Business in the Black

What does it take to build a business while building a family?In this episode of Business In The Black, we sit down with the founders of Tru Roots Educational Playspace, a husband-and-wife team creating child-friendly educational play spaces inside airports.What started as searching for better spaces for their daughter turned into a bold entrepreneurial mission.We discuss:• Building a business as high school sweethearts turned founders• Why less than 2% of airport concessions are Black-owned• Breaking into airport spaces and navigating gatekeepers• Raising capital for a $200K buildout• Networking through LinkedIn and strategic outreach• Balancing marriage, parenting, and entrepreneurship• The legacy they’re building for their childrenThis episode is about vision, persistence, and creating opportunities where none existed.New episodes drop bi-weekly.

What does it really take to build wealth through insurance?In this episode of Business In The Black, we sit down with Tarico Burks of AAA – The Burks Agency to discuss entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and the business behind insurance ownership.We cover:• The moment he realized agency ownership could create generational wealth• What it actually costs to open an insurance agency• The truth about overhead, taxes, and business expenses• Why life insurance is often misunderstood in the Black community• How a $2.1M life insurance case changed his perspective• Building a referral-based client network• Representation as a young Black agency owner in GeorgiaThis conversation is bigger than insurance—it’s about ownership, education, and legacy.If you're interested in wealth building, entrepreneurship, or financial literacy, this episode is for you.New episodes drop bi-weekly.

What does it really mean to survive… and then conquer?In this episode of Business In The Black, we sit down with an entrepreneur whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. After being stabbed 9 times in New York City, he made a decision that would change everything — not just to survive, but to build.We discuss:• The night that changed his life forever• How he turned trauma into purpose through the Survive & Conquer brand• Lessons learned from failed partnerships and multiple business pivots• Costly mistakes with taxes and how he recovered• The mindset shift from chasing everyone to focusing on community• Faith, alignment, and making purpose-driven business decisions• What it truly means to move from surviving to conqueringThis conversation is raw, honest, and filled with lessons for anyone building through adversity.If you’ve ever been knocked down — this episode will remind you what’s possible.New episodes drop bi-weekly.

Many people dream about entrepreneurship — but very few know how to start while balancing a full-time career.In this episode of Business In The Black, Dr. Wade Manora Jr shares how he transitioned from a decade-long career in higher education to building a purpose-driven business designed to serve communities beyond the campus.We discuss:• The moment he realized his impact needed to reach further• How he built a business while still working full-time• The strategy behind his $64 startup model• Social media marketing that actually converts• His mission to reinvest in students through scholarships and community programsDr. Manora also discusses his book “2.43: The Impossible Dream”, a powerful reflection on perseverance, representation, and the journey many Black professionals navigate on the path to success.If you’ve ever wondered how to start building something of your own while maintaining stability, this conversation offers practical insight and inspiration.

What does it really take to build a sustainable therapy practice as a Black entrepreneur?In this episode of Business In The Black, we sit down with licensed therapist and private practice owner, Tiffany Alfred, who shares her journey from working in hospitals and school systems to building her own brick-and-mortar practice.We discuss:• Why real impact starts with the entire family system• The failed first attempt at private practice — and what she learned• The tax, legal, and ethical considerations no one talks about• Leaving the security of the school system• Training the next generation of therapists• Navigating business as a Black woman in mental health• Why AI will never replace human connection in therapyThis conversation is about systems, sustainability, and building something that serves both people and purpose.If you’re considering private practice, pivoting careers, or building a mission-driven business — this episode is for you.New episodes of Business In The Black drop bi-weekly.

Self-publishing is often marketed as “easy” and “accessible.”But what does it actually cost to do it right?In this episode of Business In The Black, we sit down with an author and real estate entrepreneur who shares the unfiltered truth about building a publishing business as a Black entrepreneur — from discovering her writing gift in her 30s during yoga, to walking into Office Depot for a single notebook that would eventually lead to twelve books.We break down:The real financial investment behind self-publishing (editing, design, distribution, and Amazon fees)Lessons learned from early launch mistakesThe challenges of securing grants as a Black business ownerNavigating isolation and finding your “no-limit soldiers”Why sitting on your talent costs more than starting imperfectlyThis conversation goes beyond inspiration. It’s about strategy, resilience, and what it truly takes to build something sustainable.Whether you're an aspiring author, a creative entrepreneur, or building in the messy middle — this episode is for you.🎧 Follow Business In The Black for bi-weekly conversations with Black entrepreneurs who are building, growing, and sustaining businesses with intention.

Season 2 of Business In The Black begins with a powerful reflection on what entrepreneurship truly requires.In this solo opener, host Brandon revisits the theme of the courage to start—and introduces the deeper focus of Season 2: the discipline, strategy, and intention it takes to build and sustain a business.Brandon reflects on lessons from Season 1, shares what worked, what didn’t, and explains how Season 2 will go beyond inspiration to deliver real execution—breaking down how businesses are structured, scaled, and sustained.✨ Plus, stay tuned through the end of the episode for a sneak peek of upcoming Season 2 guests and conversations you won’t want to miss.Whether you’re still gathering the courage to start or already navigating the messy middle of entrepreneurship, this episode sets the foundation for what’s ahead.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why courage doesn’t stop once you beginThe difference between starting a business and building oneWhat changed after Season 1How Season 2 will deliver deeper, more intentional conversationsA teaser of upcoming guests🎧 Business In The Black is the go-to podcast for aspiring and established Black entrepreneurs looking to build, grow, and sustain successful businesses.📩 Interested in being a guest this season?Email [email protected]

In this special finale episode, Brandon reflects on the journey behind Season 1—from launching on April 20th with uncertainty, to interviewing 8 incredible entrepreneurs, to navigating the trial and error that shaped Business In The Black.Hear the real lessons, the surprises, the challenges, and the wins that defined the season, plus what’s coming in Season 2: deeper conversations, live shows, travel episodes, expert topics, and more.A celebration of growth, courage, and community. Perfect for every entrepreneur working to build, refine, and continue their vision.

Episode Description:What happens when an HR expert realizes kids have no idea what HR professionals do? They write a children's book about it! Meet Terry Lee, HR consultant, author of "Kaden's Amazing HR Adventure," and founder of a thriving Black Business Collective in Atlanta.In this episode, Terry shares his journey from navigating imposter syndrome to building credibility as an HR consultant, selling over 3,000 copies of his children's book since April, and authoring "The HR COMPASS" - a practical guide for small business owners, pastors, and non-profit leaders to avoid costly HR mistakes.We dive into: ✅ The top 3 HR mistakes that could get small businesses in legal trouble ✅ How AI is transforming HR and which tools business owners should use now ✅ The difference between being a businessman vs. an entrepreneur ✅ Building a reciprocal network that actually opens doors ✅ Balancing a full-time job, part-time work, and 3 consulting clients without burning out ✅ Why representation matters - from career day to children's literatureWhether you're a small business owner trying to navigate HR compliance, an aspiring consultant building your expertise, or an entrepreneur looking to scale, Terry's insights on systems, delegation, and genuine relationship-building will give you actionable strategies to grow your business the right way.Connect with Terry Lee: 📚 Kayden's Amazing HR Adventure: https://a.co/d/4AvRpQf 📘 THE HR COMPASS: A Human Resources Guide for Churches, Small Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations: https://a.co/d/9tt9am3Resources mentioned:Black Business Collective (Atlanta)AI tools for HR professionalsGrant application strategies for self-funded entrepreneurs

What happens when passion meets purpose and a $70 grill becomes a gateway to legacy?In this episode of Business in the Black, we sit down with Chef Darius Lintz, founder of My Mama Said You Can’t Cook, to talk about humble beginnings, high standards, and second chances.From working the line at the Hilton Garden Inn to feeding hundreds at Atlanta pop-ups, Chef Darius shares how betting on himself even when rent was due turned into a movement for change.We talk fatherhood, mentorship, community, and why gourmet Southern food should stay accessible to the people who created it.If you’ve ever had to take a leap of faith with limited resources and big dreams, this one’s for you.🎧 Listen to learn how faith, flavor, and focus can feed a whole community.

Dr. Jay Ken Harris shows how lateral networking propelled him from private practice to advising the MA Attorney General—while keeping his firm intentionally boutique. Learn the money rule (“if it’s not paying for itself, it’s a bill”), how to price like a pro, and a simple “work-backward” exit plan. Real talk on grief, confidence, and building systems-level impact in mental health.

This week on Business in the Black, Dr. Jay Ken Harris keeps it 100 about grief, therapy that fits, and why he left burnout behind to build a consulting niche that actually works for his life. We talk impostor syndrome (even with a PhD), using FMLA without the runaround, and how to pair faith with a real plan. If you’re stuck, tired, or ready to pivot—this is your playbook. Tap in, take notes, get paid.

What happens when your main income disappears? In our 10th episode, we bring back fan favorite Stella Stone of Stella Pies for a raw, resilient update on life after a sudden job loss. We unpack the mindset and moves that kept her business alive—building offers, leaning on relationship capital, and saying yes to new lanes (hello, booking agent life). We also break down why mentors matter (and how to find them) and share the simple “Two Chairs” decision ritual that keeps you grounded under pressure. If you’re navigating uncertainty, this is your blueprint: perseverance, community, and actionable steps to stand on business.

What happens when passion meets purpose and a pup named Kirby? In this episode of Business in the Black, we sit down with Reginald, founder of Kirby’s Paw Palace, a Black-owned dog boarding business redefining trust and care in Atlanta’s pet community.

In this episode of Business in the Black, we sit down with Anthony Bryant—founder and president of the Knee High Foundation—to unpack the unfiltered truth behind building a nonprofit from the ground up. What started as a way to keep kids off the streets through football has grown into a powerful mentorship network impacting over 1,000 youth.From rejection letters to $22,000 donut fundraisers, Anthony shares how he turned purpose into impact, one helmet, one scholarship, and one long night at a time. We talk about the weight of leadership, the cost of community work, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind in Opelika and beyond.Whether you're running a nonprofit, coaching kids, or just trying to turn your mission into motion this one’s for you.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Christine James, we go deeper.Following her inspiring journey from corporate vet medicine to clinic ownership in Episode 6, this episode zooms in on how Dr. James builds legacy beyond her title through compassionate leadership, community impact, and a mindset of preparedness.We talk about what it means to really care for people while building a practice, how she models work-life balance for her team, and why she raises chickens and quail as part of her long-term strategy for self-sufficiency and service.This episode covers:Leading with empathy while running a teamCreating space for joy and rest—for herself and her employeesHer global mindset on community care and disaster reliefThe $2 mindset: what’s really worth your time, money, or energyBuilding a business that can outlive you and provide for othersIf you listened to Part 1, this follow-up completes the story. If you’re building something that matters, this one’s for you.

After 21 years leading in corporate veterinary medicine, Dr. Christine James walked away from the title, the salary, and the stress to build something of her own. In this powerful episode of Business in the Black, Dr. James shares what inspired her to become a veterinarian at just 8 years old, the moment she knew it was time to leave corporate America, and the $2 mindset that shapes every business decision she makes.We talk legacy, leadership, and what it really costs to open a veterinary clinic (spoiler: it’s a lot more than $250K). But most importantly, we explore how she’s using her practice to educate and serve Black and brown pet owners, dismantle judgment in care, and create compassionate spaces for animals and people.If you’ve ever felt stuck between security and purpose—this is the episode for you.🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you stream.📲 Connect with us: @businessintheblackpod

911 dispatcher by day, momager by night — Zelenka Boyd is building a brand fueled by faith, family, and unshakable grit. In this powerful episode of Business in the Black, Zelenka opens up about surviving an abusive marriage, starting over from nothing, and turning her love for writing into a digital platform that now includes viral skits, brand partnerships, and autism advocacy.You’ll hear how she balances content creation with raising three kids, what she’s learned about trusting the wrong people online, and why she’s committed to transparency, even when it’s hard. This episode is a masterclass in persistence, purpose, and protecting your peace in the public eye.🎧 Listen and be inspired to start with what you have — and trust that your voice matters.

Meet Dwanna “Stella” Stone, the powerhouse behind Stella Pies. In this episode, we dive into her journey from childhood memories in Aunt Marie’s kitchen to selling $1.50 pies and becoming a vendor at major events.She opens up about the pivot from her lunch-to-go business, the meaning behind her name and slogan “Try One, Eat Two,” and the challenges of funding her dream. Stella also shares how being a Black entrepreneur shapes her approach to pricing, community, and legacy — including building a future with her granddaughters by her side.It’s real talk on resilience, faith, and flavor. Tap in

In this episode of Business in the Black, we’re talking about the shift from hustle to structure the critical move that separates side hustles from scalable businesses. I’ll share lessons from my own startup journey, including why just working harder isn’t enough and how structure actually creates more freedom.We’ll cover the difference between being a hustler and a CEO, the core systems every business needs for sustainable growth, and the tools that save you time and reduce burnout. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, this episode is for you.Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on social for more actionable tips!

“What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we have.” — Oprah WinfreyIn this special episode, host Brandon D. Morgan shares the story behind his journey from the Apollo stage at age 5 to founding BDM Enterprises. From childhood performances and Disney roles, to leading in the tech field and creating his own lane as an entrepreneur — this is a raw, real look at the power of betting on yourself.Learn why six simple words, “You just have to prove yourself,” changed his path forever, and why speaking your truth can be the most powerful tool you have.If you’re ready to hear the truth about building a legacy, overcoming doubt, and creating impact, this episode is for you.

In this debut episode, we explore what it really takes to start a business, beyond the ideas and plans. From fear and doubt to drive and vision, this episode breaks down the mindset shifts, support systems, and real-life moments that push you from dreaming to doing. Whether you're just getting started or stuck at the starting line, this one’s for you.