Island Money 365
Moving to a new country is never easy. As Islander we are taught how to work but not how to make our money work for us. On this podcast we talk to guests and hear their stories of how they transition from and carve out their own way. So, travel with me as we hear stories of others who have triumph, persevere overcome, along with resource that can help make your landing a little less bumpy.
Episodes
In this special end-of-year episode of Island Money 365, I sit down with the dynamic Kobey Smith, entrepreneur advocate, bridge-builder, and changemaker at the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. If you’re a current or aspiring business owner—this is your episode. Packed with laughs, real talk, and insights you didn’t know you needed.
We cover:
What the Chamber of Commerce really does—and why you should be part of one
How netwo...
In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, I sit down with my girl Annie White-Brown — founder of @naturalannieessentials
— and we go all the way in! From growing up in rural Jamaica and revival church culture (yup, full revival church vibes!) to building a nationally recognized candle company from her kitchen, Annie shares her inspiring immigrant journey, entrepreneurial pivots, and the power of culture, grind, and growth. 🇯🇲✨
...
After a 17-year corporate career ended unexpectedly, Evelyn Ruiz didn’t stop—she pivoted. In this episode of Island Money 365, we sit down with the powerhouse behind Hasta Luego, Friend—a mobile café and soon-to-be brick-and-mortar rooted in family legacy, resilience, and delicious coquito-infused drinks.
From selling her beloved sneaker collection to hauling a vintage trailer from Florida, Evelyn takes us behind the scenes of buil...
In this episode of Island Money 365, I sit down with Sasha Allen Walton, Hartford native, Gullah Geechee descendant, and founder of Sasha’s Whole Earth, to explore how ancestral wisdom, spiritual practices, and plant medicine come together in her work as a healer, storyteller, and culture keeper.
We talk about:
🌿 What it means to be Gullah Geechee and why cultural preservation matters
🍵 How Sasha’s healing journey led to her pow...
In this powerful episode of Island Money 365, Petra-Ann sits down with Peta-Gaye Tomlinson — a dynamic public health administrator, quality improvement expert, and media consultant — to talk about faith, financial wisdom, and the fight for better community health. 🇯🇲💪🏽
Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and raised in New York, Peta-Gaye shares her inspiring journey from working in women’s shelters to becoming a leader in public h...
In this episode of Island Money 365, Petra-Ann chats with Mosi Moses, founder of Connecticut Trails LLC, about her incredible journey from Dominica—the Nature Island—to building a diverse, welcoming hiking community in New England.
Mosi opens up about embracing new seasons, navigating cultural shocks, learning America’s credit system, and how hiking became her form of healing and empowerment. Her mission? To make people of color fee...
In this episode of Island Money 365, I sit down with Crystina Cardozo, former math teacher turned real estate investor and financial literacy advocate to break down how she’s helping families build wealth through creating real estate strategies like house hacking, short-term rentals, and Midwest investing… all while raising kids, managing properties, and staying grounded in her immigrant roots.
What You’ll Learn:
✔️How tiny ...
What happens when you leave a 20+ year career in education to start over?
For Dr. Nicole Grimes, that leap of faith became the beginning of Carib Biz Network (CBN) — a thriving ecosystem designed to empower Caribbean entrepreneurs and help close the racial wealth gap.
In this episode of Island Money 365, Nicole shares:
- Why she left a successful career as an award-winning educator and principal
- How CBN grew from a simple idea in...
We all face invisible walls, self-doubt, fear, past failures, or even external voices telling us what we can and cannot do. But here’s the truth: limitations are often illusions we’ve accepted as reality.
Whether you’re aiming for personal growth, career breakthroughs, or simply a life of greater freedom and fulfillment, this episode will inspire you to take that first step forward.
In this episode, Dr. Terell Hill, Superintendent of Windsor Public Schools in Windsor, CT, shares his inspiring journey to educational leadership.
We explore his views on why parents shouldn’t overextend themselves financially for college, the importance of shared responsibility in shaping children’s behavior, and the unique challenges immigrant students face when transitioning into U.S. schools.
Don’t miss out, like subscribe, and ...
In this episode, I sit down with Tari Thomas as she shares her inspiring journey of building a six-figure real estate portfolio, starting with just $3,000 in savings.
From purchasing her first property to strategically growing her investments, Tari breaks down the steps, mindset, and lessons that helped her succeed.
She also explains why real estate can be a powerful tool for anyone looking to build long-term wealth.
Dive into the vibrant world of Andre Rochester, a celebrated artist, curator, and mentor whose work bridges creativity and community. In this inspiring episode, Andre shares his journey from childhood sketches to leading impactful public art projects, mentoring emerging artists, and curating an impressive collection at UConn Health.
Discover how art transforms spaces, fosters collaboration, and creates meaningful connections. A...
In this powerful episode of Island Money 365, Petra-Ann is joined by her husband for a heartfelt conversation about the silent forces shaping our financial choices. Are you truly making your own money decisions—or are you bending to the pressure of friends, family, coworkers, or social media?
They explore:
- The impact of relationships on your spending
- How to set loving financial boundaries
- The difference between building wealth ...
In this powerful episode of Island Money 365, Sabine a Haitain American mother shares her powerful migration story and her journey raising a child with special needs.
Through honest reflection, she opens up about the emotional and financial challegnes that come with caregiving, managing money anxiety, and navigating cultural expections around mental health and faith.
Sabine speaks candidly about the habits and hardships that shape ...
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Attorney Reine Boyer, as she shares her remarkable journey from immigrant beginnings to becoming a community advocate legal trailblazer. Discover how she’s building bridges in justice, empowering families through trust and mediation, and paving the way for future generations in law. This episode is a must listen for anyone passionate about justice, legacy and community empowerment. Remembe...
In this special Mother’s Day episode, I dive into the complexities of motherhood, money, and the constant pressure to give your children everything—while still teaching them the true value of financial responsibility.
If you're a mother, I know how challenging and even frustrating this can feel. But helping your children develop smart financial habits is one of the most valuable gifts you can give them. 🎧 Tune in now to hea...
In this inspiring episode of Island Money 365, Petra-Ann Brown chats with dynamic Tiffany Grant, an Accredited Financial Counselor and the award winning voice behind Money Talk with Tiff. Tiffany opens up about her journey from childhood lesson on money to becoming a financial powerhouse, sharing personal stories of triumph, struggles, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned along the way. Discover her thoughts on debt freedom, th...
Join us as Olia Bartley, an accomplished Associate Director and Jamaican immigrant, shares her inspiring journey from childhood challenges to corporate success in aerospace and beyond.
In this episode, Olia reveals her unique “Goodie Bag Philosophy” for career growth, strategies for creating multiple income streams, and her passion for mentoring and empowering women in STEM and leadership roles.
Discover the power of resilience, cu...
This week, I sat down with Chris Raimo, a Connecticut native, visionary entrepreneur, and founder of the Happy Cat Hotel & Spa, one of the most unique and luxurious boarding franchises exclusively for cats.
What started as a local pet care business has now grown into a multi-unit franchise with national reach—and it all began with a bold decision to leave college and follow his curiosity.
In this episode, we talk about:...
Joint Bank Accounts: Smart Move or Risky Decision?
In this episode of Island Money 365, my husband and I tackle one of the most debated financial topics in marriage—joint bank accounts. Is it the best move for financial success, or could it lead to trouble?
We’re breaking it all down:
+ The Benefits: Transparency, trust, teamwork & financial growth
+ The Fears: Loss of financial independence, hidden spending &...
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