Business First w/Sonia Alleyne
At the Business First Podcast hosted by Sonia Alleyne our mission is simple: we want to help Black and Brown Business owners make their businesses Better, Bigger and Bolder. Listen weekly as we provide information and inspiration for new and established business owners, entrepreneurs and those looking to turn that side hustle into a their main hustle. We'll feature guests with dynamic stories to inspire, motivate and guide you wherever you are in your business journey.
Episodes
July 15, 2025 • 35 mins
In this episode of the Business First Podcast, host Sonia Alleyne welcomes Theresa ONeal Redd, co-founder of Reimagined BK, a vintage fashion boutique located in the heart of Brooklyn. Theresa shares her entrepreneurial journey of launching the business alongside her husband, offering candid insight into building a brand rooted in community, culture, and creativity.
From navigating the dynamics of running a business as a couple to...
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July 8, 2025 • 26 mins
In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Bobby Goodman Jr., founder and CEO of MuleWork, to explore the real-life challenges of launching and growing a small business. Bobby opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, the mission behind MuleWork, and the critical services his company provides—from tax guidance to operational strategy and community engagement.
They also discuss how new legislation is sha...
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July 1, 2025 • 28 mins
In this episode of Business First, host Sonya Alleyne sits down with Jessica Jones, founder and CEO of The Code Group and The Jessica Jones Collective, for a candid and empowering conversation on entrepreneurship, leadership, and purpose. A serial entrepreneur, Jessica shares her journey of building multiple businesses while championing the voices of women of color in leadership.
From navigating the challenges of toxic workplaces t...
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June 24, 2025 • 44 mins
In this episode of the *Business First Podcast*, host **Sonia Alleyne** sits down with certified AI consultant and trainer **Jennene Biggins** to break down the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on business. From her beginnings in the fashion industry to leading **Danso Digital Media Group**, Jennene shares her evolution into AI and her mission to help small businesses integrate these tools for real results.
The con...
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June 17, 2025 • 34 mins
In this episode of the *Business First Podcast*, host **Sonia Alleyne** sits down with **Susanne Mariga**, CPA, author, and expert in entrepreneurial finance, to unpack the transformative *Profit First* method. As a **fractional CFO**, Susanne helps business owners take control of their cash flow, make intentional profit, and build sustainable, successful businesses—especially within minority and underrepresented communities.
From...
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June 10, 2025 • 26 mins
In this inspiring episode of the Business First Podcast, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Yachtze Luchin, founder and CEO of Unite Oil and Gas International, to explore the importance of access, representation, and purpose in the energy sector.
Yachtze shares his powerful journey—from overcoming a challenging upbringing to building a thriving career in engineering and ultimately founding a mission-driven oil and gas company. Toget...
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June 3, 2025 • 26 mins
In this inspiring episode of the Business First Podcast, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Yachtze Luchin, founder and CEO of Unite Oil and Gas International, to explore the importance of access, representation, and purpose in the energy sector.
Yachtze shares his powerful journey—from overcoming a challenging upbringing to building a thriving career in engineering and ultimately founding a mission-driven oil and gas company.
To...
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May 27, 2025 • 40 mins
In this impactful episode of the #BusinessFirstPodcast, host #SoniaAlleyne sits down once again with entrepreneur and visionary #RobertBlackwellJr. to explore the vital role of economic empowerment in the #BlackCommunity. Reflecting on the enduring legacy of #BlackWallStreet, Blackwell challenges outdated charity models and calls for a shift toward building human and social capital as the foundation for lasting prosperity.
He highl...
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May 20, 2025 • 32 mins
In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with wine industry trailblazer Stephanie Browne, founder of Divas UnCorked, and author of the newly released book Sipping Sense. Stephanie shares her inspiring journey through the world of wine—from breaking barriers as a Black woman in a predominantly white industry to creating inclusive spaces that celebrate culture, community, and connection through wine.
They expl...
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May 13, 2025 • 42 mins
In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Kelli Lester, co-founder of Onyx Rising, about the importance of change management, financial wellness, and inclusive leadership. Kelli shares her journey of embracing change, the significance of financial education, and the strategies her firm employs to help individuals and organizations achieve their goals. The conversation delves into personal stories of overcomi...
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May 6, 2025 • 57 mins
In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Byron McGowan, a cattle farmer and arborist, about the historical context of Black farmers in the U.S., the challenges they face today, and the importance of educating consumers about sustainable farming practices. Byron shares his personal journey into agriculture, the stigma surrounding farming careers, and the lessons he learned from his military service. The conv...
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April 29, 2025 • 48 mins
In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Shante Bacon, a communication strategist and founder of One35 Agency. They discuss Shante's journey through entrepreneurship, the impact of COVID-19 on her personal and professional life, and the importance of building genuine relationships in business. Shante shares insights on her agency's advocacy for black-owned businesses and media, as well as her experiences in...
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April 22, 2025 • 28 mins
In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne talks with Freedom Farlow Cook and Tom Cook, the creative duo behind Freedom Rites Productions. They discuss their latest play, 'Take No Tea for a Fever,' and explore the dynamics of their partnership, the journey of playwriting, the challenges of directing, and the importance of support in creative endeavors. The conversation also touches on the marketing aspects of theater and...
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April 15, 2025 • 35 mins
As the nation witnesses a troubling shift in corporate commitments to DEI, with major brands like Target and Walmart pulling back from inclusive marketing strategies, the ripple effects are real—especially for Black-owned brands and advertising agencies that have long been advocates for authentic representation.
In this timely re-release, @TDeveaux, CEO of the legendary @Burrell_Comm, speaks powerfully on the role of Black business...
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April 8, 2025 • 55 mins
In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Jackie O. Asare, a seasoned public relations expert, about the evolution of PR and marketing, the importance of cultural sensitivity in messaging, and the critical role of listening in crafting effective communication strategies. They discuss the differences between marketing and PR, the impact of influencers, and how small businesses can leverage event coordination ...
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April 1, 2025 • 40 mins
In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Thurman Trotman, an expert in SharePoint, about the challenges business owners face in solving their own problems. Thurman shares his journey into the IT field and how he became a SharePoint specialist. He emphasizes the importance of organization in business and how SharePoint can streamline processes, automate tasks, and serve as a powerful tool for document manage...
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March 25, 2025 • 55 mins
**Rerelease: Business First Podcast with Sonia Alleyne & Robert Blackwell Jr.**
In this episode of *Business First*, host **Sonia Alleyne** sits down with **Robert Blackwell Jr.** to discuss the power of **Black entrepreneurship** in addressing economic disparities. Blackwell emphasizes the importance of **aspirational leadership**, the historical role of **Black business owners in civil rights movements**, and why **economic in...
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March 18, 2025 • 31 mins
In this episode, Dr. Eden-Reneé Hayes, a business strategist and coach, discusses the current landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the business world. She emphasizes the importance of understanding DEI as a framework for respect and fairness, rather than a preferential treatment system. Dr. Hayes highlights the business case for DEI, noting that diverse teams drive innovation and better decision-making. She shares...
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March 11, 2025 • 64 mins
In this episode, Ty Woods shares her inspiring journey from homelessness to becoming a successful entrepreneur and business coach. She discusses the importance of resilience, community support, and the power of believing in oneself. Ty emphasizes the need for small businesses to get their finances in order and prepare for upcoming funding opportunities, particularly through grants and proper credit management. She also highlights t...
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March 4, 2025 • 40 mins
In this episode of Business First, host Sonya Alleyne talks with Mark Money Green, a prominent figure in the hip hop industry. Mark shares his journey from aspiring musician to influential agent and manager, discussing his experiences with iconic artists and the evolution of hip hop. He emphasizes the importance of passion, trust, and intuition in navigating the music business, while also reflecting on the challenges and sacrifice...
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