Episodios

  • Reimagined You

    Reimagined You
    Jul 15 2025
    In this episode of the Business First Podcast, host Sonia Alleyne welcomes Theresa ONeal Redd, co-founder of Reimagined BK, a vintage fashion boutique located in the heart of Brooklyn. Theresa shares her entrepreneurial journey of launching the business alongside her husband, offering candid insight into building a brand rooted in community, culture, and creativity. From navigating the dynamics of running a business as a couple to transitioning careers and understanding the evolving vintage fashion market, Theresa unpacks what it takes to thrive in retail today. She also highlights the importance of exceptional customer service, creating intentional spaces, and building the kind of support system every entrepreneur needs to succeed. Whether you're an aspiring business owner or a retail veteran, this conversation is full of practical gems and inspiration for putting your business — and your purpose — first.
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    35 m
  • You Need A Mule To Do The Work

    You Need A Mule To Do The Work
    Jul 8 2025
    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Bobby Goodman Jr., founder and CEO of MuleWork, to explore the real-life challenges of launching and growing a small business. Bobby opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, the mission behind MuleWork, and the critical services his company provides—from tax guidance to operational strategy and community engagement. They also discuss how new legislation is shaping the landscape for small businesses and why creativity, collaboration, and resilience are key ingredients for success. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this conversation offers invaluable insights into building a business that works for the entrepreneur and the community.
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    26 m
  • Cracking the Code

    Cracking the Code
    Jul 1 2025
    In this episode of Business First, host Sonya Alleyne sits down with Jessica Jones, founder and CEO of The Code Group and The Jessica Jones Collective, for a candid and empowering conversation on entrepreneurship, leadership, and purpose. A serial entrepreneur, Jessica shares her journey of building multiple businesses while championing the voices of women of color in leadership. From navigating the challenges of toxic workplaces to fostering confident, value-driven leadership, Jessica offers practical strategies for new entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike. She discusses her work in organizational development, the importance of authentic leadership, and what must be central to business strategy. Listeners will also learn about her coaching business and her impactful books that provide real-world tools for thriving in today’s fast-paced work environments. Tune in for a powerful dialogue filled with insight, inspiration, and the tools to put business first—with purpose.
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    28 m
  • A Chat About Chat GPT

    A Chat About Chat GPT
    Jun 24 2025
    In this episode of the *Business First Podcast*, host **Sonia Alleyne** sits down with certified AI consultant and trainer **Jennene Biggins** to break down the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on business. From her beginnings in the fashion industry to leading **Danso Digital Media Group**, Jennene shares her evolution into AI and her mission to help small businesses integrate these tools for real results. The conversation dives into the practical side of AI—how tools like **ChatGPT** can boost productivity, streamline social media, assist with daily tasks, and even empower creatives without sacrificing artistic integrity. Jennene and Sonia address the fear surrounding AI, especially among entrepreneurs, and discuss the importance of data privacy, community education, and adapting to change in today’s tech-driven marketplace. Whether you're a business owner, content creator, or just AI-curious, this episode offers valuable insight into how technology can enhance—not replace—your work.
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    44 m
  • The Fractional CFO

    The Fractional CFO
    Jun 17 2025
    In this episode of the *Business First Podcast*, host **Sonia Alleyne** sits down with **Susanne Mariga**, CPA, author, and expert in entrepreneurial finance, to unpack the transformative *Profit First* method. As a **fractional CFO**, Susanne helps business owners take control of their cash flow, make intentional profit, and build sustainable, successful businesses—especially within minority and underrepresented communities. From her personal journey as an entrepreneur to her mission of empowering others to understand their numbers and value their services, Susanne shares practical strategies to move from surviving to thriving. The episode also highlights her broader vision of social impact, including sending girls to school globally through proceeds from her book.
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    35 m
  • Black Land Man Pt.2

    Black Land Man Pt.2
    Jun 10 2025
    In this inspiring episode of the Business First Podcast, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Yachtze Luchin, founder and CEO of Unite Oil and Gas International, to explore the importance of access, representation, and purpose in the energy sector. Yachtze shares his powerful journey—from overcoming a challenging upbringing to building a thriving career in engineering and ultimately founding a mission-driven oil and gas company. Together, they discuss the systemic barriers in the industry, the value of diversity in leadership, and how entrepreneurs can balance profitability with social responsibility. Whether you're an emerging business owner, a corporate leader, or someone passionate about building impact-driven enterprises, this episode is filled with actionable insights and motivating takeaways.
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    26 m
  • Black Land Man

    Black Land Man
    Jun 3 2025
    In this inspiring episode of the Business First Podcast, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Yachtze Luchin, founder and CEO of Unite Oil and Gas International, to explore the importance of access, representation, and purpose in the energy sector. Yachtze shares his powerful journey—from overcoming a challenging upbringing to building a thriving career in engineering and ultimately founding a mission-driven oil and gas company. Together, they discuss the systemic barriers in the industry, the value of diversity in leadership, and how entrepreneurs can balance profitability with social responsibility. Whether you're an emerging business owner, a corporate leader, or someone passionate about building impact-driven enterprises, this episode is filled with actionable insights and motivating takeaways.
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    27 m
  • The New Movement

    The New Movement
    May 27 2025
    In this impactful episode of the #BusinessFirstPodcast, host #SoniaAlleyne sits down once again with entrepreneur and visionary #RobertBlackwellJr. to explore the vital role of economic empowerment in the #BlackCommunity. Reflecting on the enduring legacy of #BlackWallStreet, Blackwell challenges outdated charity models and calls for a shift toward building human and social capital as the foundation for lasting prosperity. He highlights the importance of organizations like #TecsDotLove in fostering entrepreneurship and free enterprise, while also addressing the failures of government systems to create real economic opportunity. Blackwell urges Black communities—especially #BlackWomen—to hold elected officials accountable and unite around the shared goal of economic success. This conversation is a call to action for those committed to closing the wealth gap, supporting Black-owned businesses, and demanding a seat at the economic table.
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    41 m