The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Tuesday, September 16th, 2025. Subject: "He Tells His Mama Everything"

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Isaiah Tatum.

A 24-year-old entrepreneur, touring artist, and hotel owner:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview showcases Dr. Isaiah Tatum’s extraordinary journey from homelessness to becoming a venture capitalist, hotel developer, and touring saxophonist. It aims to inspire young entrepreneurs by highlighting the importance of faith, planning, mentorship, and financial literacy.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Early Passion for Music

• Began playing saxophone at age 10.
• Influenced by legends like Kenny G, Curtis Mayfield, and Aretha Franklin.
• Practiced obsessively, leading to proficiency and touring opportunities.
• Maintains a strong connection to music despite business ventures.

“I couldn’t wait to get home and play… I practiced six hours a day.” — Isaiah Tatum

2. Entrepreneurial Drive & Financial Literacy

• Overcame homelessness and used that experience to fuel ambition.
• Became an equity investor in Jazz Pharmaceuticals at 18.
• Invested in real estate and hotel development with a focus on recession-proof models.

“I didn’t want to be an artist who had to stay on tour to maintain. I wanted to be financially free.” — Isaiah Tatum

3. Hotel Ownership & Strategy

• Owns two Candlewood Suites and an Embassy Suites in Georgia.
• Focuses on extended-stay models for consistent revenue.
• Emphasizes customer experience and operational efficiency.

“Even if they’re spending $160, make them feel like they’re spending $1 million.” — Isaiah Tatum

4. Mentorship & Education

• Studied finance and earned credentials from Wall Street Prep.
• Values mentorship from icons like Kenny G and Keith Worsham.
• Now mentors others and encourages financial literacy and self-confidence.

“Don’t look for who you are to fit in with everybody else… Elevate yourself.” — Isaiah Tatum

5. Vision & Future Endeavors

• Developing new properties in Tupelo, MS and Nashville, TN.
• Planning a Sweat Hotel concept and returning to music with a new album and tour.
• Driven by a daily mindset of growth and execution.

“Even though I’ve done really good, it’s about what I’m doing tomorrow.” — Isaiah Tatum

📌 Notable Quotes

• “Faith and a plan. A lot of people jump out there on faith. You better have a plan in your back pocket.” — Rushion McDonald
• “I fell in love with credentials… I wanted to maximize every opportunity.” — Isaiah Tatum
• “Let your results speak for themselves.” — Isaiah Tatum

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teri Williams.

Thanks! The transcript from this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass features a powerful and informative interview with Teri Williams, President, COO, and owner of OneUnited Bank, the largest Black-owned bank in the United States. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. OneUnited Bank’s Mission & Reach

• Formed by merging four Black-owned banks in Boston, Miami, and Los Angeles.
• First Black-owned digital bank (since 2005).
• Serves customers in all 50 states.
• Offers accessible, affordable financial services and promotes financial literacy.

2. Digital Banking for Underserved Communities

• OneUnited provides:
  • Mobile check deposit (via smartphone).
  • Early direct deposit (get paid 2 days early).
  • Access to 100,000+ surcharge-free ATMs (including Walgreens, 7-Eleven, Chase, Citibank).
• Designed to combat financial deserts and predatory check-cashing services in Black communities.

3. Financial Literacy & Trust

• Teri emphasizes the need for Black communities to trust Black-owned institutions.
• OneUnited is FDIC-insured and uses cutting-edge technology, including AI.
• Financial literacy is key to building generational wealth.

4. WiseOne AI Tool

• An AI-powered financial assistant that:
  • Tracks spending and subscriptions.
  • Offers insights on saving and debt reduction.
  • Aggregates data from multiple accounts to show net worth, cash flow, and financial health.

5. Youth Financial Literacy – “I Got Bank” Contest

• 15th annual contest for kids ages 8–12.
• Participants submit an essay or artwork based on a financial literacy book.
• Ten winners receive $1,000 savings accounts.
• Book: I Got Bank by Teri Williams (available free at oneunited.com/book).

6. OneTransaction Concept

• Focuses on six key financial transactions to build generational wealth:
  1. Homeownership
  2. Life Insurance
  3. Investments
  4. Profitable Business
  5. Credit Score
  6. Savings
• Encourages individuals to focus on just one to start their wealth-building journey.
• Learn more: oneunited.com/onetransaction

💬 Notable Quotes

• “We are a real bank, not a fintech. We are FDIC-insured.”
• “We are great with money. We just haven’t always had access.”
• “Focus on one transaction. That’s all it takes to start building generational wealth.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI

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