From early grind days in South Carolina to building momentum in Atlanta, Dynasty shares how his journey was interrupted by a life-threatening health diagnosis… and how he fought his way back—not just as an artist, but as a business-minded brand.

This is a conversation about resilience, ownership, and doing business the right way in an industry full of shortcuts.

In This Episode

• Dynasty’s early music journey (high school → college → military)
• The reality of being told he had 3 days to live
• Losing momentum at his peak—and starting over from zero
• The mindset required to rebuild after a life reset
• Why talent alone isn’t enough in today’s music industry
• Transitioning from artist → entrepreneur
• Understanding publishing, royalties, splits, and ownership
• Building a catalog strategically (not chasing viral moments)
• Why doing good business builds long-term relationships
• The importance of brand, story, and authenticity 

From humble beginnings on the street team to becoming a radio personality, arena host, and city-wide voice, Bojo breaks down what it really takes to win in entertainment—and why most people underestimate the grind.

In This Episode

J Haleem and Bojo discuss:

• Bojo’s journey from Toronto → California → Las Vegas
• How a soccer scholarship to UNLV changed his life
• Starting from the street team and working overnight radio shifts
• The reality of the entertainment grind (2AM shifts, multiple jobs)
• Why consistency is the real key to opportunity
• Transitioning from passion to business (knowing your value)
• Building a reputation and staying respected in a major city
• The evolution of Las Vegas as a sports and entertainment capital
• Balancing fatherhood, family, and a demanding career
• Why relationships and character matter more than talent

Nina shares her journey from television news to entrepreneurship, the lessons she learned from business setbacks, and how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) helps business owners simplify, organize, and grow.

In This Episode

J Haleem and Nina discuss:

• Why business owners need to get back to the basics
• What EOS is and how it helps companies operate better
• Nina’s transition from TV news to entrepreneurship
• The reality of business “flops” and lessons learned
• Why systems create freedom for business owners
• The importance of leadership, accountability, and team health
• Why entrepreneurs need coaches, peer groups, and operating systems
• How serving the community can strengthen your purpose
• Nina’s work with the LVMPD Foundation
• Why entrepreneurs should focus on giving, not just getting

From starting as a pre-med student to becoming a leading radio personality, Steph shares the unfiltered truth about finding your path, surviving tough leadership, and staying relevant in a changing media landscape.

About the Guest

Steph MacKenzie

• Radio host on 97.1 The Point
• Long-standing Las Vegas media personality
• Program director and industry veteran
• Known for community impact and storytelling through radio

She has built a career rooted in consistency, adaptability, and connection with her audience.

This episode dives into the evolution of storytelling, media ownership, and building a creative platform from scratch — without gatekeepers.

From early days in New York and the DMV to building a full-scale audio drama production, this conversation breaks down what it really takes to turn raw ideas into a scalable media product.

About the Guests

• Haneef Wynn – Media producer, host, and creative strategist with deep roots in radio, podcasting, and live event production
• Eyginai Kamau – Writer, creator, and producer of The Pride of Kyro, known for crafting emotionally driven, character-rich storytelling

Together, they’ve built a scripted audio drama ecosystem that blends storytelling, voice acting, and production into a growing entertainment brand.

About “The Pride of Kyro”

The Pride of Kyro is a scripted audio drama podcast that brings storytelling to life through voice, sound design, and immersive character development.

• Built from original written material
• Produced as a full audio experience (not traditional podcast talk format)
• Designed to feel like a movie in your mind
• Expanding into a full creative universe with multiple seasons and characters

Farrell shares his journey from Ville Platte, Louisiana, to Las Vegas after Hurricane Katrina, and how that life-changing experience shaped his passion for helping students succeed. From navigating culture shock to finding purpose in education, his story is rooted in resilience, service, and impact.

This conversation highlights why Nevada State University is one of the most underrated opportunities in the state — offering affordability, community, and real access to success.

Born and raised in Las Vegas’ Historic Westside, Commissioner McCurdy shares his personal story of dropping out of high school at 16, becoming a teenage father, and later earning his diploma at age 24. Through perseverance, education, and community involvement, he transformed his life — eventually becoming a student body president, state legislator, and now Clark County Commissioner.

Known by fans for her energy and presence inside the arena, CJ shares the deeper story behind the microphone. From growing up in North Carolina with a strong love for basketball, to attending HBCUs, building a career in radio, and becoming a respected voice in professional sports, this episode reveals the heart, hustle, and resilience that shaped her path.

CJ also opens up about personal challenges, including grief, infertility, and the strength it takes to keep showing up publicly while carrying private pain. This conversation is honest, uplifting, and full of wisdom for anyone navigating purpose, career growth, or adversity.

In this episode, CJ talks about:

• Growing up in Durham, North Carolina and her early love for basketball
• Her HBCU experience at North Carolina Central University and Clark Atlanta University
• How she got her start in radio and sports entertainment
• Working with the Atlanta Dream, Los Angeles Sparks, and Las Vegas Aces
• What it takes to create unforgettable energy inside a live sports arena
• Why Vegas has become one of the best sports cities in the country
• Her personal infertility journey and becoming a voice for others walking the same road
• The importance of perseverance, purpose, and living out loud

At just 13 years old, Mysheka Ross faced 25 years to life following a tragic incident while defending her pregnant sister during a domestic violence situation. After spending three years incarcerated, Mysheka began a long journey of healing, growth, and rebuilding her life.

Through faith, resilience, and determination, Mysheka overcame adversity, became the author of "25 Years to Life," and now dedicates her life to helping others find hope, purpose, and second chances.

This episode is a powerful conversation about forgiveness, faith, resilience, second chances, and walking in purpose.

Councilwoman Summers-Armstrong shares her journey from her Bay Area roots to becoming one of the strongest voices for Ward 5 and the Historic Westside. She speaks candidly about the family foundation that shaped her, the influence of the women who came before her, and the life experiences that prepared her to fight for her community.

This conversation goes beyond politics. It is about history, housing, culture, economic reinvestment, and why community work requires both heart and action. From reopening access points into the Historic Westside to championing workforce development, education, housing, and cultural preservation, Councilwoman Summers-Armstrong makes it clear that the work is personal.

This is an episode about not just talking about change, but doing the work to make it happen.

Alex shares how he went from a local upbringing rooted in strong family values to working at Goldman Sachs across New York, London, and Los Angeles, gaining firsthand experience in mergers, acquisitions, and billion-dollar deals. He breaks down what investment banking really is, how companies raise capital, and why understanding money—and how it moves—is critical for long-term success.

The conversation also highlights Alex’s return to Las Vegas and his commitment to helping redevelop the Historic Westside, focusing on ownership, economic opportunity, and building a stronger future for the community.

This episode is a powerful mix of business insight, personal growth, and community leadership.

Kelly shares the powerful story behind Project 150 and how the organization grew from helping 150 students at one school to serving thousands of students across 75 high schools in Southern Nevada. The conversation highlights the hidden reality of youth homelessness and how access to basic necessities like food, clothing, hygiene products, and educational support can change the trajectory of a student’s life.

J Haleem and Kelly discuss the importance of community partnerships, volunteerism, and why investing in young people is essential for the future of the city.

This episode is a powerful reminder that when a community comes together, real change happens.

YSK opens up about developing his sound, the influence of his family, and the mindset behind his debut album, Therapy. They dive into what separates a rapper from an artist, how to stay authentic in today’s music industry, and why funding your own dream is sometimes the real label deal.

This episode explores:

• The discipline behind independent success
• Balancing work and creative ambition
• Vegas as a growing music culture
• The responsibility of artists to influence positively
• Turning vulnerability into powerful art

Whether you’re an independent artist, entrepreneur, or creative building something bigger than yourself, this conversation will leave you inspired and focused.

Subscribe to In The Studio with J Haleem for weekly conversations on culture, entrepreneurship, leadership, and creative excellence.

If you’re new to investing or ready to scale, this episode is full of real game—no fluff.

Subscribe for weekly conversations on business, money, and purpose.

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Mike shares how he went from running a bounce house rental company to building a full indoor playland, why cleanliness and safety became his competitive edge, and what it means to grow a business with your family — including the real challenges behind inflation, staffing, overhead, and the pressure of keeping the doors open.

The conversation also addresses recent hardships, including break-ins and the impact they had on operations, plus the importance of community support and not being afraid to ask for help when your business is under attack.

This is a real, grounded episode about building something for families, protecting your dream, and staying in the fight.

Born and raised in Henderson, Mayor Romero shares her personal journey — from growing up in the city, marrying her high-school sweetheart, raising four sons, and becoming a grandmother of eleven, to spending more than 30 years serving Henderson through city leadership before becoming Mayor. This episode goes beyond politics and headlines, offering a real look at the values, decisions, and long-term planning that helped transform Henderson into one of the safest and most desirable cities in America.

The conversation covers everything from economic development, education, parks, Water Street revitalization, business partnerships, homelessness solutions, public safety, and what’s next for Henderson in 2026 and beyond.

This is a masterclass in community-centered leadership, long-term vision, and public service done right.

Vanessa shares her unconventional journey — from driving FedEx trucks during COVID, navigating personal loss and spiritual awakening, to landing on major production sets with Netflix, Paramount, HGTV, and live events in Las Vegas. Along the way, she unpacks how faith, consciousness, discipline, and adaptability shaped her transition from survival mode into creative leadership.

This episode goes far beyond a career interview. It explores how relationships, timing, lineage, money, spirituality, and self-awareness intersect — and why preparation, not perfection, creates opportunity.

If you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or anyone questioning their next chapter, this conversation will challenge how you think about work, purpose, and alignment.

Kristina shares her journey from growing up in a traditional Italian household on Long Island, to relocating to Indiana, and ultimately taking a bold leap to Las Vegas at just 25 after recognizing an opportunity and betting on herself — even when the people closest to her didn’t fully understand the vision.

They talk about what entrepreneurship really looks like before the highlights: learning to hustle the right way, building teams, pricing with confidence, navigating major life challenges, and rebuilding stronger with a purpose-driven agency that helps businesses grow with strategy — not gimmicks.

Kristina also breaks down why she’s passionate about supporting the community through the Junior League of Las Vegas, human trafficking awareness initiatives, and service partnerships across Southern Nevada — proving that the best businesses aren’t just profitable… they’re impactful.

If you’re starting a business, stuck in your career, retiring and looking for a new path, or serious about building a real brand in 2026, this episode is for you.

Angelique shares her journey from corporate restaurant leadership to full-time artist and nonprofit founder, revealing how art became a lifeline during one of the most challenging seasons of her life — her husband Will’s battle with kidney failure and their life-changing transplant journey. Through paint, prayer, discipline, and systems, Angelique transformed pain into purpose and built a mission rooted in healing, mental wellness, and community impact.

This episode is raw, honest, educational, and inspiring — a must-listen for creatives, entrepreneurs, caregivers, and anyone navigating uncertainty while trying to walk in purpose.

From women breaking barriers in tech and construction, to chefs demanding respect for their craft, to nonprofit leaders demystifying grants, to entrepreneurs mastering systems, wealth, and legacy — this year-end episode is a masterclass in real-life game.

If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, creative, or someone rebuilding and redefining your life going into 2026, this is the one you play twice.

👥 Featured Voices (Compilation)

Across this 2025 year-end compilation, you’ll hear from:

• Women entrepreneurs and founders
• IT and tech professionals
• Chefs and culinary creatives
• Construction and facilities leaders
• Nonprofit and grant professionals
• Bookstore owners and literacy advocates
• Sports and operations professionals
• Coaches, strategists, and systems builders

All brought together through intimate, honest conversations with Jamar “J Haleem” Washington inside In the Studio with J Haleem.

📣 Connect & Subscribe

If this compilation episode fed you, inspired you, or challenged you:

• Subscribe to In the Studio with J Haleem on YouTube & your favorite podcast platform
• Follow @iamjhaleem on all social platforms
• Share this episode with:
• An entrepreneur
• A nonprofit founder
• A woman in a male-dominated space
• A young man trying to find his footing
• Anyone building a legacy going into 2026

J Haleem opens up about growing up in Newark, New Jersey in a crowded household, hustling early, getting into serious legal trouble in South Carolina, becoming a convicted felon in college—and how he still graduated with honors but couldn’t get a job.

He shares how entrepreneurship became his only lane, why he built his first studio in Columbia, SC, and how In the Studio with J Haleem was born long before podcasting became cool. Then he walks us through his move to Las Vegas, what surprised him about the city, and his vision to make In the Studio with J Haleem the premier platform for entrepreneurs, leaders, and culture shapers in Vegas and beyond.

You’ll also hear J Haleem’s powerful quote that defines his journey:

“The platform you leap from is more important than the platform you land on.”

This episode is raw, funny, honest, and inspiring—perfect for anyone who’s ever had to start over, rebuild, or believe in themselves when nobody else did.

🎧 Make sure you subscribe, hit the notification bell, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

In this powerhouse conversation, J Haleem sits down with Jim Gemma, the longtime Media Relations Director for the Las Vegas Aviators, the city’s oldest professional sports franchise. With over 40 years in sports media and operations, Jim gives a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to run a professional baseball organization — and how Las Vegas evolved into America’s fastest-growing sports hub.

From explaining why minor league ball IS professional sports, to how the Aviators have survived 42 seasons and multiple sports booms, Jim breaks down the business of baseball with depth, honesty, and humor. He shares insight on player development, salaries, media competition, community engagement, the future MLB stadium, and why Vegas is now a magnet for athletes and sports executives alike.

Whether you're an athlete, a parent, a sports fan, or someone who wants to understand how sports franchises really work — this episode is pure education.

In one of the most raw and transformational conversations to date, Jay Haleem sits down with Coach Dorian Warmsley to unpack a journey marked by addiction, survival, discipline, and total identity reinvention.

From surviving a four-story fall while blackout drunk and relearning how to walk… to overcoming years of alcohol abuse, probation, career rejection, and emotional isolation — Coach Dorian shares how he rebuilt his life through accountability, sobriety, celibacy, fitness, and mindset rewiring.

This episode is a masterclass in self-responsibility, emotional control, and what it really takes to change when no one is coming to save you. If you’ve ever struggled with addiction, identity, self-worth, or discipline — this conversation will hit home.

With unshakeable faith, a deeply rooted mission to serve, and relentless determination, Dr. Jade shares how she fought against doubt, stereotypes, academic setbacks, financial challenges, and the politics of healthcare to create Nspire Primary Care — a modern, concierge-style medical practice built on access, compassion, and community care.

This episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship, spiritual alignment, and the courage required to challenge broken systems. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a parent, or someone trying to navigate healthcare today, this conversation will shift your mindset, strengthen your faith, and inspire your next move.

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.”

🎥 About the Show

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.

💎 Episode Highlights

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.

💎 Episode Highlights

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.”

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

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.

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.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• 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.

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.

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.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• 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.

In this powerful and transparent episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, we sit down with Promise “The Boss Builder”, the visionary founder behind Business Besties, a nationwide network empowering women to build sustainable businesses, find community, and walk in purpose.

From selling French bulldogs and dancing in Vegas to leading thousands of women through entrepreneurship and mindset transformation, Promise shares her remarkable journey of faith, redemption, and business brilliance.

Together, J Haleem and Promise go deep on what it means to rebuild your life from scratch, the mindset shifts needed to grow from “hustler” to CEO, and how women can create true freedom — emotionally, spiritually, and financially.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The real story behind the Business Besties movement and how it grew to 7 chapters nationwide.
• Why community over competition is the foundation of her success.
• The hard lessons from entrepreneurship, faith, and forgiveness after personal trials.
• How Promise transformed from exotic dog breeder and entertainer to business mentor and leader.
• What it means to “water your business like a bamboo tree” — patience, preparation, and persistence.
• The difference between hustling for survival and building for sustainability.
• Why women must learn to ask for help — and how vulnerability attracts real support.
• How automation, systems, and faith can build generational wealth.

He opens up about the lessons learned working 16 years at Applebee’s, how he used his street smarts and corporate training to build a restaurant brand, and why entrepreneurship is about sacrifice, community, and service. This conversation is a masterclass in business mindset — seasoned with a side of oxtail and escovitch snapper.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Chef O turned a garage kitchen into a Caribbean food destination.
• Why he views food as a cultural bridge that bonds people together.
• The importance of long-term planning: his 10-year development plan before moving to Las Vegas.
• Business lessons from 16 years at Applebee’s and how corporate training shaped his success.
• Why entrepreneurship is selfless and built on solving community problems.
• The difference between being rich and building true wealth.
• How he keeps House of Dutch Pot thriving with customer-first strategies.
• His upcoming projects, including a new Caribbean brunch concept: Rum & Toast.
• What it’s like competing on the Food Network alongside Guy Fieri and other celebrity chefs.

This week, J Haleem welcomes power couple Nicci and Jameen Willis, the driving force behind Black Henderson, a thriving nonprofit dedicated to celebrating Black excellence, culture, and community in Nevada. Together, they share their journey from meeting on MySpace to building businesses, writing books, raising a family, and creating one of the most impactful cultural events in the city — the Black Henderson Family Reunion.

From real estate and investing to authorship and community building, Nicci and Jameen prove what teamwork, vision, and purpose can achieve.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Nicci & Jameen met and built 18+ years of love, marriage, and business.
• The story behind Black Henderson: from six people on Facebook to thousands united in community.
• The importance of legacy, generational wealth, and owning brokerages — not just businesses.
• The challenges (and rewards) of working with your spouse and balancing family life.
• How real estate shaped their journey — from short sales in 2008 to investing, flipping, and coaching today.
• Why entrepreneurship is about service and freedom, not just money.
• Insights from their books:
• Before You Buy, Read This (Nicci Willis) — a guide for first-time homebuyers.
• Mind Rehab (upcoming by Jameen Willis) — a blueprint for personal development and mindset growth.
• What to expect at the 5th Annual Black Henderson Family Reunion (September 27th, 2025 @ Cornerstone Park).

In this inspiring episode, J Haleem sits down with TrinaMarie Shaw — real estate professional, pageant winner, fashion advocate, and founder of Empowered Minds Achieve. From her early days in HR to conquering real estate, from wearing the crown in national pageants to launching a nonprofit, TrinaMarie embodies resilience, service, and the power of reinvention.

Together, they dive into her journey through personal challenges, including divorce and rediscovery, how she redefined what it means to be a “diva,” her passion for sustainable fashion, and why empowering youth with confidence, leadership, and mental health awareness drives her mission today.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How TrinaMarie transformed “DIVA” into a powerful acronym: Divine, Inspirational, Victorious Attitude.
• Her journey from 16 years in HR to building a successful career in real estate.
• Why pageantry isn’t just about beauty — it’s about platforms, truth-telling, and personal growth.
• How surviving divorce shifted her perspective on happiness and service.
• The story behind Empowered Minds Achieve, her nonprofit built on four pillars:
• Sustainability
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) education
• Mental & Emotional Intelligence
• Career & Leadership Skills
• The impact of sustainable fashion on both the environment and self-confidence.
• Why teaching youth about credit, budgeting, and generational wealth matters more than ever.
• The power of interdependence in marriage and the importance of strong support systems.

Episode Description

From Compton to Las Vegas, JayBee has been turning challenges into purpose. In this episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, she shares her inspiring journey as an in-arena host for professional sports teams in Las Vegas, her battle with cancer, and her mission to empower others to “Just Believe.”

JayBee opens up about surviving Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, building a career in sports entertainment during the pandemic, writing her memoir Straight Outta Chemo, and the power of betting on yourself even when doors close. This is a story of resilience, passion, and purpose you don’t want to miss.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How JayBee went from Compton open mics to hosting for the Raiders, Golden Knights, and Silver Knights.
• The mindset that helped her survive cancer — and how it fuels her career today.
• Why persistence and knocking twice matter when opportunities don’t come the first time.
• Behind the scenes of in-arena hosting and what it really takes to bring energy to the fans.
• The process (and struggle) of writing her memoir Straight Outta Chemo.
• Why happiness and passion matter more than clout or titles.
• How her motto “Just Believe” became a personal brand and movement.

We cover everything from the grind of building a podcast empire, navigating Vegas’ business scene, tackling mental health in entrepreneurship, and the importance of collaboration. Jess B also opens up about his upcoming projects, including Reflections, 27 Deaths, and his guided book The Soul Audit.

This episode is about more than media — it’s about life, survival, and the courage to just be yourself.

Alan shares his unconventional journey from the JUCO grind to international pro ball, and how those lessons of discipline, resilience, and adaptability laid the foundation for success as a Black entrepreneur in tech. Together, he and J Haleem dive into the realities of AAU basketball, the business side of the sport, and the opportunities that exist beyond the NBA dream.

This episode is equal parts real talk, locker room vibes, and entrepreneurial insight — perfect for athletes, parents, and anyone looking to turn passion into purpose.

Henrietta shares her journey from working in IT to creating a business that celebrates love, connection, and community. Together, they discuss the realities of entrepreneurship — from navigating fear and failure to building partnerships, balancing family life, and staying grounded with the right mindset.

This episode is an honest, motivating, and insightful conversation for anyone ready to step into entrepreneurship or take their business to the next level.