Earn Your Leisure

In this episode of Earn Your Leisure, we sit down with Carolyn Aronson, the CEO and founder of It’s A 10 Haircare, to uncover how she built one of the most successful independent beauty brands in the world.Carolyn shares the strategies behind It’s A 10’s explosive growth, including how giving away millions of free samples turned her brand into a multi-million-dollar powerhouse. She also breaks down how she grew her company by 1,000% through branding and social media marketing, expanded into 125 countries, and kept It’s A 10 relevant in the beauty industry for nearly 20 years.We also discuss the challenges of buying out a business partner, the importance of financial literacy for entrepreneurs, and how her first haircare business failed in 18 months—only for her to come back stronger and build a $500M empire. Carolyn emphasizes why a slow and steady approach is key, how to trademark a beauty brand, and the biggest challenges she faced as a CEO.This is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, beauty industry professiona

In this insightful clip of Market Mondays, hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings delve into the complexities of market fluctuations under unpredictable political decisions. Join them as they discuss the uncertainty faced by Fortune 500 companies and global markets during unpredictable leadership.Rashad shares his personal experience after expressing doubt about Trump's impact on the economy just before the election. He recounts a conversation with a top executive from a Fortune 500 company, who described the new era of unpredictability as it pertained to tariffs, regulations, and market behavior. This executive emphasized how challenging it is for businesses when the rules of the game seem to change daily, disrupting their ability to navigate the economic landscape effectively.The hosts explore why stability and predictability are cherished by markets. They clarify that markets and industries thrive on knowing consistent policies – whether it's understanding foreign policies or knowing which industries

In this enlightening Market Mondays clip, Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings converse with special guest Alvin Bekoe about the burgeoning connections between African Americans and Ghana, and the misconceptions that often accompany these efforts. The discussion begins with the hosts highlighting the negative feedback some Americans receive when choosing to engage with Ghana. Alvin proposes that such criticism stems from a lack of information and understanding among people, elaborating on how individuals from various countries, including China and Europe, are also making strides in Ghana, integrating without imposing their cultures.The conversation transitions to the positive aspects of these cross-cultural connections, emphasizing the project collaboration among people of African descent as a symbol of unity and strength. Alvin shares his vision for the project's future, expressing a desire to foster brotherhood alongside the development of real estate, which represents only the beginning.Alvin articulates a p

In this exciting Market Mondays clip, hosts Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings, and Ian Dunlap discuss Apple’s latest product announcement and the company's overall strategy moving forward. The clip kicks off with a bold statement from Rashad Bilal, noting the "flop" of Apple's 16e announcement, as Troy Millings congratulates him on predicting it would be another phone release despite the disappointment.Ian Dunlap presents a balanced critique using the sandwich method, starting by applauding Apple's investment in job creation in Houston, Texas, and their efforts to boost GDP growth while countering China's advancements in AI. However, he stresses the need for Apple to innovate beyond releasing another phone, suggesting an Oculus knockoff or the long-awaited glucose monitor watch instead.The conversation heats up as Ian expresses concerns about Apple's lack of groundbreaking products in recent years. He raises the question of their absence in the AI race, drawing comparisons with companies

In this impactful clip from Market Mondays, we dive deep into the economic, geopolitical, and humanitarian complexities surrounding the Democratic Republic of Congo—a country rich in valuable minerals but plagued by exploitation and violence. Guest Chaka Zulu shares his firsthand insights on how Congo's vast mineral wealth, including resources critical for modern technology like smartphones and electric vehicle batteries, has made it the target of resource-driven conflicts. Chaka sheds light on the historical and ongoing consequences of global powers’ pursuit of Congo’s resources—spanning back to its invasion in 1998, which led to the death of 6 million people, to recent exploitation facilitated by geopolitics. He discusses how countries, like Rwanda, play a role in exporting resources they do not naturally possess by occupying Congolese mines, further destabilizing the region. Chaka explains the tragic human toll of this exploitation, including stories of villages destroyed and families devastated, as w

In this clip of EYL featuring special guest Christian Charvet, we dive deep into the impactful decision-making process of purchasing a car. Whether it's a new vehicle or a pre-owned one, Christian breaks down the pros and cons of each choice and shares crucial tips to help you make the best financial decision for your needs.

Welcome back to another engaging clip of Market Mondays! In this edition, Rashad, Troy, and Ian dive deep into the insightful question: If you had to restart from scratch today, knowing everything you know now, what would your top three money moves be? Hear Rashad Bilal share his personal journey, breaking down why starting with a service-based business with low overhead can make all the difference for someone starting from zero. Troy Millings offers actionable advice on leveraging multiple streams of income from a single job, sharing inspirational personal anecdotes. Ian Dunlap emphasizes the importance of building a business, long-term investing, and the value of helping others first as a core money strategy. Plus, the trio discusses the importance of speed when executing on investments and surprises from Ian’s snowboarding adventure! This conversation is laced with actionable financial advice, lessons in entrepreneurship, and reflections from real-life experiences. It’s an invaluable listen for anyone lo

Buying a car can be overwhelming, but we’ve got you covered! In this episode of Black Out, we sit down with car expert Christian Charvet to break down everything you need to know before making a purchase.We explore the pros and cons of leasing vs. buying, helping you decide which option makes the most sense for your financial situation. We also uncover the hidden language that dealerships use to upsell, lock you into bad deals, and manipulate financing terms. Whether you’re debating between a new or used car, we discuss the benefits and pitfalls of each and share expert tips on how to avoid costly mistakes.Most importantly, we reveal insider negotiation strategies that can save you thousands. Learn how to spot dealership tricks, what to say to get the best price, and why walking away might be your most powerful tool.If you’re in the market for a car or just want to arm yourself with knowledge before stepping into a dealership, this is a must-watch!#BlackOut #CarBuying #LeasingVsBuying #CarDeals #AutoExpert #C

Welcome to the first installment of Market Mondays, where Rashad Bilal, Ian Dunlap, and Troy Millings dive deep into strategic investment advice! In this clip, our experts break down effective strategies for investing $100,000, outlining how to maximize returns while managing risk. Whether you are a seasoned investor or just beginning your financial journey, this discussion offers invaluable insights tailored to help you make informed decisions.*Key Points Covered:*1. **Investing in Index Funds and Tech Stocks**:*Rashad Bilal* kicks off the conversation by querying the best strategy for investing $100,000 to maximize returns while managing risk.*Ian Dunlap* shares his tried-and-true strategy of dividing the investment, putting half into index funds like VTI and VGT, particularly during market dips, to avoid buying at all-time highs. The other half should go into technology stocks such as Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia, emphasizing their foundational role in our tech-driven world.He highlights the importance of

Welcome back to Market Mondays! In today's compelling clip, we're excited to host financial literacy advocate and entrepreneur John Hope Bryant. John delves deep into the crucial role of credit scores in our lives, emphasizing why improving your credit score by 100 points can be as life-changing as finding God or discovering true love.*Key Insights in This Clip:***Economic Decisions in Elections**: John starts by sharing a thought-provoking perspective on politics and economics. He argues that political elections are often more about financial outcomes than social issues, underlining the vital role of the economy in shaping leadership decisions.**Capitalist Reality**: He highlights the fundamental truth of our society — we live in a capitalist democracy where almost every aspect of life is intertwined with economics. From the operations of churches to the global agricultural history, he makes it clear that money matters in all spheres.**Credit Scores in Marriage and Life**: John humorously yet serious

Welcome to Market Mondays! In this episode, hosts Ian Dunlap, Troy Millings, and Rashad Bilal dive deep into the most significant financial mistakes people should avoid in 2025. Whether you're experienced in investing or just starting, this video is packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss!*Key Discussions:**0:00 - Biggest Financial Mistakes for 2025:*Ian Dunlap kicks off the episode by emphasizing the importance of staying focused and not getting distracted by irrelevant conversations or social media debates. He shares a personal anecdote about someone who stopped making gains simply because they got distracted.*1:09 - Eliminate Distractions:*Ian continues discussing the importance of eliminating distractions from your life to stay financially productive. He urges listeners to consistently invest in their chosen asset class—whether it's crypto, equities, real estate, or business—for long-term gains.*3:08 - Buying a Home:*Rashad Bilal highlights the biggest mistake people can make: buy

Welcome to another insightful clip from Market Mondays! In this clip, our hosts Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings, and investor Ian Dunlap dive into an essential topic for all investors: the best stocks under $100 worth buying. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting, this discussion offers valuable insights into making informed investments.*Time Stamps:*00:00 - Are there any stocks under a hundred dollars worth buying?00:04 - Ian Dunlap's take on Nvidia and AMD01:15 - Troy Millings' picks: Micron and Dell02:07 - Best practices for portfolio management 03:12 - Importance of using an LLC for trading accounts04:14 - Avoiding overextension in multiple stocks*Key Highlights:***Nvidia (NVDA)**: Ian Dunlap emphasizes that Nvidia remains a compelling pick even after its stock split, noting that it's a promising long-term investment. He suggests that investors should consider buying Nvidia stocks, especially if they dip under $100. With Nvidia's current growth trajectory, it could reach $350

In this insightful episode of Earn Your Leisure, we engage in a comprehensive discussion with certified credit educator Shonda Martin, who shares her personal journey from grappling with poor credit to becoming a leading authority in credit education. Shonda offers practical strategies to enhance your credit score effectively.A key focus is on understanding credit utilization; she emphasizes the importance of maintaining a low credit utilization ratio, advising that keeping it under 10% can significantly boost your score. Additionally, Shonda underscores the critical role of timely payments, noting that consistent on-time payments are fundamental to credit improvement.She also delves into the process of building a solid credit history, providing guidance on establishing and maintaining good credit practices, even for those starting anew. The discussion includes insights into the use of secured credit cards as a valuable tool for rebuilding and enhancing your credit profile.Furthermore, Shonda highlights commo

In this insightful clip from EYL, we're joined by the incredible Quiana Watson to delve into the often-overlooked costs and fees associated with purchasing a home. As first-time homebuyers, we usually focus on the big-ticket items like the mortgage and property tax, but what about the other expenses that can catch us off guard? Quiana breaks it down for us!*Key Takeaways:*1. **Utility Costs**:Quiana emphasizes the importance of getting a statement of utility bills from the previous homeowner. Understanding these costs ahead of time can prevent unexpected expenses, especially when moving from a smaller apartment to a much larger home.2. **Homeowners Association (HOA) Fees**:The realities of HOA fees can be both beneficial and burdensome. While they help maintain neighborhood standards and can include utilities and amenities, they also add to your monthly expenses. Quiana points out that understanding what’s included in these fees is crucial before making a purchase.3. **Routine Maintenance & Home Warra

Welcome to the latest clip of Black Out with Ian & Rashad where hosts Ian Dunlap and Rashad Bilal dive deep into a topic that touches everyone's lives: Is the American Dream dead?

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and being prepared is the key to success. In this episode, we sit down with real estate expert and top broker-owner, Quiana Watson, to break down everything you need to know before making this major investment. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or already in the process, this discussion is packed with essential insights to help you avoid costly mistakes and make informed choices.We cover everything from closing costs and down payment assistance programs to property taxes, school taxes, and the often-overlooked maintenance expenses that come with homeownership. Many buyers focus only on the mortgage payment, but we’re here to discuss the real cost of owning a home, including insurance, repairs, and unexpected fees. We also touch on the importance of credit, how to position yourself financially before applying for a mortgage, and what lenders are really looking for when approving home loans.Whether you’re looking to buy in 2025 or fur

In this clip of Market Mondays, hosts Rashad Bilal, Ian Dunlap, and Troy Millings tackle one of the most pressing questions in the financial world today: Are we witnessing the end of the AI bubble? The discussion kicks off with Rashad Bilal introducing the main topic. Recent market trends have seen tech stocks, particularly chip stocks such as Nvidia, SMH, ASML, and TSM, take a significant hit. Concerns about an AI bubble being overhyped and overpriced resurface, as echoed by industry insiders like Mike Novogratz. The emergence of Deep Seek, a Chinese app company, has further shaken the industry by reportedly achieving high-level AI functionality at a fraction of the cost of established players like Open AI. This development has led to questions on whether chip stocks are indeed overvalued.Rashad delves deeper into the implications of this market upheaval. There's skepticism about the stability of these companies and whether we are heading towards slower growth. Ian Dunlap, an experienced investor, weighs

In this clip of "Black Out with Ian & Rashad," hosts Rashad Bilal and Ian Dunlap dive into the seismic shift provoked by Donald Trump’s revocation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1966. We explore why a merit-based society has never truly existed in America and the direct impact of this policy change on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Rashad emphasizes how the elimination of DEI policies affects not just job opportunities but also the broader field of governmental contracts with minority-owned businesses. Highlighting real-world examples, Rashad discusses how politicians like Mayor Marion Barry and initiatives in Atlanta have historically bolstered Black entrepreneurs, creating a cascade of economic benefits for the Black community. Ian joins the conversation, pointing out the strategic political maneuvers and the intentional targeting of DEI policies as part of a larger agenda. He calls out the insidious nature of these changes, outlining how such maneuvers are desig

In this insightful clip, the Market Mondays hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, along with special guest 19 Keys, delve into the fascinating series of events surrounding TikTok's reinstatement in the United States. This discussion uncovers the masterful moves made by Donald Trump and the current administration in transforming a potential crisis into a national win.In this clip, you'll learn about:*Strategic Bans and Political Playbook:* Rashad discusses how Trump initially championed the ban on TikTok four years ago, which was picked up by both Democrats and Republicans, gaining steam over time. As elections approached, Trump promised to reverse this ban, cultivating young TikTok users' support. *Biden and Legislative Movements:* Learn about Biden's role in playing along, ultimately enacting the ban through the Supreme Court. This segment covers how the strategic ban unfolded and Trump's behind-the-scenes work with the Chinese President and TikTok CEO on a 50/50 joint venture deal betwe

In this episode of Earn Your Leisure, we sit down with Lecrae to discuss his remarkable journey in the music industry and his blueprint for success as an independent artist. We dive into how growing up in Houston inspired him to create his own music label, the steps to building a label, and how he leveraged social media to surpass Nicki Minaj on the iTunes charts. Lecrae also shares the lessons he learned while working at a corporate cable company and how those lessons helped shape his music career. Additionally, he reflects on the pivotal first feature that made him realize his life was about to change and provides insights into the ever-evolving hip-hop market.Lecrae breaks down the secrets to successfully touring as an independent artist and explains why he believes independently touring is better than partnering with major players like Live Nation. He also discusses his preparation for the BET Cypher, why he avoids pay-what-you-want strategies for his music, and whether playlist placement still matters in