In this powerful episode of Rich Lessons, we sit down with Alencia Johnson, activist, author, political strategist, and founder of 1063 West Broad. From advising presidential campaigns (Obama, Biden, Harris, Warren) to launching the iconic Stand With Black Women movement at Planned Parenthood, Alencia has made a career out of disrupting systems with purpose.
We dive into her origin story, rooted in the love and legacy of her grandmother. Alencia opens up about mental health, leaving behind “success” to find self-alignment, and how she wrote her national bestseller, Flip the Tables, a bold guide for everyday disruptors.
She shares what it means to “flip the table” in your own life, why Black women must prioritize rest, and how community and clarity are essential to personal and political transformation. We also talk faith, feminism, boundaries, being your own red flag, and navigating the noise in a world obsessed with highlight reels.
Whether you’re a leader, creative, or everyday change-maker, this episode will challenge and inspire you to disrupt yourself first, then the world.
🔑 Topics:
The story behind Flip the Tables
Faith, family & feminine power
Political organizing through culture
Mental health, self-sabotage, and healing
Why rest is resistance
Real talk on community, boundaries & purpose
Watch or listen now. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share.
Rich Lessons Podcast is Back!!
This week, the Rich Lessons podcast is back with an interview featuring Jasmine Monroe, who you may recognize from CBS’ Big Brother 24, as she dives into the creator economy and shares what it really takes to turn influencing into a full-time career. The new episode drops this Tuesday, so make sure you’re subscribed, and tell a friend to tell a friend!
Rich Takes
In this episode of Rich Takes, we break down two major headlines shaking up the economy and the tech world. First, President Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on imports from 68 countries—including Canada, India, Taiwan, and South Africa—could mean higher prices on everyday goods like groceries, electronics, and clothes. For entrepreneurs, this may lead to rising product costs and supply chain headaches—but also opens up new opportunities for domestic production and local sourcing. Next, we explore Mark Zuckerberg’s bold move to replace smartphones with AI-powered smartglasses. Imagine accessing real-time translation, coaching, or ChatGPT-like assistance straight from your eyewear. As wearable tech ramps up, privacy concerns will grow, and a whole new wave of app platforms and marketing strategies will emerge. Plus, did you know U.S. taxpayers can voluntarily donate to reduce the national debt? You can now contribute through Venmo and PayPal, though the impact is symbolic—total donations since 1996 cover just 20 minutes of federal spending. TL;DR: Rising prices, smarter glasses, and a government GoFundMe that won’t move the needle. Tune in for what these shifts mean for your wallet, your business, and the future of tech.
Welcome to Rich Takes, a new Thursday-ish segment from Rich Lessons, our unfiltered spin on hot takes, delivered in 15 minutes or less. Each week or every other week we're undecided, we break down the headlines shaping our world and our wallets. In this episode, we’re digging into the staggering exit of 300,000 Black women from the workforce over the last 90 days, the recent BET layoffs and what they signal for Black media, a growing interest in women-only Uber drivers and what that says about safety in the gig economy, and the rising impact of AI data centers on electricity, the environment, and the Southern communities where tech giants like Meta and xAI are taking root. Quick, sharp, and rooted in real talk, this is Rich Takes.
✨ New Episode Alert! ✨
In this episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena are dishing out some hot takes from Essence Fest — was it really a debacle, or just social media spin? They’re also sharing behind-the-scenes insights from their very first GRITS Dinner, exclusively for our newsletter subscribers and amazing women business owners and entrepreneurs.
Plus, they’re diving into the future of concerts: How are folks affording back-to-back shows? And should Beyoncé take a break after Act II? 👀
Tune in for this lighthearted, fun, and honest conversation. Listen now and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts — and don’t forget to watch us on YouTube too! 🎙️✨
#RichLessons #EssenceFest #GRITS #WomenInBusiness #PodcastLife #ConcertSeason
We're on a 2 week hiatus, so check out this episode from season 1! In this episode of Rich Lessons, Sheena and Sevetri share the top 10 mistakes they've made as entrepreneurs—and the powerful lessons learned from them. From the importance of execution over ideas to why cash flow is king, they break down what every founder needs to know. Tune in for honest insights on delegation, building the right team, and why resilience matters—but not at the cost of your mental health. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to avoid common pitfalls and feel seen in your journey, this episode is for you!
In this episode, we sit down with Roy A Glapion, who sold his testing and engineering company which helped him build generational wealth for his family. Roy is here to discuss wealth in Black communities, how we build it, how we keep it, and why we're still miles apart from white communities due to everything from redlining to mindset. This is an episode sure to ruffle some feathers, but it also delivers the kind of real conversation we don't have enough in our communities on money and generational wealth. Subscribe and follow us on instagram @richlessonspodcast and on Youtube!
In this episode, Sevetri and Sheena dive into the many layers of entrepreneurship that no one talks about. The pressure to perform, the loneliness at the top, the pivot moments and the real cost of chasing your dreams. This one's for anyone building something from the ground up or thinking about taking the leap into entrepreneurship.
She's worked with RIckey Smiley and wrote for Cedric the Entertainer for the Emmy's, so how does a girl from Mississippi go from the military to the mic? Comedian @ritabrentcomedy joins Sevetri and Sheena on this episode of Rich Lessons to share how she found her funny, took a leap of faith, and turned her talent into a full-time career.
You don’t want to miss this one 👀 #RichLessons #GRITS #WomenInComedy #FromMississippiWithLove #RitaBrent
In this episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena break down 10 business ideas they believe have the potential to generate six, seven, or even eight figures. From untapped markets to rising trends, they explore what each idea is, why it matters, and how they’d bring it to life. Whether you’re searching for your next big venture or just want to hear how two founders think through business opportunities, this episode delivers insight, strategy, and straight talk.
On this episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena travel to the DMV to interview Ashley Young, the co-founder, CEO, and lead stylist of Bridal Babes, a size-inclusive bridesmaid gown line. She launched the company with her husband, Charles, after struggling to find appropriate bridesmaid gowns for her wedding. Bridal Babes was featured on season 14 of ABC's Shark Tank and they received an investment from Skimms and Good American co-founder, Emma Grede. In this episode learn how she got picked for Shark Tank, if Emma is a good investor, how her and her husband are able to juggle building an empire and their personal life raising two boys and more. This episode is story of when work ethic meets opportunity.
In this deeply personal episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena sit down with Ronaldo Hardy, a former finance executive turned national CEO, lead pastor, artist, and unapologetic “people builder.” Ronaldo opens up about what it means to lead with both vision and vulnerability while living with ADHD.
He reflects on how the loss of his mother during the COVID-19 pandemic shook his world and reshaped his purpose. From navigating grief to embracing his divine calling, Ronaldo shares how ministry, leadership, and neurodivergence have come together to shape his identity, not as a limitation, but as a gift.
This conversation is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, resilience, and what it truly means to be designed for impact.
🎓 It’s graduation season across the country, and in this special LIVE taping of Rich Lessons at Dillard University, Sheena and Sevetri sit down with two of Dillard University’s honorary doctorate recipients during commencement week.
This episode is RICH in legacy, purpose, and power — featuring the untold stories of two phenomenal women who are breaking barriers and building futures.
Christal M. Jackson is a distinguished social entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for economic equity, renowned for her leadership in fostering inclusive wealth-building initiatives. ackson is the founder and CEO of Mosaic Genius, a social impact agency dedicated to constructing a sustainable ecosystem for wealth creation within communities of color globally. Gwendolyn Victoria Rainey is a trailblazing businesswoman, civic leader, and cultural visionary from New Orleans, best known as the founder of the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale (MKFF)—the first Mardi Gras krewe established by and for African American women. Since its founding in 2013, MKFF has grown from 13 members to over 1,400 women across more than 26 states, offering a vibrant platform for women of color in the city's iconic Carnival tradition.
In this powerful episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena sit down with financial educator, entrepreneur, and former Wall Street analyst Ashley Fox, founder of Amplify, to discuss her journey from managing millions for the wealthy to democratizing financial education for everyday people. Ashley opens up about her personal struggles, rebuilding after setbacks, and how she's bridging the gap between Wall Street and the 99%.
We dive deep into money mindset, investing for beginners, entrepreneurship challenges, and the importance of self-investment. Ashley shares candid insights on scaling a business, her love affair with Paris as a place of healing, and why building wealth starts with belief.
If you're interested in the stock market, an aspiring entrepreneur, a first-time investor, or simply seeking inspiration to bet on yourself, this episode is for you.
In this episode of Rich Lessons, we sit down with Timothy and Melodie Simmons, the powerhouse duo behind JourneyWell. From launching the brand in 2016 to opening a brand-new studio and office space, they share how grit, God, and vision fueled their path.
Tim shares how his roots in Baton Rouge and passion for empowering creators led to the birth of JourneyWell. Melodie brings her brilliance in branding, design, and joyful energy to the table—making them an unstoppable team.
Tune in for a real conversation about building something bigger than business: a mission to uplift creatives, communities, and purpose-driven work.
🎧 Available now on Spotify. #RichLessons #JourneyWell #PodcastStudioBuilders
In this episode, we dig into the hidden costs of global trade and who really pays the price. We break down how tariffs and shifting trade policies between the U.S. and China are reshaping the future for small businesses, from rising costs to supply chain hurdles. But we don't stop there: we also dive into the growing online debate around fake designer bags, exposing how classism and capitalism are deeply embedded in what we consume and how we judge it. Tune in for a real conversation about entrepreneurship, economics, and the complicated relationship between status, goods, and globalization.
Today marks Sevetri’s 2nd wedding anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than by pulling back the curtain on the big day? We’re joined by Anissa Coleman, CEO of Elegance by Ace and the mastermind behind Sevetri’s wedding, to talk all things luxury wedding planning. From budgets to vendor wrangling, tune in as we break down the true cost, time, and talent it takes to bring a high-end wedding to life. Whether you're planning your own or just love a good behind-the-scenes moment, this episode breaks it all down and be sure to watch the video on Youtube for some special behind the scenes footage of Sevetri's wedding.
In this inspiring episode of Rich Lessons, we sit down with entrepreneur and boutique owner Tia Whittington, the powerhouse behind H Kyle Boutique. From the classroom to the fashion world, Tia shares how she went from teaching preschool to building a thriving e-commerce business while being a mom, wife, and one-woman show.
She opens up about her journey from substitute teaching to launching on Etsy, surviving the pandemic with scripture-inspired apparel, transitioning from brick-and-mortar to online, and how she bootstrapped her way to success without investors.
If you’ve ever thought about starting a boutique, launching a brand from scratch, or balancing business and motherhood, this episode is for you.
On this episode, Sevetri and Sheena dive into the “cost of success”—or better yet, what no one tells you about having more: more money, more knowledge, more to give, and more for others to take. They share personal reflections on how success can bring unexpected challenges, from emotional burnout to shifting relationships, and why boundaries become more essential than ever.
Sevetri and Sheena are back and leveling ALL the way up with new guests, in-studio vibes, and the realest convos yet.
This season, they are diving into everything from generational wealth and the good (and bad) of money, to protecting yourself and your business — and yes, even marriage and relationships.
Hit follow on your favorite podcast platform + subscribe on YouTube.
Lock in. Subscribe. Tell a friend. Let’s make this the biggest season of Rich Lessons yet!
