Dreams In Drive

Black People Die By Suicide Too co-founders T-kea Blackman and Jordan Scott chat with me about their road to building a non-profit focused on normalizing the conversation about suicide in the Black Community. We talk about the importance of mental health and mental wellness (including actionable tips, support + resources) and why these conversations are so pivotal for those along the #dreamdriving journey.  SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER – THE KEYS: https://www.dreamsindrive.com/join FIND THE T-KEA & JORDAN ON: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo/ Resources: https://blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo.org/resources/ FIND RANA ON SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo/Web: https://blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo.org/ FIND DREAMS IN DRIVE ON:Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive Twitter: http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive Web: https://www.dreamsindrive.com

Trying to build or scale your brand? Here’s what Beauty CEO Melissa Butler says you need to know.  In this episode, The Lip Bar CEO and Founder Melissa Butler shares the keys to growing and scaling her beauty empire while growing as a person and business owner. We first spoke to Melissa in 2017 on EP 119 and she shares in details there how she went from stock broker to beauty entrepreneur. In this update episode Melissa details how much she and THE LIP BAR have grown since 2017 and shares some of the realities of what it means to truly pivot and grow up as an entrepreneur, leader, and individual. Some of what you'll learn is: What changed for TLB since 2017 How Launching in Walmart was a game changer Realties of growth no one talks about The importance of negative reviews The importance of supply chain management Why fundraising and getting investor $$ isn’t for everyone The question to ask about "wasting time" The importance of knowing your audience Why dream driving doesn’t always mean entrepreneurship How

Let's talk about money! CFA Jason Blumstein helps us debunk some finance myths and provides practicable, actionable advice that we can start implementing to start building wealth today. Hey Dream Drivers -  Today on the podcast we have Jason Blumstein, CFA®, CEO and Founder of Julius Wealth Advisors, LLC, a boutique wealth advisory providing concierge advantages. We are going to be talking about how you can BUILD WEALTH BY CHOICE. I know money, funding, financial independence, and wealth building are all topics that you all are dealing with on the daily - so I’ve brought in an expert to help us debunk some finance myths and provide practicable, actionable advice that we can start implementing ASAP. Jason is the Host of the podcast, "The Big Bo $how." He’s knowledgeable and an engaging speaker and you all are going to enjoy not only his practical tips on building personal wealth but also his story. Growing up familiar with financial struggles and frustration, he’s walked the walk that’s been the journey of mos

It can be tough when you feel like everyone else is achieving the dream faster than you. Assuming, you're actively trying to make a dream happen...what do you do? Listen in as Rana responds to a listener question and shares 4 key reminders about the #dreamdriving journey. What else would you add to this conversation? *SUBSCRIBE TO "THE KEYS" NEWSLETTER: http://www.dreamsindrive.com/join *Follow Dreams In Drive on Social: *http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive *http://instagram.com/dreamsindrive *Follow Rana on Social: *http://instagram.com/rainshineluv *http://twitter.com/rainshineluv

It's my 33rd birthday and I'm reflecting on the many truths and (questions) in my life right now. Sharing the many lessons I learned over the past year and the many areas of life that I'll be exploring in this coming year. Most importantly, I want you to know you're not alone. Though we're all trying to figure out "what's next" - there's so much to look forward to along this #dreamdriving journey. *SUBSCRIBE TO "THE KEYS" NEWSLETTER: http://www.dreamsindrive.com/join *Follow Dreams In Drive on Social: *http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive *http://instagram.com/dreamsindrive *Follow Rana on Social: *http://instagram.com/rainshineluv *http://twitter.com/rainshineluv

Maya & Brian Smith share how they built their wildly popular The Doux Haircare brand by focusing on solving their customers' problems and staying true to their purpose, values, and vision to make salon- quality products accessible to all.  Learn how they went from operating salons and brand building overseas while Brian was in the military to navigating the nuances of matrimony, parenthood to FIVE sons, and their own creative pursuits.  More on Maya & Brian Smith below:  Meet Maya Smith and Brian Smith, partners and parents to five sons, and navigating the realms of matrimony, parenthood, and entrepreneurship with creativity agency. A teenage love that blossomed in the halls of high school, their journey took flight against the breathtaking backdrop of Germany, where Brian served in the distinguished US Air Force, and Maya conceived what was their brainchild, The Doux.   Maya Smith, a seasoned Licensed Cosmetologist with three decades of expertise, leads the charge as the CEO of The Doux. With a passi

How Hannah Williams went from corporate employee to viral content creator and the steps she is taking to shine a light on salary transparency. Ever since she was a kid, Hannah Williams had a passion for injustice. Fast forward to navigating post-college, Hannah found herself navigating the work-world and advocating for better pay. Five jobs and 2.5 years later, Hannah was frustrated with the lack of salary transparency and decided to document her story. Soon, the series/brand as we know it - Salary Transparent Street was created. Listen in as Hannah details her journey from corporate employee to viral content creator and the steps she is taking to open up the salary transparency lens and help others along their own #dreamdriving journey. Note: This episode first aired in January 2023. More about Hannah: After learning how to swim with the help of coaches in 2009 at CUNY York College, Paulana nurtured her love for swimming and became inspired to teach others how to conquer their fear of water. For over

What would it take for you to leave the only life and rule system you've known to start anew and embark on a life-changing journey? Reuben and Sherri Johnson- aka the FlyDuo® - are the co-founders of Fly MediaProductions, an award-winning, non-traditional brand agency obsessed with destigmatizing pleasure. Reuben and Sherri open up about their experience leaving the Jehovah Witness religious organization and how they started prioritizing their own sex-positive healing journeys. The couple share their love story over the years and how their strong relationship helped them navigate all the changes in life including entrepreneurship, facing their dreams head on, and what it means to participate in a very stigmatized industry. Some of the topics we discuss include: Growing up as Jehovah Witnesses and getting married at a young age How their resourcefulness led them to entrepreneurship early on as young adults How moving to Atlanta changed their lives The shift to no longer dreaming small When they began t

So how do you go from a Target Intern to having your own stationary brand on all Target shelves across the country? Jasmin Foster did it and she's here to tell her story. As a kid, Jasmin Foster never dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur. She was ambitious, curious, and determined to climb the corporate ladder. A college internship at Target changed her life and eventually led her to a growing career as a top buyer at the company, where she became the "entrepreneur's best friend." After switching industries and helping small businesses grow their sales, the Pandemic hit and Jasmin had some time to reflect on where she was going and what she was truly interested in. Her stationary and homeware company, Be Rooted, was born and she hasn't looked back since. Listen in as Jasmin shares her story of resiliency, leaning into one's strengths while also taking BIG risks, the ups and downs of navigating BIG RETAIL, and why giving up has never been an option for her. More about Jasmin: Recognizing that there was

"You've got to save yourself! The Promised Land is wherever you are. Don't waste time wasting time!" Six years later, and these words from Jenifer Lewis still ring true.  It seems fitting this week to take it back to 2018 (episode 145) when I first chatted with the LEGENDARY actress Jenifer Lewis as she shares her #dreamdriving journey and why nothing was going to kill her dream! Jenifer talks her struggles with mental illness, getting herself "unfrozen."/seeking help, writing her book The Mother of Black Hollywood, and the importance of self care. She also  opens up about what being HAPPY means to her now and how we as dream drivers can find our own definitions of success despite what has happened to us. In Jenifer's own words, "Love yourself so that love will not be a stranger when it comes." This episode is one for the books! One you have to share with a friend and tell them to keep paying forward! Thank you Jenifer for blessing us with your GEMS!  Join in on the conversation on social (@dreamsindrive) an

Danie's Natural Juice Blends founder Danielle Marshall shares how a pre-diabetic diagnosis launched her into the world of food entrepreneurship. In the driver's seat - we have Certified Juice Therapist, Danielle “Danie” Marshall - whose strong passion for holistic healing of the mind, body, and spirit led her down the entrepreneurial path. After receiving a Type-II pre-diabetes diagnosis in 2011, Danie began cold-pressed juicing as part of a lifestyle change, and as a result, dropped 60 lbs. and was no longer pre-diabetic. Friends and family noticed Danie’s weight loss success with juicing and began asking her to make juices for them. As a result, Danie’s Natural Juice Blends was born. Danie takes us along her #dreamdriving journey and the many life lessons she's learned along the way as she's on the way to building her natural juicing empire. SHOP THE DREAMS IN DRIVE STORE: https://www.dreamsindrive.com/shop SUPPORT DREAMS IN DRIVE: https://www.dreamsindrive.com/donate BROWSE THE BOOKSTORE:https:

"If you want to change your life, you must do the work." Alexis Wilson - social entrepreneur, speaker, and the CEO of Exalt Management - shares her personal #dreamdriving journey and how you can break free from mental constraints while elevating to new heights in both your personal life and career. Alexis has devoted over half a decade to researching how humans can be renewed in mind, body and spirit, and has in turn identified efficient tools and practices for life transformation and elevation. Outside of her work with Exalt, she leads The Menternship, a non-profit dedicated to the personal and professional development of Black and Brown young women pursuing careers in entertainment. In the past decade, Alexis has keynoted national conferences, launched several successful ventures and formed partnerships with some of the largest brands across the globe such as Nike, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and L'Oréal Paris. SUPPORT DREAMS IN DRIVE: https://www.dreamsindrive.com/donate BROWSE THE BOOKSTORE:htt

Whose values and definition of success are defining the path you’ve set out on?  This week we’re chatting with Brittany Dandy - an established producer, journalist and digital marketer who’s helped growing business owners and corporate giants like MTV, Google, Toyota tell mindful and profitable stories. Brittany opens up on this episode about her journey as she navigates the trifecta between ambition, womanhood, and motherhood. She takes us along her own life journey as she navigates what it means to find success in career, womanhood, and motherhood. She shares why being a problem solver and planner has helped her remain positive along the journey as she navigates life’s twists and turns.  This busy mom of two, is also the founder of Ode to Us Wellness, a unique resource hub for new moms and women considering motherhood. Offline, you can find her brunching around Brooklyn with her family, enjoying NYC's live music scene, or squeezing in a good workout. SHOP THE DREAMS IN DRIVE STORE: https://www.dreamsi

It's never too late to start over. Despite your age, life circumstances, or past...all you need to is turn within, question yourself, and start taking action. This week we're chatting with Cheri Syphax - CEO of Phax Entertainment Group and co-owner of Booker's Restaurant and Bayou Lounge in West Philadelphia - who decided to turn a second act in her life- and start living boldly and abundantly! So many of think we can’t reinvent ourselves…that we can’t start over…that what was…always has to be what is ..and that isn’t true. Today you'll learn how she was able to "start over." From getting out of a tumultuous relationship to moving across the country to a new city and eventually meeting her now husband - Cheri confidently shares her story of new love, new beginnings, and a new mission. Plus, she shares the steps we call can take to "start over" in our own lives. SHOP THE DREAMS IN DRIVE STORE: https://www.dreamsindrive.com/shop SUPPORT DREAMS IN DRIVE: https://www.dreamsindrive.com/donate BROWSE THE

Freelance writer, editor, producer and on-camera correspondent Brande Victorian opens up about the peaks and valleys of her career as a journalist and what has kept her going through it all. So honored to have Brande Victorian as a guest on the podcast this week. Brande was one of the first editors who believed in my written abilities back in the day when I wrote for MadameNoire after college. I've been following her career since and have been inspired by her moves from iOne to Essence…and now The Hollywood Reporter. Listen in as she gets real about the personal and professional breakthroughs she's had to have in order to continue to drive her dreams forward. Some of the things we discuss in this episode include: The important of having confidence in herself What it was like being a leader within the black media space The Power of Being Enough Why Brande chose to leave her "Dream Job" Why Being Yourself will always be crucial The power of moving...and more Brande's Bio: Brande Victorian is a freela

Odessa Jenkins shares how she is achieving her dream of dominating both on and off the field and helping other women find their way as well. How did she do it? Meet Odessa "OJ" Jenkins - a successful tech/SAAS business executive, CEO of Bonfire Women, and founder of the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC). As a disrupter in sports, Jenkins has built one of the premier sports leagues in the country, creating opportunities, inclusion, and equity in football for women and girls. Odessa shares her #dreamdriving journey and how she tapped into her inner strengths and powers - and how she is achieving her dream of dominating both on and off the field, in and out of the corporate board rooms - and helping other women find their way as well.  More on Odessa: At 72-2, Jenkins is the winningest Head Coach in women’s tackle football history. She is a Hall of Famer, a 7x National Champion, a 2x USA Football Team captain, and a 3x Team USA Gold Medalist. An in-demand global speaker/coach, Jenkins is also the found

Blogger turned DJ - Ty Alexander - shares the journey that got her here, and why not being afraid to "do all the things" unleashed for her a new path to chasing joy and success.  Four words: It's never too late. 2020 changed life as we know it for so many of us. For wellness blogger, author, speaker, and podcaster Ty Alexander - it rocked her life in a good way - unleashing for her the opportunity to pursue her interest in learning how to become a DJ - a passion that had been laying dormant within her, waiting for the right time to appear. On this episode, Ty takes us along the #dreamdriving journey that got her to this moment. From teen mom, aspiring media star in New York City, successful influencer and blogger behind Gorgeous in Grey, author, podcaster, and now DJ - ready for all that's to come next. Ty's story is one of "doing all the things", inspired by her dying mother who urged her to pursue everything while she still could. She shares the important lessons she's learned along the way and why it'

Learn the steps you can take in 2024 to be on the way to true financial freedom! Back in the guest chair is money expert Jamila Souffrant who will teach us dream drivers how we can cruise towards wealth and happiness as we tackle our #dreamdriving goals. Jamila Souffrant is the author of the new book "Your Journey To Financial Freedom A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Wealth and Happiness" and the host of the Journey To Launch podcast. She is considered a go- to thought leader in the personal finance field and her work has been featured in BuzzFeed, ESSENCE, Refinery 29, Money Magazine, CNBC, CBS, Business Insider and more. Some of the things we discuss in this episode include: Jamila’s path to financial freedom and financial independence The changes Jamila made to become financially free Why Jamila defines herself as a millionaire The 5 Journeyer Stages you need to travel to in order to reach financial independence How to train your mindset and habits The deeper issues that may be limiting your abili

"It's only crazy until it happens." In this throwback episode from 2022, we meet Paulana Lamonier - founder of Black People Will Swim, a purpose-driven organization working to smash the stereotype that Black people don’t swim.  Paulana's on a mission to open the first Black-owned swimming facility and she won't stop until the dream is complete. This is her journey, her story on how she's gotten to this point. Hop in, and welcome to the ride. Note: Since this episode first went live last year, Paulana has accomplished even more with BPWS, but still this episode is still an important reminder about the power of never giving up! More about Paulana: After learning how to swim with the help of coaches in 2009 at CUNY York College, Paulana nurtured her love for swimming and became inspired to teach others how to conquer their fear of water. For over a decade, she has shared her passion for swimming by working with swim clubs, teams, and gyms to build a community with her students. She's also a multimedia jou

When Georgia Dawkins entered college at Florida A&M University, she had dreams of working in media and being a journalism star. Over the course of a decade, those dreams came true. Still, though, a desire to pursue something more for herself remained. On this episode - this producer extraordinaire, author - and now comedian - details her journey to discovering her power, enlisting her natural gifts, and taking a risk on herself to explore new passions and dream. Some of the things we discuss in this episode include: Church’s influence on her as a child Her dreams entering college at FAMU Lessons she's learned about herself Handing overwhelm in the newsroom  Why she decided to branch out into comedy Lessons learned growing as an entrepreneur Plans for the future and more... More about Georgia: Georgia Dawkins is an author, producer, and comedian. Using her imagination and media prowess Georgia creates content for networks that has never before been seen in the marketplace. This includes developi