Issues From The Heart

THE MIXX NETWORK

Issues From The Heart, a community-focused series produced by The MIXX Network. This platform is designed to highlight real stories, spark meaningful conversations, and empower the communities we serve.

Episodes

  1. Aug 5

    Valencia Abbott: 2025 History Teacher of the Year on Purpose, Black History & Leaving a Legacy

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when you discover your true calling later in life? In this inspiring episode, host LaShonda Crawford welcomes Valencia Abbott, North Carolina’s 2025 History Teacher of the Year, for a heartfelt conversation about purpose, education, and preserving history for future generations. Valencia shares how she transitioned into teaching as a second career, why history became her life’s passion, and what it meant to receive one of the highest honors for history educators. She also discusses the importance of representation in the classroom, mentoring young people, and helping students see themselves reflected in history. The conversation also explores her groundbreaking research on the landmark Griggs v. Duke Power Supreme Court case, her commitment to preserving local Black history, and why every student deserves to understand the stories that have shaped our communities. Whether you’re an educator, student, parent, history enthusiast, or someone searching for your purpose, this episode offers encouragement, wisdom, and a powerful reminder that the right calling can change lives at any stage. In this episode: • Discovering purpose after age 40 • Becoming the 2025 History Teacher of the Year • The impact of Black educators • Preserving local Black history • The Griggs v. Duke Power case • Teaching students to think critically • Building a lasting legacy through education Hosted by LaShonda Crawford on The MIXX Network.

  2. Aug 3

    From College Student to CEO: Angel Harrison’s Pretty N Poppin Journey

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Issues From The Heart, host Joel Martin sits down with Angel Harrison, founder and CEO of Pretty N Poppin LLC, to discuss her inspiring journey of launching a beauty brand while navigating her first year of college during the COVID-19 pandemic. Angel shares how she transformed an idea into a growing business, creating lip glosses, nourishing body butters, a self-care eBook, and a confidence-focused blog designed to encourage women to embrace their worth from the inside out. She opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with college life, overcoming challenges, and building a brand rooted in confidence, wellness, and purpose. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a college student with big dreams, or someone looking for motivation to take the next step, this conversation is filled with practical insight and encouragement. In this episode: 💄 Building Pretty N Poppin LLC from the ground up🎓 Starting a business as a first-year college student🌍 Turning challenges during COVID into opportunity✨ The importance of self-care and confidence📖 Creating a self-care eBook and inspirational blog💡 Advice for young entrepreneurs ready to pursue their dreamsSubscribe to The MIXX Network for more inspiring conversations highlighting entrepreneurs, community leaders, creatives, and changemakers making a difference. #IssuesFromTheHeart #AngelHarrison #PrettyNPoppin #WomenInBusiness #YoungEntrepreneur #SelfCare #Confidence #BlackOwnedBusiness #CollegeEntrepreneur #TheMIXXNetwork

About

Issues From The Heart, a community-focused series produced by The MIXX Network. This platform is designed to highlight real stories, spark meaningful conversations, and empower the communities we serve.