Business First w/Sonia Alleyne

Hosted by Mean Ole Lion Media

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Episodes

182

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

At the Business First Podcast hosted by Sonia Alleyne our mission is simple: we want to help Black and Brown Business owners make their businesses Better, Bigger and Bolder. Listen weekly as we provide information and inspiration for new and established business owners, entrepreneurs and those looking to turn that side hustle into a their main hustle. We'll feature guests with dynamic stories to inspire, motivate and guide you wherever you are in your business journey.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 13, 202623 min

The Business of Make Up

On this episode of Business First with Sonia Aline, Sonia welcomes Marquel Javontei, a second-generation owner of Bovanti Cosmetics, for a conversation about beauty, entrepreneurship, and building on a legacy her parents began in 1982. Marquel shares how growing up in the family business shaped her path—from watching her mother teach makeup techniques to selling cosmetics with her sister at Hampton University. Although she once planned to become a lawyer, beauty remained her calling, leading her to expand the family brand and establish her own location at Bowie Town Center in Maryland. For Marquel, the work goes beyond selling products. She explains why hands-on education is central to the Bovanti experience, helping customers understand their makeup, find their foundation match, and feel confident using what they take home. She also discusses training apprentices, learning from her Gen Z team, and the challenge of staying organized while wearing many hats. Looking ahead, Marquel shares her goals of developing an esthetics school, expanding into major retailers, and making Bovanti a household name. It’s a conversation about honoring your roots, stepping outside your comfort zone, and shaping the next chapter of a family business. Explore the brand at bovanticosmetics.com and follow @Bovanti on social media. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Follow, rate, comment, and share.

October 6, 202647 min

More Than a Mission: Leadership, Accountability, and Impact

Having a mission is one thing. Building an organization that can sustain it takes leadership, accountability, and determination. On this episode of Business First, Sonia welcomes Cheryl Ann Wadlington, founder and executive director of The Evoluer House, for a candid conversation about the business of creating lasting change for Black and Brown girls. A former fashion and beauty journalist, Cheryl shares how her family’s legacy of activism inspired her to build an organization focused on personal development and workforce readiness. She explains how helping young women recognize their potential means addressing the barriers they face while equipping them with confidence, practical skills, and the ability to advocate for themselves. Cheryl also gets into the work behind the mission: maintaining financial accountability, selecting and training effective board members, navigating funding challenges, and balancing a passion for programming with the responsibilities of running a nonprofit. From graduates pursuing advanced degrees to girls discovering that their voices matter, Cheryl shares the moments that keep her moving forward—and her vision for expanding The Evoluer House’s reach internationally. It’s a conversation about turning compassion into action and building the foundation that allows meaningful work to thrive. Learn more or support The Evoluer House at evoluerhouse.org. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Follow, rate, comment, and share.

September 29, 202626 min

The Boonkey Trail

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with emerging filmmaker Daunte Brown, the writer, director, and producer of the upcoming horror-thriller The Boonkey Trail. Rooted in Charleston and the culture of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, The Boonkey Trail draws inspiration from Black horror, Gullah-Geechee traditions, ancestral stories, and Daunte’s own family experiences. He shares how the success of films like Get Out, Nope, and Sinners encouraged him to tell an original Black story from a perspective rarely represented on screen. Daunte also discusses writing the screenplay in just six months, assembling his production team, managing imposter syndrome, and developing the confidence to declare that he intends to become one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation. Beyond the film itself, Daunte and his team are working to create a local economic impact by hiring South Carolina talent, supporting area businesses, and helping establish the state as a serious destination for independent filmmaking. This is a conversation about creative ambition, cultural representation, community investment, and having the courage to introduce your vision to the world before the world knows your name. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

September 22, 202630 min

There is No Elevator to Success

In this episode of Business First with Sonia Alleyne, Sonia speaks with Adam Jackson, founder of Day and Night Watch Company, about transforming his passion for timepieces into a brand rooted in authenticity, African history and legacy. Adam shares the inspiration behind collections such as the Shango A78 and Pharaoh, along with the extensive research required to create stylish, durable and accessible watches. Adam also opens up about overcoming setbacks, selecting the right business partners and why mentorship can sometimes be more valuable than partnership. Guided by his belief that “time is discipline,” he explains how focus, perseverance and a desire to leave something meaningful for his family continue to shape his entrepreneurial journey. This conversation is a powerful reminder that there is no elevator to success—you have to take the stairs. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Visit: MeanOleLionMedia.com Follow Mean Ole Lion Media on Instagram: @MeanOleLionMedia Watch on YouTube: Mean Ole Lion Media TV Follow the Business First Podcast on Instagram: @Business_First_Podcast

September 15, 202647 min

Breaking Up With The Word Can't

What does it mean to build a successful life rooted in passion, purpose, and legacy? In this episode of Business First with Sonia Alleyne, Sonia sits down with master percussionist and serial entrepreneur Ralph Rolle, whose remarkable career spans nearly five decades. From performing with Nile Rodgers and CHIC, Sting, Bette Midler, Mary J. Blige, The Notorious B.I.G., and other legendary artists to building multiple businesses, Ralph shares the principles that have guided his journey. Ralph introduces his “Five Ps”—passion, power, placement, performance, and purity—and explains how they apply not only to music but also to business and life. He discusses overcoming grief and depression following his mother’s death, eliminating the word “can’t” from his mindset, setting deadlines, and defining success by completing the vision rather than simply making money. The conversation also explores the deeply personal inspiration behind Dear Family Stories, a digital platform created to help families preserve their recipes, photographs, videos, memories, and histories for future generations. Ralph also shares how a century-old family recipe—and an inventive way of meeting girls—eventually became Soul Snacks, a cookie company celebrating its 30th anniversary. It’s a powerful conversation about perseverance, entrepreneurship, community, and why preserving our family stories is a form of generational wealth. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

September 8, 202636 min

Vision Brings Intention

A vision board is not simply a collection of dreams—it can be a practical tool for expanding your thinking, clarifying your goals, and recognizing opportunities you may otherwise overlook. In this episode of Business First with Sonia Alleyne, Sharon A. Keyser returns to the show to discuss how the creativity she strengthened during the pandemic has blossomed into a new collection of digital vision boards, affirmations, power words, and personal-growth resources. Sharon shares how vision boards have influenced her own entrepreneurial journey. After placing the National Museum of African American History and Culture on her board, she remained persistent until her SK Creations products were accepted into the museum store. Later, a desire to expand beyond the Washington, D.C. market opened doors to New York Fashion Week and eventually international fashion shows. The conversation explores why manifestation must be accompanied by commitment, how smaller steps can lead to opportunities bigger than the original goal, and why the path from Point A to Point Z rarely happens in one leap. Sharon also explains how her editable, word-focused digital vision boards make it easier to keep goals visible, update them as life changes, and carry that vision wherever you go. From remembering that “The Universe Is Not on a Budget” to making time for what brings you joy and refusing to shrink in unfamiliar rooms, this episode is a reminder to think bigger, remain open, and never be afraid to take up space. Find Sharon’s digital vision boards and personal-growth resources at SharonAKeyserOfficial.com. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

April 14, 202640 min

From the Music Business to the Passion for Music

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with 90s R&B artist Yvette Michele for a soulful and inspiring conversation about her return to music and her new single, “Mr. DJ.” Yvette reflects on the nostalgia of the 90s era while sharing what it takes to navigate today’s fast-paced, technology-driven music industry. She opens up about overcoming insecurities, staying authentic in a constantly evolving landscape, and how community support has played a key role in her journey. The conversation also dives into Yvette’s unique ability to blend her creative talents with her background in technology and marketing—showing how artists can build sustainable careers beyond just the music. She discusses her songwriting evolution, the importance of perspective, and the personal growth tools that have helped her reclaim her voice. Looking ahead, Yvette shares her excitement for new collaborations and expanding her reach internationally, particularly in the UK and beyond. This episode is a powerful reminder that reinvention is always possible—and that your voice still matters, no matter where you are in your journey. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

April 7, 202632 min

Be In Overflow Pt. 2

In this dynamic episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with visionary entrepreneur Jeff Watkins, the force behind Overflow—an AI-powered film distribution platform reshaping the industry. Jeff shares his journey of building a disruptive model that leverages AI to amplify storytelling, empower creators, and open doors for underrepresented voices in film. From navigating fear and taking bold risks to developing proprietary tools that increase efficiency, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to innovate in a rapidly evolving landscape. The discussion also highlights the critical role of community in supporting diverse storytellers, the power of authentic narratives, and how AI is becoming a true equalizer across industries. Jeff reflects on the importance of inner work, overcoming ego, and committing to continuous self-learning as key drivers of both personal and professional growth. If you’re interested in innovation, storytelling, and building with purpose, this episode delivers both inspiration and strategy. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Be sure to follow, rate, comment, and share to stay connected and inspired.

April 3, 202627 min

Operation Restaurant Pt. 2

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with entrepreneur and restaurateur Andre Truss to discuss how discipline, leadership, and purpose shaped his journey from the United States Marine Corps to building a thriving restaurant business. Andre shares how the leadership principles he learned in the Marines helped him design strong business systems, build effective teams, and create a culture rooted in authenticity and community. The conversation explores the importance of structure, intentional leadership, and spiritual grounding in sustaining long-term success in business. Through personal stories and practical insights, Andre explains how thoughtful system design and a commitment to people can transform a simple idea into a scalable and impactful enterprise. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app and be sure to follow, rate, comment, and share.