Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teresa Edwards.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to introduce Teresa Edwards’ book The Mirror Method: 12 Weeks to Stop Abandoning Yourself, a guided workbook designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing tendencies, set boundaries, and prioritize their own needs without guilt. It focuses on personal empowerment, mental health, and rediscovering one’s authentic self.

Key Takeaways

1. People-Pleasing and Boundaries

   • People-pleasing becomes harmful when you agree to things you don’t want to do, leading to stress and resentment.
   • Setting boundaries is essential for self-respect and mental health.

2. The Mirror Method

   • A 12-week guided process to “unravel” harmful patterns and rediscover your true self.
   • Emphasizes self-reflection, journaling, and gradual transformation at your own pace.

3. Selfishness vs. Self-Care

   • Edwards reframes “selfish” as a positive concept: prioritizing your health and happiness is necessary, not negative.
   • You can’t be your best for others if you’re not your best for yourself.

4. Health as a Wake-Up Call

   • Stress is a silent killer; Teresa’s own health issues (high blood pressure) forced her to reevaluate her life.
   • Happiness and well-being should not be age-limited—“You’re never too old to return to yourself.”

5. Letting Go of Toxic Relationships

   • Users often exploit people-pleasers; recognizing and removing such relationships is crucial.
   • Fully committing to the Mirror Method means accepting hard truths and being okay with losing people who drain you.

6. Therapy and Mental Health

   • COVID accelerated acceptance of therapy in communities where it was previously stigmatized.
   • Mental health is as important as physical health—“The mind is a muscle too.”

7. Workbook Details

   • Available on Amazon and at themirrormethodworkbook.com in print and downloadable formats.
   • Exercises involve writing and self-reflection to confront truths and break patterns.

Notable Quotes

• “Boundaries are key.”
• “Selfish is not a negative word—it’s perseverance of yourself.”
• “You can’t throw a party and be mad at your own party.”
• “Enough is enough—look in the mirror and say it.”
• “You’re never too old to return to yourself.”
• “Stress is that silent killer.”
• “Fully commit means accepting all those good, bad, or ugly moments—and being okay with letting go.”
• “The mind is a muscle too.”
• “Be okay with being okay.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Karimah McFarlane.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To explore Karimah McFarlane’s multifaceted journey—from her corporate leadership roles at Google and Workday to becoming the owner of Buckhead Art & Company—and to inspire others to embrace change, pursue entrepreneurship, and understand the value of art as a tool for wealth-building and cultural empowerment.

🧭 Key Takeaways 1. Corporate Career & Tech Leadership

• Karimah has 20+ years in Human Resources, specializing in mergers and acquisitions.
• At Google, she supported AI and Pixel teams as a People Business Partner, despite initially thinking the recruiter’s call was spam.
• Currently at Workday, she partners with the Chief Revenue Officer to build high-performing sales teams and develop leadership pipelines.

2. Navigating Change & Cultural Shifts

• Transitioned from the East Coast (DMV area) to the Bay Area, facing cultural adjustments (e.g., lack of familiar foods, hair products).
• Found support through Delta Sigma Theta sorority and Black Googlers Network.
• Emphasized the importance of embracing discomfort and new experiences for personal and professional growth.

3. HR as a Strategic Asset

• HR is more than hiring/firing—it’s about scaling businesses, developing talent, and preventing legal issues.
• Small businesses often undervalue HR until a crisis occurs.
• HR should be seen as a strategic partner on leadership teams.

4. Art as Wealth, Culture & Healing

• Karimah owns Buckhead Art & Company, the only art gallery in Buckhead, Atlanta.
• Inspired by her exposure to art investment at Google and her role in selecting art for corporate spaces.
• Advocates for marginalized artists by helping them with branding, IP protection, and business structure.

5. Making Art Accessible

• The gallery focuses on beginner and mid-level collectors, offering education and approachable experiences.
• Offers virtual consultations, art fairs, and community events to demystify art buying.
• Emphasizes the emotional, cultural, and financial value of art.

6. Recognition & Impact

• Buckhead Art & Company was named Best Art Gallery in Georgia (2023 & 2024).
• Uses her platform to educate, empower, and elevate artists and collectors alike.
• Promotes artist development through storytelling, branding, and business mentorship.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Empowerment is figuring out what you do best and using your talent to help others.”
• “Don’t shy away from opportunities that give you insights and experiences.”
• “HR helps you scale your organization—it’s not just about hiring and firing.”
• “Art has always been at the forefront of royalty, wealth, and education.”
• “We specialize in humans. When you walk into our gallery, you are equal.”
• “You don’t have to win an Oscar to be a great actor. Same with art—you don’t need a traditional path to be successful.”

🔗 Connect with Karimah McFarlane

• Gallery: Buckhead Art & Company
• YouTube: Buckhead Art & Company
• Instagram: @buckheadartandcompany

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Felecia Hatcher.

Purpose of the Interview

• To spotlight Black Ambition, a national initiative founded by Pharrell Williams that funds and mentors Black and Brown entrepreneurs.
• To share insights on entrepreneurship, access to resources, and strategies for scaling businesses.
• To inspire and educate small business owners and innovators on how to leverage opportunities for growth.

Key Takeaways

1. About Black Ambition

   • Founded by Pharrell Williams to close the opportunity gap for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs.
   • Provides capital, mentorship, and masterclasses to help founders scale.
   • Has invested in 131 companies and awarded millions in funding.

2. Competition Structure

   • Annual national competition with 2,500–3,000 applications.
   • Categories include HBCU, National Finalists, Top Prize Winner, People’s Choice.
   • Process: Applications → 250 semifinalists → 3-month cohort → Demo Day for top 20–25 companies.

3. Unique Approach

   • Focus on high-quality mentorship, not “low vibrational” guidance.
   • Includes mental health and wellness support for entrepreneurs.
   • Partnerships with brands like Louis Vuitton for luxury retail insights.

4. Challenges for Entrepreneurs

   • Many fail by rushing applications and skipping info sessions.
   • Success requires clarity, traction, and persistence—sometimes multiple attempts.
   • Black women are the fastest-growing entrepreneurs but often remain solopreneurs; Black Ambition prioritizes team-building.

5. Pharrell’s Motivation

   • Believes in democratizing opportunity: “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.”
   • Inspired by those who believed in him early in his career.

6. Felecia Hatcher’s Journey

   • Former founder of Center for Black Innovation and Black Tech Week.
   • Emphasizes resilience: “I’m a C student and a college dropout, but I never let that define me.”
   • Advocates for creative pathways to success and capital access.

Notable Quotes

• “Success leaves clues.” – On learning from past winners.
• “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” – Pharrell’s guiding principle.
• “If it doesn’t work on you in that moment, it works for you in that moment. Either way, it works.” – On persistence.
• “We have to start enjoying the process… be stretched, be cut by the process.” – On entrepreneurial growth.
• “Wealth has a need for speed.” – On urgency in closing the wealth gap.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Melanye Maclin.

Purpose of the Interview

The discussion aimed to educate the audience about the health risks associated with hair care chemicals—including relaxers, dyes, and synthetic hair—and to advocate for safer practices. It also highlighted Dr. Maclin’s pioneering work in hair and skin supplements and her ongoing mission to raise awareness about these issues.

Key Takeaways

1. FDA Ban on Hair Chemicals

   • In 2023, the FDA considered banning certain chemicals in hair products due to health risks, but no ban has been implemented yet.
   • These chemicals are linked to breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and hormone disruption.

2. High-Risk Chemicals Identified

   • Hair Relaxers: Sodium, calcium, guanine, and lithium hydroxide.
   • Hair Dyes: Para-phenylenediamine (especially in permanent dyes).
   • Synthetic Hair: Contains benzene, posing risks of lung cancer and leukemia.

3. Impact on African-American Women

   • African-American women face a 45% higher risk of certain cancers due to combined use of relaxers and dyes.
   • Cultural and aesthetic pressures contribute to continued use despite health risks.

4. Children at Risk

   • Applying relaxers to young girls can cause early puberty, uterine fibroids, infertility, and increased cancer risk.
   • Chemicals penetrate the scalp, enter the bloodstream, and disrupt hormones.

5. Industry Resistance

   • Pushback from salons and manufacturers due to financial interests.
   • Comparison to tobacco and alcohol industries—profit prioritized over health.

6. Solutions & Advice

   • Avoid chemical treatments when possible.
   • If used, protect the entire scalp with petroleum jelly to reduce absorption.
   • Space out relaxer applications (every 8–10 weeks, max 10 minutes for children).

7. Dr. Maclin’s Contributions

   • Launched Bella Nutri supplements (2004 for women, 2008 for men).
   • Advocates internal nutrition for hair and skin health.
   • Website: drmacklin.com and bellabeauproducts.com.

Notable Quotes

• On FDA inaction:
  “Still to this day, that ban has not occurred… We’re continuously having women going to the next generation of life as a result—next generation cancers.”

• On cultural pressures:
  “We’re so into wanting to have a certain look versus wanting to be healthy.”

• On children’s exposure:
  “We’ve got to keep chemicals off of little girls’ hair… It’s causing hormone disruption, early puberty, infertility, and increased cancer risk.”

• On industry resistance:
  “People care about the green-eyed devil called money… Look at the tobacco industry.”

• On her mission:
  “I feel like I’m caring more about someone’s health than they’re caring about their own.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Marsha Evans.

Purpose of the Interview

• To highlight Marsha Evans’ work as a licensed professional counselor and founder of Willow Tree Counseling and Educational Center.
• To explore strategies for navigating life’s complex stages, breaking generational patterns, and building authentic relationships.
• To provide actionable insights for entrepreneurs and individuals on self-awareness, fear management, and relationship dynamics.

Key Takeaways

1. Understanding Complexity

   • Life stages vary in complexity for each person—middle school for some, adulthood for others.
   • Evans emphasizes listening and identifying what balance, peace, or contentment means for each individual.

2. Early Awareness and Discipline

   • At age 12, Evans set a goal to earn a scholarship, showing intentionality and discipline.
   • Athletics taught her teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience, shaping her leadership style.

3. Reading the Room

   • Start by reading yourself—know your energy and intentions.
   • Authenticity and confidence are key to building relationships and leveraging opportunities.

4. Fear and Family Systems

   • Fear often originates from family systems and generational patterns, not just personal experiences.
   • Example: Parents’ limited worldview can project fear of the unknown onto children.
   • Recognizing these patterns helps individuals break cycles and pursue their own paths.

5. Generational Patterns & Healing

   • Evans uses Genograms (visual family trees) to identify psychological and behavioral patterns across three generations.
   • Acceptance of parents and family history is crucial for personal and professional growth.
   • Rejecting parents = rejecting life and success; honor them while creating new narratives.

6. Practical Steps for Change

   • Build a relationship with yourself through solitude, meditation, yoga, and movement.
   • Reduce stress (cortisol levels) to improve clarity and decision-making.
   • Examine your money story—how family attitudes toward money shape your financial behavior.

7. Relationships

   • Romantic: Partners often mirror unresolved childhood issues; do inner work to avoid projecting.
   • Professional: Maintain boundaries; emotional needs should not be placed on workplace relationships.
   • Personal: Define roles clearly; avoid expecting friends to fill parental gaps.

8. Consistency and Authenticity

   • Success requires consistency with yourself before expecting it from others.
   • Ask: Are your goals truly yours or influenced by societal expectations?

Notable Quotes

• “I become a visitor in your world and start listening to your story.”
• “Reading the room starts with reading yourself.”
• “Fear is often not yours—it comes from your family system.”
• “You can’t reject your parents; when you reject your mother, you reject life.”
• “Consistency with yourself is key to achieving the results you desire.”
• “Your partner cannot carry the burden of your parents.”
• “People are divorced from themselves—I teach them how to get married to themselves.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.