Strawberry Letter

iHeartPodcasts

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. Brand Building: Interview outlines the disconnect between Black consumer spending and the lack of Black-owned beauty-supply stores.

    3 hr ago

    Brand Building: Interview outlines the disconnect between Black consumer spending and the lack of Black-owned beauty-supply stores.

    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 Damon Haley Co‑founder of Glow and Flow Beauty, discussing his transition from entertainment and sports marketing into the beauty-supply industry, his mission to elevate service for Black and Brown communities, and the franchising model he is rolling out nationwide. Hosted by Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations Masterclass, the conversation highlights Haley’s business philosophy, community-driven approach, and long-term vision to create ownership opportunities through franchising. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to: 1. Highlight Damon Haley’s entrepreneurial journey How he moved from high-level event production and marketing (Nike, Pepsi, Coke) into beauty retail. 2. Explain why the beauty-supply industry needs Black ownership Haley outlines the disconnect between Black consumer spending and the lack of Black-owned beauty-supply stores. 3. Promote Glow and Flow Beauty’s mission A service-first retail model designed to uplift, educate, and serve Black and Brown consumers with dignity. 4. Introduce Glow and Flow’s franchising opportunity Haley frames franchising as a path for individuals to enter business ownership with support and a proven model. 5. Inspire listeners to embrace change and pursue entrepreneurship He shares personal experiences overcoming naysayers and trusting his instincts. 📌 Key Takeaways from the Interview 1. The Beauty Industry Is a Huge, Under-Owned Space for Black Entrepreneurs Black consumers spend heavily on beauty, but historically have not owned the supply-chain or retail footprint. Haley wants to change that by bringing ownership and pride back to local communities.  2. Glow and Flow Beauty Focuses on Service, Experience, and Community The stores celebrate culture (Breast Cancer Month, Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month). Customer care is central—Haley emphasizes smiles, water for coughing customers, and creating “fabulousness.”  3. Franchising Eliminates the “Start From Zero” Problem Haley believes franchising is more accessible than starting independently because: You get a proven model. You get supply-chain support. You avoid costly mistakes.  4. Hair Is the Cornerstone of the Business Glow and Flow launched its own synthetic hair brand, SLAY (with 3 Ys). Synthetic hair dominates due to affordability. Human hair is sourced from Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia.  5. Inventory & Capital Are Major Barriers to Entry Beauty supply requires heavy up‑front inventory investment. Glow and Flow stays heavily stocked to maintain customer trust. 6. Data + Marketing Experience = Competitive Advantage Haley leverages his corporate marketing background (Nike, Foot Locker) to optimize retail presentation, customer experience, and product mix.  7. His Long-Term Vision: 40 Stores Nationwide His exit strategy is to build 40 Glow and Flow stores (McDonald jokes he’d smile at 100).  8. E-commerce and Community Outreach Expand Their Reach GlowAndFlowBeauty.com sells products and SLAY hair online, with shipping and local pickup. Stores support community fundraisers by including materials in shoppers’ bags (up to 5,000 per month).  💬 Notable Quotes (From the Transcript) On the power of beauty in the community “When we look good, we feel good. When we feel good, we be good, we do good.”  On why Black beauty ownership matters “We’re buyers… we’re consumers… we just don’t own.”  On moving into the beauty industry “We’ve had the short end of the stick — not only from recycling our Black dollars, but the concept of service.”  On franchising “You don’t start from zero with a franchise… you have a corporation behind you.”  On entrepreneurship and criticism “There’s jealous, envy, and naysayers… but I’ve never been fearful of change.”  On customer service “I try to give you other stuff… I give you a smile… if you cough, I’m gonna give you some water.”  On the importance of hair “Hair is the cornerstone of our beauty industry.”  On long-term ambitions “I would love to have maybe 40 Glow and Flows nationwide.”  #SHMS #BEST #STRAW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 min
  2. Side Hustle:  She developed the PAID Method to help educators monetize their skills.

    5 hr ago

    Side Hustle: She developed the PAID Method to help educators monetize their skills.

    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 Dr. Bisa Lewis.   🎯 Purpose of the Interview To spotlight the challenges and opportunities within the teaching profession, especially post-COVID, and to empower educators to leverage their skills for financial growth beyond the classroom. Dr. Besa shares her journey, insights, and strategies for educators to supplement their income while maintaining their passion for teaching. 🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Educators Are Undervalued Yet Essential Teachers are underpaid and often disrespected despite their critical role in shaping future generations. COVID briefly highlighted their importance, but systemic undervaluation persists. 2. Mental Wellness and Structure Matter Dr. Bisa emphasizes morning meditation, prayer, and silence to manage stress and set the tone for her day. She avoids early meetings and uses Mondays and Fridays for planning and reflection. 3. Education Credentials Open Doors Dr. Bisa holds four degrees and explains that credentials often determine access to influential spaces. Degrees help gain respect and credibility, especially in leadership and public speaking roles. 4. The Paid Method for Educators Dr. Besa developed the PAID Method to help educators monetize their skills: P – Prospects: Who will pay for your skills? A – Allies: Who can support your journey? I – Information: What do you need to know? D – Dollars: How much can you earn? 5. Teachers Can Earn Beyond the Classroom Through coaching, curriculum development, speaking engagements, and grant writing. Dr. Bisa’s curriculum is used in 30 states, showcasing how educators can scale their expertise. 6. AI and Education AI should be embraced, not feared. It won’t replace teachers but will transform education by shifting focus from theory to practice. Educators must adapt and use technology to enhance learning and remain competitive. 7. Cultural and Economic Empowerment Dr. Bisa advocates for Black educators and communities to overcome systemic barriers by embracing innovation. She warns against fear-based resistance to technology and encourages strategic adoption. 💬 Notable Quotes “It’s time to stop reading other people’s success stories and start living your own.” – Rushion McDonald “Sometimes those papers just help you get in the room.” – Dr. Bisa “Stop being afraid, stop being oppressed, and make sure that whatever comes out, you figure out how you can use it.” – Dr. Bisa “Guide learning. That is what we should do.” – Dr. Bisa “Consistency is what people gain trust in.” – Rushion McDonald 🌐 Resources Mentioned Website: DrBisa.com Podcast: The Paid Educator Podcast Social Media: Consistent handles across platforms under “DrBisa” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min
  3. Financial Advice: Her fintech platform focuses on making wealth‑building accessible to everyday people.

    8 hr ago

    Financial Advice: Her fintech platform focuses on making wealth‑building accessible to everyday people.

    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 Ashley M. Fox. Summary of the Interview In this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Ashley M. Fox—former Wall Street analyst, Howard University alum, financial educator, and founder/CEO of Emplify, a fintech platform focused on making wealth‑building accessible to everyday people. Ashley shares her journey from working with ultra‑high‑net‑worth clients on Wall Street to becoming an entrepreneur determined to bring financial education and empowerment to communities traditionally excluded from wealth conversations. She discusses the creation of Amplify, her financial fall and recovery, her work in schools and prison systems, and how digital content has allowed her to scale her mission globally. The discussion emphasizes mindset, self‑belief, access, and a practical path to wealth, even starting with as little as $20. Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to: 1. Inspire financial empowerment Ashley explains how anyone—regardless of background or starting point—can begin building wealth and shift generational outcomes. 2. Demystify investing and wealth-building She breaks down how simple investing can be, the power of small consistent contributions, and how wealth isn’t limited to entrepreneurs or high earners. 3. Highlight her fintech platform Emplify She shares how Amplify democratizes financial education through online tools, community, and accessible investing classes.  4. Encourage a mindset shift Ashley stresses the importance of eliminating fear, building confidence, and using logic instead of emotion when making financial decisions. Key Takeaways 1. Wealth Begins with Belief and Mindset Ashley learned on Wall Street that the biggest difference between wealthy and non-wealthy people is not education—it's self-belief. Many people don’t believe wealth is possible for them because they've never seen it.  2. You Don’t Need a Lot of Money to Start Investing She urges people to start with $20, even buying fractional shares. It’s consistency—not starting amount—that builds wealth.  3. You Can Invest in Others’ Ideas—Not Just Your Own Building wealth doesn’t require launching a business. Buying stock is one of the easiest ways to participate in wealth creation.  4. Ashley’s Own Journey Included Failure After leaving Wall Street, she was evicted, slept on her parents’ couch for two years, and maxed out credit cards. Her purpose kept her going.  5. Financial Education Should Start Early She developed financial education programs for schools, prison systems, and everyday families because adults often learn too late.  6. Emplify Scales Wealth Education Her platform offers 300+ hours of videos and tools, helping members open 3,000+ investment accounts and invest $7.4M collectively.  7. Social Media Is Her Biggest Access Point Ashley reaches millions by being authentic, relatable, and consistent—meeting people where they are.  8. You Must Pay Yourself First Most people pay bills, companies, and creditors before investing in themselves. She emphasizes reversing that pattern.  9. Logic Over Emotion Wealth requires logical decision‑making, especially in the market. Emotional reactions undermine long-term financial growth.  Notable Quotes (Taken From the Transcript) On Wealth Mindset “When you think and know and believe you have the power to create wealth and you deserve wealth, you move a different way.”  “There is no president that can build the wealth that you can create for your family.”  On Starting Small “You don't have to have a lot of money to start. You just have to have the will to begin.”  “A whole lot of $20 can get you to a million—as long as you don’t stop.”  On Investing “Consider the companies you give your money to and own them, because they are a lot cheaper than you think.”  “If I’m helping you build a billion‑dollar business by using your products, I deserve a piece of the pie.”  On Self-Reliance “You pay everybody… the bartender, the mortgage company—and you’re the one without money. Who’s going to worry about you?”  On Purpose and Identity “My story never changed. The mission was always dedicated to the people I didn’t see coming into that building on Wall Street.”  “Emplify is the movement. It just has my DNA.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min
  4. Financial Follow-up: Her firm begins with legal structures, estate planning, tax planning and preparing future generations to inherit wealth.

    8 hr ago

    Financial Follow-up: Her firm begins with legal structures, estate planning, tax planning and preparing future generations to inherit wealth.

    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 LaVashia Davis. Guest: LaVashia Davis, Founder of Ell Wess Advisors (boutique family office and wealth management firm)Host: Rushion McDonaldTopic: Building multigenerational wealth, family wealth planning, asset protection, and creating lasting legacies.  Purpose of the Interview The interview focuses on helping first-generation wealth builders and entrepreneurs understand that wealth creation is about more than investments. Davis explains how families can organize, protect, grow, and transfer wealth across generations by treating their family finances as a structured enterprise rather than simply accumulating money. A central theme is that many successful individuals earn substantial incomes but lack a blueprint for preserving and transferring wealth. Davis advocates for intentional planning, legal structures, family involvement, and asset protection to create lasting legacies.  Key Takeaways 1. Wealth Requires a Blueprint Davis explains that creating a legacy does not happen automatically. Families need a deliberate plan, legal structures, and defined roles if they want wealth to survive beyond one generation. [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] Takeaway: Making money and building wealth are not the same. Wealth requires systems and succession planning. 2. Family Should Be Treated as an Asset One of Davis's strongest messages is that family members can play meaningful roles in wealth-building efforts. She argues that when people think about legacy, they often overlook the importance of human relationships and family participation. Wealth-transfer strategies frequently require successors, trustees, managers, and beneficiaries. Many of those roles can be filled by family members. [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] Takeaway: Family can be a strategic asset when properly organized and aligned. 3. Not Every Family Member Contributes Equally Davis acknowledges that some family members may behave more like liabilities than assets. Using a balance-sheet analogy, she explains that every family includes both contributors and individuals who may create financial burdens. The key is identifying those dynamics without allowing them to derail long-term wealth planning. [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] Takeaway: Successful family wealth planning requires honest assessment of family dynamics. 4. Wealth Management Is More Than Investments Davis differentiates her firm's approach from traditional investment-focused advisory services. Her firm begins with: Family and wealth governance Legal structures Estate planning Tax planning Business succession planning Preparing future generations to inherit wealth Investments are addressed after these foundational elements are in place. [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] Takeaway: Investments should support a broader wealth strategy, not drive it. 5. "Your Family Is a Business" One of Davis's most memorable concepts is that families should think of themselves as enterprises. She advises clients to separate their “wealth business” from their personal household and to create structures that can survive beyond their lifetime. [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] Takeaway: Families should operate with the same intentionality that successful businesses use. 6. First-Generation Wealth Creates Unique Challenges Davis specializes in serving people who are the first high earners or successful entrepreneurs within their families. She notes that these individuals often face challenges that previous generations never had to navigate, including: Sudden financial complexity Family expectations Tax planning Asset protection Wealth transfer decisions [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] Takeaway: New wealth requires new skills and specialized guidance. 7. There Are Four Forms of Capital Davis identifies four sources of capital: Human Capital – people, family, relationships Intellectual Capital – knowledge and expertise Social Capital – networks and connections Financial Capital – money and assets She argues that most families focus only on financial capital while neglecting the others. [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] Takeaway: Wealth is broader than money. 8. Asset Protection Is Essential Davis warns that unprotected assets can disappear quickly due to lawsuits, business failures, creditor claims, or debt obligations. She emphasizes the importance of proper ownership structures, legal entities, and asset protection strategies. [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] Takeaway: Wealth must be protected as carefully as it is created. 9. Different Advisors Serve Different Stages of Wealth When McDonald asks how people should evaluate their current financial advisor, Davis provides a thoughtful perspective: An advisor who helped someone build their first million dollars may not be the right advisor to help them grow to ten million dollars. Increased wealth often brings more complexity and a need for broader expertise. [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] Takeaway: Financial advisory needs evolve as wealth grows. Notable Quotes On Family and Legacy "Your family is your God-given team, not your liability." [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] On Wealth Planning "When you say that you want to build something that's long lasting or you want to create a legacy for children, there's a blueprint that needs to be followed." [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] On Family Dynamics "Your family even has a balance sheet when it comes to assets and liabilities." [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] On Financial Complexity "My particular mission is the first-generation families who want to make an exponential difference in their families." [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] On Her Approach "We don't begin with investments. We begin by stabilizing and creating a way that you really want to operate your wealth business." [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] On Family Wealth "Your family and your finances are definitely a business." [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] On Wealth Building "Your family is in the business of growing the value of your last name. Period." [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] On Capital "The four sources of capital are human capital, intellectual capital, social capital, and financial capital." [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] On Asset Protection "The wealth you build can be taken if it's not protected." [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] On Advisor Selection "The advisor that may have gotten you to your first million... may not be the advisor that can get you to ten million." [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt] Overall Message Lavashia Davis's core message is that wealth is not simply about earning or investing money—it is about building systems, structures, and family alignment that allow wealth to endure across generations. By treating the family as an asset, activating multiple forms of capital, protecting assets legally, and planning intentionally, families can transform income into legacy. #SHMS #BEST #STRAW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min

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!

You Might Also Like