Advertise on podcast: How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield

Dreena sits down with Aniesia Williams, a brand strategist, venture architect, and ecosystem builder who understands how power actually moves. In this conversation, Aniesia reflects on navigating leadership spaces where high-performing Black women are often brought in to fix broken systems without real authority or protection. She shares what it cost her to speak up, the psychological toll of being pushed out, and the lessons she learned building and exiting a service-based business. Together, Dreena and Aniesia explore integrity, ownership, and what it looks like to build systems that truly protect the people inside them. This episode is a powerful reminder that success without alignment still comes at a price. (00:00) - Introduction: Meeting Aniesia Williams and her work (02:02) - Why titles stop mattering after a certain point (04:39) - Learning how power really works inside big institutions (06:13) - The unspoken rules Black women are expected to follow (08:43) - When speaking up makes you a “cultural problem” (11:11) - The psychological toll of being pushed out (15:35) - Building and exiting a service-based business (18:27) - What no one tells you about acquisitions (23:08) - Why integrity matters more than optics (31:18) - Creating Dream Wealth Camp for growth-stage founders (36:07) - What investors actually look for (41:35) - Being coachable without shrinking yourself (44:18) - Learning to be okay with being the villain (47:16) - Quickfire questions and where to find Aniesia

Laila Brock joins Dreena Whitfield for a powerful conversation about leadership, representation, and learning who you are beyond the job. From her early days as a college track captain to shaping some of the biggest stages in sports, Laila reflects on what it means to lead in rooms that were never designed for you. She shares lessons from mentors who poured into her, the responsibility of opening doors for others, and the moment she realized success without rest is not sustainable. This is Laila Brock. And this is how she got here. This episode is a thoughtful reflection on identity, boundaries, burnout, and redefining purpose beyond titles. Listen and follow How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield for more stories of purpose, resilience, and the moments that shape who we become. (00:00) - From the Track to the Boardroom: Laila Brock on Leadership, Representation, and Purpose (01:36) - Introduction and Setting the Stage (01:45) - Early Leadership Lessons at Penn State (03:24) - Influential Figures and Personal Growth (05:10) - Challenges and Triumphs in Operations Roles (08:55) - Transition to Business Development (12:00) - Joining the Atlanta Dream (15:23) - Navigating Leadership as a Black Woman (17:50) - Representing the Ancestors and Future Generations (18:46) - The Rise of Women's Sports (20:15) - Reflecting on Career and Personal Identity (23:02) - Advice for Young Women in Sports (28:23) - Legacy and Impact in Sports (29:33) - Quick Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield Guest: Kim Roxie, Founder of LAMIK Beauty In this episode, Dreena sits down with Kim Roxie, the founder of LAMIK Beauty, to talk about what it means to build with purpose when the path forward is uncertain. Kim shares how opening her first brow and makeup shop with just $500 taught her the importance of perseverance, faith, and learning the business from the inside out. She opens up about navigating foreclosure, living with alopecia, and making the difficult decision to shut down her brick-and-mortar store before rebuilding LAMIK as a clean beauty brand. From Houston to Ulta, Nordstrom, and JCPenney, this conversation reveals the quiet strength behind building something with soul. This is Kim Roxie. And this is how she got here. Episode Chapters (00:00) - Introduction to Kim Roxy and LAMIK Beauty (01:39) - Early Beginnings and High School Days (04:46) - Starting LAMIK Beauty with $500 (07:16) - Challenges and Resilience in Business (17:21) - Pivoting to E-commerce (21:10) - Product Development and Local Manufacturing (24:28) - Brow Duo and Clean Beauty (28:33) - Partnerships with Ulta and Nordstrom (29:56) - Reconnecting with an Old Friend (30:12) - Balancing Business and Education (31:44) - The Power of Connection (33:21) - The Rose Foundation's Impact (37:15) - Personal Growth and Leadership (39:07) - Embracing Individuality in Beauty (44:30) - Future Aspirations and Reflections (50:56) - Empowering Women with Alopecia Listen and follow How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield for more stories of purpose, resilience, and the moments that shape who we become.

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 without a license, built slowly while raising two daughters, and learned the business from the inside out. From her earliest blends to landing on VinePair’s Top 25 Pinot Noirs in the World, this conversation highlights purpose, persistence, and building a legacy with intention. This is Aamira Garba, and this is how she got here. Episode Chapters(00:00) - Introduction to Aamira Garba and LoveLee Wines (00:30) - The Journey Begins: Discovering Wine (03:06) - Early Challenges and Bootlegging Days (03:43) - Balancing Life and Business (09:47) - Naming the Brand: A Family Affair (11:47) - Building the Brand: Self-Funding and Growth (15:49) - Claiming Space in the Wine Industry (17:52) - Celebrating Success and Overcoming Stereotypes (20:48) - Challenges in the Wine Industry (21:19) - Navigating the Three-Tier System (22:48) - Building Relationships and Sales Skills (24:16) - Finding the Right Vineyard Partner (26:22) - The Wine Making Process (27:31) - Staying Grounded and Inspired (33:03) - Recognition and Self-Acceptance (35:20) - Quickfire Questions and Final Thoughts Listen and follow How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield for more stories of purpose, resilience, and the moments that shape who we become.

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 up while juggling a full-time job and family. She opens up about betting everything on herself, trusting God through the struggle, and finding her footing in an industry she had to teach herself in real time. From real estate flips to restaurant ownership, from burnout to breakthroughs, this conversation is a story of courage, culture, and conviction — a reminder that even when the path gets hard, purpose always finds a way. This is Nagela Duperval, and this is how she got here. ⏱️ Episode Chapters [00:00] Introduction – Dreena welcomes Nagela Duperval and sets up her journey from real estate to restaurants. [01:26] From Port-au-Prince to New Jersey – Carrying Haitian language, culture, and community into a new life. [03:11] The Birth of OU LA – Partnering with Chef Duke and creating a space that celebrates Caribbean flavors. [05:28] The Opportunity – Finding the perfect location and learning commercial real estate the hard way. [06:47] The Financing Battle – Building a $3-million restaurant without investors or SBA loans. [10:06] Faith in the Struggle – How prayer, persistence, and strangers’ belief kept her going. [12:31] Lessons from Real Estate – Partnership, ownership, and being a Black woman in business. [15:00] The Highs and Lows of Flipping – From first wins to costly mistakes that became lessons. [17:47] Risk and Reward – Selling everything to make the dream real. [18:50] Life Inside OU LA – Managing 30 employees, long hours, and weekly payroll pressure [20:11] Food and Story – Haitian dishes, black rice, and how heritage shows up on the plate. [22:06] The Cost of the Dream – Burnout, balance, and learning to trust new leadership. [24:07] Black Women in Food – Speaking at the summit and finding strength through sisterhood. [26:15] Why She Can’t Quit – Faith, debt, and a promise to finish what she started. [27:21] The Impact Moments – When other Black women walk in and say, “Sis, we’re proud of you.” [28:19] Building Legacy – Hopes for her family, future OU LA locations, and believing it will turn around [29:30] Quick Fire – Red snapper, morning flow, and the song that takes her home. Listen and follow How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield for more stories of purpose, resilience, and the pivots that shape who we become.

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 shares how burnout led to breakthrough — and how a one-week idea grew into a cultural movement rooted in authenticity, community, and faith. This conversation is a story of faith, flow, and finding purpose in the pivot — a reminder that sometimes, the detour is the destination. ⏱️ Episode Chapters [00:00] Introduction – Dreena welcomes Tahira Joy Wright and sets up her journey from PR to purpose. [01:20] The Birth of The Cut Life – How burnout from PR led to an Instagram page that became a movement. [03:30] When Passion Meets Purpose – Realizing The Cut Life was more than a hobby — it was a calling. [06:00] From PR Girl to Founder – Lessons from Atlanta’s entertainment industry that shaped Tahira’s business mindset. [11:00] Making the Leap – Leaving the hustle behind to embrace peace, alignment, and entrepreneurship. [14:00] Community Over Algorithms – Why genuine connection, not metrics, fuels longevity. [20:20] Navigating Partnerships and Authenticity – Redefining what brand alignment really looks like. [23:30] Hair, AI, and Human Touch – Tahira on using tech like ChatGPT and Mailchimp AI while keeping her authentic voice. [27:00] Building a Platform for Black Beauty – Centering Black women, culture, and community unapologetically. [31:20] The New Hype Hair – Carrying the spirit of Hype Hair and Black Hair Sophisticates into the digital era. [38:00] What’s Next for The Cut Life – Media projects, stylist directory relaunch, and expanding into TV and film. [42:00] Lessons, Blessings, and Longevity – The power of patience, saving, and sustainable growth. [47:00] Faith and Flow – Tahira’s mantra for staying grounded and trusting the process. Listen and follow How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield for more stories of purpose, resilience, and the pivots that shape who we become.

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 motherhood sparked her purpose, how faith carried her through loss and a warehouse fire, and how she continues to rise like the phoenix she is. This conversation is a story of resilience, faith, and legacy — a reminder that the hardest seasons often shape the strongest leaders. ⏱️ Episode Chapters [00:00] Introduction – Dreena welcomes Chantel Powell and sets up her journey from film to entrepreneurship.[03:10] The Moment That Sparked Play Pits – Her son’s “funk” leads to a kitchen experiment that changes everything.[06:00] From Kitchen Experiments to a Formula That Worked – Testing, feedback, and finding a natural chemist.[11:45] Laid Off and Launching Play Pits – Turning a layoff into a backyard launch moment.[15:10] First Big Break – Unique Jones’ “Because of Them We Can” feature sends sales soaring.[24:00] The Target Journey – The missed meeting that led to an undeniable retail moment.[35:30] The Warehouse Fire – Losing it all, surrendering, and rebuilding through faith.[46:00] Rising from the Ashes – Chantel’s phoenix moment and what legacy means now.[50:45] What’s Next for Play Pits – New products, family inspiration, and faith leading the way. Listen and follow How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield for more stories of purpose, resilience, and the pivots that shape who we become.

#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

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 larger firms encroaching on multicultural work, and the significance of championing Black founders and issues within the community. Tune in to this inspiring episode to gain valuable insights from Dreena on navigating the PR industry, the significance of Black Business Month, and practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to make their mark. 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

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, and more. In 2017, Will Packer acquired xo Necole. Necole has now launched My Happy Flo, a hormone balance supplement for women with periods. Key Takeaways: Necole started Necole Bitchie after moving to a small town and realizing her vision was bigger than working at Walmart.She grew Necole Bitchie to 20 million daily page views through consistency and dedication.The rebrand to xo Necole was driven by a desire to create a platform for black women to discuss topics beyond celebrity news.Necole's acquisition by Will Packer was a result of her viral video and a series of conversations over several months.She faced challenges during the acquisition process, including concerns about alignment and the future of her brand.Necole's latest venture, My Happy Flo, was inspired by her personal experiences with her mother's battle with breast cancer and her own studies in holistic health.My Happy Flo aims to provide black women with a hormone balance supplement that addresses common deficiencies and supports overall reproductive health.Episode Website In this Episode: In this episode, starting at 0:00:30, we delve into Necole Kane's fascinating journey from aspiring actress to digital media powerhouse. At 0:02:20, discover the inception of her influential blog Nicole B****y, followed by her strategic pivot to Exo Nicole at 0:04:02, highlighting her adaptive business acumen. Necole reveals her effective networking strategies at 0:05:33 and the pivotal viral interview with Chili at 0:06:11 that propelled her into the spotlight. The challenges and transformation from Necole Bitchie to xo Necole are candidly discussed at 0:07:40 and 0:08:47, providing insights into Necole's resilience and vision. A significant moment in her career is the acquisition of xo Necole by Will Packer in 2017, detailed at 0:10:57, marking a new chapter in her professional journey. Necole opens up about her personal struggles, including depression and fear of failure, at 0:12:21, and shares her insights on vision alignment and building the right team at 0:19:44. The episode also explores her venture into women's health with My Happy Flo, addressing the need for education around menstrual cycles and hormonal imbalances, touched upon at 0:25:21. Concluding at 0:34:55, Necole shares her excitement for the future of My Happy Flo and offers personal insights, including her advice to her younger self and her self-care activities, wrapping up with where to follow her journey on social media at 0:37:13. 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

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 create Omniwar. She shares her vision for the future of the brand and the importance of community and self-care in the wellness industry. Key Takeaways: Christina Rice transitioned from a career in public relations to launching her own agency before starting OMNoire.OMNoire is a platform that redefines wellness and community for black women and women of color.Christina's passion for yoga and her journey led her to create OMNoire as a safe space for black women to explore wellness and healing.OMNoire offers retreats, a home collection, and an academy to empower and support black women on their wellness journeys.Christina believes in the power of community and self-care and aims to create a one-stop wellness shop through OMNoire.Episode Outline: In this podcast episode, beginning at 0:00:30, we're introduced to Christina Rice, whose varied career journey is admired by host Dreena. From her high school dream of being an attorney, noted at 0:02:38, to opening a Nashville clothing store at 0:04:26, and transitioning to a PR career in New Jersey at 0:07:28, Christina's path is diverse and inspiring. A pivotal moment occurs at 0:10:59 when Christina starts her own agency after being laid off. This period also marks her wellness journey, as she discovers yoga and eventually becomes a certified teacher, a topic touched upon at 0:12:36. Christina's significant venture, Omnoire, aimed at healing for black women, is conceived in early 2016, highlighted at 0:13:32. The episode at 0:21:17 delves into the meaning behind "Omnoire" and Christina's achievements, including planning retreats and securing sponsorships. She shares her experience of focusing solely on Omnoire at 0:16:03 and attributes its success to community care and pioneering in the wellness industry at 0:25:33. Christina discusses expanding Omnoire into home products at 0:44:49 and her vision for it as a comprehensive wellness brand at 0:49:54. She offers advice to entrepreneurs at 0:51:22, emphasizing listening to one's inner voice. The episode wraps up around 0:57:46 with Christina sharing Bali's transformative impact on her wellness journey. Connect with Christina on.... Instagram: @christinamrice Linktree: ChristinaRice 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

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 impactful event designs. Don't miss this empowering conversation on how to navigate the world of event planning with excellence and authenticity. Tune in now! - Michelle's journey from aspiring lawyer to event planner - The importance of family and work-life balance - Finding inspiration and setting price points in the industry - Creating a strong community and building relationships - Embracing niche markets and becoming an authority Episode Outline: In this latest episode of "How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield," listeners are treated to the extraordinary story of Michelle Ganey, the creative mind behind Lamiga Events. [00:00:00] The episode begins with Dreena expressing her enthusiasm about having Michelle as a guest. [00:00:00] Dreena starts with an intriguing question to Michelle, asking about her high school yearbook prediction for her future. [00:00:37] Michelle reveals her initial ambition to become an attorney, a path quite different from her current career. [00:00:51] She shares that this aspiration stemmed from her childhood, inspired by the character Claire Huxtable from "The Cosby Show." [00:01:12] The discussion moves to Michelle's academic pursuits, highlighting her college degree in political science. [00:01:29] Michelle also discusses her decision to work full-time after college to support herself independently. [00:02:28] The episode then explores Michelle's transition into event planning, inspired by her personal experience with planning her wedding. [00:02:55] Michelle talks about the lack of established career paths in event planning 23 years ago and her initial focus on milestone celebrations. [00:02:55] Dreena shifts the conversation to the challenges faced by entrepreneurs who juggle a full-time job with their passion projects. [00:05:15] Michelle reflects on the changes in the event planning industry, noting the influence of the movie "The Wedding Planner" and the rise of wedding blogs. [00:05:42] She recounts her experience from 2004 to 2007, when event planning was her side hustle, with a focus on milestone birthday celebrations. [00:11:00] A poignant moment in the episode occurs when Michelle shares advice she gave to a planner struggling to differentiate herself. [00:33:55] Michelle emphasizes the importance of leveraging one's unique qualities as a strength. [00:39:00] Dreena then inquires about the factors contributing to the success of Michelle and Lamiga Events. [00:40:28] The episode concludes with Michelle describing herself in one word and mentioning one of her legacy clients. [00:42:37] 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

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 her love for the theater. From participating in makeshift Star Wars plays to being cast as an Ewok, Kamilah shares the pivotal moments that shaped her desire to tell the stories of black and brown people in the theater. Explore the power of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and their transformative impact on Camila's career and personal growth. Learn how Howard University played a vital role in shaping her journey, providing her with lifelong friends and collaborators. Join us as Kamilah Forbes delves into the world of hip-hop theater and the creation of the Hip-Hop Theater Festival. Witness how she and her friends pioneered their own work and built a vibrant community around hip-hop theater. Experience the magic of the Apollo Theater as Kamilah shares her role in the institution's rich history. From working on renowned television shows to directing and producing for theater, Camila's journey is a testament to embracing one's passion and defying expectations. Uncover the importance of diversity and inclusion in the programming of the Apollo Theater. Kamilah Forbes highlights the need for aesthetic diversity, showcasing artists from different backgrounds and generations, as the theater strives to remain relevant in today's cultural conversation. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode as Kamilah Forbes opens up about the cultural impact of the Apollo Theater. Join her in discussing the challenges of building upon its established brand and her work in adapting Ta-Nehisi Coates' book, "Between the World and Me," into a live staged version at the Apollo. Discover the incredible journey behind the creation of the performance "Between the World and Me" and its timely release during the 2020 elections. Learn how Kamilah Forbes and her team pivoted amidst the pandemic to produce a powerful film version that ignited urgent conversations within the Black community. And be sure to stay tuned as Kamilah Forbes reveals the upcoming renovations and developments happening at the Apollo Theater. From new spaces to the highly anticipated production of "Soul Train," there is no shortage of excitement and innovation at this iconic institution. Join us on this captivating episode of How I Got Here as Dreena Whitfield and Kamilah Forbes delve into the magic, history, and legacy of the Apollo Theater. Brace yourself for an extraordinary conversation filled with inspiration, empowerment, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. - Kamilah Forbes' journey from aspiring doctor to theater producer - The power of art and healing - Early experiences in theater, including a Star Wars play - The impact of seeing "Once on This Island" - Changing career paths and the role of Howard University - The lack of representation in traditional theater - Creating the Hip Hop Theater Festival - Transitioning to the entertainment industry and working with influential artists - The importance of diversity and inclusion at the Apollo Theater - Redefining the perception of the Apollo Theater brand - Work-life balance as a working mother - Encounters with Black Santa on 125th Street - The magical experience of working at the Apollo Theater - Quickfire questions and insights into the hosts' favorites and personal quotes - Collaboration and the convergence of cultural arts and activism - Advice for up-and-coming artists - Future plans for the Apollo Theater, including the Soul... 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

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 challenges faced along the way. Dayna takes the opportunity to promote her fitness brand, Define Bold Fitness, and kindly asks for support. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and be inspired by Dayna's incredible journey. - Dayna's journey from basketball player to fitness brand CEO - Emphasizing the importance of following passion and unexpected paths to success - The rise of influencer careers and the importance of genuine impact - Building a successful brand and launching a collection - Taking risks and pursuing passion as a full-time influencer Notable QuotesI believe that the important thing is that we stay true to our values. Keywordsrelevant keywords, How I Got Here podcast, interview, Dayna Bolden, CEO, Define Bold Fitness, Division One basketball player, fitness brand, passion, unexpected paths to success, the rise of influencer careers, challenges, genuine impact, support, Drena Whitfield, multi-talented blogger, entrepreneur, influencer, self-care, self-love, empowerment, women worldwide, New York, Under Armour, marketing, athletic company, climbing the corporate ladder, influencer career, change agent, inspiring people, purpose, genuine impact, children's book, personal brand, content creation, documenting, a new collection, leggings, sports bra, zip-up jacket, retail, team, bulk content creation, documenting, growth, impact, community, social media, Define Bold Fitness. Connect with Dayna on.... Instagram: @daynabolden Website: www.daynabolden.com 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

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 to becoming an entrepreneur and the unexpected twists and turns along the way. From high school aspirations in the creative business world to a successful corporate career, Rasheeda shares her personal journey of self-discovery and finding her true passion. Tune in as she opens up about the influences that shaped her career choices, including her aunt's work in a corporate environment, a character on a TV show, and a communications course in high school. Rasheeda takes us through her transition from the insurance industry to interior design, showcasing the importance of embracing different experiences and constantly evolving. She shares her fears, doubts, and the financial preparations she made before taking the leap into entrepreneurship. Join us as we delve into the rollercoaster nature of entrepreneurship and the bravery it takes to pursue your dreams. We'll also explore the day-to-day life of an interior designer, the importance of building a portfolio, and tips for designing your own home on a budget. Don't miss out on this witty, inspiring, and relatable episode featuring the incredible journey of Rasheeda and her passion for interior design. Get ready to be motivated and empowered to chase your own dreams, no matter where life takes you. Tune in now and be inspired! - Rasheeda's background and career path - Early interests and experiences - Transitioning into interior design - Leaving a corporate job to start own business - Challenges and doubts of entrepreneurship - Growth of Gray Space Interiors and real estate development - Daily routine as an interior designer - Advice for entering the design industry - Importance of planning and measurement in design - Believing in oneself and building relationships - Exciting updates and upcoming projects Notable Quotes"You are crafting your career right now, even as a high school student. You just never know what your experiences will lead you to." - Rasheeda KeywordsKeywords: high school, 23 years ago, creative, business world, college, marketing, advertising, entrepreneur, curating, creating, painting, artist, interior design, space planning, sketching, apartment, white box, corporate job, risk taker, partner, health insurance, savings, liquid cash Episode Outline Rasheeda will be XYZ in ten years. [00:00:36] Trying different careers. [00:09:17] Knowing when to launch Gray Space interiors. [00:12:03] Planning the transition from corporate job to entrepreneurship. [00:12:38] Balancing purpose, passion, and stress. [00:15:24] Similarities between Rasheeda and Dreena. [00:15:56] Three tips for designing a home on a budget. [00:26:19] Goldman Sachs $10,000 small business program. [00:32:58] Connect with Rasheeda on.... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grayspaceinteriors/ Website: https://grayspaceinteriors.com/ 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