Blaze Group Radio with Casey Ariel

We’re halfway through Black Business Month, and the stories being shared are nothing short of powerful. ✨This week, I’m spotlighting several entrepreneurs who are courageously sharing their money stories — the pivots, the lessons, and the breakthroughs that come with building revenue-generating businesses.Latoya Dixon Smith, One Union StudiosHow listening to her customers’ real needs reshaped her creative studio — and why she’s exploring the legacy of passing her business down through generations.Felicia GopaulA financial expert reminding us that women will control $30 trillion in assets within the next decade — and why it’s critical to build systems that bring peace, confidence, and predictable cash flow.Patrice Chappelle, MelanBrand SkinBuilding a skincare line with her son and learning the hard truth: sales don’t always equal cash flow. Her lesson on managing costs, shipping, and packaging is one every founder needs.Ponchtita Lanoue, PONCH CosmeticsOn resilience, turning over “every rock,” and solving the bigger problem of why Black women’s beauty products still only take up 2% of shelf space.Kayla Life, RebrandLand AiRaising the alarm on AI in the nonprofit world — and the hidden vulnerabilities that come with speed and efficiency without proper safeguards.Every story shared is another piece of wisdom, another reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t linear — it’s about adapting, innovating, and finding the model that works for you.This series is about truth-telling, legacy, and building with intention.👉🏾 Check out all the spotlights on our blog: blazegroup.io/blog______________Resources to Support You:→ Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: Get Legacy Notes, podcast drops, blogs, and tools straight to your inbox. blazegroup.io/newsletter→ Finance Education for Entrepreneurs: Master your cash flow, build resilient revenue, and grow sustainably. blazegroup.io/entrepreneurs→ Finance Education for Entrepreneur Support Organizations: Equip your entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive. blazegroup.io/enterprise→ Finance Education for Colleges & Fintech Innovators: Empower the next generation of economic leaders. blazegroup.io/fintech→ Book a 1:1 Strategy Session: Need tailored support for your next business breakthrough? Let’s work together. blazegroup.io/session→ Sponsor an Episode: Want your mission featured on Blaze Group Radio? We partner with aligned brands and orgs. blazegroup.io/sponsor

In this episode of Blaze Group Radio, we’re pulling back the curtain on a powerful yet under-discussed loan product for business owners: Accounts Receivables Financing.If you’ve ever sent an invoice with a future payment date — whether for a consulting retainer, wholesale order, or service contract — you’re sitting on an asset that can be leveraged for early cash. Accounts Receivables Financing lets you get paid now while your customer still pays later.I break down:What Accounts Receivables Financing is and how it works.Real-life examples (like Bill.com, Stripe, and QuickBooks) that make the process seamless.Why this solution is a healthy alternative to chasing grants or giving away equity.How financial innovators can build and offer this solution to the communities they serve.This episode isn’t just for founders — it’s also for fintech builders and capital providers looking to create credit products that actually work for our communities.📌 Key takeaway: We don’t have to wait for permission to design (or use) financial tools that meet our actual needs. The solutions already exist — and we can make sure they are in all of our hands.______________Resources to Support You:→ Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: Get Legacy Notes, podcast drops, blogs, and tools straight to your inbox. blazegroup.io/newsletter→ Finance Education for Entrepreneurs: Master your cash flow, build resilient revenue, and grow sustainably. blazegroup.io/entrepreneurs→ Finance Education for Entrepreneur Support Organizations: Equip your entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive. blazegroup.io/enterprise→ Finance Education for Colleges & Fintech Innovators: Empower the next generation of economic leaders. blazegroup.io/fintech→ Book a 1:1 Strategy Session: Need tailored support for your next business breakthrough? Let’s work together. blazegroup.io/session→ Sponsor an Episode: Want your mission featured on Blaze Group Radio? We partner with aligned brands and orgs. blazegroup.io/sponsor

In this week’s episode of Blaze Group Radio, we’re celebrating Black Business Month with our Tell Your (Money) Story series.I share my own story — growing up in a community where we sold World’s Finest Chocolate in elementary school to raise money for big field trips. Whether it was Williamsburg, VA or Washington, D.C., we knew the key to success: give ourselves time.That’s the difference between what we experienced then and what we often face today — urgency and scarcity manufactured by industrialized finance. Whether it’s quick crowdfunding pushes or pressure-filled loan cycles, the race against the clock can create more risk than reward.There’s greater safety in pacing ourselves. And there’s power in sharing our stories so others can see different ways forward.This month, I’ve been highlighting incredible money stories from across our community — and I want to hear yours.💬 Submit Your StoryVisit blazegroup.io/blog and open any article in the Tell Your (Money) Story series. At the end, you’ll find the link to share your own journey.Let’s take the time to learn from one another, to see ourselves in each other’s paths, and to keep building what’s ours. 🌿______________Resources to Support You:→ Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: Get Legacy Notes, podcast drops, blogs, and tools straight to your inbox. blazegroup.io/newsletter→ Finance Education for Entrepreneurs: Master your cash flow, build resilient revenue, and grow sustainably. blazegroup.io/entrepreneurs→ Finance Education for Entrepreneur Support Organizations: Equip your entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive. blazegroup.io/enterprise→ Finance Education for Colleges & Fintech Innovators: Empower the next generation of economic leaders. blazegroup.io/fintech→ Book a 1:1 Strategy Session: Need tailored support for your next business breakthrough? Let’s work together. blazegroup.io/session→ Sponsor an Episode: Want your mission featured on Blaze Group Radio? We partner with aligned brands and orgs. blazegroup.io/sponsor

Today’s episode is a short but powerful look into a capital-raising strategy you might be overlooking: round-up contributions.Casey explores how entrepreneurs and finance innovators can unlock everyday dollars from their own communities — not through large checks or flashy fundraisers, but by rounding up spare change from daily transactions.This regenerative strategy aligns with how people already spend and invites supporters into a sustainable loop of ownership, economic mobility, and mutual investment. When used intentionally, it becomes a powerful model for circulating capital within our communities — not just through them.If you're building for your people, let your people build with you. 🤎______________Resources to Support You:→ Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: Get Legacy Notes, podcast drops, blogs, and tools straight to your inbox. blazegroup.io/newsletter→ Finance Education for Entrepreneurs: Master your cash flow, build resilient revenue, and grow sustainably. blazegroup.io/entrepreneurs→ Finance Education for Entrepreneur Support Organizations: Equip your entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive. blazegroup.io/enterprise→ Finance Education for Colleges & Fintech Innovators: Empower the next generation of economic leaders. blazegroup.io/fintech→ Book a 1:1 Strategy Session: Need tailored support for your next business breakthrough? Let’s work together. blazegroup.io/session→ Sponsor an Episode: Want your mission featured on Blaze Group Radio? We partner with aligned brands and orgs. blazegroup.io/sponsor

In today’s episode, Casey breaks down why financial technology (fintech) is important for entrepreneurs and funders alike.Whether you’re building a startup or building community funds, this episode will help you understand how fintech is creating new paths for financial freedom, flexibility, and inclusion.Casey shares real-world examples like Flex, which lets renters split payments based on their pay cycles, and SoLo Funds, a peer-to-peer lending platform where users set their own terms and lean on community capital. These innovations aren’t just convenient — they’re reshaping how money moves through historically excluded communities.If you’re serious about shifting power and expanding access, tune in.Resources Mentioned:​Flex​SoLo Funds______________Resources to Support You:→ Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: Get Legacy Notes, podcast drops, blogs, and tools straight to your inbox. blazegroup.io/newsletter→ Finance Education for Entrepreneurs: Master your cash flow, build resilient revenue, and grow sustainably. blazegroup.io/entrepreneurs→ Finance Education for Entrepreneur Support Organizations: Equip your entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive. blazegroup.io/enterprise→ Finance Education for Colleges & Fintech Innovators: Empower the next generation of economic leaders. blazegroup.io/fintech→ Book a 1:1 Strategy Session: Need tailored support for your next business breakthrough? Let’s work together. blazegroup.io/session→ Sponsor an Episode: Want your mission featured on Blaze Group Radio? We partner with aligned brands and orgs. blazegroup.io/sponsor

We're headed to the 2025 ESSENCE Festival, and we want to see you there! Essence Festival in New Orleans is held every Fourth of July weekend. This year’s dates are Thursday, July 3 to Sunday, July 6, 2025. Daytime programming at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is completely free and open to the public — no ticket required. You’ll also find tons of sponsor activations, brand lounges, and pop-up experiences throughout downtown New Orleans. BLAZE GROUP will hit the stages of the New Voices Village and the SOKO MRKT to share important insights and strategy related to entrepreneurial finance and fundraising. See you next week! ______________Resources to Support You:→ Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: Get Legacy Notes, podcast drops, blogs, and tools straight to your inbox. ⁠blazegroup.io/newsletter⁠→ Finance Education for Entrepreneurs: Master your cash flow, build resilient revenue, and grow sustainably. ⁠blazegroup.io/entrepreneurs⁠→ Finance Education for Entrepreneur Support Organizations: Equip your entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive. ⁠blazegroup.io/enterprise⁠→ Finance Education for Colleges & Fintech Innovators: Empower the next generation of economic leaders. ⁠blazegroup.io/fintech⁠→ Book a 1:1 Strategy Session: Need tailored support for your next business breakthrough? Let’s work together. ⁠blazegroup.io/session⁠→ Sponsor an Episode: Want your mission featured on Blaze Group Radio? We partner with aligned brands and orgs. ⁠blazegroup.io/sponsor⁠

Sales aren’t the full story. In this episode, Casey walks you through 4 clear signs that your business model may be broken — or simply overdue for a strategic upgrade.If you're making money but not keeping it, constantly stressed about cash, or stuck in a business that can’t run without you — this one’s for you.What You’ll Learn:How low profit margins quietly erode sustainabilityWhat cash burn tells you about your business modelWhy founder-reliance limits growth (and how to fix it)How to reconnect your offer to real customer value______________Resources to Support You:→ Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: Get Legacy Notes, podcast drops, blogs, and tools straight to your inbox. blazegroup.io/newsletter→ Finance Education for Entrepreneurs: Master your cash flow, build resilient revenue, and grow sustainably. blazegroup.io/entrepreneurs→ Finance Education for Entrepreneur Support Organizations: Equip your entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive. blazegroup.io/enterprise→ Finance Education for Colleges & Fintech Innovators: Empower the next generation of economic leaders. blazegroup.io/fintech→ Book a 1:1 Strategy Session: Need tailored support for your next business breakthrough? Let’s work together. blazegroup.io/session→ Sponsor an Episode: Want your mission featured on Blaze Group Radio? We partner with aligned brands and orgs. blazegroup.io/sponsor

This week, I’m helping the Blaze Community understand what cash burn actually is — and how to manage it like a pro.We cover:What “burn rate” means (and how to track it)The difference between gross and net burnWhy your cash runway determines your survival windowHow to reduce your burn without killing your growthThe one metric every founder needs to know: Minimum Cash PositionIf you’re not tracking these numbers, you’re building blind.______________Resources to Support You:→ Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: Get Legacy Notes, podcast drops, blogs, and tools straight to your inbox. blazegroup.io/newsletter→ Finance Education for Entrepreneurs: Master your cash flow, build resilient revenue, and grow sustainably. blazegroup.io/entrepreneurs→ Finance Education for Entrepreneur Support Organizations: Equip your entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive. blazegroup.io/enterprise→ Finance Education for Colleges & Fintech Innovators: Empower the next generation of economic leaders. blazegroup.io/fintech→ Book a 1:1 Strategy Session: Need tailored support for your next business breakthrough? Let’s work together. blazegroup.io/session→ Sponsor an Episode: Want your mission featured on Blaze Group Radio? We partner with aligned brands and orgs. blazegroup.io/sponsor

This week, I’m helping the Blaze Community break free from underpricing traps and build pricing strategies rooted in real customer value.Too many small businesses price from a place of fear, not facts — and it shows up in margin stress, customer mismatch, and long-term burnout.In this episode, I break down 5 common pricing mistakes that stifle growth and share how to fix them with strategy and clarity:Absence of Market Research: Your price needs to make sense in the market. Know what else your customers are considering — and why.Failure to Consider Profit Margins: Factor in your full cost to deliver: processing fees, marketplace cuts, your own time, and more.Targeting the Wrong Customer: You can't price for bargain shoppers in hopes that they transform into to high-spend, affluent clients.Skipping Unit Economics: Your cost per sale must be predictable if you ever plan to scale, hire, or delegate.Ignoring the Value Proposition: Customers buy outcomes. Your price should reflect the real value you help them unlock — in dollars, time, or impact.🎧 Want the next step?📲 Download the Blaze Group app to access this week’s guided audio course: “Pricing Strategies”______________Resources to Support You:→ Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: Get Legacy Notes, podcast drops, blogs, and tools straight to your inbox. blazegroup.io/newsletter→ Finance Education for Entrepreneurs: Master your cash flow, build resilient revenue, and grow sustainably. blazegroup.io/entrepreneurs→ Finance Education for Entrepreneur Support Organizations: Equip your entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive. blazegroup.io/enterprise→ Finance Education for Colleges & Fintech Innovators: Empower the next generation of economic leaders. blazegroup.io/fintech→ Book a 1:1 Strategy SessionNeed tailored support for your next business breakthrough? Let’s work together. blazegroup.io/session→ Sponsor an EpisodeWant your mission featured on Blaze Group Radio? We partner with aligned brands and orgs. blazegroup.io/sponsor

This week's audio hug reminds you to learn from nature's intelligence. Pace yourself, allow yourself spaciousness to evolve, and surrender to possibility.Take a deep breath, tune in, and let’s grow together. 🌿______________Resources to Support You:→ Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: Get Legacy Notes, podcast drops, blogs, and tools straight to your inbox. blazegroup.io/newsletter→ Finance Education for Entrepreneurs: Master your cash flow, build resilient revenue, and grow sustainably. blazegroup.io/entrepreneurs→ Finance Education for Entrepreneur Support Organizations: Equip your entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive. blazegroup.io/enterprise→ Finance Education for Colleges & Fintech Innovators: Empower the next generation of economic leaders. blazegroup.io/fintech→ Book a 1:1 Strategy SessionNeed tailored support for your next business breakthrough? Let’s work together. blazegroup.io/session→ Sponsor an EpisodeWant your mission featured on Blaze Group Radio? We partner with aligned brands and orgs. blazegroup.io/sponsor

This week’s audio hug is about business funding that won’t break you. We explore an interest-free, zero-fee funding option — and why it’s so important to compare your choices before making financial decisions in seasons of pressure or desperation.Take a deep breath, tune in, and let’s grow together. 🌿______________Resources to Support You:→ Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: Get Legacy Notes, podcast drops, blogs, and tools straight to your inbox. blazegroup.io/newsletter→ Finance Education for Entrepreneurs: Master your cash flow, build resilient revenue, and grow sustainably. blazegroup.io/entrepreneurs→ Finance Education for Entrepreneur Support Organizations: Equip your entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive. blazegroup.io/enterprise→ Finance Education for Colleges & Fintech Innovators: Empower the next generation of economic leaders. blazegroup.io/fintech→ Book a 1:1 Strategy Session: Need tailored support for your next business breakthrough? Let’s work together. blazegroup.io/session→ Sponsor an Episode: Want your mission featured on Blaze Group Radio? We partner with aligned brands and orgs. blazegroup.io/sponsor

This week’s audio hug is a love letter to family-owned businesses — the kind built with trust, grit, and generational vision, even if we didn’t always know to name it that way.Take a deep breath, tune in, and let’s grow together. 🌿______________Resources to Support You:→ Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: Get Legacy Notes, podcast drops, blogs, and tools straight to your inbox. blazegroup.io/newsletter→ Finance Education for Entrepreneurs: Master your cash flow, build resilient revenue, and grow sustainably. blazegroup.io/entrepreneurs→ Finance Education for Entrepreneur Support Organizations: Equip your entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive. blazegroup.io/enterprise→ Finance Education for Colleges & Fintech Innovators: Empower the next generation of economic leaders. blazegroup.io/fintech→ Book a 1:1 Strategy Session: Need tailored support for your next business breakthrough? Let’s work together. blazegroup.io/session→ Sponsor an Episode: Want your mission featured on Blaze Group Radio? We partner with aligned brands and orgs. blazegroup.io/sponsor

In this episode of Blaze Group Radio, we dive into the recent settlement of the Fearless Fund lawsuit and the implications that it has across political, funding, and business landscapes. Host Casey Ariel tells the story from the lens of the co-founder and CEO, Arian Simone - which is in stark contrast to the spin that many major news outlets were signaling. In the current climate, it is so important that everyone votes to protect the freedoms that so many of us are fighting for. It is also important that we build businesses that stand the test of time, protecting our communities, families, and freedom to move at a pace that sustains our spirit. Ready to delve deeper into this community? Join the BLAZE Pro Membership! Don’t miss out on these important monthly discussions at our next CashFlow Convos™️ event and get access to personalized financing quizzing from 'B.'! ⁠Join the BLAZE Pro Membership Today! https://www.blazegroupllc.com/⁠

In this episode of Blaze Group Radio, we dive deep into the critical importance of financial acumen for entrepreneurs. Host Casey Ariel unpacks real-world examples of companies making major financial moves, highlighting the strategies that can make or break a business. Casey shares insights from Blaze Group's latest CashFlow Convos™️ event, where members dissected revenue models of companies like NASA and Apple: NASA's Strategic Privatization: How NASA privatized its space aircraft operations to save money and resources on their lunar ventures. Apple's Contactless Payment Evolution: The impact of Apple opening up its contactless payment technology to third-party vendors, and what that means for the company’s revenue model — and potential partners. Understanding RFPs: The role of Request for Proposals (RFPs) in competitive pricing and long-term savings for businesses. We also explore how Lifetime Deals, which were popular during the height of the e-commerce boom of the COVID-19 pandemic, from companies like Airmeet are proving unsustainable. Casey explains why understanding how to generate customer revenue is crucial, especially during economic recessions. Lastly, we dive into the rocky $13 billion loan Elon Musk used to acquire Twitter and the impact of legacy advertisers leaving the platform, reinforcing the importance of ensuring revenue is "sticky" enough to service debt. This episode underscores one key message: Leaders Must Be Cold in Finance. Tune in to learn how to master the financial strategies that will keep your business thriving — no matter the economic climate. Ready to Level Up? Join the BLAZE Pro Membership!Don’t miss out on these important monthly discussions at our next CashFlow Convos™️ event and get access to unlimited AI Biz Advisory, templates, self-paced courses, and more. Join the BLAZE Pro Membership Today! https://www.blazegroupllc.com/entrepreneurs

In this episode of Blaze Group Radio with Casey Ariel, we dive deep into the art of transforming big ideas into fundable projects. Join us as we explore practical steps to break down grand visions into manageable, investor-friendly initiatives. We’ll also discuss the crucial importance of financial discipline in business, emphasizing the mantra: "When the money runs out, time runs out." Discover what it means to be "cold in finance" and learn strategies to maintain financial stability. Plus, get the latest updates on Blaze Group's evolution into a financial consulting and education firm dedicated to closing gender and racial wealth gaps in entrepreneurship. Don’t miss the announcement of our upcoming CashFlow Convos event on August 29th at 6pm Central – register now at blazegroup.io/events. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories designed to empower Black business leaders to take control of their financial future. In this episode, you'll learn: How to trim down big ideas into fundable projects. The significance of financial discipline and making objective financial decisions. Latest updates on Blaze Group and our mission to close wealth gaps in entrepreneurship. Details about our upcoming CashFlow Convos event. Resources and Links: Register for CashFlow Convos: blazegroup.io/events Visit our website: blazegroup.io Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Blaze Group on social media for more updates and content!

No more running from it -- to lead a company that stands the test of time, you must take command of your financial strategy. In this episode, Casey Ariel shares three practical financial strategies that will revolutionize how you approach financial needs in your business. This episode covers: - Breaking your problem into fundable projects - Syncing hiring timelines with cashflow schedules - Turning your break-even into a sales target Casey Ariel provides extremely relatable examples, and you'll likely belly laugh a time or two! Enjoy the show. Be sure to download the Blaze Group app to tap into our business support for Black women entrepreneurs. Learn more about Blaze Group at blazegroup.io.

In this episode, Casey explains the origins of Project 2025 and what it means for the upcoming presidential election. Listen in for helpful framing, vocabulary, and reference points that can be used to further educate your families, friends, and communities. We're in this together, Blazies! Be sure to download the Blaze Group app to tap into our tech + lifestyle resources for Black women entrepreneurs. Learn more about Blaze Group at blazegroup.io.

Hi, Blazies! Whew! I'm thrilled to be back with a new episode after taking a few months off to rejuvenate my mind, settle into home with my husband, and lead some important shifts in the business. On the 100th episode of Blaze Group Radio, I shared that I was intentionally speaking daily on the podcast to gain important reps in storytelling and pacing as to prepare myself to speak on an ESSENCE stage one day. Well, friends -- here we are on the 105th episode of the Blaze Group Radio podcast, and not only was I a featured speaker at the 30th ESSENCE Fest in New Orleans, I spoke TWICE and one of those talks was covered in a featured article on Essence Magazine's website! Success is when preparation meets opportunity and there are so many celebratory moments ahead of you on your journey of prayer, manifestation, and purpose! Check out this episode to hear cool event recaps, testimonials from our podcast listeners, and information about the new business finance course I just launched. Need unlimited help working ON your business and not just in it? Subscribe to BLAZE Pro in the Blaze Group app (available on Andriod and iOS)! Download the app: https://www.blazegroup.io/entrepreneurs Enroll in Business Finance course: https://www.blazegroup.io/courses

We invite you to celebrate International Women's Day with us this Friday, March 8th! Register now at BlazeWebinars.com. We can't wait to see you there. Event Details: Join BLAZE, Beauty & Brains Organization, and the National Black MBA Association - DC Chapter as we celebrate International Women's Day with an empowering event: "You're Up Next, Sis: Pitch Practice"! It's time to step into the spotlight and master the art of pitching your ideas, whether in the world of business, professional careers, school, or community activism. Get ready to ignite inspiration and shake up the status quo with your compelling storytelling on March 08, 2024, at 11:30a ET | 10:30a CT | 8:30a PT.Why Pitching Matters:Pitching is more than just presenting an idea – it's a powerful tool to captivate and invigorate others around your vision for the future. As Black women, we have unique stories and perspectives that deserve to be heard. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to secure funding, a professional aiming for career advancement, a student with a groundbreaking project, or a community activist advocating for change - mastering your pitch will empower you to make a lasting impact.Practice and Elevate Your Pitch:During this virtual event, you'll have the opportunity to practice and refine your pitching skills in a supportive and nurturing environment. Gain valuable insights from seasoned professionals and entrepreneurs who have successfully pitched their ideas and have a proven track record of influence. Receive feedback, guidance, and constructive suggestions that will elevate your pitch to new heights, ensuring your message resonates and inspires the hearts and minds of your audience.Unlock Your Voice, Ignite Your Power:This International Women's Day event is more than just pitch practice – it's a celebration of the incredible power within each and every one of us. Step confidently into your authentic self, unleash your voice, and showcase your brilliance. Embrace the collective strength of women across the globe as we come together to uplift, empower, and encourage each other to reach new heights of success. It's your time to shine and make a lasting impact. You're up next, sis! Want to connect with other entrepreneurs? Download the Blaze Group app on Andriod or iOS! Learn more at: blazegroup.io.

In today's episode, Casey shares vulnerable thoughts about the mental weight that she feels at 34 years old. Reflections include: The current genocide against Palestinians Desire for activism + mobilization of Black communities Existing as a multi-hyphenate and making space for my gifts Cultivating relationships + family traditions Want to connect with other entrepreneurs? Download the Blaze Group app on Andriod or iOS! Learn more at: blazegroup.io.