Starting strong gets the spotlight — but how you finish defines your legacy. In this episode, Kendra and Leslie explore why endings matter just as much as beginnings in business, leadership, and life. From closing a company to leaving a job or ending a partnership, the way you exit reveals your values, your integrity, and your emotional intelligence. The hosts unpack what it means to “finish well,” how to navigate transitions with grace, and why your final impression often determines the opportunities that come next. They also spotlight Diarrha Ndiaye Mbaye, founder of Ami Colé, whose recent, transparent closure of her brand, followed by her new role as VP of Beauty and Fragrance at Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS exemplifies what it looks like to move forward with authenticity and strength. Tune in for: Real talk on endings, pivots, and evolution in entrepreneurship Lessons on maintaining relationships and reputation during transitions A blueprint for exiting with purpose, gratitude, and grace Because in leadership and in life how you exit is just as important as how you start.

Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and Leslie Roberson get real about the one thing that powers every win in business (and life): how you treat people. From juggling motherhood and meetings to navigating tough “no’s,” they break down the soft skills that drive hard results—researching before the call, asking smarter questions, reading the room, and closing the loop with thoughtful follow-ups. Leslie pulls from years in talent acquisition to share why your final touchpoint matters most, how to be a good steward of introductions, and the virtual etiquette (turn your camera on!) that shapes your personal brand. Plus: the group chat, a quick Oregon detour, and a reminder that confidence and character are your ultimate calling cards. You’ll learn: A simple prep framework for first meetings The art of the ask—and the responsibility of the connector Why endings (thank-yous, updates, rejections) build long-term equity Virtual meeting cues that signal respect and credibility How reciprocity, accountability, and kindness compound over time Rate, review, and comment how you’re nurturing relationships this week

In this episode of Business of the Beat, co-hosts Kendra and Leslie explore the powerful return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and what it says about the future of beauty, fashion, and female empowerment. Once known for its narrow definition of “sexy,” Victoria’s Secret is undergoing a bold transformation—renovating, refocusing, and reclaiming its legacy through authenticity and inclusion. With athletes like Angel Reese and Suni Lee stepping onto the runway, the brand is bridging performance and beauty in a way that celebrates confidence, strength, and real stories of womanhood. Kendra and Leslie unpack how this cultural reboot reflects a broader movement: the rise of athletes as beauty icons, the blending of sport and style, and the power of evolving with purpose. Tune in for a conversation that connects the dots between cultural relevance, brand reinvention, and the unstoppable force of women redefining beauty on their own terms.

Live from the Women of Color in Retail B.I.G. Summit in NYC, hosts Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and Leslie Roberson welcome Karla Davis of Bath & Body Works and Kareena Phillips of LaGuardia Gateway Partners to Business of the Beat. Karla unpacks how brands can reimagine retail—elevating store experiences, showing up on college campuses, and building with culture. Kareena shares how airport retail is evolving with local pop-ups, food programs, and traveler-first design. From omni-channel buzzwords to birthday laughs and rapid-fire Q&A, this episode is packed with insights for founders, retailers, and anyone rethinking the future of retail.

For the first time on Business of the Beat, Kendra welcomes her mom, Teresa Bledsoe, for a heartfelt conversation on leadership, love, and entrepreneurship. Together, they reflect on Teresa’s journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur, the side hustles that shaped Kendra’s early experiences, and the generational wisdom passed from grandmother to mother to daughter. This intimate conversation highlights stories and experiences rooted in resilience, legacy, and the importance of “treating people right and doing the best you can.” Tune in for inspiration, laughter, advice for working moms, and the reminder to not miss out on following your dreams—no matter your age.

In this episode of Business of the Beat, co-hosts Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and Leslie Roberson return for Part 2 of their candid conversation, taking listeners deeper into their personal journeys. From daily rituals and guilty pleasures to nostalgic TV favorites and the beauty trends that shaped their perspectives, Kendra and Leslie open up about the experiences that continue to influence their lives and careers. They share reflections on dream jobs, the evolution of their partnership, and the importance of health practices and personal growth in sustaining success. With honesty and humor, the hosts highlight the tools they rely on for resilience while envisioning the next chapters of their journey. ✨ Tune in for inspiration, laughter, and lessons on balance, business, and becoming your best self. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

In this episode of *Business of the Beat*, hosts **Kendra Bracken-Ferguson** and **Leslie Roberson** open up about their personal and professional journeys, reflecting on the big wins, defining moments, and pivotal relationships that have shaped their careers.

In part two of our deep dive into beauty retail shake-ups, Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and Leslie Roberson break down Bath & Body Works’ surprising move onto college campuses. Is it a genius strategy or just a gimmick? The hosts unpack what this means for Gen Z consumers, the future of retail touchpoints, and how innovation from brands like LumiNicole is paving the way for beauty in high-traffic spaces like airports, hotels, and bookstores. Plus, Kendra and Leslie share personal parenting wins and candid insights into building models where everybody wins. Tune in to hear why the future of beauty isn’t just about what you sell—it’s about where you sell it.

In this episode of Business of the Beat, hosts Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and Leslie Roberson reflect on their latest wins, including a successful event in Martha’s Vineyard. They dive into the shifting retail landscape with a candid discussion on the Ulta x Target partnership ending—what it means for emerging brands, the role of DEI in retail, and the future of the shop-in-shop model. Kendra and Leslie also share their vision for Lumina Cole, their venture dedicated to amplifying underrepresented brands. Plus, they drop a teaser for next week’s episode featuring Bath & Body Works. ✨ Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

We’re re-releasing this powerful Season One conversation with Tisha Thompson, founder and CEO of LYS Beauty, to celebrate key milestones that have been accomplished in the past 4 years! When this episode first aired in 2021, LYS had just launched as the first Black-owned clean cosmetics brand at Sephora. Today, Tisha has secured historic eight-figure funding and expanded into every Sephora door across the U.S., Canada, and Australia, plus nearly 900 Sephora at Kohl’s locations. Alongside of this expansion, Business of the Beat host, Kendra Bracken-Ferguson was appointed to the LYS Beauty Board of Directors. LYS continues to redefine clean beauty with inclusivity and accessibility at its core. Listen in as Tisha shares her inspiring path from makeup artist and accountant to beauty industry trailblazer, and why representation, intentionality, and purpose-driven development remain at the heart of her success.

In this powerful episode, Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and Leslie Roberson unpack the emotional and structural implications behind the closing of beloved beauty brand Ami Colé. More than a business decision, it's a mirror reflecting the industry's persistent challenges—from DEI rollback and consumer perception, to the burden of founder identity and the urgency of leadership evolution. With raw honesty and deep industry insight, the hosts explore what this moment means for Black beauty founders, how we build for sustainability, and the importance of pivoting with purpose. They honor the legacy of Ami Colé and call for accountability, while also sharing the behind-the-scenes lessons shaping their own venture, LumiNicole Beauty. Tune in for a candid conversation on community, leadership, and the future of inclusive beauty.

In this fiery and heartfelt episode, co-hosts Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and Leslie Roberson return from a whirlwind 10-day experience at the AMAC National Airport Conference and The ESSENCE Festival of Culture as Hyatt Regency New Orleans official beauty partners. From late-night Lauryn Hill debates to industry backlash around Target’s presence, they unpack it all—honestly and unapologetically. Kendra and Leslie dive into the big wins, behind-the-scenes realities, and the economic and cultural dynamics shaping Essence Festival 2025. They also tackle deeper conversations around diaspora tensions, the DEI fallout impacting Black-owned platforms, and why cultural accountability and unity matter more now than ever. Tune in for hot takes, some laughs, and a passionate reminder that we’re stronger together. Oh—and don’t miss their brand new segment: What’s the Big Win?

In this powerful conversation from Season 1, originally recorded in the early days of her brand's journey, Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye—founder of Ami Colé—joins us to share the inspiration behind her clean beauty line created for melanin-rich skin. Rooted in her Senegalese heritage and her mother’s Harlem beauty salon, Ami Colé was more than a brand—it was a love letter to her community. Now, four years later, we revisit this episode with reverence and reflection, as Diarrha recently announced the closing of Ami Colé in a heartfelt essay for The Cut. Her story, both then and now, reminds us that success is not just in the launch but also in the grace of knowing when to pivot. As we celebrate Diarrha’s visionary leadership, we honor the mark she made on the beauty industry—a legacy of representation, care, and soul-deep affirmation for those long overlooked. “I’m building this for my younger self, for my community, for every girl who walked into a store and didn’t see herself.” — Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye, Business of the Beat, Season 1: Episode 11 This episode is a testament to beginnings, to brave endings, and to the enduring power of building with purpose.

In this special episode of Business of the Beat, we welcome back Angel Cornelius, founder of Maison 276, alongside hosts Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and Leslie Roberson. Recorded live from New Orleans during the ESSENCE Festival of Culture®, Angel shares her inspiring journey—pivoting from a successful corporate career to building a nationally distributed beauty brand featured at Walmart and QVC. She reflects on the New Orleans roots that shaped her, the legacy of her childhood home at 276, and her mission to create a sophisticated line of plant-based, sustainable beauty products—proving it’s never too late to start. Angel also opens up about the power of faith, family, and sisterhood in sustaining her path. Plus, go behind the scenes of her partnership with LumiNicole Beauty as a featured brand at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans during Essence Fest. Whether you're an aspiring founder or deep in the trenches of building your legacy, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and redefining what it means to be in your prime.

Kendra Bracken-Ferguson welcomes her new co-host, fellow powerhouse entrepreneur Leslie Roberson, to Business of the Beat. In this exciting new series, the duo will dive deep into the business of beauty—covering everything from retail and ingredients to product strategy and the powerful founder stories behind the brands. Recorded fresh from the ESSENCE Festival of Culture® in New Orleans, this debut episode unveils the origin story of their new venture, LumiNicole Beauty and takes listeners behind the scenes of their launch and strategic partnership with Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Get ready for real talk, plenty of laughs, and inspiring insights as Leslie officially joins Business of the Beat.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, the incomparable Jessica Cruel, Editor-in-Chief of Allure and Self magazines speaks to power, purpose and the beauty of leadership.. From making her first magazine in high school to leading two of the most iconic brands in beauty and wellness, Jessica’s journey is a masterclass in authenticity, agility, and ambition. Jessica opens up about what it truly means to lead with purpose—managing a multimillion-dollar P&L while staying rooted in storytelling, representation, and her Southern values. She talks candidly about natural hair, industry change, data-driven decisions, and how to balance strategy and soul in a fast-evolving media landscape. Plus, Jessica drops a surprise about her upcoming book Single Happy Female, shares her go-to beauty routine, and reminds us why legacy is built one intentional choice at a time. Tune in for a conversation full of laughter, lessons, and leadership gems you won’t want to miss.

On this enlightening episode of Business of the Beat, host Kendra Bracken-Ferguson is joined by LaShasta Bell, licensed counselor and certified sleep science expert, for a transformative conversation on the power of rest, healing, and holistic wellness. Together, they explore how childhood experiences shape our relationship with sleep, the long-term effects of sleep deprivation, and how rest is not a luxury, but a birthright. LaShasta shares her journey from school counseling to building a mission-driven brand rooted in the Optimal Life Framework—a method focused on mental health, emotional harmony, and purposeful living. The episode dives into: How sleep directly impacts mental health and emotional clarity The value of community and collective healing Tools like brain dumps and intentional rest for emotional regulation LaShasta’s upcoming retreat focused on harmony and restoration If you’ve ever struggled to prioritize rest or wondered how to create a balanced, purpose-driven life—this conversation is your wake-up call to slow down and reclaim your power. Tune in now and find more episodes like this on the Mean Ole Lion Media app. Don’t forget to follow, rate, comment, and share with someone who needs a rest reset.

**Rerelease: Business of the Beat with Kendra Bracken-Ferguson & Lisa Price** In this must-listen episode of *Business of the Beat*, host **Kendra Bracken-Ferguson** sits down with **Lisa Price**, the visionary founder of **Carol’s Daughter**, to discuss her incredible entrepreneurial journey. From mixing products in her Brooklyn kitchen to building a groundbreaking beauty empire, Lisa shares the challenges, triumphs, and lessons that shaped her path. With recent headlines celebrating her **historic move to buy back Carol’s Daughter from L’Oréal**, this conversation is more relevant than ever. Lisa and Kendra dive into the **importance of mentorship, navigating success in the Black community, and building generational wealth**. Lisa also reflects on **having Carol’s Daughter featured in the Smithsonian**, the power of **Black-owned beauty brands**, and the responsibility of **uplifting future entrepreneurs**. They also discuss **executive coaching, corporate culture shifts, and negotiating one’s worth**, offering valuable insights for anyone in business. Plus, they share **product recommendations** and explore the significance of **representation in the beauty industry**.

Keta Burke-Williams, the visionary founder of the conscious fragrance brand Ourside, shares her inspiring journey of creating a brand that celebrates diverse stories and fosters community connections. She reveals how scent became a form of escape and self-care, leading her to establish Ourside. Keta highlights the significance of community and mentorship in her entrepreneurial path and details the meticulous process behind launching a successful brand. Keta delves into the "test and learn" approach in business, discussing the balance between striving for perfection and embracing iterative improvement. She emphasizes the critical role of retail for fragrance brands, explaining her strategic partnerships with Credo Beauty and Bergdorf Goodman to position Ourside as a luxury offering. Addressing the unique challenges Black founders face in the luxury market, Keta underscores the importance of strategic partnerships and sustainable growth. She highlights the necessity of patience, readiness, and building a supportive community before pursuing rapid expansion. Keta also shares practical tips for increasing fragrance longevity and expresses her excitement for Ourside’s future, including the development of new scents and potential new product formats like candles. Follow @Ourside.NYC or visit https://ourside.nyc/. Use code BOTB for 10% off Ourside products! Tune in to learn more from Keta and Kendra!

Kenya Carter, the visionary founder of Shapes Clothing, explores her inspiring journey from North Tulsa to the heights of fashion design. Kenya shares how a childhood love for art and fashion evolved into a dynamic career through unexpected twists and bold decisions. From running a salon with her sister to discovering fashion through a serendipitous show in Las Vegas, Kenya's story is a testament to the power of taking risks and embracing new opportunities. We delve into Kenya’s unique path, including her experience juggling family responsibilities while attending fashion school and how she leveraged her background in advertising and human relations to excel as an image consultant. Kenya’s journey highlights the importance of using one's talents to uplift others and how diverse experiences can culminate in a fulfilling career. Kenya’s reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her career and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Visit https://www.buildintulsa.com/programs/w-e-build and stay tuned for part 2! Follow @KenyaCarter or visit https://shapesclothing.com/ Tune in to learn more from Kenya and Kendra!