I Am Black Success®

Rihanna built Fenty Beauty by fixing ignored demand. In this episode of I Am Black Success®, Stephen A. Hart breaks down how Rihanna didn’t just leverage influence—she built ownership by solving an inclusive beauty problem the industry had largely ignored. You’ll learn the real business strategy behind Fenty: identifying an unmet market, setting a new standard (starting with 40 foundation shades), and building infrastructure that lasts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:48 Celebrating Black Trailblazers: Rihanna's Story 01:44 The Launch of Fenty Beauty 02:37 Rihanna's Business Strategy 03:14 Actionable Lessons from Rihanna's Journey 03:59 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser Key Takeaways * How Rihanna reframed “inclusion” as an unmet market opportunity, not charity * Why launching with 40 foundation shades signaled a new industry standard * The difference between being “valuable” and being in control * What “influence without ownership” costs creators over time * 4 practical prompts to shift from representation to ownership mindset If this sparked something for you, drop a comment: Where do you see unmet demand in your world and what would ownership look like? Subscribe for the full 28-day Black Trailblazers series, and share this episode with someone building the next standard. If someone Googled you today, would your LinkedIn help you or hurt you? Most decision makers search before reaching out, and LinkedIn is often the first result. If your profile is outdated or unclear, you are losing trust and opportunities. Our LinkedIn Profile Optimization rewrites and refreshes your profile with clear positioning, credibility markers, and stronger visuals. Book yours at ExpertsOnLinkedIn.com. Black History Month: $200 off with code BH200. About I Am Black Success® I Am Black Success® is a podcast featuring conversations with trailblazing Black leaders, entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers. With 200+ episodes, the show documents Black stories and explores the strategies, lessons, and tools that fuel excellence, leadership, and legacy. Stay connected: Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts Watch full episodes on YouTube Learn more at iamblacksuccess.com

How did Aliko Dangote build wealth through manufacturing power? In Day 6 of our Black Trailblazers series, we break down Aliko Dangote’s deliberate strategy for becoming Africa’s richest—by moving from trading into manufacturing, controlling the value chain, and building the kinds of businesses nations rely on. If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner looking for real business scaling lessons, this episode shows how “upstream moves” can turn participation into power, without chasing trends. Key Takeaways value chainbusiness scaling If this lesson sparked an idea, drop a comment: What’s one upstream move you can make this quarter? Subscribe for the full 28 Days of Black Trailblazers in Business series, and share this episode with a founder who’s ready to scale with intention. If someone Googled you today, would your LinkedIn help you or hurt you? Most decision makers search before reaching out, and LinkedIn is often the first result. If your profile is outdated or unclear, you are losing trust and opportunities. Our LinkedIn Profile Optimization rewrites and refreshes your profile with clear positioning, credibility markers, and stronger visuals. Book yours at ExpertsOnLinkedIn.com. Black History Month: $200 off with code BH200. About I Am Black Success® I Am Black Success® is a podcast featuring conversations with trailblazing Black leaders, entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers. With 200+ episodes, the show documents Black stories and explores the strategies, lessons, and tools that fuel excellence, leadership, and legacy. Stay connected: Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts Watch full episodes on YouTube Learn more at iamblacksuccess.com

Berry Gordy’s standards built Motown-level business excellence. In this episode, we break down how Berry Gordy Jr. turned raw talent into consistent, repeatable excellence by building a system, not just signing artists. If you’re a solopreneur or builder trying to scale, you’ll learn how Motown’s “quality control” mindset applies to your content, delivery, and brand reputation. This is a business lesson on standards, scalable systems, and sustainable growth, rooted in Black history. Chapters 00:00 Day 5 Feature, Berry Gordy 01:09 Barry Gordy's Early Life and Lessons 03:55 The Birth of Motown Records 04:05 Motown's Unique Approach to Excellence 05:10 Practical Business Lessons from Barry Gordy 06:15 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes Key Takeaways - Talent is common, systems that protect quality are rare. - Access gets you in the room; standards determine how long you stay. - Scaling breaks where quality depends on you instead of a process. - One enforced standard (checklist, review step, QC rule) can protect your reputation as demand grows. - Motown didn’t just produce music—it produced professionals, by design. Call to Action If this episode helped you think differently about quality and growth, subscribe to the I Am Black Success® Podcast and share it with a builder who’s scaling right now. If someone Googled you today, would your LinkedIn help you or hurt you? Most decision makers search before reaching out, and LinkedIn is often the first result. If your profile is outdated or unclear, you are losing trust and opportunities. Our LinkedIn Profile Optimization rewrites and refreshes your profile with clear positioning, credibility markers, and stronger visuals. Book yours at ExpertsOnLinkedIn.com. Black History Month: $200 off with code BH200. About I Am Black Success® I Am Black Success® is a podcast featuring conversations with trailblazing Black leaders, entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers. With 200+ episodes, the show documents Black stories and explores the strategies, lessons, and tools that fuel excellence, leadership, and legacy. Stay connected: Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts Watch full episodes on YouTube Learn more at iamblacksuccess.com

Oprah Winfrey’s real lesson: visibility without ownership breaks. In this episode of the I Am Black Success® Podcast, Stephen A. Hart breaks down Oprah Winfrey’s rise—not as a celebrity story, but as a blueprint for ownership, platform control, and trust in business. You’ll learn how Oprah turned early setbacks into leverage by building Harpo Productions and why building your own platform matters more than being seen everywhere. Chapters: Key Takeaways: If this sparked something for you, drop a comment with your answer to: Where are you visible but not in control? Subscribe for the full Black History Month business trailblazers series and SHARE this with someone building a brand, a product, or a platform they want to truly own. #OprahWinfrey #BusinessOwnership #BlackSuccess #BlackHistoryMonth If someone Googled you today, would your LinkedIn help you or hurt you? Most decision makers search before reaching out, and LinkedIn is often the first result. If your profile is outdated or unclear, you are losing trust and opportunities. Our LinkedIn Profile Optimization rewrites and refreshes your profile with clear positioning, credibility markers, and stronger visuals. Book yours at ExpertsOnLinkedIn.com. Black History Month: $200 off with code BH200. About I Am Black Success® I Am Black Success® is a podcast featuring conversations with trailblazing Black leaders, entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers. With 200+ episodes, the show documents Black stories and explores the strategies, lessons, and tools that fuel excellence, leadership, and legacy. Stay connected: Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts Watch full episodes on YouTube Learn more at iamblacksuccess.com

How John H. Johnson built Black media starting with $500. Before social media and influencers, Black America still needed to see itself and John H. Johnson built the platform to make that possible. In this episode, we break down how he turned a $500 idea into Johnson Publishing Company, launching Negro Digest and later Ebony Magazine, and what modern founders can learn about proof, positioning, and representation as business strategy. Chapters: Key Takeaways: proof What do you think powered Johnson most? Was it hustle, conviction, or both? Share your thoughts with us. If you’re enjoying this Black History Month series on Black trailblazers in business, subscribe and share this episode with a founder who needs it. This is part of our 28-Day Black History Month business trailblazer series. Next up: Oprah Winfrey. The woman who didn’t just tell stories, she built the stage. Links & Resources #JohnHJohnson #EbonyMagazine #BlackEntrepreneurship #BusinessLessons #BlackSuccess #BlackTrailblazers --- If someone Googled you today, would your LinkedIn help you or hurt you? Most decision makers search before reaching out, and LinkedIn is often the first result. If your profile is outdated or unclear, you are losing trust and opportunities. Our LinkedIn Profile Optimization rewrites and refreshes your profile with clear positioning, credibility markers, and stronger visuals. Book yours at ExpertsOnLinkedIn.com. Black History Month: $200 off with code BH200. If someone Googled you today, would your LinkedIn help you or hurt you? Most decision makers search before reaching out, and LinkedIn is often the first result. If your profile is outdated or unclear, you are losing trust and opportunities. Our LinkedIn Profile Optimization rewrites and refreshes your profile with clear positioning, credibility markers, and stronger visuals. Book yours at ExpertsOnLinkedIn.com. Black History Month: $200 off with code BH200. About I Am Black Success® I Am Black Success® is a podcast featuring conversations with trailblazing Black leaders, entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers. With 200+ episodes, the show documents Black stories and explores the strategies, lessons, and tools that fuel excellence, leadership, and legacy. Stay connected: Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts Watch full episodes on YouTube Learn more at iamblacksuccess.com

Most people know Madam C. J. Walker. This episode spotlights the mentor and architect behind Walker's framework: Annie Malone. You’ll hear how she built the Poro Company into more than products—training, schools, agents, and infrastructure that scaled opportunity for thousands of Black women. If you care about Black business trailblazers, real entrepreneurship, and building business systems that last, this is your blueprint. Mission Fuel In This Episode: “Success leaves clues”, and Annie Malone left a trail of them. We cover: Key Takeaways infrastructure beats attentiontraining, distribution, and a repeatable agent modelMadam C. J. Walker’ssystem-first strategyListener Question (Call to Action) What “infrastructure” are you building right now—distribution, training, community, or operations? Drop your answer in the comments/reviews or tag us with your takeaway. Next in the Series This is part of our 28-Day Black History Month business trailblazer series. Next up: John H. Johnson and the power of media as a system. Links & Resources Keywords: Annie Malone, Black business trailblazer, Poro Company, Black beauty industry, business systems, Poro College, Madam C. J. Walker, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, agent model, Black History Month, Black entrepreneurs About I Am Black Success® I Am Black Success® is a podcast featuring conversations with trailblazing Black leaders, entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers. With 200+ episodes, the show documents Black stories and explores the strategies, lessons, and tools that fuel excellence, leadership, and legacy. Stay connected: Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts Watch full episodes on YouTube Learn more at iamblacksuccess.com

Madam C.J. Walker didn’t complain—she built ownership. In this 10-year anniversary kickoff episode (Feb 1, 2026), Stephen A. Hart launches “28 Days of Black Trailblazers” by breaking down the Madam C.J. Walker story as a real-world entrepreneurship playbook—not a highlight reel. You’ll hear how she turned a personal problem into a product, built a distribution system through the Walker Agents, and proved why ownership and distribution create leverage that outlives attention. Primary keywords woven in: Madam C.J. Walker, Black trailblazers, Black entrepreneurship. Chapters Key Takeaways If this episode reframed how you think about business, drop a comment with one system you need to build (product, distribution, training, or reinvestment). Subscribe/follow for daily episodes in the 28 Days of Black Trailblazers series—and come back tomorrow for Annie Malone. Links: #MadamCJWalker #BlackEntrepreneurship #BlackHistoryMonth #EntrepreneurshipPlaybook About I Am Black Success® I Am Black Success® is a podcast featuring conversations with trailblazing Black leaders, entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers. With 200+ episodes, the show documents Black stories and explores the strategies, lessons, and tools that fuel excellence, leadership, and legacy. Stay connected: Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts Watch full episodes on YouTube Learn more at iamblacksuccess.com

When you’re one of the few, or the only Black man in the room, leadership comes with a unique mix of visibility and isolation. Every achievement is on display. Every mistake is magnified. And the pressure to be “twice as good” can feel relentless. In this special episode, our host Stephen A. Hart sits down with Alfred Edmond Jr., Senior VP & Executive Editor-at-Large at Black Enterprise, to talk about the realities behind the title, how to handle hyper-visibility, combat the loneliness of leadership, and turn scrutiny into an advantage. Whether you’re already in the C-suite or working your way up, Alfred shares insights from decades of leadership and storytelling that will help you navigate the spotlight with confidence, build the right peer network, and create lasting impact. This conversation also spotlights the upcoming BE XCEL Summit, where Black men in leadership come together to connect, learn, and grow. If you’ve ever felt alone at the top, this is the community you’ve been waiting for. Learn more about the Summit: https://www.blackenterprise.com/xcel-summit-for-men-2025/ Use Coupon Code: ALFRED for a $100 discount. Subscribe to our YouTube to watch the full episode of this conversation on video: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackSuccessPod #IAmBlackSuccess #BlackMen #BlackLeaders #BlackEntrepreneurs About I Am Black Success® I Am Black Success® is a podcast featuring conversations with trailblazing Black leaders, entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers. With 200+ episodes, the show documents Black stories and explores the strategies, lessons, and tools that fuel excellence, leadership, and legacy. Stay connected: Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts Watch full episodes on YouTube Learn more at iamblacksuccess.com

We are not short on horror stories of racial disparities in medicine. We saw this most recently during the early days of the pandemic, when Black and brown communities were absolutely devastated by Covid-19. And even beyond the pandemic, health disparities and inequity for people of color persist. Our guest today is Dr. Oni Blackstock. Dr. Oni Blackstock is recognized as a thought leader and influencer in the areas of HIV and health equity. She is a primary care and HIV physician and the founder and Executive Director of Health Justice, a racial and health equity consulting firm, that helps health care and public health organizations to center anti-racism in the workplace and to reduce health inequities in the communities they service. She previously served as Assistant Commissioner at the New York City Health Department where she led the City’s response to the HIV epidemic. Prior to that, she was Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center where she led and conducted research to develop and test interventions to promote HIV prevention and treatment. She holds degrees from Harvard College, Harvard Medical School, and Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Blackstock is passionate about ensuring that all individuals and communities have the resources and support they need to thrive and achieve optimal health and wellbeing. Join our host for this #WomensHistoryMonth special series, Jennefer Witter, Founder and CEO of The Boreland Group, for this conversation with Dr. Blackstock. PLEASE SHARE this episode with 5 Black women (or tag them in the comments). Let them know they need this motivational #MissionFuel TAH-dayyy. 🔥 To listen to the full episode (and download the transcripts), please visit: https://iamblacksuccess.com #missionfuel #blackwomen #whm2022 #health #healthjustice #healthequity

Change can be scary, and when your pivot concerns your professional life, it can become even scarier ... especially for Black Women and other women of color! Our guest is Cecilia Nelson-Hurt, a Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we have Jennefer Witter, a past guest of the show, taking over hosting duties for the podcast for March. Jennefer is CEO/Founder of the Boreland Group. 🔥 Download transcripts and see our full archives: https://iamblacksuccess.com

There is an ongoing myth that there are very few Black Women in executive and/or senior leadership positions. Like the pipeline is nearly empty. It’s NOT. Our guest for this episode is Ebony Reed. Ebony is the Chief Strategy Officer for the Marshall Project, a non-profit that produces journalism about the criminal justice system. Connect with Ebony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebony-reed-7b18564/ In celebration of Women’s History Month, Jennefer Witter, a past guest of the show, takes over hosting duties for the podcast for the month of March. Jennefer is CEO/Founder of the Boreland Group. Connect with Jennefer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenneferwitter PLEASE SHARE this episode with 5 Black women who need this motivational #MissionFuel today. 🔥 Please consider leaving Trailblazers.FM a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify. We’re actively exploring new partners and sponsors. If interested please email stephen@stephenahart.com Complete show archive, transcripts and more: https://iamblacksuccess.com

Are you a Unicorn? Have you been called a unicorn? Unicorn is a popular term used when there is an “only” or a “few” and it often means – according to Wikipedia – “a very rare find”. In celebration of Women’s History Month, I’m turning over my hosting duties, all month long, to a dear friend and a past guest of the show, Jennefer Witter. Jennefer is the CEO and founder of The Boreland Group, a 20-year-old boutique public relations firm headquartered in New York City. Jennefer’s agency specializes in women-led and minority owned businesses as well as grassroots non-profits. Today, I’m sharing a conversation between Jennefer and the Rev Dr. Theresa Thames, talking about unicorns as well as occupying spaces, being our true selves, and how they all wrap into each other. This is the first of this special 4-part Women's History Month feature, hosted by Jennefer Witter. More about Rev Dr. Theresa Thames: Rev Dr Theresa Thames is the founder of Soul Joy Coaching & Yoga, LLC, an in-person and online gathering that centers womxn of color, inviting them to honor their whole divine selves and tap into radical joy. She is also a Dean at an Ivy League university. Dr. Thames is a graduate of Howard University and received a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Gender, Theology, and Ministry from Duke University Divinity School. She has a Doctorate of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary in Leadership Excellence which explored how best to equip young clergywomen of color to thrive in ministry. As an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, she served as a local pastor in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for nine years. More about Jennefer Witter: Jennefer Witter is the CEO and founder of The Boreland Group Inc. (TBG – www.theborelandgroup.com), a 19-year-old boutique public relations firm headquartered in New York City. The agency specializes in women-led and minority owned businesses as well as grassroots non-profits. Jennefer is an active public speaker, with presentations to military, trade and academic organizations on implicit bias; gender-based workplace conversation; inclusive leadership; personal branding; and networking. Jennefer is the author of “The Little Book of Big PR: 100+ Quick Tips to Get Your Small Business Noticed,” published by Amacom/HarperCollins. Connect and follow: https://theresathames.com http://www.theborelandgroup.com/ Leave us a rating and review Please leave Trailblazers.FM: I Am Black Success, a 5-star rating and review if you’d not yet done so, on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify. Partner with us We’re also exploring new partners and sponsors. If you’re interested in possibly working with us, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com Learn more about our show: https://iamblacksuccess.com

Ready to discover the 4 truths on why we actually struggle chasing PURPOSE? Don’t miss “What’s The 411?” with our guest Patrice C Washington. In 2020, SUCCESS Magazine named Patrice Washington one of 12 Inspiring Black Voices in Personal Development and she continues to be consistently called on for her expertise by national media. As an award-winning intuitive author, transformational speaker, hope-restoring coach, and conscious media personality, Patrice is committed to teaching a holistic approach to life while redefining the term “wealth” back to its original meaning, “well-being.” Patrice got her start as “America’s Money Maven,” a widely-known favorite personal finance expert, but has since expanded her mission to encourage people to chase purpose, not money. She uses her Certification in Financial Psychology to help the masses get beyond budgets and credit reports and dive into the heart of why we behave the way we do with money. Through her Spirit-led teachings and intuitive guidance, Patrice empowers her community to look at life through the lens of abundance and opportunity, instead of lack and scarcity. As host of her award-winning “The Redefining Wealth Podcast,” Patrice has built a thriving international community of high-achievers committed to creating a fulfilled life through balancing their careers, home, health, and personal finances. Featured on Forbes.com as one of "15 Inspiring Podcasts for Professionals of Every Stripe," and highlighted by InStyle Magazine, SUCCESS magazine and Entrepreneur.com, the Redefining Wealth Podcast boasts over 10 million downloads and counting. Leave us a rating and review Please leave us a 5-star rating and review if you’d not yet done so on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify. Partner with us We’re also exploring new partners and sponsors. If you’re interested in possibly working with us, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com

How Can You Grow Your Solo Business? Join me as I share in conversation with the one and only Ramon Ray, who is going to share some key tips and insights NOT for building a billion-dollar brand but JUST getting to over $100k in revenue-building a great business that generates a few hundred thousand dollars in revenue! In case you hadn’t heard about Ramon until now ... Ramon Ray is an in-demand expert on small business success. He's has started five companies and sold two of them and is a five-time author. Ramon's latest books are "Celebrity CEO", all about personal branding and "Grow Your Solo" all about building a successful solo business! Get to know Ramon better at http://www.ramonray.com Also, be sure to connect and follow: Ramon Ray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramonraysmallbiz/ Stephen A. Hart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenaihart Leave us a rating and review Please leave us a 5-star rating and review if you’d not yet done so on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify. Partner with us We’re also exploring new partners and sponsors. If you’re interested in possibly working with us, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com

Empathy is so very important in today's remote work environment, and helps leaders understand their team's perspectives, emotions, and experiences, which leads to better communication and connection. Our featured guest for this episode is Chris Cochran, CEO & Executive Producer of Hacker Valley Media. Chris will be sharing a new segment we've created called 'What's the 411' and talking with us about Leading Empathetically in an Increasingly Remote World. Follow us: Hacker Valley, I Am Black Success LinkedIn: Stephen A. Hart, Chris Cochran Twitter: Trailblazers.FM, Stephen A. Hart, Chris Cochran Leave us a rating and review Please leave us a 5-star rating and review if you’d not yet done so on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify. Partner with us We’re also exploring new partners and sponsors. If you’re interested in possibly working with us, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com

"If the racial wealth divide is left unaddressed ... median Black household wealth is on a path to hit zero by 2053—about 10 years after it is projected that racial minorities will comprise the majority of the nation’s population. Median Latino household wealth is projected to hit zero twenty years later, or by 2073." The Road To Zero Wealth. --- Join Gary Cunningham, CEO of Prosperity Now, as he tackles the income and asset gap and highlights ways to build Black wealth for a more inclusive economy. Follow us: Prosperity Now, I Am Black Success Instagram: Trailblazers.FM, Prosperity Now LinkedIn: Stephen A. Hart, Gary Cunningham Twitter: Trailblazers.FM, Stephen A. Hart Leave us a rating and review Please leave us a 5-star rating and review if you’d not yet done so on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify. Partner with us We’re also exploring new partners and sponsors. If you’re interested in possibly working with us, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com

*Today is our 7th birthday as a podcast (wooo hooo). This is the 3rd part of a 3-part Reboot mini series. All three episodes are live right now (episodes 228-230).* The mantra and approach I'll share in today's episode, became the underlying driver that later helped me get: There's so much more that I was able to do, including address my mental health and strength, from this mindset shift. Tune in today to learn what I did, and how you can too. -- If you’ve missed the podcast, and you’re happy we’re back I’ll ask you to Follow us: Instagram: Trailblazers.FM LinkedIn: Stephen A. Hart Twitter: Trailblazers.FM, Stephen A. Hart Leave us a rating and review Please leave us a 5-star rating and review if you’d not yet done so on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify Partner with us We’re also exploring new partners and sponsors. If you’re interested in possibly working with us, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com

When you're navigating somewhere using Google Maps and you've got an accident on your route, Google will typically offer you to accept a different route... and that’s what I did in this valley season of my life. I accepted the alternate route. This is the 2nd part of a 3-part Reboot mini series. All three episodes are live right now (episodes 228-230).* In this episode, I share: There’s a bunch more in this episode. Go back and check out part 1 if you missed it. -- If you’ve missed the podcast, and you’re happy we’re back I’ll ask you to Follow us: Instagram: Trailblazers.FM LinkedIn: Stephen A. Hart Twitter: Trailblazers.FM, Stephen A. Hart Leave us a rating and review Please leave us a 5-star rating and review if you’d not yet done so on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify Partner with us We’re also exploring new partners and sponsors. If you’re interested in possibly working with us, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com

What’s good fam? Wah gwan? How tings? How ya’ll doing? Listen, this episode is being published on February 1 2023 and today marks the 7th anniversary since we launched the Trailblazers.FM podcast. That’s right ... it’s our 7th birthday as a podcast and community... I’m so incredibly grateful as I reflect on all the amazing accomplishments we’ve achieved and also the challenges we’ve endured to get here. Today also marks the official reboot of the show and the beginning of #BlackHistoryMonth 2023 in the US. This is the 1st part of a 3-part Reboot mini series. All three episodes are live right now (episodes 228-230).* In today's episode (Reboot Pt 1) I also share that: iamblacksuccess.comThere’s some additional goodies in today's episode about me, a summary of the show’s origin story, and some of where we're going from here. -- If you’ve missed the podcast, and you’re happy we’re back I’ll ask you to Follow us: Instagram: Trailblazers.FM LinkedIn: Stephen A. Hart Twitter: Trailblazers.FM, Stephen A. Hart Leave us a rating and review Please leave us a 5-star rating and review if you’d not yet done so on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify Partner with us We’re also exploring new partners and sponsors. If you’re interested in possibly working with us, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com

It’s New Year’s Day and a dear friend of the podcast, Mignon Francois, opens up the year for Trailblazers.FM with this bold statement and challenge to each and everyone of YOU in our BlazerNation community: Throw The Whole Resolution Away... 😮 Say what?? Listen, you DO NOT want to miss out on the most inspiring 21-minutes that will help you get your year off on the right footing and position your mind, your actions and the results you'll achieve over the next 365-days of this year! Our featured guest today is Mignon Francois. Mignon Francois is the Founder and CEO of The Cupcake Collection (TCC). Using her “Follow Your Spirit” approach, Mignon developed an iconic flavor that drew lines and attention to the hip nature of her Historic Germantown neighborhood that hadn’t seen this concept developed prior. The success of TCC thereby became icing on the cake amongst the existing North Nashville restaurateurs that would ignite a new movement to the area for other business concepts that might not otherwise have considered doing business in North Nashville. Since planting its roots in 2008, Mignon’s business savvy has earned her the titles of “Woman of Legend and Merit” by Tennessee State University, “Emerging Business Leader of the Year” and Black Enterprise Magazine “Family Business of the Year Award”. Learn more about the Cupcake Collection. Check out our all-new web portal For a limited time, you can sign up to access our new web portal for FREE at iamblacksuccess.com There you’ll find great content on successful Black women and men in entrepreneurship, leadership and business. -- If you’ve missed the podcast, and you’re happy we’re back I’ll ask you to Follow us: Instagram: Trailblazers.FM, Mignon Francois LinkedIn: Stephen A. Hart, Mignon Francois Twitter: Trailblazers.FM, Mignon Francois, Stephen A. Hart Leave us a rating and review Please leave us a 5-star rating and review if you’d not yet done so on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify Partner with us We’re also exploring new partners and sponsors. If you’re interested in possibly working with us, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com