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

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to showcase James Green’s entrepreneurial journey as the founder of KyuTeaCo (Kyushu Tea Company), a premium tea brand focused on curating authentic Japanese tea experiences. It highlighted his unique position as an African-American entrepreneur bridging cultures, his passion for tea, and his mission to educate consumers about tea’s health benefits and heritage.

Key Takeaways

1. Background & Inspiration

   • James Green grew up in Atlanta, studied international business and Japanese, and lived in Japan for five years.
   • His passion for tea began during a high school exchange program in Fukuoka, Japan, and deepened through cultural immersion.

2. Business Model

   • KyuTeaCo partners with eight small, organic tea-growing families in Kyushu, Japan.
   • Direct-to-consumer and B2B approach: e-commerce platform launching soon, plus partnerships with cafes.
   • Simplified supply chain: Farmers → Kuti Co → Customer (eliminates middlemen, ensures fair pay for farmers).

3. Mission & Differentiation

   • Focus on storytelling and cultural connection, not just selling tea.
   • Educates consumers on tea’s health benefits (e.g., reducing hypertension and diabetes risks).
   • Premium curated experience vs. mass-market tea brands.

4. Challenges & Lessons

   • Kickstarter campaign failed due to lack of collaborators and marketing reach.
   • Learned importance of storytelling and emotional connection for crowdfunding success.

5. Social Impact

   • “11% for Good” Program: 11% of every sale goes to sustainability efforts for Japanese tea farming.
   • Name significance: “11” in Japanese sounds like “ii,” meaning “good.”

6. Future Plans

   • Launching e-commerce in January.
   • Exploring subscription models and virtual tea tastings.
   • Goal: Build a brand that consumers care about through cultural education and premium experiences.

Notable Quotes

• On launching a business:
  “I’m learning now more than anything, just launch it. Just go. You’ll build it brick by brick, day by day.”

• On cultural connection:
  “We’re not just selling tea; we’re telling the stories of Kyushu and these families. It’s about legacy and sustainability.”

• On social impact:
  “Every bag of tea someone buys, 11% goes toward rehabilitating the Japanese tea industry. We’re investing in their futures.”

• On entrepreneurship:
  “Anybody can sell a product. What we’re doing is creating an experience and educating people about the culture behind it.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Naveen Jain.

Founder and CEO of Viome.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To introduce Viome’s revolutionary health technology that uses precision diagnostics and personalized supplements to help individuals take control of their health, prevent disease, and potentially reverse biological aging.

🧭 Key Takeaways 1. Viome’s Mission

• Viome aims to make illness optional by using AI-driven health diagnostics.
• The company’s tagline: “Imagine living in a world where illness is optional.”

2. The Full Body Intelligence Test

• Users submit saliva, blood (finger prick), and stool samples.
• Viome analyzes 100 million biomarkers to assess:
  • Biological age
  • Cognitive, heart, gut, oral, and immune health
  • Root causes of symptoms like bloating, constipation, fatigue, etc.

3. Personalized Health Solutions

• Viome provides:
  • Precision supplements tailored to your body’s needs
  • Custom probiotics/prebiotics
  • Oral microbiome lozenges
  • Morning and evening toothpaste
• Supplements are reformulated monthly based on retesting.

4. Scientific Backing

• Viome has conducted placebo-controlled clinical trials showing:
  • 64% improvement in gut health
  • 25% reduction in fasting insulin
  • 50% reduction in depression
  • 47% reduction in anxiety—all within 90 days

5. Disease Detection Innovation

• Viome offers tests for:
  • Stage 1 oral and throat cancer (available now)
  • IBD and colon polyps (launching soon)
  • Stage 1 pancreatic cancer (launching within 6 months)

6. Affordability & Access

• Full Body Intelligence Test: $299
• Monthly supplement plans: $40–$200 depending on selected products
• Website: viome.com

7. Personal Story & Motivation

• Naveen Jain immigrated from India with $5, built 7 companies.
• Lost his father to pancreatic cancer—now developing early detection tests.
• Believes in purpose-driven entrepreneurship: “Making money is a byproduct of improving lives.”

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Your genes are not your destiny.”
• “There is no universally healthy food.”
• “Making money is like having an orgasm—if you focus on it, you’ll never get it.”
• “Don’t blame your ancestors for your sickness. You can change your lifestyle.”
• “If you think being healthy is expensive, try being sick.”

🔗 Action Steps for Listeners

1. Visit viome.com
2. Order the Full Body Intelligence Test
3. Receive personalized health insights and supplements
4. Retest every 6 months to track progress and adjust

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Wednesday, December 10th, 2025. Subject: "I'm Not Going This Year"

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