Begin, Build, Blossom: Your Business Journey

Co-Hosts: Angela & Clarita - A CME Accounting LLC Podcast
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Welcome to 'Begin, Build, Blossom: Your Business Journey' – the podcast that shares wisdom and support from entrepreneurs. Join me as we explore valuable insights, resources, and motivation to inspire your own venture. Let's build a supportive community together.What sets this podcast apart? This podcast is not just about stories but about providing support and a sense of community while we all figure out Beginning, Building or Blossoming in the business world.The episodes are designed to guide us through the different stages of the entrepreneurial journey – Beginning, Building and Blossoming. In each episode, we'll focus on one or all of these crucial phases, ensuring that we all get practical tips and insights that we can apply to our own business.First up, the "Begin" segment. We'll explore the initial steps of beginning a business. From idea generation to crafting a business plan, we'll cover it all. As the host - I'll be asking questions that resonate with anyone contemplating the entrepreneurial leap, giving all of us the tools to turn our vision into a reality.Next, we move on to the "Build" section. Scaling a business is a delicate art, and we'll uncover strategies to take our enterprises to new heights. Whether anyone is looking to expand their team, explore new markets, or enhance their product line, our guests will share their experiences and advice to help us scale effectively.And finally, we'll tackle the "Blossom" phase. Success means different things to different people, and we'll explore various definitions of success in the business world. From achieving financial milestones to making a positive impact on our community, our conversations will inspire you to define and achieve each individual's version of success.Remember, our journey starts here, but it doesn't end here. Let's do this together!

  1. Meet The Founders Building Zoner From the Ground Up

    6D AGO

    Meet The Founders Building Zoner From the Ground Up

    Send us Fan Mail Today, we’re learning about a new business called Zoner. We’re joined by two of Zoner’s three co-founders, Ashlee Okunonke and David Kema. Their fellow co-founder, Bryce Knight, wasn’t able to join us for this conversation.  Ashlee Okunonke is a senior at Manhattan University studying Computer Science and a former software engineer at ADP. She’s planning to pursue graduate school in California while continuing to build products at the intersection of data and real-world impact. David Kema is a senior at Rutgers University (Newark), double majoring in Management Information Systems and Supply Chain Management. He describes himself as a renaissance man; curious, multifaceted, and intentional about growth while also creating spaces where people feel comfortable and truly heard. Together, they are building Zoner from the ground up; a platform focused on helping people make clearer decisions about where to live and develop. In this episode, we talked about:  The memories, experiences, and entrepreneurs who inspired them along their journey  How childhood friends became co-founders and decided to build together  Why they chose the entrepreneurship path and how entrepreneurship was nurtured early on  The role internships, organizations, and university experiences played in shaping their vision and partnerships  The importance of being in the right environments and around people who challenge and support growth  What market and product validation has looked like while building Zoner What it looks like bringing a startup to life from the ground up  Whether founders should wait for the “perfect” product before putting themselves out into the public  Representation, impact, and the importance of pouring back into the community Conect with Zoner: Website: https://zoner.pro Social Media: @whatsyourzone

    47 min
  2. Being the Blueprint: Creating Space, Leading Boldly, and Building Legacy with Yasmeen Duncan

    MAY 14

    Being the Blueprint: Creating Space, Leading Boldly, and Building Legacy with Yasmeen Duncan

    Send us Fan Mail Yasmeen Duncan is a seasoned HR executive with over 20 years of experience and a two-time entrepreneur. She is the Founder and Principal of Duncan Workforce Solutions, a workforce advisory firm that supports growth-stage organizations and public sector agencies with strategic people and workforce solutions. She is also the Founder of Sisterhood Society for Women of Color (SSWOC), an organization dedicated to equipping Black women with the tactical, psychological, and emotional resources needed to thrive personally and professionally. Yasmeen’s entrepreneurial philosophy centers on accountability to mission. As a founder, she believes leadership requires more than completing tasks—it requires embodying the vision. By living the message she champions, she strives to be both a resource and an example for the women she serves. In this episode, we talked about:  Hearing the whispers of her legacy  Building an organization around being the blueprint, especially when you are the only one in the room  Fostering a resilient mind from childhood into adulthood  The importance of being anchored and confident  The internal work required for growth  The sustained fire within her  What it looked like to take a break  Negotiating exit packages  What she has learned through entrepreneurship Connect with Yasmeen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmeenduncan  Instagram: @heysis_society  Website: https://sisterhoodsocietywoc.org Website: https://www.duncanworkforcesolutions.com Email: yasmeen@duncanworkforcesolutions.com

    43 min
  3. Reclaiming Creativity and Creating Impact Through Storytelling & Connection with Christina Blacken

    MAY 7

    Reclaiming Creativity and Creating Impact Through Storytelling & Connection with Christina Blacken

    Send us Fan Mail Guest: Christina Blacken Host: Clarita  In this episode of Begin, Build, Blossom: Your Business Journey, we’re joined by Christina Blacken—a public speaker, writer, performer, and founder of The New Quo, a leadership development company focused on authentic leadership, behavior change, and building trust within organizations and communities. Christina shares her journey from full-time employee to full-time entrepreneur and opens up about the experiences that shaped her voice, creativity, and approach to leadership. From growing up as a Black woman in Utah to building a business rooted in storytelling and human connection, this conversation explores what it means to create impact through story telling. We also talk about how one video led to exponential social media growth overnight but how genuine, offline relationships were still the foundation that helped grow her business and opportunities. In this episode, we discuss:  Transitioning from employee to entrepreneur  The power of storytelling and why your story matters  Using personal experiences to influence and connect with others  Reclaiming creativity and using it to navigate difficult conversations  Building trust and creating meaningful impact through leadership  How changing policies and uncertainty created “whiplash” for businesses and communities Connect with Christina:  Website: The New Quo  Podcast: Tell It Proud Podcast  Social Media: @christinablacken including Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn

    47 min
  4. The Power of Community and Confident Selling with Jac White

    MAY 1

    The Power of Community and Confident Selling with Jac White

    Send us Fan Mail Guest: Jac White  Host: Clarita  Today we are joined by Jac White, a sales and business development expert with over 20 years of experience helping women grow their businesses with confidence. Jac has built her career around helping women turn their natural strengths into authentic, effective sales skills; skills that don’t just sound good, but actually drive revenue and real client growth. She is the founder of the HoneyBees Group and host of the Girls Make Bank podcast, where she continues to empower women to show up, sell confidently, and build businesses that support their lives. With experience across brands like LearnVest, DailyCandy, The New York Times, and Armani Exchange, along with startups and consulting, she brings both corporate insight and an entrepreneurial perspective. She’s also a recognized thought leader, with features in Forbes, Huffington Post, and Entrepreneur. What we talked about:  Her personal journey into entrepreneurship  The first step service providers should take once they decide to start their business  Selling with confidence and truly valuing your services  What we should—and shouldn’t—be willing to do when it comes to selling and evolving as service providers  Pivoting and evolving your business over time  What success means to her at this stage of her journey  The ecosystem women are building through community and connection  Hosting in-person breakfasts for women building businesses  Creating space through virtual meetups and ongoing community support Connect with Jac: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacwhite Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjacwhite Podcast: https://www.honeybeesgroup.co/girlsmakebank Website: https://www.honeybeesgroup.co

    45 min
  5. Valarie Brandes & Jacaranda Books: Publishing Diverse Voices Globally

    APR 25

    Valarie Brandes & Jacaranda Books: Publishing Diverse Voices Globally

    Send us Fan Mail Guest: Valarie Brandes, CEO & Founder, Jacaranda Books Host: Angela Episode Summary :  In this inspiring episode of Begin Build Blossom, we discover how Valarie Brandes, founder of Jacaranda Books, built a global publishing house rooted in diasporic excellence. Valarie shares insights on publishing diverse Black voices worldwide, balancing family and entrepreneurship, and growing Jacaranda from a home office to an international powerhouse. Learn about her journey, the influence of her Dominican heritage, and how Jacaranda published 20 books in 2020 (#Twentyin2020) while creating a lasting legacy in the literary world. What We Talked About Balancing family life while building a businessThe inspiration behind the name JacarandaThe power of networking in your field of interestPublishing diverse voices globallyHow Jacaranda published 20 books in 2020 (#Twentyin2020)Building a core global team for diasporic excellence and legacyWhy the commercial side of any enterprise mattersA Book That Impacted Valarie the Most The Bluest Eye by Nobel Prize‑winning author Toni MorrisonConnect with Jacaranda Books Catch Jacaranda Books in Trinidad & Tobago at the Boca Film Festival from April 29 – May 4, 2026   Festival Website: https://www.bocaslitfest.com Social Media:  TikTok: @jacarandabooks X: @jacarandabooks Facebook: Jacaranda Books Art Music Ltd Instagram: JacarandaBooks

    58 min
  6. Building Wealth with Intention: Insights from a Finance Professional’s Journey

    APR 17

    Building Wealth with Intention: Insights from a Finance Professional’s Journey

    Send us Fan Mail Guest: Christine Limuti Host: Clarita  Christine is a finance professional and entrepreneur with over 15 years of combined experience in entrepreneurship, cash flow management, business strategy and operations, and financial forecasting. Her work is centered on supporting individuals, families, and business owners in building and sustaining financial wealth while also focusing on multi-generational wealth, asset preservation, stewardship, and meaningful, long-term investing. She is also a wife and mother of four, with children ranging in age from 3 to 13. Her approach to both life and business is grounded in her core values of faith, family, and stewardship. Beyond her professional work, Christine is a marathon runner, a barre and Pilates instructor, and a mental health advocate. She enjoys a good read, a true crime podcast, and spending quality time over food and drinks with her tribe. At her core, she believes in seeking good or creating it and in embracing our limitless capabilities. What we talked about:  Why building the right team (financial advisors, accountants, mentors, and leadership support) is essential as you grow  How having trusted professionals in your corner can shift the way you make decisions and move through challenges The importance of building an advisory team you trust and treating that support as a key part of your business The role of mentorship in helping you gain clarity, confidence, and direction in both business and life  Recognizing that you may be more ready than you think  How thoughtful, prudent planning can reduce stress and create a stronger foundation for your business and personal life  What it means to be intentional with your time and energy as a business owner  How to begin recreating the stability of W-2 benefits, including planning for retirement, insurance, and long-term security Connect with Christine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-limuti Website: https://theatriumfinancialgroup.nm.com Email: christine.limuti@nm.com

    35 min
  7. Redefining Success with Britny Virginia: Purpose, Creativity & Navigating the Arts with a Disability

    APR 9

    Redefining Success with Britny Virginia: Purpose, Creativity & Navigating the Arts with a Disability

    Send us Fan Mail Guest:  Britny Virginia - Poet, Writer, Creator. Episode Host: Angela  In this episode of Begin, Build, Blossom, we chat with the remarkable Britny Virginia, an international poet, writer, workshop facilitator, and creative producer whose work is rooted in disability, culture, and faith. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Britny has transformed her lived experience into a powerful creative engine, using storytelling to inspire confidence and shift perspectives. Her artistic portfolio spans poetry, theatre, and film. Her short film “Dancing Shoes” was selected for the London International Film Festival, and her play “Up In The Mango Trees” was featured in the Bloomsbury Festival and shortlisted for the Women’s Playwriting Prize 2025. In this conversation we explored Britny’s creative journey and the business behind building a life in the arts, including: How living with Cerebral Palsy has shaped her voice, resilience, and artistic lens;Finding confidence through creativity & helping others discover their own;Storytelling as advocacy, healing, and cultural connection;Navigating the creative industry as a disabled person, and the importance of representation;Faith as a grounding force in her work and life; andRedefining  or even replacing  the word “success”, moving away from external validation and toward purpose, impact, and joy. Follow Britny's journey via the links below: Website: Writer | Britny Virginia Instagram: britnyvirginia🇱🇨🇱🇨 (@britnyvirginiaa) Email: britnyvirginiaa@gmail.com

    44 min
  8. How to Build and Scale with Purpose - A conversation with Dr. Carlton Brown — Entrepreneur, Consultant, Speaker & Author

    APR 2

    How to Build and Scale with Purpose - A conversation with Dr. Carlton Brown — Entrepreneur, Consultant, Speaker & Author

    Send us Fan Mail Guest: Dr. Carlton Brown — Entrepreneur, Consultant, Speaker & Author Episode Host: Angela  In this episode of Begin Build Blossom, we sit down with Dr. Carlton Brown a dynamic thought leader, entrepreneur, consultant, speaker and author whose work spans business strategy, leadership development, and transformational thinking. Dr. Brown brings a rare blend of academic insight, lived entrepreneurial experience, and creative vision. His journey is marked by resilience, reinvention, and a deep commitment to helping individuals and organisations unlock their potential. His efforts are rooted in culture, which stems from his Jamaican heritage. He has launched and scaled businesses, advised leaders, and is author of the thought‑provoking book "The Race Paradox: Why Organisations Fail On Race". Dr. Brown has dedicated his career to empowering others to lead with clarity and intention. In our conversation, we explore the mindset behind sustainable entrepreneurship, the realities of building a business in today’s landscape, and the personal philosophies that have shaped his path. Whether you’re at the beginning of your business journey or looking to elevate your next chapter, this episode offers grounded wisdom and practical inspiration. We spoke about:  Dr. Brown’s entrepreneurial beginnings and early influencesThe mindset required to build a sustainable businessHow creativity fuels innovation and leadershipThe role of personal development in business successNavigating challenges, setbacks, and reinventionAdvice for aspiring entrepreneurs and leadersBooks Mentioned:  ​The Magic of Thinking Big by David J Schwartz​It's Possible by Les Brown Outliers by Malcom Gladwell Tipping point by Malcolm Gladwell Bounce by Matthew Syed The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Jeremy Irons, et al.How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie Atomic Habits by James Clear To connect with Dr. Brown and associated brands:  The Black Business Conference - The UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Conference Aspire Consultancy - Home | Aspire Marshal and Brown - Marshall & Brown LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/carltonbrown1

    47 min
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About

Welcome to 'Begin, Build, Blossom: Your Business Journey' – the podcast that shares wisdom and support from entrepreneurs. Join me as we explore valuable insights, resources, and motivation to inspire your own venture. Let's build a supportive community together.What sets this podcast apart? This podcast is not just about stories but about providing support and a sense of community while we all figure out Beginning, Building or Blossoming in the business world.The episodes are designed to guide us through the different stages of the entrepreneurial journey – Beginning, Building and Blossoming. In each episode, we'll focus on one or all of these crucial phases, ensuring that we all get practical tips and insights that we can apply to our own business.First up, the "Begin" segment. We'll explore the initial steps of beginning a business. From idea generation to crafting a business plan, we'll cover it all. As the host - I'll be asking questions that resonate with anyone contemplating the entrepreneurial leap, giving all of us the tools to turn our vision into a reality.Next, we move on to the "Build" section. Scaling a business is a delicate art, and we'll uncover strategies to take our enterprises to new heights. Whether anyone is looking to expand their team, explore new markets, or enhance their product line, our guests will share their experiences and advice to help us scale effectively.And finally, we'll tackle the "Blossom" phase. Success means different things to different people, and we'll explore various definitions of success in the business world. From achieving financial milestones to making a positive impact on our community, our conversations will inspire you to define and achieve each individual's version of success.Remember, our journey starts here, but it doesn't end here. Let's do this together!

Information

  • Creator
    Co-Hosts: Angela & Clarita - A CME Accounting LLC Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Begin, Build, Blossom: Your Business Journey
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    Begin, Build, Blossom: Your Business Journey