How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield

How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield

Hosted by Dreena Whitfield, How I Got Here dives into the stories behind today’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders. Each conversation explores the moments that shaped them, the risks they took, the pivots they made, and the purpose that fuels their next chapter. It’s honest, insightful, and deeply human. howigotherewdreenaw.substack.com

Episodes

November 19, 2025 41 mins

How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield
Guest: Aamira Garba, Founder of LoveLee Wines

In this episode, Dreena sits down with Aamira Garba, the New Jersey–born founder of LoveLee Wines. They talk about the moment on a New Jersey Transit train that sparked a major life shift, the courage to enter an industry with so few Black women, and the discipline she pours into every bottle.

Aamira shares how she blended her first wines ...

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How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield

Guest: Nagela Duperval, Founder of OU LA Restaurant

In this episode, Dreena sits down with Nagela Duperval, the Haitian-born entrepreneur behind OU LA — the stunning Caribbean restaurant in Carteret, New Jersey that’s redefining what it means to build something from faith and fire.

With no restaurant experience, Nagela spent three years building a $3-million space from the ground u...

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How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield

Guest: Tahira Joy Wright, Founder of The Cut Life

In this episode, Dreena sits down with Tahira Joy Wright, the visionary founder of The Cut Life — the digital beauty community celebrating short hair, self-expression, and the women redefining what it means to show up boldly.

From her early days in entertainment PR to building one of the most beloved beauty platforms online, Tahira ...

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How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield

Guest: Chantel Powell, Founder & CEO of Play Pits

In this episode, Dreena sits down with Chantel Powell, founder and CEO of Play Pits, to talk about what it takes to build something from the ground up and keep going when everything falls apart.

From styling wardrobes at Tyler Perry Studios to creating one of the most beloved natural deodorant brands in the country, Chantel shares how m...

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July 23, 2025 57 secs

#HowIGotHere guest and interior design entrepreneur Rasheeda Gray shares how she was able to turn her corporate skills into a full time creative venture, all while nurturing her family and managing her career.

Stream Season 3, Episode 8 to hear more!



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howigotherewdreenaw.substack.com
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In this special episode of How I Got Here, host Dreena Whitfield, the founder and CEO of WhitPR, takes the mic solo to share her personal journey as an entrepreneur and her insights on Black Business Month.

Dreena opens up about the challenges and triumphs she has faced in building her agency, emphasizing the importance of diversity and authenticity in the PR industry. She discusses the role of Black agencies, the impact of...

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Summary:

Necole Kane is the visionary force behind Necole Bitchie, xo Necole, and the new wellness brand, My Happy Flo. She started her career in entertainment news and celebrity gossip, eventually launching Necole Bitchie, which became the go-to black-focused celebrity website. After the success of Necole Bitchie, she rebranded to xo Necole, focusing on empowering black women with content on mental health, relationships, a...

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In the episode, Christina Rice, the founder of OMNoire, shares her inspiring journey from a career in public relations to building a platform that redefines wellness and community for black women and women of color. She discusses her transition from PR to launching her own agency and the challenges she faced along the way. Christina also talks about the moment she discovered her passion for yoga and how it led her to creat...

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In this captivating podcast episode, join me as I delve into the extraordinary journey of Michelle Ganey, the brilliant mind behind Lamiga Events. From aspiring lawyer to event planning entrepreneur, Michelle's story is one of following your passion and embracing unconventional career paths. Get ready to be inspired by her insights on building a thriving business, finding a balance between work and family, and creating imp...

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In this captivating episode of How I Got Here, join host Dreena Whitfield as she sits down with Kamilah Forbes, the extraordinary executive producer of the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem. Prepare to be inspired as Kamilah takes us on a journey from her early days as a theater kid to her current role at the Apollo.

Discover how Kamilah's passion for both medicine and acting led her on a unique path, ultimately solidifying h...

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In the latest episode of the How I Got Here podcast, host Dreena Whitfield sits down with Dayna Bolden, CEO of Define Bold Fitness, to discuss her inspiring journey from a Division One basketball player to a successful fitness entrepreneur. Dayna's story emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and embracing unexpected paths to success. The episode also delves into the rise of influencer careers and the challen...

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Welcome to the latest episode of "How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield," where we delve deep into the inspiring stories of individuals who have achieved remarkable success in their respective fields. In this captivating installment, we explore the fascinating journey of none other than Rasheeda Gray, an extraordinary entrepreneur and interior design maven.

In this episode, Rasheeda sits down with Dreena to discuss her path ...

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Welcome to another inspiring episode of "How I Got Here" with Dreena Whitfield! In this captivating podcast episode, we delve into the importance of community support for black businesses and entrepreneurs and the urgent need for a shift in consciousness within the black community.

Join us as Dreena Whitfield sits down with the remarkable Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, the visionary CEO of the Village Market. Dr. Hallmon's social en...

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Welcome to How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield. In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Felicia Hatcher, CEO of Pharrell Williams Black Ambition Opportunity Fund and co-founder of Black Tech Week conference. Hatcher shares her story of overcoming the challenges of being a C student in high school and how scholarships changed her perspective on education. Her experience led her to author the C Students Guide...

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Join me, Dreena Whitfield, on the latest episode of How I Got Here as I sit down with Mimi Brown, a journalist, TV personality, and show producer, to discuss her journey in the media and entertainment industry, and her upcoming projects. In this episode, Mimi shares her experience growing up as the only black girl in her classes in Alaska and her journey from being an assistant to Omarosa to becoming a red carpet reporter ...

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Welcome to the latest episode of How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield! This week, we dive into the crucial topic of managing work and personal life, setting boundaries, and the importance of balance when it comes to managing time and mission. Our guest, the self-proclaimed Chief Estrogen Officer and founder of high-tech feminine care company, Feminine, Arion Long, shares her inspiring journey of success and the importance ...

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Welcome to How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield. In today's episode, we explore the journey of Fatou Barry, founder of the PR Girl Manifesto and co-founder of Hold the Press. Barry's mission is to create a safe space for communications professionals, especially young black women struggling with staying in the PR industry. She believes in the importance of representation and diversity in the field, and her advocacy group, H...

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Join Dreena Whitfield in an engaging interview with Shanae Ingleton Smith, a trailblazing media entrepreneur. Shanae shares her journey from dreaming big in Calgary to starting her own agency in Toronto. She turned her blog into a booming business, mastering marketing, advertising, and social media. After maternity leave, she fearlessly launched her own company, Kensington Gray. Get inspired by Shanae's finance-to-success ...

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We’re kicking off season three of How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield with Trina Small, founder, and CEO of Supermom Culture.

Trina dreamed up the idea for Supermom Culture when clothing brands didn’t speak to moms of all kinds — single, divorced, of all ages and abilities. So her brand celebrates the moms who get it all done, even when sh*t hits the fan.

When she got a call from Good Morning America to appear on the show a...

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In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Shelby Larkin-Reid, an Emmy-nominated television producer and entertainment executive with over 20 years of production experience in non-scripted content. Shelby is also the Director of Global Partnership Development at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park.  


Starting as a high school intern at her local CBS affiliate in Nashville, TN, Shelby grew to become an associate prod...

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