In Our Words

Episode 1: Radaya Ellis and Sean Lewis - I've made mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. This mistake doesn't define me. I realized at a very young age how I wanted to live. And, you know, I went for it. And I know the safety net, you know, there's nobody. There's no one there for me to run to if it didn't work. So I had to go forward even when it fell down.Radaya Ellis - 4Goods & Services provider EXECUTIVE . 4Waukee mission is to propel, promote and progress the city of Milwaukee. 4Waukee specifically focuses on the people, fashion, and art to promote, market and inform The nation of Milwaukee’s greatness and various endeavors.How to connect: Instagram - @4waukeeSean Lewis (Exit Elite Realty) - Principle stakeholder in the following business ventures:- Licensed REALTOR- Real Property Investing- Corporate training- Website Link: https://www.exitelitewi.com/agents/112-sean-lewis/  How to connect: Text - seanlewis285377Episode 2: Robin Scott and Jamila Riley - I'm learning to just enjoy it. And to pick up on other things later. And to say, This is my investment in my business, right? This is something that at the end of the week, now, I can give myself a little bit of pat on the back and say you know what, I did something that is going to be beneficial to my work.Robin Scott  - Executive Director at We All Rise: African American Resource Center (Green Bay). The vision of We All Rise is to create and help restore a vibrant African American community. Through uplifting, skill building, and intentionally targeting root causes of systemic oppression, and actively promoting the healing of all.Website Link: https://www.weallriseaarc.org/Jamila Riley - Is a crochet brand that builds self-esteem and boosts confidence through bold and unique accessories, apparel, and home goods. Housed in the lower level of Sherman Phoenix (Milwaukee). Website Link: https://www.shermanphoenix.com/ Episode 3: Dr. Monique Liston and Dr. Kadihjia Kelly - It really truly is not about the money. It really is about just making sure that I'm serving my community in a way that doesn't jeopardize their mental health because it's very hard out here. Just the whiteness is always showing up. And so I just think at the end of the day, it's about self preservation for me.Monique Liston -  Founder, Joyful Militant and Chief Strategist at Ubuntu Research and Evaluation (Milwaukee). Powered by a collective of unapologetic Black women, femmes, and non-binary people working as transdisciplinary strategist committed to resistance against anti-blackness. Website Link: https://www.ubunturesearch.com/Kadihjia Kelly - Licensed professional counselor and owner of Stars counseling (Appleton). Kadihjia has been working in the field of counseling since 2018. Dr. Kelly’s expertise is working with self-Identified Black/African American clients focusing on Critical Race Theory and Racial Fatigue.Website Link: https://www.starscounseling.com/Episode 4: Arletta Allen and Samantha Collier - I wouldn't even have had the opportunity to discover myself. I come through many adversities from being a prostitute at the age of 15 and navigating those spaces, being broken away from my father. Not having the...

Rajon Hall talks with Dasha Kelly-Hamilton, a writer, performance artist, curator, facilitator, and owner of Stillwater Collective and Officer KC Brown, a 14-year experienced police officer from Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, as well as the founder of Life Enforcement, a volunteer project that focuses on leading by example and taking care of those in the community through selfless acts of kindness. Dasha and KC share their sincerity and inspiration. Highlights03:53 And that was something that resurfaced once I got into and through college, as something I leaned into, I built community around, I found that it turns out, that's really where my work is. Between that and working with young people, I've given myself permission to be surprised, while also having a plan. Finding that balance of allowing the world, allowing life to guide me, but not exactly wandering through life. That's a balance of confidence. It's a balance of falling down.15:12 We may not have worked out the way I would have planned initially. But at the end of the day, I ended up exactly where I wanted to be. And I'm really blessed and happy to really focus on my passion right now, which is taking care of the community and taking care of those around me.24:11 In terms of balance, the problem that I had originally is when you start a nonprofit or start anything, you want to get support, and you want to tell other people about what you got going on.25:08 I call that instead of having business, you had “busyness”.47:07  And I've really moved into after this career of work, of seeing so many people in so many different ways, step into themselves by stepping out of the box of logic, it's still a wisdom, and it's not for things to not make sense. It's just allowing that things might make sense in ways that you don't anticipate, and that is the gift of being aliveContacts: Rajon Hall, MSW - Podcast Host and Real Estate Agent Instagram: @BigDreamsRealtyDasha Kelly-Hamilton (Still Waters Collective - MKE)Facebook: Dasha Kelly-Hamilton Website: Dashakelly.com, Stillwatercollective.com KC Brown (Police Veteran and Non-profit Founder - FDL)Facebook: @KCBrown

On today’s episode, Rajon talks with J.D. Murphy, owner of Mentor Systems located in the Green Bay Area, and Ambrose W.B., a mental performance coach.  J.D. has been conducting character development training for 23 years and Ambrose is the owner of MISPIBO Fitness.J.D. and Ambrose share their stories about their challenges and successes and offer advice on how to prepare yourself as a young entrepreneur to be physically and mentally ready. Highlights: 05:10 And the mental side is all of the skill sets that come along with entrepreneurship and being an elite person. Time management organization, I said earlier, habits, my routines are really important.07:07 I've learned over a period of time, what my gifts are, and what my skills are, and then also how to apply them for the benefit of those around me.14:39 And we learn on the back end how to be better at it. But there's a lot of failure that happens as well. So I would say just those three things, but for me, definitely courage, openness and curiosity.43:59 But once you've learned that lesson, you don't have to repeat that, you don't have to repeat that process. You probably will. But you have a different perspective of going through, this is just a necessity. This is something that I got to work through.46:33 Seek mentorship. I know for me, for example, there's people who want to pour into me, and that's the opportunity in front of me, take the opportunity and then and then capture it.Contact:Rajon Hall, MSW - Podcast Host and Real Estate Agent Instagram: @BigDreamsRealtyAmbrose WB - a social entrepreneur integrating his experiences owning and operating a healthy lifestyle company for 16 years and the education non-profit industry as a Social-Emotional learning coach specializing in breathwork and meditation for the last eight years. Website: mkeswell.com JD Murphy - Owner of Mentor Systems (Green Bay). For 23 years JD has been conducting character development training with a tool called The Flag Page, with the purpose to help as many people understand and attain more of their potential. As well as department team building, sales training, and individuals with the development of a clear-cut career path or job change. Facebook : @JDMurphy

Brandi Iberia, owner and CEO of Luminocity Media Group in Milwaukee, and Tasha Greenleaf, proprietor of Urban Cultural Arts in the Green Bay area, are both guests of Rajon’s in this episode. Today’s episode taps into black girl magic and how the arts influenced them to move into business and growth.Brandi and Tasha bring their voices to the forefront of their business ventures as black business women and being authentic in their work and being themselves at all times. Highlights: 08:20 Be open to your initial plan. You need to make the plan, but be open to how it morphs and changes and evolves.10:33  I have my own accounting firm first. And while I was doing that, I was still working full time, I still work full time now as an accountant for a manufacturing business. So I still got all these hats that I'm wearing. But it didn't start in art, it started at the law firm at the accounting firm for me, and just being open to where life took me, it just flowed in different directions.14:35 One thing that people say is that they see my passion, and they only get there when I'm comfortable being myself. 15:38 So you got to show up as your authentic self, stop with the imposter syndrome. We keep trying to show up like everybody else, because we think oh, he sounds fly when he says this, but she sounds cute when she says that. But at some point, the mask gotta come off. So you're gonna be better off just being you.22:10 That's probably one of the things that I would say, it's possible. Whatever that thing is that they want to do, it is absolutely possible. But then I will probably kind of go deeper and tell them not to despise the process. Contact:Rajon Hall, MSW - Podcast Host and Real Estate Agent Instagram: @BigDreamsRealtyBrandi Iberia Owner and CEO of Luminocity Media Group LLC, (Milwaukee). Formed in 2011, Brandi’s company focuses on the areas of marketing and promotions, social media development and management, public relations, event planning, artist development, and entertainment resources. Additionally, Iberia is well-known for Saved and the City Christian Network, faith based media conglomerate focused on kingdom solutions for real world issues as well as her new podcast, marketing with Black Girl Magic!Website: www.luminocityent.com/ Facebook: @LuminocityMediaGroupTasha Greenleaf, Owner of Urban Cultural Arts  / Art & Event Center (Green Bay) which was established in 2019 as a Paint & Sip. However, as of October 2021 was restructured as an Art and Event Center. The Center is focused on bringing all forms of art created to the community. The Center now provides a space for painting, dancing, poetry, music, comedy and different culturally focused events which will allow the community to...

Anthony Kazee and Phillip Bennett, join together with Rajon Hall, to discuss how patience, discipline, growth mindset, authenticity, and networking are essential to entrepreneurship and success. This is real. This is authentic. This is In Our Words podcast.Highlights06:33 In my mind, I feel like I can do anything. I tell people today, if you pushed me off a building, I probably could fly. That's how much confidence I got in myself when it comes to doing anything, because I'm not gonna put myself in a position where I can't do it.15:24 You got to know how to be a good worker, before you can be a boss. Because being a good worker, gives you that knowledge to understand that I gotta be a good worker for him for his business to thrive and survive. So when I go get my own, I have to be able to have the knowledge to know how to work.22:48 I was so poor, I made sure that I structured my life to where it had to be a catastrophe for me to be poor again, you know what I'm saying? A lot of stuff would just have to go wrong in my life for me to be at that point. But that's where the sacrificing and the discipline came in for me to know. No, I can't do this. No, I can't do that.51:58 Just finding your own success. Sometimes we get caught up in what the media tells us success is.56:41 Surround yourself with the people who got the knowledge and they’re willing to give it to you because it is everything.Contact:Rajon Hall, MSW - Podcast Host and Real Estate Agent Instagram: @BigDreamsRealtyAnthony Kazee. Looking for insight on how to invest in residential & commercial real estate? Trust that this process is not easy and building a team is most necessary. Meet Anthony Kazee owner of KG Development Group (Milwaukee) Facebook: @AnthonyAmbitiousKazeeMeet Philip Bennett… Owner of The Cozzy Corner, Envy Fits and Fashion, Legends Cuts and styles, and residential real estate investor (Appleton).Website: www.thecozzycorner.com , @EnvyfitsandFashion

Albert Walker and Bobby Drake share their inspiring stories as black entrepreneurs of Wisconsin. It's inspiring to hear the stories of two black entrepreneurs from Wisconsin. They talk about integrity, faith and mentorship as well their music production skills with host Rajon Hall.This is real. This is authentic. This is In Our Words podcast.Highlights 29:57 Once you learn to turn what's not there into reality, that's the only skill that you build on.31:30 Key ingredients to me is one, being determined and not giving up. But also being flexible and ready to adapt, because you're going to get hit with all kinds of things.38:30 Knowledge is power, putting it into action. And, you know, not just talking but, you know, actually doing it.51:50 When you're going through something, it sucks. When you get to the thing it is that you're able to do because of what you went through, you're a G.58:21 If you look in front of the easy way, just take the hard way first. Because if you go the easy way, or what looks to be the easy way, you’re gonna figure out that's not it and you got to start over. And then you'll find another easy way and then you're gonna realize that's not it. And you'll start over and you'll be stuck on the easy way. Just take the hard way from the beginning.Contacts: Rajon Hall, MSW - Podcast Host and Real Estate Agent Instagram: @BigDreamsRealtyAlbert Walker - Owner of Imago dei Barber Lounge (Green Bay). Husband, minister, community activist. Website : Imagodeibarber.com Bobby Drake - Husband and father of 2, Bobby started his career as a spoken word artist, actively working in the community and political system, Bobby has won an Emmy Award and a national association for Black journalist award. As a music producer Bobby has received the independent music awards "Best spoken word album" for his 4th project "Hands Down" (Available on all streaming platforms). Website : Bobbydrakedidit.com

Feel the energy and be inspired by the words of Chris Kimbrough and Walter Matthews, both black entrepreneurs. Together with host Rajon Hall, they talk about business growth, sustainability, networking, setting boundaries, and how entrepreneurs can grow stronger together. This is real. This is authentic. This is In Our Words podcast.Highlights03:36 You know, a lot of times people see the shine, but they don't see that grind that comes along with it.03:56 The biggest thing I've learned about it is believing in myself. That's the biggest thing, believing in yourself and knowing that it is possible. Because sometimes we say that, we say we know it's possible but we really don't believe it. Because when they come we like, it's too good to be true.12:38 One time when people speak ill of what your presence is and what you're doing in life. It's because it's–it's an insecurity within themselves.39:55 It's very important because when you operate in your business, or even, whatever you do in life, it's very much important to be yourself. Because if you're not yourself sooner or later, you get tired of being fake, you get upset, but when you are yourself, go like that forever.48:30 I’d tell the young man right now, man, keep grinding man stop worrying about everybody else. Because everybody else ain't meant to have the same vision as you.Contact:Rajon Hall, MSW - Podcast Host and Real Estate Agent Instagram: @BigDreamsRealtyChris Kimbrough - Owner of STARZ Barbershop (GreenBay). Chris now owns and operates 3 barbershop locations, with his last grand opening on the UWGB campus. Starz Barbershop & Beauty desires to create a family friendly environment, while getting a haircut. Website Link: https://starzbarberandbeauty.com/ Walter Matthews - founder of Verdis Concepts & Solutions and Southern Quarters Enterprise, based in Milwaukee, WI. Walter has been in business for 15 years, presenting to leadership teams, businesses and entrepreneurs on integrative mental health and wellness practices, along with many other key topics pertaining to functionality and business effectiveness. Website Link: https://thriveglobal.com/authors/walter-matthews/

In this episode, Rajon Hall talks with Arletta Allen, a government official, national award-winning professional speaker, social influencer, TEDx speaker, and owner of Authentically Arletta, and Samantha Collier, an educator, healer, and advocate.Sharing their personal journeys to becoming a successful entrepreneur, as well as the challenges they faced along the way.Highlights: 06:28 I'm a woman that has paid a hefty price to be who I am and where I am. And once I discovered the trueness behind this discovering me and who I am and what I brought to the table, I wasn't willing to give her up for anything. 09:23 I wouldn't even have had the opportunity to discover myself. I come through many adversities from being a prostitute at the age of 15 and navigating those spaces, being broken away from my father. Not having the validation of knowing I'm somebody in his eyes caused me to look to be somebody in somebody else's eyes. 12:58 It's important that you are exposed, yourself, that you are comfortable with telling people where you come from. And so they don't have to be afraid to one day share where they come from, or be ashamed of where they come from. 25:09 You find out when you talk about authenticity, the more you show up, the more doors are gonna open, it's not about a window anymore, because now you're not escaping from anything, you're walking straight through the door.46:20 For me personally, I always like to make sure we have a solid understanding, even if we ain't building together, that's powerful. Even if we ain't building together, going back to what you said about the energy, I can love on you.Contacts: Rajon Hall, MSW - Podcast Host and Real Estate Agent Instagram: @BigDreamsRealtyArletta Allen - Government official, national award-winning professional speaker, social influencer, TEDx speaker, and Entrepreneur Arletta Allen owner of Authentically Arletta who is a dynamic speaker that serves as a true example of resilience and perseverance . Facebook : @AuthenitcallyArletta Samantha Collier - Educator, healer, and advocate. TeamTeal365 has a mission to empower and educate sexual abuse survivors and encourage dialogue about sexual abuse and prevention.Facebook: @TeamTeal365

We've got some special guests today for our listeners. Two doctors join us on this episode to discuss their experience in the realm of entrepreneurship. This is going to be something remarkable.Dr. Monique Liston and Dr. Kadihjia Kelly, both black doctors and entrepreneurs, are interviewed by host Rajon Hall about their triumphs, hardships, strategies, as well as their networking and effective methods as Black entrepreneurs in Wisconsin.Highlights:05:16  Being the only black therapist in the community was very hard for me, because at the end of the day, those numbers climb up in our community. And so that was really a challenge for me with prioritizing that.5:52 Realizing that it's very easy for people to exploit black women's intellectual labor, folks who want to claim it, say it's theirs, use it with their own spin on it, and just forget any race, the black women. Then, on an organizational level, these organizations want to hire you, use your work, and then erase you from ever contributing to it and expecting you to be quiet because they paid you a wage.22:59 But I do think that it's important to network. I do think that in order for your business to get noticed, you have to do that networking, you have to make sure you're navigating it in a way that not only invites folks in but also challenges folks. Capability, helping a black owned business, which is really important.41:54  It really truly is not about the money. It really is about just making sure that I'm serving my community in a way that doesn't jeopardize their mental health because it's very hard out here. Just the whiteness is always showing up. And so I just think at the end of the day, it's about self preservation for me.42:34 Have a business plan, plain and simple. Even if you don't use it, and you're not going to the bank for it, have a business plan. So that you have an agenda of what you want to do and how you're going to operate and who you want to serve.Contacts:Rajon Hall, MSW - Podcast Host and Real Estate Agent Instagram: @BigDreamsRealtyMonique Liston -  Founder, Joyful Militant and Chief Strategist at Ubuntu Research and Evaluation (Milwaukee). Powered by a collective of unapologetic Black women, femmes, and non-binary people working as transdisciplinary strategist committed to resistance against anti-blackness. Website Link: https://www.ubunturesearch.com/Kadihjia Kelly - Licensed professional counselor and owner of Stars counseling (Appleton) Kadihjia has been working in the field of counseling since 2018. Dr. Kelly’s expertise is working with self-Identified Black/African American clients focusing on Critical Race Theory and Racial Fatigue.Website Link: https://www.starscounseling.com/

In this episode, host Rajon Hall talks with Robin Scott, Executive Director at We All Rise: African American Resource Center in Green Bay and Jamila Riley of Milwaukee, owner of J.Riley, a crochet brand that uses vibrant and unusual accessories, garments, and home goods to encourage self-esteem and build confidence. Listen in to hear about their personal journeys and being a business owner in Wisconsin.Highlights: 08:51  I've grown in so many different types of ways. I've been stretched in so many different types of ways. But I've learned a lot on this journey. I continue to learn a lot. I think mentally I am learning and I think it's a lifelong process that we must delegate. In roles of leadership, we must recognize that leadership is a pretty lonely role.22:08 I'm learning to just enjoy it. And to pick up on other things later. And to say, This is my investment in my business, right? This is something that at the end of the week, now, I can give myself a little bit of pat on the back and say you know what, I did something that is going to be beneficial to my work.29:51 Authenticity. I think about code switching. Conversations that I've had with folks. And having to code switch, I've learned, doesn't necessarily mean that you're not being authentic. Code switching is a safety for some black people. 39:22 Last year, in 2020, my son was murdered. And I'm like, would I change that? Obviously, because I would want him to still be here. But there are so many things that I learned from that, and so much growth that has taken place from that and so many connections that have been forged because of that. So, that's the only reason I hesitated on that question.Contacts: Rajon Hall, MSW - Podcast Host and Real Estate Agent Instagram: @BigDreamsRealtyRobin Scott  - Executive Director at We All Rise: African American Resource Center (Green Bay). The vision of We All Rise is to create and help restore a vibrant African American community. Through uplifting, skill building, and intentionally targeting root causes of systemic oppression, and actively promoting the healing of all.Website Link: https://www.weallriseaarc.org/Jamila Riley - Is a crochet brand that builds self-esteem and boosts confidence through bold and unique accessories, apparel, and home goods. Housed in the lower level of Sherman Phoenix (Milwaukee). Website Link: https://www.shermanphoenix.com/

Welcome to the premiere of In Our Words podcast. The goal of this podcast is to see a more holistic view of African-American entrepreneurs in the state of Wisconsin. We seek to gain understanding of challenges faced and overcome by Black business owners, while also providing success stories and strategies implemented along the way that have helped grow their business start-up and growth resources. Radaya Ellis and Sean Lewis, both black entrepreneurs, are interviewed by host Rajon Hall about their triumphs, hardships, and obstacles, as well as their networking and effective methods as black entrepreneurs in Wisconsin. This is real. This is authentic. This is In Our Words podcast.Highlights:02:29 I'm here to say what I'm doing matters in terms of what the city has gifted me and what I've earned in being here. I realized my skill is useful for people outside of myself, outside of my network, outside of the people. 09:06 But you have to be able to learn from your mistakes and not repeat them. Repeat them as little as possible.16:57 You gotta go first, you've been in the game.19:09  I need to learn, be open to learning. The people around you are important to your growth. Relationships are important.  35:42  I've made mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. This mistake doesn't define me. I realized at a very young age how I wanted to live. And, you know, I went for it. And I know the safety net, you know, there's nobody. There's no one there for me to run to if it didn't work. So I had to go forward even when it fell down.Contact:Rajon Hall, MSW - Podcast Host and Real Estate Agent Instagram: @BigDreamsRealtyRadaya Ellis - 4Goods & Services provider EXECUTIVE . 4Waukee mission is to propel, promote and progress the city of Milwaukee. 4Waukee specifically focuses on the people, fashion, and art to promote, market and inform The nation of Milwaukee’s greatness and various endeavors.How to connect: Instagram - @4waukeeSean Lewis (Exit Elite Realty) - Principle stakeholder in the following business ventures:- Licensed REALTOR- Real Property Investing- Corporate training- Website Link: https://www.exitelitewi.com/agents/112-sean-lewis/  How to connect: Text - seanlewis285377

Welcome to in our words black entrepreneurs speak Wisconsin. The mission of this podcast is to provide a more holistic understanding of the African American entrepreneur in the state of Wisconsin. Specifically, we seek to gain in-depth understanding regarding challenges faced and overcome by black business owners, while also providing success stories and strategies implemented along the way that have helped grow their business startup and growth resources. This podcast is also a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs, specifically youth who can benefit from these real-life black business experiences. Each session we'll have an entrepreneur from Northeastern Wisconsin and Milwaukee co-collaborate on their experiences and their respective communities. This is real. This is authentic. This is In Our Words podcast.