Dreams In Drive

You've got this "big idea" - this SOLUTION to a problem that you know people will love and NEED. What's the next steps? How do you go about validating your ideas and figuring out how/if you can actually build a sustainable business model around it? We chat with Morgan DeBaun, CEO of Blavity and a serial creator passionate about living life to the fullest. Morgan has led Blavity to become one the fastest growing digital media startups and a top destination for black youth culture. Morgan talks each step of the business-building process and what you must do to keep momentum alive and grow your brand. She is one of only 12 Black women to raise over 1 million dollars in venture funding and has been featured on Essence, New York Magazine, Teen Vogue, Nylon, and a finalist for 2016 TechCrunch Founder of the Year. Join in on the conversation on social (@dreamsindrive) and use the hashtag #dreamsindrive. Enjoy! IN THIS PODCAST WE DISCUSS:- What inspired Morgan as a child - The early days of Blavity + the core problem

Did you know practicing self-care and self-exploration can have a HUGE impact on your #dreamdriving journey? We chat with Nnenna Stella- Founder of The Wrap Life, a premier online-retailer for head wraps - about the importance of self-care and how it led her to discover and re-new parts of herself - which eventually led her on the path to entrepreneurship. Nnenna reveals, "I was really tired. I was tired of not knowing and searching. I knew that I had to get it together. I can't half do this. I have to figure it out. I have to figure out why I feel this way. I have to figure out why I keep repeating patterns." Since she started the company in January 2014, The Wrap Life has connected with women all over the world, inspiring creativity and self expression. After experiencing the empowerment of her transition from waitress to entrepreneur, today Nnenna uses The Wrap Life platform to inspire women around the world to embrace the joys of self-exploration, self-care and self-expression. Join in on the conversation

You're in the middle of building your brand, figuring out next steps in your career and then your world gets twisted upside down. What do you do? How do you manage - even at all? In this episode, we chat with podcaster Sarah Vega, host of Dique! - a self-help podcast with a twist that caters to the Latino demographic and is trying to break the stigmas that come within the culture. Podcaster Sarah Vega talks working with through dark moments along her #dreamdriving journey and how she was able to find faith, hope & new beginnings. We chat her early dreams of being a fashion editor, working at top NYC media outlets, her Kanye West experience, and even working with Rihanna. Sarah then explains how she ended up working as a Corrections Officer in New Jersey. Sarah opens up about this life-changing period in her life, battling depression, suicide attempts, and homelessness and what she did to get re-focused and re-energized to start over. Join in on the conversation on social (@dreamsindrive) and use the hasht

Want to launch (or currently launching) your own online community, but not sure what to do next? BAUCE Magazine founder Liane Membis gets real on what it takes to launch a successful platform, get funding, work with investors, build a team...and more. BAUCE Magazine is a lifestyle site for self-made women of color. A digital media enthusiast at heart, Liane is a web designer-developer that loves technology, art and damn good storytelling.  She currently works in marketing for one of the world's leading technology companies and spends her time outside the office empowering women through mentoring and service work. Join in on the conversation on social (@dreamsindrive) and use the hashtag #dreamsindrive. SOME OF THINGS WE DISCUSS:- What inspired Liane as a child - The pressure Liane felt after she graduated from Yale - Working in journalism and realizing was NOT for her - How Liane got the idea for BAUCE magazine - How to do research & figure out your site idea - The importance of data & analytics - Why

What keeps you going? We chat with Maria Karmina Landicho -  journalist and media executive and on-air host at Myx TV - the only English-language multicultural Asian American entertainment cable network in the United States. Maria-Karmina is also the creator of the series "Be My Guest." Maria-Karmina shares her journey of coming to America as an immigrant child, to being homeless with her parents and siblings, to then finding her way in the industry as a half Asian American on-air personality. Maria-Karmina talks leaving her corporate job and giving herself a six month timeframe to figure out how to make her dream come true. Maria-Karmina also discusses the highs and lows she has experienced throughout her #dreamdriving story and what keeps her motivated to keep going. Join in on the conversation on social (@dreamsindrive) and use the hashtag #dreamsindrive. Enjoy! SOME OF THINGS WE DISCUSS:- What inspired Karmina as a child - Growing up in an immigrant household - How Karmina knew journalism was for her - Le

Sometimes you have a dream, but the dream doesn't always work out how you want it to. What do you do? How do you cope and continue to push on? We chat with McKenzie Dawkins - writer, YouTuber, dancer/choreographer and social influencer whose love for self-love, body positivity, female empowerment, and natural hair care can be seen throughout her work. Mckenzie takes us on her journey post-college and all the twists and turns she has had to navigate. She shares her tips for fighting fear and doubt, accepting your gifts, believing in yourself, refueling her passions, and continuing towards the end goal. Join in on the conversation on social (@dreamsindrive) and use the hashtag #dreamsindrive. Enjoy! SOME OF THINGS WE DISCUSS:- What inspired McKenzie as a child - Why McKenzie chose to attend Princeton University - Figuring things out in college + things McKenzie may have done differently - Lessons learned from internships at Ebony & Elle - Launching BWPW - a blog centered around female empowerment - Finding

How have you worked through challenges and discouragement? I'm back at it with another round of listener questions! This time around we talk moments of inspiration, other inspiring business podcasts I love and recommend, navigating through setbacks, the power of words in branding, and keeping it professional via email. Join in on the conversation on social (@dreamsindrive) using the hashtag #dreamsindrive. Enjoy! SOME OF THE QUESTIONS I ANSWER/THINGS WE DISCUSS:- Acting on moments of inspiration - What are some women in media & podcasts that inspire you? - What have been some of your favorite wins from starting your career journey? - How have you worked through challenges and discouragement? - The power of branding, your words + perception - How do you keep it professional via email? *SHOW NOTES: www.dreamsindrive.com/episode-81 *SUBSCRIBE: www.dreamsindrive.com/join *RESOURCES: www.dreamsindrive.com/free *Follow Dreams In Drive on Social: *twitter.com/dreamsindrive *instagram.com/dreamsindrive *Follow

 What goes on behind the mic? It's time to answer some dream driver questions! Listen in as I chat staying motivated, my recommended (and favorite) books, getting started, working through plateaus and more! Join in on the conversation on social (@dreamsindrive) and use the hashtag #dreamsindrive. Enjoy!   SOME OF THE QUESTIONS I ANSWER:- What's your WHY? - Where do you see yourself in 5 years with Dreams In Drive? - What motivates you to be consistent? - What's your self care routine like? - How do you stay motivated during a plateau? - How did you get started with Dreams In Drive? - How do you find a mentor? - What has been your biggest challenge with building Dreams In Drive? - How does relocation help your life? - What books would you recommend for personal growth? *SHOW NOTES: www.dreamsindrive.com/episode-81 *SUBSCRIBE: www.dreamsindrive.com/join *Follow Dreams In Drive on Social: *twitter.com/dreamsindrive *instagram.com/dreamsindrive *Follow Rana on social: *instagram.com/rainshineluv *twitter.com/rain

Got an idea, but not sure how to launch and market it? We chat with with NYC based tech entrepreneur and journalist Wize - the Creative Director and founder of Indie Creative Network, an on-demand media production and distribution company. Wize talks about his dream driving journey, going to college in the US, working in Barbados for a while, coming back to New York City and eventually launching his own network. Wize shares the lessons he learned launching and marketing Indie Creative Network from the ground up as well as tips that others creatives and lifestyle entrepreneurs can use as they market their own dreams in drive. As Creative Director at Indie Creative Network, Wize uses his expertise in risk management, podcast production and demographic analysis to produce and distribute 27 talk and music mix shows based in 5 different countries. Join in on the conversation on social (@dreamsindrive) and use the hashtag #dreamsindrive. Enjoy! IN THIS PODCAST WE DISCUSS:- Why Wize's mother is his biggest inspirati

Being a dream driver isn't only about chasing the dream, but also about keeping up with all of life's many other responsibilities. With life being hectic at times, what are the best ways to truly juggle everything? How can we learn to successfully manage it all? We chat with publicist Alli Rodriguez about her dream driving story and the ways that she has been able to balance the many facets of her life including the 9-5 career, the "dream", family, relationships, school, and self. Though all of our experiences and life circumstances are not the same, it IS possible to find ways to carve out time for our dreams and stay sane. Make sure to join in on the conversation online (@dreamsindrive) and use the hashtag #dreamsindrive. Enjoy!   IN THIS PODCAST WE DISCUSS:- How Alli knew she wanted to be a publicist - Creating opportunities for yourself - Pivotal points early in her career - Building relationships - Letting passion drive you - Taking breaks - Juggling everything & settling boundaries - Facing her fath

Think politics don't affect you? Think again! "There are a lot of things taking place at the local, state, and federal level but our voices are not in it...so where does this leave the future of politics if we are not at the table?" In this episode, Lauren Bealore discusses why it's so important to be politically engaged and how having a seat at the table is crucial - especially for men and women of color. Some of the topics we discuss are the state of millennial and politics, the power of having people of influence in lobbying, donor, and policy positions, developing strategic partnerships, the generational gap, entrepreneurial trends we should be taking advantage of, and much more! Lauren is currently the Corporate Relations and Events Manager for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, a national lobbying organization that focuses on protecting conservation issues by holding elected officials accountable. Lauren is also an appointed and elected official, serving as a City Commissioner for the City of

"I want to make impact. I want to help small business owners be successful and feel fantastic about themselves." With a mission like that, how do you make it happen? We chat with Melody McCloskey, co-founder and CEO of StyleSeat, the leading destination for booking beauty and wellness appointments.Melody co- founded StyleSeat in 2011 to simplify the process of booking beauty appointments. With StyleSeat, industry experts are provided a place to showcase their work, connect with clients, and build their business while clients can discover new services and providers and book appointments on the go. Melody opens up about her journey building a top online booking service that not only helps stylists earn more but also serves a huge market need. Building a technology company is no easy feat and Melody discusses what entrepreneurs need to focus on if they want to be successful as well as some of the challenges she is currently facing within the business. To date, StyleSeat has powered over 50M appointments in over

When you're starting (or thinking of starting a business), it is crucial to have a strong LEGAL foundation. But how? On this episode we chat with attorney Efe Ukala on the top legal mistakes you should avoid as your pursue entrepreneurship. Efe discusses key legal topics that you need to navigate. It may not be the sexiest of topics, but it definitely is an important one! Efe currently serves as a Vice President of Legal and Compliance at Kuramo Capital Management, an investment management firm, where she manages the firm's legal initiatives. She also currently serves as the Vice President of the Association of Black Women Attorneys New York. Make sure to follow on social @dreamsindrive and use the hashtag #dreamsindrive. Grab your FREE Dreams In Drive resources at www.dreamsindrive.com/free. Enjoy! *SHOW NOTES: www.dreamsindrive.com/efe-ukala IN THIS PODCAST WE DISCUSS: - How Efe knew she wanted to be a lawyer - The #1 legal mistake many entrepreneurs make - Why service professionals also need to get their b

What do you do when you're super passionate about a specific subject, but can't find a space to engage with a community that shares your love? YOU CREATE YOUR OWN COMMUNITY. How though? Is it even possible? What are the steps to take? We chat with Berry, the creator of the online directory for podcasters & podcasts of color - Podcasts In Color. Berry discusses her own dream driving story, what inspired her to launch Podcasts In Color and how it morphed into a much-needed vibrant, engaged online community that brings together creators of color who might not otherwise have known about each other. Berry candidly opens up about her experience, podcasting lessons she has learned, opportunities + connections she has helped to create, and what excites her about the future of podcasts. Make sure to follow on social @dreamsindrive and use the hashtag #dreamsindrive. Grab your FREE Dreams In Drive resources at www.dreamsindrive.com/free. Enjoy! *SHOW NOTES: www.dreamsindrive.com/berry-podcasts-in-color IN THIS PODC

How do you build professional connections and mentorship opportunities that last? In this episode, we uncover tips and strategies to use to genuinely network & connect your way to success. As part of our DRIVER'S ED series, we chat with Gabrielle N. Simpson, a communications and media expert (and one of Rana's mentors.) Gabrielle has been recognized for her industry-wide accomplishments, commitment to diversity & inclusion and dedication to sharing global stories on multiple platforms. She is a career mentor and NYU Graduate Adjunct Professor where she teaches integrated marketing, digital and social media, advanced public relations, media relations, corporate communications and event planning courses. Gabrielle discusses how networking helped launch her career, the art of informational interviewing, how to stand out, organic mentorship, and much more! Make sure to follow on social @dreamsindrive and use the hashtag #dreamsindrive. Grab your FREE Dreams In Drive resources at www.dreamsindrive.com/fre

What's the secret formula for securing press and/or media coverage for your brand or business? Not quite sure how to leverage publicity and make connections with the media? As part of our DRIVER'S ED Series we're chatting with Charell Star- the voice of “Not Just a Girl in a Dress” a lifestyle blog Charell shares inspiring stories and trending news that helps her audience define their own version of success.  Charell talks techniques and strategies you can use to secure press & media coverage for your personal brand or business. On air, you will find Charell speaking about the latest styles, technology and trends as a contributor for Marie Claire, Fox5 – Good Day New York, NBC New York Live, Second Look TV, and various broadcast and digital media outlets. As a journalist, she creates engaging pieces for online and print outlets covering technology, business, fashion, and beauty, providing women with advice and tips they can leverage to enhance their lives. Use the hashtag #dreamsindrive and make sure to f

Fear of failure holds a lot of dream drivers back! Want to learn how to stop letting fear and doubt get in the way of your success? What do you have to do to s start being intentional about your life and goals? On this episode we chat with Dre Baldwin- the world's only Work On Your Game expert. A 9-year professional basketball player, Dre teaches mental toughness, self-confidence and self-discipline to athletes, entrepreneurs and business professionals. Dre has given 3 TED Talks, published 13 books and 150+ basketball programs. Dre discusses his own setbacks and challenges he experienced early in his career. He shares some of the techniques that dream drivers such as yourself can use to work on their personal DREAMS and fight feelings of doubt and fear. Use the hashtag #dreamsindrive and make sure to follow us on social @dreamsindrive. Download our FREE episode show notes at www.dreamsindrive.com/free. Enjoy! IN THIS PODCAST WE DISCUSS:- What inspired Dre as a child - 2 questions to ask yourself to know when

How do you go from selling our of your trunk and on the shelves of major retailers such as Target? In this episode we chat with Chris-Tia Donaldson- Chief Executive Officer of Thank God It’s Natural (tgin), a manufacturer of natural hair and skin care products. Chris-Tia is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School and the author of Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Natural Hair. Chris-Tia discusses some of major problems she had to solve as she grew her brand -some that may have scared many others and deterred them from keeping on. She shares how she started TGIN, the value in her legal training and how it helped the business, how she managed having a full-time law career, fighting breast cancer, and expanding the brand to major retailers such as Target, Walgreens & Sally's Beauty Supply, the importance of slowing down, core business lessons every entrepreneur needs to know and more. As a breast cancer survivor, she is deeply committed to raising awareness of the conditio

Can an idea that started out as a passion project lead you to full-time entrepreneurship? YES. In this episode, we chat with - Barbara Jacques - Founder, Creative Director and Chief Formulator at Jacq's Organics, a sustainable bath, body, and skincare line. Barbara is also a a self-proclaimed recovered beauty product junkie, writer and natural skincare expert that is passionate about health, natural beauty, yoga, and traveling. Barbara shares her story of how a health scare during her pregnancy inspired Jacq's Organics, challenges she faced during her early days of business, juggling full-time work, motherhood & entrepreneurship, tips for growing an online business, standing out in the market place, and bouncing back from fear. At the end of it all, remember this: NO ONE CAN DO IT LIKE YOU DO IT. Barbara reveals what keeps her going and how you can use your story to help you define what "success" looks like for you. Join in the conversation on social using the hashtag #dreamsindrive. Enjoy! *SHOW NOTES: w

What does "establishing your money mindset" actually mean? On this episode we chat with Tonya Rapley - millennial money expert and creator of My Fab Finance - where she helps millennials break the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck so that they can become financially free and do more of what they love. Tonya shares her story and what led her to launching the My Fab Finance Platform. She talks moving past law school dreams, navigating past failed & toxic relationships, her YOLO NYC days and the beginning days of entrepreneurship running My Fab Finance. She discusses selecting your niche, understanding financial policies in this new political atmosphere, working with brands, having multiple revenue streams and more. Lastly, Tonya discusses some of the challenges she is facing in her business today and the investments she is making in her professional & personal growth. If you want to learn  Join in on the conversation online using the hashtag #dreamsindrive. Enjoy! *SHOW NOTES: www.dreamsindrive.com/t