
Loading summary
Les
The following podcast is a Dear Media production.
Wheezy
Thank you so much for tuning into Balance Black Girl.
Les
My name is Les, and I am.
Wheezy
So happy to have you here. I've been podcasting for six, almost seven years, and I've interviewed so many different types of guests over the years, and I've had amazing conversations. So grateful to have sat down with so many of the people that I've sat with.
Les
But I have to say, a recurring.
Wheezy
Theme for me is I actually really love sitting down with other podcasters because podcasting is just its own weird art and science. And though it may sound and look like we're just sitting here talking, there is just a way to do it. And so when you sit down with other people who are seasoned podcasters, things just flow in ways that, you know, it's. It's really, really special. And today is one of those episodes. So I am joined today by the incomparable Ms.
Les
Wheat Wheezy. You may know her from Decisions Decisions.
Wheezy
Formerly known as Horrible Decisions. And in this episode, you actually learn a really different side of her. We really get into the entrepreneurship bag, because what you may not know about Wheezy, she's a serial entrepreneur who has opened several really successful businesses that people may not even link to her, know that she's behind. And so we really get into how she balances her different businesses, the different ways that she approaches teams, how she works both on camera digitally, but also runs brick and mortar businesses. So if you're someone who is interested in podcasting, you're interested in entrepreneurship, you're interested in having various businesses and entities and creating something out of nothing. I think that you will enjoy this episode. Now, of course, with our guests today, things get a little bit spicier than they might do on their average week, which I actually loved, which might also be a side to me that y'all don't hear as much. I think sometimes I. And both the show can come across.
Les
Potentially more wholesome than we are. So I also had a little bit.
Wheezy
Of fun spicing things up today. I hope you enjoy this episode. So let's get into our conversation with Weezy. Well, welcome to the show, Weezy.
Thank you.
I'm happy to have you. I know you have 87,000 jobs, so I'm grateful that we were able to make some time to let you join the show.
Jamaican. Except I'm not. But literally, I didn't want to come on anyone's podcast, but yours. Really dead ass. I haven't, like, done any interviews. Well, I have, like, some press and articles and stuff.
Yeah.
I just really have liked watching it and then seeing you get your NAACP, like, nomination, I was like, wow, man.
Thank you.
Because seeing Dear Media even add black women has been really nice. We've been working with Dear Media for a long time. So every time one comes around. No, really, like, your show is really impressive to me.
Les
I appreciate that.
Wheezy
Yeah.
At it for a while. So I really appreciate that you need.
To continue to tell people that because everybody gives up their podcast.
Absolutely.
Everybody gives it up. And like, I got my podcast pop quick, luckily. But some people really, you got to do it because you just enjoy it.
Yeah.
And someone's going to take that information and, like, it's going to change their life. I'm sure you have that story already.
Yeah, but it takes a while. I mean, it took probably a good like three years for the show to really catch on.
That's fucking long.
It's really long.
I wouldn't be with a bad relationship that long. If I make a money in three years, I'd be like, break up with me.
I mean, the podcast has been way longer than any relationship I've had.
That's so sad. Eight years. How long have you been doing eight years?
A long time. Six.
Shit.
Yeah. That's a long time.
Not good enough. These fans. But I can't.
Les
It's not us, it's them.
Wheezy
No, that's why I like that point.
Well, I'm excited to have you, though, because something that I've really been exploring on the show recently is like, getting into the minds of successful women and women who have businesses who do different things and what makes them tick, how they do what they do. And I think that everything that you do is so fucking cool. And I'm really excited to have you and to learn, like, how you're doing all of these different things, you know.
I felt like we would get to talk about that because a lot of times when I'm being interviewed, it's so sex focused. And while I love it, it's not really even my bread and butter anymore. And so it's kind of sucked that, like, I can't catapult past this. Like, I had a conversation the other day, almost every guy I've dated has had an ex girlfriend or a woman they used to date call them and be like, you're seeing her just because of horrible decisions or the name I've made in the sex industry. And it's like, damn, girl. I employ people. Like, there's so many people that have gotten their credit up or like, even one of my employees used to be homeless.
Wow.
Like, we've changed so much with what we've done with the studio or even other shit. Like me running productions and only hiring black. Sorry. But it's true. I'll have two Latinos on, say be. 10 black people, two Latinos and one Asian. That's what you get out of be. And it sucks because people just really think all I do is talk about sucking dick, which I'd love to talk about and do, but, you know, there's a lot of entrepreneurial ship about me. There are a lot in my entrepreneurial ship pursuits that people don't understand, I guess.
Yeah.
Just because when you're a podcaster, they feel like all you do is just, this should just work.
Yeah, it is. And I get that. I mean, it's. I started off with a wellness show and that at its core, like, we talk about a lot of wellness things here. So I think when I do also try to talk about things outside of wellness, sometimes it can seem like a departure.
Oh, yeah, we're gonna get it out of you today. Get out of me. No, I'm saying they go. Someone from Decision Decision are horrible. I'm gonna be like, oh, my God. They. They have. I want to ask you one question. I'm gonna ask you a hors d'oeuvre. I don't know if you know what that is.
I don't know what that is.
It's our sex tip on Horrible. I'm going to need it before the end of the show. Oh, girl, that's okay. You got time to think and think.
Okay. Okay. Well, one thing I do really want to talk about, though, is that with your podcast. Well, you have multiple podcasts, but talking about horrible decisions now. Decisions, decisions. I want to talk about that transition because I'm sure that that decision. No pun intended.
Yeah.
To change the name didn't come lightly. What was the process like and what made y'all decide? Okay, we're gonna switch it up.
So when Charlamagne gave us a book deal, we've been on Black Effect for a few years, which is his network on Iheart. When he gave us a book deal, we started to have conversations about, like, oh, we wanna be on the Drew Barrymore show, or Good Morning America and this and that. How do you do that when you're whores? Right. Even though the book is disgusting, we've gotta cover it up somehow. Right. And I don't know if we talked about rebranding in terms of, like, how Horrible Decisions would be marketed. But then the name change happened, and Mandy and I went on for months. We did, like, four meetings of what it would be, yelling at each other about how fucking stupid one's idea was. Like, oh, my God. I wanted to actually call it Horrible Decisions with an H, because I was like, duh. That's the easiest thing to do. And, you know, to her credit, she was like, yeah, but this is a pun, because we don't shame people if we act like the sex decisions are horrible. So Decisions Decisions was something the president of iHeart came up with. Dolly Bishop. She was like, y'all are over complicating this. Like, what is Taboo Talks. What are y'all talking about? We're gonna call this Decisions Decisions. I was like, oh, duh.
Yeah.
So a really cool way that we rebranded as well is we now offer two episode drops a week, which this is maybe not interesting to you, but just as podcaster advice, we were always doing listener letters at the end, but we would never get to them. And so instead, we added it as a second drop for more advertisement, and it really worked out, just being in the studio, same amount of time doing another drop, and I love it. Now Horrible Decisions is behind a paywall. So we still get to talk about our crazy threesomes and sex club nights. But the rebrand has been interesting because I hate that our core fans might feel like, how come you don't curse as much? Or this and that. But I do want some people to see us that may have been scared before, you know? Yeah, someone listens to this and was like, there's no way I'm going to talk to that girl. Like, there's someone that listens to your wholesome, nice show. That may have never touched Horrible, but maybe Decisions Decision is more palatable for them. So that's really what happened. And I. I felt very weird about the rebrand. The way we announced it, too, was kind of weird. We actually.
Y'all did a fake out, pretended like you were breaking up.
We did. Mandy has a marketing degree. She had a plan. And it's interesting because people know, you know, we aren't the closest of friends, but we have a great business together and great business acumen. And when it was happening before we did it, I literally said, I can't do this because I don't want to, like, get mad at you. Even though we're. We were in a great space, we're out, we're having fun. We went for drinks together for the first time in, like, five years. I literally was like, I'm scared that the Internet will make me feel away. And so, oh, yeah. I logged off for a week. It was crazy. So many things, by the way, that.
Probably made it look even more real.
If you logged off. Oh, I wasn't responding. And so people are like, oh, she's just ignoring it. No, really, by the way, like, Instagram. I couldn't find a recipe. I couldn't stop. It was. Not having Instagram on my phone was crazy. I'm not a TikTok girl, so. But when I finally got back on, you know, it was hard to read it. People talking about how, of course we weren't making money or we were failing or this or that. I was just like, oh, can we tell them? Yeah. Oh, yeah. And people are very excited to see a downfall.
Why do you think that is?
I think it just exposes the insecurity in us. You know, when you are maybe not living your truth, when you're maybe in a job that might make you feel like you're unhappy and you're watching people live out loud and make money from it. How dare you.
It's triggering.
Not to mention, talking about sex for a living, which people think it takes, is a very. What's the word I'm looking for? I guess I could describe it like onlyfans. Remember when onlyfans popped off in the pandemic? And everybody's like, these girls are whores, but they're millionaires. And it's like, you know, I've interviewed Lena. The plug on sex sells, literally. She bought a home to be an Airbnb for porn stars to shoot content. I mean, the girl probably has already paid off half her house.
Yeah, that's so smart.
This is smart, right? The way that plug Talk, her and Adam 22, if no one knows this is her husband and they've created another show where they interview porn stars and then fuck them. That ain't the smartest shit to do. So it's like, you know, you look at this and you think like, she doesn't do anything but sell her pussy. Well, she does it with some thought.
Yeah, absolutely.
And so I think that's the same thing. When you're talking about sex, of course people listen to you. That's what I've heard forever. Because you talk about sex. Of course people listen to y'all because of this. That I don't even think I'm that gorgeous. So I feel like we were just hot girls talking. It might have not popped. I think we're really funny And Mandy and I genuinely are in his lifestyle. So that's what's made it easy for us to do this in a way where, you know, we can last this long. Yeah. A lot of people that start a pod and you know this, they're trying to be either famous or be a host that they're not or be very righteous. It's like, this isn't you. So it's very easy for me to just talk about a threesome because this is my Saturdays.
Yeah. Well. And I think in order to have a show for any kind of extended period of time, you have to really be into what you're talking about and be willing to talk about it. Ten different directions and the vulnerability of it. Yeah.
Kind of being able to laugh at yourself, your pitfalls. Like when people have financial shows or financial literacy shows. I love when they talk about their mistakes. That's all I want to hear.
Les
Yeah.
Wheezy
It's like, where'd you up? I need to know. I don't want to hear how rich you are. We already get it. I could see it on ig. Where was it bad when you overdrafted? What'd you do? Like, stuff like that. I really enjoy that.
Les
When it comes to skin care, I'm all about results, not complicated routines. And if there's one area that deserves extra attention, it's the eye area. And that's why I really love using Den Days Line Smoothing eye cream. It's my go to for keeping my under eyes looking smooth, refreshed and awake. If you haven't heard of Dende yet, they're a biotech powered skincare brand focused on skin longevity, helping your skin stay resilient, not just today, but years from now. Their formulas work to both prevent and restore signs of aging, using next level science to give you maximum results with minimum effort. So let's talk about this eye cream. It's so lightweight, it's silky, it absorbs instantly, and the needle nose applicator makes it effortless to apply. Plus, it's clinically tested to improve skin texture. 90% of participants in clinical studies said their skin felt softer and more supple after using it. Now, what makes it so effect is naringenin, Dende's powerhouse biotech ingredient that fights inflammaging the everyday inflammation that breaks down collagen and elastin over time. And this formula fights it 15 times more effectively than niacinamide, keeping the delicate eye area looking smooth, firm and hydrated. If you want smarter skin care that actually delivers, check out Dende they're offering 15% off to our listeners. Just go to dende.com and use the code balanced less. That's-n--e.com code balanced less. Let's talk about hair. Because when your hair is thriving, you feel amazing. And if you've ever dealt with excessive shedding or hair thinning, you know how frustrating that can be. That's exactly why I take Nutrafol, which has been my secret weapon for strong, healthy hair. I've been taking Nutrafol for over a year and the difference has felt so real. I've had a bit of a hair glow up with less shedding, stronger strands and my hair just feels overall, it's the number one dermatologist recommended hair growth supplement brand trusted by over 1.5 million people and it's designed to support your hair from the inside out. Now what I love is that Nutrafol isn't a one size fits all approach. They have different formulas tailored to what your hair needs, whether it's postpartum, menopause or even having a plant based lifestyle. And unlike other supplements that only focus on ingredients, Nutrafol clinically tests its final formulas to make sure they actually work. In fact, in a clinical study, 86% of women saw improved hair growth in just six months. And the best part? It's physician formulated with 100% drug free ingredients that target the real root causes of thinning like stress, hormones and lifestyle, so your hair can grow stronger, thicker and healthier over time. If you're ready to give your hair the support it deserves, start your hair growth journey with Nutrafol. For a limited time, nutrafol is offering $10 off your first month subscription and free shipping. When you go to nutrafol.com and enter the promo code Balanceless. Find out why over 4,500 healthcare professionals and stylists recommend Nutrafol for healthier hair. That's N u T R a f o l.com promo code balancedless.
Wheezy
There is, I think, with podcasting a level of intimacy with the audience that you don't get through other platforms because you're literally like your voice is in someone's ear every week. And that's so different than a clip on social media. That builds a level of closeness.
For me when I'm listening to a podcast, the person has to be the opposite of me.
In what way?
Like your tonality. Even I'm really loud. I'm sure Remy's over there engineering like fuck, this is up and down. I like someone who feels more calm Than me isn't as like over talking, chatty. Like, I like someone that knows how to listen. And I think that's the type of friend I want in my ear, you know, that type of intimacy. Because it does feel like a friend. I might listen in my bed or on a drive. And it's just me and you. And even with, I don't know, tv, you don't feel like you're included, but in a podcast you kind of do.
Absolutely.
And we're even referencing. I'll say you or I'll look to like it really feels like it's you.
Yeah, absolutely.
A lot of people, and you probably know this, they want to feed your ego so much. Please tell me why this was bad. Yeah, please tell me where I could have improved. I need that. And that to me is what successful people do. Anyone I know, one of my friends that's rich or famous, when I've watched them perform or have a piece of art that comes out, book anything and they're like, what didn't you like about it? I noticed a lot of them do that. They were waiting for the critique. And you need to constantly be in a self improvement mode to be a successful person instead of just getting all the good. Right.
I think that's hard for people to.
Get some bad feedback.
Yeah. Or even to seek it out.
Yeah. Self love, girl.
Did you have to learn to be more comfortable with that or were you always like able to take it?
No, I think 30 really did it for me. A few different phases of me being able to take feedback and I would implore everyone. 1. A really bad breakup. First of all, you need someone. You have to fall on your face and your ass and feel so bad that all you can do is self improve and not give a fuck.
Where there's no way but up there.
Yes. There's something about a bad breakup that.
Kind of changes people, especially women.
Oh yeah. Like I think mine was overeating. Just not taking care of my hair, my skin, nothing. And it was like, oh, there has to be this moment where I'm walking down the street like I'm gonna see him at any time. And then eventually you don't even care if he's there. There was something about a bad breakup around 25 that really helped me not give a fuck. It was cause I gave up so much of myself that I lost my own self when that person was gone. I think the next thing is when you hit a certain. For me, I dropped out of college. But I would guess when someone receives some Type of higher learning, they feel good about themselves. For me, it was money. Knowing that I could afford to do certain things, just be able to be independent and on my own, that really helped. Like, then it turned into this whole talk of which I feel like is a Twitter response. Bitch, you ain't paying my bills. Why would I care? But it really was true. And then I think the next one is truly accepting yourself. And I don't think you can do that until after 30. Maybe if you're lucky, you can closer to your late 20s. But you're just like, oh, I'm not really changing. This is who I am. This is my attitude. This is, you gotta learn your weaknesses. That really helps. I am the first person to tell everyone I'm not that organized. And so what do you do? You build a team of people that are to help you, but knowing that you have flaws once people can't throw it in your face. Oh, that's the one. I know everything wrong with me. I really do. And if someone could point something else out, sure. But it's learning that and being comfortable and knowing you're gonna get better at it one day.
Just giving yourself room to be human and not. This is gonna sound like the most ridiculous example and very millennial, but it's something that always sticks with me is in the movie 8 Mile with Eminem. Walk with me here. It's relevant, okay. The rap battle at the very end. He starts by saying all of the things that people would rag on him for. All the things about his mom, his girl. He' all of the stuff. He just puts it all out there and is like, what now? What can you say about me now? Because I've already said it all. Because I'm aware of it all. And that is relevant.
That's the one. Yeah. Okay, now I am with you. Right when you said the rabbit, I'm like, oh, yeah, I'm gonna take my ass back to eight Mile. Okay. Yeah, back to.
Back to middle school.
It's that type of thing. We watch comedians do it. A lot of that, like, self deprecation. There's a healthy one and there's not.
Absolutely.
I've met a few people in my day where I'm just like, girl, you are not ugly. Like, you don't look bad. What do you think?
Because it's.
It's.
I think if you're doing it to be productive and it's of kind of self awareness for growth, then that is one thing versus people who are doing it because they just want compliments. And they want somebody to tell them like, oh no, that's not true. There's a big difference.
Something I stopped doing, I always felt like I was undeserving of compliments. So when someone would say they like my outfit or whatever, I'd be like, oh my God, you too. But I wouldn't even look at the outfit. And it was something very small. I don't remember who pointed out to me, but I was like, why do I do this? Do I feel like I can't just take it and sit with it? And it was that type of stuff. Like, am I really comfortable with myself? And when I learned how to be, I started walking different. You know, people when they meet me in person, they're like, oh, you're so short. And I really believe it's because I have a tall and big energy. I think we have to like, I've, I've also been a person that, you know, I'm like a wild girl. When I lived in Florida, I've lived in New York almost a decade. But I was a girl that had a girlfriend and a boyfriend and maybe I was doing some Molly, what the fuck? Like everybody just was always talking about me. New York, you know, that's where the crazy people go to live. It's where you go when you don't really have a home where you're from. That really helped. But starting to learn that, okay, this is kind of me. I might be the girl that says something wrong at a family dinner. I might be, but I'm well intentioned and I've got to accept that. So I feel like once you are living your truest self, that's the best.
Les
Yeah.
Wheezy
But I'm fortunate enough to have family that accepts me for that way. I know it's not like that for everybody.
That's a good call out. But I appreciate that you shared that though because I think that it just gives people permission to be themselves and I think that it can be really hard for a lot of people to feel okay just being themselves.
You gotta find the tribe. Like, seriously, it's weird for girls to make friends online, but I was on Bumble BFF when I moved to New York. I was, and it wasn't even for me. I really want to surround myself with women of color, but I was swiping on white girls. If the bio was right, I was like, oh yeah, this girl's fun. Like I needed those like minded people that will make you feel very safe in who you are. It's that friend that you call when you're like, guess what I did last night? And they're not making you feel judged. They're like, okay, you know, that's what I need.
Absolutely.
I don't want to hang up feeling like, oh, I shouldn't have said that. No, I can't do that.
Absolutely.
Do you have a good job?
You don't judge. I do. I feel like I'm forming one, especially. I haven't been in New York that long. It's been a little over a year. So, like, I'm still very new. But I definitely feel like I'm building a really solid community here, and I'm really grateful for that.
You need it.
Yeah.
I'm trying to think of a good. I actually got a girl.
Oh, great. More friend. I'm all about more friends.
I do. You and her have the same vibe. Even when I walked in, I thought about her.
Really?
Yeah.
Okay. Okay, set it up. I also feel like podcasting has actually been good for making friends as well. Like, I will often will become friends.
With guests with a guest. Guest. Oh, my God. Yeah. You ever slept with a guest? I have.
Les
I have not.
Wheezy
No. I'm telling you that. Tea.
How was that?
Which time?
The most memorable time.
Oh. Oh. It was a woman. We were flirting during the pod, and she texted me after and was like, I'm not joking. So I just was on the high of the podcast, and I'm like, oh, my God, let's hang out tonight. Kind of forgot about it. Mandy and I did another podcast, and I'm done. Like, oh, my God, it's 5:00, and now I'm really about to meet this bitch at 8. And I was so nervous, and she literally was like, this is gonna happen in years from now. We're gonna do an episode about it. And I was like, are we really? But that's the thing about podcasting. You truly start connecting with someone, and you're like, I need more. Because you're talking so deep.
For sure. It gets deep quick.
Now I'm about to tell you about my trauma. It's like, well, I gotta be your friend. It's weird. Like, podcasting. It's straight away, nothing is better than, I'm sure you've had this guest and your followers probably know which one that it was. It's like, the first two minutes, they're just giving it up.
Yep.
Thank you.
You're delivering whenever they're like, I've never said this before, or I usually don't tell people this. That's like, get one favorite thing to hear. Okay, I'll try. I'll try.
Get one out of you. I'm ready.
Okay, I'll. Well, I, I'll let it happen organically. It'll happen, It'll happen. I have faith. I would love to talk more about your entrepreneurial experiences though, and I know that we like touched on that a little bit, but I. You are an incredibly impressive entrepreneur. And to your point, like, I don't think that people necessarily recognize that or talk about that as much as they should.
I don't have entrepreneurial girl attitude. I put on a blazer for you. Actually. I would have worn a crop top.
Like you are, but we love the blazer moment.
I'm trying to stop doing it. I'm trying to stop being so casual and be a more serious person. So for example, I've been working with WTF family and like, we've never really lost an employee. Someone just moves like it's. If they're so tight knit. I would even describe it like this. When you work for a small business of people that actually give a fudge, like if someone, any one of them, even someone new was like, hey, I know we get paid Friday, but I need it on Monday. Okay. That to me is the perks of this, right?
Absolutely.
Our group chat is so wild. I must. I've maybe said nigga more in that group chat than any other one that I have. And I recently started a new business. I'm like, oh, I can't talk like this. So it's like, you know, I'm like really seeking out trainers. I haven't built that family yet. So my entrepreneurial ventures are very different.
Les
Yeah.
Wheezy
And they also have different goals and purposes. And so I'm trying to learn how I say that to say be more serious. I got so comfortable with wtf. I can't necessarily be like that in any other world, you know, And I want to make sure I'm doing them justice as well. I don't want them to work for some crazy ass boss, you know, I mean, I guess they already are.
They'll be fine. But let's. So for the audience who may not know the businesses that we're talking about, even when we say wtf, the audience may not know who that is. Even though that's where we are currently.
I think I'm Beyonce and my head.
Y'all see it. Y'all see it every week. So tell the audience a little bit more about wtf and I would love to hear your experiences starting a like brick and mortar business.
Yeah. So I've been a podcaster with horrible decisions, and now decisions, decisions. Where we met Alex, who was our video guy. And over the years, him and I grew a strong friendship, and we ended up building a podcast studio together. WTF Media. And it started as a podcast studio. Now it's like, full slated production. Like, we're on site. We've traveled to France for this. Like, I just wanted to say that. But we've traveled internationally. And it's crazy because the first year we did it, I was like, oh, my God. Okay, so the rent is only $3000. So we can. We can afford 1500 each if we never get paid. I have literally never poured another dollar into wtf. We had to open a second space within four months. We opened in LA after a year. We are constantly reinvesting. And, like, it's crazy because we've been able to give employees a raise every year, which is not fucking normal. Normally, when I was working at Corporate America, they were like, oh, 2 or 3%. Like, we give commission to employees. Like, it's just been amazing because I've always wanted to be that person. And I used to always really think in my mind when I was behind a desk, like, I would never do this. I would never treat people like this. Someone dies, they have a flu. Why are you making me feel like shit for calling off? You sure you can't come in? No. And I never wanted to be that person. So I really believe that our clients even kind of see it. Like, I have said this so many times on different podcasts, but I feel like everybody that works here is somebody you would want to have a drink with. That's like, my interview process. That's fucked up. With my partner, it's not like that. He definitely is more like, oh, have they been an engineer before? And I'm like, are they cool?
Les
We balance each other out.
Wheezy
Yeah, we do. And that has been the great thing for choosing Partnership. Yeah, like, he is very technically tech savvy, very introverted. I'm all about, how are we gonna brand it? Who are we gonna get on board? And very extroverted. So it's been the blend that this business really needed, because every podcaster is, generally speaking, a good host, but who's behind all this? Where are the nerds? You got a partner? 1. Luckily, my, you know, my business partner's a cool nerd, but, yeah, I was really surprised how it took off. And in the middle of WTF Media taking off, the seal of approval for me becoming a producer on shows was being able to own a studio. So that just is even crazier or even like how you actually really do need a cosign from somewhere you can say you can produce a great show. And I've been saying it for years. Not until I had that one IG post did people trust me. So there is something about investing in a brick and mortar that looks very official. Like, I feel like if I was doing something mobile, nobody would believe me that I was good at it. You know, even when it comes to estheticians, if someone tells you, oh, I have a mobile beauty business, you're like, you're not doing my lashes. I'm going home.
Right.
It. There's something about having that address. It's very wowing to people.
Yeah.
So it's been great. Yeah. But the is crazy. Sometimes things will leak. People trip and fall. We gotta have insurance. Like, it's nuts. But I enjoy it. Yeah.
Les
Okay. Let's be honest. Who doesn't love a little luxury? The only thing better than high quality timeless pieces is getting them without the ridiculous prices. And that's exactly why I love quince. Quince is my go to for effortless, elevated style at prices that actually make sense. Right now, I'm all about refreshing my wardrobe for spring. And Quince has the perfect pieces. Their wash silk tops and dresses are chic, easy to wear, and actually easy to care for. Because who has time for dry cleaning? Their organic cotton sets are lightweight and breathable. And they're perfect for layering or just feeling put together without trying too hard. And they're 14 karat. Gold jewelry, chef's kiss. Simple, classic, and way more affordable than what you'd pay at a department store. One thing I love about Quince is everything feels high end. The fabrics, the fit, the attention to detail. It's all there. But unlike other brands that charge a premium just for a label, Quint sporks directly with top factories, cutting out the middlemen. So we get the luxury quality for 50 to 80% less. That means you're paying for quality, not branding. And they only partner with ethical manufacturers so you can feel good about what you're wearing. If you're ready to refresh your wardrobe with high quality pieces for spring, go to quince.com balanced less for free shipping and $0.300 65 day returns. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com balanced less. Trust me, once you try quints, you'll never go back. Starting a business is exciting, but let's be honest, it can also be overwhelming. When I launched my planner line Spacious Rituals last year, I had big ideas, but figuring out the logistics of selling felt like a whole other challenge. That is why I turned to Shopify. And honestly, I can't imagine running my business without it. The thing about Shopify is that it's not just a place to sell, it's the platform that helps you actually build a business. They've got the number one checkout system in the world, so every purchase is seamless. And with shop pay, customers can check out faster, which can boost conversions by up to 50%. That means fewer abandoned carts, more completed purchases, and a smoother experience for everyone. But what I really love is Shopify makes it easy to sell anywhere. Whether you have a website, a brick and mortar store, or you want to sell directly on social media, Shopify has you covered. And as someone who had zero experience selling products before, I can tell you it is designed to grow with you. From that first sale, which, yes, felt amazing, to scaling your brand, Shopify makes sure you're set up for success. So if you're ready to upgrade your business, get the same checkout system that I and some of your favorite brands use with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial at shopify.com balance black girl, all lowercase. Again, that is shopify.com balance black girl, all lowercase to start selling today.
Wheezy
I think what you guys have done so well is like, like, clearly met a need. Like, I know now living in New York, having previously lived in la, finding places to record is really hard. And I think the reason why, like every show records here or at one of your locations is because it meets a need. And I think that's if anybody is like an aspiring entrepreneur, probably the biggest takeaway is like, what need is your business meeting?
Girl, that's exactly what I thought about. That's the question I asked myself when I made this gym.
Gym, yeah, let's talk about the gym now.
Does it exist? That is a thing. I just don't. It seems so simple. Why don't people get it? Like, seriously, There were many podcast studios in New York. Some of them you had to bring a hard drive and do this and do that. Some of them weren't open late. Some of them didn't have a set with a couch. Some. And it was just like, okay, but why? You know, and don't get me wrong, offering more things means you have higher overhead. This gym is Le Labo, girl, them candles costed me a motherfucker. But at the same Time. I want to smell that. You know what I mean? Yeah. So, yeah, I just opened a gym, and that's why I really wanted to, you know, come on and do press. But it's like. It's something I'm so excited about. Like, I swear to God, if it wasn't mine, I'd go still, you know? So I, in February, went and did a workout. Now I'm not fitness. Girl, I hope you're not watching this. I ain't saying I'm. I'm not fat by any means, but I'm also not, like, buff, which I feel like if you tell someone you own a gym, you have to. You gotta look like it. I don't think I look like it. I think I could own a bar. But anyway, I've been thinking about opening something in fitness for a long time because the last eight years, I've done it all in New York.
Yeah.
And something hit me this February. I won't say the name of the place, but I was in there. I think I made a joke about the type of music that I wanted to hear. I was like, that was so hard. We need a little rap music, girl. And she was like, we would never play rap music in here. It felt very hard.
Er, yeah.
And I left, and I was talking shit on the phone with my friend, and I was like, girl, like, I need trap Pilates. That's what I said. And then I'm like, is there trap Pilates? I Google it. Of course there is. And it's in Atlanta. Shout out to y'all. Of course it is. Someone's thought of that. And I'm like, no, but really, why does the music suck every time I do Reformer? This shit is hard as fuck and it's never good. And if I know anything, I know a party. I've tried travel for music. I'm one of those girls, so. And so is in Croatia. Let's go. So I knew that I knew how to make a business. I know that I can't find this anywhere else. So what do you do? I'm not a fitness girl. You got a partner? I literally picked my favorite fitness instructor in New York. His name is Jeff Blue. He's the black man that had used to. He worked at Switch Playground and now Lifetime. Well, now a trap. But, yeah, I was like, hey, my favorite forms of workout are lifting and Pilates. And I don't want to call it Pilates. It's Pilates inspired, to be fair. You want some tea?
Les
Of course, girl.
Wheezy
So Legree is the name of my favorite workout. I found out through solid core and researching solidcore that they used to license out Legree. Sebastian Legree is someone who's alive and well, who created this method bomb method. But it's very expensive to license. You also have to license the machines. Yep. I'm like, let's do legree and lift. That's what I want. It's gonna be trap, house, trap and house music. Those are my favorite genres. People are like, oh, what's the science? Is it the BPM with your heart rate? No, girl, I just like this, and it works well. So I sent him to LA. I pay $2,000 to get him legree certified. Now, he's been a trainer for a long time and all that, but, you know Legree?
Yeah.
Come back, try to buy the machines, and they're like, do you own the license? I'm like, what? SLT has literally a block, a monopoly on using the name legree in all of the east coast.
Wow.
I'm like, so y'all ain't know that when I spent $2,000 a second over there? Yeah, girl. So I had to buy other mega formers. And I can't even. I can't say it's legree and I can't say it's pilates, But I'll tell you, I didn't like that. Okay. Basically, the workouts are just like any other that you would do on a mega former, but except because you have lifting half of the time, it's more core focused on this one. But it's phenomenal. It's literally how I would split my week. I would go do a legree class and do a lifting class. I love group fitness because I'm egotistical. So, yeah, I basically came to Jeff. I'm like, I want you to make this work out for me. I'm gonna pay for everything. It was either I had a few. I had about 150. I just want to be transparent with that number so people can understand how much stuff costs in New York. At about 150, I was gonna buy a million dollar apartment or start a business. And start a business was what I did. So what do you do when you ask someone to make a me method for you? You have to give them equity. So even though I spent the money, I offered him equity, and he literally took a chance, left his job, and now is part over an owner of a gym and came up with this thing. And literally, I was like, damn. I don't know if I've ever seen a black man, lead in Pilates inspired anything.
I've never. I've taken every workout class under the sun. I don't think I've ever had a black male.
At least not a black straight one. Not that it matters, because we know. Oh, girl, we hiring a good little. But, like, no, I've never seen it.
Yeah.
And then when you find a black girl that teaches it, you're like, oh. So, yeah. I mean, he worked really hard with the assistance of someone else. Just like a Pilates expert.
Yeah.
And they made this method together and it's a great burn. And literally my boyfriend was in there with me and he goes, this is hard. I was like, is it? And stuff is starting to cry. I'm like, don't gas me up. It's hard. He's like, no, shit is hard. And like, yeah, you're already tired when you're on the reformer for 20 something, then you gotta lift weights. What the fuck? But it's amazing. I see, like, the most amazing people come in that just found it from TikTok. I know nothing about TikTok. So I was in there this morning working out, and this girl's like, oh, are you wheezy? I'm like, yeah. So we're talking. And then she didn't even know I owned it. That's how viral it went on TikTok.
Amazing. I've seen it. I've seen videos about it on TikTok.
Crazy. Yeah. And so I think just starting something that didn't exist. There's no one that's focusing it on music. Don't get me wrong. Rumble and Barry's got some good playlists, but it depends on the person for sure. So the sound system's good, but it's like this playlist. Playlist might be whack, so at least you know what you're getting. And I'm doing some really cool different music weeks. So I've made jokes that there's no Taylor Swift Aloud. I'm gonna do a Taylor Trapp version. I'm gonna find something. But I'm doing. I'm a piano. Some Guam. Like, I love different variations of South African music, Afrobeats, dancehall. I want a little reggaeton versus dance hall moment. And I found, like, a great playlist. I was watching American pie, all that 90s shit. I'm like, I need it. But I want people to know that they'll have a good musical experience when they work out.
Absolutely.
And just being in something black owned, that's fly. I feel like there's so Much association of. If it's black owned, it looks cheaper, which is why I did the labo.
It looks beautiful. I still need to go. It looks gorgeous.
Thank you.
Gorgeous studio.
I had a lot of help. A friend of mine I met through podcasting. I don't know if anyone's ever heard of Bible stories. Her name's Brianda, and we used to produce the show for her. She was a celibate girly who did psychedelics and loved to talk about the Bible. And she worked for gary vee@vaynermedia. And when I started this idea, I was like, this is someone I would want to do operations for me. So even starting another business with friends, it's scary.
Yeah.
But I'm. I feel like they're trustworthy and so it's. It's beautiful. Like, to know two of my friends quit their jobs to do this and starting a business again, where I. Earlier I mentioned I'm not organized, hiring people that are. I know what I'm good at, I know what I'm not. And I think that's been. The beautiful thing about starting businesses is leaning on the weaknesses. Like, literally. I asked Brianda in a text message when we started this together, what are you bad at? I'm gonna tell you what I'm bad at because we need to know. I'm kind of bad at remembering events and stuff. So she would start, we've had so many little. Not issues, but little things where she'd be like, I really needed you for this and you just kind of forgot about me. Now she doesn't take it personal. She'll just maybe say, hey, I'm just repinging you with this. I am so emotional that when she gets diplomatic, I think she's angry with me. But it's just knowing those quirks and learning those things that every business owner needs to do. Taking your ego out of it. Also very important. A lot of people don't know how to trap house, don't give a fuck, don't care, you know, because it's not.
About that for you. It's about the actual creating the space.
I don't believe a lot of people that start businesses are like that, though. Though. I think podcasters, too, aren't like that. They're very about self.
Yeah.
Do you really care if your listeners are getting something out of this or do you just want to tell us about yourself now? I know I'm talking about myself on this, so it's a little different, but, yeah, I was like that on Horrible in the beginning we would have a Dom come in, and I'm like, well, let me tell you about my time. For what, like, you're here. I think a lot of business owners like to stick their chest out, and that doesn't necessarily make you the most money. Like, you've really got to figure out how to celebrate your team more than anything. That's when people work harder for you, too. Like, being, you know, a proud place to work, to work at and treating them well. Like, I've learned all these things, and I really hope everyone that works for me and with me can say that about me too.
Yeah. Yeah. What are some of the ways that you've learned how to, like, manage and.
Lead teams by example? There's a lot of times where I'll come in the studio, if I see the trash cans full, I'll take it out myself. Knowing that, like, I would uphold myself to the same standard. I also don't put my finger in anyone's face. Everybody's adults that work for me. I don't like to treat them like children. I'm also private with feedback. I don't like to overexert this you work for me attitude. I think that never helps. And I've really been respected because of that. I also make sure to say, working with you, like. Cause I need you. You know, like, if I lost an engineer today, I actually do believe people aren't replaceable. Tiana's moving. Sure, I can find someone else to do her job, but she's not replaceable to me. And I believe businesses treat you like that. It is hard to find someone. Right now, I'm looking for more black women trainers. And I realized a lot of them won't leave where they are because those studios are holding onto them because they know they're irreplaceable. So I believe treating people accordingly. When you're good at something, I think a company needs to tell you, and I've even been told by a friend before who's a very successful business owner, didn't take their advice. I was gassing someone that worked for me, and she was like, watch how you talk. Because then she's gonna be ready to get a raise and ready to do this. Girl. If she watching me on a goddamn boat in Cairns, I gotta give the girl a raise. Like, I'm living a certain life. Like, yeah, you deserve that shit.
Yeah.
I'm not about to fight you tooth and nail. If you believe you, you deserve more. Like, we should be giving people what they want. So I just try to make Sure. I do it before they even ask. Like, this Christmas, it was really exciting for me to do that for WTF employees. And I feel like I'm doing my best to lead in a way where they're getting rewarded. So that's really like this reward system type thing.
Yeah, definitely. I love that. That sounds like really compassionate leadership.
We have to be, though. Yeah. Because to own a studio where you're predominantly hiring people of color, I'm not about to treat you like everybody else is out there. Right. Like, I just had an interview with a girl. She was like, I cannot believe Trap House pays the same. And I was like, well, yeah. She's like, I mean, I teach a class of 25. You only have 11 spots. She's like, I was ready to take less.
Wow.
Because I just wanted to work for, you know, young people, whatever. Yeah. And I was like, damn. I believe when you pay well, when you're giving as much as you can, oh, my God. You get it back, like, tenfold.
Absolutely.
Now, I'm not saying when you're doing something on your own, be as cheap as you can, but you know what I mean? Like, pay people well.
Yeah. And treat people well.
Yes.
Yeah. That's a big one.
Compassion. When it comes to things people have been through. We've had, you know, grandparents die, some. One of my employees, their mom died. Like, I can't imagine the anxiety of telling someone, hey, I need to be gone. Have you ever sent that email, like, I'm not going to make it, and you feel bad for something that happened to you? Hell, no. That's the number one thing that literally will make me steal the K cups and all kind of shit in that office. I'm the first person to steal something out of office, I'm telling you right now. Computer, paper, taking it, I don't care. I will fuck you over, like. And I. I just want to make sure that, yeah, I'm giving people what I hated about work.
Absolutely.
Les
Yeah.
Wheezy
And I think so many places, I mean, I've had a lot of corporate jobs. I'm only like a year out of corporate, so I've had a lot of corporate jobs, a lot of, like, friendships through work. And I realized that all of my work friendships and corporate spaces are really, like, trauma bonds. And I think that's the case for most people.
Holy shit, you're so right. When you left, tell me this, did you have a friend and you all don't have something to talk about anymore? Like, it just kind of. I have.
Oh, yeah. I mean, people Who? I haven't talked to you in years because we don't work together anymore. So that was it. Thanks.
I do love a good work, Kiki. I kind of miss that. I love talking shit about people at work.
It was fun during like messy moments. For sure.
Yes.
Office mess.
Give us a good office mess.
Oh, I don't even know if I remember. I haven't worked in an office in so long. Even though I was in corporate a year ago, I was remote.
Oh, you were remote.
Okay, okay, yeah, I will say okay.
Les
Office mess.
Wheezy
I had this job years ago where I found out that I was being paid less than everybody on the team. Coincidentally, I also happen to be the only black girl at the company. I'd say, coincidentally sarcastically, even though I had more responsibility. And so I ended up going to my director, talking about it, making the case for why I felt like I needed to be compensated more. I ended up leaving before anything really came of it. A few years later, I'm at a different job and we're having like, I don't know if it was like a DEI meeting, an equal pay meeting, whatever, but they post this article and they're like, hey, everybody read this article and then come back and we'll chat about it. So I read this article and it's from the company that I used to work for, talking about how an employee came asking for more money. And I was like, shut up. Is this play about us? This article is about me. And about the time that I asked for more money is now being used as this, like team building exercise. Anyway, I don't know if that's tea, but it felt.
No, that's tea.
Like messy.
That happened to one of my colleagues when I worked at a telecommunications company and they were like, well, talking about me, she gets paid, you know, more. I was like, but I'm ambiguous. Like, let's just be a small spade is fade. Black women generally do get paid less in most companies. Actually, I started my career in T mobile. Okay, so I was working at the stores and then I ended up working in the corporate office doing sales. Sales engineering, account executive. Then I worked for Spectrum. I went for more money and then the T mobile culture was just front fun. I should have stayed. If they're at the gay pride parade, you probably should just stay there. But yeah, I went to Spectrum to make another 25k and I hated it. I would say my messiest moment. Ooh. My aunt died while I was at work and she had cancer. So it was kind of expected. It was a weird Time. There was a breastfeeding room, a nursing room that I went to just go be alone in. And everybody saw me when I got the phone call and went in there. And I got a knock on the door. Mind you, wasn't nobody pregnant in there and not even close. Everybody was old. Their kids were 10 and up.
Right.
Do you know, she told me to get out of the room, and I'm like, why? I was like, I'm not trying to go home. I'm trying to finish out this day. She's like, well, it's reserved. And then we're gonna have to give everybody that treatment. I'm like, well, is everybody going through a death? Yeah, people die. Listen, I've never spit in anyone's drink or anything like that because I've never been, like, worked in hospitality. But I remember fantasizing, like, next time she get coffee, and it's just sitting there. Can I put in it? What about the.
Vivian rude and just, like, lacks compassion and empathy. It's just. I hate stuff like that.
I think, oh, I did sleep with someone at work. That was fun.
So that you knew from work or at work?
Oh, wait. Oh, good question. Never slept.
We got a distinct.
Okay, so this guy. I was working in the T Mobile store at the time. I was a manager. To be fair, he was a senior. He just didn't want to be a manager. He had been a salesperson for 10 years. Back then, we were making, like 90k selling phones. It's crazy, the commission they were paying out. And I worked at one of the busiest stores in the country, so we were making a lot. So I just had a crazy boss who always wanted mess. And I came in late and she was gonna write me up, and I literally was like, all right, if I give you a piece of tea, will you not write me up? She was like, you better have fucked Lewis and give me the details. I was like, I did. She pulls me in the bathroom. She goes, you better sell it, bitch. Not.
She called it immediately.
Girl, that is the mess. I was dying, and I'm like, oh, I would flirt. I was the. I was the flirt. That is how you make sales.
Yeah. Like, that sounds like commission.
That sounds. Yeah. Let me tell you, for anyone that works in sales, I don't want you to feel bad when people talk about the type of dress you may wear, flipping your hair, flirting. To me, sexuality and femininity are kind of one and one, Right? I never had my tits out. They're great. I never had them out. When I was making A sale. But I was always bubbly and friendly and flirty. I have seen men do this my whole life. Men use their own charms, whether it be their masculinity, their brain. There's something about them, too, that will make you buy.
Yeah.
But when they. When you're a woman, they make you feel. Feel so bad. Sorry.
I'm hot.
Okay, I'm. I'm sorry. Like, I would really go to these offices just like. But you know, you need it. You do. Like, whether it was the ditzy girl, whatever it was that I wanted to play up. And I have found that people will make you feel shitty about that forever. I'm telling you, that is femininity at its finest. To lean on, whatever that is. The coyness, even in not knowing you're being oversold. Oh, a woman can do that to you. So you guys, you're gonna get it. Just. Just add it on top. Like, it's all the time. I had a real estate agent sell me an apartment that was in escrow, and I was like, I really think I did it because she was cute. I'm not even joking. I was in Florida, and she was like, I say, just put an offer in. Like, it'll be a good investment. You're not gonna lose money, whatever. Like, just this flighty thing. And I was like, okay, girls, there's.
So much power in that. And I think that's why women get shamed for it, is because they don't want us to use that power.
Les
Anyone who has been in these dating streets over the past few years know it's a jungle. There are so many red flags to look for, whether it is love bombing, texting their ex, or not having more than one pillow. But for me, one of the biggest.
Wheezy
Red flags is the state of someone's bathroom.
Les
Listen, there are some things that I can forgive, like maybe a questionable outfit choice or having different taste in music. But something that I cannot overlook is if someone has bad toilet paper. And I'll be honest, the first time I go to someone's place, I like to do a little bit of investigating around the bathroom. Just to conduct some research to understand the state of things. And let me tell you, when I'm snooping around someone's bathroom for the first time, what I absolutely don't want to see is. Is cheap, scratchy toilet paper. At that point, I have to ask, if they don't care about the details in their bathroom, what else don't they care about? And it turns out I'm not the only One who feels this way.
Wheezy
A recent Charmin study found that three.
Les
Out of five people say that you can tell a lot about a person based off of what's in their bathroom. Charman did the work and found that 76% of Americans felt like premium toilet.
Wheezy
Paper is a green flag.
Les
And that means that your choice in toilet paper could make or break a first impression. I mean, think about it. If someone walks into your bathroom and they see rolls of high quality toilet paper, they think, wow, this person has really got their stuff together. But if they see that flimsy one ply tragedy, that sends a message too.
Wheezy
And it's not a good one.
Les
That's why Charmin is on a mission to prevent the dump. Because nothing could derail a budding romance.
Wheezy
Like bad toilet paper.
Les
Charmin Ultra Soft Smooth Tear is the ultimate green flag. It's two times more absorbent than the leading bargain brand and is irresistibly soft. So no more struggling with jagged toilet paper or ending up with way too much or way too little.
Wheezy
Now, if I'm being honest, it's very.
Les
Rare that I let someone into my space when I first start dating them. But if someone were to look around my bathroom, they would probably find a really large skincare collection my retainers, and they would definitely see Charmin because I care about the details and no one needs to suffer when using my toilet paper. So do yourself a favor and stock your bathroom with Charmin to prevent the dump. Your future self, your guests, and your love life will thank you. And if you want to see more about how Charmin is saving relationships one role at a time, make sure you follow Charman Sharman on TikTok and Instagram. Trust me, this is one green flag you want to be waving.
Wheezy
Let's talk about the Joy Taylor thing. Have you seen it?
No.
Do you know who that is?
No.
Joy Taylor is a sports newscaster that has been in the news lately because she slept with Skip Bayless. Okay, now there's a Fox News Remy that they're on. Skip? No idea. Okay. It's all sports, right? Yeah. Now, there's some stuff in the reports that are kind of dicey, but there's one particular thing that's coming up about her fucking her way to the top. I gotta be honest, I don't give a damn. People have sex with someone at work all the time. Right? Now, if that person is in a position of power, sure, you could say it's fucking your way to the top. But what makes her different, like, than anybody else that dated at work, I think it's just. Just very easy to tear someone down. I would compare her in like a Taylor Rooks way of, you know, black women in media and sports. Right. Taylor's killing it. And yeah, if we were to find out Taylor slept with someone in the NFL that was of, you know, high power, like, would we then say that to her too? Like, I just. I hate it.
Well, and it's also like, do women their way to the top or do men hold women out of positions of power? Unless they, you know, and at that point, then what? Right?
But you know how real that is. I have seen so many times that I've slept with Kenya, that I've slept with Charlemagne, just to have the things that I have. God forbid I'm good at what I do.
Always a way to discredit women.
That is why for me, whenever I read those things, I'm like, you just are waiting to make me feel like shit for having this. People think I have sex with Alex, who I own my studio with, who is a full on fiance. We've been friends eight years. Never will I stop hearing that. Of course I will. Because why else would he want to do this with me? Right? I'm just used to that. So I hate that women get that. And that's why when I saw that thing of joy, it came out a few days ago from us recording this, and I was just like, okay, like, she's hot, he's rich. Yeah, like, duh. I'm sorry, but when you see beautiful women end up with powerful men, hello, could be us, I don't know. But, like, that is their arena. Beautiful women have those options. And I feel like any man on them on Twitter or whatever it is, you would do it if you could.
Absolutely.
I think there's like a weird thing that's happening now with, you know, women. Entrepreneurship is just rising, especially black women entrepreneurs, college degrees, all of it. Women are. Honestly, I will say this when my homeboys call me, they have so many options. Every girl they send me, not only are they beautiful, they're smart, they look funny, they just well traveled. They're amazing. I'm looking at this Instagram, like, how did you meet 10 of these girls this week? I hear that from a woman once. Yeah. If a month, if not even.
I mean, that's a lot.
Hold on. That sounds generous. Once a quarter. So you met someone great. And then are they available? Right. Men have some options out here, Straight men. Because these girls are just. They're phenomenal. And I think that's what makes it a little harder to hate if you're a guy that doesn't really have your own.
Yeah, absolutely.
You know, I've been fortunate enough to be in spaces with some men that know how to work with women well, but I can't imagine how that feels. You know, I've. Yeah. Ooh. Just thinking about that with dating. Yeah. Every man I know, they've got the best options for women. One of my friends right now just went through a breakup and I haven't spoke to him in a month. I went to check on him. He's like, I know I'm supposed to be sad, but, like, I'm dating this paralegal, she's fire. And then I met this gynecologist and I met this other girl. She owns a beauty salon in Atlanta. And I'm like, when the fuck. Where the fuck are they at? That's why I need to be a balanced les. I'm just kidding. I have a boyfriend. He's great.
But if you want, I mean, you always can. I don't know if men have as many options for themselves if they don't necessarily have money to be able to, like, lean back on like women do.
Okay. Why I agree with you. I've always said that there has to be three things for a man to have just natural confidence. One, it's either height or looks like if you're broke, but you got some height and you're handsome, you gonna be all right.
Right? Checks and balances.
Yep. Money as we know. The third one, don't laugh. You must have a big dick. There is a confidence with men that have a big dick and you can't see it. Yeah, but they're just moving through life with this, like, bravado. And you're like, oh, yeah, you're great to be because they know they got some shit.
Uh huh.
Oh. Anytime I meet a guy that's, like, fun and just like, even if I, like, kind of turn them down, they're like, you good? I'm like, oh, this dick must be big. Like, just. Just very confident. Just. You feel that energy with women, I think. I don't know, it's. It's not as easy to tell because women do have an easier way. Like, beauty comes natural. I think you could be a frumpy woman that could still be beautiful. Like, you could find a way.
Absolutely. Yeah.
But with men. Oh, no, we tear them up. Yeah. Don't be five, six. Like, we're gonna tear you down about it.
Well, don't be bald. Learn Some jokes, make some money. I don't know. I mean, there's ways around it. You can't. If there's things that you can't control, I get it. You can't control how tall you are. You can control your attitude.
Oh, yeah.
And you can control your work ethic.
Have you dated a short king?
I've gone on dates with short kings. I haven't been, like, in a relationship with a short king.
I was, when I was younger. The last short king date I went on, his dick was huge. And I. I knew it. You met it last lap. I felt it in my spirit. I was like, damn, he is fun. Yeah. And I was like. And he's just telling me he works in marketing. And I was like, yeah, he made 85. That dick might be big because he got a little. But I will say one thing I appreciated about him was he didn't let the height, like, he not wear him. But he never brought it up. Yeah. And it was a thing where sometimes I was feeling it, but yeah. And we went out. One of my friends is six, eight, ran into him and he was just in it. Yeah. Not, you know, towering down.
Tom Holland.
What's interesting, Energy. I've been on dates with women. When I have a hot home girl, they start acting funny.
Funny.
Ooh, Tom Holland energy. That's a good one. He had that.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
And I think girls do that a little bit. Like if their man works with a woman who's beautiful or has a friend, and then you just start acting a little funny.
Yeah.
And ladies, we gotta stop doing that. They could read it on you. They could feel it. Yeah, you gotta stop. It's a little embarrassing even. And I've watched it happen, you know, So I know on the receiving end, for men, it must just be such a turn off. So anyway, that's what made me give him some buzzy. I was like, you go.
You. If he's confident, that's half the battle.
Don't say half. He was half the height of the average man.
I. I actually do have another question for you that is a little bit more business related. Yeah. This is something that I think about a lot as like a creator, podcaster, being in media. Why has it been important for you to also build businesses that. That don't just revolve around you being on camera?
Ooh. To be honest, I feel like this is something that's not gonna last forever. Also sounds fucked up, but it's really how I feel. My on camera fame, 70% of it is Tied to someone else. Right. And so there's always that fear of, like, what if I branched out outside of horrible? What would that be like? You know, having all of these wins with another person. Wheezy can't ever really be bigger than this thing. Sure I can. My businesses might, but maybe I won't. And that's totally okay with me. You know, I'm so fucking fortunate for what I've built with Mandy. But when I realized there's a day we won't be together, and what am I gonna do? Just make another podcast? People like to consume me in that format with someone else. It's not like I'm not great. It's just my fans may feel empty without Mandy. Same for her as well. I don't know. I don't want to wish that on Mandy. She's amazing. But I was feeling like that that's what really made me want to do another business. So I started my TV show, Sex Sells, because I love sex and money, and I get to interview people about how they make money from the sex industry. And there was a part where I was scared, like, someone's gonna watch this and feel like it should be horrible decisions, but. But I really wanted to talk about entrepreneurship in it, and it's on season four. It's crazy, because I really just had this idea based on my passions. And also doing that show is very exhausting. Being on camera is very exhausting. Knowing I have to show up when I'm in a bad mood or honestly, not to be, like, fat phobic. I know that we're very insensitive times, but I like to talk how I talk when I'm gaining weight. I do not want to be on here camera. And I fluctuate a lot. I really open the gyms. I could stay skinny, but I'd like dead ass. I'd be like, I look like I don't want to be on camera. People watch me. Oh, my God, Is she pregnant? That's a thing? Oh. When we broke up, everybody thought I was pregnant, which only made me want to eat more. But, like, seriously, there's so much about being on camera that is required more than just showing up. And I hate that part of it. And I realized, working with Kenya, he said to me, I was like, I'm so exhausted right now. I'm so sorry I missed your call. Like, I'm shooting sex cells. I have horrible. I've got you. And he goes, why the fuck are you doing a TV show and not just producing 10 of them? He's like the talent always makes less than the producer. Now this is a motherfucker that's got a hundred million dollar Netflix deal. Okay, so I'm gonna listen. And when he said that to me, I was like, wow, he's right. Now, don't get me wrong, maybe this isn't true for a Tom Cruise or Zendaya, whatever, but generally speaking, it kind of is.
Oh yeah, the average SAG actor makes what, like 80k a year? I mean, that's like a regular corporate.
Job even to know that iheart as a producer is producing all of these shows and making money, Spotify, whoever, like, they're getting that bread. And so I just really appreciated that because, for example, right, we could look at the richest female podcaster and Alex Cooper. Maybe she's had a 60, 40 ad split, or maybe they pay her, you know, her 100 million as a guarantee, who knows? But what's interesting about it is that girl has to show up, create all of that shit. Someone is signing that check and not doing the work and is sitting back. So maybe she might make a little more than Spotify. She makes a lot more than all of us. But. But my point is just the energy output. So you really can produce a bunch of shows, whereas if you're on camera, you have to show up for it and continue to garner views instead of just making more things. So for me, I just wanted to make businesses that would carry on that I could kind of chill with. With Trap, I took a crazy huge money investment, but now there's a bunch of trainers working and doing it right. So I'm not necessarily needing to be in there every day. And it's beautiful because I don't want to say it in a way like, now you work for me, but it's more so like someone made the house and now you get to make money from that house.
That's like what you were saying earlier. It's like you're hiring people who have different strengths, so they just get to play to their strengths.
Exactly. And I think when it comes to strategizing on what you can make, the problem with content creators is they've made so much content with their own face, needing to speak for themselves, like whatever it is instead of listen, like, I'm sure you probably already have it, or making one or whatever, having a wellness page or just your podcast page, garnering stuff from that without you needing to get on the camera and say whatever you need to say. Posting the meme with the quotes in it. Like there's ways you need to offload. Yes, you're the brand, but you have to offload. You'll kill yourself. I'm killing myself right now. But. But it's so that I could be at the point where I'm not. And I think too many of us are trying to make things with our own face instead of concepts. There's a. A person I like to watch. Who's that guy? He's Latino and he's like, how did you make your business? Blah, blah, blah, and tell me, how did you become a millionaire?
Oh, who just, like, pops up on random people.
Yeah, like. Like a guy will be in a Lambo or whatever. Yeah, great. Now he's got a brand, right? We love those videos. To me, the next step is making money doing panels, making the network of other people to go and do that. Hey, you only live in one city. You should literally pay someone else who's a content creator to go do it in their city. Keep just building that up so you work less, because now that brand is more famous than him. The hard knocks school of hard knocks, I think it's called stuff like that. It's figuring out how to almost duplicate yourself. If I could have it my way, I would start a little hoe network, and it'd be a bunch of little horrible decisions girls. That's what I would have loved to done with horrible decisions. I can't do that, unfortunately, because we have our book and we've gotta, you know, go out there and promo. But, yeah, that would be the smartest thing. I'm 34 years old now. Damn near. There's a young ho somewhere who's doing what I was doing. She need to get on this bike.
I'm tired.
My knees are cracking now. But, yeah, I think it's just recreating the next thing, building the brand. Like Kim Kardashian. Oh, let me tell you, people don't like to Stan her love. Kim, we know your clothes. We love your body. Now you made skims. Now we get to wear some tight shit and look like that. Like, it's. It's all of that.
It's just the Rihanna Infanti thing where it's like, why would she go back to making music and touring and doing something so grueling and making way less money than. I don't even want her companies and her businesses. Yeah, it just doesn't even make sense, honestly.
Who's your favorite woman entrepreneur or entrepreneur, period?
I think Issa Rae. She's built a whole ecosystem and is in so many different sectors.
I Just hosted this screening for one of them days, which is the movie with Keke Palmer and Sza. So I hosted it with Kiki in Atlanta for Horrible Decisions. And literally when I watched the movie, I said to myself, this feels a little Issa. And then I found out she produced it. That is when someone feels like they could see or touch. Yeah. Love that.
Yeah.
And I. I think we need to all be thinking about how to make that.
Yeah.
You know, I mean, that's a big.
Part of why, like, with this show, I am moving the direction a little bit, because I feel like with wellness, I've literally talked about everything. I have told everybody to weightlift and eat protein and journal and go to therapy as many ways as I know how to tell them. Over the past six, almost seven years.
What else can you do?
I. I can't do the workout for you. I've said it every which way. But what I can do is I can introduce people to successful women, particularly, particularly black and brown women, to hear how they're doing, the things that they're doing, and to get into their habits and to get into their minds and hear how they do it. Because we also hear a lot about how the men do it, how the white people do it. We don't necessarily hear about how we do it. And that's more of what I want to talk about.
To be frank with you. I think a lot of people need to consume content like that, because I have always felt like when I'm watching entrepreneurial videos or financial literacy, even if it's something small, that there's not a reflection of me in there. Women is really the only thing that I can cling to. But when I see another woman of, I'm like, wow. Like, it's just. It's mind blowing. Even age, too, that feels good. Even when you're hearing from someone 35 that just started something great, it's like, oh, okay, there's another evolution of life. Like, you're in a new phase. We need that so much. And I feel like saying this is very corny, cheesy. We need people to look up to. But, like, no, you do.
Les
Yeah.
Wheezy
You really see what's possible.
I believe that is a real thing. Nothing makes me feel better than when someone tells me I've inspired them in some way. I don't know how, but it does feel good.
It does.
You know, just knowing someone your age or demographic, even someone that was broke. Like, I also recently, I spoke to a PR team that wants to do work for Trapp and They've said a few things to me that they've found on interviews before. A girl asked me how I got money to move to New York and I said, I have sugar daddy. She's like, we don't really need you to say that. When you talk about Trap, I'm like, why now if the sugar daddy gave me this money, but I've had a sugar daddy, babe. Like, this is a part of the story. You want me to now switch shit up Because I want people to come to this gym. I couldn't have been a whore before. Like, it's in the records. Like, let's not be phony now. I can try not to talk as crazy, but at the end of the day, like, I don't want someone to feel like they pulled a file on me.
Right.
You know, so.
And it's like owning your story.
And that's why I have on a blazer list.
Yeah. Well, Weezy, thank you for joining me. Please let the girls know where they can find you and how they can work out at Trap House.
They're in New York.
We have a lot of New York listeners, so.
Oh, okay. I'm gonna make a code. So we had a bogo code that a lot of people did to the point it was like 3,000. It was crazy.
That's insane.
I was like, we ain't even got 3,000 classes, girl, what the fuck? So I want to make a code. Even if you did the bogo balanced, I'm going to make the code balanced and it's going to take 10 bucks off your first class. Take it anytime you want. But I would say my favorite time to take a class is the morning. The morning people are serious. Oh, 6:45 are. They are different.
Oh, I feel I originated that tendency. Oh, yeah. I was working out at like 5am back in 2012. Oh yeah, they're different when no one was doing it.
Yeah, the 5:30 girls, they kind of look like they just had a drink. Like, I'm not even kidding. They're like, I don't really work out. I'm here. I'm here for the vibe. Don't get me wrong. I'm here for the vibe too. So that's why I'm a 12pm person. I'm very freelancer.
Girl.
I wake up at 9. Like, that's me. But yeah, I would say do that code. I'm probably going to see you there because I'm trying to get skinny. It's a really, really good workout. If you're scared of working out for the first time and being around a bunch of people. We have an intro class, but also nobody makes you feel like that, which is great. A lot of women have found us on TikTok and are coming for music and are getting overwhelmed and I did not realize the fear in group fitness of people judging you and I just love that that doesn't exist.
Yeah. So it sounds like a really safe space.
I hope to keep that safe space. Like I really do.
Amazing. Well, thank you so much for the code. We'll make sure we put it in the show notes, make it really easy for everybody to find and come work out.
Yay.
Thank you for joining me.
Thanks Le Lesbian.
Huge thanks to Wheezy for joining me today. I love that conversation. I honestly had so much fun. We probably could have gone even longer because we covered so much ground and had so much fun chatting. If you are in the New York area or if you're planning a trip to New York, make sure you check out Trap House. I will leave the coupon code that she gave us in the caption or in the show notes notes so that you can get $10 off your first class. And who knows, you might see another listener of the show there, or you might see her there, or you might see me there. So come join us for a workout. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure that you're subscribed wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a rating and a review if you enjoyed it. Thank you for tuning in and I'll see you next week.
Please note that this episode may contain.
Paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services.
Les
Individuals on the show may have a.
Wheezy
Direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
Balanced Black Girl Podcast
Episode: The Business of Rebranding and Owning Your Success with Weezy of Decisions, Decisions
Release Date: March 18, 2025
In this vibrant episode of Balanced Black Girl, host Les engages in an enlightening conversation with Weezy, the dynamic force behind the podcast Decisions, Decisions (formerly Horrible Decisions). Released on March 18, 2025, the episode delves deep into Weezy's entrepreneurial journey, her approach to rebranding, and her strategies for building and managing successful businesses. This summary captures the essence of their discussion, highlighting key insights, notable quotes, and the overarching themes explored throughout the episode.
Weezy opens up about the significant transition from her original podcast name, Horrible Decisions, to the new moniker, Decisions, Decisions. This change wasn't made lightly and was driven by a desire to reach a broader audience and mitigate the stigma associated with the original name.
Notable Quote:
"The rebrand has been interesting because I hate that our core fans might feel like, how come you don't curse as much? Or this and that. But I do want some people to see us that may have been scared before."
— Weezy [06:08]
The rebranding strategy included offering two episode drops a week, enhancing content delivery and listener engagement. This shift not only expanded their content but also allowed them to maintain the integrity of their original themes while making the podcast more accessible to a wider audience.
Weezy reveals herself as a serial entrepreneur, managing multiple successful ventures alongside her podcasting career. One of her notable endeavors is WTF Media, a podcast studio she co-founded with her partner Alex. The studio has grown from a single location to multiple sites, including an expansion to Los Angeles within its first year.
Notable Quote:
"We've been able to give employees a raise every year, which is not fucking normal."
— Weezy [24:05]
Her latest venture, Trap House Gym, exemplifies her innovative approach to business. Identifying a niche market within the fitness industry, Weezy combined her passion for Pilates and lifting with a unique musical ambiance, differentiating her gym from others. By integrating diverse music genres like trap, house, and Afrobeats, she created an inclusive and energizing workout environment.
Notable Quote:
"I want to make sure I'm doing them justice as well. I don't want them to work for some crazy ass boss."
— Weezy [24:05]
A cornerstone of Weezy's business philosophy is compassionate leadership. She emphasizes treating her team with respect, recognizing their unique strengths, and fostering a positive work environment. This approach contrasts sharply with her previous experiences in corporate settings, where she found the culture toxic and traumatizing.
Notable Quote:
"When you treat people accordingly, you get it back, like, tenfold."
— Weezy [43:59]
Weezy shares practical strategies for effective team management, such as leading by example, maintaining open communication, and offering timely rewards and raises. Her commitment to building a supportive and equitable workplace has resulted in low employee turnover and a highly motivated team.
Discussing the intricacies of podcasting, Weezy highlights the intimate connection podcasts create with audiences, a connection she initially sought with Horrible Decisions. She underscores the importance of authentic content and building genuine relationships with listeners.
Notable Quote:
"With podcasting a level of intimacy with the audience that you don't get through other platforms because you're literally like your voice is in someone's ear every week."
— Weezy [15:05]
Weezy also touches on the challenges of transitioning from on-camera roles to behind-the-scenes production, emphasizing the sustainability and scalability of her business ventures beyond personal branding.
The conversation delves into personal development, with both Les and Weezy sharing their journeys of self-acceptance and growth. Weezy recounts how difficult breakups and professional setbacks propelled her towards self-improvement and resilience.
Notable Quote:
"Just giving yourself room to be human and not... This is gonna sound like the most ridiculous example, but it's something that always sticks with me is in the movie 8 Mile."
— Weezy [18:39]
She emphasizes the importance of seeking constructive feedback and being open to criticism as essential components of personal and professional growth.
Weezy candidly discusses the misconceptions surrounding her work in the sex industry, addressing the stigma and judgment she faces. She advocates for owning one's story and dismantling harmful stereotypes through transparency and authenticity.
Notable Quote:
"I hate that women get that. And that's why when I saw that thing of Joy, it came out a few days ago from us recording this, and I was just like, okay, like, she's hot, he's rich. Yeah, like, duh."
— Weezy [55:00]
By openly talking about her experiences, Weezy empowers other women to embrace their identities and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams without fear of judgment.
The episode also explores gender dynamics in both personal relationships and the workplace. Weezy highlights the societal pressures on men to exhibit confidence through physical attributes and wealth, while also addressing how women navigate similar spaces with different challenges.
Notable Quote:
"Just being able to talk about a threesome because this is my Saturdays."
— Weezy [10:53]
She stresses the importance of mutual respect and support in relationships, advocating for a balanced approach where both partners uplift each other.
Les and Weezy wrap up their engaging discussion by reiterating the importance of owning one's narrative, building compassionate leadership models, and continuously seeking personal and professional growth. Weezy's multifaceted approach to entrepreneurship serves as an inspiring blueprint for listeners aiming to balance multiple ventures while fostering positive community and workplace environments.
Final Notable Quote:
"Nothing makes me feel better than when someone tells me I've inspired them in some way."
— Weezy [69:26]
This episode not only sheds light on Weezy's remarkable journey but also offers valuable lessons on resilience, authentic leadership, and the power of rebranding in achieving sustained success.
Key Quotes Highlighted:
"The rebrand has been interesting because I hate that our core fans might feel like, how come you don't curse as much? Or this and that. But I do want some people to see us that may have been scared before." — Weezy [06:08]
"We've been able to give employees a raise every year, which is not fucking normal." — Weezy [24:05]
"With podcasting a level of intimacy with the audience that you don't get through other platforms because you're literally like your voice is in someone's ear every week." — Weezy [15:05]
"When you treat people accordingly, you get it back, like, tenfold." — Weezy [43:59]
"Nothing makes me feel better than when someone tells me I've inspired them in some way." — Weezy [69:26]
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing listeners with a clear and engaging overview of the topics discussed. Whether you're an aspiring podcaster, entrepreneur, or simply interested in personal development, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiring stories from a seasoned entrepreneur redefining success on her own terms.