Entrepreneurial Appetite

"Your family is your God given guarantee to build wealth," declares LaVaisha Davis in this illuminating conversation about transforming how we think about family finances. As founder of Ell Wess Advisors, Davis brings a revolutionary perspective to wealth building that positions family relationships at the center of financial planning rather than as an afterthought.

The smallest decisions made around your dinner table today could shape your family's financial trajectory for generations. Davis reveals how she and her husband mathematically planned their first business by calculating exactly what their dream lifestyle would cost—including raising four children—and then working backward to determine what kind of enterprise could generate that revenue. This methodical approach to wealth creation stands in stark contrast to the passion-first mindset that leaves many entrepreneurs financially vulnerable.

What truly sets Davis's philosophy apart is the "Family CEO Mindset" that treats relatives as strategic assets with specific roles in a collective wealth-building enterprise. Rather than allowing children to choose arbitrary career paths, Davis advocates for guiding them toward professions that fill strategic gaps in the family's collective knowledge and influence. In her own household, she's intentionally cultivating one daughter for political power—recognizing that political influence represents a form of capital that traditional financial planning overlooks.

The wisdom shared in this episode emerged from profound personal loss when Davis's brother died unexpectedly, leaving their mother without the financial resources to properly handle funeral arrangements. This tragedy became the catalyst for Davis's deep study of how wealthy families structure their affairs to handle both expected and unexpected life events without financial devastation. She transformed this painful experience into a wealth management approach that makes sophisticated financial planning accessible to families who aren't ultra-wealthy through what she calls the "virtual family office."

Ready to transform how you think about your family's financial future? This conversation will equip you with both the mindset shift and practical first steps to begin building wealth that truly lasts across generations.

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Reginald 'Reggie' Manning, the innovative CEO of Vista Data, joins us for an insightful chat about his remarkable journey from North Carolina to becoming a trailblazer in AI-enhanced education. With a unique background in special education and business, Reggie shares his inspiring path and how his passion for teaching led him to create AI solutions that bridge educational gaps, particularly those intensified by the pandemic. Reggie's transition from a special education teacher to a successful entrepreneur is filled with lessons on adaptability and perseverance, offering valuable insights into how technology can transform education for marginalized communities.

The episode takes a fascinating turn as we explore the power of AI in revolutionizing English language arts, making learning both engaging and effective. Reggie discusses how AI tools can personalize education by incorporating students' interests, consequently fostering a more inclusive and tech-savvy learning environment. We delve into the significance of tech literacy, highlighting how skills like critical thinking and data interpretation are essential for students to thrive in today's digital world. Reggie's approach is all about enhancing human interaction with AI, ensuring that it supports cognitive development instead of replacing critical thinking.

Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Reggie embodies the spirit of community building and representation, particularly as a Black male educator and business leader. He shares anecdotes from his teaching days and the emotional weight of being a role model, while emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic issues within education. This conversation also touches on the power of networking and partnerships, with Reggie reflecting on his own experiences of building supportive networks and engaging in local community activities. This episode is a testament to the importance of creating opportunities and fostering growth through collaboration and community engagement.

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The remarkable saga of Tulsa's Greenwood District—known as "Black Wall Street"—stands as one of America's most compelling yet overlooked stories of entrepreneurial triumph, devastating racial violence, and extraordinary resilience. 

In this powerful episode, historian and author Hannibal Johnson reveals surprising truths that challenge common narratives about this iconic Black business district. While most accounts focus solely on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, Johnson unveils the community's astonishing rebirth, explaining how Greenwood actually reached its entrepreneurial zenith in the 1940s—two decades after its destruction.

Johnson takes us deep into Greenwood's economic ecosystem, where entrepreneurs like Simon Berry operated jitney services (early versions of Uber), bus lines, hotels, and even charter plane services for wealthy white oil executives. We learn how Oklahoma's unique history gave many Black citizens land allotments through tribal connections, creating economic foundations that fostered business development across the state.

The discussion explores difficult truths about what caused the massacre—from land lust and Klan activity to inflammatory newspaper reporting and the jealousy of poor whites seeing successful Black entrepreneurs. Yet the most powerful revelation may be how the community responded to this devastation, with businesses rebuilding "even as the embers still smoked." The story of Mount Zion Baptist Church spending 30 years to repay its mortgage rather than declaring bankruptcy exemplifies the community's extraordinary integrity.

Perhaps most thought-provoking is Johnson's analysis of how desegregation ironically contributed to the district's eventual economic decline by creating a one-way flow of Black dollars into white businesses without reciprocal white spending in Black establishments. This insight, combined with the devastating impact of urban renewal projects, offers crucial lessons about maintaining community wealth.

For today's entrepreneurs facing their own challenges, Greenwood's legacy provides profound inspiration: "If your forebears 100 years ago did incredible things against odds you will never face, that should be inspirational." Discover how this history continues to inspire a new generation to build economic power with the same determination and excellence that defined Black Wall Street.

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What if your travels could redefine your identity and reshape cultural narratives? Join us as we sit down with Lawrence Phillips, the trailblazing founder of Green Book Global. Growing up in Boston with Barbadian roots and inspired by life-changing journeys like his transformative Seattle camping trip, Lawrence recognized a gap in travel resources for Black travelers and set out to change the narrative. As we explore Lawrence's journey, you'll learn how global travel has the power to offer profound personal growth, challenge entrenched stereotypes, and provide experiences that traditional education paths simply can't.

Imagine traveling through Johannesburg, not just as a tourist but as a cultural explorer, forming genuine connections and dispelling media-driven fears. This episode takes you on a journey through Lawrence's eyes, revealing how revisiting places with an open mind can alter your worldview. Discover the origins of Green Book Global and the unique Travel While Black score that empowers Black travelers to make informed decisions about their journeys. We explore the platform's evolution and how it’s become a crucial resource, helping travelers navigate the challenges and celebrate the joys of travel in a sometimes unwelcoming world.

Balancing a tech startup with family life is no small feat, and Lawrence shares the ups and downs of this entrepreneurial adventure. From bootstrapping Green Book Global to leveraging the support of initiatives like the Expedia Accelerator, learn how clear communication and a committed team can turn challenges into opportunities. This episode sheds light on the importance of community among Black entrepreneurs and the power of a shared vision. As we wrap up, you’ll gain insights into the exciting future of Green Book Global and the valuable lessons learned along the way, leaving you inspired to pursue your passions with resilience and strategic planning.

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Two visionaries at the intersection of cryptocurrency and Black economic empowerment deliver an electrifying conversation about how Bitcoin is creating unprecedented financial opportunities for marginalized communities. Isaiah Jackson, author of "Bitcoin in Black America," shares his journey from skeptical teacher to cryptocurrency advocate, explaining why he believes Bitcoin represents true financial liberation for Black Americans historically excluded from traditional banking systems.

The discussion pulls back the curtain on discriminatory practices that continue today—from redlining that devalued Black neighborhoods to excessive fees that extract wealth from vulnerable communities. By contrast, blockchain technology offers a transformative alternative: a financial system where your zip code, appearance, and credit score don't matter, where wealth can't be confiscated, and where transparency replaces discrimination.

Far beyond price speculation, Jackson and host Demetric Byrd explore practical applications that make this technology accessible to everyone. They break down how to start with just a few dollars, explain revolutionary concepts like earning 200% interest through decentralized finance (compared to banks' fractional percentages), and discuss why teaching children about blockchain prepares them to lead rather than follow in the digital economy.

Perhaps most compelling is their vision of building autonomous economic communities. Through initiatives like Bitcoin summer camps, Black Bitcoin Billionaires, and local blockchain meetups, they're creating educational pathways and support systems that position Black Americans at the forefront of financial innovation. This isn't just about individual wealth—it's about developing sovereign economic infrastructure that can't be undermined by institutional bias.

Whether you're completely new to cryptocurrency or already investing, this conversation offers clarity, practical advice, and profound insights into how this technology addresses systemic inequities while creating remarkable opportunities. Join these forward-thinking leaders and discover why Bitcoin might be the most significant wealth-building tool for Black communities since land ownership.

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What happens when an entrepreneur's greatest innovation isn't a product, but his approach to fatherhood? Shawn Rhoder's remarkable journey weaves through military service, fashion retail, and revolutionary barber design before arriving at his most fulfilling venture yet—being a present father.

Shawn's story begins with pure hustle. After military service, driven by a passion for sneaker culture and design, he meticulously crafted a business plan for a modern men's store. During the 2008 financial crisis, banks repeatedly rejected him until one loan officer at Broadway Bank recognized something special in Shawn's vision. Years later, that same business plan would become a teaching tool for other loan officers seeking promising entrepreneurs.

Eventually saving enough to launch independently, Shawn opened SCR in what was once Selena Quintanilla's boutique. The store showcased exclusive brands like Karhu (who originally owned the three stripes later sold to Adidas) and brought minimalist, thoughtfully curated fashion to San Antonio. Despite being "five to ten years ahead of the curve" for his market, Shawn's innovative spirit remained undaunted.

When challenges arose, Shawn pivoted to barbering with the same visionary approach. After immersing himself in cosmetology and barber training, he identified fundamental flaws in the industry's business model. His solution? Nomad—a revolutionary mobile barbering concept featuring a custom-designed "Rover" chair system that empowered barbers to work autonomously while keeping more of their earnings. Every detail was meticulously considered, from material strength to accessibility for clients with disabilities.

But Shawn's most powerful innovation came unexpectedly. A friend observed that he had redirected his entrepreneurial energy into raising his children—approaching fatherhood with the same strategic thinking and attention to detail that drove his business ventures. From coordinated, logo-free wardrobes to intentional family "branding," Shawn created a cohesive vision for his family that rivals any business plan.

The most poignant moment? When Shawn's young son told him, "I'm glad you weren't as successful as you wanted to be," recognizing that his father's business setbacks created space for a priceless presence in his children's lives. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes our greatest legacy isn't what we build in the marketplace, but who we help build at home.

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Herbert L. Drayton III, a distinguished veteran of both the Marine Corps and Air Force, joins us to share his remarkable journey from a paperboy to the managing director of Highmark Capital. He discusses the critical lessons learned along the way, including the pivotal decision to leave corporate life for entrepreneurship and the importance of wealth creation in business ownership. Herbert offers a candid view on why treating a business as a side hustle might be less beneficial than many think, and he gives us an inside look into the founding of Highmark Capital—a venture capital firm with a mission to support Black-owned businesses in South Carolina.

Launching Highmark Capital wasn't without its challenges. Herbert opens up about the barriers new venture capitalists face, particularly Black individuals in the industry striving to make a difference. He dives into the complexities surrounding corporate commitments to diversity and the essential role of social, moral, intellectual, and reputational capital in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through Highmark Capital, Herbert aims to provide both financial and knowledge capital, helping businesses grow and succeed. The discussion also touches on fostering local networks and the impact that significant financial milestones can have on relationships with banks and access to exclusive opportunities.

Herbert's vision goes beyond just investing; it's about creating an inclusive venture capital landscape. Aspiring to establish at least 10 minority-owned VC firms in South Carolina within the next decade, he underscores the power of representation and mentorship in nurturing future entrepreneurs, especially military veterans who bring unique skills to the table. Herbert also challenges traditional wealth-building ideas, such as homeownership, and proposes alternative paths to financial success. Join us for an episode packed with insightful strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned investors, and anyone passionate about the intersection of business, diversity, and community impact.

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The American-Canadian borderlands hold a special significance in Black history that few of us fully understand. In this illuminating conversation with Dr. Dan J. Broyld, author of "Borderland Blacks," we explore how Rochester, NY and St. Catharines, Ontario became pivotal centers of Black freedom, entrepreneurship, and transnational identity during the final years of slavery.

Dr. Broyld offers fascinating geographic insights into why Rochester—rather than closer border cities like Buffalo—became the optimal Underground Railroad hub. Just far enough from the border to avoid the concentration of slave catchers but close enough to facilitate escape, Rochester's position combined with its strong abolitionist culture created the perfect conditions for Black liberation work. Frederick Douglass's strategic 25-year residence there, where he established his newspaper North Star, exemplifies how Black leaders utilized borderland spaces to maximize their freedom and impact.

The conversation takes an illuminating turn when Dr. Broyld reframes historical figures through a contemporary lens. Harriet Tubman emerges not just as a freedom fighter but as remarkably modern—"global, green, and gender aware." Her seven years in St. Catharines, her expert navigation of natural landscapes, and her strategic decision to seek freedom under "the Queen's soil" rather than "Uncle Sam's land" reveal a sophisticated understanding of international politics and environmental knowledge that resonates with today's concerns.

Perhaps most compelling are the stories of borderland entrepreneurs like John W. Lindsay and Austin Stewart, who built significant wealth and community resources despite beginning with nothing. Their ability to create grocery stores, blacksmithing businesses, and other enterprises challenges simplistic narratives about Black economic development post-slavery. The transnational character of these communities—celebrating August 1st (British Emancipation Day) more enthusiastically than July 4th and using cutting-edge technology like suspension bridges—reveals how borderland Blacks were, in many ways, ahead of their time.

Discover how these historical Black communities embodied Afrofuturist principles before the term existed, utilizing the most advanced technology of their era and creating transnational networks that transcended national boundaries. Their story continues to resonate today, reminding us that movement itself can be liberation, and that Black identity has always been global in scope and vision.

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Episode Description:

In this episode of Entrepreneurial Appetite, we sit down with Le'Marqunita De'Sharay Lowe, the visionary founder and CEO of LDL Magazine. Le'Marqunita's journey began in high school with the publication of her first poetry book, igniting her passion for the publishing industry. She further honed her editorial skills as a columnist for her college newspaper, BG News. With a rich background that includes roles as a learning specialist and early intervention therapist, Le'Marqunita is also a PhD candidate in Leadership and Change at Antioch University, bringing a wealth of experience to her multifaceted career.

LDL Magazine, both a print and digital publication, celebrates community organizations, educators, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and creative artists. Since its inception, the magazine has expanded its reach to domestic and international libraries, organically growing its subscriber base. Notably, in 2024, LDL Magazine contracted with an ed-tech company to distribute its content to African schools and universities, furthering its global impact.

Join us as we delve into Le'Marqunita's inspiring journey, exploring the challenges and triumphs of launching and growing LDL Magazine, her strategies for adapting to the digital landscape, and her vision for the future of publishing. This conversation offers valuable insights for aspiring publishers and entrepreneurs alike.

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