In this episode of In The Studio with J Haleem, we dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship, literacy, and reinvention with Joshua Dana, founder of Mad Red Books — one of Las Vegas’s newest independent bookstores.

Joshua’s journey is far from typical: from journalist to nightlife magazine owner, from real estate investor to bookstore entrepreneur. He proves that success isn’t a straight line, and that passion for knowledge can turn into a thriving business.

Together, Joshua and J Haleem explore the importance of reading, entrepreneurship as a second act, and the power of staying curious. This episode is for dreamers, doers, and anyone who’s ever thought, “It’s too late to start over.”

In The Studio with J Haleem features authentic, unfiltered conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders shaping culture in Las Vegas and beyond. Every episode blends humor, hustle, and heart — reminding you that success starts with your story.

• 📺 Watch on YouTube: @InTheStudioWithJHaleem
• 💼 Follow J Haleem: JHaleem.com | @IamJHaleem

In this high-energy, no-excuses episode, J Haleem sits down with Wanda Luna, founder and CEO of Universal Furniture Design, one of Las Vegas’s most sought-after custom furniture manufacturers for the hospitality industry.

Born in Honduras and raised in Orange County, California, Wanda shares her journey from government logistics to entrepreneurship in a completely new industry—upholstery and custom furniture design. Starting from a garage with zero experience, she turned faith, hustle, and grit into contracts with major casinos like Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, and Hilton Hotels.

This conversation is a masterclass on self-belief, resilience, and what it means to be a Latina business owner breaking barriers in Las Vegas’s multi-million-dollar hospitality supply chain.

02:00 – Meet Wanda Luna – from Honduras to Orange County to Las Vegas

07:30 – How a random Facebook job offer changed her life

11:00 – Falling in love with upholstery and design

16:45 – Learning sales the authentic way – being genuine wins every time

23:20 – Starting UFD Vegas in a garage with faith and a champagne bottle

28:30 – Getting her first big break with Caesars Palace & Treasure Island

34:00 – Expanding from one garage to multiple bays – manifestation & momentum

41:00 – The importance of believers like Raul – the power of support

49:15 – How to fake it till you make it (ethically) – “manifest your shop”

55:00 – Expanding to L.A. – scaling for labor and logistics

1:05:00 – Breaking into the casino supply chain

1:14:00 – Faith and hustle – why you must make room for your blessing

1:21:00 – Advice for women in business: “Stop being afraid of the no.”

1:29:30 – Collaboration over competition – sisters lifting each other

1:38:00 – Closing words on faith, hustle, and purpose

In this uplifting and empowering episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, we sit down with Dr. Monica Larson, City Councilwoman for Henderson, Nevada, who embodies what it means to lead with faith, humility, and integrity.

From her humble beginnings in Chicago to becoming the first African American woman ever elected to the Henderson City Council, Dr. Larson shares her remarkable story of perseverance, service, and divine purpose. She opens up about balancing family, career, and calling — and how her unwavering faith in God has guided every step.

This conversation reminds us that leadership isn’t about position — it’s about purpose.

00:00 – Sponsored by Rhino Roofing

01:15 – “I’m in the studio with J Haleem!” – Opening montage

03:10 – Meet Dr. Monica Larson — leadership through faith and service

07:00 – From Chicago roots to Henderson City Hall: the journey of perseverance

10:20 – Lessons from her mother: hard work, integrity, and smiling through struggle

14:45 – Learning discernment and using corporate America as a tool for growth

21:00 – Finding mentorship and seizing opportunities at Chevron and AT&T

27:30 – The importance of stock literacy, tuition reimbursement, and preparation

33:10 – Volunteering 30 hours a week while working full-time and raising a family

39:40 – Discovering purpose through psychology, forensics, and community service

46:20 – Why faith is the foundation for every decision

50:00 – How Henderson became home — and how community service led to public office

55:15 – Starting a neighborhood watch and hearing God’s call to run for City Council

1:00:30 – Running a campaign with no political background and two nickels to rub together

1:08:40 – Building trust and unity in local government

1:13:20 – Diversifying Henderson’s economy: new jobs, housing, and education reform

1:25:00 – Why mentorship, gratitude, and faith sustain real success

1:32:00 – The importance of women walking in Proverbs 31 power

1:40:30 – Dr. Larson’s message to young women and future leaders

1:48:00 – Closing reflections: “You’re already equipped for greatness.”

In this insightful and heartfelt episode, J Haleem sits down with Marquetta Deville, affectionately known as The Real Estate Auntie, to talk about her journey from computer science to optical management to full-time real estate entrepreneur — and how she’s helping the next generation close the wealth gap through ownership, education, and faith.

A proud Las Vegas native, Marquetta shares her powerful story of resilience after personal tragedy, rebuilding her life through entrepreneurship, and transforming her calling into service for others. Together, she and J Haleem unpack what real wealth truly means — beyond money — touching on faith, mindset, and impact.

This conversation is packed with lessons on partnership, financial literacy, home ownership, community collaboration, and what it really takes to push through life’s hardest seasons.

🎥 About the Show

In The Studio with J Haleem features raw, real, and inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs, leaders, and creators who are shaping culture from Las Vegas and beyond. Each episode explores purpose, perseverance, and personal growth through business and storytelling.

🎬 Watch on YouTube: @InTheStudioWithJHaleem

💼 Follow J Haleem: www.jhaleem.com | @IamJHaleem

In this empowering and eye-opening conversation, J Haleem sits down with Janise Wiggins, founder and CEO of Grant Me Success, to explore the real world of grant funding, nonprofit leadership, and economic empowerment.

Janise shares how her journey—from growing up in Los Angeles, to attending UNLV, to working in public health and policy—shaped her passion for helping others access funding and build sustainable community programs. With 20+ years of experience as a grant reviewer, writer, and trainer, Janise breaks down myths about grant funding and reveals the mindset, structure, and strategy it takes to build a winning nonprofit or small business.

This episode is packed with lessons for entrepreneurs, nonprofit founders, and anyone serious about securing funding and leaving a legacy of impact.

In this empowering and eye-opening conversation, J Haleem sits down with Alexy Rollins, founder and CEO of Loyalty Plumbing, to discuss her inspiring journey from veterinary medicine to entrepreneurship in one of the most male-dominated industries: plumbing and construction.

A Las Vegas native and proud “Battle Born” businesswoman, Alexy opens up about the lessons that shaped her—from a career in vet medicine and accounting to building a thriving family-owned plumbing company alongside her husband, Nick. She shares how personal tragedy became the fuel for purpose, why compassion and culture matter in leadership, and what it means to create opportunity for women in the trades.

• How Alexy went from veterinary medicine to accounting to CEO of a plumbing company.
• The story behind Loyalty Plumbing and why a Golden Retriever is part of its brand.
• How the loss of her mother to domestic violence inspired her to build a business rooted in purpose.
• The challenges—and victories—of being a woman leading in the construction industry.
• How she balances business, marriage, motherhood, and mentorship.
• Why she believes women’s intuition and empathy are superpowers in business.
• The importance of teaching respect—for people, pets, and craftsmanship.
• Why Alexy is passionate about getting young people into the trades over traditional college paths.
• Her plans to expand into HVAC and grow statewide in 2026.

In this flavorful episode of In The Studio with J Haleem, Las Vegas’ own Chef Mimi sits down to share her inspiring journey from studying nursing to becoming one of the most in-demand chefs in the city. Born and raised in Vegas, Chef Mimi opens up about how her passion for cooking turned into a thriving business serving high-profile clients and elite private events.

From her humble beginnings experimenting with food and hospitality to being booked out months in advance, this episode dives into the real recipe for success—passion, perseverance, and purpose.

Episode Description

In this inspiring conversation, J Haleem sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur Tasha Robinson-White, founder of Vanguardian Global and official host of Dîner en Blanc Las Vegas. From interning at LaFace Records during Atlanta’s golden era of music to producing corporate conferences and global luxury events, Tasha has built a career grounded in creativity, courage, and community.

Together, they explore how she helped bring hip-hop to the Las Vegas Strip, worked alongside icons like Usher and Floyd Mayweather Jr., and now curates one of the city’s most anticipated annual experiences — Dîner en Blanc Las Vegas — where culture, connection, and class collide.

• How Tasha went from a LaFace Records intern to a 12-year career managing Floyd Mayweather Jr.
• The creation of Vanguardian Global and why being “in the forefront of movement and action” drives her brand.
• What it takes to produce high-end corporate conferences and nationwide events.
• How she reimagined Dîner en Blanc Las Vegas as a multicultural, inclusive celebration of art and elegance.
• The importance of mentorship, teamwork, and investing in yourself as an entrepreneur.
• Why “the journey is just as important as the destination.”
• How to turn connections into collaborations that create lasting impact in your community.