The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Valerie Obaze.
Founder of R&R Skincare.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
Highlight Valerie Obaze’s entrepreneurial journey in founding R&R Skincare.
Challenge stereotypes about Africa’s capabilities and resources.
Promote African-made beauty products and their global relevance.
Inspire others, especially women and diaspora Africans, to invest in and build businesses rooted in African heritage.
🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Breaking African Stereotypes
Valerie and Rushion discuss how Africa is often misrepresented in Western media.
Valerie emphasizes that ignorance is not always malicious, but it’s time to reframe the narrative through firsthand experience and platforms like social media.
“Ignorance doesn’t always have to be an insult. If you don’t know, you just don’t know better.” – Valerie Obaze
2. The Birth of R&R Skincare
Inspired by the birth of her daughter, Valerie sought natural skincare solutions.
She discovered liquid shea oil, which became her first product.
The brand name “R&R” stands for Rebecca Rose (her daughter’s name) and also Rest & Relaxation.
“I wanted to create a product that makes using these raw materials from the continent enjoyable.” – Valerie Obaze
3. From Garage to Global
Valerie started in her mother-in-law’s garage, turning it into a compliant mini factory.
She had no formal business plan, relying on her PR and branding background.
The brand now has three stores: one in Lagos and two in Accra, including one at the airport.
4. Authenticity and African Pride
Valerie insists on maintaining the African identity of her brand.
She uses locally sourced ingredients and ensures cruelty-free testing.
The brand supports women in the supply chain, creating economic opportunities.
“We don’t intend to hide that in any way. We just wanted to make raw materials sexy.” – Valerie Obaze
5. Expansion to the U.S.
Valerie is expanding R&R Skincare to the U.S., leveraging social media, activations, and PR expertise.
Products are manufactured in Africa, but distributed from U.S. warehouses to ensure timely delivery.
“We found our tribe over here… and this was the right time to come back to America.” – Valerie Obaze
🧴 Product Highlights
Shea Oil – First product, moisturizing and healing.
Body Butter – Whipped, light, and rich in essential oils.
Liquid Black Soap – Modern take on traditional African cleansing.
Hand Cream – Convenient and portable for dry conditions.
🌍 Big Picture Vision
Valerie’s goal is to grow an African brand globally, showcasing the richness of African resources and empowering local economies.
“This is just a small representative of the entire continent and what it is capable of.” – Valerie Obaze
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kevin Cohee.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aimed to:
Highlight OneUnited Bank’s mission as the largest Black-owned and first Black-owned internet bank in America.
Educate listeners on financial literacy, technology-driven banking, and economic empowerment in underserved communities.
Promote OneUnited Bank’s products and services as solutions for financial challenges faced by Black Americans and others lacking access to traditional banking.
Key Takeaways
Historical Context & Mission
The concept of a national Black-owned bank dates back to leaders like Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Martin Luther King Jr., who emphasized economic empowerment.
OneUnited Bank was formed through acquisitions and later pivoted to technology-driven banking.

Technology & Innovation
OneUnited embraced AI and data aggregation over a decade ago to create products that help customers understand assets, liabilities, and net worth in real time.
Banking has shifted from physical branches to digital platforms, enabling nationwide access.

Financial Literacy Crisis
90% of Americans lack financial literacy, largely because it’s not taught in schools.
Cohee advocates for mandatory K–12 financial literacy education, citing studies showing it can add $126,000 to lifetime net worth.

Products Designed for Real Needs
CashPlease: Short-term emergency loans at affordable rates.
Second Chance Checking: Helps rebuild credit.
Savings Programs: Often in collaboration with employers.
These products address real-life challenges like low emergency savings and predatory check-cashing fees.

Accessibility & Reach
OneUnited offers nationwide banking via oneunited.com, surcharge-free ATMs, and partnerships with major networks.
Customers can deposit checks online and access services without visiting physical branches.

Economic Empowerment
Technology enables entrepreneurship without owning physical products—leveraging branding and e-commerce.
Cohee draws parallels between today’s tech opportunities and the historical wealth-building of Black Wall Street.

Notable Quotes
“We are FDIC insured, commercial bank like them. The only difference is we’re smarter and we have better technology.”
“Technology and AI allow anyone to make decisions like they were an expert.”
“If we taught financial literacy in schools, it would create over $100,000 in net worth per person over their lifetime.”
“You don’t have to go to check cashers and get ripped off. Just go to oneunited.com.”
“We’ve been working on AI for over a decade. We’re not coming to the party—we are the party.”
“Our generation has technology and communication skills. We can change society.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brianna Johnson.
A dynamic entrepreneur and founder of Legend Life Financial. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and insights from the episode:
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Entrepreneurship
By age 22, Brianna owned two clothing stores and a hair salon in Chicago.
Inspired by her father, a long-time financial services professional, she developed a strong entrepreneurial spirit early on.
2. Transition to Financial Services
At 24, she pivoted into financial services, initially resistant to the idea due to its lack of “cool” appeal.
She passed her state licensing exam and is now licensed in over 30 states.
Her company, Legend Life Financial, focuses on life insurance and financial education.
3. Insurance Education & Transparency
Brianna emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences between: Term Life Insurance: Affordable, fixed for a set term (e.g., 20–30 years), but can increase if it's an annual renewable term.
Whole Life Insurance: Permanent, more expensive, builds cash value slowly.
Indexed Universal Life (IUL): Tied to stock market performance with capped gains and protected downside.
Universal Life: Flexible premiums, moderate cash value growth.
Final Expense Policies: For individuals with health or legal issues, typically lower coverage.

4. Client Advocacy
She stresses the need to ask questions like “What type of policy is this?” and to avoid blindly trusting agents—especially those who may not stay in the business long-term.
She follows up with clients regularly and educates them on evolving insurance needs.
5. Mentorship & Impact
Brianna has mentored over 250 life insurance agents and served more than 5,000 families.
She’s passionate about empowering people of color through financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
💬 Notable Quotes
“Fear is just false expectations appearing real.”
“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”
“You don’t have to work more to make more—you just have to work smarter.”
📍 Contact & Resources
Website: LegendLife.com (spelled with a “Z” – LegzendLife.com)
Phone: (312) 768-3604
Social Media: @BriannaKaylaJ on all platforms
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Johnny Lynum.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To share Johnny Lynum’s journey from military service to becoming a successful real estate investor and wealth advisor, and to educate listeners on building generational wealth through real estate, financial literacy, and strategic investing.
🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Military Background & Transition
Johnny Lynum is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, with 20 years of service as a developmental engineer and intelligence officer.
His military career provided discipline and structure, but his passion for entrepreneurship led him to real estate investing.
2. Real Estate Journey
Started with a VA loan to buy his first property.
Built a portfolio of 115 doors worth over \$10 million, primarily in Panama City, Florida and Montgomery, Alabama.
Leveraged his knowledge and connections to invest remotely while living in Northern Virginia.
3. Investment Philosophy
Real estate is a tangible, relatable investment.
Emphasizes leverage—using other people’s money to control larger assets.
Advocates for buying back time through passive income strategies tailored to different life stages (30s, 40s, 50s).
Encourages strategic investing and not just chasing instant gratification.
4. Books & Education
Author of: Millionaire Real Estate Success Strategies: What They Forgot to Teach You in School
Upcoming: The Financial Security Blueprint – focuses on biblical principles, alternative investments, and building lasting wealth.

Offers free downloads of his book via johnnylynam.com/newbook.
5. Faith & Legacy
Strong emphasis on faith and service.
Inspired by his mother’s legacy planning and life insurance setup for her grandchildren.
Focused on building generational wealth and educating his children and others.
6. Tax-Smart Investing
Discusses strategies like bonus depreciation, oil and gas investments, and self-directed IRAs to minimize tax liabilities.
Encourages understanding the IRS tax code to identify government-incentivized investment areas.
7. Building a Brand
Active on LinkedIn, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook.
Partnered with LinkedIn to create real estate content.
Promotes financial literacy and faith-based wealth building.
💬 Notable Quotes
“I had to go from broke Johnny to woke Johnny.”
“You don’t have to be an expert at everything, but you can be the leader in the room.”
“My God is a God of abundance.”
“Real estate became my vehicle and my pathway to building wealth.”
“You’re a blessing to your blessing.” — on generational wealth.
“Success leaves clues.”
“You have to take that leap of faith and take that action.”
📌 Final Thoughts
Johnny Lynum’s story is a powerful example of how discipline, faith, and strategic action can transform lives. His journey from humble beginnings and military service to building a multimillion-dollar real estate empire is both inspiring and instructive. He emphasizes the importance of education, mentorship, and legacy, making this interview a masterclass in wealth creation and purposeful living.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Monty Garside.
A full-time attorney turned baker and founder of Confectionist Bakery.
Here are some key highlights from the episode:
🎙️ Guest Background
Monty Garside is a practicing attorney with over 20 years of experience in litigation.
He founded Confectionist Bakery in honor of his grandmother.
The bakery started in his home kitchen and now ships desserts nationwide.
🍰 Bakery Journey
Inspired by nostalgia and family traditions, Marty began baking after his grandmother passed away.
His first successful cake was a pound cake that tasted exactly like his grandmother’s.
He was encouraged to start a business by a client who was the daughter of a professional baker.
🧁 Products & Flavors
Specializes in cheesecakes, pound cakes, layer cakes, and pies.
Unique flavors include: Peach Cobbler Pound Cake
Amaretto Pound Cake
Banana Pudding Layer Cake
Sweet Potato Pound Cake

🚚 Shipping & Operations
Operates out of a commercial kitchen in Atlanta.
Cakes are wrapped and frozen for freshness and shipped nationwide.
Orders typically take 2 days to process and 3–5 days for delivery.
💡 Business Insights
Challenges included pricing products appropriately and managing holiday demand.
Emphasizes the importance of: Quality product
Excellent customer service
Knowing your target audience

Target customers are busy professionals who appreciate homemade, Southern-style desserts but lack the time or skill to make them.
📈 Advice for Entrepreneurs
Don’t be afraid to try something new.
Control what you can—especially product quality and customer service.
Trust yourself through the ups and downs.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.