Building a Lasting Brand w/ ”Nanny Connie” & Courtney Simpson

The Stories Behind Mobile's Heritage Trail with Eric Finley

What if one of the most important chapters of American history was hiding in your hometown? Or, in a city you've never visited? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, Dani sits down with Eric Finley to explore why people from across the country travel to Mobile, Alabama, to experience the Dora Franklin Finley African American Heritage Trail. Founded by his late cousin, Dora Franklin Finley, the Heritage Trail preserves stories that might otherwise have been forgotten. From the story of the Clotilda to the rise of Davis Avenue as a thriving Black business district, Eric shares the history behind the tour and the mission to pass these stories on to future generations. At its heart, this is a conversation about legacy. Dora Franklin Finley built something that continues to educate, inspire, and impact people long after her lifetime. If you've never thought of Mobile as a destination for American history, this conversation just might change your mind. To learn more, or to book a tour along the Dora Franklin Finley African American Heritage Trail, visit https://www.dffaaht.org/ [https://www.dffaaht.org/] or call (251) 725-2236 [https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tVP1zc0TM8oMigrKjcwYLRSNaiwsLBMNElLSTQxMUg1tEgxtDKoMDdJS022ME5JNUuzNDI1NfASSckvSlRIK0rMy87JzFNIy8zLSa0EAE7oF0s&q=dora+franklin+finley&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS1078US1078&oq=dora+fran&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDQgCEC4YrwEYxwEYgAQyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRhAMg0IAhAuGK8BGMcBGIAEMgcIAxAAGIAEMgcIBBAAGIAEMgcIBRAAGIAEMgcIBhAAGIAEMgcIBxAAGIAE0gEJMTAzNzNqMGo0qAIAsAIB&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8].

Turning Ideas Into Businesses with Keith Glines

Every successful business starts with an idea, but ideas alone don't build companies. This week, Dani sits down with Keith Glines, Director of Hatch in Fairhope, to talk about what it takes to turn big ideas into thriving businesses. They discuss the value of mentorship and community, and how Hatch is helping founders connect with the resources, relationships, and guidance they need to grow. If you're launching your first business, dreaming about taking the leap, or curious about what it takes to turn an idea into business… listen in!

The Power of Community: Why Showing Up Matters

In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, Dani and Chelsey reflect on the incredible impact a community can have when people choose to show up for one another. Inspired by the overwhelming support surrounding Heavenly Pies Pizzeria and the encouragement they received from nursing students at Spring Hill College, they explore how small acts of support can create lasting impact.   From rallying around local businesses to using your voice to encourage others, this conversation is a reminder that community isn't built by grand gestures alone… it's built one decision, one act of kindness, and one person at a time. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a customer, or someone who simply wants to make a difference, this episode will leave you thinking about the role each of us plays in helping our communities thrive.

Building Future Leaders with Liberty Learning Foundation

What does it take to prepare young people for success beyond graduation? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, Ryan Foster and Dr. Yulanda Clinton share how Liberty Learning Foundation is helping students develop the character, leadership, financial literacy, and civic responsibility needed to become strong citizens and future leaders. We discuss workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and the role parents, educators, and businesses play in shaping the next generation.

Building Bevvy with Jeff Zeiders

Dirty sodas may be trending across the country, but for Jeff Zeiders, they became the foundation for something much bigger. In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, Jeff shares how he went from running a cigar business to launching Bevvy Dirty Sodas in Mobile. He talks about spotting an emerging trend, testing the concept through a mobile operation, and eventually opening a brick-and-mortar location downtown. Jeff also opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship… the uncertainty, the difficult decisions, and the lessons learned along the way. Plus, he shares why creating a business his children could be part of became one of his biggest motivations.