Entrepreneurial Appetite

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, Shaen 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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What does it mean to reconnect with nature when you've always been connected? Dr. Carolyn Finney, author of "Black Faces, White Spaces," joins Alex Bailey of Black Outside Inc. for a transformative conversation about reclaiming Black presence in outdoor spaces.

Dr. Finney shares her powerful personal journey growing up on a 12-acre estate where her parents worked as caretakers for nearly 50 years. When a conservation easement was placed on the property with no acknowledgment of her family's decades of stewardship, this erasure became the catalyst for her groundbreaking research. "I don't have to cancel anybody out to make space for myself," Dr. Finney explains, challenging us to reimagine environmental relationships beyond traditional narratives.

Alex Bailey describes Black Outside Inc.'s mission to create culturally relevant outdoor experiences for Black youth through programs like Camp Founder Girls and the Charles Raunchy Bloom Project. Together, they explore how outdoor spaces can become sites of joy, liberation, and healing when approached through culturally affirming frameworks that honor the full spectrum of Black experiences.

The conversation delves into profound territory: the false dichotomy between environmental urgency and diversity work, the importance of rest and dreaming in creating new futures, and how to connect Black youth to environmental careers by honoring their existing knowledge. Dr. Finney also shares details about her upcoming HBO documentary "Hidden in Plain Sight," which transforms a story of loss into one of collective accountability for Black environmental histories.

This episode isn't just about diversifying outdoor spaces—it's about fundamentally reimagining who belongs in nature and whose stories count. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, educator, or anyone interested in creating more inclusive environmental movements, this conversation will transform how you think about our relationship with the natural world. Subscribe now and join us in expanding beyond the sandbox to play on the entire beach of possibility.

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What if you wanted to transition from academia to entrepreneurship? Dr. Natalie Mitchell reveals how she navigated her journey from a career in academia to launching her venture, N’sentials, while leveraging her academic background to inform her entrepreneurial pursuits. Her path challenges conventional career trajectories, demonstrating the power of understanding consumer behavior and applying academic theories to real-world scenarios. Through her story, we gain valuable insights into the intersection of theory and practice, and how this synergy has shaped her business.

Join us as Dr. Mitchell shares her passion for sustainability and functionality through her brand, N'sentials, which empowers women by offering garments that blend comfort and elegance. Learn about innovative products like bra travel cases designed to address everyday challenges and discover how N'sentials supports breast cancer awareness. Dr. Mitchell’s commitment to social entrepreneurship shines through her collaborations to assist women managing prostheses, showcasing a thoughtful fusion of practicality and purpose in her designs.

Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship requires resilience, and Dr. Mitchell highlights the importance of building supportive networks to thrive on this path. She shares her experiences overcoming funding challenges as a Black woman entrepreneur and emphasizes the value of cultivating strong relationships with financial institutions. Through partnerships with community organizations, N'sentials not only creates a local impact but also establishes a foundation for broader influence. Her strategic insights and personal anecdotes provide a roadmap for those seeking to channel their passions into a rewarding entrepreneurial journey.

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What if the history of Black women's fitness could be a lens through which we understand broader societal dynamics? On this special episode of the African Americans in Sport podcast, we have the privilege of hosting Dr. Ava Purkiss, associate professor of history and author of "Fit Citizens: A History of Black Women's Exercise." Dr. Purkiss shares her personal journey, driven by the early loss of her mother, which led her into researching the critical intersections of race, health, and fitness. Together, we explore how race, gender, and class have shaped the landscape for Black women in sports and fitness, and how these elements have been key to community health and empowerment over the years.

Our conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as we unravel the complexities surrounding body image and the weight loss industry, particularly from the unique vantage point of South Florida's vibrant culture. With insights from Dr. Purkiss's experiences at Curves gym and a diet clinic, we examine the societal pressures and cultural influences that frame perceptions of body image, especially within communities of color. The narrative weaves through personal and geographical influences, highlighting how these pressures manifest in places like Miami's beach-centric environment, and how they impact individuals on a personal level.

Lastly, our discussion delves into the evolution of fitness narratives and the powerful roles historical figures have played in redefining the health standards for Black communities. We shine a light on the contributions of icons like Mary Rose Reeves Allen and E.B. Henderson, while also critiquing contemporary health metrics such as BMI. The episode closes with an exploration of the layered identities of Black historical figures and their ongoing influence on today's health discourse, leaving our listeners with a richer understanding of how fitness and cultural standards continue to intersect and evolve.

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Discover the powerful stories and pivotal moments in Black women's history with our distinguished guests, Dr. Daina Ramey-Berry  and Dr. Kali Nicole Ross. Together, we unveil the intricate journey behind their groundbreaking book, which seeks to redefine contemporary Black women's history. From the inspiration sparked by a Rutgers workshop to the inclusion of iconic figures like Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks, we highlight how the authors have woven a tapestry of narratives that celebrate both well-known and unsung heroines. Listen as we explore the profound impact of this work on today's cultural landscape.

Journey with us into the often-overlooked narratives of Black LGBTQ women and the courageous acts that have shaped history. We delve into the trials and triumphs of Frances Thompson and athlete Alice Coachman, whose contributions to history transcend time, breaking barriers and setting the stage for future generations. Our discussion underscores the ongoing need for inclusivity and representation, exploring the cultural bridges between African American descendants of slaves and African immigrants. Through the power of education and storytelling, we emphasize the importance of unity and understanding in building a more inclusive historical narrative.

Finally, we tackle the ever-present issue of racism and white supremacy in America, using events like the 2017 Charlottesville rally as a lens to examine the deep-seated challenges that remain. Our conversation calls for accountability, examining the pressing need for reform in the criminal justice system. We explore the emotional journey of writing this significant work, touching on the haunting legacy of Emmett Till and the necessity of self-care for those who write history's weighty chapters. Join us as we discuss plans for the future, including the development of resources that ensure Black women's history remains an integral part of our collective consciousness.

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Uncover the untold legacy of Marcus Garvey with our special guest, Dr. Julius Garvey, son of the iconic leader. Dr. Garvey sheds light on his father's extraordinary journey from Jamaica to becoming a beacon of Black empowerment across the globe. Through personal anecdotes and historical insights, we explore how pivotal events and figures like the Berlin Conference and Booker T. Washington shaped Marcus Garvey's vision, and how this legacy continues to inspire global Black communities today.

Dr. Garvey shares the compelling story of his father's politically charged trial, orchestrated by the FBI to tarnish and criminalize his revolutionary efforts. We dismantle the myths around Garvey, revealing the truth behind the accusations and the ongoing fight to restore his reputation. By drawing parallels with figures like Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, we underscore the persistent struggle against systemic oppression and the urgent need for historical justice and equality.

The episode also broadens its focus to the influence of Black booksellers as cultural bastions, the ideological dynamics between Garvey's organization and the NAACP, and the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels the Garvey legacy. Through contributions from cultural nationalists and legal experts, we revisit the powerful messages of unity and empowerment that Marcus Garvey championed. Dr. Garvey's personal stories and reflections offer a rich narrative on how historical legacies continue to shape modern entrepreneurial journeys and community leadership.

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