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Guest: Celeste Olivo, Founder of The Cozy Cup

Today’s guest knows how to make every gathering feel special! Meet Celeste, an elementary school teacher turned entrepreneur and the creative mind behind The Cozy Cup. With over 20 years of experience working with children and parents, Celeste brings the same warmth and dedication she’s known for in the classroom to her thriving tea party business.

As a parent who has planned countless events, Celeste understands the value of hosting a fun, relaxed, and well-thought-out celebration. That’s the magic of The Cozy Cup—it lets you sit back, enjoy, and truly be a guest at your own party.

In this episode, Celeste shares her journey of blending creativity and connection to create memorable experiences for her clients. You’ll also hear valuable takeaways from her business journey and actionable tips to help aspiring entrepreneurs get started.

Key Takeaways from Celeste’s Journey

1. Test Your Ideas:
- Start by testing your product or service with friends and family to gauge interest and refine your offering.
2. Do Your Research
- Understand your market and demographic.
- Research organizations and resources available for entrepreneurs.
- Utilize platforms like YouTube for learning and inspiration.
3. Network Strategically
- Build connections with people both within and outside your field.

Celeste’s Recommendations
Movie: Slumdog Millionaire
Book: Becoming by Michelle Obama

Resources:
Women's Enterprise Development Center

Want to Connect with Celeste?
Spend some time with Celeste Olivo and learn more about how she can help you create unforgettable moments. Let her know you heard about her on our podcast!

Contact Information:
Website: www.thecozycupnyc.com
Instagram: @thecozycup_ny
Email: thecozycupnyc@gmail.com
Phone: (914) 412-0042

Get ready to sip, relax, and connect with The Cozy Cup!

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Guest: Eustecia Herman, Co-Founder of UNIK for Education and Fawin Fwans

Eustecia Herman is a passionate advocate for community engagement and personal growth. As a licensed hiking and camping guide in New York State, she inspires others to connect with nature and embrace the outdoors. In addition, she is the co-founder and co-baker behind Fawin Fwans, where she bakes delicious creole bread that pays homage to her cultural roots. Her creativity extends to poetry, where she eloquently captures the essence of her experiences and reflections. In her professional life, Eustecia serves as an administrative assistant, balancing her career with her role as the co-founder and president of UNIK for Education, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing educational opportunities. Beyond these roles, she is deeply committed to fostering community, organizing transformative retreats and bus rides that bring people together and inspire growth.

Eustecia's Takeaways From Her Business Journey:

Don’t Give Up: You’ll encounter many "no's" before you hear a "yes," but perseverance is key.
Seek Support: A strong network is essential for achieving your goals. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you.
Believe in Yourself: Trust in your vision and fight for what you believe in. Your dreams and goals can materialize with unwavering belief and determination.

Recommended Book(s):
15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John C Maxwell

Resources:
If you’d like to connect with Eustecia Herman, please reach out using the contact information below and let her know you heard her on our podcast!

Contact Information:

Facebook (Personal): Eustecia Herman
Facebook (Fawin Fwans): Fawin Fwans
Facebook (UNIK): UNIK for Education
Instagram: @fawinfwans
Email: unikforeducation@gmail.com | eusherm@gmail.com

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Guest: Xavier Williams, CEO of Alfa Pride Financial

Xavier Williams is the owner and CEO of Alfa Pride Financial, bringing nearly two decades of experience in helping clients achieve their financial goals. A licensed financial professional, Xavier specializes in both business and personal finance, working with clients nationwide to secure their financial futures. He is a proud member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and holds certifications as a public speaker and competent leader from Toastmasters International.

Passionate about financial literacy, Xavier frequently speaks to groups about the importance of preparing for the future. His mission is to be a valuable resource for his community, empowering people to build secure futures through effective financial planning.

Key Takeaways from Xavier's Business Journey:

Time Commitment - Ensure you have the time to consistently dedicate to your business, as inconsistency can lead to struggles.

Market Demand - Evaluate whether there is a demand for your offerings, factoring in competition and market needs.

Sales and Marketing - Invest in robust, automated sales and marketing systems to streamline your operations and drive growth.

Recommendation:
Jeremy Miner – The Sales Revolution

Resources:
Spend time learning from Xavier! Reach out using the contact information below and let him know you heard him on our podcast.

Contact Information:

Website: Alfa Pride Financial
LinkedIn: Alfa Pride Financial
Facebook: Alfa Pride Financial
Instagram: @alfapridefinancial
Email: info@alfapride.com

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Guest: Quinn St. Juste, Founder of Delicieux and Game Changers

Quinn St. Juste is a dynamic food and digital entrepreneur from Cedars, Castries, St. Lucia. Quinn brings a wealth of experience in hospitality, event management, and media. He’s the owner of Delicieux, a snack business, and the creative force behind Game Changers, a media company and podcast that shares inspiring stories of entrepreneurship. In addition to his own ventures, Quinn works with St. Lucia Times, providing media services, and contributes his logistics expertise to Nexus Events. His passion for youth and business development, combined with his media savvy, makes him a true game changer.

Key Takeaways from Quinn's Business Journey

- Patience is Key - Trust the process: All things work together for good to those who love God—but remember, it happens in time.

- Build the Right Network - Success isn’t a solo journey; surround yourself with the right people who can support and uplift you.

- Focus on the End Goal - Keep the outcome in mind: When you think about what you can achieve by completing a task, it becomes easier to push through the moments you don’t enjoy.

Recommended Book:
The Diary of a CEO

Resources
Connect with Quinn St. Juste! Let him know you heard him on our podcast.

Contact Information:
Game Changers Instagram: @game_changers758
Delicieux Foods Instagram: @delicieuxfoods758
Personal Instagram: @quinnstar98
Telephone/WhatsApp: +1 758-287-0365
Youtube: @game_changers758

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In this episode, we chat with Lillah Penddah, an inspiring founder, public speaker, and podcast host. Lillah shares the mission behind her company, AFRO FACTS, which uses innovative educational tools such as games and workshops to enhance awareness about Black History and foster understanding around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Her work goes beyond education, aiming to heal, unite, and create safe spaces for meaningful conversations. Lillah also hosts the podcast The Conversation Is The Relationship, where she explores the minority experience and facilitates open dialogues about race, perspectives, and personal growth.

Key Takeaways from Lillah’s Journey:

• Embrace Individuality: Not one journey fits all. Everyone’s path is unique—don’t compare yourself to others.
• Honor Your Pace: Allow your journey to unfold naturally. If you need to take a break, take it without guilt.
• Value Unexpected Support: Your support system may come from unexpected sources and not always where you anticipate it.
• The Power of Networking: Build and nurture connections; networking is an essential key to growth and opportunity.

Recommended Reads:

• Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho
• White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Dr. Robin DiAngelo

References:

• Fostering racial understanding through game-based learning | Lillah Penddah | TEDxStrathcona Women

Resources: For more insights, tools, and workshops from Lillah Penddah, feel free to reach out and let her know you heard her on our podcast.

Contact Information:

• Website: afrofacts.ca
• LinkedIn: Lillah Penddah
• Podcast: The Conversation Is The Relationship

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In this episode, we chat with Lillah Penddah, an inspiring founder, public speaker, and podcast host. Lillah shares the mission behind her company, AFRO FACTS, which uses innovative educational tools such as games and workshops to enhance awareness about Black History and foster understanding around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Her work goes beyond education, aiming to heal, unite, and create safe spaces for meaningful conversations. Lillah also hosts the podcast The Conversation Is The Relationship, where she explores the minority experience and facilitates open dialogues about race, perspectives, and personal growth.

Key Takeaways from Lillah’s Journey:

• Embrace Individuality: Not one journey fits all. Everyone’s path is unique—don’t compare yourself to others.
• Honor Your Pace: Allow your journey to unfold naturally. If you need to take a break, take it without guilt.
• Value Unexpected Support: Your support system may come from unexpected sources and not always where you anticipate it.
• The Power of Networking: Build and nurture connections; networking is an essential key to growth and opportunity.

Recommended Reads:

• Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho
• White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Dr. Robin DiAngelo

References:

• Fostering racial understanding through game-based learning | Lillah Penddah | TEDxStrathcona Women

Resources: For more insights, tools, and workshops from Lillah Penddah, feel free to reach out and let her know you heard her on our podcast.

Contact Information:

• Website: afrofacts.ca
• LinkedIn: Lillah Penddah
• Podcast: The Conversation Is The Relationship

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In this episode, we meet Ethan Leon, a gifted trumpet player with over 15 years of experience, including the past year and a half as a professional musician. Currently pursuing a degree in Computing with a minor in Music, Ethan shares his insights on offering music as a product, balancing creativity with entrepreneurial ambition, and managing his studies alongside his passion.

Ethan dives into the intersection of faith, planning, and action, offering valuable insights from his own journey:

• Seek counsel from God before taking any step.
• Plan with confidence after listening to divine guidance.
• Trust the abilities you’ve been given to execute your plan and move forward boldly.

Ethan also recommends First Steps in Music Theory Grades 1-5 as a must-read book and introduces his new podcast, Chat n’ Jam, where he focuses on "shining light on budding artists in music and spoken"
.
Tune in to hear Ethan's inspiring story.

Resources:
Connect with Ethan: Instagram
Follow for podcast updates: Chat n’ Jam Instagram
Watch Ethan play: Hills and Valley Inspirational Jazz

Don't forget to reach out to Ethan and let him know you heard him on our podcast!

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In this inspiring episode of Begin Build Blossom, we welcome Andraé Vaughn Rodgers—a preacher, poet, author, and mentor who shares his journey of faith, family, and creativity. A proud husband and father of three, Andraé is dedicated to spreading the message of self-love and connection through his work. His children’s book, Eye See I Love (2022), and its companion coloring book, Eye See I Love, In Color (2023), are heartfelt creations aimed at inspiring readers of all ages to see the beauty within themselves.

Andraé's Takeaways from His Business Journey:

1. Believe in Yourself, Believe in Your Dreams – Confidence is key. Trust your abilities and the vision you hold for your life.
2. Write it Down – Put your vision to paper. The act of writing helps bring clarity and turns ideas into actionable goals.
3. Just Jump – Don’t let fear hold you back. Embrace failure as a stepping stone toward success.

Recommended Movie:
🎥 The Nutty Professor – A classic that brings joy and inspiration.

Resources:
✨ Time with Andraé Vaughn Rodgers – Reach out to Andraé directly for mentorship, guidance, or to share your thoughts about this episode.

Contact Information:
🌐 Website: https://andraevaughn.com
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andraevaughn
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrae_vaughn
📧 Email: andraevrodgers@gmail.com