Business of the Beat Mean Ole Lion Media

In this episode, we feature BrainTrust Founders Studio members Dianne Austin, Co-Founder & CEO, and Pamela Shaddock, Co-Founder and COO of Coils to Locs, as part three of our series on remarkable founders from the Build in Tulsa Ecosystem. They also participated in the “Spotlight on Tulsa: Roots of a Self-care Economy” survey that focused on 33 beauty and wellness entrepreneurs who are part of the Tulsa ecosystem. Dianne's journey into entrepreneurship was prompted by her experience as a breast cancer patient struggling to find suitable wigs, leading her to transition from a career in human resources to address the need for culturally resonant wigs in the medical hair loss industry. Pamela, an actress who had a unique experience with wigs that were not suited for her hair type while on set, played a pivotal role in helping Dianne navigate the process of finding and customizing appropriate wigs. The episode delves into the challenges they faced in medical spaces, emphasizing the lack of understanding from distributors and cancer center retailers. The sisters recognized a market gap for textured hair wigs and a lack of understanding of Black hair culture. The episode concludes by underscoring the need for awareness, education, and inclusivity in the wig industry, particularly within medical settings. Stay tuned for part two of this insightful conversation with Dianne and Pamela!

Follow @CoilsToLocsWigs or visit https://coilstolocsstore.com/

Tune in to learn more from Dianne, Pamela, and Kendra!

This week we dive into part two of our three-part series featuring remarkable founders from the Build in Tulsa Ecosystem. Episode two features TaNesha Rushing, Founder of Mi Tea Lounge. TaNesha is a multifaceted entrepreneur with a background in music and artistry. She started My Tea Lounge in February 2020, initially focusing on creating a cozy space for local artists with live music and tea. TaNesha’s personal journey toward health consciousness, influenced by her father's battle with pancreatic cancer and exposure to Dr. Sebi's teachings led her to incorporate health products like sea moss, bladderwrack, and black seed oils into her offerings, emphasizing their various health benefits. TaNesha also discusses her nonprofit, Traveling Little Tea Party, supporting up-and-coming artists in expressing themselves and monetizing their art.

Each of the founders featured in this series were part of our “Spotlight on Tulsa: Roots of a Self-care Economy” survey that focused on 33 beauty and wellness entrepreneurs who are part of the Tulsa ecosystem.

Follow @MiTeaLounge or visit www.mitealounge.com

Tune in to learn more from TaNesha and Kendra!

This week marks the beginning of our enlightening three-part series featuring remarkable founders from the Build in Tulsa Ecosystem. Each of the founders featured in this series were part of our “Spotlight on Tulsa: Roots of a Self-care Economy” survey that focused on 33 beauty and wellness entrepreneurs who are part of the Tulsa ecosystem. Episode one features TJ Woodberry, Founder of Poppi’s Spa + Lounge. TJ's journey is nothing short of extraordinary, as she's navigated a diverse career path that includes forays into the car business, professional poker, and venturing into import-export trade before embarking on the inspiring journey of launching Poppy's Spa + Lounge. Throughout the conversation, TJ illuminates her role as a creator and shares her strategic vision for the continued growth of her business. Furthermore, she passionately underscores her commitment to fostering opportunities and enhancing visibility, particularly for women, in her role as a Black business owner. Her enthusiasm for aiding her team in achieving financial stability shines through, reflecting her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact within her community.

Follow @TulsaPoppi or visit https://tulsapoppi.com

Tune in to learn more from TJ and Kendra!

This week, Keya Neal, the founder of the Kolour Kulture and Texture VS Race. opens up about her personal transformation, recounting her journey from being a conventional Black stylist to embracing the versatility of working with all hair types.She emphasizes that professionals in the beauty industry aren't just performers but thinkers and creators, highlighting the value of their intellectual contributions. Both Kolour Kulture and Texture VS Race are dedicated to educating and empowering stylists to excel in their craft, particularly when it comes to working with diverse hair textures.

Keya discusses the intricate relationship between texture and race within salon environments, which served as the catalyst for her groundbreaking "Texture Vs Race" movement. She emphasizes that salons should be safe havens for communities and advocates for an industry that's open to embracing change. Keya tirelessly champions the cause of addressing issues related to texture and race in the salon industry while championing diversity and inclusivity as its cornerstones.

Follow @thekolourkulture or visit http://kolourkulture.com/

Tune in to learn more from Keya and Kendra!

This week, Yasmin Zeinab, the extraordinary founder behind Abi Amé shares her inspiring journey, transitioning from a career as a lawyer to the launch of her groundbreaking skincare brand. In her quest to develop Abi Amé, Yasmin embarked on a remarkable endeavor, engaging in 1,000 conversations with women worldwide during the pandemic. Through these conversations, she unveiled a common concern: the scarcity of effective bodycare products, especially in combating stickiness and chalkiness during hot weather. Abi Amé stands out by crafting body care products with the same precision and quality as those designed for the face, offering a clean, vegan, and cruelty-free product line meticulously made in France. Yasmin also provides insights into the brand's future and underscores her unwavering commitment to a strong community connection as Abi Amé continues to flourish. Yasmin's journey is a testament to the power of innovation and community collaboration.

Follow @AbiAme or visit https://abi-ame.com/

Tune in to learn more from Yasmin and Kendra!

This week, Dawn Myers, the visionary founder behind Ritualist, provides a glimpse into the promising future of her company. Dawn created Ritualist because she wanted all women to be able to work out, travel, and manage our families and careers without having to sacrifice basic hygiene or confidence in our appearance. Their signature product, The Mint, will bring your wash day into the 21st century. Dawn hints at thrilling developments and ongoing discussions with industry giants. Her strategic focus lies in nurturing product partnerships with renowned brands, gaining a deep understanding of their specific requirements, and actively seeking funding for Ritualist's next phase. While Dawn excels in product development and technical domains, she candidly reveals her marketing challenges and innovative solutions. Throughout this episode, we gain insight into Dawn's unwavering commitment to her community and her passionate advocacy for Black women in the world of business, underscoring the unique perspective they bring as pioneering founders.

Follow @getrichualist or visit www.richualist.com

Tune in to learn more from Dawn and Kendra!