Send us a text Garrick Dixon is a multifaceted talent—comedian, entrepreneur, and master barber—whose journey from a basement barbershop in Maryland to national television exemplifies hustle and creativity. Starting his barbering career at just 12 years old, Garrick turned his passion into a thriving business, eventually founding Dixon's 1737, a men's grooming brand that pays homage to his roots and caters specifically to the unique needs of Black men. Beyond the barber chair, Garrick ...

Send us a text Rayquan Smith, known as the "King of NIL," is a multi-sport athlete and entrepreneur who made waves in college athletics through his strategic approach to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. A former football player and track athlete at Norfolk State University, Smith secured his first NIL partnership in 2021 and has since amassed over 80 brand deals with companies like Coach, Crocs, and CVS. His success in navigating the NIL landscape led him to co-found SponsorPro, a digit...

Send us a text Born and raised in the South Bronx during Hip Hop’s golden era, Earl Lugo got his start in the culture through graffiti, DJing, and breakdancing. A true Hip Hop pioneer, he evolved from spinning records as DJ EZL to becoming a major force behind the scenes. After relocating to Virginia and later Orlando, he built Big Earl Productions—a powerhouse promotions and marketing agency that worked with legends like Fat Joe, Big Pun, DMX, and Akon. Recognized by the Universal Zulu Natio...

Send us a text Aaliyah Duah is a 20-year-old recent HBCU graduate who founded Financial Revolution, a company dedicated to financial literacy. She is also a published author, an investor, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She has received numerous awards, including HBCU Entrepreneur of the Year, and is being recognized by McDonald's as a 2023 McDonald's Black & Positively Golden Change Leader. Aaliyah is passionate about promoting financial empowerment and making financial ...

Send us a text Travis Jones is the founder of SW3 Sports, an organization dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential both on and off the field. With over a decade of coaching experience, Travis is passionate about empowering athletes to unlock their hidden talents and achieve greatness. Inspired by perseverance and the power of financial literacy, he launched SW3 Sports to enrich lives through sports media, marketing, and NIL education. Rooted in the mindset “Some Will, Some Wo...

Send us a text Robin L. Brown, owner of Robin Laura Events, turned a personal challenge into a thriving business. After struggling to find the perfect venue for a dinner party, Robin used her 17 years of expertise in retail operations to transform her small New York City apartment into an elegant, cozy gathering space. The event was a hit, and soon her guests began requesting her creative and detail-driven event planning services for their own celebrations. Robin’s passion for event planning...

Send us a text Ayanna McMullen is a Community Builder, Broker & Believer. In her roles as a Professional Organizer, Business Support Strategist, Community Engagement Strategist, Educator and Social Entrepreneur, Ayanna’s superpower is igniting individuals and organizations to focus, flow and grow through connection, creation, and collaboration. Her company Harmony Organizing provides a holistic suite of personal and business support services that propel individuals and ...

Send us a text Nadia Greene is a native of Richmond, Virginia. She recently graduated from Georgetown University, where she obtained her M.A. in Communication, Culture, and Technology and developed an interest in strategic communications and corporate social responsibility. While at Georgetown, Nadia served as Chief of Staff for the Black Graduate Student Alliance. Nadia is also a proud alumna of Howard University where she earned a B.A. in International Affairs. Ms. Greene is passionate abou...

Send us a text Lara Figures is a trailblazing Real Estate Developer with a deep-seated passion for supporting unhoused individuals. With a career dedicated to transforming urban landscapes, she has been instrumental in developing innovative housing solutions that prioritize accessibility and affordability. Her commitment to social impact extends beyond traditional real estate practices; she is a vocal advocate for initiatives that address homelessness and promote sustainable living. Lara’s un...

Send us a text Don’t miss this week’s episode of Malik’s First Job Podcast, featuring Real Estate Developer Lara Figures of UrbanRiseBuilders. New episode drops on Wednesday at 6:00 PM. Available on YouTube and all streaming platforms.

Send us a text Isaiah King is the founder of 1 Motion Apparel. He is a recent graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond, VA, and will be playing football at Elizabeth City State University this fall. He has been in business for over an year, and has seen over $70K in sales, so far. He expects to make over $250K, next year Connect with Isaiah King: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1motionapparel.co Website: ...

Send us a text Brendan Brown is a motivational speaker and podcaster who began at age 14. He found his niche in self-improvement in early 2021, expanded his podcast in video format to YouTube and Spotify in 2022. He rebranded the name from "Brendan Brown's Collection of Facts and Theories" to "The Development Pod" in 2023. Brendan released his first book, "Do You Need Any Help," on November 18, 2023, and his second, "Brilliant Ambitions," soon after on March 21, 2024. He launched ...

Send us a text DAYMOND JOHN Daymond John is a renowned entrepreneur, investor, and television personality, best known as the founder and CEO of the urban fashion brand FUBU (For Us, By Us). He started FUBU with childhood friends, J. Alexander Martin, Keith Perrin, and Carlton Brown. Rising from humble beginnings in Queens, New York, John transformed FUBU into a global powerhouse, earning billions in revenue and revolutionizing the fashion industry with its streetwear influence. He is also a p...

Send us a text 5 Key Lessons from Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! By Robert Kiyosaki. Links to purchase: Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids about Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert Kiyosaki https://amzn.to/45KXSm7 Rich Kid Smart Kid: Giving Your Child a Financial Head Start by Robert Kiyosaki https://amzn.to/3zhWKKB Cash Flow Board Game https://amzn.to/3RL5IGQ Malik’s First Job: Finan...

Send us a text Introducing youth entrepreneurs Michael Wu and Alex Wu!! Michael Wu, who is 9 years old, creates abstract fluid art on canvas using acrylic paints. He loves experimenting with ways to paint. For example, he enjoys using his toys, a blow torch, straws, or blow dryers. He sells prints, greeting cards and original art on canvas Alex Wu, who is 7 years old, loves fossil hunting and finding shells on the beach. He sells shark teeth necklaces, shells and fos...

Send us a text Meet Youth Entrepreneur Evie of Abstract Impact. She is a 9-year-old artist on a mission to bring unique, one-of-a-kind abstract paintings and prints to all of you.Through selling her artwork, she is not just creating beautiful pieces, but also learning how to be a real entrepreneur. Join her on this colorful journey, and make an impact together! Connect with Abstract Impact: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abstractimpact Get a G...

Send us a text Meet Ahkira Haskins of Ahkirations. She is a 13-year-old entrepreneur, who makes reverse tie dye clothing. She has been in business since 2018 and specializes in handmade products. Connect with Ahkirations: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahkirations Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahkirations Email: ahkirations@gmail.com Get a Greenlight Debit Card for Your...

Send us a text Welcome back Amenptah Haskins, the youthful entrepreneur behind Ptah's Penny Candy. Launching in 2019 at the tender age of 5, inspired by his sister's business Ahkirations, Amenptah embarked on his entrepreneurial journey. With a profound love for candy, Amenptah's mother guided him towards starting his own candy enterprise. Initially, Amenptah began with traditional candy sales, offering treats individually. However, his repertoire has since expanded to include candy bouquets ...

Send us a text Hassan Fountain is the Owner of the ABA Basketball Team, the Richmond Ram Chargers. He is also the founder of Fountain for Youth Foundation, which has opened 19 Community Childrens Libraries throughout Central Virginia, Southwestern Virginia and Northern North Carolina. To date, they have placed over 142,000 children’s books into the hands of young readers. Hassan is also the father of 7 children, including 2 Army and Marine veterans. Connect with The Richmond Ram Chargers: Ins...

Send us a text Chike Ozuka is a licensed financial professional who teaches and guides families how to build wealth. He has worked with teens for the past 17 years and is very passionate about generational wealth and building it from the ground up. He is also the author of the book, “The Teen’s Guide to WEALTH”, available at www.teensguidetowealth.com Connect with Chike Ozuka Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/chike_ozuka Twitter(X): https://t...