Overcoming the Odds: She was a C student and a college dropout, but she is the CEO of Black Ambition.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kimberly Kelly. A real estate broker and entrepreneur who overcame a challenging upbringing in foster care, teen motherhood, and systemic adversity to become a successful businesswoman. Kimberly shares her journey of resilience, faith, and determination, offering inspiration to anyone facing difficult circumstances. Her story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of believing in oneself. 🧭 Key Points 🌱 Early Life & Adversity Raised in foster care from a young age due to her mother’s struggles with addiction. Took on a caregiver role for her younger brothers at age 9. Became a mother at 15 and had two children by 18, while still caring for her siblings. 💪 Resilience & Mindset Developed a survival mindset early on, driven by responsibility and love for her family. Found faith and spiritual grounding during her time in foster care. Never doubted her ability to succeed despite overwhelming odds. 🎓 Education & Career Path Returned to complete her high school diploma and pursued technical education. Earned a degree in electronics engineering and transitioned into the IT world. Later became a licensed real estate agent and opened her own brokerage. 🏡 Business Ventures Founder of a real estate brokerage in McDonough, Georgia. Focuses on educating and empowering first-time homebuyers and entrepreneurs. Co-owner of a property preservation company, Get Adventurous, with her husband. 🤝 Leadership & Branding Leads a small team of agents with a hands-on, mentorship-driven approach. Emphasizes adaptability, personal growth, and celebrating small victories. Operates within a price range of $250K–$750K and above, adapting to market trends. 💬 Notable Quotes “I’m superwoman. I’m phenomenal.” “Foster care is supposed to be temporary, but sometimes it becomes permanent.” “It never dawned on me that I wouldn’t be successful.” “You can do anything. There is nothing you can’t do in this life.” “Practice resilience. If you don’t have a support system, look in the mirror and talk to yourself.” “I’m always in the mindset of staying adaptable.” “My goal is to educate, motivate, and teach people that we can own real estate.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3 Jan 23min

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Taia Rashid and Daphne Carter. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To highlight the entrepreneurial journey of Taia Rashid and Daphne Carter, co-founders of Cassie Beverage, a premium vodka-based drink brand. The interview explores their inspiration, challenges as Black women in a male-dominated liquor industry, and their commitment to quality and authenticity. 🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Founders’ Background & Bond Taia and Daphne met as dance moms in Houston, Texas. Their friendship grew through shared experiences at dance competitions. Their cocktail-making hobby evolved into a business idea. 2. Cassie Beverage Origins Inspired by family traditions involving alcohol (moonshine and wine coolers). The brand name “Cassie” is a blend of their last names. Their products include Daphne Limoncello and Daphne Berrycello. 3. Business Launch & Support The idea was sparked during a trip to the Amalfi Coast. Their husbands, both entrepreneurs, helped launch the business and provided initial capital. They entered a white male-dominated industry with determination and humility, seeking mentorship and doing extensive research. 4. Commitment to Quality Their drinks use natural ingredients like fresh lemon juice and cane sugar. They resisted pressure to use cheaper alternatives like concentrates or preservatives. Their goal: create a premium product they’re proud to consume themselves. 5. Challenges in the Liquor Industry High startup costs and tight margins. Strategic decisions around packaging, pricing, and market positioning. Balancing premium quality with affordability for consumers. 6. Academic & Professional Backgrounds Daphne: Advanced degrees in chemistry and mathematics; former charter school executive and state superintendent. Taia: Degree in chemical engineering; worked for Frito-Lay and later became a stay-at-home mom. 7. Empowerment & Representation They emphasized the importance of supporting women, especially in non-traditional roles like bartending and mixology. Encouraged others to pivot careers and pursue passions regardless of societal expectations. Advocated for creating space at the table when none is offered. 8. Community Impact A caller shared how the interview inspired her to support her daughter’s bartending career. The founders responded with encouragement and emphasized redefining success beyond traditional roles. 💬 Notable Quotes “We found the perfect cocktail—the cure was liquor. A cup of joy.” “We wanted something of quality that we could stand proud of.” “If there’s no room at the table, bring a folding chair.” “Your degrees give you soft skills—you can pivot and do whatever you want.” “We’re winning because we’re doing something we love, even with the struggles.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3 Jan 25min

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Chef Jernard Wells. He is affectionately known as "The Chef of Love," is an award-winning TV host, celebrity chef, and bestselling author. Renowned for using food to promote positive family images, Chef Jernard has captivated audiences with his infectious personality and culinary expertise. Wells hosts *New Soul Kitchen* and *New Soul Kitchen Remix* on CLEO TV and will debut a new national travel show on TV One at the top of 2025 named Savor the City. Follow him at @ChefJernard on social media. Savor the City: Tell us about your new show Savor the City. What type of foods can we expect to see? What cities will you be traveling to? What’s one thing you've learned on your journey with Savor the City? What are you looking for when you're featuring these Black-owned businesses? Talking Points/Questions *Southern Inspired CookBook: What inspired your cookbook? What are some of your favorite recipes from the book? How are you able to create 100 Southern-inspired recipes? How do you stay inspired to create new and authentic recipes? Holiday Questions: What recipes can we find in your cookbook that are perfect for the holidays? The perfect drink to pair with your cranberry and whiskey glazed ribs? Your mom is a baker, will you two collaborate in the kitchen this holiday season? How has she inspired your recipes? #STRAW #BEST #SHMS Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3 Jan 29min

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Friday, January 2nd, 2026: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Run That Prank Back - "CPS" | Ask The CLO | Ready For Company To Leave | Would You Rather | Comedy Roulette - A Relative Got So Drunk On New Year's Eve... | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Bad Potluck" | Strawberry Letter - "What's So Darn Funny?" Pt. 1-2 | Frisky Fitness | Social Media Advice | Top Soup Survey | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2 Jan 1h 32min

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Thursday, January 1st, 2026: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Run That Prank Back - "K Dogg" | Ask The CLO | Tell-All Biography | Would You Rather | Question For Unc| Nephew Tommy's Prank - "CPS" | Strawberry Letter - "How Did He Know Where To Put It?" Pt. 1-2 | Negative Thoughts | Social Media Advice Pt.1 | Social Media Advice Pt.2 | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2 Jan 1h 32min

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Angeletha Long. A 24-year Army veteran turned travel entrepreneur: 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To highlight Angeletha Long’s journey from military service to becoming a successful travel advisor and cruise expert, and to educate listeners—especially African Americans and veterans—on the benefits and opportunities of cruising as a travel experience and business venture. 🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Cruising as a Travel Experience Convenience & Value: Cruising offers all-inclusive packages covering accommodation, dining, entertainment, and transportation. Multi-generational Appeal: Popular among families traveling across generations. Variety of Activities: From Broadway-style shows to roller coasters and go-karts, cruises cater to adventure seekers and relaxation lovers alike. Food Culture: Cruises are known for their abundant and diverse food options, including buffets, specialty restaurants, and snack stations. “There is food here, there is food there, there is food everywhere. The one thing that you're not going to be on a cruise is hungry.” – Andelita Long 2. Military to Travel Industry Transition Inspired by her mother’s hospitality business in Jamaica. Military experience provided skills in logistics, planning, and resilience. Desire for flexibility and family time motivated her to pursue entrepreneurship. “Why do I want to keep punching the clock? … Why not do something that I love?” – Andelita Long 3. Representation & Empowerment Noted the lack of Black professionals in the travel industry. Advocates for creating space and visibility for African Americans in travel leadership. “If the table isn't big enough for us to fit there, we don't have to make our own table.” – Andelita Long 4. Veteran Travel Benefits Norwegian Cruise Line: Offers 10% discount for veterans. Margaritaville Cruise Line: Provides one free 3-night cruise per year for veterans. Long helps veterans access and maximize these benefits. “Margaritaville gives each veteran once a year a three-night free cruise. No cost to you.” – Andelita Long 5. Specialty Cruises & Community Promotes culturally rich cruises like “Grown & Sexy” charters focused on Black culture and entertainment. Encourages first-time cruisers and singles to explore group travel experiences. “It’s full of Black people. We got Black entertainers. Everything on there—it’s all about Black history, Black culture, Black power.” – Andelita Long 📞 Contact Information Website: mydreamvacationtravel.com Phone: (478) 334-0177 Email: Angeletha.Long@cruiseplanners.com #AMI #STRAW #BEST #SHMSSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 Jan 27min

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Wednesday, December 31st, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Run That Prank Back - "Wax That Ass" | Ask The CLO | Truth Be Told: Unattractive Family Members | Would You Rather | Comedy Roulette: Things You Say To Yourself When You're Mad | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "K Dogg" | Strawberry Letter - "He Said, She Said" Pt. 1-2 | Things you've NEVER Seen | Dating A Sick Man | Steve Harvey's Voicemail | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

31 Des 20251h 32min