Rich Lessons

In this powerful episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena sit down with financial educator, entrepreneur, and former Wall Street analyst Ashley Fox, founder of Amplify, to discuss her journey from managing millions for the wealthy to democratizing financial education for everyday people. Ashley opens up about her personal struggles, rebuilding after setbacks, and how she's bridging the gap between Wall Street and the 99%.We dive deep into money mindset, investing for beginners, entrepreneurship challenges, and the importance of self-investment. Ashley shares candid insights on scaling a business, her love affair with Paris as a place of healing, and why building wealth starts with belief.If you're interested in the stock market, an aspiring entrepreneur, a first-time investor, or simply seeking inspiration to bet on yourself, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we dig into the hidden costs of global trade and who really pays the price. We break down how tariffs and shifting trade policies between the U.S. and China are reshaping the future for small businesses, from rising costs to supply chain hurdles. But we don't stop there: we also dive into the growing online debate around fake designer bags, exposing how classism and capitalism are deeply embedded in what we consume and how we judge it. Tune in for a real conversation about entrepreneurship, economics, and the complicated relationship between status, goods, and globalization.

In this inspiring episode of Rich Lessons, we sit down with entrepreneur and boutique owner Tia Whittington, the powerhouse behind H Kyle Boutique. From the classroom to the fashion world, Tia shares how she went from teaching preschool to building a thriving e-commerce business while being a mom, wife, and one-woman show.She opens up about her journey from substitute teaching to launching on Etsy, surviving the pandemic with scripture-inspired apparel, transitioning from brick-and-mortar to online, and how she bootstrapped her way to success without investors.If you’ve ever thought about starting a boutique, launching a brand from scratch, or balancing business and motherhood, this episode is for you.

On this episode, Sevetri and Sheena dive into the “cost of success”—or better yet, what no one tells you about having more: more money, more knowledge, more to give, and more for others to take. They share personal reflections on how success can bring unexpected challenges, from emotional burnout to shifting relationships, and why boundaries become more essential than ever.

Sevetri and Sheena are back and leveling ALL the way up with new guests, in-studio vibes, and the realest convos yet.This season, they are diving into everything from generational wealth and the good (and bad) of money, to protecting yourself and your business — and yes, even marriage and relationships.Hit follow on your favorite podcast platform + subscribe on YouTube.Lock in. Subscribe. Tell a friend. Let’s make this the biggest season of Rich Lessons yet!

Welcome to Rich Takes, a new Thursday-ish segment from Rich Lessons, our unfiltered spin on hot takes, delivered in 15 minutes or less. Each week or every other week we're undecided, we break down the headlines shaping our world and our wallets. In this episode, we’re digging into the staggering exit of 300,000 Black women from the workforce over the last 90 days, the recent BET layoffs and what they signal for Black media, a growing interest in women-only Uber drivers and what that says about safety in the gig economy, and the rising impact of AI data centers on electricity, the environment, and the Southern communities where tech giants like Meta and xAI are taking root. Quick, sharp, and rooted in real talk, this is Rich Takes.

We're on a 2 week hiatus, so check out this episode from season 1! In this episode of Rich Lessons, Sheena and Sevetri share the top 10 mistakes they've made as entrepreneurs—and the powerful lessons learned from them. From the importance of execution over ideas to why cash flow is king, they break down what every founder needs to know. Tune in for honest insights on delegation, building the right team, and why resilience matters—but not at the cost of your mental health. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to avoid common pitfalls and feel seen in your journey, this episode is for you!

In this episode of Rich Lessons, hosts Sevetri and Sheena dive into the ups and downs of maintaining physical health as entrepreneurs. They discuss how stress, anxiety, and grind culture affect sleep, weight, and overall well-being. Sevetri shares her personal experiences with fluctuating weight, anxiety-induced health struggles, and holistic approaches like acupuncture and fasting. The hosts also explore the challenges of staying fit while traveling, practical strategies for incorporating movement into daily routines, and the importance of consistency in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Tune in for insights on balancing ambition with self-care.

In this episode, Sevetri and Sheena catch up on life, career moves, and upcoming travels! Sheena shares her journey of rebuilding in 2025, while Sevetri preps for her Cape Town trip with the Henry Crown Fellowship.They also dive into Paradise with Sterling K. Brown, Severance, and Silo, plus their love-hate relationship with streaming services. And of course, Mardi Gras, birthday plans, and Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour madness make the conversation even livelier!

In this episode of Rich Lessons with Sevetri and Sheena, we dive into the art of networking—how to get in the right rooms, build meaningful connections, and leverage opportunities. Whether you're an introvert navigating new spaces or looking to network up and across, we share insights, personal experiences, and practical tips to help you expand your circle and maximize your opportunities. Plus, a fun detour into Mardi Gras traditions and the king cake craze! Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation.

In this Rich Lessons episode, hosts Sevetri and Sheena welcome their first guest, award-winning journalist and entrepreneur Sherrell Dorsey. She shares her journey from launching The Plug to its acquisition, dives into climate tech and sustainability, and explores Black innovation in business. Sherrell also discusses the future of work, and building wealth while making an impact. Tune in for insights on entrepreneurship, acquisitions, and purposeful innovation.

As January 2025 wraps up, we break down the major DEI rollbacks hitting corporate America, with Target at the center of the controversy. What does this mean for Black-owned businesses and diversity efforts moving forward?Plus, we discuss federal funding freezes, small business challenges, and the growing wealth gap. To close, we dive into Super Bowl excitement in New Orleans, its economic impact, and predictions for the Eagles vs. Chiefs showdown.Tune in for sharp insights and real talk!

In this episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena dive into the realities of fundraising and bootstrapping for entrepreneurs. They explore the pros and cons of bootstrapping, from maintaining full control to the challenges of limited resources, and share personal stories of building businesses from the ground up. They also discuss navigating the complex world of venture capital, raising over $50 million, and learning from failures. Whether you're an aspiring founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on scaling smartly, staying adaptable, and making strategic decisions about funding.

As we step into 2025, we're reflecting on the incredible journey that brought us here. In this episode of Rich Lessons, we're taking it back two years to 2023, when we both made the bold decision to transition out of our companies. Sevetri exited at CEO and Sheena made the hard decision to shutdown her company, CapWay. We'll talk about the pivotal moments that led to those changes, the lessons learned along the way, and how those decisions set the stage for the big goals we’re tackling this year. Whether you're looking to make a life-changing move or simply want some inspiration to chase your dreams, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Business Truths Pt. 2: Rich Lessons, we dive into candid stories about navigating entrepreneurship, the mental and financial challenges of building startups, and the rich lessons learned along the way. From pitching to investors and scaling ventures to the mental toll of leadership, our hosts share raw insights on the realities of business, personal growth, and resilience. Tune in for an honest conversation about overcoming setbacks, embracing lessons, and planning for the future.

In the first episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri Wilson and Sheena Allen share their journeys from small-town roots in the South to becoming successful entrepreneurs. They discuss how they built their first companies, navigated challenges as Black women in tech, and transitioned from bootstrapped ventures to raising millions in venture capital.From pitching big ideas to learning the hard lessons of fundraising and accelerators, Sevetri and Sheena reflect on the wins, setbacks, and growth that shaped their paths. Join them as they launch Rich Lessons, a podcast about the valuable (and costly) experiences that define success.

Welcome to Rich Lessons with Sevetri Wilson and Sheena Allen, where we cut through the noise and dive into the real conversations that matter. Brought to you by Grit: Girls Raised in the South, this podcast explores the hard truths, life lessons, and stories that shape us. From business to personal growth and everything in between, we’re keeping it raw, real, and most importantly, rich in lessons for the journey ahead. Join us every week as we share our stories, bring on special guests who’ve inspired and shaped our lives, and build a community where no one gets left behind. Subscribe now and let’s grow together!

Episode 44 | Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen (Instagram.com/whoisSheena) dive into a candid conversation on what it means to be a career-driven woman navigating love, marriage, and modern expectations.With women now outpacing men in education and marrying later than ever, Sevetri and Sheena unpack how ambition, earning power, and shifting gender roles are reshaping relationships. From the ego dynamics of out-earning a partner to why some women choose career stability before marriage or kids, they explore how today’s choices differ from the generations before them.Sheena shares how she went from imagining kids and marriage by 25 to building tech companies in her 20s, while Sevetri opens up about marrying in her mid-30s and being raised by strong, independent women. Together, they break down the double standards, societal pressures, and the real factors influencing why successful women are partnering later—or differently—than expected._______Show Notes:(00:00) Intro — career-driven women & relationships(01:09) Women surpassing men in education(03:07) Why the average marriage age is now 32(04:12) Cost of living, kids & delaying family(05:17) The Tracy Ellis Ross “singlehood” narrative(06:17) Sheena’s childhood vision vs. entrepreneurial reality(07:42) Generational expectations around marriage & dependence(11:21) Divorce stigma then vs. now(13:19) Are men intimidated by successful women?(18:43) The dating pool for high-achieving women_______Rich Lessons Podcast // hosted by Sevetri Wilson Taylor and Sheena Allen• Subscribe to Rich Lessons on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8kl)• Watch and subscribe to Rich Lessons on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@RichLessonsPodcast)• Follow Rich Lessons on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcast/) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast)• Subscribe to the Rich Lessons Substack (richlessons.substack.com)

Episode 43 | Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen (Instagram.com/whoisSheena) sit down with Brandon "BMike" ODUMS—a New Orleans-based visual artist, filmmaker, and cultural entrepreneur whose illegal graffiti murals sparked a movement and led to Studio B, a massive 35,000 square foot creative space in the Bywater.From spending 10 years grinding with Two Cent documentary collective getting "no" after "no" from BET and Comedy Central, to finding silence and stillness painting in abandoned housing projects, BMike shares how he accidentally created Exhibit B—a phenomenon that brought celebrities, politicians, and thousands to abandoned spaces with no marketing. He reveals why he didn't try to monetize it, how "I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams" became a cultural phrase (and got bootlegged by Walmart), the voicemail from Oprah, and why being at the right place at the right time matters more than we think.This isn't about overnight success. It's about 20 years of paying dues, being present in the community, and accepting the slowness of things meant to be slow.—-Show Notes: (00:00) Intro (05:09) Two Cent: 10 years grinding, BET & Comedy Central said no (06:56) Finding silence painting illegally in abandoned spaces (09:25) Project B: choosing presence over profit (18:29) Studio B: from illegal spaces to owning 35,000 square feet (27:09) "People support YOU, not just the art" (28:56) Year 12: when it finally started making sense (35:36) "I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams"—the origin story (38:10) The Oprah voicemail and why he didn't fight Walmart (42:50) Rich lesson: Accept the slowness of things meant to be slow—-Rich Lessons Podcast // hosted by Sevetri Wilson Taylor and Sheena AllenSubscribe to Rich Lessons on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8kl)Watch and subscribe to Rich Lessons on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@RichLessonsPodcast)Follow Rich Lessons on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcast/) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast)Subscribe to the Rich Lessons Substack (richlessons.substack.com)

On Episode 42 of Rich Lessons, Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen(Instagram.com/whoisSheena) sit down with real estate investor, developer, and agent Chris Ross, whose path into commercial real estate began behind a bar on Bourbon Street and led to multi–million–dollar hospitality and mixed-use deals.Chris shares how he went from making $800 on his first $45K deal to brokering $30M+ transactions, and why he believes now is still a powerful moment to move into commercial real estate, especially as others run away from office buildings and underperforming assets. He breaks down how to leverage equity, recognize the subtle signs of opportunity (like worn pool furniture and empty elevators), and think beyond single-family rentals into hotels, large residential properties, and creative adaptive reuse.The conversation also dives into real estate as a reflection of culture—from office-to-residential conversions and content studios to the rise of Airbnb-style hospitality. Chris explains how he utilizes AI and ChatGPT daily in his brokerage work, without compromising the human element that actually closes deals. And in his Rich Lesson, he brings it all back to one core principle: relationships are the real asset in business and in building long-term wealth.Show Notes:(00:00) Intro — Meet Chris Ross: Bourbon Street bartender turned commercial real estate dealmaker(01:07) From phone book to first license — breaking into real estate without a “traditional” background(02:47) Leaving residential behind — the persistence that opened CRE doors(03:43) What most people don’t know about commercial real estate: leveraging equity and financing million-dollar deals(05:02) “Blood in the water” — short sales, distressed assets, and why Chris thinks now is still a good time for CRE(06:15) How he turned bad pool furniture and empty elevators into a $35M transaction(08:19) The $45K building and an $800 commission — why you can’t start at $30M deals(09:49) Balancing culture, preservation, and profit in New Orleans while bringing more Black entrepreneurs into big deals(12:02) Where to start in hospitality and commercial: valuation, learning from the bottom up, and knowing your investing style(21:08) How Chris uses AI and ChatGPT daily in real estate (and why relationships still matter more than ever)(29:26) Real estate follows culture — office conversions, content studios, data centers, and shifting demand(33:00) Airbnb vs hotels — pros, cons, profitability, and why consistency still sells(39:29) Rich Lesson — relationships, credit unions, and why your network is your true leverage—Rich Lessons Podcast // hosted by Sevetri Wilson Taylor and Sheena AllenSubscribe to Rich Lessons on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8kl)Watch and subscribe to Rich Lessons on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@richlessonspodcast)Follow Rich Lessons on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcast/) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast)