Entrepreneurship Now

LaShay LaRue

In this podcast, we pull back the curtain on real entrepreneurship—the kind that tests your courage and rewards your consistency. Each episode features founders, coaches, and creators sharing candid wins, hard lessons, and the systems that keep revenue steady. Expect clear strategies on mindset, marketing, and money, plus the faith and focus to apply them. You’ll learn how to turn overwhelm into a plan, audience into clients, and ideas into offers. No hype. Just practical guidance, honest stories, and next steps to build with purpose, not pressure.

  1. Apr 25

    Building Safe and High-Performing Work Environments: Dr. Amber Gunner's Journey

    In this powerful and insightful interview, Dr. Amber Gunner shares her inspiring journey from navigating personal mental health challenges to becoming a respected leader in organizational safety, workplace wellness, and human connection.She breaks down how emotional well-being, vulnerability, and authenticity are not just personal values—but essential leadership tools that shape high-performing teams and healthy work environments.You’ll also learn practical, real-world strategies for creating psychologically safe workplaces, attracting aligned clients, and scaling a business without losing your core values or identity.Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or someone passionate about mental health in the workplace, this conversation offers deep insight into how to build organizations that thrive through trust, safety, and connection.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship02:04 Understanding Workplace Dynamics03:38 Personal Journey into Consulting09:21 Creating Safe Work Environments10:42 Advice for Entrepreneurs on Safety16:41 Attracting Aligned Clients26:41 Evolution of Business Offerings33:41 Balancing Corporate and Entrepreneurial LifeGuest Information:Name: Amber GunnerCompany: Dr. Amber Gunner ConsultingWebsite: www.ambergunner.comEmail: hello@ambergunner.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/serenity.love.16100921/Instagram: @drambergunnerLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ambergunner/

    41 min
  2. Apr 24

    From Storm to Success: Berry Dynamics' Journey in Public Relations

    In this powerful interview, Berry Dynamics shares her transformation from a college journalism student into a successful publicist and entrepreneur. She breaks down how faith, systems, branding, and authentic storytelling have shaped her business journey and helped her build impactful brand experiences.This conversation highlights what it really takes to grow a purpose-driven business—balancing strategy, structure, and spirituality while staying true to your message.Key Topics Covered-Berry Dynamics’ journey from journalism to entrepreneurship-How faith influences business decisions and long-term growth-Why systems and automation are key to scaling a business-Creating powerful brand activations and real-world experiences-The role of mentorship, timing, and opportunity recognition-Aligning business strategy with purpose and personal valuesSound Bites“My business is the force stimulating change.”“Proper systems save time and increase profitability.”“Faith is the anchor of my lifestyle.”Chapters00:00 The Power of Raw Conversations00:09 Building Relationships Through Podcasting04:14 The Journey of Berry Dynamics13:37 The Importance of Events in PR23:06 Mentorship and Learning in Business25:56 Growth Phase: Recognizing Opportunities32:29 Essential Systems for Business Success32:52 Identifying Ideal Clients and Setting Standards36:02 The Role of Faith in Business41:47 Aligning Business with Purpose and ValuesGuest Information:Name: Berry DynamicsCompany: Berry Dynamic AgencyWebsite: www.berrydynamicagency.comEmail: Launch@berrydynamicagency.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/BerryDynamicPR/Instagram: www.instagram.com/berrydynamicagency/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/berry-dynamic-agency-llc

    58 min
  3. Apr 24

    The Art of Public Relations: A Journey of Faith and Resilience

    What does it really take to reinvent yourself, build a strong personal brand, and stand out in today’s crowded digital world? In this episode, PR entrepreneur Bridgette Wall shares her powerful journey from corporate America to building a successful public relations business rooted in authenticity, storytelling, and strategic branding.You’ll learn how to position yourself as a trusted authority, attract aligned clients, and use intentional marketing to grow your brand with confidence. This conversation dives deep into personal branding, social media presence, and how AI is changing the way we show up online.💡 Key Takeaways- Consistency in branding builds trust and long-term audience loyalty- Rebranding every 2–5 years helps keep your business relevant and competitive- Authentic, up-to-date images strengthen credibility and brand perception- Strong relationships with media professionals are essential for PR success- Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in personal and business branding⏱️ Chapters00:00 The Journey into Public Relations10:18 Reinventing Yourself and Your Brand18:02 The Impact of AI on Self-Image24:11 Attracting Aligned Clients30:13 The Importance of Intentional Social Media Presence34:35 Crafting Your Story and Brand42:24 Understanding PR and Its Value51:59 Navigating Entrepreneurial Challenges👤 Guest InformationGuest: Bridgette WaughCompany: SHE Bridges PRWebsite: www.shebridgespr.comEmail: bridgett@shebridgespr.comFacebook: facebook.com/shebridgesprInstagram: @thefashionablepublicistLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sbprbridgettwaugh/

    56 min
  4. Mar 4

    How to Grow a Business From Scratch: Lessons From a Creative Entrepreneur

    If you are trying to grow a business and wondering where to invest your time, money, and energy, this episode is for you. In this conversation, LaShay LaRue sits down with entrepreneur and creative business owner Donald Kimble Jr. to talk about what it really takes to build a business from scratch, stay consistent through slow seasons, and create momentum through service, visibility, and smart investments.Darnald shares how he turned a passion for photography into a thriving business, why investing in better equipment and education changed the quality of his work, and how networking, generosity, and consistency opened doors he never could have planned for on his own. This episode is packed with insight for entrepreneurs who want to grow with more wisdom, stronger positioning, and a better understanding of what it takes to stand out in a crowded market.Inside this episode, we talk about business growth, investing in your business, small business marketing, networking, consistency, visibility, and how to keep going when things feel uncertain. Whether you are a creative entrepreneur, service provider, coach, consultant, or business owner trying to attract more opportunities, this conversation will give you something practical to take with you.If you have been looking for encouragement and strategy on how to grow a business from the ground up, press play.Want more conversations on attracting clients, building better relationships, and converting with more confidence?Subscribe to Entrepreneurship Now and share this episode with another entrepreneur who needs it.Next steps:Join the BOLD Network free directory + community- https://www.boldnetworking.org/join Guest Contact InformationGuest: Darnald D. Kimble, Jr. (DarnaldJr)Company: DarnaldJr ProductionsWebsite: www.darnaldjrproductions.comEmail: info@darnaldjrproductions.comInstagram: @darnaldjrproductions

    31 min
  5. Feb 25

    Small Business Automation for Beginners: CRM, Follow-Up, and Digital Business Cards

    Building a business today isn’t just about having a great offer. It’s about having the systems to follow up, stay organized, and convert conversations into customers. If you’ve been networking but still feel like leads are slipping through the cracks, this episode will help you tighten the gap.In this episode of Entrepreneurship Now, LaShay LaRue sits down with Crystal Gomez, a small business technology strategist, to talk entrepreneurship, technology, networking, automation, CRMs, and the workflows that keep your business moving even when you’re busy. This is a practical conversation for business owners who want to stop doing everything manually and start building a smoother path from first contact to paid client.Crystal breaks down how to use technology to support your follow-up, why digital business cards can upgrade your networking, and how automation helps small businesses stay consistent without burning out. They also cover the mindset piece: resilience, adaptability, and the confidence to actually ask for the sale when the moment is right.What you’ll learn in this episode:• Why technology is a growth tool, not an “extra” for small business owners• How to network in a way that leads to real opportunities and conversions• The follow-up habits that build relationships and increase client conversion• When and why to attend industry-specific events for stronger connections• How digital business cards simplify networking and keep you memorable• Where automation fits in your business so you save time and stay consistent• The CRM basics that help you track leads, conversations, and next steps• Why you have to confidently ask for the sale to grow revenueIf you’re trying to grow a service-based business and you want a repeatable workflow for turning prospects into customers, this episode gives you structure you can actually use.Next stepsJoin the BOLD Network free directory + community-https://www.boldnetworking.org/joinGuest Contact InformationGuest: Crystal GomezCompany: Crystal A. Gomez Technology Consulting FirmWebsite: CrystalGomez.netEmail: info@crystalgomez.netLinkedIn: / crystalagomez Facebook: / crystaltheconnector Instagram: / crystaladgomez

    43 min
  6. Feb 18

    Fundraising for Festivals and Events: How Compose Fest Finds Sponsors and Builds Support

    Building a mission-led business is different. You’re not just chasing revenue, you’re carrying responsibility. If you’re trying to grow something that serves people and still needs real funding, real systems, and real support, this conversation will land. In this episode of Entrepreneurship Now, LaShay LaRue interviews Shanae Speller, founder of Composed Fest LLC and creator of Compose Fest (a mental wellness festival rooted in creativity, music, and community healing). They talk about what it looks like to turn a personal story into a public impact movement without getting stuck in fear, burnout, or “I don’t have the resources yet” thinking. Shanae shares how mental health awareness shaped her mission, why consistent networking is the gateway to the right partners, and what entrepreneurs need to understand about fundraising, sponsorships, and building a strong pitch deck. You’ll also hear the truth about team building, education, coaching, and how faith can anchor your mindset while you execute. What you’ll learn in this episode: • The real story behind Compose Fest and why it exists • How to build a mental wellness brand that creates community impact • Networking strategies that help you find sponsors, collaborators, and supporters • Fundraising lessons for entrepreneurs launching events, festivals, or community projects • What to include in a pitch deck that makes your vision easier to back • How to keep building when fear is present and resources feel limited • Why coaching, mentorship, and education can shorten the learning curve • How faith and purpose can guide your decisions without replacing structure If you’re an entrepreneur trying to build something meaningful, this episode will help you connect your mission to a strategy that can actually grow. Next steps: Join the BOLD Network free directory + community- https://www.boldnetworking.org/join Guest Contact Information Guest: Shanae Speller Company: Composed Fest LLC Email: composedfest@gmail.com

    40 min

About

In this podcast, we pull back the curtain on real entrepreneurship—the kind that tests your courage and rewards your consistency. Each episode features founders, coaches, and creators sharing candid wins, hard lessons, and the systems that keep revenue steady. Expect clear strategies on mindset, marketing, and money, plus the faith and focus to apply them. You’ll learn how to turn overwhelm into a plan, audience into clients, and ideas into offers. No hype. Just practical guidance, honest stories, and next steps to build with purpose, not pressure.