Podcast
Business of the Beat
Hosted by Mean Ole Lion Media · EN
Hosted by three-time founder, bestselling author, and award-winning industry thought leader Kendra Bracken-Ferguson, Business of the Beat takes you inside the business of beauty and wellness—unpacking the real stories behind starting, growing and accelerating breakthrough brands.
Each episode features candid conversations with founders, senior executives, influencers, and operators who are shaping the future of the industry. From funding to failures, pivots to purpose, and hustle to harmony, you’ll get unfiltered insights and actionable strategies to grow and scale with intention.
Now in its fifth season with over 180 episodes, Business of the Beat is the go-to resource for all business leaders ready to turn passion into profit and ambition into impact.
Subscribe today—and unlock the beauty of your success.
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
"L" Stands for Lesson, Lessons Equal Growth
2w ago00:45:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Business of the Beat, Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and LaShasta Bell sit down with fashion designer, entrepreneur, and creative visionary Sharon A. Keyser for an inspiring conversation about reinvention, purpose, and the power of trusting your intuition. Sharon opens up about her transition from a stable career as a CPA into the world of fashion and entrepreneurship, sharing how embracing change and listening to her inner voice helped shape her journey. The conversation explores the importance of personal growth, navigating pivots, and recognizing when it’s time to align your passion with your purpose. The episode also dives into Sharon’s innovative digital vision board platform, designed to help people create clarity around their goals through visualization, manifestation, and intentional living. From her self-help mini reads to her successful product lines and future aspirations, Sharon shares valuable lessons on creativity, persistence, timing, and staying open to new possibilities. This episode is a reminder that sometimes your biggest breakthrough begins when you stop ignoring what’s calling you. And while you’re listening, take the next step toward your own goals with Sharon A. Keyser’s Digital Vision Boards. Visit SharonAKeyserOfficial.com and use promo code BOTB526 to receive 15% off your purchase. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.
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Leading Without Losing Yourself
3w ago00:48:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Business of the Beat, hosts Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and LaShasta Bell sit down with award-winning author and entrepreneur Melissa Gonzalez for a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, wellness, and the importance of self-awareness in business and life. Melissa opens up about her journey from Wall Street to launching her own company, sharing the lessons she learned while building a business, navigating partnerships, and balancing ambition with personal well-being. The conversation dives into the realities of entrepreneurship, including the importance of trust, communication, and community support, while also exploring how personal health challenges became a wake-up call that pushed Melissa to prioritize wellness in a deeper way. Together, the trio discuss the connection between mental and physical health, the transformative power of storytelling, and why vulnerability is essential for authentic leadership. This episode is an honest and inspiring reminder that success means nothing if you sacrifice yourself in the process—and that true leadership starts with knowing yourself first. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.
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The Journey of Legacy for Mothers to Daughters
4w ago00:44:40Tap to summarizeIn this Mother's Day episode of Business of the Beat, a message for mothers and their daughters. hosts Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and LaShasta Bell sit down with Francine Mbvoumbo, founder of Mothers to Daughters, for a powerful conversation on legacy, mentorship, and the transformative power of connection. Francine shares her journey from corporate America to building a purpose-driven community that uplifts and supports young women entrepreneurs. At the heart of her work is a bold mission: to empower 100,000 women entrepreneurs by 2035. The discussion explores how redefining motherhood, embracing mentorship, and fostering authentic relationships across generations can create lasting impact. Together, they dive into the concept of generational intelligence—the idea that mentorship is not one-directional, but a reciprocal exchange of wisdom between generations. From understanding heritage to building partnerships that matter, this episode highlights how self-awareness, community, and collaboration can shape both identity and success. This is a conversation about building something bigger than yourself—and bringing others with you along the way. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.
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From Hustle to Structure to Harmony: The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program
May 300:45:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Business of the Beat, host Kendra Bracken-Ferguson is joined by LaShasta and Michelle Ngome for an inspiring and insightful conversation on the real impact of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program. LaShasta shares her personal journey through the program—opening up about the challenges, breakthroughs, and growth she experienced along the way. Together, the group breaks down what makes the program unique, from its blend of practical business education to its focus on personal development, accountability, and execution. The conversation highlights the importance of community, transparency, and communication in entrepreneurship, while also tackling common myths about what it really takes to build and sustain a successful business. From financial literacy to the power of networking, this episode offers a clear look at how structured programs can accelerate growth when paired with commitment and consistency. Beyond the business lessons, the discussion also dives into mental health and wellness—an often overlooked but critical part of the entrepreneurial journey—and how resilience and adaptability play a key role in long-term success. Whether you’re considering applying to the program or simply looking to level up your business, this episode provides both practical guidance and real-world perspective. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.
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The Power of Boundaries for Growth
Apr 2600:52:56Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Business of the Beat, host Kendra Bracken-Ferguson sits down with celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist Sarai Martinez for a powerful conversation on reinvention, resilience, and the real cost of success in the beauty industry. Sarai opens up about her journey—overcoming personal and professional hardships, taking the leap to build her own business, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path. At the core of her story is the importance of community, investing in yourself, and building meaningful relationships that sustain both your career and your well-being. The conversation goes deeper into the often-unspoken realities of burnout, the necessity of setting boundaries, and why mental health must be a priority in high-pressure creative industries. Together, they explore how the definition of success evolves over time—and how staying aligned with purpose can guide that transformation. Sarai also shares her future aspirations, including her goal of becoming an author, and offers insight for anyone navigating the balance between ambition and self-care. This episode is a reminder that success isn’t just about what you build—it’s about how you sustain it. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.
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The Foundation of Beauty is Wellness
Apr 1900:29:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Business of the Beat, host Kendra Bracken-Ferguson sits down with Nicole Jones, a trichologist and licensed cosmetologist, to explore the evolving intersection of beauty, health, and entrepreneurship. Nicole shares her journey from aspiring doctor to building a purpose-driven beauty business, revealing how her passion for care and healing found a new path in the beauty industry. Through her work with Studio Nicky Spice, she’s redefining what it means to serve clients—creating a space that goes beyond aesthetics to prioritize total wellness. The conversation dives into the importance of professional training in beauty, the often-overlooked connection between mental health and self-image, and the transformative impact of services like cranial prosthesis in restoring confidence for clients facing medical hair loss. Looking ahead, Nicole outlines her vision for expanding wellness education within the beauty space—bridging the gap between beauty professionals and holistic health practices. This episode is a powerful reminder that beauty isn’t just about how you look—it’s about how you feel, heal, and show up in the world.
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Growth in the Waiting: Trusting the Process and the Purpose
Apr 1201:04:52Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode of Business of the Beat, hosts Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and LaShasta Bell sit down with Dr. Dallas Blacklock for a deeply intentional conversation on the intersection of spirituality, emotional health, and effective communication in both life and business. Together, they explore the weight of wearing masks, the importance of authenticity, and how self-awareness and emotional intelligence shape the way we show up in our relationships and leadership. The conversation highlights the need for balance between personal and professional life, and how being intentional in both spaces leads to more meaningful connections and long-term success. Kendra and LaShasta also unpack the difference between desire and need, the role of purpose in guiding decisions, and how to navigate seasons of waiting without losing alignment. Through it all, they emphasize that growth requires inner work—and that transformation is possible when we commit to understanding ourselves and showing up fully. This episode is a reminder that success isn’t just about what you build—it’s about who you become in the process. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.
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Mindful Eating, Mindful Living
Apr 500:44:29Tap to summarizeIn this nourishing episode of Business of the Beat, host Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and co-host LaShasta Bell sit down with Chef Marquita to explore her inspiring journey from aspiring nurse to private chef—and how food became her true calling. Together, they unpack the deep emotional connections we have with food, challenge common misconceptions around “healthy eating,” and highlight the importance of quality ingredients and mindful consumption. The conversation dives into how food can be both care and self-care, especially during stressful times, emphasizing balance and moderation over restriction. Chef Marquita shares practical insights on how to build healthier relationships with food while still enjoying the experience, making wellness feel approachable and sustainable. From navigating family nutrition and caregiving to meal prep strategies for busy lifestyles, this episode offers real-life solutions for maintaining balance. With thoughtful reflections on parenting, sleep, and daily routines, it’s a powerful reminder that what we eat—and how we approach it—can transform our overall well-being. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Be sure to follow, rate, comment, and share to keep the conversation going.
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Own Your Story: The Power of Authenticity
Mar 2900:43:03Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode of Business of the Beat, three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Aundrea Cline-Thomas shares her powerful journey of storytelling, career evolution, and stepping fully into authentic self-expression. From navigating reinvention in a competitive industry to embracing the courage it takes to own your narrative, Aundrea opens up about the lessons that have shaped both her personal and professional life. She also highlights the importance of wellness, balance, and staying grounded while pursuing success. This conversation is a reminder that your story is your power—and when you own it, you unlock new opportunities, deeper purpose, and lasting impact. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Be sure to follow, rate, comment, and share to stay connected and inspired.
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Aligning Power, Presence, and Purpose
Mar 2200:49:53Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode of Business of the Beat, Carlisha Bradley shares her powerful journey through leadership and the lessons that have shaped her voice, presence, and impact. From cultivating executive presence to mastering self-awareness, she breaks down what it truly takes to lead with confidence and authenticity. Carlisha also dives into the importance of wellness and balance while navigating leadership roles, and how her experiences fuel her commitment to empowering women and driving meaningful systemic change. This conversation is filled with insight for anyone looking to elevate their leadership, show up with intention, and lead from a place of purpose. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Be sure to follow, rate, comment, and share to stay connected and keep the conversation going.
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