We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300.

Episode 113:

Guest Name: Loreal Mallett

Guest Business: All Butter’d Up

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of the Black Businesses Matter Podcast, we chat with Loreal Mallett, the Founder of All Butter’d Up, a luxury skincare brand specializing in oil-based, non-greasy body care products that empower busy women to prioritize self-care through thoughtfully curated experiences.

Loreal shares her inspiring journey, tracing her love for fragrances and skincare back to her childhood in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood. Influenced by her grandmother’s extensive perfume collection and their time crafting homemade salves together, Loreal developed an early passion for creating products that nurture the skin and spirit.

The spark for All Butter’d Up came in 2017 when Loreal crafted her first batch of body butter as heartfelt gifts for church members. As demand grew, and after months of making products for free, a supportive customer encouraged her to turn her passion into a business. Drawing on her background in business and entrepreneurship, Loreal expanded All Butter’d Up into a growing self-care community rooted in wellness and empowerment.

Loreal also speaks candidly about building a brand that centers self-love, the importance of maintaining authenticity, and the power of creating space for women to care for themselves unapologetically.

If you’re passionate about wellness, entrepreneurship, or building community through self-care, this is the episode for you!

IN THIS EPISODE, I TALK ABOUT…

1. What was Loreal like as a child?
2. What does all-natural mean for All butter’d up
3. Origin of All Butter’d up
4. Improving and changing your business
5. BBM Brag Moment
6. What brings them joy?
7. Why do black businesses matter?

Stream and download the Black Businesses Matter Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Stitcher, Pandora, and Spotify!

Connect with them

Connect with them on their website:

https://www.allbutterdup.com

Connect with them on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/allbutterdup/

Connect with her on linked in:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorealmallett

Support the show

To connect further with me:
Visit my website: Thel3agency.com
Connect with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thel3agency
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larvettaspeaks/
Connect with me on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/thel3agency
Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram. I can't wait to see you join us and take the pledge of #blackbusinessesmatter

We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300.

Episode 112:

Guest Name: Deida K. Massey

Guest Business: Bixa Beauty

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Black Businesses Matter Podcast we chat with Deida K. Massey is the Founder and CEO of Bixa Beauty; a vegan friendly product line that empowers individuals by celebrating beauty through the richness of cultural diversity, ethical practices, and inclusivity.

Deida shares her inspiring journey, tracing her love for beauty back to childhood memories of experimenting with her mother’s makeup on herself and her cousins. Creative and imaginative from a young age, she initially followed in her grandfather’s footsteps by studying child and family law. While working in the city office, Deida also pursued her passion as a makeup artist, ultimately making the bold decision to leave her job and move to Los Angeles to become a celebrity makeup artist.

The spark for Bixa Beauty came during a mission trip to Zanzibar, where a tour guide introduced her to the Bixa orellana plant,commonly known as the lipstick plant. This moment inspired the launch of her paraben-free, cruelty-free brand.

Deida also speaks candidly about the challenges of entrepreneurship, especially for Black women. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship while highlighting the ongoing struggle to secure adequate funding, despite consistent access to guidance and support.

If you’re passionate about clean beauty, entrepreneurship, or making space for diverse voices in the industry, this is the episode for you!

IN THIS EPISODE, I TALK ABOUT…

1. What was Deida like as a child?
2. When did she decide to focus on make up
3. Bixa Beauty founding.
4. Importance of mentorship and funding.
5. BBM Brag Moment
6. What brings them joy?
7. Why do black business matter?

Stream and download the Black Businesses Matter Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Stitcher, Pandora, and Spotify!

Connect with them

Connect with them on their website:

https://www.bixabeauty.com/

Connect with them on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/bixabeauty/

Support the show

To connect further with me:
Visit my website: Thel3agency.com
Connect with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thel3agency
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larvettaspeaks/
Connect with me on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/thel3agency
Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram. I can't wait to see you join us and take the pledge of #blackbusinessesmatter

We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300.

Episode 111:

Guest Name: Sanja Noble

Guest Business: Premier72

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Black Businesses Matter Podcast, we sit down with Sanja E. Noble, Director of Treasury Operations, where she manages multi-billion-dollar budgets annually. Sanja is also the founder of Premier72, a firm dedicated to helping Baby Boomer business owners with succession planning and exit strategies, and the CEO of Silver Crown Credit Repair, where she empowers individuals to rebuild credit and achieve financial freedom. With an MBA, a Master’s in Project Management, and recognition as a Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business alum, Sanja’s career is rooted in excellence, strategy, and service.

Sanja opens up about her early years, describing herself as a quiet observer who was simply waiting for the right time to bloom. A natural competitor with a love for math and learning, her childhood passions laid the groundwork for her success in the male-dominated field of finance.

She also reflects on the importance of exit planning for business owners, emphasizing the need to ensure profitability and long-term sustainability. Sanja shares a pivotal moment with her first client that taught her the value of explaining complex business ideas in simple, relatable terms.

If you’re a business owner thinking about your next chapter or someone who values financial empowerment, this is the episode for you!

IN THIS EPISODE, I TALK ABOUT…

1. What was Sanja like as a child?
2. Prioritizing your finances
3. Importance of the exit strategies
4. Importance of partnership in building your business
5. The process of purchasing a business
6. BBM Brag Moment
7. What brings them joy?
8. Why do black business matter?

Stream and download the Black Businesses Matter Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Stitcher, Pandora, and Spotify!

Connect with them

Connect with them on their website: https://www.Premier72.com

Connect with them on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaenoble/l

Support the show

To connect further with me:
Visit my website: Thel3agency.com
Connect with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thel3agency
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larvettaspeaks/
Connect with me on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/thel3agency
Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram. I can't wait to see you join us and take the pledge of #blackbusinessesmatter

We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300.

Episode 110:

Guest Name: Sarah Ware

Guest Business: Ware Realty Group

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Black Businesses Matter Podcast, we sit down with Sarah L. Ware, Principal and Designated Managing Broker of Ware Realty Group. With over twenty years of experience in real estate, Sarah has made her mark across various sectors of the industry. Her path from corporate America to leading her own firm reflects a career built on resilience, leadership, and community impact.

Sarah opens up about her upbringing, highlighting her academic achievements and the powerful influence of her loving parents. Even as a child, she was known for her ability to “handle business,” a trait that has clearly followed her into adulthood.

She also reflects on her time as the 139th President of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® (2022–2023), where she identified a significant funding gap for new realtors. In response, she created her own grant to help emerging professionals establish and grow their real estate careers.

If you’re an aspiring real estate professional or interested in how leadership shapes community, this episode is full of valuable insight. Join Sarah as she shares her story and continues to elevate the industry for the next generation.

IN THIS EPISODE, I TALK ABOUT…

1. What was Sarah like as a child?
2. Prioritizing your finances
3. The real estate market in Chicago
4. Ware Realty Group
5. BBM Brag Moment
6. What brings them joy?
7. Why do black business matter?

Stream and download the Black Businesses Matter Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Stitcher, Pandora, and Spotify!

Support the show

To connect further with me:
Visit my website: Thel3agency.com
Connect with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thel3agency
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larvettaspeaks/
Connect with me on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/thel3agency
Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram. I can't wait to see you join us and take the pledge of #blackbusinessesmatter

We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300.

Episode 109:

Guest Name: James Parker with Surprise Guest

Guest Business: 1921

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Black Businesses Matter Podcast, we sit down with James Parker, the CEO and Founder of 1921 Coworking, Inc. and 1921 Incubator, NFP. Named to honor the historic Black Wall Street of Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1921 is the first tech and manufacturing incubator located on the far South Side of Chicago.

James shares insights about his upbringing and describes himself as a serial tech entrepreneur, having launched several apps and websites. He moved around frequently as a child, which allowed him to learn and experience a variety of things. One of his first ventures was teaching piano basics, showcasing his talent as a music prodigy.

Joining James is special guest Cynda Williams, known for her role in ‘Mo’ Better Blue’. She explains her reasons for supporting 1921 and emphasizes the importance of initiatives like this for the community. Cynda also discusses her connection to Chicago, her journey in building a creative career, and the necessity of leaving the city to grow.

James outlines the opening plan for 1921, detailing the phases for the coworking space's rollout throughout the year. With the first phase set to launch this month, he highlights the significance of creating jobs in the community through the business owners he aims to attract.

If you are a Chicago based entrepreneur this may be the coworking space and initiative for you, Join James on his journey to revive black Wall Street.

IN THIS EPISODE, I TALK ABOUT…

1. What was James like as a child?
2. What is 1921?
3. How has she balanced both sides of her career?
4. How can people connect to 1921?
5. Cynda Williams backstory
6. BBM Brag Moment
7. What brings them joy?
8. Why do black business matter?

Stream and download the Black Businesses Matter Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Stitcher, Pandora, and Spotify!

Connect with them

Connect with them on their website: https://www.1921coworking.com

Connect with them on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/1921CoWorking/

Connect with them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1921coworking/

Support the show

To connect further with me:
Visit my website: Thel3agency.com
Connect with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thel3agency
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larvettaspeaks/
Connect with me on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/thel3agency
Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram. I can't wait to see you join us and take the pledge of #blackbusinessesmatter

We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300.

Episode 108:

Guest Name: Kudzai Blessing Mutasa

Guest Business: Kudzai B. Mutasa Fine Art

Summary Style

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Black Businesses Matter, we sit down with Kudzai Blessing Mutasa, the CEO and artist behind Kudzai B. Mutasa Fine Art. Based in Chicago, Kudzai creates impactful work that celebrates diversity and inspires future generations.

She shares the meaning behind her name, rooted in religious significance, and reflects on her early connection to art. Despite her childhood talent, she lacked creative nurturing, an experience that now drives her to uplift and support young artists.

Beyond fine art, Kudzai discusses her expertise as a beauty and marketing professional. She highlights how she has always balanced both careers, using her artistic skills to set herself apart. She also delves into her marketing background, sharing insights on her most successful campaign and the brands she aspires to collaborate with in the future.

If you're looking for inspiration to explore your creative side, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Plus, don’t forget to check out her exhibit at Navy Pier.

IN THIS EPISODE, I TALK ABOUT…

1. What was Kudzai like as child
2. How did she transition into artistry?
3. How has she balanced both side of her career?
4. What was her best Campaign in her marketing background
5. BBM Mag Event
6. What do you want people to remember about your art.
7. What brings Katrice Joy
8. Why do black business matter?

Stream and download the Black Businesses Matter Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Stitcher, Pandora, and Spotify!

Connect with them

Connect with them on their website: https://www.iamkudzai.com/shop-1

Connect with them on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kudzaibmutasa

Connect with them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam_kudzai?igsh=MWR4ZzhqdzljNGFvbg==

Support the show

To connect further with me:
Visit my website: Thel3agency.com
Connect with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thel3agency
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larvettaspeaks/
Connect with me on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/thel3agency
Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram. I can't wait to see you join us and take the pledge of #blackbusinessesmatter

We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300.

Episode 107:

Guest Name: Katrice Matthews

Guest Business: Sable Law Group

Summary Style

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Black Businesses Matter, we sit down with Katrice Matthews, CEO of Sable Law Group, a full-service law firm in Chicago specializing in real estate, estate planning, and wealth generation. With over a decade of experience, Katrice is a seasoned attorney handling both litigation and transactional matters. A former prosecutor, she has been running her own firm since 2013.

Katrice shares insights into her upbringing, describing herself as both a beauty queen and a tomboy with a fierce sense of justice—an instinct that shaped her passion for law. She reflects on her journey to entrepreneurship, noting that without direct examples to follow, she leaned on mentorship from fellow attorneys. Her firm, originally founded as Hall Law Group, later evolved into Sable Law Group, reflecting her commitment to serving clients with excellence.

Beyond her personal story, Katrice breaks down key legal concepts, explaining why she chose estate planning and the crucial differences between wills and trusts. She also demystifies the estate allocation process, highlighting the importance of having knowledgeable guidance to navigate these critical decisions.

If you're interested in preserving your legacy this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

IN THIS EPISODE, I TALK ABOUT…

1. What was Katrice like as child
2. Why Sabel Law Group
3. The differences between a will and a trust
4. Importance of estate planning
5. BBM Mag Event
6. What brings Katrice Joy
7. Why do black business matter?

Stream and download the Black Businesses Matter Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Stitcher, Pandora, and Spotify!

Connect with them

Connect with them on their website: https://www.sablelawgroup.com/

Connect with them on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrice-matthews-8a993824?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Connect with them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sablelawgroup?igsh=MWpxcWdjamxzY21wZg==

Support the show

To connect further with me:
Visit my website: Thel3agency.com
Connect with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thel3agency
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larvettaspeaks/
Connect with me on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/thel3agency
Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram. I can't wait to see you join us and take the pledge of #blackbusinessesmatter

We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300.

Episode 106:

Guest Name: Larvetta L. Loftin

Guest Business: The L3 Agency

Summary Style

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this special episode of Black Businesses Matter, we launch our second annual Women’s History Season with none other than our host, Larvetta L. Loftin, founder of The L3 Agency. Reflecting on 25 years as a woman entrepreneur, Larvetta shares the realities of running a women-owned business—the challenges, the victories, and how her leadership has evolved over the years.

She also addresses the recent rollbacks on DEI initiatives, offering insights on how small and women-owned businesses can adapt and thrive in this changing landscape. As a mentor herself, Larvetta pays tribute to the individuals and organizations that have shaped her journey, including the WNBA for their resilience and Angila Faison, one of her first and longest-standing mentors.

Looking ahead, Larvetta teases exciting developments for the podcast, including the launch of BBM Mag, featuring past guests, and BBM Live, where audiences can experience live interviews and engage with esteemed guests.

If you’re a woman entrepreneur—or simply seeking inspiration from women making an impact—this is a season you won’t want to miss!

IN THIS EPISODE, I TALK ABOUT…

1. The Reality of Being a Woman-Owned Business
2. The DEI Rollback: What It Means for Women and Black Entrepreneurs
3. The Women Entrepreneurs Who Inspire Larvetta
4. BBM Mag Event
5. What brings Larvetta Joy

Stream and download the Black Businesses Matter Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Stitcher, Pandora, and Spotify!

Support the show

To connect further with me:
Visit my website: Thel3agency.com
Connect with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thel3agency
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larvettaspeaks/
Connect with me on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/thel3agency
Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram. I can't wait to see you join us and take the pledge of #blackbusinessesmatter