Big Dream Energy®

Big Dream Energy®

Welcome to Big Dream Energy®, a space for you to get inspired by entrepreneurs, creatives and dreamers making a positive change in the world. Join entrepreneur and Posidolia® founder, April Lewis, on this journey to learn what it really means to have Big Dream Energy! We'll discuss topics related to entrepreneurship, mental health, positive mindset, cultivating a purpose-driven life and of course, dreaming BIG.

Episodes

  1. Mar 2

    Ep 4: Grief, Growth & Giving Back | Dr. Jenea' Griffin on Building Jamal Smiles From the Ground Up

    Some stories don't just inspire you — they stay with you. This is one of them.In this heartfelt episode of the Big Dream Energy Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jenea Griffin, founder of Jamal Smiles, a nonprofit dedicated to youth mentorship, leadership, and life skill development in Louisiana and beyond. Jenea shares the deeply personal journey behind her organization — how she channeled grief into action, showed up for her community even when it was hard, and built something truly meaningful from the ground up.From navigating the early challenges of starting a nonprofit with no roadmap, to mentoring teen parents, supporting youth re-entry from juvenile detention, and even writing a children's book for her daughters — Dr. Griffin's story is a masterclass in resilience, love, and servant leadership.This one will move you. 💙In this episode we cover… The story behind Jamal Smiles and what inspired Jenea to start itThe early challenges of building a nonprofit from scratchHow she developed four distinct programs to serve her communitySupporting teen parents and breaking generational cyclesYouth re-entry and juvenile justice reform workHow her legal background helps her advocate for underserved familiesThe importance of protecting your energy when you pour into othersHer children's book A Day with Our Uncle and the love behind itHer long-term vision for Jamal SmilesAdvice for purpose-driven entrepreneurs and creatives who want to keep goingWhether you're a nonprofit founder, entrepreneur, creative, or someone looking for a reminder that one person truly can make a difference — this episode is for you.If this episode touched your heart, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE and leave a 💙 in the comments. Sharing this episode is one of the best ways to help amplify the incredible work Dr. Jenea Griffin and Jamal Smiles are doing every day. Chapters:00:00 – Intro & Welcome01:47 – Who Is Dr. Jenea Griffin?04:25 – The Story Behind Jamal Smiles08:15 – Building a Nonprofit From Scratch12:39 – How Her Work Serves the Community17:04 – The Four Programs of Jamal Smiles19:17 – Why She Keeps Showing Up23:21 – Self-Care, Rest & Protecting Your Energy26:13 – What Keeps Her Going on Hard Days29:15 – The Children's Book: A Day with Our Uncle32:37 – The Legacy She Wants to Leave34:55 – Advice for Entrepreneurs & Staying Grounded42:51 – What's Ahead in 2026 & How to Support Jamal Smiles Stay Connected:Jamal Smiles: www.jamalsmiles.comGuest:   / jamalsmiles  Big Dream Energy:   / posidolia    / bigdreamenergypodcast   Special Thanks to Dr. Jenea Griffin for sharing her heart so openly and authentically. Please show her and Jamal Smiles some love and support! 💙🌟 Fueled by Posidolia® — Spreading positivity, always, in all ways.👉 If this episode inspired you, like, comment, and share it with someone who needs a reminder to keep going.#BigDreamEnergy #JamalSmiles #DrJeneaGriffin #YouthMentorship #NonprofitLeader #GriefAndGrowth #GivingBack #WomenWhoLead #ServantLeadership #PurposeDrivenLife #BlackWomenLeading #LouisianaNonprofit #EntrepreneurMindset #CommunityImpact #LegacyBuilding

    45 min
  2. 07/07/2025

    EP3: Building a Business from Scratch | Real Talk on Branding, Doubt & Purpose w/ founder Brandy Johnson

    What does it really take to turn passion into a thriving brand? In this uplifting and transparent interview, Brandy Johnson, founder of ATL Fitness Dolls, shares how she built a purpose-driven fitness business from the ground up — without a huge following, outside funding, or shortcuts.From humble beginnings to creating a loyal fitness community that stood strong through challenges like the pandemic, Brandy opens up about the power of consistency, self-belief, and showing up — even when it’s hard.She offers relatable insights on marketing as an introvert, building trust over time, and the quiet wins that fuel long-term success.We also talked about…* How to build a fitness brand from scratch without a large following or big funding* Why purpose-driven businesses lead to long-term impact and loyal communities* Overcoming self-doubt and fear while growing a creative or service-based business* The power of marketing yourself authentically, even if you're shy or introverted* Tips for staying consistent when no one shows up and how to keep going* What it’s like to juggle motherhood, a career, and entrepreneurship* Why your success stories and client wins are your best motivationWhether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, fitness coach, or dreamer ready to start your own brand — this episode will give you the motivation and tools to KEEP GOING.Don’t miss the gems dropped in every section. Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on NOTIFICATIONS so you never miss a story that fuels your purpose. Stay Connected:http://instagram.com/posidoliahttp://instagram.com/bigdreamenergypodcast Guest:http://instagram.com/atlfitnessdolls 🙏 Special Thanks:This was Brandy’s first-ever podcast interview for her brand, and we’re honored she shared her story with us. Be sure to show her some love and support ATL Fitness Dolls!🌟 Fueled by Posidolia®Spreading positivity — always, in all always.👉 If this episode inspired you, like, comment, and subscribe to keep the Big Dream Energy going strong!#BigDreamEnergy #ATLFitnessDolls #WomenInBusiness #FitnessMotivation #EntrepreneurJourney #SelfCareForWomen

    56 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Big Dream Energy®, a space for you to get inspired by entrepreneurs, creatives and dreamers making a positive change in the world. Join entrepreneur and Posidolia® founder, April Lewis, on this journey to learn what it really means to have Big Dream Energy! We'll discuss topics related to entrepreneurship, mental health, positive mindset, cultivating a purpose-driven life and of course, dreaming BIG.