402: Black Ambition Prize Founders on Transforming Real Problems Into Scalable Business

What separates a good idea from a scalable business? In this episode of So Ambitious, Black Ambition Prize founders D’Angelo Senat (AllPeep), Barbara Jacques (JACQ’S Skincare), and LaToya Stirrup (Kamzaleje) break down how they turned real-life problems into high-impact, fundable companies rooted in community, culture, and purpose.

From building products that didn’t exist for them to navigating access, capital, and the realities of entrepreneurship, these founders share what it actually takes to scale a business beyond the idea stage. This conversation goes deeper than startup advice.

They also share how they go beyond the pitch stage and how founders are building companies that create lasting impact. It’s about ownership, representation, and building solutions that serve real people.

As host Felecia highlights: “What you build after the opportunity is what really defines you.” If you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or innovator looking to secure funding, grow your business, and create meaningful impact, this episode is your blueprint. KEY POINTS - The best businesses don’t start with ideas; they start with real problems - Lived experience is often the strongest foundation for scalable innovation - What you sell is surface, what you solve is what actually drives growth - Building for your community creates a deeper impact and stronger demand - Access to rooms, networks, and decision-makers is still a major barrier - Entrepreneurship requires sacrifice, resilience, and long-term vision - Winning funding is just the beginning; execution is what sustains growth - The most powerful businesses create both economic and cultural impact QUOTABLES “This isn't a startup story.

This is a growth story.” – D’Angelo Senat “There are still doors… where major conversations are happening that I would just love to be in.” – Barbara Jacques “We’re not just building products. We’re building something that didn’t exist for us.” – LaToya Stirrup “If it doesn’t solve a real problem, it’s not going to last.” – D’Angelo Senat “You have to keep going, even when it doesn’t look like it’s working yet.” – LaToya Stirrup RESOURCES Barbara Jacques IG | LaToya Stirrup | Kazmaleje IG | D’Angelo Senat IG | AllPeep IG | Felecia Hatcher | IG | Black Ambition | IG | So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media |