Rich Lessons
The Rich Lessons Podcast, hosted by Sevetri and Sheena, cuts through the noise with rich insights and real conversations about business, life, and everything in between—offering hard truths, valuable lessons, and stories still being written.
Episodes
Fawn & Keith Weaver Fired, Phoebe Gates' Phia Fraud & Warren Buffett Drops Gates Foundation
On this week’s Rich Lessons mini-segment, we break down the explosive business and cultural headlines shaking up tech, finance, and entertainment. First, the shocking fallout at Uncle Nearest Whiskey: founders Fawn Weaver and Keith Weaver have been formally terminated by the court-appointed receiver amidst deep financial turmoil and ongoing federal investigations. What does this mean for the futur
Essence Fest Chaos, Trump Accounts & Anthropic's $150M Bet
Essence Fest 2026 recap, Trump Accounts are officially live, and Anthropic just made a $150M nonprofit play. We break down what it means for your wallet and your business.Full description:In this week’s mini-episode of Rich Takes, Sheena and Sevetri are breaking down the massive cultural, financial, and tech shifts happening right now.First up, we just wrapped up Essence Fest in New Orleans, and t
Elon Hits $1 Trillion, Inflation & Obama Center | Rich Takes
Elon Musk hits $1 Trillion on paper, inflation spikes to a 3-year high, and the Obama Presidential Center prepares for its historic Juneteenth opening in Chicago.This week on Rich Takes, we're breaking down the biggest headlines shaping business, money, tech, and culture.🔥 Elon Musk reaches trillionaire status on paper after SpaceX's public debut, and thousands of employees become milliona
Billion-Dollar Problems: Uber, Ticketmaster & the World Cup | Rich Takes
In this episode of Rich Takes, we break down the massive financial and cultural shifts redefining the business landscape:The Tech Reckoning: Did Uber just prove the AI hype train is getting too expensive to ride? We unpack how they blew through their entire 2026 AI budget in less than four months, and why enterprise giants like Klarna are quietly rehiring the staff they laid off.The Ticketmaster F
NVIDIA Paying $22K for Your Backyard & $400K NBA Finals Tickets? Inflation Is Undefeated | Rich Takes
What would you do with $22,000 a year, and would your answer change if it meant letting NVIDIA build a mini AI data center in your backyard? This week on Rich Takes, Sheena and Sevetri break down NVIDIA's rumored residential data center program, what it actually costs when you factor in electricity, water, and city regulations, and why the internet is split clean down the middle on whether to
The 1,700% Rise of AI Romance, the $3 Trillion IPO Era & Is the Content War Killing Journalism? | Rich Takes
This week on Rich Takes, we’re breaking down the stories shaping entrepreneurship, business, tech, and culture right now.We start with The Breakfast Club making history as the first daily live-streaming show on Netflix — and what it says about the growing battle between Netflix, YouTube, podcasts, and the future of content. Are we officially in the content wars era?Then we get into the rise of the
Founder vs CEO: Why Most Startups Fail at Scaling + The Truth About B2B vs B2C
Are you a founder or a CEO? Because they're not the same thing, and confusing the two might be the most expensive mistake you make.In this episode of Rich Lessons, Sheena Allen and Sevetri Wilson Taylor get into one of the rawest conversations in entrepreneurship: what it actually takes to go from founding a company to scaling one — and why the title of "CEO" means nothing if you can
The AI Layoff Wave vs. The $1.2M Storytelling Boom (+ Trump's $1.8B Controversy) | Rich Takes
Sheena and Sevetri are back with this week's Rich Takes — and this week it's a full-on face-off. AI is eliminating jobs by the thousands while storytellers and communicators are quietly pulling six and seven-figure salaries. We're breaking it all down.Tech companies are cutting thousands while quietly posting some of the highest-paying content and communications roles we've ever se
Coffee vs Matcha: Inside the Wellness Business Boom with Logan Gobert
Logan Gobert was still working full-time when she signed a lease, gave herself 60 days to open, and launched Matcha Magic NOLA, one of New Orleans' most talked-about new cafés.In this episode of Rich Lessons, Logan sits down with Sheena and Sevetri to discuss building a wellness-focused café brand in the South, what it actually takes to open a food and beverage business while still working a f
Voting Rights Are Being Stripped, Kids Can't Read, Elon Musk vs. OpenAI & Hollywood Is Restructuring | Rich Takes
This week on Rich Takes — the hot takes segment of the Rich Lessons podcast — Sheena Allen and Sevetri Wilson Taylor break down the biggest headlines impacting business and culture.The Supreme Court's gutting of the Voting Rights Act has red states redrawing district maps at lightning speed. Louisiana just went 5-1. Tennessee's Black representation in Memphis is gone. But the real question
NFL Agent Paul DeRousselle: Negotiating $100M Deals, Overcoming Addiction, & The Truth About the League
What does it really take to become a successful NFL agent?In this episode of Rich Lessons, Sheena Allen and Sevetri sit down with NFLPA-certified agent and attorney Paul DeRousselle to discuss the business behind professional football, negotiating NFL contracts, athlete representation, sports law, faith, failure, mental health, and building a career from a small town in Louisiana.Paul shares his j
Met Gala Backlash, Spirit Airlines Shuts Down, GameStop Bids on eBay & Anthropic vs. OpenAI | Rich Takes
This week on Rich Takes, Sheena and Sevetri break down the headlines making noise in business, tech, and culture.The Met Gala is back, and so is the controversy. This year's backlash goes beyond the dress code: Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are now the event's biggest backers, and A-listers like Taraji P. Henson and Jennifer Lewis are speaking out. Plus, Beyoncé made her return after 10 ye
The Truth About VC Funding for Black Women: Past, Present & Future
Less than 1% of venture capital goes to Black women, but what's really behind that number, and what does it actually take to change it?In this episode, Sheena Allen and Sevetri Wilson Taylor get candid about the full picture of funding for Black women founders: from what banks and VCs are actually looking for, to why your pitch might be killing your deal before it starts, to why the current fu
Q1 2026 Broke Startup Funding Records — But the Headline Is Lying
The fundraising headlines are misleading founders, and we are breaking it down. In Q1 2026, startups raised a record $297 billion — but $122 billion of that went to a single company: OpenAI. If you have been waiting for the market to turn around, this is the reality check you need before next week's full fundraising episode drops May 5th.Plus, we get into the headlines shaping culture and busi
Tim Cook Steps Down, Tech Layoffs Are Back & Claude Is Killing the Vibe | Rich Takes
From Tim Cook stepping down as CEO of Apple after 15 years to mass layoffs hitting Big Tech, media, and beyond, the future of work is changing faster than most people are ready for.Starting September 1, 2026, Tim Cook officially steps down as Apple CEO after 15 years, handing the reins to John Ternus, current SVP of Hardware. Was this a long time coming? Is Apple too stagnant to survive another de
Why Hard Work Isn’t Enough in Corporate America (And What Actually Gets You Promoted)
In this episode of Rich Lessons, we sit down with powerhouse executive Deb Grant—GE's first Black female corporate officer, former president of the GE Foundation (overseeing a $130M budget), board director, and CEO of Corporate Playbook—to decode what actually moves the needle and what it really takes to succeed in corporate America and beyond—and it's not just “working harder.”From becomi
Is Emma Grede Right About Working From Home? + WNBA Draft Reactions | Rich Takes
Emma Grede said working from home is hurting women's careers, and Sheena and Sevetri have thoughts. This week on Rich Takes, we break down why we mostly agree, who works from home actually works for, and the hard truth that if you're not exceptional and you're not an expert, the person showing up in the office is getting the promotion, the relationship, and the job security when layoff
Vibe Coding: The Honest Truth About Building a Business Without Writing a Single Line of Code
Vibe coding is everywhere, but is it actually changing who can build a tech company, or is it just giving everyone a very polished prototype?Sevetri and Sheena are back with a conversation about the AI-powered development trend taking over the startup world. They break down what vibe coding actually is, who it's for, and — as two tech founders who've built and scaled companies — what the h
AI Unicorn or Scam? $1.8B Startup, NCAA Chaos & The “Copy-Paste” AI Problem | Rich Takes
This week on Rich Takes, we’re breaking down the headlines shaping culture, business, and the future of entrepreneurship—and some of them are wild.From a controversial $1.8B AI-powered startup raising eyebrows, to the evolving reality of college sports money + transfer chaos, to a growing backlash against “copy-paste AI” design, this episode is packed with unfiltered takes you won’t hear anywhere
Oscars 2026 Reactions, Jamal Bryant Thought He Was Ending the Target Boycott & Mr. Tendernism's Top Food Cities | Rich Takes
Sheena Allen and Sevetri Wilson Taylor are back with a fresh Rich Takes covering the Oscars, the Target boycott drama (over or no?), and a food city ranking that has New Orleans sitting exactly where it belongs.First up: the 2026 Oscars. Sinners took home wins, but was it enough? Sevetri breaks down why she woke up the next morning still processing how the night played out, why Sean Baker's Be
Essence Fest 2026, Gas Prices & The Real Reason Black Women Aren't Getting Funded | Rich Takes
Sheena Allen and Sevetri Wilson Taylor are back with another rapid-fire Rich Takes — and they're not holding back.This week, the co-hosts break down the Essence Fest 2026 headliner announcement (Brandy, Monica, and Cardi B), what it signals about the festival's comeback, and why Essence still holds cultural power for Black artists. Then the conversation shifts to rising gas prices, the Mid
Hanifa's Public Breakdown, Anthropic vs. OpenAI & AI Layoffs: Are We Choosing the Lesser Evil? | Rich Takes
Black female founders are breaking their silence, and the internet has opinions. This week on Rich Takes, Sheena Allen and Sevetri Wilson break down Hanifa's viral post about supply chain struggles and customer complaints, and ask the harder question: when does grace run out? Plus, is Anthropic actually the "good guy" in the AI wars against OpenAI and the government, or are we all ju
Supreme Court Blocks Trump Tariffs, Netflix vs. Paramount Battle, Sinners Oscar Nominations & More | Rich Takes
On this week's Rich Takes — the quick-hit current events segment from the Rich Lessons Podcast — Sheena and Sevetri break down the biggest stories you need to know about right now.First up: the Supreme Court ruled Trump's tariffs illegal, but before the ink dried, he doubled down with a 50% global tariff. The hosts debate whether corporations should be suing for billions when they already
Is AI Overrated? + Essence Fest's $1.5M Crisis & Why McKenzie Scott's Giving Strategy Is Genius | Rich Takes
Is AI actually changing the world, or are we living in a hype bubble? This week on Rich Takes, Sheena and Sevetri are breaking down the headlines that have everyone talking.First, they dive deep into the AI debate that's taken over the internet from the viral article (“Something Big Is Happening” by Matt Shumer) comparing AI's impact to COVID, to the growing backlash from tech insiders cal
Hot Takes!!! SuperBowl Recap, Inside Khaby Lame's $900M Deal, Mr. Beast Acquires a new company, and more
Subscribe to Rich Lessons on Substack for Exclusive Business Insights and Resources. richlessons.substack.comWe're on a brief hiatus from our full-length, guest episodes, but we couldn’t stay quiet with everything happening in business, tech, and culture. In this Hot Takes edition, we break down the biggest headlines of the week — from our Super Bowl recap to the inside story on Khaby Lame’s r
Hot Takes!!! 2026 Business Forecast: AI Layoffs, VC Changes & Must-Attend Conferences for Founders | Rich Takes
Subscribe to Rich Lessons on Substack for Exclusive Business Insights and Resources. richlessons.substack.comWelcome to 2026, where AI is reshaping the workforce and VCs are changing the fundraising game. In this episode of Rich Takes, Sheena and Sevetri break down the biggest business trends impacting entrepreneurs right now, from widespread layoffs across industries to shifts in VC funding for s
Could Your Career be Killing Your Chances at Finding True Love?
Episode 44 | Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen (Instagram.com/whoisSheena) dive into a candid conversation on what it means to be a career-driven woman navigating love, marriage, and modern expectations.With women now outpacing men in education and marrying later than ever, Sevetri and Sheena unpack how ambition, earning power, and shifting gender roles are resha
The Business of Art: From Painting Illegally In Abandoned Buildings to Owning A 35,000 Sq Ft Art Studio w/BMike
Episode 43 | Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen (Instagram.com/whoisSheena) sit down with Brandon "BMike" ODUMS—a New Orleans-based visual artist, filmmaker, and cultural entrepreneur whose illegal graffiti murals sparked a movement and led to Studio B, a massive 35,000 square foot creative space in the Bywater.From spending 10 years grinding with Two Ce
From Bartending on Bourbon St to Multi-Million Dollar Commercial Real Estate Deals: Chris Ross on Short Sales, Hotels and Leveraging Equity
On Episode 42 of Rich Lessons, Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen(Instagram.com/whoisSheena) sit down with real estate investor, developer, and agent Chris Ross, whose path into commercial real estate began behind a bar on Bourbon Street and led to multi–million–dollar hospitality and mixed-use deals.Chris shares how he went from making $800 on his first $45K deal
Former Mayor and Attorney General Karen Freeman-Wilson on America's Broken Promise to the Middle Class
On Episode 41 of Rich Lessons, Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen(Instagram.com/whoisSheena) talk with Karen Freeman-Wilson, former Indiana Attorney General, the first Black woman mayor of Gary, Indiana, and now President & CEO of the Chicago Urban League.Karen opens up about growing up in Gary’s industrial heyday, witnessing its economic collapse, and leading
Behind Netflix's #1 Film the Perfect Neighbor w/ Executive Producer Takema Robinson
On Episode 40 of Rich Lessons, Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen(Instagram.com/whoisSheena) sit down with Takema Robinson, executive producer of Netflix’s top-streaming documentary The Perfect Neighbor, to talk about justice, storytelling, and the movement behind one of the most powerful films of the year.Takema, an activist, producer, and founder of Standing in
Episode 39: The Muse Twins on Building a 7-Figure Med Spa, GLP-1 Truths, and the Business of Beauty
On Episode 39 of Rich Lessons, Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen (Instagram.com/whoisSheena) sit down with twin sisters Kiara and Christy Muse, board-certified nurse practitioners and founders of Muse Medical Aesthetics & Laser in Baton Rouge, LA, to talk about beauty, confidence, and building a million-dollar med spa from the ground up.Kiara and Christy shar
He was making $8M a year to do nothing and was still depressed: The Story of NBA star turned Entrepreneur Tyrus Thomas
On Episode 38 of Rich Lessons, Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen (Instagram.com/whoisSheena) sit down with former NBA star and Baton Rouge native Tyrus Thomas to unpack the business of sports, the rise of NIL, and what life looks like after the league. From his journey at LSU to becoming the No. 4 overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, Tyrus shares how basketball to
Gary Chambers Jr.: Why the South Still Holds the Key to Black Liberation
In Episode 37 of Rich Lessons, Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen (Instagram.com/whoisSheena) sit down with Baton Rouge native and civil rights advocate Gary Chambers Jr. to unpack power, policy, and the path to building Black wealth across the South. From his upbringing in North Baton Rouge to national advocacy after Alton Sterling’s killing, Gary traces how econ
Are Lifestyle Businesses the Future? Plus AI, Universal Income & Vibe Coding
In Episode 36 of Rich Lessons, Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen (Instagram.com/whoisSheena) tackle the future of work in an AI-driven economy. From the rise of lifestyle businesses to the disappearance of entry-level jobs, they dig into the hard truths shaping how we’ll work, earn, and live in the years ahead.The conversation explores the controversial debate ar
Engineer to Professor to Building a STEM Movement Reaching 200,000 Students: The Blueprint as told by Dr. Calvin Mackie
What does it take to turn a family project into a global movement? In this episode of Rich Lessons, Dr. Calvin Mackie—engineer, entrepreneur, and founder of STEM NOLA—reveals his blueprint for scaling impact. From his garage in New Orleans to reaching over 200,000 students worldwide, Dr. Mackie breaks down how equity, education, and entrepreneurship must intersect to truly change lives. Whether yo
The Science Versus Myths of Black Hair Care with Dr. Isfahan of Alodia
This week on Rich Lessons we’re joined by Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris — scientist, founder, and innovator.From earning her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at Morehouse School of Medicine to serving as a Presidential STEM Fellow at the NIH, Dr. Chambers-Harris has dedicated her career to public health and research that addresses issues disproportionately impacting Black women.Her personal journey with
Validating Your Idea and Why No One Wants to Sign Your NDA
This episode is all about validating your idea and the real reason why sophisticated investors won't sign your NDA. Want to go deeper? September 30th Sevetri and Sheena launch their first cohort with live coaching and support. For more information follow @startupstayupscaleup on instagram or visit joingrits.com When you have a new idea, your first instinct may be to protect it. But the truth i
Why this Boss Woman Pulled Her Brand From Target and How Advocating For Her Daughter Inspired Her Business Success
What does it really take to get a brand into Target—and survive the shelf space? OR what happens when you decide to leave the shelves because it's hurting your business?Episode 32: Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen (Instagram.com/whoisSheena) are joined by entrepreneur Marty McDonald to discuss building Boss Women Media and children’s brand Elle Olivia (inspi
Producing Million-Dollar Events: Cleveland Spears on Landing Sponsorships, PR & the Fried Chicken Festival
What does it take to turn a local food idea into a million-dollar festival? Cleveland Spears III, founder of Spears Group and producer of New Orleans’ iconic Fried Chicken Festival, takes us behind the curtain of scaling cultural events into major businesses. And though he maybe best known for events that have attracted hundreds of thousands, it might surprise you that events isn't actually hi
Chef Edgar "Dook" Chase IV on Family, Food and starring on Food Network's Family Recipe Showdown
Chef Edgar “Dook” Chase IV—grandson of legendary Leah Chase (whose Disney based Princess Tiana off of) and co-host of Food Network’s Family Recipes Showdown—joins the Rich Lessons Podcast to share how he’s carrying forward one of New Orleans’ most iconic Black-owned restaurants, Dooky Chase’s. From the role his family played in civil rights history to opening new restaurants like Chapter 4, expand
Alencia Johnson on Politics, Self-Sabotage & her new book Flip The Tables
In this powerful episode of Rich Lessons, we sit down with Alencia Johnson, activist, author, political strategist, and founder of 1063 West Broad. From advising presidential campaigns (Obama, Biden, Harris, Warren) to launching the iconic Stand With Black Women movement at Planned Parenthood, Alencia has made a career out of disrupting systems with purpose.We dive into her origin story, rooted in
CBS' Big Brother to Big Brands: Jasmine Monroe's guide to becoming a full-time content creator
Rich Lessons Podcast is Back!!This week, the Rich Lessons podcast is back with an interview featuring Jasmine Monroe, who you may recognize from CBS’ Big Brother 24, as she dives into the creator economy and shares what it really takes to turn influencing into a full-time career. The new episode drops this Tuesday, so make sure you’re subscribed, and tell a friend to tell a friend!
New Tariffs, Meta's AI-powered Smart glasses, U.S. Taxpayers can now pay off the National Debt via Venmo/Paypal | Rich Takes
Rich TakesIn this episode of Rich Takes, we break down two major headlines shaking up the economy and the tech world. First, President Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on imports from 68 countries—including Canada, India, Taiwan, and South Africa—could mean higher prices on everyday goods like groceries, electronics, and clothes. For entrepreneurs, this may lead to rising product costs and supply chai
BET Layoffs, AI Data Centers Impact on the Environment(and the South), Women Uber Drivers Only, 300K Blk Women Laid Off | Rich Takes
Welcome to Rich Takes, a new Thursday-ish segment from Rich Lessons, our unfiltered spin on hot takes, delivered in 15 minutes or less. Each week or every other week we're undecided, we break down the headlines shaping our world and our wallets. In this episode, we’re digging into the staggering exit of 300,000 Black women from the workforce over the last 90 days, the recent BET layoffs and what t
Essence Fest(we were there), Our First GRITS Dinner, and The Future of Concerts
✨ New Episode Alert! ✨In this episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena are dishing out some hot takes from Essence Fest — was it really a debacle, or just social media spin? They’re also sharing behind-the-scenes insights from their very first GRITS Dinner, exclusively for our newsletter subscribers and amazing women business owners and entrepreneurs.Plus, they’re diving into the future of conc
ReRun!!! 10 Things I’d Teach My Younger Entrepreneur Self
We're on a 2 week hiatus, so check out this episode from season 1! In this episode of Rich Lessons, Sheena and Sevetri share the top 10 mistakes they've made as entrepreneurs—and the powerful lessons learned from them. From the importance of execution over ideas to why cash flow is king, they break down what every founder needs to know. Tune in for honest insights on delegation, building t
Breaking the Cycle: Building Wealth, Self-Sabotage, and the Path to Power with Roy Glapion
In this episode, we sit down with Roy A Glapion, who sold his testing and engineering company which helped him build generational wealth for his family. Roy is here to discuss wealth in Black communities, how we build it, how we keep it, and why we're still miles apart from white communities due to everything from redlining to mindset. This is an episode sure to ruffle some feathers, but it al
Dear Aspiring Entrepreneur: The Truth About Starting a Company
In this episode, Sevetri and Sheena dive into the many layers of entrepreneurship that no one talks about. The pressure to perform, the loneliness at the top, the pivot moments and the real cost of chasing your dreams. This one's for anyone building something from the ground up or thinking about taking the leap into entrepreneurship.
Comedy, Church and Coming out with Rita Brent
She's worked with RIckey Smiley and wrote for Cedric the Entertainer for the Emmy's, so how does a girl from Mississippi go from the military to the mic? Comedian @ritabrentcomedy joins Sevetri and Sheena on this episode of Rich Lessons to share how she found her funny, took a leap of faith, and turned her talent into a full-time career. You don’t want to miss this one 👀 #RichLessons #GRITS #Women
10 Business Ideas That Could Make you a Millionaire
In this episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena break down 10 business ideas they believe have the potential to generate six, seven, or even eight figures. From untapped markets to rising trends, they explore what each idea is, why it matters, and how they’d bring it to life. Whether you’re searching for your next big venture or just want to hear how two founders think through business opportu
Shark Tank Winner Ashley Young on Building Bridal Babes
On this episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena travel to the DMV to interview Ashley Young, the co-founder, CEO, and lead stylist of Bridal Babes, a size-inclusive bridesmaid gown line. She launched the company with her husband, Charles, after struggling to find appropriate bridesmaid gowns for her wedding. Bridal Babes was featured on season 14 of ABC's Shark Tank and they received an in
Twice Exceptional: Ronaldo Hardy on Leadership, Ministry and Thriving with ADHD
In this deeply personal episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena sit down with Ronaldo Hardy, a former finance executive turned national CEO, lead pastor, artist, and unapologetic “people builder.” Ronaldo opens up about what it means to lead with both vision and vulnerability while living with ADHD.He reflects on how the loss of his mother during the COVID-19 pandemic shook his world and resha
Bonus Episode: LIVE from Dillard University with DU's 2025 Doctoral Honorees
🎓 It’s graduation season across the country, and in this special LIVE taping of Rich Lessons at Dillard University, Sheena and Sevetri sit down with two of Dillard University’s honorary doctorate recipients during commencement week.This episode is RICH in legacy, purpose, and power — featuring the untold stories of two phenomenal women who are breaking barriers and building futures.Christal M. J
Rich Lessons with Ashley Fox: Making Wall Street Accessible for the 99%
In this powerful episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena sit down with financial educator, entrepreneur, and former Wall Street analyst Ashley Fox, founder of Amplify, to discuss her journey from managing millions for the wealthy to democratizing financial education for everyday people. Ashley opens up about her personal struggles, rebuilding after setbacks, and how she's bridging the gap
How We Built a Podcast Studio—as Husband and Wife
In this episode of Rich Lessons, we sit down with Timothy and Melodie Simmons, the powerhouse duo behind JourneyWell. From launching the brand in 2016 to opening a brand-new studio and office space, they share how grit, God, and vision fueled their path.Tim shares how his roots in Baton Rouge and passion for empowering creators led to the birth of JourneyWell. Melodie brings her brilliance in bran
Reality Check: Tariff’s, Classism, and America’s Future
In this episode, we dig into the hidden costs of global trade and who really pays the price. We break down how tariffs and shifting trade policies between the U.S. and China are reshaping the future for small businesses, from rising costs to supply chain hurdles. But we don't stop there: we also dive into the growing online debate around fake designer bags, exposing how classism and capitalism are
Elegance by Ace: Behind the Scenes of a Luxury Wedding Planner
Today marks Sevetri’s 2nd wedding anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than by pulling back the curtain on the big day? We’re joined by Anissa Coleman, CEO of Elegance by Ace and the mastermind behind Sevetri’s wedding, to talk all things luxury wedding planning. From budgets to vendor wrangling, tune in as we break down the true cost, time, and talent it takes to bring a high-end wedding
From Teacher to Boutique Owner: How Tia Whittington Built H Kyle From Scratch
In this inspiring episode of Rich Lessons, we sit down with entrepreneur and boutique owner Tia Whittington, the powerhouse behind H Kyle Boutique. From the classroom to the fashion world, Tia shares how she went from teaching preschool to building a thriving e-commerce business while being a mom, wife, and one-woman show.She opens up about her journey from substitute teaching to launching on Etsy
The Cost of Success: What No One Tells You About Having More: ( More Money, More Knowledge, More to Give, and More for Others to Take)
On this episode, Sevetri and Sheena dive into the “cost of success”—or better yet, what no one tells you about having more: more money, more knowledge, more to give, and more for others to take. They share personal reflections on how success can bring unexpected challenges, from emotional burnout to shifting relationships, and why boundaries become more essential than ever.
Season 2 of Rich Lessons is here !
Sevetri and Sheena are back and leveling ALL the way up with new guests, in-studio vibes, and the realest convos yet.This season, they are diving into everything from generational wealth and the good (and bad) of money, to protecting yourself and your business — and yes, even marriage and relationships.Hit follow on your favorite podcast platform + subscribe on YouTube.Lock in. Subscribe. Tell a f
Introducing GRITS: Our New Community for Entrepreneurs and Creators
Welcome to GRITS!If you’re new here, allow us to introduce ourselves. We’re Sevetri and Sheena — two entrepreneurs who’ve spent years navigating the ups, downs, and wild in-betweens of building companies. Together, we’ve raised tens of millions in funding, participated in the world’s top accelerators, solved tough problems, and learned plenty of hard-won lessons along the way.And now, we’re excite
No Tech Co-Founder? Ismail Akintunde Has a Solution for You
Akintunde Ismail Maiyegun has a diverse work experience spanning various industries and roles. Akintunde Ismail co-founded Big Wolf Games, a mobile gaming developer and publisher, where they served as the Chairman/CEO and helped raise funding and establish partnerships. Akintunde Ismail also co-founded Hingeto, an online retailer platform, where they held the role of CTO which was later acquired b
The Healthy CEO: Fasting, Fitness, and Fighting Back Against Burnout
In this episode of Rich Lessons, hosts Sevetri and Sheena dive into the ups and downs of maintaining physical health as entrepreneurs. They discuss how stress, anxiety, and grind culture affect sleep, weight, and overall well-being. Sevetri shares her personal experiences with fluctuating weight, anxiety-induced health struggles, and holistic approaches like acupuncture and fasting. The hosts also
Cape Town, Paradise on Hulu, and the Price of Being a Grown-Up in 2025
In this episode, Sevetri and Sheena catch up on life, career moves, and upcoming travels! Sheena shares her journey of rebuilding in 2025, while Sevetri preps for her Cape Town trip with the Henry Crown Fellowship.They also dive into Paradise with Sterling K. Brown, Severance, and Silo, plus their love-hate relationship with streaming services. And of course, Mardi Gras, birthday plans, and Beyonc
Networking Up vs. Networking Across – What REALLY Works?
In this episode of Rich Lessons with Sevetri and Sheena, we dive into the art of networking—how to get in the right rooms, build meaningful connections, and leverage opportunities. Whether you're an introvert navigating new spaces or looking to network up and across, we share insights, personal experiences, and practical tips to help you expand your circle and maximize your opportunities. Plus, a
Sherrell Dorsey on Selling Her Startup, Climate Tech, and Building Wealth
In this Rich Lessons episode, hosts Sevetri and Sheena welcome their first guest, award-winning journalist and entrepreneur Sherrell Dorsey. She shares her journey from launching The Plug to its acquisition, dives into climate tech and sustainability, and explores Black innovation in business. Sherrell also discusses the future of work, and building wealth while making an impact. Tune in for insig
From DEI Chaos to Super Bowl Madness: Is America Falling Apart or Just Distracted
As January 2025 wraps up, we break down the major DEI rollbacks hitting corporate America, with Target at the center of the controversy. What does this mean for Black-owned businesses and diversity efforts moving forward?Plus, we discuss federal funding freezes, small business challenges, and the growing wealth gap. To close, we dive into Super Bowl excitement in New Orleans, its economic impact,
We Raised $55M in Venture Capital - But Would We Do It Again?
In this episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena dive into the realities of fundraising and bootstrapping for entrepreneurs. They explore the pros and cons of bootstrapping, from maintaining full control to the challenges of limited resources, and share personal stories of building businesses from the ground up. They also discuss navigating the complex world of venture capital, raising over $50
From Burn Out to Breakthrough: Rebuilding After Shutting Down a Company and Exiting
As we step into 2025, we're reflecting on the incredible journey that brought us here. In this episode of Rich Lessons, we're taking it back two years to 2023, when we both made the bold decision to transition out of our companies. Sevetri exited at CEO and Sheena made the hard decision to shutdown her company, CapWay. We'll talk about the pivotal moments that led to those changes, the
From Katrina to LA: Why We Can't Lose Our Communities Again
In this special episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri Wilson and Sheena Allen discuss the recent tragedies affecting communities in LA, including wildfires and the impact of misinformation. They draw parallels to Hurricane Katrina, emphasizing the importance of community support, the challenges of navigating insurance claims, and the role of social media in disaster response. The conversation highlight
I Lost Myself Building My First Company — This Is What It Cost Me
In this episode of Business Truths Pt. 2: Rich Lessons, we dive into candid stories about navigating entrepreneurship, the mental and financial challenges of building startups, and the rich lessons learned along the way. From pitching to investors and scaling ventures to the mental toll of leadership, our hosts share raw insights on the realities of business, personal growth, and resilience. Tune
How Our Southern Upbringing Shaped Our Billion-Dollar Vision
In the first episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri Wilson and Sheena Allen share their journeys from small-town roots in the South to becoming successful entrepreneurs. They discuss how they built their first companies, navigated challenges as Black women in tech, and transitioned from bootstrapped ventures to raising millions in venture capital.From pitching big ideas to learning the hard lessons of f
Introducing Rich Lessons
Welcome to Rich Lessons with Sevetri Wilson and Sheena Allen, where we cut through the noise and dive into the real conversations that matter. Brought to you by Grit: Girls Raised in the South, this podcast explores the hard truths, life lessons, and stories that shape us. From business to personal growth and everything in between, we’re keeping it raw, real, and most importantly, rich in lesson
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