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

Purpose of the Interview

The discussion aimed to educate the audience about the health risks associated with hair care chemicals—including relaxers, dyes, and synthetic hair—and to advocate for safer practices. It also highlighted Dr. Maclin’s pioneering work in hair and skin supplements and her ongoing mission to raise awareness about these issues.

Key Takeaways

1. FDA Ban on Hair Chemicals

   • In 2023, the FDA considered banning certain chemicals in hair products due to health risks, but no ban has been implemented yet.
   • These chemicals are linked to breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and hormone disruption.

2. High-Risk Chemicals Identified

   • Hair Relaxers: Sodium, calcium, guanine, and lithium hydroxide.
   • Hair Dyes: Para-phenylenediamine (especially in permanent dyes).
   • Synthetic Hair: Contains benzene, posing risks of lung cancer and leukemia.

3. Impact on African-American Women

   • African-American women face a 45% higher risk of certain cancers due to combined use of relaxers and dyes.
   • Cultural and aesthetic pressures contribute to continued use despite health risks.

4. Children at Risk

   • Applying relaxers to young girls can cause early puberty, uterine fibroids, infertility, and increased cancer risk.
   • Chemicals penetrate the scalp, enter the bloodstream, and disrupt hormones.

5. Industry Resistance

   • Pushback from salons and manufacturers due to financial interests.
   • Comparison to tobacco and alcohol industries—profit prioritized over health.

6. Solutions & Advice

   • Avoid chemical treatments when possible.
   • If used, protect the entire scalp with petroleum jelly to reduce absorption.
   • Space out relaxer applications (every 8–10 weeks, max 10 minutes for children).

7. Dr. Maclin’s Contributions

   • Launched Bella Nutri supplements (2004 for women, 2008 for men).
   • Advocates internal nutrition for hair and skin health.
   • Website: drmacklin.com and bellabeauproducts.com.

Notable Quotes

• On FDA inaction:
  “Still to this day, that ban has not occurred… We’re continuously having women going to the next generation of life as a result—next generation cancers.”

• On cultural pressures:
  “We’re so into wanting to have a certain look versus wanting to be healthy.”

• On children’s exposure:
  “We’ve got to keep chemicals off of little girls’ hair… It’s causing hormone disruption, early puberty, infertility, and increased cancer risk.”

• On industry resistance:
  “People care about the green-eyed devil called money… Look at the tobacco industry.”

• On her mission:
  “I feel like I’m caring more about someone’s health than they’re caring about their own.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

Founder and president of the Financial Literacy Institute. Here's a summary of the key themes and highlights from the conversation:

🎙️ Interview Highlights Jasmine Young’s Background

• Born in Jackson, Alabama, and raised in a rural, close-knit community.
• Attended Alabama A&M University on a full scholarship, where she decided early on to become a CPA.
• Emphasized the value of her HBCU experience in building confidence and professional readiness.

Financial Literacy Mission

• Jasmine’s passion for numbers and financial education began early and was nurtured by her family’s practical financial habits.
• Her parents instilled financial discipline and responsibility, which she now channels into her mission to spread financial literacy “one family at a time.”

Cultural and Historical Awareness

• Jasmine discusses the legacy of Black Wall Street and the importance of economic empowerment in the Black community.
• She organizes the Black Wall Street Black Business Expo, which honors the past while promoting modern Black entrepreneurship and civic engagement.

Social Impact and Civic Engagement

• Inspired by the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder and the economic power of the Black community, Jasmine emphasizes the importance of using financial influence to drive social change.
• She’s considering law school to further her impact, though she currently focuses on financial literacy and community empowerment.

Personal Insights

• Jasmine shares her journey from feeling ashamed of her rural upbringing to embracing it as a source of strength and heritage.
• She also reveals her musical background and Cherokee ancestry, adding depth to her personal story.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed April Showers.

Founder of Afro Unicorn, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to share how she built the first Black woman-owned, fully licensed character brand in major retail. With over $20 million in sales, Afro Unicorn celebrates diversity and empowers women and children of color.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Origins of Afro Unicorn

   • April was inspired by a friend's repeated reference to her as a "unicorn," highlighting her extraordinary ability to balance multiple businesses and raise two children.
   • Noticing existing unicorn imagery lacked representation, she created Afro Unicorn to uplift young girls of color.

2. Challenges & Early Growth

   • Despite facing personal hardships—including her son's hospitalization and several family losses—April remained committed to her mission.
   • Her persistence led to a viral moment where a young girl wearing an Afro Unicorn shirt caught Walmart’s attention, resulting in a licensing deal.

3. Licensing & Expansion

   • Instead of manufacturing herself, April strategically partnered with licensees to distribute Afro Unicorn merchandise.
   • Within a year, she secured 45+ licensing agreements, expanding into books, bedding, hair care, party supplies, and more.

4. Business Strategy & Advice

   • Trademarking Afro Unicorn early, hiring an accountant and lawyer, and writing a business plan were critical to her success.
   • She advises entrepreneurs to visualize success, stay consistent, and never quit.

5. Future Plans

   • April is developing Miss April’s Crown, an animated series teaching young entrepreneurs business skills through affirmations and mentorship.

📘 About the Brand
Afro Unicorn is available at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Amazon.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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