Bet On Yourself, Sis!

Sep 2, 2026 · 55m

“Black with Benefits” is a new audio series that brings mental health theories to life in an engaging story about a modern day situationship. It highlights cultural expectations, family dynamics, and societal pressures, especially within Black and Brown communities. And, in this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, I get to sit down with its creators! Today I talk to Shirlz Rejouis and Denese Longsworth, and get all the details on the show.In this episode, Shirlz and Denese share the show’s writing process, their creative journey, and how they bridged theoretical knowledge with real-life examples. They also highlight the significance of their social work backgrounds in shaping the content of “Black with Benefits,” emphasizing mental health and community support. They reflect on their successful listening party, the challenges of work-life balance, and the need for boundaries in creative partnerships. And, they discuss the significance of community, support, and resilience in the entrepreneurial journey, encouraging you to embrace your identity and pursue your dreams despite the obstacles.This conversation truly highlights the importance of collaboration and sisterhood in your creative endeavors. Ultimately, we hope to inspire you to embrace your journey, learn from failures, and build meaningful connections.We talk:10:40 - Sisterhood and collaboration26:11 - Social work's influence on creativity32:15 - “Black with Benefits,” a peak into the story42:06 - Entrepreneurship: overcoming fear and building communityEpisode References:Ep. 17 - Rejection is Redirection: Walking in Purpose with Shirlz RejouisABF Creativebell hooksFrequency973prod Connect with Shirlz! - IG @i_5urelyrejoice - SubStack @i5urelyrejoiceConnect with Denese! - IG @deneseduran82 Follow Black with Benefits on social media! - IG @frequency973prod - Threads @frequency973prod Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprodFollow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media! - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

Aug 12, 2026 · 1m

My grandmother passed away a year ago.And it has been super hard to focus on anything but memories.So Bet On Yourself, Sis! is taking a break! But we will be back with new episodes on Wednesday, September 2nd! Make sure that you are subscribed and/or following the show so that you will be notified. And catch up on old episodes while you wait.Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprodFollow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

Jul 29, 2026 · 44m

I’m not a mom yet, but I know that entrepreneur parents are amazing! You work, you build your business, you take care of your family, and you take care of yourself! Entrepreneuring as a parent is hard work and today’s guest on Bet On Yourself, Sis! is an expert! Ms. Jonna is a mama of 5 children and the daycare mama of many others. She is the owner of Ms. Jonna’s Play & Learn, a successful home-based daycare center, and she is currently working on her first children's book for publication. In this episode, Ms. Jonna shares her journey of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship and the challenges she faced in establishing her daycare business. She is also a longtime vegan with 3 self published vegan cookbooks, so you know I had to learn more about that! She discusses her transition to veganism and the creation of her cookbooks.Throughout the conversation, we emphasize the importance of authenticity, staying true to yourself in your entrepreneurial journey, and the personal growth that comes with it. We explore the significance of networking, the need for self-care, and the necessity of perseverance and hard work for achieving long-term goals, especially for Black Women Entrepreneurs.We talk:08:55 - Starting the daycare business18:13 - Staying true to yourself in business22:48 - The power of networking and authentic connections30:25 - Personal growth through entrepreneurship40:28 - Advice for Black Women Entrepreneurs: perseverance and self-careEpisode References:Just VEGANIZE It: Vol 1Just VEGANIZE It: Vol 2, Soups, Salads, & SidesVEGANIZED for Kids: Vegan Cooking Simplified for KidsInsight TimerConnect with Ms. Jonna! - IG @Ms.Jonnas - FB @msjonnas - LinkTree @queenluvConnect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprodFollow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

Jul 15, 2026 · 51m

We live in a world where Black birthgivers face a disproportionately higher risk of mortality, with a rate of 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births*. And Leah Hairston is on a mission to change that number to 0 deaths. Leah is a seasoned doula, health advocate, and the CEO and founder of Sweet Bee Services, Baltimore's concierge doula agency, with a 100% survival rate.In this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, Leah shares her entrepreneurial journey into the field of doula services and creating a business that prioritizes community needs and well-being. She discusses the importance of autonomy and choice in maternal health and the challenges faced by Black women in the healthcare system. And she emphasizes the need for education and support in navigating maternal care. Our conversation highlights the intersection of personal purpose and professional responsibility, and the necessity of addressing financial concerns in the pursuit of impactful work. We discuss the need for Black Women Entrepreneurs to embrace our unique identities and serve our communities. And, we advocate for rest, noting that it is imperative and not earned.We talk:8:53 - The importance of autonomy and choice 17:51 - Entrepreneurship in the doula space29:20 - Sustainable business practices 37:40 - Entrepreneurship as a responsibility and privilege45:13 - Advice for Black Women EntrepreneursEpisode References:Navigating Identity Shifts in Business and Life with Shervon Laurice*CDC’s Data from the Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance SystemConnect with Leah! - IG @sweetbeeservices - LinkedIn @lhairston - Website SweetBeeDoula.com Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprodFollow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

Jul 1, 2026 · 1h 15m

This is another episode to remind you to build your dream life! Don’t focus on finding your dream job. Do what you have been called to do and the rest will fall into place. That is a running theme in this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, with Casaundra Freeman. Casaundra is a professional actor and director, and the founder of Work with Your Voice, a voiceover training program exclusively for Black women. In this episode, Casaundra shares her transformative journey through motherhood and entrepreneurship. She discusses her career change from acting to voiceover, her move to Mexico to “worldschool” her children, and the importance of community and empowerment for Black women, especially in the voiceover industry. Casaundra also notes her experiences with grief, healing, and setting boundaries while navigating her career and motherhood. Our discussion emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, the power of believing in yourself, the responsibilities that come with freedom as an entrepreneur, and the necessity of pursuing dreams without seeking external validation. We talk:12:45 - World Schooling and Healing Through Relocation27:31 - Building Community and Setting Boundaries38:28 - The Journey to Motherhood and Self-Discovery48:45 - The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Pursuing Freedom and Responsibility55:53 - Overcoming Adversity: The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence1:09:37 Dreaming Big: The Importance of Believing in YourselfEpisode References:Detroit Repertory TheatreAlabama Shakespeare Festivalhttps:The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms - AudiobookThe Broken Kingdoms - AudiobookThe Kingdom of Gods - AudiobookExodUS Summit | For Black WomenThe Official We Do Not Care Club Handbook by Melani SandersAdrienne LivingstonConnect with Casaundra! - IG @heycasaundra - LinkedIn @casaundra-freeman - Website heycasaundra.comConnect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprodFollow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

Jun 17, 2026 · 54m

“We are human beings, not human doings!” This quote from Dr. Alicia Newsome really sets the tone for this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis! Dr. Alicia is an executive advisor, international speaker, bestselling author, and most importantly a functional medicine expert. And in this episode, I learn so much about myself.In this episode, we discuss the importance of health in leadership, the differences between functional and traditional medicine, and the significance of rest and boundaries in entrepreneurship. Dr. Alicia shares her journey into functional medicine and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to health and well-being, especially for Black women entrepreneurs. This conversation also touches on the importance of trusting yourself and finding clarity in your personal and professional life. Dr. Alicia teaches me about the impact of stress on hormones and overall health, which emphasizes the connection between mental and physical well-being. We highlight the importance of self-acceptance and recognizing your inherent worth. And Dr. Alicia gives practical tips on nutrition and gut health, reinforcing a holistic approach to wellness.Stay tuned for more info on Dr. Alicia’s new book!We talk:06:01 - Functional vs. traditional medicine12:07 - The importance of health in leadership18:04 - Redesigning business for personal wellbeing29:15 - Trusting yourself and finding clarity34:12 - The impact of stress on hormones52:23 - Empowerment and self-acceptance for Black women entrepreneursEpisode References:And Still She Rise! (2024)Manifesting Her! (2023) Stories of The World's Greatest Speakers (2024)Women Redefining Leadership with S.P.I.C.E. (2025) Connect with Dr. Alicia! - IG @dr.alicianewsome - YouTube @dr.alicianewsome - LinkedIn @dr-alicia-newsomeConnect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprodFollow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

Jun 3, 2026 · 46m

We got another Black Woman in Cannabis ya’ll! If you know her, you already know this will be a great conversation. But if you don’t know her, I’m super excited to introduce you to Lucille Verdé, your favorite stay at home stoner. Lucille is a cannabis entrepreneur and the owner of Canna Cape Cod, a unique bud and breakfast in DC. In this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, Lucille shares her journey in the cannabis industry, both personal and professional. She highlights the importance of community building, the cultural nuances of being a stoner, and the spiritual growth that comes with entrepreneurship. Our conversation emphasizes the significance of empowering Black Women, especially within the cannabis industry, showcasing the nurturing and supportive community we create. We discuss the importance of advocating for those still incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses. And we stress the need for authenticity, resilience, and commitment in entrepreneurship and the importance of recognizing signs in business and life. We talk:4:10 - The journey of building a cannabis business12:05 - Navigating the cannabis industry while community building19:24 - Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship25:31 - From dream job to dream life38:06 - The injustice of cannabis incarceration42:52 - Empowering Black Women Entrepreneurs!Episode References:Last Prisoner ProjectFree My WeedmanBuy Weed From WomenConnect with Lucille! - IG @canna_cape_cod_dc - YouTube @lucilleverde420 - Website lucille-verde.comConnect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprodFollow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

May 20, 2026 · 39m

What does success mean to you? What does it look like? How does it smell? Don’t look at that business over there for an idea. Look inside and define it for yourself! That is one of the running themes in this episode of Bet on Yourself, Sis!, with Anna Deshawn.Anna is a social entrepreneur, storyteller, and community organizer, and together we discuss the important keys for Black Women Entrepreneurs, including setting boundaries to protect your energy and defining success on your own terms. Anna shares her journey into entrepreneurship, from going to journaling camps as a child to building platforms that center BIPOC and QTPOC, amplifying marginalized voices. She also emphasizes the need for financial stability to create impact and shares her personal practices for self-care and avoiding burnout. The conversation highlights the importance of consistent preparation for challenges, intentional planning to manage energy, and the necessity of building a supportive team. It also emphasizes the value of delegation, the balance between time and money, and the significance of community over individualism. We talk:06:28 - Defining success on your own terms16:30 - The importance of rest and self-care22:10 - Building a support system30:47 - The difference between business owner and entrepreneur32:13 - Advice for Black Women EntrepreneursEpisode References:Robin RobertsThe Big Leap by Gay HendricksNavigating Identity Shifts in Business and Life with Shervon LauriceThe QubeConnect with Anna! - IG @annadeshawn - YouTube @e3radio - Website annadeshawn.comConnect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprodFollow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

May 6, 2026 · 1h 0m

Education is everything! That is especially true when it comes to cannabis, because it still holds so much stigma. And in this episode of Bet on Yourself, Sis!, Necole Hines, cannabis educator, chef, and advocate, gives us a crash course on the cannabis industry and how she incorporates the plant into her cooking.Necole and I discuss the stigma surrounding cannabis use, the challenges of entrepreneurship in the cannabis industry, and the significance of self-care and rest for personal and professional growth. She shares the journey of starting her business, Faded Living, and how she navigates the cannabis market while emphasizing the need for patience and adaptability. In this conversation, we explore the challenges and opportunities for Black women entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry, emphasizing the need for education and networking. We also highlight the significance of embracing discomfort and the personal nature of cannabis experiences.We talk:4:52 - Breaking the stigma around cannabis10:04 - Entrepreneurship in the cannabis industry19:58 - The importance of pivoting in business31:58 - Listening to your body40:43 - Creating a cannabis-friendly experience46:34 - Embracing uncomfortabilityEpisode References:Ep. 9 - Growing from Community Catering to Creative EntrepreneurshipConnect with Necole! - IG @fadedliving - Website fadedliving.com - LinkedIn @necole-hinesConnect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprodFollow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis