Strawberry Letter

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Got a situation? Steve Harvey and Shirley Strawberry deliver unfiltered advice on love, relationships, family, work, and life. Send your letter, subscribe, and get real talk every day! Every weekday, the Steve Harvey Morning Show tackle a listener-submitted “Strawberry Letter”... a real-life dilemma ranging from romantic entanglements to career choices, family drama to money struggles, and everything in between. With a blend of wisdom, wit, and brutal honesty, they offer candid commentary and heartfelt guidance, often sparking conversation (and laughter) among the rest of the morning show crew. Submit your Strawberry Letter at www.steveharveyfm.com for a chance to be featured, and get the truth, Steve Harvey style!

  1. Info You Can Use: Interior Designer keeping it simple with kitchen and bathroom renovations.

    5 HR AGO

    Info You Can Use: Interior Designer keeping it simple with kitchen and bathroom renovations.

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Melody Vaughn. Founder of Melody Vaughn Interiors (MVI), conversation dives into the art and business of interior design, with a focus on accessibility, personalization, and the emotional power of home spaces. 🎙️ Guest: Melody Vaughn Title: Interior Designer, Founder of Melody Vaughn Interiors (MVI)Specialties: Kitchens, bathrooms, renovations, art consultation, and staging 🏡 Key Highlights ✨ Design Philosophy Interior design is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for well-being. Everyone deserves a beautiful space, regardless of budget. Design should reflect how people live, not just how it looks. 🧠 Personal Journey Started as a hobby—reorganizing closets and rearranging furniture as a child. Inspired by her father, a landscaper, and early exposure to beautiful homes. Returned to school to become a certified kitchen designer. Worked with Home Depot, then transitioned into flipping homes and full-scale renovations. 🛠️ Design Process & Team Melody leads a team that includes: Senior and mid-level designers Contractors (painters, electricians, wallpaper installers, etc.) Sourcing specialists and assistants Emphasizes project management, timelines, and behind-the-scenes coordination. Compares the design process to composing music—each element must harmonize. 🎨 Client-Centered Approach No “one-size-fits-all” style—designs are based on: Client lifestyle Regional influences (East Coast vs. West Coast aesthetics) Color psychology Even the client’s wardrobe! Two types of clients: Personal/homeowners: require emotional connection and time Investors/flippers/Airbnb owners: want fast, functional, stylish results 🧩 Managing Expectations Design takes time—up to a year for full transformation. Contracts include clear timelines and exit clauses to protect both parties. AI and rendering tools help visualize concepts, but human connection is key. 📍 Location Based in Atlanta, GA Available for travel—“There’s a Hartfield-Jackson Airport, and I’ll jump on a plane in a minute!” 💬 Rushion’s Take Praises Melody’s ability to make design relatable and emotionally resonant. Highlights her professionalism, creativity, and growing popularity with listeners.   #STRAW #BEST #SHMS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min
  2. Motivation: From humble beginnings to building a multimillion-dollar restaurant empire.

    8 HR AGO

    Motivation: From humble beginnings to building a multimillion-dollar restaurant empire.

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Derrick "D" Hayes.   Founder and CEO of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, about entrepreneurship, generational wealth, and community building. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights Building Generational Wealth Hayes emphasized the importance of financial literacy and ownership in creating lasting wealth. He shared his journey from humble beginnings to building a multimillion-dollar restaurant empire. Overcoming Challenges & Second Chances Hayes revealed that he once faced legal troubles, but a dismissed case gave him a second chance. He used that opportunity to turn his life around and pursue entrepreneurship. The Story Behind Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Hayes started his business in a small gas station in Atlanta, eventually expanding into a nationally recognized brand. He credits his grandfather’s cooking lessons for inspiring his passion for food. Community Impact & Business Growth Hayes is committed to giving back to underserved communities, offering mentorship and business opportunities. He discussed how Black entrepreneurs can break barriers in the food industry. 📘 About Derrick HayesDerrick Hayes is a self-made entrepreneur who built Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks into a thriving restaurant chain. His story is one of resilience, second chances, and financial empowerment. #AMI #STRAW #BEST #SHMS   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    29 min
  3. Uplift: She educates families on how to secure their financial futures.

    8 HR AGO

    Uplift: She educates families on how to secure their financial futures.

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Amber C. Saunders. An estate planning attorney and founder of The Saunders Firm, about generational wealth, estate planning, and financial literacy in the Black community. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights The Importance of Estate Planning Saunders emphasized that estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who owns assets, including homes, jewelry, and even bank accounts. She shared how her family’s experience with probate court inspired her to educate others on avoiding financial hardships. Generational Wealth & Legacy Many Black families lose wealth due to lack of estate planning, leading to long legal battles and financial instability. Saunders stressed that generational wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about education, financial literacy, and structured wealth transfer. Common Misconceptions About Estate Planning Many people believe wills and trusts are only for the rich, but anyone with assets should have a plan. She debunked myths about DIY estate planning, warning that generic online templates can lead to legal complications. Protecting Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurs must plan for succession, ensuring their businesses can survive beyond their leadership. She advised business owners to structure their companies properly, so they don’t just create a job for themselves but build a lasting enterprise. 📘 About Amber C. SaundersAmber C. Saunders is a leading estate planning attorney, dedicated to helping families secure their financial futures. She founded The Saunders Firm, specializing in wealth preservation, estate planning, and business succession strategies.   #BEST #STRAW #SHMS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min

  4. 12 HR AGO

    He's So Good, Yet So Bad - 10.14.25

    The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Tuesday, October 14th, 2025. Subject: "He's So Good, Yet So Bad" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min
  5. Family Business: Started tax preparation as a mom-and-pop operation, now 1,000 virtual locations.

    15 HR AGO

    Family Business: Started tax preparation as a mom-and-pop operation, now 1,000 virtual locations.

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mowbray and Cherina Rowand. 🎙️ Interview Summary: Mowbray & Cherina Rowand Purpose of the Interview To showcase the entrepreneurial journey of Mowbray and Cherina Rowand, co-founders of The Rowand Group and One Stop Taxes, the largest Black-owned virtual tax preparation service in America. The interview highlights their business evolution, scaling strategies, community impact, and the creation of the Black Tax Festival. 🧭 Interview Outline 1. Background & Origins Both from Memphis, Tennessee; met in high school. Started tax preparation in 2010 as a mom-and-pop operation. Transitioned from brick-and-mortar to virtual model by 2015. 2. Business Philosophy Entrepreneurship is defined as service to others. Mowbray is the visionary; Cherina is the implementer. Emphasis on scaling with structure: legal, accounting, HR. 3. One Stop Taxes Grew from a single office to over 1,000 virtual franchise locations. Offers free training, no startup costs, and shared revenue model. Built a platform allowing clients to submit documents and sign remotely. 4. Virtual Tax Model Designed for convenience and accessibility. Clients and tax preparers never need to meet in person. Platform includes document upload, e-signature, and cloud storage. 5. Franchise & Training Learning Management System (LMS) for onboarding. Training includes tax prep, customer acquisition, and platform use. Strategic partnerships with local businesses (e.g., dealerships, daycares). 6. Black Tax Festival Annual event held in Atlanta (Oct 16–18). Combines networking, education, and recognition. Includes IRS updates, business workshops, and the Titan Awards. Open to all entrepreneurs, not just tax professionals. 7. Expansion & Diversification Own restaurants in Memphis and the Dominican Republic. Franchised Fat Tuesday and Esco Restaurant (did \$1M in first 6 weeks). Own a yacht for rental experiences in the DR. Plans to develop a restaurant strip near FedExForum in Memphis. 💡 Key Takeaways Vision + Execution = Growth: Their complementary roles fuel business success. Virtual is Scalable: Transitioning to virtual allowed exponential growth. Community Impact Matters: Black Tax Festival fosters education and recognition. Diversification is Strategic: Restaurants and real estate expand their brand. Mentorship & Learning: They study successful entrepreneurs like Tilman Fertitta. Faith & Family Drive: Their journey is rooted in love, planning, and purpose. 🗣️ Notable Quotes “Entrepreneurship means being a servant to other people.” “The same thing that works at \$1M doesn’t work at \$15M.” “We had to fire ourselves from some jobs and hire professionals.” “We built a platform where you can do taxes from your couch.” “We started before social media—we know belly-to-belly marketing.” “Recognition matters—people don’t get it at home or work.” “We’re trying to bridge the wealth gap through proper paperwork.” “We bought a yacht in the Dominican Republic to rent for experiences.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min
  6. Uplift: Her Montessori school and summer camps provide foundational learning and long-term academic success.

    18 HR AGO

    Uplift: Her Montessori school and summer camps provide foundational learning and long-term academic success.

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Erica Gwyn.   🎙️ Interview Summary: Erica Gwyn on Money Making Conversations Masterclass Purpose of the Interview To spotlight Erica Gwyn’s journey as a faith-driven entrepreneur, her work with nonprofits through her company Nonprofit Guru LLC, and her educational initiatives including Seven Oaks Academy Montessori. The interview aims to inspire listeners by sharing Erica’s story of resilience, leadership, and community impact, while offering practical advice for nonprofit founders and small business owners. 🧭 Interview Outline 1. Introduction Host Rushion McDonald introduces the show and its mission to inspire and educate entrepreneurs. Erica Gwyn is welcomed as the founder and CEO of Nonprofit Guru LLC and Seven Oaks Academy Montessori. 2. Background & Career Journey Erica shares her early experiences, including working with Spelman College and Habitat for Humanity. She discusses her expertise in grant writing and nonprofit management. 3. Nonprofit Guru LLC Origin of the name “Nonprofit Guru” from her cousin, an attorney. Focuses on helping nonprofits with fundraising, board development, and strategy. Works with organizations that have at least \$300,000 in revenue and an existing board. 4. Common Mistakes in Nonprofit Startups Placing unqualified family members on boards. Lack of understanding of board responsibilities, especially fundraising. Over-reliance on grants without diversifying funding sources. 5. Board Development Advice Ideal board size: 5–7 members to avoid deadlocks. Seek members with legal, accounting, program design, and volunteer coordination expertise. Importance of board training programs like United Way’s VIP program. 6. Faith-Driven Entrepreneurship Erica shares her personal story of becoming a single mother at 19 and losing her child’s father. Her journey of healing through service and community involvement. 7. Seven Oaks Academy Montessori Purchased an existing preschool and transformed it into a boutique Montessori school. Focus on cradle-to-pre-K education with plans to expand after-school and summer programs. Offers unique features: professional chef, small class sizes, diverse staff, on-site therapy, and classroom cameras for parental viewing. 8. Summer Camp & Educational Expansion Originated from a math and science summer camp inspired by her son Cameron. Plans to revive the camp and expand educational offerings. Emphasis on creating a cradle-to-college pipeline for students. 9. Marketing & Branding Erica acknowledges the need to improve her visibility and branding. Encouraged by Rushion to relaunch her website and promote her services more actively. 💡 Key Takeaways Authenticity & Expertise Matter: Erica’s credibility stems from her hands-on experience and passion for nonprofit work. Board Composition is Crucial: A well-trained, committed board is essential for nonprofit success. Diversify Funding Sources: Don’t rely solely on grants—explore individual giving, estate planning, and in-kind donations. Faith & Purpose Drive Success: Erica’s personal challenges fueled her commitment to community service and entrepreneurship. Education is Empowerment: Her Montessori school and summer camps aim to provide foundational learning and long-term academic success. Marketing is Essential: Visibility and branding are key to expanding impact and reaching the right audience. 🗣️ Notable Quotes “You’re a nonprofit guru—you know nonprofits in your sleep.” “Your board’s primary job is to be a fundraiser.” “I’m a faith-driven entrepreneur. I walk in my purpose and that is a gift.” “Community means accepting and respecting people and organizations working together in an ecosystem.” “I started giving back to others, and I loved it. I’ve never known how to turn it off.” “You have a glow about you… you are a superpower.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min

  7. 1 DAY AGO

    A Masterpiece Without Peace Or A Piece - 10.13.25

    The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Monday, October 13th, 2025. Subject: "A Masterpiece Without Peace Or A Piece" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min

  8. 4 DAYS AGO

    What Was She Doing While I Was Gone? - 10.10.25

    The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Friday, October 10th, 2025. Subject: "What Was She Doing While I Was Gone?" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min
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Hosts & Guests

About

Got a situation? Steve Harvey and Shirley Strawberry deliver unfiltered advice on love, relationships, family, work, and life. Send your letter, subscribe, and get real talk every day! Every weekday, the Steve Harvey Morning Show tackle a listener-submitted “Strawberry Letter”... a real-life dilemma ranging from romantic entanglements to career choices, family drama to money struggles, and everything in between. With a blend of wisdom, wit, and brutal honesty, they offer candid commentary and heartfelt guidance, often sparking conversation (and laughter) among the rest of the morning show crew. Submit your Strawberry Letter at www.steveharveyfm.com for a chance to be featured, and get the truth, Steve Harvey style!

Information

  • Creator
    iHeartPodcasts
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    2.1K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    2025 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
  • Show Website
    Strawberry Letter

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