We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 114: Guest Name: Dr. Carmen Bell-Ross Guest Business: SP Grace EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of the Black Businesses Matter Podcast , we chat with Dr. Carmen Bell-Ross, the Founder of SP Grace, a management solutions company dedicated to delivering high-quality, results-driven strategies for businesses, schools, industries, and local communities. Dr. Carmen takes us on a journey through her childhood in Detroit, where her...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 9Ep. 114
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 113: Guest Name: Lorè Enjoli Guest Business: All Butter’d Up EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of the Black Businesses Matter Podcast, we chat with Lorè Enjoli , the Founder of All Butter’d Up , a luxury skincare brand specializing in oil-based, non-greasy body care products that empower busy women to prioritize self-care through thoughtfully curated experiences. Lorè shares her inspiring journey, tracing her love for fragran...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 9Ep. 113
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 112: Guest Name: Deida K. Massey Guest Business: Bixa Beauty EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter Podcast we chat with Deida K. Massey is the Founder and CEO of Bixa Beauty; a vegan friendly product line that empowers individuals by celebrating beauty through the richness of cultural diversity, ethical practices, and inclusivity. Deida shares her inspiring journey, tracing her love for beauty back to c...
Apr 21, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 9Ep. 112
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 111: Guest Name: Sanja Noble Guest Business: Premier72 EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter Podcast , we sit down with Sanja E. Noble, Director of Treasury Operations, where she manages multi-billion-dollar budgets annually. Sanja is also the founder of Premier72, a firm dedicated to helping Baby Boomer business owners with succession planning and exit strategies, and the CEO of Silver Crown Credit Rep...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 9Ep. 111
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 110: Guest Name: Sarah Ware Guest Business: Ware Realty Group EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter Podcast, we sit down with Sarah L. Ware, Principal and Designated Managing Broker of Ware Realty Group. With over twenty years of experience in real estate, Sarah has made her mark across various sectors of the industry. Her path from corporate America to leading her own firm reflects a career built on re...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 9Ep. 110
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 109: Guest Name: James Parker with Surprise Guest Guest Business: 1921 EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter Podcast, we sit down with James Parker, the CEO and Founder of 1921 Coworking, Inc. and 1921 Incubator, NFP. Named to honor the historic Black Wall Street of Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1921 is the first tech and manufacturing incubator located on the far South Side of Chicago. James shares insights about h...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 9Ep. 109
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 108: Guest Name : Kudzai Blessing Mutasa Guest Business: Kudzai B. Mutasa Fine Art Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter, we sit down with Kudzai Blessing Mutasa, the CEO and artist behind Kudzai B. Mutasa Fine Art. Based in Chicago, Kudzai creates impactful work that celebrates diversity and inspires future generations. She shares the meaning behind her name, rooted in religious significa...
Mar 24, 2025•56 min•Season 9Ep. 108
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 107: Guest Name : Katrice Matthews Guest Business: Sable Law Group Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter , we sit down with Katrice Matthews, CEO of Sable Law Group, a full-service law firm in Chicago specializing in real estate, estate planning, and wealth generation. With over a decade of experience, Katrice is a seasoned attorney handling both litigation and transactional matters. A for...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 9Ep. 107
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 106: Guest Name : Larvetta L. Loftin Guest Business: The L3 Agency Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this special episode of Black Businesses Matter , we launch our second annual Women’s History Season with none other than our host, Larvetta L. Loftin, founder of The L3 Agency. Reflecting on 25 years as a woman entrepreneur, Larvetta shares the realities of running a women-owned business—the challenges, the victories, and ho...
Mar 10, 2025•44 min•Season 9Ep. 106
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 105: Guest Name : Rick and Carin Nesbitt Guest Business: Vintrendi Wine Company Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of the Black Businesses Matter podcast, we sit down with Rick and Carin Nesbitt the CEO and CFO of Vintrendi Wine Company Illinois’ first black-owned and operated winery. In this episode of the Black Businesses Matter podcast, we sit down with Rick and Carin Nesbitt, the dynamic duo behind Vintrendi ...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 9Ep. 105
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 104 : Guest Name : Melinda and Delfondo Herron Guest Business: 103 Collective Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of the Black Businesses Matter* podcast, we sit down with Melinda and Delfondo Herron, co-founders of 103 Collection, a trailblazing clean beauty brand designed for sensitive skin. Since its launch in 2015, 103 Collection has carved out a unique space in the industry, offering skincare, haircare, beard...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 9Ep. 103
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 103 : Guest Name : Tonia Evens and Tamera Fair Guest Business: The Purple Turtle Series Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of the Black Businesses Matter podcast, we chat with Tonia Evens and Tamera Fair, co-authors and co-owners of The Purple Turtle Series. Together, they sought to bring classrooms to life through the magical adventures of Modi and Grapie. Tonia and Tamera share the inspiration behind the series...
Feb 10, 2025•51 min•Season 9Ep. 103
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 102: Guest Name : Yvonne McNair Guest Business: Captivate Marketing Group Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of the Black Businesses Matter podcast, we sit down with Yvonne McNair, CEO of Captivate Marketing Group, who specializes in designing exceptional events and marketing programs that forge powerful connections between trendsetting consumers, influencers, and the media with your brand. Yvonne details her upb...
Feb 03, 2025•43 min•Season 9Ep. 102
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 101: Guest Name : Kevin Davenport Guest Business: The Ideal Candidate Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of the Black Businesses Matter podcast, we sit down with Kevin Davenport, CEO and Founder of The Ideal Candidate, a transformative soft skills training program designed to prepare the next generation of the workforce. Kevin has partnered with high schools and colleges to provide essential job training, equippi...
Jan 27, 2025•50 min•Season 9Ep. 101
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 100: Guest Name : Qiana Allen and Taylor Mason Guest Business: Culture’s Closet and Taylor’s Tacos Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this very special 100th episode of the Black Businesses Matter podcast, we speak with two inspiring entrepreneurs, Qiana Allen and Taylor Mason, founders and CEOs of Culture’s Closet and Taylor’s Tacos, respectively. Qiana Allen, a Chicago native and seasoned entrepreneur, is deeply passionate ...
Jan 20, 2025•59 min•Season 9Ep. 100
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 99: Guest Name : Noelle Curtis Guest Business: Bisi Blvd Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of the Black Businesses Matter podcast, I sit down with Noelle Curtis, the founder and CEO of Bisi Blvd. With over three decades of experience in business development across industries such as consumer goods, personal care services, real estate, tech, and education, Noelle shares her incredible journey. Growing up in a tra...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 9Ep. 99
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 98: Guest Name : Elle Davis Guest Business: The Ellevate Group Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of the Black Businesses Matter Podcast, LaTrice "Elle" Davis shares her journey as a seasoned non-profit leader with nearly 25 years of experience in leadership development, program design, and strategic partnership building. As the Founder and Chief Elevation Officer of The Ellevate Group, LLC, Elle empowers youth-s...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 9Ep. 98
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 97: Guest Name: Renee Hastings Guest Business: Executive Help Now Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter, we sit down with Renee Hastings, President and CEO of Executive Help Now, a virtual assistance service agency. Renee shares her fascinating journey, beginning with her childhood in an Amish community where her family was the only Black household. Growing up in this unique environment in...
Dec 30, 2024•52 min•Season 9Ep. 97
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 96: Guest Name : Larvetta Loftin Guest Business: The L3 Agency Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter , host Larvetta Loftin reflects on the journey of the podcast, celebrating its past seasons and key milestones. She shares her personal story of starting in radio and how it has come full circle with her hosting this podcast. Larvetta also highlights the remarkable growth and evolution of h...
Dec 23, 2024•34 min•Season 10Ep. 96
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 95: Guest Name: Dice Grandberry, Guest Business: Blue Aura Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter, we speak with Dice Granberry, Co-Owner of Blue Aura, a trucking company founded in Chicago by Dice and his wife.Dice discusses the powerful influence of mentorship in his life, starting with his father, who instilled in him the importance of manifestation, resilience, and continuous learning. ...
Sep 30, 2024•54 min•Season 8Ep. 95
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 94: Guest Name: Lauryn Hill Guest Business: Senior Digital Photo Editor, AARP.org Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter, we speak with Lauryn Hill, Senior digital editor at AARP. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Lauryn now calls Brooklyn, New York home. She is an alumna of George Washington University, where she served as president of the collegiate chapter of NABJ and became a proud m...
Sep 23, 2024•52 min•Season 8Ep. 94
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 93: Guest Name: Michelle Metcalf Guest Business: Moda Michelle Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter, we speak with Michelle Metcalf, the founder of Moda Michelle, a fashion brand designed for the ‘seasoned’ woman. As a first-generation American of Jamaican and Barbadian descent and an alumna of Howard University and Northwestern University, Michelle shares how her cultural background and ...
Sep 16, 2024•49 min•Season 8Ep. 93
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 92: Guest Name: Fallon Flowers Guest Business: Nursing Inspired Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter, we speak with Fallon Flowers, a board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in Obstetrics & Gynecology on Chicago’s South Side. With years of experience in her field, Fallon founded Nursing Inspired, a business offering coaching and courses for aspiring nurses. She ...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 8Ep. 92
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 91: Guest Name : Vincent Williams Guest Business: Entrepreneurs Academy Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter, we speak with Vincent Williams, the Director of Operations for Entrepreneurs Academy, a Chicago-based organization in the Austin community dedicated to supporting socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The Academy provides entrepreneurship training, workshops, advisi...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 8Ep. 91
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 90: Guest Name: Karen Williams Guest Business: Black Visual Queen Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter , we sit down with Karen Williams, the visionary creator of Black Visual Queen, a company dedicated to diversifying the professional photography industry. Karen shares the story behind the powerful name “Black Visual Queen” and the intentionality that drives her mission. Karen delves int...
Aug 19, 2024•50 min•Season 8Ep. 90
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 89: Guest Name: Scott Steward Guest Business: Genius Lab, Inc. Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter, we speak with Scott Steward, the CEO and Founder of Genius Lab Inc., a leading figure in education and entrepreneurship from Chicago’s South Side. With over 15 years of teaching experience in Chicago Public Schools and a deep academic background, Scott has dedicated his life to empowering ...
Aug 12, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 8Ep. 89
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 88: Guest Name : Larvetta Loftin and Katori Shepherd Guest Business: The L3 Agency Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter, we spotlight our associate producer, Katori Shepherd, and dive into the crucial role of mentorship. We explore the seven types of mentors and the essential qualities that make mentorship truly effective. We also reflect on past guests, highlighting those we admire and a...
Aug 05, 2024•49 min•Season 8Ep. 88
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 87: Guest Name : Larvetta Loftin Guest Business: The L3 Agency Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter, I delve into the significance of Black History and Women’s History Month, highlighting notable awards, milestones, and groundbreaking achievements. Additionally, I reflect on the Women in History season, spotlighting memorable moments. If you want to learn more about the importance of cele...
May 06, 2024•30 min•Season 7Ep. 87
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 86: Guest Name: Char'Nese M. Turner Guest Business: Tribe Tribute Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter, I speak with Char'Nese M. Turner, an esteemed author, journalist, and entrepreneur. Char'Nese is the founder and CEO of Tribe Tribute, a women’s empowerment organization aimed at motivating women and girls to embrace their true selves. She reflects on her early years and how her mother’...
Apr 29, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 7Ep. 86
We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Episode 85: Guest Name : Darlene Hill Guest Business: Rise Strategy Group Summary Style EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Black Businesses Matter, I speak with Darlene Hill who serves as the Executive Vice President of Communications at Rise Strategy Group, a public strategy firm. Darlene reflects on her extensive career journey before joining Rise Strategy Group, starting with her move to Chicago where she spent 25 years at FOX 3...
Apr 22, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 7Ep. 85
