, emphasizing the importance of following one's inner guidance and the therapeutic na...
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October 22, 2024 • 23 mins
In this engaging conversation, Melba Moore reflects on her illustrious career spanning over five decades, breaking barriers in Broadway, R&B, and television. She shares insights into her latest project with her daughter, the evolution of her career, and the impact of social media on her audience reach. Melba offers valuable advice for aspiring artists navigating the modern entertainment landscape and discusses her future aspiration...
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October 15, 2024 • 33 mins
In this episode, Sonia Alleyne chats with Clarisse Peria Mekongo, a multi-disciplinary artist and owner of Culture Boutique. Clarisse shares her journey from Cameroon to the United States, her passion for various art forms, and the challenges she faced as an immigrant artist. She discusses the importance of cultural expression in her work, the materials she uses, and her vision for the future of Culture Boutique as a space for crea...
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October 8, 2024 • 24 mins
In this episode, Gina Brown shares her inspiring journey of love and entrepreneurship with her husband, Steve, as they build their apparel brand, My BK Life. From their childhood friendship in Brooklyn to reconnecting and starting a business together, Gina discusses the importance of community, the challenges of balancing work and personal life, and their future aspirations for the brand. The conversation highlights the significanc...
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September 10, 2024 • 45 mins
Barbara Clarke Ruiz, an activewear designer turned entrepreneur, shares her journey and the launch of her lifestyle brand for dogs called Lick You Silly Products and found success on Amazon. Barbara emphasizes the importance of finding the right suppliers, creating standout packaging, and telling a compelling story to build a successful brand. She also shares advice for creative entrepreneurs and the importance of finding a support...
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August 20, 2024 • 34 mins
In this conversation, Sonia Alleyne talks with Theresa Merritt-Watson, author of the book 'Black Tech, Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, Leaders in Technology.' They discuss the importance of teaching African-American history to young students and the lack of representation of African-American figures in mainstream education. They also touch on the importance of critical thinking skills and nurturing a child's passion. Theresa shares her...
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August 12, 2024 • 37 mins
In this episode of Business First with Sonya Alleyne, Sonya interviews Shawn Townsend, the president and CEO of the Restaurant Association, Metropolitan Washington. They discuss the opportunities and challenges in the restaurant industry, particularly in Restaurant Association, Metropolitan Washington. Shawn shares his background in the restaurant business and his experience as the director of the mayor's office of nightlife and cu...
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August 6, 2024 • 29 mins
Andrea Baskett-Pee, founder of Atwasi, a Jamaican luxury travel concierge, discusses the opportunities and challenges in the tourism industry. She shares her journey of moving to Jamaica and starting a tech consultancy before transitioning into the tourism industry. Andrea emphasizes the importance of showcasing the authentic culture, history, and land of Jamaica to travelers. She also highlights the need for more equity and transp...
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July 23, 2024 • 37 mins
Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence is the CEO and founder of Raymona H. Lawrence Coaching, a speaker, corporate trainer, consultant, and professor of health policy and community health. She challenges broken systems that hinder people from reaching their potential, drawing from her experiences as an African-American woman with sickle cell disease. Dr. Lawrence emphasizes the importance of disrupting broken systems and creating change in commu...
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July 16, 2024 • 50 mins
Chef Rock Harper discusses the importance of reclaiming culinary rights and decolonizing our tongues. He shares the history of fried chicken and its negative portrayal in media, as well as the lack of Black-owned fried chicken restaurants in the industry. Chef Rock emphasizes the need for representation and economic empowerment in the food industry. He also talks about his restaurant, Queen Mother's Fried Chicken, and the intention...
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