Begin, Build, Blossom: Your Business Journey

Co-Hosts: Angela & Clarita - A CME Accounting LLC Podcast
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship

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. The Stories We Carry: Fragrance, Identity, and the Art of Becoming with Serene B. Hollingsworth

    Jun 5

    The Stories We Carry: Fragrance, Identity, and the Art of Becoming with Serene B. Hollingsworth

    Send us Fan Mail Today we're joined by Serene B. Hollingsworth, founder and perfumer of SANCTUAIRE DE FLEURS, a luxury fragrance maison rooted in cultural authorship, memory, and design. Through her work, Serene explores scent as an expression of identity, history, and lived experience, creating fragrances that tell stories often overlooked through traditional narratives. In this episode, we talked about: • Her transformation from a fearful child and young professional into a confident entrepreneur and leader • Navigating and surviving Corporate America while remaining true to herself • Building intentional networks and meaningful relationships throughout her career and entrepreneurial journey • The visibility that came from being featured in The Wall Street Journal—what it meant for her business, and what it didn't mean • The importance of integrity and authenticity in business • The power of persistence, even after being told she didn't have what it takes • The art of creating and composing fragrances from story, memory, culture, and history • Developing fragrances through a women's lens and honoring perspectives that have often been excluded from traditional storytelling • What it means to build a brand that reflects both personal identity and cultural legacy This conversation is a powerful reminder that our stories matter, our experiences have value, and that sometimes the very things that make us different become the foundation for the work we're meant to create. Connect with Serene:  Website: https://sanctuairedefleurs.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serenehollingsworth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanctuairedefleurs

    44 min
  2. Betting on Yourself: Inside the Creative Mind of Ashley Joseph

    May 28

    Betting on Yourself: Inside the Creative Mind of Ashley Joseph

    Send us Fan Mail Guest:  Ashley Joseph -  Presenter, Actor & Writer Episode Host: Angela In this episode of Begin, Build, Blossom, we sit down with Ashley Joseph, a dynamic Presenter, Actor & Writer whose work spans global stages, award‑winning television, and celebrated theatre. Deeply rooted in his Saint Lucian heritage, Ashley has built a career defined by versatility, courage, and a relentless commitment to craft. His presenting journey includes hosting the Saudi Arabia Formula E Concerts, Lil Simz’s Meltdown Festival, the Caribbean Summertime Ball, Dubai Music Week, and his signature Valentine’s showcase Lovers and Friends. Ashley is the co‑creator of the hit improv show ACTing Up!, a familiar face from BBC favourites such as Robin Hood, Justin’s House, Doctors, and EastEnders, and the voice behind Jared in the award‑winning animated series JoJo & Gran Gran. His theatre and directing credits include the Olivier Award‑winning Get Up Stand Up and the West End sensation Shifters. As a writer, he is shaping the future of children’s television with projects across the BBC, Channel 5, Cartoon Network, HBO Max, and more. This conversation explores creative courage, craft mastery, resilience, and the power of showing up consistently in a competitive creative industry, offering practical insights for anyone building a creative or entrepreneurial path. More specifically: The importance of Reading Embracing growing older with intentionContinual learning as a creative disciplineBetting on yourself and taking bold chancesSkiing as a Black man — challenging expectationsChoosing the right partners for the right projectsStepping out of your comfort zoneJoJo & Gran Gran and the impact of representation on Television  Books Mentioned  The Art of Growing Old — Marie de HennezelThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Stephen R. CoveyHow to Win Friends and Influence People — Dale CarnegieThe Alchemist - Paulo Coelho   Connect with Ashley Instagram:  Sir Ashley J (@sir_ashleyjoseph) Email: ashleyj.creativeteam@gmail.com

    1 hr
  3. Meet The Founders Building Zoner From the Ground Up

    May 21

    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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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
    103
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Begin, Build, Blossom: Your Business Journey
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    Begin, Build, Blossom: Your Business Journey