The Steve Harvey Morning Show

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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Taia Rashid and Daphne Carter.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To highlight the entrepreneurial journey of Taia Rashid and Daphne Carter, co-founders of Cassie Beverage, a premium vodka-based drink brand. The interview explores their inspiration, challenges as Black women in a male-dominated liquor industry, and their commitment to quality and authenticity.
🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Founders’ Background & Bond
Taia and Daphne met as dance moms in Houston, Texas.
Their friendship grew through shared experiences at dance competitions.
Their cocktail-making hobby evolved into a business idea.
2. Cassie Beverage Origins
Inspired by family traditions involving alcohol (moonshine and wine coolers).
The brand name “Cassie” is a blend of their last names.
Their products include Daphne Limoncello and Daphne Berrycello.
3. Business Launch & Support
The idea was sparked during a trip to the Amalfi Coast.
Their husbands, both entrepreneurs, helped launch the business and provided initial capital.
They entered a white male-dominated industry with determination and humility, seeking mentorship and doing extensive research.
4. Commitment to Quality
Their drinks use natural ingredients like fresh lemon juice and cane sugar.
They resisted pressure to use cheaper alternatives like concentrates or preservatives.
Their goal: create a premium product they’re proud to consume themselves.
5. Challenges in the Liquor Industry
High startup costs and tight margins.
Strategic decisions around packaging, pricing, and market positioning.
Balancing premium quality with affordability for consumers.
6. Academic & Professional Backgrounds
Daphne: Advanced degrees in chemistry and mathematics; former charter school executive and state superintendent.
Taia: Degree in chemical engineering; worked for Frito-Lay and later became a stay-at-home mom.
7. Empowerment & Representation
They emphasized the importance of supporting women, especially in non-traditional roles like bartending and mixology.
Encouraged others to pivot careers and pursue passions regardless of societal expectations.
Advocated for creating space at the table when none is offered.
8. Community Impact
A caller shared how the interview inspired her to support her daughter’s bartending career.
The founders responded with encouragement and emphasized redefining success beyond traditional roles.
💬 Notable Quotes
“We found the perfect cocktail—the cure was liquor. A cup of joy.”
“We wanted something of quality that we could stand proud of.”
“If there’s no room at the table, bring a folding chair.”
“Your degrees give you soft skills—you can pivot and do whatever you want.”
“We’re winning because we’re doing something we love, even with the struggles.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tim Mercer.
Author of Bootstrap Millionaire and CFO of Cadence Ventures, Inc.:
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To inspire and educate aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals by sharing Tim Mercer’s journey from humble beginnings to financial success, emphasizing the importance of hard work, faith, planning, and leveraging government contracts and nontraditional financing.
🗝️ Key Takeaways
Background & Journey
Tim Mercer grew up in Mullins, South Carolina, in modest circumstances.
His path to success began with military service, which broadened his worldview and led him to entrepreneurship.

Bootstrap Millionaire Philosophy
The term “bootstrap” symbolizes hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.
Mercer emphasizes that success doesn’t come overnight—it requires grinding, planning, and faith.

Importance of a Business Plan
A solid business plan is essential for securing funding and guiding business growth.
Mercer shares real-life examples of people failing to secure support due to lack of planning.

Cadence Ventures, Inc.
A boutique private equity firm offering nontraditional financing for real estate investors.
Focuses on investment properties and uses the property itself as collateral.

Government Contracting
Mercer began in government contracting in 2012 and credits it with helping him scale his business.
He stresses that while it’s complex and paperwork-heavy, it’s a valuable opportunity for minority-owned businesses.
Free resources like SAM.gov and Georgia Tech’s GT PAC can help entrepreneurs navigate the process.

Success Requires Sacrifice
Mercer highlights that every successful person has a story of struggle and sacrifice.
His book’s first chapter, “See the Glory, Don’t Know the Story,” encapsulates this message.

💬 Notable Quotes
“If you want to have the things tomorrow that other people won’t have, then you got to be willing to do the things today that other people won’t do.” — Tim Mercer quoting Les Brown
“There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Tim Mercer
“You can only make as much as the customer that you have.” — Tim Mercer on scaling through government contracts
“See the glory, don’t know the story.” — Chapter title from Bootstrap Millionaire
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI
Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.
Business Podcast
Entrepreneurship
Small Business
Business Growth
Financial Literacy
Wealth Building
Black Entrepreneurs
Minority Business
Leadership
Executive Leadership
Business Funding
Marketing Strategies
Personal Development
Startup Advice
Sales Training
CEO Interviews
Founder Stories
Professional Development
Economic Empowerment
Business Success
Networking
Brand Building
Innovation
How to start a business
Small business funding
Entrepreneur success stories
Business leadership podcast
Wealth building strategies
Black entrepreneur podcast
Minority business development
Marketing for small businesses
Business growth strategies
Startup funding opportunities
Executive leadership training
Financial literacy education
Success mindset podcast
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Miko Branch.
Here is a clear, structured summary of the Miko Branch interview with Rushion McDonald, along with its purpose, key takeaways, and notable quotes, drawn directly from the transcript you provided.
All information cites the uploaded file.
SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW
In this Money Making Conversations Masterclass episode, Rushion McDonald interviews Miko Branch, co‑founder and CEO of Miss Jessie’s, a pioneering hair‑care brand serving people with textured, curly, kinky, and wavy hair.
Miko recounts how she and her late sister, Titi Branch, built Miss Jessie’s from their kitchen table in their Brooklyn brownstone, developing products designed to genuinely work for people with textured hair. She highlights the brand’s deeply personal roots—named after their grandmother Jessie Mae Branch, the first “CEO” they ever observed in action.
Throughout the interview, Miko explains how Miss Jessie’s expanded from grassroots marketing, word‑of‑mouth, and early internet chat rooms to becoming a national brand found in Walgreens, CVS, Target, and more. She stresses the brand’s emphasis on education, authenticity, and providing solutions for all textured hair types.
Miko also discusses signature product lines (Curly Pudding, Pillow Soft Curls, Daily Soft Curls, sulfate‑free shampoo) and how Miss Jessie’s became a leader in the natural hair movement—well before it became a mainstream trend.
PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. To showcase Miss Jessie’s origin story and entrepreneurial journey
McDonald highlights how Miko built a multimillion‑dollar brand from her kitchen table.
2. To inspire current and aspiring entrepreneurs
Miko demonstrates how authentic problem‑solving creates brand loyalty and long-term success.
3. To educate listeners about textured hair and the natural hair care industry
The interview reinforces that natural hair is not a trend—it's an identity and lifestyle.
4. To highlight the importance of cultural heritage and family influence
Miko shares how her grandmother, her sister, and her Brooklyn salon shaped Miss Jessie’s values and innovation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Miss Jessie’s was built on authenticity and real consumer needs
The brand emerged from real hairstyling challenges Miko and Titi solved for themselves and their salon clients.
2. Education is central to the brand’s success
Miss Jessie’s teaches customers how to understand and care for their curl types—wavy, curly, kinky, multicultural, or transitioning.
McDonald says the site offers more information than any hair‑care brand he has interviewed.
3. Family legacy guides the company
Their grandmother Jessie Mae’s leadership, work ethic, and kitchen‑table lessons inspired their business approach.
4. The natural hair movement is here to stay
People increasingly embrace their God‑given texture; straightening is no longer the dominant norm.
5. Social media amplified—did not create—their success
Word‑of‑mouth began long before social media; platforms today simply extend their reach.
6. Miss Jessie’s serves everyone with texture—not just Black women
Men, boys, Latinas, mixed‑race individuals—anyone with curls or waves—can find a solution.
7. Product innovation drove their growth
Curly Pudding, Pillow Soft Curls, Daily Soft Curls, and sulfate‑free shampoos transformed textured hair care.
8. Their Brooklyn salon doubled as R&D
It allowed the sisters to test products directly on customers and ensure real‑world performance.
NOTABLE QUOTES (from transcript) On the company’s beginnings
“We started our business in our brownstone right at our kitchen table.”
“Curly Pudding was the groundbreaker—the game changer.”
On the brand’s philosophy
“The bottom line is being able to create products that are helpful.”
“Information and communication is key to success.”
On inclusivity
“Anyone who has texture… we have something for you.”
On natural hair
“Natural hair, curly hair is preferred… it’s how people want to express themselves.”
“Natural hair is not a trend—it’s here to stay.”
On social media and growth
“We were going viral before ‘going viral’ was a word.”.
On legacy
“Our grandmother Jessie was the first female CEO we’d ever seen.”.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.
Business Podcast
Entrepreneurship
Small Business
Business Growth
Financial Literacy
Wealth Building
Black Entrepreneurs
Minority Business
Leadership
Executive Leadership
Business Funding
Marketing Strategies
Personal Development
Startup Advice
Sales Training
CEO Interviews
Founder Stories
Professional Development
Economic Empowerment
Business Success
Networking
Brand Building
Innovation
How to start a business
Small business funding
Entrepreneur success stories
Business leadership podcast
Wealth building strategies
Black entrepreneur podcast
Minority business development
Marketing for small businesses
Business growth strategies
Startup funding opportunities
Executive leadership training
Financial literacy education
Success mindset podcast
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sauda Johnson McNeal.
To highlight Sauda Johnson McNeal’s journey from a successful law career to filmmaking.
To discuss her new film “Love the Skin You’re In”, its themes, production process, and personal significance.
To inspire entrepreneurs and creatives to pursue their passions while balancing purpose and practicality.
Key Takeaways
Career Transition & Dual Roles
Sauda started as an actor, realized the instability, and pursued law for financial security.
Maintains dual careers: education attorney and filmmaker, blending purpose (helping youth) and passion (storytelling).

Film Details
Title: Love the Skin You’re In.
Themes: Self-love, family healing, caretaking, and African-American experiences.
Cast includes Wendy Raquel Robinson, Marla Gibbs, and Oba Babatundé.


Production Challenges
Unexpected permit issues caused shutdowns.
Tight 4-week shooting schedule due to budget constraints.
Importance of leveraging relationships and calling in favors for casting and resources.

Personal Connection
Story inspired by Sauda’s own struggles with self-worth during college.
Emphasizes therapy, faith, and support systems in overcoming self-doubt.

Entrepreneurial Insight
First project was self-financed; future plans include raising private equity for films.
Goal: Maintain creative control while expanding opportunities for others.

Impact & Audience Takeaway
Encourages self-acceptance and repairing family relationships.
Resonates with men on fatherhood and emotional presence.
Highlights the underappreciated role of caretakers.

Notable Quotes
On purpose and passion:
“My purpose is to help young people. My passion is this filmmaking business.”

On self-love:
“Love the skin you’re in is about total self-acceptance regardless of where you are on your journey.”

On overcoming fear:
“Film is unpredictable… I said, okay, the other fears—do it anyway.”

On family relationships:
“We are not promised tomorrow… Fix these family relationships if they’re possible to be fixed.”

On entrepreneurial mindset:
“I absolutely would like to use other people’s money… but keep creative control.”

#SHMS #BEST #STRAW
Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.
Business Podcast
Entrepreneurship
Small Business
Business Growth
Financial Literacy
Wealth Building
Black Entrepreneurs
Minority Business
Leadership
Executive Leadership
Business Funding
Marketing Strategies
Personal Development
Startup Advice
Sales Training
CEO Interviews
Founder Stories
Professional Development
Economic Empowerment
Business Success
Networking
Brand Building
Innovation
How to start a business
Small business funding
Entrepreneur success stories
Business leadership podcast
Wealth building strategies
Black entrepreneur podcast
Minority business development
Marketing for small businesses
Business growth strategies
Startup funding opportunities
Executive leadership training
Financial literacy education
Success mindset podcast
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Holly Cotton.
Discussed her new book, The Hard Choice: When the High Road Feels Like Losing. The conversation explored how people can navigate difficult life situations, protect their peace, manage stress, and make tough decisions even when doing the right thing does not seem to deliver immediate rewards. Holly also shared insights on entrepreneurship, authorship, and building a business around your expertise.
Interview Summary
Holly Cotton joined Money Making Conversations Master Class to discuss the powerful lessons behind her book, The Hard Choice. She explained that many people experience situations where they are hurt, disrespected, or treated unfairly and are forced to decide whether to retaliate or take the high road.
A central message from the interview was that doing the right thing is often emotionally difficult because the people who caused harm may never face visible consequences. Holly encouraged listeners to stop basing their peace and happiness on whether others receive karma or punishment and instead focus on protecting their own well-being.
The conversation also highlighted Holly's commitment to mental wellness. She discussed her free "Pause Before You Pop" resource, which helps people recognize emotional triggers and avoid making impulsive decisions they may later regret.
Rushion and Holly also connected over their experiences as cancer survivors, discussing how life-changing health challenges can reshape priorities, strengthen authenticity, and increase appreciation for peace and purpose.
In the second half of the interview, Holly shifted to entrepreneurship and publishing. She shared practical advice for aspiring authors, stressing that writing a book is only the beginning. Success comes from understanding your audience, creating a marketing strategy, and transforming your knowledge into multiple streams of income.
Key Takeaways 1. Taking the High Road Is Not Easy
Doing the right thing often feels unfair when others continue to prosper despite their behavior, but integrity ultimately serves you better than retaliation.
2. Peace Is Priceless
Protecting your mental and emotional well-being should always be a priority.
3. Stop Waiting for Karma
Your decisions should not depend on whether someone else experiences consequences for their actions.
4. You Are Not Stuck
Whether in a career, relationship, or personal situation, you have the power to create a plan and move toward a better future.
5. Manage Triggers Before They Manage You
Learning to pause before reacting can prevent emotional decisions that create long-term problems.
6. Adversity Can Create Growth
Life-changing experiences, including health challenges, can provide a new perspective on what truly matters.
7. Writing a Book Is a Business
Authors who want success must think about distribution, marketing, audience development, and revenue opportunities.
8. Know Your Target Audience
Before writing a book, know who will benefit from it and who is most likely to purchase it.
9. Create Multiple Revenue Streams
Books can lead to speaking engagements, courses, coaching programs, workshops, and digital products.
10. Success Requires Structure
Goals are achieved through planning, outlines, accountability, and consistent execution.
Memorable Quotes
"The hard choice comes in when the high road doesn't feel like winning."
"Peace is priceless, especially my peace."
"You cannot let your decision be contingent upon them getting some type of repercussion for what they did."
"Don't come to me with excuses."
"You are not stuck."
"The only person who cares about your happiness is you."
"I'm not in the book-writing business. I'm in the book-selling business."
"The most important part of writing a book is identifying your target audience."
"Everybody has a story. What is your differentiator?"
Final Thoughts
Holly Cotton delivered an inspiring and practical conversation centered on resilience, emotional intelligence, personal accountability, and entrepreneurship. Her message was clear: choosing peace over revenge, taking ownership of your happiness, and making difficult but necessary decisions are essential to personal growth. Whether discussing mental wellness or book publishing, Holly emphasized that lasting success comes from intentional choices, strategic action, and a commitment to living authentically.
#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.
Business Podcast
Entrepreneurship
Small Business
Business Growth
Financial Literacy
Wealth Building
Black Entrepreneurs
Minority Business
Leadership
Executive Leadership
Business Funding
Marketing Strategies
Personal Development
Startup Advice
Sales Training
CEO Interviews
Founder Stories
Professional Development
Economic Empowerment
Business Success
Networking
Brand Building
Innovation
How to start a business
Small business funding
Entrepreneur success stories
Business leadership podcast
Wealth building strategies
Black entrepreneur podcast
Minority business development
Marketing for small businesses
Business growth strategies
Startup funding opportunities
Executive leadership training
Financial literacy education
Success mindset podcast
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.