In this episode of Earn Your Leisure, we sit down with the founders of Curl Girl Collective to unpack the journey behind one of the most iconic cultural celebrations in beauty—Curl Fest. From humble beginnings to national recognition, they share the origin story of their collective and how they built a movement that resonates deeply with the natural hair community.

We discuss the business behind hosting large-scale live events, the hidden costs they faced, and the reality of still working full-time jobs while building Curl Fest. The founders open up about how DEI cutbacks and sponsorship losses forced them to pivot, cancel events, and rebuild stronger than ever.

They also break down how Curl Fest sets itself apart from other beauty festivals, what it takes to compete in the event space, and the importance of community. We dive into the challenge of access to capital, offers to buy the company, and the need to be intentional with partnerships.

This is an essential conversation for entrepreneurs, event organizers, and anyone invested in culture, community, and ownership.

Invest Fest Ticket Link: https://investfest.com

#EYL #EarnYourLeisure #CurlGirlCollective #CurlFest #BlackEntrepreneurs #BusinessBehindTheBrand #BeautyIndustry #DEI #EventPlanning #NaturalHairMovement #AccessToCapital #BlackOwnedBusiness #CommunityOverEverything #Entrepreneurship #CulturalEvents

In this clip of Market Mondays, host Ian Dunlap sits down with financial literacy powerhouse John Hope Bryant to break down the crucial steps needed to build strong institutional relationships—especially if you’re starting from scratch.

John Hope Bryant wastes no time laying out the real foundation: get your credit score up to at least 700! He explains why having good credit isn’t just a personal milestone, but a fundamental requirement for anyone looking to play in the big leagues of business and finance. Drawing from the Hope Financial Wellness Index, Bryant shares how the average credit score for Black Americans hovers around 620—and how improving that number is the key to opening new doors.

Ian and John dive deep into practical advice: Instead of wandering into your neighborhood bank branch, seek out the regional or chief credit officer at a community or mid-sized bank, where decision-makers are more accessible. They dish out insider tips on approaching these professionals—don’t go in with just a transaction in mind. Instead, focus on genuine relationship-building. Personal rapport trumps bravado every time.

This conversation uncovers the power of relationship capital: why Harvard, country clubs, and elite initiatives function as lifelong “clubs” that drive opportunity. If you’re wondering why boardrooms often seem exclusive, Ian unpacks the concept of discrimination versus racism and challenges viewers to “break up the comfort” and get in the room where decisions are made.

Finally, John and Ian discuss their own business journeys, with John opening up about building and selling a $150 million real estate portfolio and the lessons learned from joint ventures and relinquishing control.

If you’re serious about transforming your financial future—especially within Black America—this clip is a must-watch. Learn how financial literacy, AI knowledge, and networking “up the ladder” can reshape your path in just five years.

*Key topics in this clip:*

• Building your credit score to access big deals
• How to approach mid-tier banking executives for real connections
• The importance of storytelling and genuine rapport in business
• Relationship capital: Harvard, country clubs, and the “club” mentality
• Discrimination vs. racism in hiring and networking
• Real-life real estate and business lessons from John Hope Bryant
• The urgency of financial and AI literacy as modern civil rights issues

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, aspiring investor, or simply want practical steps to connect with powerful institutions, this Market Mondays clip gives you the blueprint.

*Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more sharp financial insights every Monday!*

#MarketMondays #FinancialLiteracy #JohnHopeBryant #IanDunlap #RelationshipCapital #BusinessNetworking #CreditScore #BlackWealth #FinancialWellness #RealEstate #AIGeneration #WealthBuilding #Entrepreneurship #NetworkingTips #CommunityBanking

In this Market Mondays clip, the hosts dive deep into Netflix’s blockbuster performance this year and debate whether its explosive growth can keep going—or if a stock pullback is on the horizon. Rashad Bilal, Ian Dunlap, and Troy Millings breakdown recent Netflix news: the company’s ad-supported tier is expected to double revenue in 2025, fresh moves into live sports, premium content strategy, and why they remain the clear leader in the streaming space.

Ian praises Netflix as the “HBO of our era,” highlighting their dominance and innovative approach, including recent sports deals and content quality that outpaces competitors like Disney, Prime, and Max. Troy explains the recent 5% stock pullback—even after outstanding earnings—and addresses concerns about the stock running up “too high, too fast.” The team discusses the possibility of a stock split as Netflix’s price hovers at all-time highs, and whether now is the right time to buy, hold, or wait for a dip.

Key points covered in the clip:

• *Netflix’s Ad-Supported Growth:* Doubling revenue in the ad tier is a big move—can they triple it over the next few years?
• *Sports Content Expansion:* Netflix lands big deals, including a new partnership with boxing expert Max Kellerman and major sporting events.
• *Stock Performance:* Up almost $300 in just a couple of years, with a 52-week high over $1300.
• *Valuation and Future Prospects:* Should Netflix split its stock? The hosts weigh in on how a split could make shares more accessible and drive investor interest.
• *Alternatives for Investors:* If Netflix’s price is too high, the hosts suggest looking at ETFs like FDN, which has the largest allocation to Netflix.
• *Institutional Moves:* Big players like Fidelity and State Street are quietly buying more Netflix.

Whether you’re a longtime investor, considering a buy, or just fascinated by how Netflix keeps reinventing itself, this discussion gives you behind-the-scenes insight and actionable takeaways on one of the hottest stocks in the market.

Let us know in the comments: Do you think Netflix is due for a split? What’s your strategy for investing in streaming stocks?

Don’t forget to subscribe for more Market Mondays insights and hit the notification bell so you never miss a financial deep dive.

#MarketMondays #NetflixStock #Investing #StockMarket #StreamingWars #NetflixSplit #FDN #FinanceClip #StocksToWatch #BusinessNews #IanDunlap #RashadBilal #TroyMillings

Get ready for a wild ride as Earn Your Leisure links up with the comedy legends behind the 85 South Show — DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, and Chico Bean. In this episode, we dive into how they built a cultural movement rooted in authenticity, improvisation, and ownership. From creating Channel 85 to selling out arenas with no scripts, they broke down the business of comedy and how they turned laughs into legacy.

We also talked about the deeper stuff — brotherhood, purpose, and pressure. Chico Bean opened up about modern relationships, marriage, and being misunderstood. Karlous shared what he learned from lawsuits, contracts, and industry politics, while DC gave insight into fatherhood and staying grounded in the spotlight. The crew also shared behind-the-scenes moments from the road, including wild tour stories, travel headaches, and the brilliance of their paid content strategy.

This episode is a masterclass in how to build something real without selling out. Whether you’re into business, comedy, content creation, or just need a good laugh and a reality check — this one’s for you.

Invest Fest Ticket Link: https://investfest.com

#85SouthShow #EarnYourLeisure #Channel85 #DCYoungFly #KarlousMiller #ChicoBean #InvestFest #ComedyBusiness #EYL #BlackEntrepreneurs #PodcastGems #LiveShow #BlackMedia #MarriageTalk #RelationshipDebates #IndependentCreators #ContentStrategy

In this clip from Market Mondays, Troy Millings dives deep into why Uber is such a standout opportunity from both a fundamental and strategic perspective. If you’ve been eyeing Uber or wondering what makes it different from the competition, this breakdown is for you!

*Key Topics Covered:*

• *Profitability Milestone:* Uber’s journey from initial struggles as a ride-sharing service to achieving sustainable profitability.
• *Business Transformation:* Beyond ride-sharing, Uber has significantly expanded through Uber Eats, aggressive cost-cutting, and innovative advertising strategies.
• *Autonomous Vehicles:* The real game changer. Troy unpacks how Uber’s early moves into autonomous driving—especially with their partnership with Waymo—could disrupt the entire transportation economy.
• *The Middleman Advantage:* Like Amazon, Uber profits by facilitating connections between customers and services, without the high overhead of making vehicles themselves.
• *Unmatched Scale & Trust:* With over 200 million monthly active users and global infrastructure, Uber has become synonymous with ride-sharing, much like Band-Aid is to adhesive bandages.
• *Data & Logistics:* Uber’s advanced traffic, routing, and payment systems provide a competitive edge, especially as the autonomous revolution heats up.
• *Comparing Competitors:* Find out why Lyft and Tesla, despite their strengths, don’t match Uber’s unique network and trust.
• *Future Growth:* With partnerships in cities like Austin, Atlanta, and upcoming expansions to Philadelphia and New York, Uber’s upside over the next few years looks extremely promising.

Troy explains how removing driver costs through automation could further boost Uber’s revenue model and why their already-established infrastructure and trust put them miles ahead of the competition. Whether you’re an investor looking for the next big thing or curious about how innovation is reshaping transportation, this clip packs critical insights!

*Catch all the important highlights and why you might want to keep Uber on your watch list.*

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If you enjoy our deep dives into market movers and strategic business analysis, make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for all future clips!

#Uber #Investing #MarketMondays #StockMarket #AutonomousVehicles #Waymo #UberEats #BusinessAnalysis #TechStocks #GrowthStocks #TroyMillings

In this insightful Market Mondays clip, hosts Troy Millings and Ian Dunlap break down why now might be the greatest era for investing—and it’s far from just talk. They revisit their own journeys, from buying Bitcoin at $5,000 (when people doubted it would ever be worth more) to witnessing its meteoric rise to $122,000. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’ve missed the boat on crypto or if owning assets still holds promise, this discussion gives you real-life examples and clear perspectives.

Troy shares what it felt like investing early in Bitcoin, facing skepticism at every price milestone. Ian highlights the critical role of institutional backing (think: BlackRock, Vanguard) in bolstering Bitcoin’s stability compared to years past, reducing those scary price swings we used to see.

The conversation expands to smart strategies: Is there still upside in Bitcoin? What about leveraged plays like MicroStrategy, or using options to accelerate those returns? Troy explains how, even if you missed the 10,000% runs of early crypto, there are still creative ways to capture growth—if you understand your risk tolerance. Ian weighs in with practical cautions, too, highlighting the risks if the market takes a downturn and why timing and risk management still matter.

Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting to wonder if it’s “too late” to get involved in crypto or stocks, this clip is packed with the honest, data-backed analysis Market Mondays is known for. Plus, you’ll pick up actionable insights on leveraging new vehicles (like Bitcoin ETFs and MicroStrategy options plays) that might help you boost your returns—if you do your homework.

Don’t miss out on this direct, no-nonsense look at the current investment landscape. Make sure to like, comment your thoughts or questions, and subscribe for more real-talk finance content!

*Hashtags:*

#Bitcoin #CryptoInvesting #MarketMondays #MicroStrategy #Investing101 #FinancialFreedom #AssetOwnership #CryptoGrowth #InstitutionalInvesting #WealthBuilding

In this insightful clip from EYL, host Rashad Bilal sits down with music industry legend David Banner to break down how big corporations take over independent brands and reshape entire industries—including hip hop and music. Banner and Rashad dive deep into the legendary Beats by Dre/Apple acquisition and uncover how companies often "buy to shelf"—buying a successful brand only to suppress it and eliminate competition.

David Banner shares game-changing stories from his own journey, revealing how major labels and corporations systematically absorbed independent artists, distributors, and even mom-and-pop record stores to achieve near-total control. Banner reflects on how independent success used to be possible through solid distribution and creativity, but the system changed dramatically when large entities started buying out every level of the music business.

This discussion goes further, exploring how the transition to streaming has impacted artists' earnings—comparing the $10 per album model to today's "fractions of a penny" per stream. Banner calls out the psychological tactics used by major labels, echoing Swizz Beatz’s insight from Harvard: giving artists the illusion of ownership (like offering their own sub-labels), while the real power and profits remain with the parent company.

The clip is packed with hard-hitting truths on:

• The real effects of corporate buyouts in both tech and music
• How independent artists and distribution channels were targeted and taken out
• Why streaming hasn’t truly benefited artists, and how the business side keeps creatives dependent
• The psychology behind labels granting fake "ownership" to keep artists satisfied
• Lessons from industry icons like Snoop Dogg and Slim Thug on regrets and the best routes for longevity

If you care about music, business, or want to understand the machinery behind the scenes, you don’t want to miss this one. Banner’s raw honesty and Rashad’s sharp questions make this a must-watch for anyone trying to navigate business or creative industries in the age of big money.

*Watch, learn, and join the conversation—drop your thoughts below!*

#EYL #DavidBanner #MusicBusiness #BeatsByDre #Apple #HipHop #Streaming #IndependentArtists #BusinessGame #Ownership #CorporateTakeover #EYLClip #Entrepreneurship

In this insightful Market Mondays clip, host Rashad Bilal sits down with Pastor Jamal Bryant, a renowned leader in theology who’s made major waves in business activism. Pastor Bryant breaks down the reasoning and strategies behind the massive boycott of Target—a movement that’s become the largest Black-led boycott in 70 years.

Discover why Target became the focal point after 14 Fortune 500 companies backed away from their DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) commitments following Donald Trump’s inauguration. Pastor Bryant reveals staggering stats, such as Black consumers spending $12 million a day at Target, and how the company’s $2 billion pledge to support Black businesses was abandoned. He details the four clear demands made to Target, from investing in Black banks, partnering with HBCUs, fulfilling their George Floyd commitment, to rewriting their DEI blueprint to offer real pathways to executive leadership for Black professionals.

Learn how these efforts have already created real market shifts: Target’s valuation dropped by $12 billion, its stock fell from $145 to $93, foot traffic is down by nearly 8%, and the CEO's salary was slashed by 42%. Pastor Bryant illustrates the power of cooperative economics and the need for creating and redirecting financial influence within the Black community.

Whether you’re interested in social activism, business strategy, or the intersection of community power and corporate accountability, you don’t want to miss this clip!

*Hashtags:*

#MarketMondays #TargetBoycott #JamalBryant #DEI #BlackBusiness #HBCU #GeorgeFloyd #EconomicEmpowerment #CooperativeEconomics #BusinessActivism #MarketMondaysClip

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Tune in, learn the facts, and discover how strategic activism is driving real change on today’s Market Mondays.