Business First w/Sonia Alleyne

In this conversation, the owners of Peel Haus, an aesthetic and plastic surgery center on Capitol Hill, discuss the business of aesthetic and plastic surgery. They talk about the growth of the industry, the influence of social media and technology, the importance of inclusivity, and their journey of starting the business. They also highlight the unique aspects of their practice and the positive response from the community. Peel Haus Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery is a medical spa located in Washington, D.C. The founders, Wendy Pittman, Sorelle Cooper, and Sonya Lowery-Young, each bring unique expertise to the business. Wendy has 24 years of experience in the aesthetic medicine industry and played a role in the development of Botox Cosmetic. Sorelle is a family nurse practitioner with a background in family medicine and a passion for aesthetics. Sonya has a background in graphics and beautification and became an esthetician later in life. The team at Peel Haus is focused on providing evidence-based, scientifically proven treatments and therapies that enhance the natural appearance of their patients. They are also interested in the future of aesthetics, including regenerative medicine and biohacking.

In this episode, Sonia Alleyne talks Digital Marketing with Brenton Thomas, the founder and CEO of Twibi, a digital marketing company. They discuss the evolution of marketing over the past decade, the challenges faced by small businesses in understanding and implementing digital marketing strategies, and the importance of balancing the art and science of marketing. Brenton also shares insights on the use of AI in marketing and the need for businesses to stay updated with the rapidly changing digital landscape. He offers advice on using Google Ads and Facebook Ads for lead generation and revenue generation, respectively.

Nicole Smith, founder of Smitten, discusses the importance of coaching and being good to oneself in both personal and professional life. She emphasizes the need for compassionate listening and giving yourself permission to change and evolve. Nicole shares her own journey from working in the entertainment and sports industries to becoming a coach. She encourages individuals to tap into their desires and develop the skill of taking risks.

In this conversation, Sonia Alleyne speaks to Dave Wooley, a director, producer, author, and serial entrepreneur. They discuss his recent documentary, Dionne Warwick: Don't Make Me Over, and his experiences working with legendary musicians. Wooley shares his journey from starting a business at nine years old to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself, overcoming fear, and taking risks. Wooley also talks about the challenges of making the documentary and the trust he built with Dionne Warwick. He encourages listeners to follow their dreams and not give up.

In this conversation, Kia Weatherspoon, founder and CEO of Determined By Design, discusses her approach to design and advocacy. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and confidence in her work, rejecting the idea of being limited to speaking during Black History Month. Kia shares how her experiences visiting prisons and serving in the military inspired her to create spaces that are humane and uplifting. She highlights the need for design to address the needs of low-income communities and challenges biases in the industry. Kia's design process is rooted in the narratives and histories of neighborhoods, creating spaces that reflect the essence of the people who inhabit them. Kia discusses the power of design and the impact it can have on people's lives. She shares stories of the positive responses she has received from individuals who have experienced her designs. Kia emphasizes the importance of design in creating equitable spaces and the need for diversity in the industry. She also talks about the significance of trademarking and protecting intellectual property. Kia addresses the challenges faced by major companies in achieving diversity and provides practical steps for creating a more inclusive environment. She shares her experiences in the military and how they have shaped her approach to leadership. Finally, Kia highlights the importance of mental health and the role of therapy in maintaining well-being while advocating for change.

In this episode, Sonia Alleyne chats with Vicky Brown, the CEO of eDomineo, Inc., an HR consulting company. They discuss the challenges of staffing for small businesses and the importance of mindset and job descriptions. Vicky shares her background and the story of how she started her own business. They also talk about the role of leadership in employee engagement and the importance of promoting employees. Vicky provides insights into managing family members in the business and offers advice for small business owners.

Summary In this episode, Sonia Alleyne interviews Nadine Gale, an attorney and communication strategist, about the importance of making real connections and networking. They discuss the narrative of independence and the challenge of asking for help, particularly for black women. Nadine emphasizes the need for community and reframing networking as community building. They also explore the importance of knowing oneself, being authentic, and nurturing relationships. Nadine suggests joining organizations and finding one's tribe as ways to build connections.

In this episode, Sonia Alleyne interviews Serena Quick, the first Black woman to own a Chick-fil-A franchise in the Pennsylvania tri-state area. Serena shares her journey from being a serial entrepreneur to owning a Chick-fil-A franchise, highlighting the importance of mentors and inspiration. She discusses her upbringing in a tough environment and how she overcame challenges to pursue her dreams. Serena emphasizes the significance of understanding every aspect of a business and the value of self-care and rest. She also shares the impact of coaching and therapy in her personal and professional development. Serena concludes with her powerful legacy statement.

Summary In this episode, Sonia Alleyne interviews Matthew Scott, a business investment and personal finance journalist, about small business tax breaks. They discuss the challenges small businesses face in getting their paperwork together for tax obligations and the importance of record keeping. Matthew shares a list of 10 tax breaks that almost anyone can benefit from, including internet and phone expenses, subscription costs, travel expenses, meals, auto expenses, health insurance, marketing and advertising, education, interest payments, and legal and professional fees. He emphasizes the need for good record keeping to track expenses and maximize deductions. The episode concludes with Sonia expressing her gratitude for Matthew's expertise and the possibility of having him back on the show in the future.

In this episode, Sonia Alleyne has a conversation with Sonia Francis, the CEO and founder of Body Sculpting by Simone. They discuss the importance of post-op care in body sculpting procedures and the lack of awareness about its significance. Sonia shares her background as a nurse and how it led her to start her own business. She also talks about the challenges she faced in building the business and her plans for expansion.