In this episode, we chat with courtney about what led her to photography, emphasizing her polished style and the importance of capturing joy, particularly among Black women. She discusses her dual career as a federal contractor and photographer, highlighting the challenges and rewards of balancing both. Courtney reflects on the influences of the strong women in her family and how they shaped her understanding of beauty and strength. She also delves into her experiences photographing burlesque performers, which taught her about empowerment and body positivity. Throughout the conversation, Courtney emphasizes the significance of creating a comfortable experience for her clients, the importance of continuous learning in her craft, and her desire to help women see their own narratives through her portraits. Ultimately, she aims to celebrate the journey of women and redefine beauty standards, especially for aging women.

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Photography Style

02:59 Navigating Dual Careers: Government and Photography

05:59 The Journey of a Photographer: From Passion to Profession

08:59 Capturing Joy: The Impact of Community Events

11:58 Influences of Womanhood: Family and Representation

15:01 Empowerment Through Burlesque: A Unique Perspective

18:00 Celebrating Women: The Core of Photography

21:10 Creating a Comfortable Experience: The Spotlight Effect

23:55 The Art of Transformation: From Nervousness to Confidence

26:56 A Full-Service Photography Experience

29:47 Empowering Aging Women: Breaking Societal Norms

32:52 Celebrating the Wisdom of Women: Stories of Resilience

36:18 Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs

38:06 Balancing 9 to 5 and Creative Pursuits

41:50 Networking and Community Building

45:23 The Importance of Continuous Learning

50:38 Branding and Client Experience

52:18 Finding Your Niche in Photography

57:18 The Emotional Impact of Photography

01:00:31 Personal Growth Through Creative Work

01:05:30 Legacy and Narrative in Portraits

courtneyramsey.co

social media: courtneyramsey.co

On this week’s episode - I sat down with Annie Leverich - founder of First Light Coffee. a Maryland-based coffee company rooted in connection, community, and giving back. Before launching her business, Annie led the press team for USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and held communications roles with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the UN World Food Program. Annie worked for USAID for over a decade and When the Trump Administration shut down the agency, her role disappeared overnight. At first there was shock… and then she did the only thing that felt true: bet on the dream she’d been saving for…A coffee company.

In this episode, Annie and I get into how we went from working at USAID to taking a leap of faith into entrepreneurship, how she is blending her background in storytelling and humanitarian work to fuel her business, and her mission of giving back.

Resources:

Website: firstlightcoffeemd.com

Instagram: firstlightmornings

On today's episode, I spoke with Cornelius Weaver - the Fund Manager of the Baltimore Flip Fund, managed by Lola Capital Group—a real estate investment firm on a mission to breathe new life into Baltimore’s neighborhoods. With more than fifteen years in construction management and engineering, Cornelius has overseen over half a billion dollars in commercial projects—everything from university buildings to hospitals.

Alongside his wife and business partner, Ellena Weaver, he’s spent the last three years in the residential space, flipping and restoring homes that had been sitting vacant and turning them into affordable, beautiful places for families to live. Together, they’re not just building properties—they’re building pathways to wealth and revitalizing communities one house at a time.

Cornelius lives by the scripture, “To whom much is given, much is required.” That principle guides both his work and his purpose—using what he’s been given to create lasting impact in the city of Baltimore.

In this episode, Cornelius and I discuss the transformative impact of real estate investment in Baltimore. We explore the vision for Lola Capital Group, focusing on eradicating vacancies, creating affordable housing, and building generational wealth. Cornelius shares insights into the challenges and successes of flipping homes, the importance of community impact, and the personal journey of working alongside his wife.

Email: partners@thelolacapitalgroup.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolacapitalgroup/