Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Valerie Obaze.

Founder of R&R Skincare.  

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Highlight Valerie Obaze’s entrepreneurial journey in founding R&R Skincare.
• Challenge stereotypes about Africa’s capabilities and resources.
• Promote African-made beauty products and their global relevance.
• Inspire others, especially women and diaspora Africans, to invest in and build businesses rooted in African heritage.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Breaking African Stereotypes

• Valerie and Rushion discuss how Africa is often misrepresented in Western media.
• Valerie emphasizes that ignorance is not always malicious, but it’s time to reframe the narrative through firsthand experience and platforms like social media.

“Ignorance doesn’t always have to be an insult. If you don’t know, you just don’t know better.” – Valerie Obaze

2. The Birth of R&R Skincare

• Inspired by the birth of her daughter, Valerie sought natural skincare solutions.
• She discovered liquid shea oil, which became her first product.
• The brand name “R&R” stands for Rebecca Rose (her daughter’s name) and also Rest & Relaxation.

“I wanted to create a product that makes using these raw materials from the continent enjoyable.” – Valerie Obaze

3. From Garage to Global

• Valerie started in her mother-in-law’s garage, turning it into a compliant mini factory.
• She had no formal business plan, relying on her PR and branding background.
• The brand now has three stores: one in Lagos and two in Accra, including one at the airport.

4. Authenticity and African Pride

• Valerie insists on maintaining the African identity of her brand.
• She uses locally sourced ingredients and ensures cruelty-free testing.
• The brand supports women in the supply chain, creating economic opportunities.

“We don’t intend to hide that in any way. We just wanted to make raw materials sexy.” – Valerie Obaze

5. Expansion to the U.S.

• Valerie is expanding R&R Skincare to the U.S., leveraging social media, activations, and PR expertise.
• Products are manufactured in Africa, but distributed from U.S. warehouses to ensure timely delivery.

“We found our tribe over here… and this was the right time to come back to America.” – Valerie Obaze

🧴 Product Highlights

• Shea Oil – First product, moisturizing and healing.
• Body Butter – Whipped, light, and rich in essential oils.
• Liquid Black Soap – Modern take on traditional African cleansing.
• Hand Cream – Convenient and portable for dry conditions.

🌍 Big Picture Vision

Valerie’s goal is to grow an African brand globally, showcasing the richness of African resources and empowering local economies.

“This is just a small representative of the entire continent and what it is capable of.” – Valerie Obaze

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Valerie Obaze.

Founder of R&R Skincare.  

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Highlight Valerie Obaze’s entrepreneurial journey in founding R&R Skincare.
• Challenge stereotypes about Africa’s capabilities and resources.
• Promote African-made beauty products and their global relevance.
• Inspire others, especially women and diaspora Africans, to invest in and build businesses rooted in African heritage.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Breaking African Stereotypes

• Valerie and Rushion discuss how Africa is often misrepresented in Western media.
• Valerie emphasizes that ignorance is not always malicious, but it’s time to reframe the narrative through firsthand experience and platforms like social media.

“Ignorance doesn’t always have to be an insult. If you don’t know, you just don’t know better.” – Valerie Obaze

2. The Birth of R&R Skincare

• Inspired by the birth of her daughter, Valerie sought natural skincare solutions.
• She discovered liquid shea oil, which became her first product.
• The brand name “R&R” stands for Rebecca Rose (her daughter’s name) and also Rest & Relaxation.

“I wanted to create a product that makes using these raw materials from the continent enjoyable.” – Valerie Obaze

3. From Garage to Global

• Valerie started in her mother-in-law’s garage, turning it into a compliant mini factory.
• She had no formal business plan, relying on her PR and branding background.
• The brand now has three stores: one in Lagos and two in Accra, including one at the airport.

4. Authenticity and African Pride

• Valerie insists on maintaining the African identity of her brand.
• She uses locally sourced ingredients and ensures cruelty-free testing.
• The brand supports women in the supply chain, creating economic opportunities.

“We don’t intend to hide that in any way. We just wanted to make raw materials sexy.” – Valerie Obaze

5. Expansion to the U.S.

• Valerie is expanding R&R Skincare to the U.S., leveraging social media, activations, and PR expertise.
• Products are manufactured in Africa, but distributed from U.S. warehouses to ensure timely delivery.

“We found our tribe over here… and this was the right time to come back to America.” – Valerie Obaze

🧴 Product Highlights

• Shea Oil – First product, moisturizing and healing.
• Body Butter – Whipped, light, and rich in essential oils.
• Liquid Black Soap – Modern take on traditional African cleansing.
• Hand Cream – Convenient and portable for dry conditions.

🌍 Big Picture Vision

Valerie’s goal is to grow an African brand globally, showcasing the richness of African resources and empowering local economies.

“This is just a small representative of the entire continent and what it is capable of.” – Valerie Obaze

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Rebecca Jarvis.

📝 Summary of the Interview

Rebecca Jarvis, Emmy Award-winning journalist and ABC News Chief Business, Technology, and Economics Correspondent, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss her ABC News Original documentary on the GameStop stock phenomenon. The interview explored her career journey from finance to journalism, the mechanics and implications of the GameStop surge, the role of apps like Robinhood, and the broader lessons about investing and financial literacy. Jarvis emphasized the importance of understanding market dynamics, the risks of single-stock investing, and the power of storytelling in educating the public.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

• To highlight the GameStop stock surge and its impact on everyday investors.
• To explain the financial mechanics behind trading apps like Robinhood.
• To share Rebecca Jarvis’s career path and insights into journalism and finance.
• To promote financial literacy and responsible investing.
• To showcase the ABC News Original documentary and its human-centered storytelling.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Rebecca Jarvis’s Career Path

• Studied economics at the University of Chicago.
• Started in investment banking to pay off student loans before transitioning to journalism.
• Cold-called editors and pitched finance-based stories to break into media.

2. GameStop Stock Phenomenon

• GameStop’s stock surged from ~$4 to $350 due to social media hype, especially on Reddit.
• Influencers like Roaring Kitty (Keith Gill) played a key role in rallying retail investors.
• The event revealed how collective action by small investors can disrupt Wall Street norms.

3. Robinhood’s Role and Controversy

• Robinhood allowed easy access to trading but faced a collateral call due to high trading volume.
• Restricted buying of GameStop, causing public backlash.
• Despite controversy, Robinhood’s user base grew, and it remains a major player in retail investing.

4. Risks of Single-Stock Investing

• Investing in individual stocks is akin to gambling—high risk, high reward.
• Long-term investing in diversified portfolios (e.g., 401(k), IRA) is more stable and proven.
• Leverage (borrowing to invest) can amplify gains but also magnify losses.

5. Human-Centered Storytelling

• The documentary featured diverse investors: a 10-year-old, a new parent, anonymous traders, and more.
• These stories illustrated the emotional and financial motivations behind investing.
• Jarvis emphasized the importance of representation and relatability in financial reporting.

6. Historical Parallels

• The GameStop surge echoed past financial bubbles (e.g., dot-com era, 2008 crisis).
• Technology changes, but human behavior in markets remains consistent.

7. Financial Literacy and Empowerment

• Jarvis advocates for teaching kids about investing through familiar brands.
• Quote: “Invest in what you know.”
• Encourages people to ask questions, seek mentorship, and take initiative in learning finance.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Anytime you put money into a single stock, it is the equivalent of betting.”
• “Robinhood became the poster child for all the anger and outrage.”
• “It only takes one person to return your call to change your career.”
• “This moment gave GameStop a second life.”
• “We see these things happening over and over again… history repeats itself.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Maxine Cain. 

Founder of STEM Atlanta Women, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss her mission to increase diversity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. She shares insights on how her organization bridges gaps for Black and Brown women in underserved communities and creates career pathways.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Origins of STEM Atlanta Women

   • Founded in 2016, the organization was inspired by Maxine’s challenges as an HR leader in a Fortune 500 company, where recruiting women of color into innovation roles was difficult.
   • She recognized a lack of representation and cultural barriers that discouraged women from entering STEM careers.
   • Her background in corporate event planning and business development helped her secure sponsorships for STEM-focused initiatives.

2. Summerhill Community Hub

   • The organization operates out of a two-story loft space in Summerhill, Atlanta, a historically underserved community.
   • Summerhill lacked essential resources, including a bank and grocery store, for over 60 years.
   • Partnered with Carter Development, which helped provide space for STEM education and community programming.

3. STEM Education & Outreach

   • Works closely with local schools, including King Middle School, Carver Early College, Maynard Jackson High School, and Georgia State University.
   • Runs programs designed to introduce young girls to STEM careers, helping them build confidence and skills early.

4. Annual STEM Events

   • STEMinist Ball celebrates young women excelling in STEM fields by awarding crystal trophies, certificates, and graduation cords at a black-tie event.
   • STEM in the City is an afterschool program that exposes students to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, drone technology, and flavor science with Coca-Cola.
   • Collaborated with Usher’s New Look Foundation and IBM to introduce artificial intelligence concepts to students.

5. College & Workforce Development

   • Partners with Clark Atlanta University and Emory University to provide certification programs in business intelligence and emerging technology.
   • Works with major corporations to create career pathways for Black talent.
   • Helps underserved individuals gain industry-recognized certifications for high-paying tech jobs.

6. Vision & Impact

   • Maxine started STEM Atlanta Women to create opportunities for young women who lacked access to STEM education.
   • She emphasizes mentorship, representation, and hands-on learning to help future leaders navigate STEM careers.

📘 Resources & Contact Information
Dr. Maxine Cain’s work is accessible through:
🔗 Website: STEM Atlanta Women
🔗 Social Media: @STEMAtlantaWomen

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Rebecca Jarvis.

📝 Summary of the Interview

Rebecca Jarvis, Emmy Award-winning journalist and ABC News Chief Business, Technology, and Economics Correspondent, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss her ABC News Original documentary on the GameStop stock phenomenon. The interview explored her career journey from finance to journalism, the mechanics and implications of the GameStop surge, the role of apps like Robinhood, and the broader lessons about investing and financial literacy. Jarvis emphasized the importance of understanding market dynamics, the risks of single-stock investing, and the power of storytelling in educating the public.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

• To highlight the GameStop stock surge and its impact on everyday investors.
• To explain the financial mechanics behind trading apps like Robinhood.
• To share Rebecca Jarvis’s career path and insights into journalism and finance.
• To promote financial literacy and responsible investing.
• To showcase the ABC News Original documentary and its human-centered storytelling.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Rebecca Jarvis’s Career Path

• Studied economics at the University of Chicago.
• Started in investment banking to pay off student loans before transitioning to journalism.
• Cold-called editors and pitched finance-based stories to break into media.

2. GameStop Stock Phenomenon

• GameStop’s stock surged from ~$4 to $350 due to social media hype, especially on Reddit.
• Influencers like Roaring Kitty (Keith Gill) played a key role in rallying retail investors.
• The event revealed how collective action by small investors can disrupt Wall Street norms.

3. Robinhood’s Role and Controversy

• Robinhood allowed easy access to trading but faced a collateral call due to high trading volume.
• Restricted buying of GameStop, causing public backlash.
• Despite controversy, Robinhood’s user base grew, and it remains a major player in retail investing.

4. Risks of Single-Stock Investing

• Investing in individual stocks is akin to gambling—high risk, high reward.
• Long-term investing in diversified portfolios (e.g., 401(k), IRA) is more stable and proven.
• Leverage (borrowing to invest) can amplify gains but also magnify losses.

5. Human-Centered Storytelling

• The documentary featured diverse investors: a 10-year-old, a new parent, anonymous traders, and more.
• These stories illustrated the emotional and financial motivations behind investing.
• Jarvis emphasized the importance of representation and relatability in financial reporting.

6. Historical Parallels

• The GameStop surge echoed past financial bubbles (e.g., dot-com era, 2008 crisis).
• Technology changes, but human behavior in markets remains consistent.

7. Financial Literacy and Empowerment

• Jarvis advocates for teaching kids about investing through familiar brands.
• Quote: “Invest in what you know.”
• Encourages people to ask questions, seek mentorship, and take initiative in learning finance.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Anytime you put money into a single stock, it is the equivalent of betting.”
• “Robinhood became the poster child for all the anger and outrage.”
• “It only takes one person to return your call to change your career.”
• “This moment gave GameStop a second life.”
• “We see these things happening over and over again… history repeats itself.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Maxine Cain. 

Founder of STEM Atlanta Women, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss her mission to increase diversity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. She shares insights on how her organization bridges gaps for Black and Brown women in underserved communities and creates career pathways.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Origins of STEM Atlanta Women

   • Founded in 2016, the organization was inspired by Maxine’s challenges as an HR leader in a Fortune 500 company, where recruiting women of color into innovation roles was difficult.
   • She recognized a lack of representation and cultural barriers that discouraged women from entering STEM careers.
   • Her background in corporate event planning and business development helped her secure sponsorships for STEM-focused initiatives.

2. Summerhill Community Hub

   • The organization operates out of a two-story loft space in Summerhill, Atlanta, a historically underserved community.
   • Summerhill lacked essential resources, including a bank and grocery store, for over 60 years.
   • Partnered with Carter Development, which helped provide space for STEM education and community programming.

3. STEM Education & Outreach

   • Works closely with local schools, including King Middle School, Carver Early College, Maynard Jackson High School, and Georgia State University.
   • Runs programs designed to introduce young girls to STEM careers, helping them build confidence and skills early.

4. Annual STEM Events

   • STEMinist Ball celebrates young women excelling in STEM fields by awarding crystal trophies, certificates, and graduation cords at a black-tie event.
   • STEM in the City is an afterschool program that exposes students to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, drone technology, and flavor science with Coca-Cola.
   • Collaborated with Usher’s New Look Foundation and IBM to introduce artificial intelligence concepts to students.

5. College & Workforce Development

   • Partners with Clark Atlanta University and Emory University to provide certification programs in business intelligence and emerging technology.
   • Works with major corporations to create career pathways for Black talent.
   • Helps underserved individuals gain industry-recognized certifications for high-paying tech jobs.

6. Vision & Impact

   • Maxine started STEM Atlanta Women to create opportunities for young women who lacked access to STEM education.
   • She emphasizes mentorship, representation, and hands-on learning to help future leaders navigate STEM careers.

📘 Resources & Contact Information
Dr. Maxine Cain’s work is accessible through:
🔗 Website: STEM Atlanta Women
🔗 Social Media: @STEMAtlantaWomen

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Rebecca Jarvis.

📝 Summary of the Interview

Rebecca Jarvis, Emmy Award-winning journalist and ABC News Chief Business, Technology, and Economics Correspondent, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss her ABC News Original documentary on the GameStop stock phenomenon. The interview explored her career journey from finance to journalism, the mechanics and implications of the GameStop surge, the role of apps like Robinhood, and the broader lessons about investing and financial literacy. Jarvis emphasized the importance of understanding market dynamics, the risks of single-stock investing, and the power of storytelling in educating the public.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

• To highlight the GameStop stock surge and its impact on everyday investors.
• To explain the financial mechanics behind trading apps like Robinhood.
• To share Rebecca Jarvis’s career path and insights into journalism and finance.
• To promote financial literacy and responsible investing.
• To showcase the ABC News Original documentary and its human-centered storytelling.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Rebecca Jarvis’s Career Path

• Studied economics at the University of Chicago.
• Started in investment banking to pay off student loans before transitioning to journalism.
• Cold-called editors and pitched finance-based stories to break into media.

2. GameStop Stock Phenomenon

• GameStop’s stock surged from ~$4 to $350 due to social media hype, especially on Reddit.
• Influencers like Roaring Kitty (Keith Gill) played a key role in rallying retail investors.
• The event revealed how collective action by small investors can disrupt Wall Street norms.

3. Robinhood’s Role and Controversy

• Robinhood allowed easy access to trading but faced a collateral call due to high trading volume.
• Restricted buying of GameStop, causing public backlash.
• Despite controversy, Robinhood’s user base grew, and it remains a major player in retail investing.

4. Risks of Single-Stock Investing

• Investing in individual stocks is akin to gambling—high risk, high reward.
• Long-term investing in diversified portfolios (e.g., 401(k), IRA) is more stable and proven.
• Leverage (borrowing to invest) can amplify gains but also magnify losses.

5. Human-Centered Storytelling

• The documentary featured diverse investors: a 10-year-old, a new parent, anonymous traders, and more.
• These stories illustrated the emotional and financial motivations behind investing.
• Jarvis emphasized the importance of representation and relatability in financial reporting.

6. Historical Parallels

• The GameStop surge echoed past financial bubbles (e.g., dot-com era, 2008 crisis).
• Technology changes, but human behavior in markets remains consistent.

7. Financial Literacy and Empowerment

• Jarvis advocates for teaching kids about investing through familiar brands.
• Quote: “Invest in what you know.”
• Encourages people to ask questions, seek mentorship, and take initiative in learning finance.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Anytime you put money into a single stock, it is the equivalent of betting.”
• “Robinhood became the poster child for all the anger and outrage.”
• “It only takes one person to return your call to change your career.”
• “This moment gave GameStop a second life.”
• “We see these things happening over and over again… history repeats itself.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Maxine Cain. 

Founder of STEM Atlanta Women, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss her mission to increase diversity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. She shares insights on how her organization bridges gaps for Black and Brown women in underserved communities and creates career pathways.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Origins of STEM Atlanta Women

   • Founded in 2016, the organization was inspired by Maxine’s challenges as an HR leader in a Fortune 500 company, where recruiting women of color into innovation roles was difficult.
   • She recognized a lack of representation and cultural barriers that discouraged women from entering STEM careers.
   • Her background in corporate event planning and business development helped her secure sponsorships for STEM-focused initiatives.

2. Summerhill Community Hub

   • The organization operates out of a two-story loft space in Summerhill, Atlanta, a historically underserved community.
   • Summerhill lacked essential resources, including a bank and grocery store, for over 60 years.
   • Partnered with Carter Development, which helped provide space for STEM education and community programming.

3. STEM Education & Outreach

   • Works closely with local schools, including King Middle School, Carver Early College, Maynard Jackson High School, and Georgia State University.
   • Runs programs designed to introduce young girls to STEM careers, helping them build confidence and skills early.

4. Annual STEM Events

   • STEMinist Ball celebrates young women excelling in STEM fields by awarding crystal trophies, certificates, and graduation cords at a black-tie event.
   • STEM in the City is an afterschool program that exposes students to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, drone technology, and flavor science with Coca-Cola.
   • Collaborated with Usher’s New Look Foundation and IBM to introduce artificial intelligence concepts to students.

5. College & Workforce Development

   • Partners with Clark Atlanta University and Emory University to provide certification programs in business intelligence and emerging technology.
   • Works with major corporations to create career pathways for Black talent.
   • Helps underserved individuals gain industry-recognized certifications for high-paying tech jobs.

6. Vision & Impact

   • Maxine started STEM Atlanta Women to create opportunities for young women who lacked access to STEM education.
   • She emphasizes mentorship, representation, and hands-on learning to help future leaders navigate STEM careers.

📘 Resources & Contact Information
Dr. Maxine Cain’s work is accessible through:
🔗 Website: STEM Atlanta Women
🔗 Social Media: @STEMAtlantaWomen

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Steve Selengut.

Also known as The Income Coach. Here's a detailed summary of the episode:

🎙️ Guest: Steve Selengut

• Veteran private investment manager with over 40 years of experience.
• Author of Retirement Money Secrets, his second book.
• Focuses on helping people achieve income independence through smart investing.
• Runs an educational income investing community.

📘 About the Book: Retirement Money Secrets

• Written as a conversational story about a couple on a river cruise who learn about a different approach to retirement investing.
• Emphasizes common sense financial strategies over complex jargon.
• Focuses on closed-end funds as a key investment tool.

💡 Key Concepts Discussed 🔒 Closed-End Funds (CEFs)

• One of the oldest investment vehicles, dating back to the 1800s.
• Structured as pass-through trusts that must return 95% of earnings to shareholders.
• Focused on income generation rather than capital appreciation.
• Can invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs.

🔥 FIRE Movement

• Stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early.
• Steve aligns more with generating sustainable income than early retirement per se.

🎯 Income Independence

• The goal is to generate enough income from investments to replace employment income.
• Allows flexibility to retire, start a business, or pursue other passions.

🛡️ The Four Risk Minimizers

1. Quality: Invest only in what you understand and in companies with a proven track record.
2. Diversification: Spread investments across sectors, geographies, and management firms.
3. Income: Only invest in securities that pay dividends or interest.
4. Profit-Taking Discipline: Set target profits (e.g., 5%) and sell when reached, reinvesting gains.

💬 Common Sense Investing Tips

• Buy stocks in companies you use or understand (e.g., Home Depot, Apple, Chipotle).
• Use tools like Yahoo Finance or CEFConnect.com to research dividend history and fund performance.
• Avoid speculative or zero-income investments.
• Treat your portfolio like a retail store—sell when profitable and restock wisely.

🌐 Connect with Steve Selengut

• Available on Facebook and LinkedIn.
• Offers access to an educational investing community with 450+ members.
• Book includes full contact details and resources.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.