Mind Our Business

Mind Our Business

Friends who are entrepreneurs discuss business and life.

  1. Jan 6

    The Ageless Mindset: Kaftans, Confidence, and the Cosmetic Conversation

    "There is a fountain of youth: it is in your mind, your talents, and your creativity." Inspired by Sophia Loren, the hosts of Mind Our Business tackle one of the most human conditions we all share: getting older. In a world obsessed with staying young, the Queens explore what it truly means to age gracefully while maintaining confidence in both life and business. In this transparent and stylish episode, the hosts explore: The Wardrobe Theme: Stylist Samona Jenkins introduces today's look—an "Ode to Aging Gracefully." The ladies are draped in effortlessly chic kaftans, muumuus, and sequins, honoring the sophisticated style of our mothers and grandmothers. Societal Ageism: Tamica Clement Moore, an adjunct professor of gerontology, discusses how the media portrays aging as something to be "thrown away" or "fixed," rather than revered. The hosts challenge the idea that getting older means becoming "invisible." The Cosmetic Debate: We go there! The Queens share their differing views on procedures: Carla Shaheed admits her belief in "good Botox" and fillers as a form of maintenance. Samona expresses curiosity about the latest technology, including "mini BBLs" and facials. Tamica and Gee Gee emphasize a "no knives, no needles" approach, focusing instead on internal health, laughter, and high-vibrational living. The Wisdom of Wrinkles: Dr. Carmen McNeil shares insights from The Healing Wisdom of Africa, discussing cultures where wrinkles are a badge of honor and a symbol of a pillar of society. The Sense of Loss: The hosts get vulnerable about the "physical loss" of their younger selves—from gray hairs in unexpected places to breasts "saying hi to your knees." They discuss the psychological journey of moving from comparison to acceptance. Internal Work vs. External Glow: Gee Gee Garcia stresses that aging requires deep inner healing and becoming "unbothered," noting that true confidence comes from enjoying your own company and keeping toxicity away from your peace. Mirror Work. This week, look in the mirror and identify one feature of your aging body that you have previously judged. Find the "wisdom" or "story" behind it (those laugh lines, that gray hair) and offer yourself a word of gratitude for the life those marks represent.

    17 min
  2. Jan 4

    Business Realities: Supporting the Vision and Celebrating Wins Inside the Losses

    Entrepreneurship is often sold as freedom, but the reality is a lot of "work, work, work." In this powerful conclusion to our pivot series, the Queens of Mind Our Business peel back the curtain on the grit required to sustain a business and the essential support systems that keep you from sinking during the "turbulence." In this episode, the hosts explore: The Hard Truths: The hosts get honest about the parts of business nobody tells you: there is no "off" switch, you often don't get paid at first, and it can feel like a "lonely island" because no one will ever care for your "baby" as much as you do. The Family/Business Backlash: Gee Gee Garcia shares a hard lesson on why mixing close friends and family with business can backfire. The Queens discuss the shift in relationship dynamics when personal love meets professional expectations. Yellow Brick Road Wisdom: Dr. Carmen McNeil shares three powerful takeaways from her "Yellow Brick Road" workshop: Let go of the past to grow the future. Celebrate wins inside of the losses. View spots of tension as opportunities for healing and joy. The Power of Like-Minded Circles: Tamica Clement Moore and Carla Shaheed discuss why a support system of fellow entrepreneurs is non-negotiable. They share how their 10-year friendship has been a source of "juices flowing" and "talking each other down" from the "catastrophizing" rabbit hole. The "Dead Market" Myth: Samona Jenkins and Gee Gee Garcia recount a funny but insightful moment when Samona warned Gigi that Vallejo was a "dead market." Gigi explains how doing her own research and identifying an unmet need allowed her to create a thriving solution where others saw a desert. Practicing Gratitude: How do you celebrate progress when you're still struggling? The hosts suggest keeping a "Goal Binder" to track yearly progress and intentionally awarding yourself for the small wins—whether it’s a spa day or just talking yourself through your accomplishments. Reframing the Setback! Reflect on a recent business obstacle. Ask yourself: What was the lesson? How can I reframe this as a setup for something greater? Share your "reframe" in the comments!

    17 min
  3. Jan 3

    From Rock Bottom to Expansion: Reclaiming Your Value and Funding Your Future

    Rejection is just redirection." In this final installment of our series on overcoming obstacles, the Queens of Mind Our Business prove that the brink of your lowest point is often where your greatest fire is found. From dissolving long-term businesses to walking away from corporate devaluing, this episode is about the courage to take the leap into entrepreneurship. In this episode, the hosts explore: The Birth of a Non-Profit: Gee Gee Garcia shares her vulnerable transition from 20 years of dance studio ownership to founding her non-profit, Vibe Together. She explains how closing one door allowed her to serve the community on a larger scale—including teenagers, young adults, and seniors—while opening a thrift boutique as a sustainable funding anchor. The "Replaceable" Realization: Tamica Clement Moore recalls the moment her corporate job devalued her expertise by asking her to enter a two-year training program for a job she was already teaching. Learn how that "setback" became the catalyst for her to stop building someone else's dream and start her own. Financial Survival Strategies: What do you do when the business is struggling to stay afloat? The Budget Cap: Tamica emphasizes the need for a financial "bottom" and a separate business account to track every penny. Profit Flipping: Gee Gee explains her method of not paying herself for months to ensure three months of business expenses were always covered—a strategy that saved her during the pandemic. Visibility over Pride: Samona Jenkins challenges listeners to "put themselves out there" through $5 social media ads and community booths. The Queens remind us: if you're struggling, it might be because people simply don't see you. The Pride Check: The hosts get real about the "pride" that keeps entrepreneurs from doing what’s necessary. Whether it's getting a part-time job at Starbucks or McDonald's to cover bills or cutting back on luxuries, the Queens agree: your livelihood is more important than your ego. The Gratitude of the Vulnerable: We discuss why hitting rock bottom actually increases your gratitude and clarifies your "Why," making you more resilient for the wide-open doors ahead. Revisit Your "Why." If you are in a financial rut, sit down this week and evaluate: Is this business still serving your purpose? If yes, swallow your pride, cut the frivolous spending, and get visible. If no, be brave enough to let that door close so the next one can open.

    12 min
  4. Jan 2

    The Power of the Pivot: Turning Your Biggest Setbacks into Your Greatest Comebacks

    "I’ve grown most not from victories, but from setbacks." Inspired by the legendary Serena Williams, the Queens of Mind Our Business get honest about the dark days of entrepreneurship. From losing multiple contracts in a single month to facing a complete global shutdown, this episode is a masterclass in resilience and strategic innovation. In this high-energy episode, the Queens explore: The Reality of Training Day: Samona reframes every failure as "Training Day"—a necessary lesson that prepares you for the next level. The hosts discuss why comfort is the enemy of growth and how setbacks force you to sharpen your skills. The Strategic Pivot: Tamica Clement Moore shares her experience of losing three major contracts in one month, which forced her to move beyond a single income stream and blossom into new consulting areas. Gee Gee Garcia recalls the terror of COVID-19 and how it birthed her daytime enrichment programs and event space model—innovations she still uses today. The Real Estate Shift: Carla Shaheed addresses the current challenging market. She shares how she combats the "scary" seasons of produce-drought by focusing on her "why" and sharpening her skills to produce creative deals. The Psychology of Shifting: Dr. Carmen McNeil introduces the concept of "Catastrophizing"—making a setback bigger in your mind than it is in reality. She offers a linguistic challenge: remove the words "wish" and "should" from your vocabulary to eliminate guilt and second-guessing. Mentorship & Support: The Queens emphasize that when you are in the "rabbit hole," you need a mentor to talk you down and a tribe to remind you of your power. They discuss how aligning your thoughts, beliefs, and actions ensures that opportunities will inevitably appear. Reframing the Loss. Identify one current "failure" or obstacle in your business. Instead of asking "Why me?", ask "What is the lesson here?" and "What new opportunity does this create?" Write down three ways you can pivot your current model to become more resilient.

    17 min
  5. 12/30/2025

    Wellness in Motion: Quick Workouts, Green Smoothies, and Life-Saving Nutrients

    If your lifestyle won't slow down, you have to find ways to bring wellness with you. In this high-energy follow-up, the hosts of Mind Our Business move from the theory of health into actual practice. Gee Gee Garcia leads the group through a "cutting-edge" session of movements designed for the high-achieving, busy entrepreneur. In this episode, the hosts dive into: The Entrepreneur’s Workout: Gee Gee breaks down three essential movements that require zero equipment: Squats: Targeting the glutes for that "Jean-ready" look and overall lower body strength. Planks: Why this is the "fountain of youth" for posture, spine health, and balance. Cardio: The benefits of jumping jacks and jump roping for cardiovascular health and getting oxygen to your vital organs. The "Adaptive" Approach: Tamica shares her perspective on working around physical limitations (like her three knee surgeries) through low-impact movements and swimming, proving there is a way for every body to move. Fueling the Tank: The Queens discuss why "eating correctly" is the gas in the tank. Carla talks about the struggle of mid-section weight as we age and why accountability groups are her secret weapon. Live Tasting: The Summer Green Smoothie: Gee Gee surprises the ladies with her signature "Summer Green" smoothie. She explains the power of Chlorophyll (the blood of plants) and the specific benefits of the ingredients: Kale: For Vitamin K and fiber. Citrus: For a collagen-boosting Vitamin C hit. Cucumber: For deep hydration in the summer heat. Mango: The "King of Fruits" for anti-inflammatory properties. Blending vs. Juicing: Learn why keeping the fiber (blending) is essential for digestion and how liquid nutrients bypass the digestive system to fuel your blood directly for instant mental clarity. The Wellness Challenge! 1. Try It: Recreate the Summer Green Smoothie (recipe in the description!).2. Move It: Choose one of the three exercises discussed and do it for 5-10 minutes every day this week.3. Reflect: Tag us in your progress photos on Instagram or YouTube with #MindOurWellness.

    24 min
  6. 12/30/2025

    Diet, Exercise & Entrepreneurship: Fueling Your Body for Peak Performance

    "Wellness is not something you wish for; it’s something you work for." Inspired by nutritionist Dr. Ro, the Queens of Mind Our Business take on the ultimate challenge: staying healthy when life won't slow down. This episode explores the deep connection between physical weight and emotional weight, and how our diet directly impacts our mental clarity and business drive. In this episode, the Queens explore: The Mood-Food Connection: The hosts discuss the profound quote that "extra weight can make your spirit not sing." Tamica Clement Moore shares how her body is a sensitive gauge for her health due to Lupus, while Gigi Garcia admits how sluggishness from poor eating can trigger "catastrophizing" and negative thoughts. The "Chokehold" of Fast Food: Carla Shaheed gets honest about the "addiction" to sugar, salt, and fat—specifically how Chicken McNuggets can have a grip on even the most disciplined entrepreneur. The ladies discuss the science of dopamine and why corporations research ways to keep us hooked. Strategies for Motivation: How do you stay on track without a personal trainer? Tamica uses health documentaries to "reboot" her mindset and experiment with dairy-free living. Samona stays motivated by visualizing her goals and using "every moment" as a workout (even squeezing your glutes in the grocery line!). Carla emphasizes getting the workout over with at 5:00 AM to ensure it actually happens. The Power of Community: Dr. Carmen McNeil explains why she needs a "tribe" like Get It Girl Fitness for accountability. The hosts discuss the benefits of pescatarian lifestyles and the joy of sharing healthy recipes within a supportive community of women. Small Wins vs. Crash Diets: The hosts advocate for "Mortgage Diets" for your body—making small, sustainable shifts rather than extreme, temporary fixes. From learning to read labels (Weight Watchers style) to setting 5-pound goals, it’s about the long game. The "One-Thing" Wellness Challenge! Identify one thing you are fueling your body with that isn't serving you (sugar, soda, late-night McNuggets) and replace it this week with a whole food or a 15-minute walk. Your business can only grow as fast as your body can carry it!

    21 min
  7. 12/29/2025

    Period Positivity (Part 3): The Four Inner Seasons & The Secret to Cyclical Productivity

    In the finale of our Period Positivity series, the Queens move beyond dismantling stigma and into the realm of Body Literacy. Dr. Carmen McNeil introduces the transformative concept of the "Inner Seasons," a framework that proves women's bodies are not at a deficit, but possess a built-in biological blueprint for peak performance. In this episode, the hosts break down the Four Phases of the Cycle: Winter (Menstruation): The season of stillness and reflection. Learn why magnesium drops (hello, chocolate cravings!) and why this is the perfect time for journaling, being still, and clearing the mental clutter. Spring (Pre-Ovulation): The season of new beginnings. As you emerge from Winter, your energy rises. This is your "planning phase"—the ideal time to jot down lists and map out your next big move. Summer (Ovulation): The season of high productivity and "Execution Mode." Whether you’re birthing a child or a new business strategy, this is when you’re most outgoing, energetic, and ready to implement your plans. Fall (Pre-Menstrual): The season of harvest and decluttering. Dr. Carmen reframes PMS as "Pre-menstrual Self-Care." This is the time to take inventory, celebrate what worked, and purge the behaviors or people that are no longer serving you. The Business Alignment: Tamica and Carla discuss how entrepreneurs can use this internal clock to prevent burnout. Imagine knowing exactly when to go "hard" in your business and when to retreat for reflection based on your own biology. A Word on Menopause: The Queens address a common question—do these cycles still exist after the period stops? Dr. Carmen previews a future deep dive into the cyclical nature of the body during and after menopause. The Period Positivity Challenge! 1. Reflect: Write down your earliest memory of learning about periods. How did it shape you?2. Talk: Share a period-related story with a friend or partner to normalize the dialogue.3. Track: If you are menstruating, track your energy and mood this week. Do you see the seasons? Share your "Inner Season" insights in the comments below!

    15 min
  8. 12/28/2025

    Period Positivity (Part 2): Milestones, Power Kits, and Father-Daughter Connection

    "If the human species requires the menstrual cycle to continue, why don't we put more respect on its name?" Dr. Carmen McNeil and the Queens return to explore how to practically support the next generation while bringing men into the conversation to dismantle long-standing stigmas. In this high-impact episode, the hosts explore: The Milestone Debate: The Queens discuss the "coming out" celebrations for periods in other cultures. They tackle the heavy label of "Womanhood"—is it too much pressure for a 9-year-old? The hosts call for more intentional, developmental language that honors the milestone without rushing childhood. Period Power Kits: Tamica Clement Moore showcases her "Power Kits" (donated through More Recreation Therapy) designed to help young girls feel refreshed and prepared. From extra wipes and travel deodorant to a "soiled garment" bag, these kits are about dignity and preparation. Dads & The "Period Talk": Dr. Carmen discusses her "Fearless Father-Daughter Talks" workshop. She explains why dads often pull back when their daughters hit puberty and how that withdrawal can damage a girl's self-esteem. Learn why a father initiating this conversation is a "game-changer" for a daughter's future relationships. The "Girl Dad" Mojo: The hosts share stories of the men in their lives—from a husband who realized he could be a trusted resource for his daughters after a workshop, to a 19-year-old son who confidently buys pads "with wings" for his female friends without shame. Body Literacy for All: The Queens emphasize that body literacy isn't just for girls. Educating boys and men removes the "mysterious" and "scary" element of menstruation, replacing jokes and teasing with empathy and normalcy. Prepare the Next Generation! Whether you're a parent, auntie, or community leader, check in with the young people in your life. Do they have a "Power Kit" in their backpack? Do they know their anatomy? Contact Dr. Carmen for workshops to help lead these vital conversations in your school or organization.

    21 min

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Friends who are entrepreneurs discuss business and life.