In Our Words

In Our Words - Series Highlights

Episode 1: Radaya Ellis and Sean Lewis - I've made mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. This mistake doesn't define me. I realized at a very young age how I wanted to live. And, you know, I went for it. And I know the safety net, you know, there's nobody. There's no one there for me to run to if it didn't work. So I had to go forward even when it fell down. Radaya Ellis - 4Goods & Services provider EXECUTIVE . 4Waukee mission is to propel, promote and progress the city of Milwaukee. 4Waukee specifically focuses on the people, fashion, and art to promote, market and inform The nation of Milwaukee’s greatness and various endeavors. How to connect: Instagram - @4waukee Sean Lewis (Exit Elite Realty) - Principle stakeholder in the following business ventures: - Licensed REALTOR - Real Property Investing - Corporate training - Website Link: https://www.exitelitewi.com/agents/112-sean-lewis/ [https://www.exitelitewi.com/agents/112-sean-lewis/]  How to connect: Text - seanlewis285377 Episode 2: Robin Scott and Jamila Riley - I'm learning to just enjoy it. And to pick up on other things later. And to say, This is my investment in my business, right? This is something that at the end of the week, now, I can give myself a little bit of pat on the back and say you know what, I did something that is going to be beneficial to my work. Robin Scott  - Executive Director at We All Rise: African American Resource Center (Green Bay). The vision of We All Rise is to create and help restore a vibrant African American community. Through uplifting, skill building, and intentionally targeting root causes of systemic oppression, and actively promoting the healing of all. Website Link: https://www.weallriseaarc.org/ [https://www.weallriseaarc.org/] Jamila Riley - Is a crochet brand that builds self-esteem and boosts confidence through bold and unique accessories, apparel, and home goods. Housed in the lower level of Sherman Phoenix (Milwaukee).  Website Link: https://www.shermanphoenix.com/ [https://www.shermanphoenix.com/] Episode 3: Dr. Monique Liston and Dr. Kadihjia Kelly - It really truly is not about the money. It really is about just making sure that I'm serving my community in a way that doesn't jeopardize their mental health because it's very hard out here. Just the whiteness is always showing up. And so I just think at the end of the day, it's about self preservation for me. Monique Liston -  Founder, Joyful Militant and Chief Strategist at Ubuntu Research and Evaluation [https://www.facebook.com/ubunturesearch/?__tn__=kK*F] (Milwaukee). Powered by a collective of unapologetic Black women, femmes, and non-binary people working as transdisciplinary strategist committed to resistance against anti-blackness.  Website Link: https://www.ubunturesearch.com/ [https://www.ubunturesearch.com/] Kadihjia Kelly - Licensed professional counselor and owner of Stars counseling (Appleton). Kadihjia has been working in the field of counseling since 2018. Dr. Kelly’s expertise is working with self-Identified Black/African American clients focusing on Critical Race Theory and Racial Fatigue. Website Link: https://www.starscounseling.com/ [https://www.starscounseling.com/] Episode 4: Arletta Allen and Samantha Collier - I wouldn't even have had the opportunity to discover myself. I come through many adversities from being a prostitute at the age of 15 and navigating those spaces, being broken away from my father. Not having the validation of knowing I'm somebody in his eyes caused me to look to be somebody in somebody else's eyes.  Arletta Allen - Government official, national award-winning professional speaker, social influencer, TEDx speaker, and Entrepreneur Arletta Allen [https://www.facebook.com/arletta.canady?__tn__=-%5DK*F] owner of Authentically Arletta [https://www.facebook.com/authenticallyarletta/?__tn__=kK*F] who is a dynamic speaker that serves as a true example of resilience and perseverance .  Facebook : @AuthenitcallyArletta  Samantha Collier - Educator, healer, and advocate. TeamTeal365 [https://www.facebook.com/teamteal365/?__tn__=kK*F] has a mission to empower and educate sexual abuse survivors and encourage dialogue about sexual abuse and prevention. Facebook: @TeamTeal365  Episode 5: Chris Kimbrough and Walter Matthews - It's very important because when you operate in your business, or even, whatever you do in life, it's very much important to be yourself. Because if you're not yourself sooner or later, you get tired of being fake, you get upset, but when you are yourself, go like that forever. Chris Kimbrough - Owner of STARZ Barbershop (GreenBay). Chris now owns and operates 3 barbershop locations, with his last grand opening on the UWGB campus. Starz Barbershop & Beauty desires to create a family friendly environment, while getting a haircut.  Website Link: https://starzbarberandbeauty.com/ [https://starzbarberandbeauty.com/] Walter Matthews - founder of Verdis Concepts & Solutions and Southern Quarters Enterprise, based in Milwaukee, WI. Walter has been in business for 15 years, presenting to leadership teams, businesses and entrepreneurs on integrative mental health and wellness practices, along with many other key topics pertaining to functionality and business effectiveness.  Website Link: https://thriveglobal.com/authors/walter-matthews/ [https://thriveglobal.com/authors/walter-matthews/] Episode 6: Albert Walker and Bobby Drake - If you look in front of the easy way, just take the hard way first. Because if you go the easy way, or what looks to be the easy way, you’re gonna figure out that's not it and you got to start over. And then you'll find another easy way and then you're gonna realize that's not it. And you'll start over and you'll be stuck on the easy way. Just take the hard way from the beginning. Albert Walker - Owner of Imago dei Barber Lounge [https://www.facebook.com/Imago-dei-Barber-Lounge-172461920256057/?__tn__=kK*F] (Green Bay). Husband, minister, community activist.  Website : Imagodeibarber.com [http://imagodeibarber.com/]  Bobby Drake - Husband and father of 2, Bobby started his career as a spoken word artist, actively working in the community and political system, Bobby has won an Emmy Award and a national association for Black journalist award. As a music producer Bobby has received the independent music awards "Best spoken word album" for his 4th project "Hands Down" (Available on all streaming platforms).  Website : Bobbydrakedidit.com Episode 7: Anthony Kazee and Phillip Bennett - You got to know how to be a good worker, before you can be a boss. Because being a good worker, gives you that knowledge to understand that I gotta be a good worker for him for his business to thrive and survive. So when I go get my own, I have to be able to have the knowledge to know how to work. Anthony Kazee. Looking for insight on how to invest in residential & commercial real estate? Trust that this process is not easy and building a team is most necessary. Meet Anthony Kazee owner of KG Development Group (Milwaukee) Facebook: @AnthonyAmbitiousKazee Meet Philip Bennett [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011039475271&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVKRtN6PiAS-e2drysIWeEpRPRCvnviwqG-j6-iuKthdl8cTaTj2veEZ2cy2MfPY-kACPZUsgQSyEqHjPag2iyxd4wo7QCeyK6jk6HPQ8sKnpOIyfECs3ZZMKSFZ-Bh6tNHovpm7Ine7YoPtbDo-WWk304h-CNql_q8PdRiMIs8lg&__tn__=-%5DK-R]… Owner of The Cozzy Corner [https://www.facebook.com/TheCozzyCorner/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVKRtN6PiAS-e2drysIWeEpRPRCvnviwqG-j6-iuKthdl8cTaTj2veEZ2cy2MfPY-kACPZUsgQSyEqHjPag2iyxd4wo7QCeyK6jk6HPQ8sKnpOIyfECs3ZZMKSFZ-Bh6tNHovpm7Ine7YoPtbDo-WWk304h-CNql_q8PdRiMIs8lg&__tn__=kK-R], Envy Fits and Fashion [https://www.facebook.com/Envy-Fits-and-Fashion-1619046154812902/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVKRtN6PiAS-e2drysIWeEpRPRCvnviwqG-j6-iuKthdl8cTaTj2veEZ2cy2MfPY-kACPZUsgQSyEqHjPag2iyxd4wo7QCeyK6jk6HPQ8sKnpOIyfECs3ZZMKSFZ-Bh6tNHovpm7Ine7YoPtbDo-WWk304h-CNql_q8PdRiMIs8lg&__tn__=kK-R], Legends Cuts and styles, and residential real estate investor (Appleton). Website: www.thecozzycorner.com [http://www.thecozzycorner.com/] , @EnvyfitsandFashion Episode 8: Brandi Iberia and Tasha Greenleaf - So you got to show up as your authentic self, stop with the imposter syndrome. We keep trying to show up like everybody else, because we think oh, he sounds fly when he says this, but she sounds cute when she says that. But at some point, the mask gotta come off. So you're gonna be better off just being you. Brandi Iberia [https://www.facebook.com/brandi.iberia?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXxKpJ8-CfgwlQc5DzEsu7tfwB_aVOrdVYXZTgH2NkPjnw40Mwf8S8pEVfyF0aLWWSmKySbBYTG041pyaTRVQWIXh_ENZU-XC6uuYQN97a1KlC4Pr2rg3WR2qM9cqkwI3y_aejV-21TgfGh56FusAddL03W6jgNNM8m2hzALIYzVg&__tn__=-%5DK-R] Owner and CEO of Luminocity Media Group LLC, (Milwaukee). Formed in 2011, Brandi’s company focuses on the areas of marketing and promotions, social media development and management, public relations, event planning, artist development, and entertainment resources. Additionally, Iberia is well-known for Saved and the City Christian Network [https://www.facebook.com/SavedandtheCity/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXxKpJ8-CfgwlQc5DzEsu7tfwB_aVOrdVYXZTgH2NkPjnw40Mwf8S8pEVfyF0aLWWSmKySbBYTG041pyaTRVQWIXh_ENZU-XC6uuYQN97a1KlC4Pr2rg3WR2qM9cqkwI3y_aejV-21TgfGh56FusAddL03W6jgNNM8m2hzALIYzVg&__tn__=kK-R], faith based media conglomerate focused on kingdom solutions for real world issues as well as her new podcast, marketing with Black Girl Magic! Website: www.luminocityent.com/ [http://www.luminocityent.com/]  Facebook: @LuminocityMediaGroup Tasha Greenleaf, Owner of Urban Cultural Arts  / Art & Event Center [https://www.facebook.com/UCAGB/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXxKpJ8-CfgwlQc5DzEsu7tfwB_aVOrdVYXZTgH2NkPjnw40Mwf8S8pEVfyF0aLWWSmKySbBYTG041pyaTRVQWIXh_ENZU-XC6uuYQN97a1KlC4Pr2rg3WR2qM9cqkwI3y_aejV-21TgfGh56FusAddL03W6jgNNM8m2hzALIYzVg&__tn__=kK-R] (Green Bay) which was established in 2019 as a Paint & Sip. However, as of October 2021 was restructured as an Art and Event Center. The Center is focused on bringing all forms of art created to the community. The Center now provides a space for painting, dancing, poetry, music, comedy and different culturally focused events which will allow the community to learn what art looks like in other parts of the world. Website: Urbanculturalarts.com [https://www.urbanculturalarts.com/]  Facebook: Urban Cultural Arts/Art and Event Center Episode 9: J.D. Murphy and Ambrose W.B - Once you've learned that lesson, you don't have to repeat that, you don't have to repeat that process. You probably will. But you have a different perspective of going through, this is just a necessity. This is something that I got to work through. Ambrose WB - a social entrepreneur integrating his experiences owning and operating a healthy lifestyle company for 16 years and the education non-profit industry as a Social-Emotional learning coach specializing in breathwork and meditation for the last eight years.  Website: mkeswell.com [https://www.mkeswell.com/]  JD Murphy - Owner of Mentor Systems (Green Bay). For 23 years JD has been conducting character development training with a tool called The Flag Page, with the purpose to help as many people understand and attain more of their potential. As well as department team building, sales training, and individuals with the development of a clear-cut career path or job change.  Facebook : @JDMurphy Episode 10: Dasha Kelly-Hamilton and KC Brown - I've really moved into after this career of work, of seeing so many people in so many different ways, step into themselves by stepping out of the box of logic, it's still a wisdom, and it's not for things to not make sense. It's just allowing that things might make sense in ways that you don't anticipate, and that is the gift of being alive Dasha Kelly-Hamilton (Still Waters Collective - MKE) Facebook: Dasha Kelly-Hamilton  Website: Dashakelly.com [https://dashakelly.com/], Stillwatercollective.com [https://www.stillwatercollective.com/]  KC Brown (Police Veteran and Non-profit Founder - FDL) Facebook: @KCBrown Series Contacts:  Rajon Hall, MSW - Podcast Host and Real Estate Agent  Instagram: @BigDreamsRealty

Using Creativity to Support Community

Rajon Hall talks with Dasha Kelly-Hamilton, a writer, performance artist, curator, facilitator, and owner of Stillwater Collective and Officer KC Brown, a 14-year experienced police officer from Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, as well as the founder of Life Enforcement, a volunteer project that focuses on leading by example and taking care of those in the community through selfless acts of kindness.  Dasha and KC share their sincerity and inspiration.  Highlights 03:53 And that was something that resurfaced once I got into and through college, as something I leaned into, I built community around, I found that it turns out, that's really where my work is. Between that and working with young people, I've given myself permission to be surprised, while also having a plan. Finding that balance of allowing the world, allowing life to guide me, but not exactly wandering through life. That's a balance of confidence. It's a balance of falling down. 15:12 We may not have worked out the way I would have planned initially. But at the end of the day, I ended up exactly where I wanted to be. And I'm really blessed and happy to really focus on my passion right now, which is taking care of the community and taking care of those around me. 24:11 In terms of balance, the problem that I had originally is when you start a nonprofit or start anything, you want to get support, and you want to tell other people about what you got going on. 25:08 I call that instead of having business, you had “busyness”. 47:07  And I've really moved into after this career of work, of seeing so many people in so many different ways, step into themselves by stepping out of the box of logic, it's still a wisdom, and it's not for things to not make sense. It's just allowing that things might make sense in ways that you don't anticipate, and that is the gift of being alive Contacts:  Rajon Hall, MSW - Podcast Host and Real Estate Agent  Instagram: @BigDreamsRealty Dasha Kelly-Hamilton (Still Waters Collective - MKE) Facebook: Dasha Kelly-Hamilton  Website: Dashakelly.com [https://dashakelly.com/], Stillwatercollective.com [https://www.stillwatercollective.com/]  KC Brown (Police Veteran and Non-profit Founder - FDL) Facebook: @KCBrown

Become an Entrepreneur by Preparing Yourself and Seeking Mentors

On today’s episode, Rajon talks with J.D. Murphy, owner of Mentor Systems located in the Green Bay Area, and Ambrose W.B., a mental performance coach.  J.D. has been conducting character development training for 23 years and Ambrose is the owner of MISPIBO Fitness. J.D. and Ambrose share their stories about their challenges and successes and offer advice on how to prepare yourself as a young entrepreneur to be physically and mentally ready.  Highlights:  05:10 And the mental side is all of the skill sets that come along with entrepreneurship and being an elite person. Time management organization, I said earlier, habits, my routines are really important. 07:07 I've learned over a period of time, what my gifts are, and what my skills are, and then also how to apply them for the benefit of those around me. 14:39 And we learn on the back end how to be better at it. But there's a lot of failure that happens as well. So I would say just those three things, but for me, definitely courage, openness and curiosity. 43:59 But once you've learned that lesson, you don't have to repeat that, you don't have to repeat that process. You probably will. But you have a different perspective of going through, this is just a necessity. This is something that I got to work through. 46:33 Seek mentorship. I know for me, for example, there's people who want to pour into me, and that's the opportunity in front of me, take the opportunity and then and then capture it. Contact: Rajon Hall, MSW - Podcast Host and Real Estate Agent  Instagram: @BigDreamsRealty Ambrose WB - a social entrepreneur integrating his experiences owning and operating a healthy lifestyle company for 16 years and the education non-profit industry as a Social-Emotional learning coach specializing in breathwork and meditation for the last eight years.  Website: mkeswell.com [https://www.mkeswell.com/]  JD Murphy - Owner of Mentor Systems (Green Bay). For 23 years JD has been conducting character development training with a tool called The Flag Page, with the purpose to help as many people understand and attain more of their potential. As well as department team building, sales training, and individuals with the development of a clear-cut career path or job change.  Facebook : @JDMurphy

Learning to be Your Authentic Self as a Black Woman Entrepreneur

Brandi Iberia, owner and CEO of Luminocity Media Group in Milwaukee, and Tasha Greenleaf, proprietor of Urban Cultural Arts in the Green Bay area, are both guests of Rajon’s in this episode. Today’s episode taps into black girl magic and how the arts influenced them to move into business and growth. Brandi and Tasha bring their voices to the forefront of their business ventures as black business women and being authentic in their work and being themselves at all times.  Highlights:  08:20 Be open to your initial plan. You need to make the plan, but be open to how it morphs and changes and evolves. 10:33  I have my own accounting firm first. And while I was doing that, I was still working full time, I still work full time now as an accountant for a manufacturing business. So I still got all these hats that I'm wearing. But it didn't start in art, it started at the law firm at the accounting firm for me, and just being open to where life took me, it just flowed in different directions. 14:35 One thing that people say is that they see my passion, and they only get there when I'm comfortable being myself.  15:38 So you got to show up as your authentic self, stop with the imposter syndrome. We keep trying to show up like everybody else, because we think oh, he sounds fly when he says this, but she sounds cute when she says that. But at some point, the mask gotta come off. So you're gonna be better off just being you. 22:10 That's probably one of the things that I would say, it's possible. Whatever that thing is that they want to do, it is absolutely possible. But then I will probably kind of go deeper and tell them not to despise the process.  Contact: Rajon Hall, MSW - Podcast Host and Real Estate Agent  Instagram: @BigDreamsRealty Brandi Iberia [https://www.facebook.com/brandi.iberia?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXxKpJ8-CfgwlQc5DzEsu7tfwB_aVOrdVYXZTgH2NkPjnw40Mwf8S8pEVfyF0aLWWSmKySbBYTG041pyaTRVQWIXh_ENZU-XC6uuYQN97a1KlC4Pr2rg3WR2qM9cqkwI3y_aejV-21TgfGh56FusAddL03W6jgNNM8m2hzALIYzVg&__tn__=-%5DK-R] Owner and CEO of Luminocity Media Group LLC, (Milwaukee). Formed in 2011, Brandi’s company focuses on the areas of marketing and promotions, social media development and management, public relations, event planning, artist development, and entertainment resources. Additionally, Iberia is well-known for Saved and the City Christian Network [https://www.facebook.com/SavedandtheCity/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXxKpJ8-CfgwlQc5DzEsu7tfwB_aVOrdVYXZTgH2NkPjnw40Mwf8S8pEVfyF0aLWWSmKySbBYTG041pyaTRVQWIXh_ENZU-XC6uuYQN97a1KlC4Pr2rg3WR2qM9cqkwI3y_aejV-21TgfGh56FusAddL03W6jgNNM8m2hzALIYzVg&__tn__=kK-R], faith based media conglomerate focused on kingdom solutions for real world issues as well as her new podcast, marketing with Black Girl Magic! Website: www.luminocityent.com/ [http://www.luminocityent.com/]  Facebook: @LuminocityMediaGroup Tasha Greenleaf, Owner of Urban Cultural Arts  / Art & Event Center [https://www.facebook.com/UCAGB/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXxKpJ8-CfgwlQc5DzEsu7tfwB_aVOrdVYXZTgH2NkPjnw40Mwf8S8pEVfyF0aLWWSmKySbBYTG041pyaTRVQWIXh_ENZU-XC6uuYQN97a1KlC4Pr2rg3WR2qM9cqkwI3y_aejV-21TgfGh56FusAddL03W6jgNNM8m2hzALIYzVg&__tn__=kK-R] (Green Bay) which was established in 2019 as a Paint & Sip. However, as of October 2021 was restructured as an Art and Event Center. The Center is focused on bringing all forms of art created to the community. The Center now provides a space for painting, dancing, poetry, music, comedy and different culturally focused events which will allow the community to learn what art looks like in other parts of the world. Website: Urbanculturalarts.com [https://www.urbanculturalarts.com/]  Facebook: Urban Cultural Arts/Art and Event Center

The Elements For Success

Anthony Kazee and Phillip Bennett, join together with Rajon Hall, to discuss how patience, discipline, growth mindset, authenticity, and networking are essential to entrepreneurship and success.  This is real. This is authentic. This is In Our Words podcast. Highlights 06:33 In my mind, I feel like I can do anything. I tell people today, if you pushed me off a building, I probably could fly. That's how much confidence I got in myself when it comes to doing anything, because I'm not gonna put myself in a position where I can't do it. 15:24 You got to know how to be a good worker, before you can be a boss. Because being a good worker, gives you that knowledge to understand that I gotta be a good worker for him for his business to thrive and survive. So when I go get my own, I have to be able to have the knowledge to know how to work. 22:48 I was so poor, I made sure that I structured my life to where it had to be a catastrophe for me to be poor again, you know what I'm saying? A lot of stuff would just have to go wrong in my life for me to be at that point. But that's where the sacrificing and the discipline came in for me to know. No, I can't do this. No, I can't do that. 51:58 Just finding your own success. Sometimes we get caught up in what the media tells us success is. 56:41 Surround yourself with the people who got the knowledge and they’re willing to give it to you because it is everything. Contact: Rajon Hall, MSW - Podcast Host and Real Estate Agent  Instagram: @BigDreamsRealty Anthony Kazee. Looking for insight on how to invest in residential & commercial real estate? Trust that this process is not easy and building a team is most necessary. Meet Anthony Kazee owner of KG Development Group (Milwaukee) Facebook: @AnthonyAmbitiousKazee Meet Philip Bennett [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011039475271&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVKRtN6PiAS-e2drysIWeEpRPRCvnviwqG-j6-iuKthdl8cTaTj2veEZ2cy2MfPY-kACPZUsgQSyEqHjPag2iyxd4wo7QCeyK6jk6HPQ8sKnpOIyfECs3ZZMKSFZ-Bh6tNHovpm7Ine7YoPtbDo-WWk304h-CNql_q8PdRiMIs8lg&__tn__=-%5DK-R]… Owner of The Cozzy Corner [https://www.facebook.com/TheCozzyCorner/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVKRtN6PiAS-e2drysIWeEpRPRCvnviwqG-j6-iuKthdl8cTaTj2veEZ2cy2MfPY-kACPZUsgQSyEqHjPag2iyxd4wo7QCeyK6jk6HPQ8sKnpOIyfECs3ZZMKSFZ-Bh6tNHovpm7Ine7YoPtbDo-WWk304h-CNql_q8PdRiMIs8lg&__tn__=kK-R], Envy Fits and Fashion [https://www.facebook.com/Envy-Fits-and-Fashion-1619046154812902/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVKRtN6PiAS-e2drysIWeEpRPRCvnviwqG-j6-iuKthdl8cTaTj2veEZ2cy2MfPY-kACPZUsgQSyEqHjPag2iyxd4wo7QCeyK6jk6HPQ8sKnpOIyfECs3ZZMKSFZ-Bh6tNHovpm7Ine7YoPtbDo-WWk304h-CNql_q8PdRiMIs8lg&__tn__=kK-R], Legends Cuts and styles, and residential real estate investor (Appleton). Website: www.thecozzycorner.com [http://www.thecozzycorner.com] , @EnvyfitsandFashion