Shows
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayMake A Decision You Can Live With, Rhonda SimmonsPhilly native Rhonda Simmons, an educator, author, preacher and entrepreneur, founded a home for unwed teen moms in Texas, a state that is ranked amongst the highest in teen pregnancy rates. Rhonda was candid with us about what inspired her to be passionate about this work. We discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on academia, marketing and its role in the future of employment. Rhonda shared her perspective on critical race theory and the importance of educating our youth. Through her foundation, The Simmons Empowerment Foundation Inc. (TSEFI), Rhonda authored Dear Future Me: The Jo...2023-09-051h 01
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayAutism Advocacy & Awareness with Ayanna DavisAyanna shares the misconceptions surrounding being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder later in life and the disparity in resources available for people of color. We discuss the difference in identifying black and Hispanic children with autism relative to white children and the services needed to reach their full potential. Not letting autism stop her, Ayanna is a creative artist that has made dolls, clothing and paintings. Ayanna is a former choreographer with work seen on BET, ABC Family, the Maury Povich Show, and at The Apollo Theater and she’s illustrated 22 books and 4 coloring books. Ayanna was...2023-08-2947 min
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayPouring Into The Community with Dr. Felecia PullenDr. Felecia Pullen, founded and is the President and CEO of Let’s Talk SAFETY, Inc., a not-for-profit that includes: SAFE in Harlem, a CDC-funded teen-led prevention coalition; The PILLARS, Manhattan’s first OASAS-funded Recovery Community & Outreach Center; and The SAFETY Net, a teen-designed Clubhouse in Harlem. Dr. Pullen shared her personal experience with drug use that fueled her desire to help others on their recovery journey. We discuss the grind to secure funding to keep community programs open, her role in the Netflix documentary Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy and the effect that addiction has on her belov...2023-08-221h 00
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayHealing The Hurt with Crystal BrooksAs someone who is usually in the background, PG County’s own Crystal Brooks stepped into her light to build and run Love You More, Inc, a non-profit organization that aids in building young girls’ and women’s self-esteem. After becoming a certified Master Life Coach during the pandemic, Crystal started Love You More Legacy, a coaching company to further her mission to empower women.Crystal is the author of the Best-Selling book When Silence is Misunderstood, where she shares her story of overcoming sexual and physical abuse to help others heal. Crystal’s journey included listening intently...2023-08-1549 min
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayRepresentation Matters In Dentistry with Dr. Cecilia LaRocheDr. Cecilia LaRoche turned her love of math and chemistry into a lucrative and fulfilling career in dentistry. Recognizing that she was a hustler early on, Dr. LaRoche gravitated towards commission-based work to be in control of her pay. As the first doctor in her family, she discussed how a chance encounter with a black male dentist at a two-day symposium piqued her interest in dentistry. In this episode we cover cosmetic dentistry, the benefits of getting children braces and/or retainers earlier in life, low-cost dental work at dental schools and current trends in dentistry. Dr. L...2023-08-0859 min
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayTidying Up Your Life & Creating Space with Kimberly Hairston-NealKimberly “The Modern Steward” Hairston-Neal has made her love for organizing and time management into a family business alongside her husband, who manages the contracting side. Kimberly’s specialty is helping individuals simplify their life to make time and space for the things they love. The Modern Steward also helps professionals relocate in the Pittsburgh area and offers virtual services for closet edits and pantry organization. In this episode, we discuss the differences in being a minimalist, essentialist and maximalist. Kimberly also talks about how functionality helps with organization and sustainability in the long-term. We dig into what is...2023-08-011h 00
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayBrains, Beauty and Boujee with Michele Baker-WhyteMichele shared how she pursued both her passions from a young age, wanting to be a nurse and a cosmetologist. Michele explains different types of nursing career tracks and what ultimately worked for her as a traveling nurse. Seeing her mom and other patients lose their hair to cancer, Michele thought of a way to help women find their beauty and confidence again.Michele created a custom wig company affectionately called BougeeNBrooklyn which fits her love for feeling beautiful and fabulous at any time. The beauty business has space for more women of color led companies and...2023-02-0749 min
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayRewriting Your Story with Nicole Shawan JuniorWe interviewed Brooklyn’s own Nicole Shawan Junior, a writer, leader, advocate and truth teller. They reminisce on a love of writing going back to the 80’s performing their stories for their family as a child and having a mom that nurtured a love of reading. They talk about their journey to working at PEN America helping incarcerated individuals get access to writing opportunities and payments to help stop the exploitation of incarcerated writers. They also founded Roots. Wounds. Words. Inc. which have helped so many writers of color find their voice. Their mother’s influence in advocac...2023-01-311h 13
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayCandid Capture with Documentographer Kevin Jean-JacquesDocumentagrapher Kevin Jean-Jacques discussed the shift that occurred after his sister’s death that led him to pursue his passion of documenting life through photography. Checking through his social media pages, Kevin captures weddings, brand promotions and events in a way that makes you want to be there.Kevin explained the process of getting certified with larger photography companies to sell stock images, NFTs and ownership of images. He discusses NDA agreements with high-level clients, privacy and how he makes everyday people feel like celebrities with his candid photo shooting style.https://www.kvonfotos.com...2023-01-2452 min
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayDesigning Your Brand Your Way with Niko StevensNiko Stevens, designer of FiveKarats and FiveKarats x Niko shared her journey to building a fashion brand based in New York and taking the steps to invest in making it successful. A collaboration with SHEIN in the books, Niko is building a portfolio with hopes of joining the high-end retail stores in 2023. Already featured in Vogue Magazine twice, and presenting at New York Fashion week, Niko dreams of attending the MET Gala and dressing Rihanna or our Forever First Lady Michelle Obama. Niko sheds light on the struggles with obtaining capital for running a business, diversifying her tal...2023-01-171h 03
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShaySafety Is Our First Priority with Andre Williams & Troy WomackWe talked with lifelong friends and business partners Andre Williams and Troy Womack from Impervious Protection and Consulting Group. Andre highlights his prior service as an NYPD Police Officer that gave him the reputation for being a problem solver and a community relations practitioner. Troy sheds some light on his experience in the music industry and as a business consultant noting the importance of relationships in business. They discuss working on security details for high profile clientele like our Forever First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris. Troy and Andre exchange views about gun legislation, the...2022-12-2054 min
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayCustom Made Yachts and Motorcycles with Jason CampbellJason co-owns JP Customs NYC, an award winning custom motorcycle shop in the Bronx that is well respected by industry leaders. Jason discusses being a self-taught mechanic, fabricator and welder that uses his skills and love for working with his hands to build motorcycles and customize his 40 foot private yacht. A thrill seeker at heart, Jason pushes learning trades and starting a business as early as you can. Working in customer service for 25 years aided Jason in being a charismatic host providing a luxury experience on the waterways of New York chartering his yacht “Seas The Day.” We le...2022-12-1350 min
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayMake Your Mark w/ Actor & Gaming App Creator Nikiva DionneWe chatted with actor and Lyric Party game app creator Nikiva Dionne who initially ignored her childhood dream to be an actor despite the signs always being there. Having read the legendary book, The Alchemist, and going on a fast helped Nikiva come to the decision to quit her job in fashion and within three weeks she booked two commercial jobs. Nikiva breaks down pay for commercials, being Black in Hollywood and how content creation attracts casting directors. The @Insecure actress discusses how Issa Rae was intentional in creating a door for her and other people of color...2022-12-061h 03
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayThe Ethical Hacker, Carl Gray, IIIMaryland’s own, Ethical Hacker, Carl Gray, III takes us on his journey that started when a Pastor gifted him a computer at a young age. We get into hacking 101, ethical hacking being a sought after field with job security and how to prevent yourself from being a victim online. He breaks down educational barriers and student engagement to create successful young leaders and entrepreneurs. Carl discusses scaling a business, creating E-books and designing courses to add additional revenue in your area of expertise. @learnfromahacker@launchwithcarlbusinessmoversmastermind.com#podcasting#black...2022-11-291h 00
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayCreating & Scaling Your NonProfit w/ Kimberly O'NeilWe talked to award-winning professor, executive leader, and social good expert Kimberly O’Neil who helped to demystify the myth that nonprofits should not make money. Kim pivoted and through her business Giving Blueprint, she leads Cause Studio, an education and professional development initiative for startup nonprofit organizations. In the age of quiet quitting, Kim tells us to know what you need to survive financially before quitting and moving on. A certified fashion girl and a Ted Talk veteran, Kim talks about her political career ambitions and What’s Next.https://justkimonline.com2022-11-1557 min
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShaySeason 1 RecapWelcome back!!!! Season II is here. Nina and Shay recap Season I’s lessons, dope guests and gems that were dropped. Much love and thanks to everyone who listened, subscribed and shared our episodes. We are excited to bring you Season II with more laughs and great information for the Next Steps of your journey. We’ll continue to highlight extraordinary people of color, one episode at a time.Link in bio to Spotify and available on Amazon Music and iHeartRadio. 2022-11-1509 min
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayAnu Sun on Music, Culture & the CommunityAnu Sun is a Grammy and Emmy Award winning musician and producer whose roots were planted in music and community. Anu Sun is born from parents who were members of the Black Panther party and involved in social activism, and was exposed to the music industry as a drummer and rapper keeping him tied and true to the culture. Anu Sun is a business man with a publishing and marketing company, a voting member of the Academy for Grammy awards, and has recorded with the greats such as Johnny Cash, Robert Glasper, Bilal, Don Cheadle and others. Hi...2022-06-1457 min
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayStacey Blissett-Saavedra Wants You to "Find Your Ideal Situation"Stacey Blissett-Saavedra shares her experience as a woman working in technology and how the space has allowed her to combine her love of graphic design, architecture, and real estate. Stacey will have you asking yourself big questions like, is this decision the right investment for me, what parameters make you happy in any workspace and what is your ideal situation vs. ideal job? An avid real estate investor with 5 properties and counting, her love for architecture plays a role in her investment properties. “I still get to do what I love to do, it’s just applied in different ways.”...2022-06-0756 min
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayDurval Morgan on Sports Medicine & MusicIn this episode, Durval joins us to share his experience pursuing a career in sports medicine and how the industry lacked representation for people of color in the field. While Durval is a professional athletic trainer, a love of music, events and gathering friends pushed Durval into music management as a side hustle with artist Nello Luchi and his event production company, A’Mior NYC. As a graduate of the University at Buffalo, Durval emphasizes that going away to college is a real experience to take advantage of if you can afford it. Relying on both traditional and n...2022-05-3151 min
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayRegina Haywood on The Business of BakingGina is a mom-trepreneur that credits a scroll on Pinterest, to make something unique at a kids' bake sale, for helping her create a thriving custom cookie business. Gina discusses the baking business for women of color, conquering the “cookie devil” - detailed character cookies and her plans to expand her business. Always keeping family as her priority, Gina shares how she inherited her creative side from her mom and business side from her dad. Recognizing how the pandemic grew her business in a way she could not have imagined, Gina gives advice for dreamers who want to st...2022-05-2447 min
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayUnique London on Going From Medicine to MakeupCelebrity make-up artist Unique London has over 20 years of experience and is a legend in the makeup industry. According to Unique, “you think you're destined for one thing, and you absolutely become destined for something else.” From humble beginnings, Unique has navigated the makeup and service industry from the lens of a black woman from the United Kingdom by negotiating and knowing her worth, and attracting rather than chasing. Funny, relatable and inspiring Unique reminds us that no matter what you are doing, people want to see beauty and need a good craft service on any se...2022-05-171h 15
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayHakeem Webb says "You're the CEO of Your Life"In this episode, Hakeem J. Webb tells us how a series of circumstances that led his family to struggle financially further propelled his walk into a purpose of financial literacy. He is the Founder & CEO of NCFA, Inc., (National Christian Financial Advisors) a leading minority-owned and operated national independent full-service fee-only investment advisory firm that serves a global client base of diverse investors. As an American fintech entrepreneur and business trailblazer with almost three decades of financial services experience, Hakeem talks finance, investing in crypto currency and retirement in layman's terms. We learn that the school of exp...2022-05-1049 min
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayShef Shaun Believes "Preparation is The Key"Shawn Forsett (known as Shef Shaun) is a Pittsburgh based trained culinary artist with a love for Mediterranean dishes and a penchant for impeccable fare. Shef Shaun discusses how he never thought his love for food and cooking would be a career until divine timing led him to culinary school in his 30’s. As a private chef, he has worked with celebrity clients that include professional athletes such as NFL players Juju Smith-Schuster, Chase Claypool, Terrell Edmunds, and Diontae Johnson and NBA player John Wall. Shef Shaun covers the business of cooking, preparation and how the market dete...2022-05-0251 min
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayAlexis Denise is Giving You Gorgeous Flowers AlwaysAlexis Denise is a high energy, Brooklyn Born Florista and self proclaimed CANVA Queen whose side hustle Alexis Denise Floral Designs is growing and becoming more lucrative. As a small business owner you do everything from administrative work to deliveries. Alexis covers navigating the Floral market as a black woman and using her wit to make and keep relationships that grow the business. Alexis discusses pivoting from wedding production because of COVID to a subscription service, virtual workshops and merchandising branding. With the support of her retired dad and her authenticity, Alexis keeps things booming and blooming....2022-04-251h 07
The What's Next Podcast with Nina & ShayPremier Trailer EpisodeIn this trailer episode, you'll meet co-hosts, Nina and Shay, of the What's Next Podcast who interview entrepreneurs and industry leaders about their professional and personal journeys. 2022-04-1201 min
Lets ManiFeastWomen On A Mission with Nina Mickens & Sheshe Segar, Creators of the Next Step Network, Inc.“Find your purpose, Make a plan and Be intentional.”This is the motto of two ladies from Brooklyn and the Bronx who came together to lead & inspire youth to make smart and intentional choices to ensure they are productive participants in society and possess financial freedom new level. Nina Mickens and Sheshe Segar, are former colleagues and the creators of the Next Step Network, Inc., a 501(c)3 committed to helping black and brown youth (ages 12 - 24) succeed in life by finding their passion and purpose. Press play to hear these ladies talking about everything from going...2021-03-0346 min