The Kickback With Keri

In this episode, we’re breaking down BET’s new creator partnership with Jason Lee, Fear of God’s surprising company reset and what The Doux’s latest investment deal reveals about scaling a Black-owned business.From creator ownership to brand vision and investment strategy, each story highlights what it really takes to build something sustainable in today’s business landscape.This week we discuss:The blueprint for content creator ownership and leveraging intellectual propertyThe importance of staying aligned with your vision and what it can cost you if you don’tHow going against industry norms can be a set up for successThe nuance of scaling, selling and building generational wealth as a Black business ownerRead→ May Issue of The Kickback With Keri NewsletterSources Mentioned: Jason Lee in AfroTech, HipHop Wired, The Doux in AfroTech📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

As a business owner or someone who juggles multiple hats, if you’re not careful, you’ll run yourself into the ground. In this Hot Take, Kobi Co. owners Kobi Gregory and Tasha Harris share the self care practices that keep them grounded as well as lessons learned about boundaries when working with family.Listen to the full episode here.Connect with Kobi Co:Website → lovekobico.comInstagram → @lovekobico📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

In this episode, Keri kicks back with Adrienne Randle, creator Evryday Black Magazine, shares why she ended her popular Black-owned shopping guide to launch an indie bi-monthly magazine that centers everyday Black people, not celebrities. Adrienne opens up about her lifelong dream of running a magazine, the unexpected pivot that began with a holiday shopping guide after pausing her product business and the real challenges of producing an independent magazine; from high printing costs and ongoing content planning months in advance. She also shares how she vets small Black-owned business submissions to weed out businesses that misrepresent themselves as Black-owned, and why she believes everyday Black stories deserve the spotlight just as much as celebrity brands.In this conversation, we talk about:Why small Black-owned businesses deserve just as much recognition as celebrity brandsThe challenge of getting Black men to participate and be featuredHow to shop Black-owned businesses intentionally all year round - not just during Black History Month or JuneteenthThe one word Adrienne hopes every reader feels when they flip through an issueConnect with Adrienne Randle:Website → evrydayblk.com | byadrienne.comInstagram → @evrydayblkmag | @addierawrFacebook → @evrydayblkmag📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

Nicole Murphy is a tech founder, speaker, and advocate for collaborative entrepreneurship. She is the Founder and CEO of Barter Black®, a membership-based bartering platform built for Black entrepreneurs to exchange products and services.In this episode, we break down how entrepreneurs can use bartering and community to start, grow and scale their businesses without relying solely on cash. She shares how she turned an idea born during the pandemic into a platform that helps Black entrepreneurs exchange products and services, save money, and build stronger businesses through collaboration.In this conversation, we talk about:How to use bartering as a business growth strategy when funding is limitedWhy community-driven entrepreneurship and collaboration are the keys to building sustainable Black-owned businessesLessons every Black tech founder needs to hear before launching their next app or tech startup ideaThe truth about tech accelerators, startup pitch competitions, and small business grants — and when they're actually worth your timeWhy cutting out the noise and focusing on business implementation over learning may be the best thing you can do for business growthConnect with Nicole Murphy:Website → barterblack.ioInstagram → @barterblack.ioTikTok → @iamnicolemurphyYouTube → @barterblack📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

In this episode we’re talking about the controversy surrounding Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Trick Daddy, Cardi B’s sold-out hair care launch, and Issa Rae’s latest move into TikTok micro-series. Each story teaches powerful lessons in branding and marketing.In this episode, we cover:Why the AKAs booking Trick Daddy was a failureThe importance of knowing your audience and brand alignmentWhy Cardi B’s hair care line sold out in an hour (and what most brands get wrong)How Issa Rae’s TikTok partnership signals a shift in how we consume contentHow to use storytelling to build your brand story.ResourcesYahoo EntertainmentThe GrioYahoo Entertainment/Fast Company📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

When it comes to your skincare, you could be doing more harm than good. In this hot take, licensed esthetician Cameron Cooper breaks down some of the most common skincare mistakes people make every day. From expensive eye creams to overly complicated routines, he reveals the myths that might actually be harming your skin instead of helping it. We discuss why sunscreen isn’t seasonal, why skincare marketing often leaves men out of the conversation, and why a simple routine may be better than a cabinet full of products.Listen to the full episode hereConnect with Cameron Cooper:Website → skinbycam.comInstagram → @skin.by.camTikTok → @skinbycamYouTube → @skinbycam1358📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

Did you know that 75% of beauty products marketed to Black women contain harmful chemicals? Clean Beauty for Black Girls founder Hannah McCall shares staggering truths about our favorite skincare, haircare and makeup products, how to switch to non-toxic beauty options without overhauling your entire routine and the legislation that could change the US beauty industry for the better.In this episode, you’ll learn:The two major toxic chemicals Black women should avoidThe difference between “organic,” “clean,” and “natural” labels and why none of them are regulatedA surprising truth about fragrances and parfums hiding in your productsThe best free apps to scan your products and find out what’s really in themWhy the Safer Beauty Bill is a game changer for Black women’s health and US beauty product regulationConnect with Hannah McCallWebsite → cleanbeautyforblackgirls.orgInstagram → @cleanbeautyforblackgirlsResources:Clearya Redify App (Google)Redify App (Apple) Environmental Working Group 📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

If you’ve recently been laid off, or you’re thinking about leaving corporate, this episode will teach you how to turn your experience into a profitable consulting business.In this episode, marketing strategist and messaging expert Candice Jackson Long shares how she went from a devastating layoff to building a thriving consulting business, and how you can too.Whether you're starting from scratch or trying to attract better clients, this episode breaks down what it really takes to build a business rooted in your expertise. In this episode, you’ll learn:How to turn your corporate experience into a consulting business that generates incomeThe #1 mistake new consultants make when trying to market their servicesWhy defining the problem you solve is the key to attracting the right clientsHow to build a visibility strategy that converts (not just grows followers)What to focus on first if you're starting a business after a layoffConnect with Candice Jackson LongWebsite → candicejacksonlong.comLinkedIn → @candicejacksonlong📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

In this episode of The Kickback Briefing, Keri breaks down three major stories shaping business and culture right now; from the ongoing Target boycott to a beloved Black-owned fashion brand pausing production, and the controversial legacy of America’s Next Top Model. Along the way, she shares powerful lessons on brand trust, communication in business, and why staying true to your mission matters when building a brand.This week we discuss:What the Target boycott reveals about brand loyalty and public trustWhy “all press isn’t good press” in today’s business landscapeThe communication lessons small business owners can learn from Hanifa’s production pauseThe importance of giving grace when supporting small and Black-owned brandsWhat the America’s Next Top Model documentary teaches about legacy, virality, and staying true to your purposeResources:CNBCUSA TodayThe CutBET📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

Anna Cobb almost lost her life to a synthetic energy supplement. That experience made her to rethink what she was consuming and ultimately led to her creating the first okra sparkling water on the market.In this episode, Anna shares the story behind building O’kra, the wellness beverage brand that went from an idea to being on the shelves at 11 Erewhon luxury grocery stores in California and a nationwide launch in Sprouts in May 2026. We talk about navigating the beverage industry, pivoting until you find product-market fit, and why okra was the best choice to create a beverage brand.In this episode, you'll learn:Pivoting without quitting and the importance of isolation before launchingWhy okra has deeps roots in Black history and the benefits often overlookedWhat beverage founders can learn from brands like Poppi and OlipopHow a viral LinkedIn post helped generate early momentumThe strategy behind securing retail partnerships and scaling🚨 Special Offer: Receive $10 off your O’kra purchase: https://loox.io/z/pjgYoi6CfConnect with Anna Cobb:Website → drinkokra.com Instagram → @drinkokra | @theherbalhottieTikTok → @drinkokra📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

What do you do when you can’t find a Mother’s Day card for your friends?For Krystal Henry, founder of Around the Way Parchment, that simple frustration turned into a growing stationery brand built with intention, representation, and community at its core.Krystal shares how she went from blogging about motherhood to launching a greeting card company, winning nearly $45,000 in grants and pitch competitions, and creating space for Black women entrepreneurs in an industry that often overlooks them.We talk about funding, grief, community, manufacturing, and the truth about building a product-based business from the ground up.In this episode, you'll learnHow Around The Way Parchment fills a gap in the greeting card industryWhy grants and non-dilutive funding should be on every founder's radarThe role community, specifically Black women, plays in building a businessWhy all money ain’t good money and the importance of alignmentConnect with Krystal Henry:Website → aroundthewayparchment.comInstagram → @atwparchmentTikTok → @atwparchmentFacebook → @atwparchmentMentioned In This Episode:Boyd Cru WinesThe Well / She's Well Network: Early Entrepreneur Growth ProgramCommunity College of Baltimore County: Center for Business Innovation and Trade📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

There comes a point in many of our careers when pushing through no longer feels like strength; it feels like survival.Nutrition coach, pharmacist, and fitness instructor Melanie Smith shares what it looked like to navigate burnout, workplace microaggressions, and the quiet signs that something wasn’t right. We talk about the emotional toll of staying too long, the clarity that came through therapy, and how she ultimately prepared to walk away and build her business Moves with Melanie.Listen to the full episode here.Connect with Melanie Smith:Website → mymoveswithmelanie.comInstagram → @moveswithmelanieTikTok → @moveswithmelanieYouTube → @moveswithmelanie📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

Welcome to the first episode of The Kickback Briefing — a new format breaking down the latest wins, challenges, and stories shaping business and culture and the lessons we can learn from them. This week we discuss:The latest update in the Uncle Nearest $108M loan lawsuitWhether the brand could be forced into a saleNike’s MLK “Honor the King” sneaker controversyThe difference between brand intent vs. cultural impactNetflix signing podcast deals and competing with YouTubeWhat founders can learn from major platform pivotsArticles for Reference:Lexington Herald LeaderDistillery TrailThe Spirits BusinessYahoo SportsTimeTech CrunchBusiness Insider📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

What do you do when you feel like you’re being called to go in a different direction? Don’t ignore the whisper. In this hot take, former celebrity makeup artist Brittany Ingram shares the one piece of advice she leaned into when she felt that she was being called to leave her thriving Hollywood career behind for a life as a stay at home mom, military wife and a more purposeful lifestyle in Japan. Listen to the full episode here.Connect with Brittany Ingram:IG  → @brittanyingrambeautyYouTube  → @brittanyingrambeauty📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

What do you do when a massive opportunity shows up before your business is ready?In this Hot Take, the founders of Bell’s Reines share why they turned down a request to produce 3 million cookies after one free advertisement and how that decision protected their business. We talk about the reality of scaling too fast, understanding your true capacity, and why infrastructure before income can make or break a food product brand.You’ll hear practical advice for food entrepreneurs navigating growth, funding, and ownership, plus lessons on saying “not yet” without fear or guilt. This episode is a must-listen for founders building sustainable businesses on their own timeline.Listen to full episode here. Support Bell’s Reines and indulge in their delicious, family-inspired creations:Website → bellsreines.comBlog → dulcetscintilla.comYouTube → Dulcet ScintillaIG → @bellsreines📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

Women don’t hold themselves back at work because they lack skill or experience; it’s because they are seeking permission to be themselves.Wardrobe stylist and image consultant Naana Badu shares the limiting beliefs women of color have when it comes to their style and reminds us that professionalism is not defined by your wardrobe;  it’s defined by your expertise, authority, and presence.Listen to full episode here. Connect with Naana Badu:Website → https://www.badubasics.com/LinkedIn → @badubasics📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

The rules of investing have changed. In this hot take, Boyd Cru Wines co-founder Jon’ll Boyd breaks down how beginners can start investing with as little as $100 without being an accredited or angel investor.We talk about why investing feels intimidating, how everyday people can invest in small and Black-owned businesses, and the legacy we can build through ownership and access. If you’ve ever wanted to start investing but thought you needed millions, this conversation is for you.Listen to full episode here.Sip Outside The Lines With Boyd Cru Wines:Website → boydcruwines.comInstagram → @boydcruwines📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

This episode is a bittersweet one. After a year of filming three seasons together, Keri’s videographer and producer, Kyle, steps in front of the camera for the first time. They pull back the curtain on their entire podcasting journey; the lessons, the laughs, the late-night edits, the technical mishaps, and the major growth moments that shaped the podcast into what it is today.If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast or wondered what it really takes behind the scenes, this episode is your blueprint. Together, Kyle and Keri reflect on what they’ve learned about collaboration, creativity, consistency, and taking that leap even when you don’t feel fully ready.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why perfection is overrated and the importance of taking the first stepPros and cons of hosting an interview-style podcast The power of systems and templates to save time and protect your peace How to overcome imposter syndrome when you’re building something newBiggest lessons learned as both a host and videographer to make podcasting easier in the future This episode is full of gems, storytelling and behind-the-scenes moments about what it looks like to build something meaningful.Connect with Kyle:Instagram → @incrowd.network📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

In this solo episode, Keri reflects on the insights and transformative lessons she's learned from conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives and community leaders through the first three seasons. This episode is packed with actionable wisdom to help you build boldly, take up space, and bet on yourself.📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

What does it really take to turn your passion into a profitable product line? Ryan Thompson, founder of Astro Blends, unpacks the lessons and sacrifices behind building his seasoning line from scratch while balancing a full-time job, family life, and entrepreneurship.Ryan shares what inspired him to move from private dining to launching his own product-based business, how he learned to price his products correctly, and what it truly means to grow a small brand in today’s competitive market.In this episode, you’ll learn:• The process of creating a seasoning line • The pros and cons of using 3rd party marketplaces to scale• Why branding and packaging can make or break your business• The importance of knowing your numbers (costs of goods, profit margins)• When to pause and pivot to juggle life’s responsibilities and not burn outConnect with Ryan:Website → primoandcruex.com📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

When Ebonie Johnson Cooper noticed how few Black-led nonprofits were being funded, she decided to do something about it. As the founder and Executive Director of the Young, Black, and Giving Back Institute (YBGB), she’s leading a movement that’s empowering the next generation of Black philanthropists and closing the racial funding gap in the nonprofit sector. Whether you're a nonprofit leader seeking funding opportunities, someone passionate about giving back, or simply curious about how to make a meaningful impact in your community, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration that will transform how you think about philanthropy.In this episode, you’ll learn:How giving circles work and why pooling resources creates greater impactThe real reasons why Black-led organizations struggle to access funding The significance of August 28th in Black History and why the day is the largest in funding for Black-led nonprofitsHow Millennials and Gen Z are redefining givingPractical ways to give back regardless of income levelConnect with Ebonie:Website → youngblackgivingback.org | give828.orgLinkedIn  → @eboniejohnsoncooperIG → @ybgb_institute📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

What happens when you build a business around purpose instead of profit? In this inspiring episode, Keri kicks back with Brian Taylor, founder and CEO of Goldiata Creative, a Baltimore-based social impact marketing agency helping mission-driven brands amplify their message and measure their impact.Brian shares how he went from playing football to founding a 7-figure agency, and why he believes real success is measured by how much good you do, not just how much you earn.This episode dives into his journey, the lessons learned along the way, and how he’s helping organizations use marketing to create real community change.In this episode, you’ll takeaway:Why choosing purpose over profit can still lead to incredible financial growthHow to build a company culture that aligns with your mission and valuesThe biggest marketing mistakes small business make and how to fix themHow data and storytelling work together to create measurable social impactConnect with Brian:Website → goldiata.agencyLinkedIn → @briantaylor0📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

How does a TikTok creator turn his passion for Black-owned brands into the #1 marketplace for Black-owned spirits?In this episode, Keri sits down with Charles Everett, the founder of urfriendcharles.com, to share how he built a thriving e-commerce platform, one bottle at a time.Charles opens up about how his idea started during the pandemic, what it takes to build partnerships in a highly regulated industry, and how he’s helping consumers discover and shop hundreds of Black-owned liquor, wine, and non-alcoholic brands.In this episode, you’ll learn:The challenges of launching an e-commerce platform The unthinkable hurdles and costs small businesses face to launch their spirits productsWhy non-alcoholic beverages are becoming more popularHow to use A.I. to enhance shopper experiences The power of community and collaboration in brand growth. A portion of all proceeds from UrFriendCharles, including purchase will go directly to GOODProjects, a Washington, D.C nonprofit breaking the cycle of generational poverty by helping families and youth create self-sufficient lives.Connect With CharlesWebsite → @urfriendcharles.comIG  → @urfriendcharlesTikTok → @urfriendcharles📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into personal branding, career ownership, and the power of visibility with marketing strategist and LinkedIn expert Portia Obeng.From graduating during the recession to becoming a sought-after speaker and personal brand coach, Portia shares how she went from marketing products to helping people market themselves. We talk about why relying on job security is no longer enough, how to build a strong personal brand that opens doors, and the importance of being seen, especially for Black women navigating corporate spaces.You’ll learn:How to define your personal brand and communicate your valueThe biggest mistakes people make on LinkedIn (and how to fix them)How to show up online without feeling like you’re “bragging”Ways to build a professional network and get noticed for new opportunitiesWhy joy, community, and creativity are essential parts of career growthWhether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or building your own lane, this episode will inspire you to own your story, show up confidently, and take control of your career narrative.Connect with Porita:Website → portiaobeng.comLinkedIn → @portiaobeng📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

In this solo episode, Keri pulls back the curtain on how The Kickback with Keri came to life; from a spontaneous newsletter idea to a full platform amplifying founders, creatives, and change-makers who are building something bigger than themselves.What started as a passion project became a space for connection, culture, and community. Keri opens up about her pivot from a career in fashion styling to launching a media platform that celebrates Black-owned brands, spotlights purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and creates space for joy, representation, and progress.Tune in to hear:The real story behind The Kickback — and why community building matters now more than everHow Keri turned curiosity into a thriving brand in three yearsWhy amplifying Black voices and small businesses is a form of economic empowermentThe power of building platforms rooted in purpose, not pressureWhether you’re a founder, creative, or someone finding your next chapter, this episode will remind you that sometimes the best things are built by accident and sustained by community.📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

After wrapping up an interview, the conversation kept flowing—and what unfolded was too real not to share. In this bonus episode, Keri opens up about:How she got started in fashion styling and why she chased that dream all the way to LAWhat it really felt like to walk away from a 10-year pursuit when passion fadedThe importance of community, and why it ultimately shaped her next chapterHow The Kickback came to be and where she sees it going in the futureThis is a story about pivots, letting go, and choosing purpose over titles. If you’ve ever felt like you were at a crossroads in your career or questioning what’s next, this episode will remind you that it’s okay to evolve and start fresh.📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

The Kickback With Keri is back!We are intentionally spotlighting founders, creatives, and change-makers who are building something bigger than themselves and creating impact that lasts. In between guest episodes, you’ll catch reflective moments from behind the scenes, real-time lessons, and unfiltered takes on the journey of building and becoming.📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

What happens when you choose peace over the pressure to hustle? In this hot take with Jlani Jewels Founder Lani Nesbitt, we talk about her decision to leave New York City, the epicenter of grind culture and the fashion industry, for a slower, more intentional life in Miami. We dive into the mental health wake-up call, how quality of life became a non-negotiable, and the surprising ways this shift helped her business grow. If you've ever questioned the 9-to-5 grind or wondered what success could look like on your own terms, this one’s for you.Listen to full episode here.Connect with Lani Nesbit & JLANI Jewels:Website → jlanijewels.comInstagram → @jlanijewels📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

What does it really take to build a meaningful community, especially when you're competing with attention spans, and social media noise?In this hot take, I kickback with CoTripper founder Krystin Hargrove to talk about the challenges of building a community. From starting small to creating a safe space, we unpack why real connection takes time, intention, and ownership. You’ll learn what most people get wrong and why access to your community outside of social media is not optional.Listen to the full episode here.Connect with Krystin Hargrove:Website → cotripper.coIG  → @cotripperTikTok → @cotripperYouTube → @cotripper📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

When it comes to sales you don’t need a fancy script, someone else’s blueprint, or hours of YouTube University. In this week’s hot take, Renee Goings, current Director of Operations at Done Dissertation shares what truly works when it comes to converting potential clients.Renee reveals her number one sales strategy and her surprising goal on discovery calls. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or creative entrepreneur, this clip will help you rethink what it really means to "sell."Listen to full episode hereConnect with Renee Goings:Website → thedonedissertation.comInstagram → @donedisscoachLinkedIn → @donedissertationYouTube → @donedissertation📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

AI is here to stay, but are you using it the right way? Yvonne Pearson PinkDollhouse Marketing breaks down the top mistakes marketers are making right now and why unchecked AI tools can hurt your brand and your career.Listen to full episode hereConnect with Yvonne Pearson:Website → pinkdollhousemarketing.comInstagram → @yvonne_creativemarketerTikTok → @yvonne_creativemarketer📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

Hot take: You don’t need millions of followers to land brand deals.Yvonne Pearson of PinkDollhouse Marketing and host of Coffee With Yvonne podcast breaks down 4 proven steps to secure brand sponsorships for your podcast, newsletter, and social media—no matter your follower count.Listen to full episode: https://bit.ly/kickbackwithkeri-yvonnepearsonConnect with Yvonne Pearson:Website → pinkdollhousemarketing.comInstagram → @yvonne_creativemarketerTikTok → @yvonne_creativemarketer📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

What does it take to create a luxury retreat that feels personal, intentional, and rooted in culture?In this on-location episode, Keri visits Wellspring Manor & Spa, a stunning Black-owned bed and breakfast in Prince George’s County, Maryland, for a powerful conversation with co-owner Lisa Brown Alexander. Tucked away on a once-abandoned estate, Wellspring is now a thriving hub for art, wellness, and celebration, welcoming guests to experience hospitality that feels like home and healing.Lisa shares how she and her husband transformed a once-abandoned estate into a vibrant boutique retreat where guests feel “seen, safe, and celebrated,” and reflects on the personal and business lessons they’ve learned along the way.In this episode, we cover:Why Prince George’s County, MD was the ideal home for a luxury Black-owned retreatHow they overcame early neighborhood resistance and built community trustThe art, food, and music events that make Wellspring Manor stand outWhat it means to run a hospitality business with intention during seasonal shiftConnect with Wellspring Manor & Spa:Website → wellspringmanor.comIG  → @wellspringmanorandspaFB → @wellspringmanor📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

In this powerful episode, Keri kicks back with Kadidja Dosso, founder of Dosso Beauty, to unpack the hidden dangers of traditional braiding hair and how she created the first clinically tested, non-toxic alternative for protective styles.Kadidja shares her journey from personal frustration to product innovation, breaking down how she launched a hypoallergenic braiding hair brand that’s redefining beauty and wellness for Black women everywhere.Whether you're a beauty lover, entrepreneur, or just tired of the itch, this conversation is your reminder that the products we use should protect us, not harm us.In this episode:What’s really in most braiding hair (and why it causes irritation)The science behind Dosso Beauty’s clean, non-toxic solutionKadidja’s strategy for manufacturing, marketing, and retailHow storytelling, press, and purpose helped scale her product-based businessConnect with Kadidja + Dosso Beauty:Get 10% Off Your Purchase → dossobeauty.com/ Instagram → @dossobeauty | @kadidja.dosso TikTok → @dossobeauty📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

Oftentimes, businesses are born out of a personal need. In a world where convenience often trumps nutrition, one mother’s mission to find real, healthy baby food led to the creation of Chunky Vegan by founder Camille Hardy; a plant-based, farm-to-table baby food brand that’s redefining what we feed our little ones.In this powerful episode, Keri kicks back with Camille to explore how her frustration with shelf-stable baby food sparked a movement rooted in fresh ingredients, local farming, and purposeful nutrition..What you’ll take away:Best practice Camille used to secure farm partnershipsLearn how to read food labels and shop for organic produceWhy plant-based food isn’t always the healthiest alternative to meat based productsHow Chunky Vegan naturally discovered an untapped secondary marketThis episode is a masterclass in understanding what's really in our food and how to make truly healthy choices for ourselves and our families.Connect WIth Camile Hardy:Website → chunkyvegan.netIG → @chunkyvegan_babyfood📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

What if a candle could do more than smell good — what if it could heal, inspire, and build community?In this soulful and inspiring episode, Keri kicks back with the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind Kobi Co., a Black-owned candle and self-care brand based in Minneapolis. Founders Kobi Gregory and Tasha Harris share how they launched their aromatherapy-focused business during the height of the pandemic — blending scent, sound, and soul to create products rooted in healing and purpose.We talk about turning a side hustle into a brick-and-mortar store, finding balance in a self-care business, navigating burnout, and using entrepreneurship as a vehicle for community care and giving back. Whether you’re building a brand or rebuilding your peace, this conversation will leave you inspired to move with intention.In this episode, you'll learn:How they overcame lack of retail experience to build a successful businessSelf care practices to avoid burnout Why its important to give back through scholarships and partnerships How to ignore outside noise and scale at your own paceConnect with Kobi Co:Website → lovekobico.comInstagram → @lovekobicoResources:The E-Myth RevisitedSistah Biz Global Network📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

Why firing the wrong clients helped this event CEO hit his highest revenue year.In this episode, Keri and Andrew unpack what happens when you set real boundaries, fire misaligned clients, and fully step into your value as a creative entrepreneur.Andrew Roby, an Army veteran turned renowned event planner, speaker, and coach based in Washington, DC. shares his journey from military service to building a premier event planning business. He opens up about the early struggles with cash flow, how he learned to redefine his ideal client, and why storytelling is the heart of every unforgettable event.Whether you're an aspiring event planner, entrepreneur, or creative professional, this episode is packed with powerful lessons on pricing your services, attracting the right clients, and building a sustainable business rooted in purpose and authenticity.What you’ll take away:Red flags that mean it’s time to fire a clientHow to protect your energy and enforce boundariesWhy Andrew changed his entire client base (and what it did for his income)The mindset shift from freelance to CEOConnect With Andrew RobyWebsite →andrewrobyevents.comIG  → @andrewrobyeventsFB @AndrewRobyEventsTikTok → @andrewrobyevents📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

You don’t have to be rich to have an estate plan. In this episode, Keri kicks back with Meredith Hill, founder and principal attorney of The Hill Law Group, located in the DMV, for a powerful conversation on estate planning, wills, and trusts — especially for those who think they don’t need them (yet). They break down the real differences between a will and a trust, debunk common estate planning myths, and explain why having a plan in place is essential for millennials, parents, homeowners, and even college students.Meredith also shares her inspiring leap from burnout at a federal government job to launching her own law firm, the emotional journey of entrepreneurship, and why estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy — it’s for everyone.What you’ll take away:Why you need an estate plan no matter your age or marital statusHow to determine if a will or a trust is the best option based on your goalsWhy you should never use online legal templatesThe mental financial challenges of starting a law practiceConnect with Meredith and The Hill Law Group:Website → thehilllawgroup.comInstagram → @hilllawgroupFacebook → @MeredithHillLawGroup📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

How much of your skincare routine is actually working and how much is just hype? In this episode Keri kicks back with DMV-based esthetician Cameron Cooper of Skin by Cam to talk all things skincare. From SPF myths and product recommendations to the real truth about whether your eye cream is worth the money.Cameron also opens up about his journey as a Black male esthetician in a female-dominated industry, how he built a booked-out skincare business starting from home, and the marketing moves that helped him grow.Whether you're a skincare beginner, looking for affordable product recommendations, or just tired of following a 10-step routine that isn’t working, this episode breaks it all the way down.In this episode, you'll learn:The simple skincare routine you can follow for glowing skinWhy facial treatments aren’t just for women (men should get them too!)How to determine the right products based on the season and your skin typeWhat estheticians need to know to grow a skincare business Connect with Cameron Cooper:Website → skinbycam.comInstagram → @skin.by.camTikTok → @skinbycamYouTube → @skinbycam1358📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

How do you know when it’s time to leave your corporate job and take  a leap of faith? Between the microagressions experienced as a Black woman in corporate America and growing passion for wellness and fitness, Melanie Smith knew she wanted something different. She had to ask herself, “is it time to bet on myself?” In this episode, Melanie, who is an integrative nutrition coach, pharmacist and fitness instructor, shares the microaggressions and burnout that led to her breaking point, what the transition to full-time entrepreneurship really looked like, and how she's helping other women heal their minds and bodies through holistic wellness. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job that drains you, this conversation will remind you that it’s okay to choose yourself.What you’ll take away:The emotional toll of staying too longHow to prepare mentally and financially for a career pivotPractical wellness tips that you can start applying todayHow integrative nutrition can support your physical and emotional healthConnect with Melanie Smith:Website → mymoveswithmelanie.comInstagram → @moveswithmelanieTikTok → @moveswithmelanieYouTube → @moveswithmelanie📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

What do you do when you finally “make it” and God tells you to let it all go?In this raw and powerful conversation, Keri kicks back with Brittany Ingram, a former celebrity makeup artist who worked with icons like Tyra Banks and Phylicia Rashad. Just as her Hollywood career was taking off, Brittany heard a divine call to pivot, leaving behind her identity as a beauty professional to embrace motherhood, military life, and a quieter, more purposeful existence in Japan.Brittany shares what it’s like to lose your title, your income, and your sense of self, and still choose obedience over fear. Together, they unpack the grief and grace of reinvention, the struggles of postpartum depression, and how to make space for you when you're pouring into everyone else.Press play to learn:What obedience to a divine pivot really looks likeHow Brittany’s faith carried her through career loss and identity shiftsHer real talk on stay-at-home motherhood, isolation, and spiritual growthWhy content creation became her outlet for rediscovering purposeHow to lead with peace, not performance, in your next chapterThis episode is for every woman being quietly called to more, even when "more" doesn’t look how the world expects it to.Connect with Brittany Ingram:IG  → @brittanyingrambeautyYouTube  → @brittanyingrambeauty📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

Wine isn’t just a drink, it’s a catalyst for community, legacy, and change.In this episode, host Keri kicks back with Jon’ll Boyd, co‑founder of Boyd Cru Wines, Maryland’s first Black family‑owned wine company. With her husband Matthew, Jon’ll turned a shared passion into a purpose-led business rooted in connection, quality, and community empowerment.In this episode you'll learn:How family stories and heritage shape their winemaking visionWhy they prioritize high‑quality, additive‑free wines that genuinely taste greatThe power of crowdfunding & intentional investment in community businessesHow they’re building a tasting room that uplifts small, local foundersWhy wine can be a tool for accessibility, not elitismBy the end, you’ll see wine as more than a sip, you’ll see it as a strategy for connection, legacy, and belonging.Connect with Jon’ll Boyd:Website  → boydcruwines.comIG  → @boydcruwinesFB → @boydcruwines📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

What if your family recipe could shake up the retail industry? That’s exactly what happened when the founders of Bell’s Reines turned their food blog into a cookie brand that’s now making waves in stores. But behind every perfectly baked batch is a deeper story, one of legacy, grief, sisterhood, and the grind of building something from nothing.In this episode, you’ll hear how two Black women entrepreneurs went from baking at home to navigating gatekeepers, pitching to buyers, and learning how to scale a product-based business without losing the soul of their story. This is about more than cookies — it’s about reclaiming space, honoring family, and building generational wealth one small win at a time.If you've ever had a dream you weren't sure the industry would make room for, this conversation will move you and make you believe again.Press play to learn:How they turned pain into purpose (and profit)What it really takes to break into retailThe emotional labor of building a legacy brandHow storytelling became their secret ingredientSupport Bell’s Reines and indulge in their delicious, family-inspired creations:Website → bellsreines.comBlog → dulcetscintilla.comYouTube → Dulcet ScintillaIG → @bellsreines📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

Think style is superficial? Think again. Naana Badu, wardrobe stylist, image consultant, and speaker, joins Keri to break down why your wardrobe isn’t just about fashion, it’s a leadership strategy. From corporate consulting to building a business that helps women of color show up with authority, Naana shares how your personal style fuels your personal brand.This episode dives deep into personal branding for women of color, how a wardrobe stylist for executives can shift your leadership image, and the often-overlooked link between clothing and career advancement.In this episode, you'll learn:How to build style confidence without sacrificing authenticityWhy executive presence starts in your closetThe wardrobe mistakes holding women leaders back and how to fix themHow to own every room before you speakIf you’re a woman in leadership ready to elevate your image and lead with intention, this conversation is your blueprint.Connect with Naana Badu:Website → https://www.badubasics.com/LinkedIn → @badubasics📧 Tap into the newsletter for a curated space featuring Black culture stories, brand spotlights, thoughtful insights, resources, and inspirationJoin here →  kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeri🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here:https://keri-henderson.kit.com/products/kickback-tip-jar📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

When Krystin Hargrove found herself exhausted, isolated, and stretched thin as a single mom, she realized what was missing: a village. But instead of waiting for support to show up, she created it and turned her vision into a thriving community that’s rewriting the narrative for single mothers. In this powerful conversation, Krystin shares how burnout sparked her purpose and why adventure and rest aren't luxuries, they're lifelines.What You’ll Take Away:Why single moms often face burnout in silence and what to do about itHow Krystin built a platform that centers joy, community, and healingThe power of redefining rest as a form of resistanceLessons in launching a brand that meets a need and builds a movementConnect with Krystin Hargrove:Website → cotripper.coIG  → @cotripperTikTok → @cotripperYouTube → @cotripper📧 Tap into the newsletter for a curated space featuring Black culture stories, brand spotlights, thoughtful insights, resources, and inspirationJoin here →  kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeri🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

From packing boxes at FedEx to seeing her jewelry on Beyoncé and Blake Lively, Lani Nesbit turned hustle and intention into a global jewelry brand. As founder of JLANI Jewels, she shares the real story behind her business the slow seasons, the styling breaks, the earrings that ended up in a Sony film, and why building something beautiful doesn’t have to come with burnout.This is a masterclass in creative entrepreneurship, brand visibility, and owning your lane as a Black woman in fashion even when you’re starting from scratch.In this episode you’ll learn:How she landed celebrity placements without a publicist or PR budgetThe mindset shift that helped her scale without investorsHow moving to Miami transformed her creativity and work-life balanceWhy peace matters just as much as press when building a brandConnect with Lani Nesbit & JLANI Jewels:Website → jlanijewels.com Instagram → @jlanijewels📧 Tap into the newsletter for a curated space featuring Black culture stories, brand spotlights, thoughtful insights, resources, and inspirationJoin here →  kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeri🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

In this episode, Keri kicks back with her oldest friend, Renée Goings, a former Vice President turned co-owner of Done Dissertation, to talk about what it’s really like to go from corporate leadership to running a six-figure, family-owned business.Together they unpack the real, raw side of entrepreneurship: identity shifts, imposter syndrome, finding your lane as a co-founder, and what it means to build a business that reflects your values, voice, and vision.If you're thinking about leaving your 9–5, joining a spouse-led business, or simply redefining what success means, this conversation is a must-listen.In this episode:How Renee planned her corporate exit without sacrificing her lifestyleThe emotional and mental hurdles of joining a spouse-led businessCreating structure as a Type-A entrepreneurSales, systems, and finding your lane as a co-founderConnect with Renee Goings:Website → thedonedissertation.com Instagram → @donedisscoach LinkedIn → @donedissertation YouTube → @donedissertation📬 Want culture, convos, and gems straight to your inbox?Catch the latest newsletter and share your favorite moments with me.Join here →  kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeri🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

What if your marketing wasn’t broken, it just wasn’t in your voice? In this empowering conversation, Keri kicks back with Yvonne Pearson, founder of PinkDollhouse Marketing and award-winning strategist, to talk about building a brand that reflects who you actually are. From content creation without burnout to attracting brand partnerships without chasing clout, Yvonne keeps it real about the power of finding your authentic brand voice and building a marketing strategy rooted in value, not noise.Whether you're a content creator, sidepreneur, or small business owner, this episode is packed with insights to help you show up with more confidence, clarity, and control.What you’ll take away:How to find and protect your authentic voice in a noisy digital worldWhat to look for when hiring a real-deal marketing expertWhy brand partnerships are possible even with a small audienceHow to market without going viral or burning outConnect with Yvonne Pearson:Website → pinkdollhousemarketing.com Instagram → @yvonne_creativemarketerTikTok → @yvonne_creativemarketer📧 Tap into the newsletter for a curated space featuring Black culture stories, brand spotlights, thoughtful insights, resources, and inspirationJoin here →  kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeri🖤 Enjoying the podcast?  Leave a tip here📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.

What if building a brand wasn’t just about business, but about shifting culture, creating opportunity, and rewriting the rules?Welcome to Kickback With Keri, the podcast where Black brilliance meets bold storytelling, strategy, and real talk. I’m your host, Keri Henderson, entrepreneur, community builder, and believer in the power of small business to spark big change.Each conversation is intentionally curated to spotlight founders, creatives, and change-makers who are building something bigger than themselves and creating impact that lasts.And in between guest episodes, you’ll catch reflective moments from behind the scenes, real-time lessons, and unfiltered takes on the journey of building and becoming.Whether you're launching a venture, scaling a vision, or simply craving more purpose in your process, you’ll find the stories and sparks you need to keep going.Come for the insider secrets. Stay for the moments. Grab a seat. It’s time to kick back!📧 Your curated dose of Black culture, brand spotlights & real inspiration. Join the newsletter → kerihenderson.com/newsletter📲 Stay in the loop:Instagram → @kerilhenderson | @thekickbackwithkeriYouTube → @kerilhendersonTikTok @thekickbackwithkeriShop Affiliates:Get 10% off Dosso Beauty → https://dossobeauty.com/KERIHENDERSON🖤 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a tip here.