BOBs in the 'Burbs

Hosted by Ashley L. James

Business Entrepreneurship

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Aug 2026

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About the show

For those who love a hidden gem and great conversation, BOBs in the 'Burbs is a podcast that features leadership talks to help you find, fund, and amplify Black-owned businesses in suburban areas and beyond. Join your host, Ashley L. James, founder of ALJ Digital, as she sits down with thought leaders you’ll love to support. From agency founders to boutique owners, the visionaries behind these businesses are redefining suburban excellence. Tune in to get inspired, enjoy expert insights and join a community of people who know that buying Black is a power move.

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12 recent

August 21, 202626 min

Building A Purpose-Driven Business | Karyn Lee - KLee Luxury Wigs

This episode of BOBs in the 'Burbs is like a perfect salon refresh, leaving you feeling transformed, confident, and restored! We are so excited to sit down with the compassionate Karyn Lee, owner of KLee Luxury Wigs in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She’s opening up about how she turned 28 years of hair care mastery into a deeply personal mission that restores dignity and self-love for cancer patients and survivors. In this episode: The "Wiggy Wig" Realization: How Karyn noticed her clients battling cancer were losing their identity behind unnatural store-bought wigs, inspiring her to craft custom, natural-looking raw hair units. The Burn Test: Why the term "human hair" can be misleading, and Karyn’s simple trick using fire to tell synthetic blends apart from 100% raw donor hair. Closing Deals & Giving Back: How Karyn seamlessly blends her dual-career hustle as a Keller Williams real estate agent by donating a custom luxury wig to a cancer patient for every home closing. Intimate & Safe Spaces: Why transition from a fast-paced Nashville salon to a private Murfreesboro studio was crucial to protecting her clients' privacy and comfort. To keep the convo going, find Karyn on: Instagram: @KLeeWigs Facebook: KLee Luxury Wigs TikTok: @KLEELuxuryWigs In-Person Studio: 316 West Lytle Street, Murfreesboro, TN Find the complete show notes and transcript here .

May 22, 202651 min

Aligning A Deep Sense of Purpose With Profit | Desiree Whitehead - Howl Marketing

This episode of BOBs in the 'Burbs is like a perfectly mapped out 90-day growth strategy: it’s precise, it’s impactful, and it gives you immediate momentum! On this episode, Ashley sits down with Desiree Whitehead, the brilliant founder of Howl Marketing. Desiree takes us on her incredible journey from the heart-led spaces of the nonprofit sector straight to scaling tech startups to massive valuations. She’s giving up the deets on how leading with an "integrity cap" is the ultimate secret weapon for building true authority and long-term business success. Highlights of the Episode: In this episode: The Non-Profit Soul: How Desiree spent 10 years mastering the art of storytelling and high-impact work before diving into the corporate world. The Integrity Cap: Why hitting a values ceiling in corporate America—rather than a financial ceiling—inspired her to step into her own dopeness as a CEO. Watching Greatness in Motion: The jaw-dropping story of how she stepped in to build the brand identity and marketing framework for Brink Drones, scaling them from a 2-person concept to a $300 million valuation. The Growth Agency Stack: Desiree breaks down how underutilized tools like LinkedIn, heat-mapping via Hot Jar, and AI can help small businesses thrive. To keep the convo going, find Desiree on: Instagram: @HowlMarketingHQ TikTok: @HowlMarketingHQ LinkedIn: Howl Marketing YouTube: @HowlMarketing Website: Howl-Marketing.com For those who love a hidden gem and great conversation, BOBs in the 'Burbs is a podcast that features leadership talks to help you find, fund, and amplify Black-owned businesses in suburban areas and beyond. Join your host, Ashley L. James, founder of ALJ Digital, as she sits down with thought leaders you'll love to support. From agency founders to boutique owners, the visionaries behind these businesses are creating success on their own terms. Tune in to get inspired, enjoy expert insights and join a community of people who know that buying Black is a power move. Stay in the loop with us: BOBs Online | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram

April 22, 202632 min

How Authentic Connections Lead to Success | Monique Overstreet - Creative Conversations Therapy

In this inspiring interview, Monique Overstreet shares her journey from aspiring school counselor to successful mental health practice owner in Lexington, North Carolina. She discusses building authentic client relationships, overcoming challenges as a Black entrepreneur, and leveraging community resources to grow her business.To keep the convo going, find Monique on: LinkedIn Website Psychology Today Chapters00:00 Building Bridges in Mental Health03:42 The Journey to Therapy06:00 Creating Meaningful Connections07:50 Navigating Business in a Small Community10:36 Leveraging Resources for Growth13:04 The Importance of Community and Networking14:53 Overcoming Stigmas in Therapy16:52 Trusting the Process19:03 Personal Growth and Reflection20:25 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs22:03 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations31:07 Outro

March 19, 202620 min

The Importance of a Strong Digital Presence | Cliff Blade Blade Marketing and Design

In this episode of BOBs in the 'Burbs, I'm chatting with Cliff from a digital marketing agency that started back in 2018 helping local businesses in El Paso, Texas. What began with Facebook marketing for carpet cleaners and dry cleaning stores has grown into a full-service operation offering WordPress website design and local SEO. Cliff gets real about the journey, the lessons learned, and why your digital presence matters more than you might think! 🎙️ To keep the convo going, find Cliff on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Cliff-Blade https://www.facebook.com/BladeMrktDesign https://www.instagram.com/BladeMrktDesign Chapters 0:00 Introduction to Digital Presence 1:23 Podcast Introduction 2:06 Cliff's Background and Business Journey 5:01 Importance of Digital Branding 7:04 Challenges in Business 8:16 Social Media and Networking 13:20 SEO and AI in Business 16:22 Personal Interests and Relaxation 18:01 Advice for Future Entrepreneurs 19:03 Closing Remarks and Contact Information Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss our monthly episodes featuring amazing Black-owned businesses!

February 20, 202637 min

The Power of Belief in Entrepreneurship | Echell Eady - Eady Consulting Group

In this conversation with Echell Eady of Eady Consulting Group, we got real about trusting your gut when you're in the building phase (even when that inner voice is trying to shut you down). We also explored: What substance use recovery support looks like in Middle Tennessee Trusting yourself in the face of doubt Doing your research and being authentic Unexpected challenges that some business owners face This one was exactly what my entrepreneurial soul needed to hear! 🎯 Let me know in the comments if you agree. Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss our monthly episodes featuring amazing Black-owned businesses!

January 16, 202626 min

Centering Black Entrepreneurship | Barron Russell - Boro Office Solutions

Welcome back to BOBs in the 'Burbs! 🎙️In this episode, I sit down with Barron Russell from Boro Office Solutions in Murfreesboro, TN, and let me tell you, this conversation is packed with gems. Barron gets real about his entrepreneurial journey, sharing both the victories and challenges.Here's what we're talking about:• How Barron built his business from the ground up• Why social media marketing isn't optional anymore (even if you're not a fan)• The suburban vs. urban business scene (it's different out here!)• Finding mentors and building your network• Barron's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs• Plus, we get to know the person behind the businessWhether you're just starting out or you've been in the game for a while, Barron shares insights that'll make you think differently about building a business.Drop a comment and let me know your biggest takeaway! Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss our monthly episodes featuring amazing Black-owned businesses!To keep the convo going, find Barron on:Facebook: Boro Office Solutions Instagram: ⁠ @Boro_Office_Solutions Website: BoroOfficeSolutions.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Barron Russell and Boro Office Solutions 03:34 Barron's Journey of Starting a Business 06:17 Services Offered and Community Impact 08:47 Challenges of Running a Brick-and-Mortar Business 11:13 Team Dynamics and Community Initiatives 13:35 Marketing Strategies and Social Media Presence 16:03 Advice for Aspiring Black Entrepreneurs 18:53 Networking and Finding Mentors 21:29 Differences Between Urban and Suburban Business 23:24 Personal Interests 25:37 Closing Remarks

May 16, 202434 min

Cooking Up Community with Chef Chantay | Chantay Skrine - Sweetay's LLC

This time the spotlight is on the inspiring Chantay Skrine, the powerhouse behind Sweetay's, a restaurant full of delicious creativity in the heart of Johnson City, New York. If you've ever dreamed of turning your passion into your paycheck, Chantay's story is the pep talk you didn't know you needed. She spills the beans on how she brought Sweetay's to life, stirred up a community of supporters, and seasoned it all with a sprinkle of digital savvy using Facebook and Canva to spread the word. - How Chantay's passion for food led her to open her culinary business. - How Sweetay's in Johnson City, New York gets major love from the community - Using Facebook and creating eye-catching content with Canva - Chantay's recommends for your next read and playlist addition Keep the convo going, find Sweetay’s on: Facebook: Sweetay's LLC Instagram: @SweetaysLLC Click Here for Full Show Notes

March 21, 202444 min

Taking Work From Daunting to Done | Renee and Dr Ramon Goings - Done Dissertation

Oh the insights! 💎💎 In this episode, the spotlight is on the remarkable duo, Dr. Ramon and Renee Goings of Done Dissertation. They share their innovative approach to easing the dissertation journey for doctoral students, unpack the lessons learned on their entrepreneurial journey and stress the value of embracing imperfection. Along the way, we mix in some Aries love, a little Jeezy and celebrate the vibrant Black community in Laurel, Maryland. So, whether you're navigating your own dissertation journey, looking to elevate your digital presence, or simply enjoy a dose of inspiration sprinkled with practical wisdom, this episode has what you want! In this episode: - Operating in Laurel, Maryland - Challenges in Building Done Dissertation - Tools and Strategies for Building Connections - Prioritizing Actions that Lead to Revenue - What to Read, Watch or Listen To Keep the convo going, find Done Dissertation on: Facebook: @DoneDissCoach Instagram: @DoneDissCoach Twitter: @DoneDissCoach LinkedIn: Ramon Goings YouTube: @DoneDissertation YouTube Podcast: @GoingsOnTheRecord Website: TheDoneDissertation.com

February 15, 202430 min

Canva Creations Make This Cafe Insta-Bae | Jessica Haynes - Local Joe West

There's a strong shot of social media wisdom, a sprinkle of humor, and a hearty serving of entrepreneurial spirit in this chit-chat! In this episode Jessica Haynes, the coffee queen of Local Joe West, spills the tea on running a cafe with her hubby, Jeff, in Ewa Beach, Hawaii! Get the 411 on all the best teas, staying inspired through entrepreneurship, a little Murder She Wrote and creating an Instagram-worthy coffee experience! In this episode: How Local Joe West connects with and uplifts their surrounding community. Using Canva to create posts that pop on Instagram and more. Staying balanced as a Black entrepreneur and being unapologetically you! What's work without play? We dive into fun tidbits about Jessica. Keep the convo going, find Local Joe West on: Instagram: @LocalJoeWest Facebook: Local Joe West Website: : LocalJoeWest.com

February 9, 202422 min

Mixing Mom Life With Business on Social | Ayana Pettway - DIM Creations

Meet the incredible Ayana Pettway, the powerhouse behind DIM Creations, serving up customized shirts, party favors, and more! She brilliantly channels the power of social media to showcase her thriving business while staying unapologetically relatable. Find Ayana on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourdimcreation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourdimcreations/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dimcreations Follow us to see more of this interview series as we shine a light on Black-owned businesses in suburban areas!