I Pledge The Grind

Blazin and Fly Guy Don C of the Burial Boyz join me for chapter 31 on IPTG!!! These two hip hop artists are still making major moves with their music while balancing their personal lives during this pandemic. Take a listen and learn why nothing has stopped during this season of creativity and why they continue to pledge the grind.

Even in the midst of a pandemic God is still good!!! On Chapter 30 of IPTG, Ena talks with her good friend and mentor, 20 year Holy Hip-Hop artist Mr. Del. Can you imagine being at the start of a huge tour and covid hits? Well that's exactly what happened to Mr. Del this past March. He's made major adjustments to his brand and continues to reinvent himself through consistency. Mr. Del is releasing his final project in the form of a double CD entitled MD 2020. Forever versatile, Mr. Del’s MD 2020 features multiple genres with the first of the two discs, MD 2020:SOUTHSIDE, being released on November 20th and featuring a street, trap music vibe that is guaranteed to make you bob your head.

On Ch 29 of IPTG, Ena introduces the phenomenal singer-songwriter Angela Blair who has recently entered her outbreak season. This Memphis beauty commands the stage and has learned to pivot her grind in numerous ways. She recently shot the video for her new hit "All of My Love" and is gearing up for her upcoming virtual birthday concert on November 13 at 7pm streaming live on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Take a listen as Angela speaks on breaking into the Memphis music scene, developing her craft and learning the importance of maximizing her time during this pandemic.

On Chapter 28 of IPTG, Ena catches up with Hip-Hop artist and curator Marco Pave'. The pandemic came crashing down on his world while undergoing a residency in Bolivia, South America. Take a listen as Marco walks us through heading back to the states to DC where he is currently heading up a Hip-Hop residency at Georgetown University. Although life has changed in numerous ways, Marco has learned that sometimes you must slow down to speed up. His creative juices have not missed a beat as he is performing live for his virtual concert "Soundtrack of Life" which documents all aspects of his past year. Tune in as Marco sheds light on the life of an independent artist coping through covid19.

On Chapter 27 of IPTG, Ena has the pleasure of speaking with True Light and Black Mind of Black Renaissance. At the mercy of covid, these two Five Percenters pumped the breaks on their annual event Memphis Hip Hop Fashion Mixer which highlights black designers with a hip-hop twist. As a result, True Light and Black Mind delved into readjusting their focus and started a YouTube series called "Shifting the Paradigm" which highlights black culture in the city of Memphis. These brothers have also learned quite a few skills over the past eight months such as videography, gardening, cutting hair and tapping into their many resources. Take a listen as Black Renaissance updates us on many lessons learned since the pandemic in addition to the meaning and objectives of the Five Percenters.

On Chapter 26 of IPTG, we welcome writer for the Daily Memphian and Program Director of WYXR 91.7FM Jared "Jay B." Boyd. Jared shares with us how he is balancing both roles during this pandemic. In regards to writing, he mentions he now has a blank slate to write the stories he wants as many people are easier to contact and want to share. Take a listen as Jared talks about the importance of "timing" and how he's more confident than ever as a writer and interviewer. It is also evident that Jared is at the top of his game with the launch of the new WYXR radio station exposing a very diverse group of talent over the airwaves.

On Chapter 25 of IPTG, Ena talks with Professional Hair Stylist and Memphis Jooker Tia Waller. Tia walks us through how her salon had to shut down full stop in March due to covid. Although it was a devastating time in her life, she picked herself up and started to take classes and generate residual income. Tia also tells us about her special relationship with P Valley's Brandee Evans and how she actually gave her the wig off of her head for her audition. Learn all about Tia's business Textures By Tia, her battles with health issues and how she is paving the way for the life she wants.

On Chapter 24 of IPTG, Ena chats it up with the owner Candy Bar Personal Bartending, Candace Duncan. She's been in the bartending industry for over fifteen years and branched out on her own in 2015. Now having a staff of four, Candace not only makes your favorite drinks but she serves as a therapist, psychologist and pastor to her clients. Since the impact of covid, she has pivoted into the cigar industry and has created mixology kits. Candace has a passion for her business and is often times a part of some of your most memorable occasions. Take a listen and find out why being innovative is the biggest lesson she's learned since COVID19.

On Chapter 23 of IPTG, Ena catches up with one of the busiest people in the comedy industry, Grove Hero. Although covid shut down quite a bit in March, it didn't stop Grove Hero from continuing the grind and reaching the community. From food truck tours to block parties, he has tapped into serving others which makes him stand apart from others. Take a listen as Grove Hero breaks down the importance of being yourself in a world of frauds and how necessary it is to show the good, bad and ugly on social media. He speaks from the heart and describes his close-knit relationship with his son and Young Dolph. Be sure to check out "Is the Fish Ready" food truck tour in a city near you!!!

On Chapter 22 of IPTG, Ena talks with West Memphis, AR natives Jeromy, Nick, Squirt, Louis and Leeland of the R&B hit sensation The PC Band. Since March, the brothers have been taking advantage of creating new music in the studio with their new body of work entitled Love Theory. Take a listen as they discuss how covid has affected their business as entertainers and why they remain relevant in such a cut throat industry.

On Chapter 21 of IPTG, Ena talks with owner of Missy Russell Beauty, Jerrica Williams. Jerrica shares with us how and why she started in the beauty industry over eight years ago with her lipstick line. She dealt with a few insecurities at the time doing business in an oversaturated market. Luckily, she stopped being afraid because she knew her customers would buy into HER. When covid hit, Jerrica learned quickly on the importance of having systems in place and superior customer service. Take a listen as Jerrica gives us the deets on her new passion project Unapologetically Naked, her E Book The Ultimate Pricing Workbook and her plans for expanding the brand.

On Chapter 20 of IPTG, Ena talks with brand curator Wayne Conley. Originally from Grenada, MS, Wayne began his career in event planning for nightlife and the community. He extended the brand into Tshirt merchandise by coining catchy phrases and adding colors that people tend to love. Take a listen as Wayne talks about his creativity during covid and advice for those wanting to get into the Tshirt business.

On Chapter 19 of IPTG, Ena catches up with her LOC alumni and good friend Dr. Tamikia White who is the owner of Seafood Sacs. You've probably been overwhelmed with the amount of seafood spots opening up as of late however Tamikia started her business before it became popular and is ahead of the curve. She's been innovative in diversifying her "Bling" brand across product lines including her special "Bling Sauce" with Seafood Sacs. Take a listen as Dr. Tamikia White shares her grind spirit and continues to thrive during the pandemic.

Chapter 18 of #IPTG speaks volumes on the importance of working your craft with hybrid R&B artist Kendrick P. While many of his shows were cancelled when covid hit, his hard work became fruitful when he signed to Nxxntime. His days are filled with creating greatness in the studio as of late and chooses not to be wasteful with his time. on any level.

On Chapter 17 of IPTG, Tori Evans AKA Tori WhoDat reminds us of how it's been an entire refocus as a music artist. While many rappers have taken their talents live to social media, Tori has been very strategic with releasing projects in the midst of a pandemic and revolution. Tori is very thankful to have multiple streams of income to keep her going as she continues to pledge the grind.

On Chapter 16 of #IPTG, Ena finds out exactly why Cometria Taylor is a beast in the wholesale real estate game. In this seller's market, Taylor Made Investments has been thriving. Although business is good during this pandemic, take a listen to hear Cometria's WHY and how it hasn't always been an easy road.

On Chapter 15 of IPTG, Ena talks with New York Times Bestselling Author and Podcaster Brandi L. Bates. Originally, from Los Angeles, Brandi currently resides in Atlanta managing her online real estate company after walking away from Corporate America about seven years ago. She breaks down how the pandemic has affected our monetary system, the impact in our children and how we may very well be witnessing prophecy in the making. Brandi's creativity has magnified through her writing and podcasting in addition to her mission of serving others. Tune in to the pod to hear how Brandi has made major pivots and learn more about her life and writings on https://www.brandibates.com/.

On Chapter 14 of #IPTG, Ena converses with fellow Pisces, musician and entrepreneur Mike Mosby. Mike has chosen the path of content creation during this novel pandemic through his new podcast, virtual performances and online speaking engagements. He also gives heed to artists on having a strong contingency plan and adding a "hazard" line item to contracts just in case another catastrophe occurs in the future. Mike's grind has not wavered but only strengthened by joining new alliances to help his vision flourish.

On Chapter 13 of IPTG, I talk with Chief Event Strategist Cynthia Daniels. As founder of Cynthia Daniels & Co., she is known for creating some of the coolest spaces in the midsouth region from Black Restaurant Week, Top 40 Under 40 Urban Elite, Elixir Memphis and her latest Juneteenth Shop Black. However, Cynthia shares with us how COVID19 affected her business full stop at one point leaving her with a newfound interest in many of the joys of life to rediscover. While she is enjoying this downtime, her vision and tenacity led her to new paths as an entrepreneur.

On Chapter 12 of IPTG, Ena talks with the owner of Kitchen Guru Catering Corey "Hollywood" Coleman. Cory discusses how he's had to pivot his catering business with the CDC enforcing heavy guidelines upon some of our favorite chefs. Although business has changed for Corey, his grind hasn't missed a beat!

On Chapter 11 of IPTG, Ena catches up with the Marvin Gaye of DJ's, Chris McNeil aka DJ Superman. Chris is currently the producer for the Morning Hustle in addition to the midday talent on Hot 107.1FM with Flinn Broadcasting. Since COVID19 hit, Chris has picked up additional responsibilities at the radio station and prides himself on being a jack of all trades. As more clubs and venues begin soft openings, Chris advises his fellow DJ's to save money, develop their talents and no longer depend on the clubs alone for income.

On Chapter 10 of #IPTG, Ena talks with Aesthetician and OnlyFans Creator Talishia Shannon. Just imagine you're released from the Feds when COVID19 hits and can no longer service your clients because you have to close your doors. That's exactly what happened to Talishia until a friend gave her the idea to try her hand at OnlyFans which is one of the biggest subscription content services online. Posting seductive visuals on Instagram with over 138,000 followers, her pivot to OnlyFans became easy money cashing out at upwards of $1500/week. She's learned to look past those who judge as she continues to grind it out with multiple streams of income.

On Ch 9 of #IPTG, Ena has a very candid discussion with Cody Little. We've all heard about musicians and entertainers being out of work right now due to COVID19. As you can imagine, when the virus hit it hit hard for Cody. Luckily, he didn't let it keep him down. His pivot consists of taking his talents virtually for all of us to enjoy.

On Chapter 8 of IPTG, Ena chats with stock/currency trader and author of The Blackprint, Al Pickett. Al schools us on the one of the largest games in the world: The Financial Markets. The number one rule has always been to follow the price. As a result, it was no major surprise for Al when the market started to decline and our country started to fall into greater debt. Al speaks on what may possibly be on the rise in the areas of a cashless society and cryptocurrency. From a finance perspective, we should pivot into a mindframe of "small is the new big."

On Chapter 7 of #IPTG, Ena talks with serial entrepreneur Kris McDaniel. Kris has a passion for helping women find their voice and becoming financially free. Since COVID19 hit, she has disconnected her "in person" consultations and is now fully digital with her services. She advises that now is the time for business owners to take care of matters such as LLCs, trademarks and copyrights.

Chapter 6 of #IPTG is blessed with the Drip God himself from Memphis, Fresh. Known as the "Premier Tailor to the Stars" in Hollywood, Fresh has been able to pivot his brand with the introduction of Henry Mask. This subscription based service provides origami style masks with Fresh's stylish touch. Take a listen as Fresh talks on he and his brother birth the idea in addition to how he's giving back to the community.

Ena kicks off Chapter 5 with Emmy-nominated journalist, mother and podcaster Troy Washington. Troy describes the weight of responsibility in her role as a reporter in addition to implementing "process storytelling" while working remotely. Her eight month old daughter Riley keeps Troy on her toes as she figures out one of the biggest balancing acts of her life. A major pivot Troy shares with the IPTG audience is her new podcast entitled "Media Mommy."

On chapter 4 of IPTG, Ena chats with one of South Memphis' finest and most creative in his field, Michael Butler, Jr. Although he's an experienced cinematographer, photographer and content creator, Mike simply wants to tell the story of the underdog and the forgotten through his lens. He makes it a point to shine the light on the "good" in Memphis and has pivoted into a narrative film maker since COVID19.

On the third installment of IPTG, Ena talks with one of her favorite people in the world, SunAh Marie. She is a PhD, published author, podcast host and producer and so much more. SunAh shares details on an upcoming creative project she's been working on designed to uplift other women.

On the second episode Ena talks with Unapologetic artist AWFM. He discusses the creative ways he's had to make money outside of music during this time in addition to the side effects COVID19 has had on his artistry.

On the first episode Ena breaks down why she started the podcast. Although I Pledge The Grind has been in the works, COVID19 immediately shifted the content in a new direction. Ena also shares details on the producer contest and upcoming episodes.