The Forte Community

Empowering Black-Owned Businesses - Season 2 Episode 17: The Forte Podcast with Gloryah Allen

📈 Join hosts Domenick and Randall in an enlightening episode of The Forte Podcast, featuring Gloryah Allen, the founder of Black Goods and Services. Gloryah shares her journey of creating a digital and physical marketplace for black-owned businesses, her experiences growing up in a diverse DMV area, and her mission to uplift and circulate the black dollar.  This episode delves into Gloryah's entrepreneurial spirit, the challenges and triumphs of supporting black-owned businesses, and her ambitious goals for the future. Key topics include the importance of community, mentorship, and resources for black entrepreneurs.  Don't miss this inspiring conversation packed with actionable insights to help elevate black-owned businesses globally. Guest & Hosts:  🎤 Guest: Gloryah Allen 🎤 Co-host: @1domenickepps [https://www.instagram.com/1domenickepps/]  🎤 Co-host: @randallmonfiston  [https://www.instagram.com/randallmonfiston/] Conversation Outline 00:00 Welcome to the Forte Podcast 01:00 Daily Grind and Business Systems 01:59 Travel Adventures and Content Creation 03:27 Introducing Gloryah Allen 04:02 Gloryah's Background and Black Goods and Services 05:46 Growing Up in the DMV Area 11:14 The Epiphany Moment and Vision for Black Amazon 18:20 Creating a Web Template for Black-Owned Businesses 19:03 Reviving Social Media Presence 19:39 Exploring Black-Owned Businesses 20:25 Highlighting Black-Owned Brands 20:59 Interviewing Black Entrepreneurs 21:47 Choosing Businesses to Highlight 23:29 Scaling and Networking 25:42 Addressing Criticism and Improving Standards 28:03 Utilizing Resources and Mentorship 30:29 Future Goals and Marketplace Vision 31:48 Contact Information and Database Creation 36:38 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

From the Block to the Throne - Season 2 Episode 16: The Forte Podcast with Meranda Harris

🌟 Meranda Harris, affectionately known as the 'hood queen,' shares her transformative journey from a challenging upbringing in Suffolk, Virginia, to becoming a beacon of hope and service. From gang involvement to philanthropy, Miranda's story is a testament to resilience and faith. In this episode, she discusses:  ✅ Her path from street violence and personal struggles to helping others heal and find purpose  ✅ The pivotal moment of her near-fatal car accident that changed her life  ✅ Her commitment to aiding the homeless and at-risk youth  ✅ The significance of her journey from 'the block to the throne' and the impact of her ministry and mentorship Miranda's narrative emphasizes the power of transformation and servant leadership. Guest & Hosts:  🎤 Guest: Meranda Harris 🎤 Co-host: @1domenickepps [https://www.instagram.com/1domenickepps/]  🎤 Co-host: @randallmonfiston  [https://www.instagram.com/randallmonfiston/] Conversation Outline 00:00 Introduction to the Forte Podcast 01:28 Special Guest Introduction: Meranda Harris 02:18 Meranda's Background and Early Life 03:21 From the Streets to Philanthropy 10:08 A Life-Changing Car Accident 16:05 Reflecting on the Past and Staying Grounded 20:00 Starting a Non-Profit and Giving Back 20:45 Overcoming Adversity: A Personal Journey 21:47 Struggles of Single Motherhood 23:09 Homelessness and Financial Hardships 24:48 Finding Purpose Through Service 26:28 The Power of Change and Elevation 28:11 From People Pleaser to Purpose Driven 29:13 A Passion for Music and Ministry 32:56 Embracing Transparency and Abstinence 39:59 Future Goals and Community Impact 43:11 Conclusion and Farewell

Turning Trials into Triumphs - Season 2 Episode 15: The Forte Podcast with Coach D and Coach PJ

🌟 Join us on the Forte Podcast as we dive deep into the incredible journey of Coach D and Coach PJ, a dynamic power couple who turned their personal struggles into a thriving life coaching business.  From childhood hardships, traumatic experiences, and overcoming adversity, they have transformed their lives and now inspire others to do the same.  In this episode, Coach D and Coach PJ share their monumental shifts, from Daryl's fight for respect and fame to PJ’s healing journey post-trauma, and how they united their strengths to coach and uplift others.  Discover:  ✅ The fascinating backstories of Coach D and Coach PJ  ✅ The pivotal moments that led them to transition into coaching  ✅ How they tackled personal and professional challenges to build a successful coaching business  ✅ Their aspirations to enhance and support the institution of marriage and relationships in the community Guest & Hosts:  🎤 Guest: Coach D (Darrell Jay) Coach PJ (P Angelo Jones) 🎤 Co-host: @1domenickepps [https://www.instagram.com/1domenickepps/]  🎤 Co-host: @randallmonfiston  [https://www.instagram.com/randallmonfiston/] Conversation Outline 00:00 Introduction to the Forte Podcast 00:41 Meet the Joneses: Darryl and Dr. PJ 02:02 Dr. PJ's Journey: From Kansas City to Coaching 08:08 Coach Darryl's Story: From Bullying to Bodybuilding 11:21 The Struggles and Triumphs of Coach Darryl 18:12 Dr. PJ's College Experience and Challenges 24:23 The Move to Atlanta: New Beginnings 37:23 How Darryl and Dr. PJ Met 44:00 Shifting Dreams and Personal Struggles 44:57 Balancing Church Life and Personal Life 46:06 Meeting Darryl and Church Involvement 48:31 Developing a Relationship with Darryl 53:54 Rapid Marriage and Immediate Challenges 54:34 Facing and Overcoming Trauma 01:01:45 Becoming Life Coaches 01:15:06 Future Goals and Aspirations

Journey from Pain to Purpose - Season 2 Episode 14: The Forte Podcast with Kimberly Davis

👩‍🎓 From battling personal challenges to founding her own therapy practice, Kimberly Davis shares her resilient journey. Overcoming a traumatic college experience and a challenging marriage, she found healing through therapy and is now dedicated to helping others.  In this episode, Kimberly discusses:  ✅ The impact of her childhood and family dynamics on her personal and professional life  ✅ Her struggles with depression and the journey towards self-acceptance  ✅ Overcoming a difficult marriage and becoming a single mother  ✅ The pivotal decision to pursue a career in therapy and her motivations behind it  ✅ Advice for those who feel silenced by trauma and the importance of seeking help.   Kimberly's story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of therapy and intentional healing. Guest & Hosts:  🎤 Guest: Kimberly Davis 🎤 Co-host: @1domenickepps [https://www.instagram.com/1domenickepps/]  🎤 Co-host: @randallmonfiston [https://www.instagram.com/randallmonfiston/]  Conversation Outline 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:26 Welcome to the Forte Podcast 03:04 Weekly Catch-Up and Banter 03:49 Discussing Viral Trends 05:15 Introducing Kimberly Davis 07:45 Kimberly's Background and Family Dynamics 27:22 Navigating College and Early Adulthood 48:03 A Painful Graduation Experience 48:50 Family Disappointment and Support 50:44 Struggles in Marriage 53:03 Realization and Divorce 59:52 Pursuing a New Career Path 01:21:31 Starting a Therapy Practice 01:28:02 Empowering Others Through Therapy 01:42:57 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

From Carpentry to Commercial Development - Season 2 Episode 13: The Forte Podcast with Andre Payne

In this episode of The Forte Podcast, hosts Dominic Epps and Randall Sten welcome Andre Payne, an accomplished contractor and real estate developer.  Andre shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Philadelphia and Chicago to becoming a major player in Atlanta's real estate market. He discusses overcoming personal challenges, embracing opportunities during a stint in jail, and taking calculated risks in both residential and commercial construction.  Andre's story is a testament to perseverance, highlighting his transition from learning carpentry to spearheading a 29-home subdivision project. This episode is packed with valuable insights on staying consistent, adding value, and leveraging resources for long-term success. Guest & Hosts:  🎤 Guest: Andre Payne 🎤 Co-host: @1domenickepps [https://www.instagram.com/1domenickepps/]  🎤 Co-host: @randallmonfiston  [https://www.instagram.com/randallmonfiston/] 00:00 Introduction and Initial Costs 00:20 Meet the Hosts 00:59 Special Guests and Shoutouts 01:16 Real Estate Investments 02:09 The Journey to Success 02:28 Welcome to the Forte Podcast 03:06 Live from the Construction Site 04:57 Introducing Andre Payne 05:17 Andre's Background and Early Career 14:45 The Apprenticeship Experience 16:03 First Independent Projects 20:54 Starting Fresh in the South 21:11 Launching the First Business 22:10 The Move to Atlanta 23:50 Breaking into the Commercial Space 26:09 Building a Construction Business 27:33 Major Accomplishments and Future Goals 29:24 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 31:03 Recommended Reads for Success 33:41 Future Vision and Contact Information 36:00 Closing Remarks and Reflections