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

Topic: Entrepreneurship, legacy, and community impact through his ice cream business, Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream

Yahya Muhammad shares his journey from tasting unforgettable homemade ice cream as a child to founding one of Chicago’s most beloved ice cream brands. His story is one of perseverance, cultural pride, and community service, rooted in faith and inspired by family and fraternity.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

1. Highlight Yahya’s entrepreneurial journey and the founding of Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream.
2. Inspire small business owners and creatives to pursue their passions despite obstacles.
3. Showcase the importance of community engagement and mentorship.
4. Celebrate Black excellence and cultural legacy through food and service.

🔑 Key Takeaways 🍨 The Origin Story

• Inspired by a woman selling homemade ice cream in Avalon Park, Chicago.
• Spent six years perfecting his own recipe.
• First flavor: Honey Cinnamon Graham Cracker

“I had no idea it would take about six years to learn how to make it.”

🎓 Education & Influence

• Holds a Master’s in Sociology from Western Illinois University.
• Influenced by teachings of Elijah Muhammad and Minister Louis Farrakhan.
• Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, which instilled discipline and perseverance.

“I learned principles… immutable principles that I’ve been striving to apply.”

🚗 From Trunk to Storefront

• Started selling ice cream out of the trunk of his car in 1996.
• Grew from renting a room in a beauty salon to multiple storefronts.
• Now operates in Bronzeville, a historic Chicago neighborhood.

“I didn’t even have a business license… I just believed.”

🏆 Signature Flavors

• Known for nostalgic, Southern-inspired flavors:
  • Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Vanilla
  • Banana Pudding
  • Georgia Peach Cobbler
  • Bourbon Butter Pecan
  • Southern Black Walnut

“Our goal is to take you right back down memory lane.”

💡 Business Philosophy

• Focuses on customer experience over product.
• Staff are trained as helpers, not just workers.
• Emphasizes service, quality, and pricing — but prioritizes service.

“The food is not the number one thing. The number one thing is the service.”

🌍 Community Impact

• Grew up in an underserved area of Chicago.
• Hires from the community and mentors youth.
• Dedicated the business to his late sister, Shawn Michelle, who inspired his culinary journey.

“I want to be a part of that inspiration… to give the baton to the next generation.”

📈 Expansion Plans

• Looking to expand to Atlanta, calling it “the Mecca.”
• Envisions taking the brand nationwide while maintaining its cultural and community roots.

“The future of Shawn Michelle’s is to be national.”

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “Faith over fear — I believed, I committed, I accepted the challenge.”
• “You have to see something different to be something different.”
• “I don’t have workers. I have helpers.”
• “I want to be a part of that that helps give them a new idea.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Founder of Foos Financial Services, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss her journey from owning a salon to launching a multi-faceted financial services firm. Based in Camp Springs, Maryland, her business offers tax services, a podcast studio, event space, and consulting, demonstrating the power of multiple streams of income.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Entrepreneurship & Business Growth

   • Laura started as a salon owner and transitioned into financial services after recognizing the need for structured business finances among entrepreneurs.
   • Initially hesitant about taxes, she was convinced by a longtime friend to explore the industry, leading to 10 successful seasons in tax preparation.

2. Multiple Streams of Income

   • Purchased commercial property to expand from salon ownership to financial services.
   • The space now includes a photography studio, podcast studio, and event planning space, allowing rental income to cover business expenses.

3. Financial Literacy & Business Structuring

   • Emphasizes the importance of proper tax planning for business owners to ensure they qualify for loans and financial opportunities.
   • Encourages entrepreneurs to set aside money annually to pay taxes and invest in their business growth.

4. Women in Business & Mentorship

   • Created a business networking group called Confessions of a Boss Lady, with 400+ members, to help women navigate entrepreneurship.
   • Believes in giving back and mentoring aspiring business owners, sharing real-life insights via social media and workshops.

5. My Tax Box Product

   • Developed My Tax Box, a DIY tax organization kit for individuals and small businesses to track income, expenses, and potential deductions.
   • Available online as a structured financial management tool for those who can’t afford bookkeeping services.

6. Social Media & Brand Visibility

   • Invested in professional branding, working with Ronnie Brown to overhaul her social media presence.
   • Deleted old content, established a consistent brand identity, and actively shares tax tips and business advice to engage potential clients.

7. Health & Work-Life Balance

   • Faced major health challenges, including a minor heart attack, due to excessive stress and business responsibilities.
   • Learned to delegate tasks, build a reliable team, and focus on strategic growth, rather than handling everything alone.

📘 Resources & Contact Information
Laura Foos' services are accessible through:
🔗 Website: Foos Financial Services
🔗 Social Media: @FoosFinancial

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

A former professional dancer turned entrepreneur, franchisor, and wellness educator. She is the Founder and CEO of Kika Stretch Studios, a franchise specializing in assisted stretching for wellness and longevity.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

The Science Behind Stretching

• Stretching improves circulation, flexibility, and posture, helping clients feel more youthful.
• Wise explained that assisted stretching allows people to go beyond their comfort zones, unlocking deeper relief.

Franchising & Business Growth

• Wise is the youngest female franchisor in America, expanding her brand nationwide.
• She emphasized the importance of consistency across franchise locations, ensuring clients receive the same experience.

Overcoming Challenges During COVID-19

• The pandemic forced all Kika Stretch Studios to close for three months.
• Wise held weekly calls with franchisees, learning how to lead through uncertainty.
• After reopening, the business rebounded successfully, proving the demand for wellness services.

Entrepreneurship & Leadership

• Wise shared her journey of starting with just $500 and growing into a national franchise.
• She encourages millennials to trust themselves and think beyond traditional career paths.
• Her advice: Invest in yourself first, because personal growth leads to business success.

📘 About Kika Wise
Kika Wise is a trailblazing entrepreneur who turned her passion for wellness into a successful franchise model. She is dedicated to educating millennials and other generations on self-care, business ownership, and financial independence. #STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.