Explore every episode of the podcast Rich Lessons

In this episode, we sit down with Roy A Glapion, who sold his testing and engineering company which helped him build generational wealth for his family. Roy is here to discuss wealth in Black communities, how we build it, how we keep it, and why we're still miles apart from white communities due to everything from redlining to mindset. This is an episode sure to ruffle some feathers, but it also delivers the kind of real conversation we don't have enough in our communities on money and generational wealth. Subscribe and follow us on instagram @richlessonspodcast and on Youtube!

In this episode, Sevetri and Sheena dive into the many layers of entrepreneurship that no one talks about. The pressure to perform, the loneliness at the top, the pivot moments and the real cost of chasing your dreams. This one's for anyone building something from the ground up or thinking about taking the leap into entrepreneurship.

She's worked with RIckey Smiley and wrote for Cedric the Entertainer for the Emmy's, so how does a girl from Mississippi go from the military to the mic? Comedian @ritabrentcomedy joins Sevetri and Sheena on this episode of Rich Lessons to share how she found her funny, took a leap of faith, and turned her talent into a full-time career.

You don’t want to miss this one 👀 #RichLessons #GRITS #WomenInComedy #FromMississippiWithLove #RitaBrent

In this episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena break down 10 business ideas they believe have the potential to generate six, seven, or even eight figures. From untapped markets to rising trends, they explore what each idea is, why it matters, and how they’d bring it to life. Whether you’re searching for your next big venture or just want to hear how two founders think through business opportunities, this episode delivers insight, strategy, and straight talk.

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On this episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena travel to the DMV to interview Ashley Young, the co-founder, CEO, and lead stylist of Bridal Babes, a size-inclusive bridesmaid gown line. She launched the company with her husband, Charles, after struggling to find appropriate bridesmaid gowns for her wedding. Bridal Babes was featured on season 14 of ABC's Shark Tank and they received an investment from Skimms and Good American co-founder, Emma Grede. In this episode learn how she got picked for Shark Tank, if Emma is a good investor, how her and her husband are able to juggle building an empire and their personal life raising two boys and more. This episode is story of when work ethic meets opportunity.

In this deeply personal episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena sit down with Ronaldo Hardy, a former finance executive turned national CEO, lead pastor, artist, and unapologetic “people builder.” Ronaldo opens up about what it means to lead with both vision and vulnerability while living with ADHD.

He reflects on how the loss of his mother during the COVID-19 pandemic shook his world and reshaped his purpose. From navigating grief to embracing his divine calling, Ronaldo shares how ministry, leadership, and neurodivergence have come together to shape his identity, not as a limitation, but as a gift.

This conversation is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, resilience, and what it truly means to be designed for impact.

🎓 It’s graduation season across the country, and in this special LIVE taping of Rich Lessons at Dillard University, Sheena and Sevetri sit down with two of Dillard University’s honorary doctorate recipients during commencement week.

This episode is RICH in legacy, purpose, and power — featuring the untold stories of two phenomenal women who are breaking barriers and building futures.
⁣Christal M. Jackson is a distinguished social entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for economic equity, renowned for her leadership in fostering inclusive wealth-building initiatives. ackson is the founder and CEO of Mosaic Genius, a social impact agency dedicated to constructing a sustainable ecosystem for wealth creation within communities of color globally. Gwendolyn Victoria Rainey is a trailblazing businesswoman, civic leader, and cultural visionary from New Orleans, best known as the founder of the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale (MKFF)—the first Mardi Gras krewe established by and for African American women. Since its founding in 2013, MKFF has grown from 13 members to over 1,400 women across more than 26 states, offering a vibrant platform for women of color in the city's iconic Carnival tradition.

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 of Rich Lessons, we sit down with Timothy and Melodie Simmons, the powerhouse duo behind JourneyWell. From launching the brand in 2016 to opening a brand-new studio and office space, they share how grit, God, and vision fueled their path.

Tim shares how his roots in Baton Rouge and passion for empowering creators led to the birth of JourneyWell. Melodie brings her brilliance in branding, design, and joyful energy to the table—making them an unstoppable team.

Tune in for a real conversation about building something bigger than business: a mission to uplift creatives, communities, and purpose-driven work.

🎧 Available now on Spotify. #RichLessons #JourneyWell #PodcastStudioBuilders

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.

Today marks Sevetri’s 2nd wedding anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than by pulling back the curtain on the big day? We’re joined by Anissa Coleman, CEO of Elegance by Ace and the mastermind behind Sevetri’s wedding, to talk all things luxury wedding planning. From budgets to vendor wrangling, tune in as we break down the true cost, time, and talent it takes to bring a high-end wedding to life. Whether you're planning your own or just love a good behind-the-scenes moment, this episode breaks it all down and be sure to watch the video on Youtube for some special behind the scenes footage of Sevetri's wedding.

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.

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Lock in. Subscribe. Tell a friend. Let’s make this the biggest season of Rich Lessons yet!

Welcome to GRITS!

If you’re new here, allow us to introduce ourselves. We’re Sevetri and Sheena — two entrepreneurs who’ve spent years navigating the ups, downs, and wild in-betweens of building companies. Together, we’ve raised tens of millions in funding, participated in the world’s top accelerators, solved tough problems, and learned plenty of hard-won lessons along the way.

And now, we’re excited to welcome you to GRITS — the ultimate space for entrepreneurs to learn, build, and scale. Whether you're launching your first venture, scaling an existing business, or growing a side hustle, GRITS is here to support you every step of the way.

GRITS is more than a network — it's your go-to hub for connection, education, and community. You’ll gain access to knowledge, support, and real-world insights to help you succeed, no matter where you are on your journey from entrepreneurs who've done it!

In the months ahead, we’ll be rolling out a range of resources including

And starting today, 1:1 executive coaching is now available at joingrits.com !!!

Akintunde Ismail Maiyegun has a diverse work experience spanning various industries and roles. Akintunde Ismail co-founded Big Wolf Games, a mobile gaming developer and publisher, where they served as the Chairman/CEO and helped raise funding and establish partnerships. Akintunde Ismail also co-founded Hingeto, an online retailer platform, where they held the role of CTO which was later acquired by Di-Central. Ismail is probably best known to Sevetri as the "hitmaker" for his role in helping non-technical founders launch their companies with ease.

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 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 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 special episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri Wilson and Sheena Allen discuss the recent tragedies affecting communities in LA, including wildfires and the impact of misinformation. They draw parallels to Hurricane Katrina, emphasizing the importance of community support, the challenges of navigating insurance claims, and the role of social media in disaster response. The conversation highlights the need for practical support, critiques of government response, and the emotional toll on affected individuals. They also provide resources for those impacted and encourage listeners to contribute meaningfully to recovery efforts.

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!