Who Got Next? The Podcast

On this episode I'm chopping it up with returning WGN guest Lew. We're asking the question, "Did the Grammys get it right with Killer Mike winning Rap Album of the Year?" Take a listen! #WhoGotNext #CLTure

This week WGN had the pleasure to speak with Cheryse Terry, owner of Archive CLT. Since opening August of 2022, Cheryse has curated and cultivated a location that is submerged in Black Culture through archived materials such as magazines, arcade, vinyl, books, and last but not least….coffee! Archive CLT welcomes you with open arms as soon as you walk in the doors. In our discussion, we talk about what she's learned about herself and reflects on the blessings Archive CLT has created for her. We also discuss mentorship, networking, and what Cheryse does for fun. You will be surprised! lol Thanks for tuning in. #WhoGotNext #CLTure 

This week we're talking to Shawn, aka Black Ferris Bueller, CLT Blogger and CLT correspondent on all things surrounding black culture and events in the city. If you've ever been to events such as Off The Wall, Su Casa, Servin' The Culture, you will see the brother working nonstop, doing what he can to assist the curators of events such as these. It could be working the doors, helping to promote, or just being amongst the crowd to enjoy, this brother will always make sure to be present.I wanted to take this opportunity for y'all to get to know him and his journey. We talk about how he got tapped in with events and why it's important to bring awareness to what the city has to offer outside of the norm we have been used to seeing. If you want to be in the know, holla at Shawn! He got the info for ya! #WhoGotNext #CLT #CLTure

On the latest episode of WGN, I sit down with a couple homies, Ebony & Jai Good, to talk about what's going on with small businesses in CLT? Just a candid conversation amongst tax paying citizens who are just as concerned as I am about the direction of creating businesses (preferably brick & mortar) in. the CLT community. Definitely need more conversations like this. 

This week I'm circling the block with Tony Stanford, realtor in CLT. Tony is no stranger to being a recurring guest on WGN. Being a realtor in CLT they have firsthand knowledge of trends that are happening in the housing market. Going in to 2024 he sits down to talk about what is next for those who are seeking to purchase a home. 

This week on WGN we're talking to a CLT LEGEND, Bluz The Poet. Bluz is an award-winning poet, multiple Emmy Award winner, published author, recording artist, & ambassador to the arts in the community. In our sit down, we talk about his journey into poetry and the many hats he's worn to assist with contributing to growing the art culture in the CLT community. I can go on about what he's accomplished, but I'll let this episode do the talking. Thank you for offering me your time to learn more about you! #WhoGotNext #CLTure

This week we're talking to the co-owners of Dupp & Swat, Dion and Davita Galloway. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to speak with each of them on separate episodes, and I finally got them together to talk about their journey the past 13yrs owning Dupp & Swat on this episode. I wanted to give them their flowers and let them discuss their journey since opening the creative space 13yrs ago. We also talk about how the business started, a pretty hilarious story, Dion would beg to differ though, lol. This was a dope conversation with folks I consider to be extended family, so it was time for a good ole' fashion conversation with friends! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure

This week we're talking with Ashley McKinley. She is the Head of School for Friendship Day School for the Sciences & Arts, a private school located in the Historic West End of Charlotte.Throughout her years in education, she has garnered a wealth of knowledge and used what she learned to enrich the youth, not only in the classroom, but also as a career in counseling and later as an Assistant Principal. In 2022, she decided to pivot from public schools to the private sector and was awarded the opportunity to become Head of School for Friendship Day.Ashley and I discuss her transition to the private sector and talk about some of the differences were working for CMS. Other topics included the business itself with the private school systems, networking, and what it takes to build a solid infrastructure not only for the students but having a solid foundation with the parents and the community itself. Let's get to know Ashley! Thank you again! #WhoGotNext #CLT

It's no secret to anybody who knows me that Midnight Marauders by ATCQ is one of my favorite hip hop albums of all time. When you talk about hip-hop classics this project embodies everything that defines a project to be that. Midnight Marauders was released Nov. 9th, 1993, followed up by their previous effort 'Low End Theory' (another Classic), and still in heavy rotation today. 30 years later this album aged like fine wine and still holds an important part of my childhood in the 90s. On this bonus episode me & the homie Lew talk about the impact this album had on us and for hip hop culture. We break down some of the album's singles and other stand out tracks that made this album a masterpiece. If you're a music nerd like the two of us are, you will enjoy this conversation. #WhoGotNext # CLTure

This week we're talking to R&B singer Heather Victoria. She is signed to the collective Jamla Records here in the state of NC. We discuss her upbringing and how her parents were a huge influence on the path she chose in music; they also had a musical background. Other topics range from her introduction to 9th Wonder, the imprint she wants to continue to make in R&B, and what we should expect with her latest project slated to release early 2024. With her lead ‘Toxic' single out, I definitely had to ask her if she had toxic moments? She definitely gave her take! Thank you again for sitting down with WGN Heather V! #WhoGotNext #CLTure 

What up folks?? WGN is back! We're kicking this volume off with the homie Carla Lopez.She is an artist, curator, and educator who hails from the city of Charlotte, NC. We discuss her journey thus far in a career with art and the emergence of the art community post COVID in CLT. Carla has organized many art shows and always states she wants her arts shows to be unique and tell a story that is different from the rest. One thing that's for sure, King Carla don't play about her shit! Y'all come take a listen! #WhoGotNext #CLTure 

For the season finale I decided to catch up with the homie Taylor Redd, owner of Redd Rose Vodka here in Charlotte. Redd Rose vodka is strawberry flavored vodka that she created to honor her late grandmother Rose Redd, an entrepreneur that created a safe space for other women to generate income for their families while living in Ohio. In July of 2020, when our first recording aired, she was in the beginning stages of operating her brand. Still learning the ropes and figuring out how to get her product out to the public. Now, 3 years later, Redd Rose is being sold in several states across the country, multiple restaurants/bars have included Redd Rose vodka on their drink menu, along with being sold in 26 locations throughout Charlotte. In our recent conversation we discuss some of the lessons learned while growing her brand, getting more comfortable with pitching her product to potential investors, growing her team to help push Redd Rose, and what's next on the horizon for the company? Definitely another great conversation. She has made her grandmother proud! #WhoGotNext #CLTure

Let's talk about Mental Health! This week WGN had the opportunity to sitdown with Kateria Poe, psychotherapist, licensed counselor, and owner of Crown Connections here in Charlotte. Through Kateria's education and upbringing, she brings a wealth of knowledge that affords her the luxury to connect with people; and through her work she helps individuals find solutions to live life more abundantly.  We discuss her making the decision to pursue a career in mental health, coping with trauma, and why she took a leap in starting her own business. We covered a lot of ground in our discussion. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did! #WhoGotNext #CLTure

Y'all know how it goes with WGN. We always bring you something different just to have a little fun. Since Snowfall started, I was a huge fan of the show and enjoyed it from beginning to end. So now that the show is over- why not discuss if the show ended the right way? Did you want to see Franklin Saint go out on a high or low note? Plenty of folks have their own opinions on this so why not talk about them? I couldn't do this alone, so we brought the homie Mike B on the pod to offer an opinion on how we felt Franklin went out. We break down the development of each character and build on our topics to one of the most anticipated episodes of the show's creation. Definitely some great perspectives spoken on this episode from both of us. Check out what we cooked up and let us know what you think. So long Franklin Saint.....SnowFall definitely will go down as another top notch show to hit cable TV. 

This week we're chopping it up with VVG & Promise the Gahd. A few weeks ago, these two dropped the The New Te$tament, a joint project with 9 bangers that is filled with lyrical warfare between two juggernauts who's been putting out heat of their own for years. VVG & Promise talk about why the time was now to drop the joint album and give me an inside look on how the album came to fruition. With standout songs like 485 Flow$, Bun$ & $incere, and Larry & Lonzo, you will notice the chemistry between both of them, and you will be nodding your head from beginning to end! Yes Sir! #WhoGotNext #CLTure

This week WGN is speaking with Geraldine Brisbane, founder and educator of Brisbane Academy, founded in 1992 here in Charlotte. Prior to becoming a private school, Brisbane started out as a tutoring center, that later turned into a preparatory school with the help from the kids were under Brisbane's leadership. In our discussion we talk about how the school continues to excel since opening their doors over 30 years ago, along with some of the nuances surrounding the differences between public and private schools. Thank you Ms. Brisbane, for being a pillar in the CLT community and creating a welcoming environment for students to be educated. Definitely tune into our discussion. #WhoGotNext #CLTure

This week we're talking with Tracie and Jennifer, the owners of Mackins Bridal Boutique in CLT. The Mackins sisters started the journey in bridal wear when they opened their concierge service out of their home. After running that business successfully, they decided to open their own bridal boutique on the west side of CLT off Beatties Ford Rd. We discussed why it was important to plant their roots in this particular part of the community, family entrepreneurship, and what the kinds of services you will experience upon entering the boutique! Also don't worry fellas, they can get us looking spiffy as well with the right Tux! Let's get to know these sisters! #WhoGotNext #CLTure

This week we're talking with CLT native Jordan Lopez. Jordan sits down with the WGN Pod to discuss the nuances of politics within local and state government. Lopez gets candid on why he chose this career field and it started when he got involved with student government back in high school. Lopez gives a snapshot on what it was like working as a Legislative Assistant in Raleigh and how that path led him back to his hometown of CLT and committing to making a difference in the community with his work he does, along with working with the nonprofit Charlotte East. Definitely enjoyed you brother. Come back anytime! #WhoGotNext #CLTure

This week we're talking to Cozy and Malaysha. Cozy is a graphic designer that's provided his work for many CLT creatives and small businesses in the city. Cozy come highly recommended and respected by his peers and clients trust him to bring their vision to life. His attention to detail and weaving CLT culture into his work is what sets him apart from many in his field of work. Malaysha is a visual arts educator and creator, whose work has been featured in many outlets and events across the city; and more recently featured at the Black Girl Art Show. Malaysha, also a CLT native, speaks on the identity of the city and where the art community fits into the future plans with the frequent growth of Charlotte. This was a great conversation and hope you all enjoy as well. #WhoGotNext #CLTure

This week we're chopping it up with Ryan Howell. Too many things to name that's he's had his hands in including the QC Social Group, Hillman Day Party, COLOURS Day Party, the newly established Blackberry Weekend, just to name a few. Ryan is always creating and don't see any signs of him slowing down. Although he considers himself to be a low-key individual this brother lets the success of his events do the talking for him. Even then he's still going to be him. Take a listen and get to know him. Dope convo. Appreciate that conversation Bruh! #WhoGotNext #CLTure

It's almost time for Eat Black Charlotte Restaurant week and their Food & Culture Festival to hit CLT this summer so we had to chop it with the organizers of this event. This week we're talking with a few of the co-founders of EAT BLK CLT DailySpecialCLT and Food Plug CLT. The fellas let us know what's in store for the event and discuss some of the things they learned as the event grows year after year. We also talk about the nuances of food reviews for restaurants and food trucks and how the businesses learn and build off the feedback moving forward. DailySpecialCLT is a recurring WGN guest, and it was a privilege to chop it up with Food Plug as well. #WhoGotNext #CLTure

In honor of Women's History Month, I wanted to discuss Black women working in corporate America. Most executive roles or positions that require somebody to be the face of their company are not people of color. Not saying all of them fall in that category, but the number isn't as high as it should be. In my opinion, the last couple of years we have seen a shift in corporate America focusing on how to tackle diversity in the workplace. Another big question is how do companies that are in the minority compete with bigger companies to land contracts with them? Let's meet Alexis K, DEI advocate for Turner Construction in Charlotte, NC. Her role is to ensure that small minority businesses are prepared through engagement and training. On our sit-down Alexis talks about her journey in her field, the power of networking, and the joy of providing opportunities to the small fishes in a big pond and will continue to do so. Also, here is fun a fact about Alexis. Did you all know that she is training to get her pilot license? #WhoGotNext #CLTure 

On this week's episode of WGN we're catching up with Vashti, the owner of Carolina Blitz here in the QC.  Since the last time she was on the pod ya girl has been BLITZIN'! Business is on the upswing, the sports credentials are validated, and the RESPECT has been cemented. We talk about what she has learned since becoming a business owner in the short few years and what it's like covering the Carolina Panthers, Tarheels, Blue Devils, and NC State? Vashti gives a little insight on a few things she wouldn't mind getting "her lick back" on starting her sports journalism career and the importance on being unapologetically black in a white male dominated field. For the next young black women aspiring to cover sports just take a page out of  her book. Like I told her, "Vashti did that so hopefully you don't have to go through that!". Yea I stole Shawn Corey Carter's bars. SO! LOL #WhoGotNext #CLTure

Welcome Back! Thank you for tuning in to the WGN. Starting off this volume with some cooking! Meet Santana Burriss, private chef, mixologist, and Culinary entrepreneur. Burriss is a CLT native that has a serious passion for food and we discuss how traveling across the globe shaped his experiences in the kitchen. Burriss doesn't dismiss that fact that his foundation for food started in his the family kitchen at a young age, and gives the credit it deserves, but Santana's skill set grew from traveling across the globe where he was able to study the food culture and implement that into his own recipes. This conversation we discuss him working in some of Atlanta's premiere restaurants, going to school in NY for culinary arts, and the documentary he is working on presently here in CLT that will highlight the food scene here in the city. Here is a fun fact: if you are a fan of the Food Network then you might've seen Satana as a contestant on Supermarket Stakeout around the fall of 2022. Thank you all for tuning in. #WhoGotNext #CLTure

If you know me then you would know I probably enjoy R&B way more than Hip Hop. Some good ass singing will always be my choice to set the mood. Now Cyanca, this sista right here.....definitely is making strides with some good music. I caught wind of Cyance a few years ago and had a fan (in me) ever since. Cyanca got her start in church, but to my surprise she wasn't interested in singing. She wanted to play the instruments in the choir; but she also could sing. Her talents got her to UNCG on a music scholarship where she would continue to work on her skill set. After a brief break from being tied to music she picked it back up once her job relocated her to CLT. It was then she started making her rounds with likeminded individuals who were doing music here. When you get co-signs from Elevator Jay & Lute you gotta be doing something dope, and that dope is what Cyanca Is! #WhoGotNext #CLT

This week WGN is diving back into real estate. This time we are getting into the woman's perspective. I had the pleasure to sit down with the homie Anita M, a realtor here in CLT who is ready to assist you with your home purchasing needs. Our conversation hits on a couple key topics. Anita gives the pod insight on why she decided to become a realtor and hits on some key points that first time homebuyers might miss. Outside of her loving to help potential buyers achieve their dream home. Although Anita says doing the job is very rewarding, she does speak on what it takes to perform her duties at a high level; minus the challenges that she faces sometimes being a black woman in the industry. It's great to get a different view from a woman's POV and I hope you will enjoy this conversation. Make sure to check out her offer at the end only through WGN! In closing, make sure you let her know WHO GOT NEXT sent ya! # WhoGotNext #CLTture #Vol9

Micki Blendz says she fell in love with music at a young age. Having siblings that were older allowed her to get a taste of what it felt like to be "OUTSIDE", which define that we know a thing or two about music. It wasn't until attending college she realized she wanted to be DJ. As most say, the rest is history. Since I enjoy music and love the craft of being a DJ this is how our conversation was conducted.:We talk about the importance of working on your craft and being only as good as your next gig, so staying on your toes and being ready is the key. We also discuss the state of being a DJ today and her future aspirations in music. I asked her what is her dream DJ'ing Gig? Fun Fact: She went by another name before Micki Blendz. Peep her answer on this episode! lol.  Always great to just talk music, and that we did! Appreciate ya Micki!

One theme that is constant with the WGN pod is cultivating relationships within business. Without it you might have a difficult time finding success. Professional relationships are the cornerstone of business building and you have to find your lane when establishing them. Gio, the owner of Fitted CLT definitely understands the importance of that. Sitting down with him you can hear how he learned that early when he was pushing his brand out of his trunk. That's how the grind started with him; and from there is where Fitted CLT was born. Not long afterwards he formed a bond with Zay, his right hand man with the business, and together they have some things brewing for the company. This pod we talk about their partnership, their creative approach in collaborating with others immersed in the city, the journey of starting a business, and the meaning behind the "the purple brim", the signature tag for their hats. I enjoyed talking with these two brothers and you will definitely enjoy it too! #WhoGotNextCLT #Vol 9

We're rounding out with the conclusion of WGN Speed Pod Edition with Part 3! Special Thanks to everybody who contributed. It was a dope experience.  Special thanks to @duppandswat @crownkeepers again for letting WGN tag along for great time! #WhoGotNext #CLTure

This week we are talking to Paige Childers, founder of @nconscene, a business development hub that works with small businesses to gain more exposure in the Charlotte community. We chat about how important it is for small businesses to be creative with marketing their products; especially during the pandemic. After successfully organizing three pop ups for businesses 3 months in a row in the 4th quarter of 2020, Paige is ready to start helping businesses go to the next level with a variety workshops that she developed within her own business. In closing she tells me what she thinks about the city since moving here in early 2020. Its only the beginning for Paige. Stay connected to what she has shaking in 2021. #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure

During the WGN speed pod sessions at the F2D Exhibition I sat down with runway coordinator/Model Jennifer Michelle. She was in charge of all models who were apart of the Fashion Show that weekend. Our conversation was so good I had make this one a bonus episode for this volume. We discussed her own personal journey in her modeling career and the transition she made from walking the runway to the production side of runway shows, being prepared for rejection, and embracing telling people NO. All of her experiences in modeling led her to write the book “I Choose Me” which is now available on Amazon.  Thank you for time Jennifer! I enjoyed it! #WhoGotNext #CLTure

So, this week I completed the puzzle. Dion blessed the WGN pod on Vol. 1, and I said I would circle the block and pick up his partner so we can chop it up too! We are talking with Davita Galloway, co-owner of Dupp & Swat in Camp North End. Davita wears many hats - and I honestly can't decide what titles to add on this post so let's just sum it all up and call her a "Renaissance Woman" okay? She has one hell of a story to tell, and luckily for the WGN pod she was an open book and gave us some insight to who she is as a person. We discuss her growing up in Winston Salem and being the "smart kid" in class. Despite being the kid who got good grades, not everybody in class was feeling her achievements. She just wanted to be a normal kid and for everybody to like her, but they didn't make it easy for her. As she got older she started coming into her own as a person and wanted to experience new things and that's when she realized fashion was her dream. She admits during a portion of her journey she lost her way and needed to find her place of comfort to get back in sync; which is home, and home is where the heart is. Home is where Dupp & Swat was created! A good portion of this conversation stems from the memoir she wrote called 'Two Scraped Knees' and it gives a brief snapshot of the journey on who Davita is today! Enjoy the Convo folks! #WhoGotNext #CLT

Part 2 of the Speed Pod Pop Up Edition is underway for this bonus episode. Still moving with talking to any and everybody who participated in the Fresh 2 Death Exhibition:

Fresh 2 Death Exhibition was a two day showcase event that took place Sept 10-11 at Camp North End in CLT. The event, labeled Fashion StreetWhere, was brought to you by designers who created installments to highlight their contribution to the fashion scene in the CLT community and beyond. From fashion studios, models, Cars, Vendors, and an influx of patrons that stepped foot in the building you can feel the energy and a shift in culture to show what the city has cooking. The weekend was capped off by a fashion show that featured the designers for the weekend. WGN had an opportunity to set up shop and do a bit of "speed podding" to highlight the experience. I will be bringing you 3 parts of conversations with individuals involved in making this event a success. Special thanks to Dupp & Swatt and Crownkeepers for letting me be apart of this great event! #WhoGotNext #CLTure

This week we're talking with Curtis Walls, owner of You Vs. Yourself Training Facility, founder of Become Inspire Empower brand, author, motivational speaker, and the list can go on. This discussion is about the "season of alignment" and his journey and the discipline he crafted to get where he is today.  This conversation ended up being better than I expected. The saying is you are never too old to learn something and never old enough to be inspired by your peers. Little does Curtis know is I left this conversation ready to take on new challenges- and our conversation definitely lit a spark in me to think about things from a different perspective. This discussion is about growth & maturation. This is a great one! You will definitely take something from this one. #WhoGotNext #CLTure #Vol9 

If you Look Good then you Feel Good, right? Do you find yourself owning your confidence when you look in the mirror and see that you have on a great outfit on? Do you have trouble finding your confidence? Well this is where Sierra has found her lane in assisting others with owning their confidence. This week I had the pleasure of speaking with Fashion stylist Sierra Stanford and we have a discussion about how looking good can change your mindset in your daily life. Sierra opens up about how going through unfortunate circumstances in the past allowed her to be more confident not only in her own right but she offers her expertise to others who want to as well. Sierra also lets us know what styles and prints will be in for Fall 2022. 

WGN is back with Vol. 9.! We're starting this run off with the homie J. Spencer, curator of The Platform here in CLT. J. Spence created this platform for independent artist to have an avenue for them to have a place for to network with industry professionals and other independent artists who want to leverage their opportunities entering the music business. The Platform is held every 2nd Tuesday of each month and provides a great amount of information that will benefit them for a lifetime. In addition to that discussion, we speak on "sync licensing", the value of obtaining your master's catalog, and the music identity of Charlotte. This conversation is a prelude to what's to come for WGN; as we enter the music side of things. 

As a fan of photography and cinematography I love scouring social media to see who is doing their thing in the city. Whelp, I found another dope photographer who is brewing. Shot By Lindsay is the name and he is about to make his stamp on CLT culture; and the images he capture embodies the importance of knowing when you have the “money shot.” He will be showcasing his talent with a doc he is creating called For The Luv Of The City (A Charlotte Documentary) in which will give his perspective on what CLT is and capture the individuals who waves the QC flag high. We discuss the idea of the doc, his influences, and how he got started. Be on the lookout for this brother. He is about to make his mark! #WhoGotNext #CLTure 

This week WGN is talking to Ryan Jorel, founder and organizer of Black Fathers Rock here in the CLT community. Within the BFR movement he organize an annual event (self titled) that defines the mission of the organization; which is to change the narrative and dispel the notion that all black fathers are absent while providing resources to help strengthen the black family. We talk about what life is like for him now since becoming a father and some of the narratives that still plague the black community. Sit back and enjoy because this conversation definitely hit on some important topics surrounding us as BLACK MEN in America! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure

This week we are talking to Dr. Lisa Folden, Physical Therapist, and owner of Healthy Phit Physical Therapy & Wellness Consultants, LLC here in Charlotte. She provides a number of services for her clients to assist them with their goals that pertains to their individual health. In our discussion we talk about the challenges and politics she faced while starting her practice here. Dr. Folden also talks about why she decided to become a physical Therapist and why she choose to help her patients focus more on maintaining a healthy lifestyle for yourself personally and not just dieting. I also ask her what does she think about body shaming? I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation. Hope you all do as well!

This week is WGNs bonus episode so we're going to have some fun with this one. I invited Nikki to sit down and talk about what  is keeping her attention in music and television. If you follow Nikki on her IG she is appreciated for her critiques and honest reviews on both fronts. So we talk about several and get her take on them on this week's pod! Definitely a great conversation! Thank you again Nikki! #WhoGotNext #CLTure 

This week we're talking to Skinny Jay. He hails from South Central LA but definitely has made his presence known here in CLT. He shows love for his Cali roots but he definitely waves the CLT flag high and wants to do his part in elevating those around him to be a force here through collaborative efforts. Some will say Skinny is "the connector", and others will say he is just a laid back individual who loves the creative spaces the city has to offer. Through his experiences and expertise Skinny developed over the years it has allowed him to create several avenues like his brand CreativityXCollaboration, Skinny & Friends, and a slew of partnerships that brings up and coming brands and companies together to build bigger opportunities in business. If something is poppin' in CLT better believe Skinny will be there cheering you on, or he will create the platform; either way he wants everybody to win. We sit down and discuss the movement and what's next for him moving forward! Make sure to give him the nod when you see him. His flowers are coming real soon! #WhogotnextCLT #CLTure

This week we are talking to J Cannon and Jus Coop, who are collectively knows as The Firm. Not only is this their group name but both are heading the label The Firm Music Group here in CLT. These two brothers formed a bound while attending college and reconnected when they both ran into each other here in the city. We sit down and touch on the new project called Story Behind Bars and the inspiration behind it. The project gives an introspective look into the highs and lows they both experienced through their life journeys both individually and collectively. Throughout the discussion we talk about their start, the music scene in CLT, the launch of their label and vision for it, and who curved J Cannon at his prom?! Lol#WhoGotNext #CLTureEmail: whogotnextclt@gmail.com

This week WGN is talking to Teresa Hopson,  Painter & Arts Advocate here in CLT. Her work highlights the beauty, strength, mythology, and experiences of African-American women. She is the founder of Singing In The Dead Of Night, an art exhibit that will be presented in September here in CLT and will focus on work from other African American women across the country who shares the same sentiments as Teresa. We sit down and discuss what you should see at SITDON and steps it will take for CLT to be a heavy hitter in the art scene in the future. #WHOGOTNEXTCLT #CLTure For more information please follow her website www.teresachristine.com

This week we are talking to Desmond Wiggan, Jr., Co-Founder and CEO of BatteryXchange, Inc. His company created a portable a charging station (or Kiosk) for your mobile devices that can be placed anywhere around the city. Desmond and I sat down to discuss how the idea came about when him and his business partner Aubrey Yeboah was living in China studying to get their MBA. They saw a problem and quickly went to work on identifying a solution. This is where the idea was birthed and executed. Along with the BatteryXchange's origin story we chat about what it takes to run a business on tech-- and the patience you need to adequately fund a project of this magnitude. Also being an alum of a HBCU he breaks down the full circle moment partnering the company with his alma mater Winston Salem State. Take a listen. BatteryXchange is ready to CHARGE the future! #WhogotnextCLT #CLTure

WGN IS BACK WITH VOLUME 8! We are starting the season off with news reporter Lexus Wilson of Queen City News (formerly Fox46 in CLT.) We talk about the moment she realized in college that journalism would be her career choice and how it has grown in a short period of time after graduating. Wilson also speaks on the importance of maintaining relationships in the news industry and the need to be on your "A" game throughout your journey; especially as an African-American woman in News. In closing we chat about her outside endeavors with her company Lexus Communications and the doors it has opened for her since touching down in CLT a few years ago. Its not all business with Lexus. We get a little bit of insight on what she is watching and listening to nowadays to pass time when she is not in from of a the camera. Take a listen and get to know Lexus "with a Lexus" Ha!

I entered uncharted territory for the last show of Volume 7. Had the pleasure of meeting Nikki Eason during her event where she was screening the premier of The Androgynous Model, where individuals are looking for a chance to compete for opportunities to be apart of a community that works with companies who are looking for models to help promote their products; who are Androgynous Models. In our sit-down Nikki educates me on what Androgyny means and her journey in creating the show and the giving a voice and platform for those who represent the culture and artform. We also talk about the misconceptions of the term as well. I don't want to give much away but this was definitely and enlightening conversation and Nikki definitely helped me to understand what the term means and entails for the those models specifically in the fashion industry.

On the latest WGN episode I circled the block again and chopped it up with Food Content Creator Cory for DailySpecialCLT. I got to know him on a previous episode during the Quarantine Edition and wanted to see how things were now with him a little over a year. Since then Cory has gained more exposure for the work he does in highlighting the delicious food you can find here in the city. We also discuss his favorite food trucks and restaurants; along with the new venture EAT BLACK CLT he helped to create with a few others, and being reluctant to the word "Influencer." #WhoGotNext #CLTUREEmail: whogotnextclt@gmail.com 

It's always dope when you come across those who are extremely passionate about their shit! ReeceeRaps is definitely dope and puts 100% into her music. You can just hear the hunger, energy, and passion in each rhyme she lets out; so you just know it's all pure with her! Growing up in Pittsburgh she's always been around music since a youngin' when her grandfather gave her an opportunity to be in his group called The Unspeakables. From that moment on the music bug was in her. Her journey has been one of perseverance and staying true to her craft and CLT has taken notice. QC Nerve Magazine has listed her as one of the city's emerging artist and she is just getting started. Hopefully you will feel her energy as much as I did in our sit down! #WhoGotNext #CLTURE

What's Next in CLT? That is the question today. I wanted some answers surrounding the many changes in CLT residential and commercial real estate so I sat down with Realtor Tony Stanford and Loan Officer and CLT native Joy Bailey to give us some insight. These two dropped a lot of info and gems on how things have been trending in the CLT Community. Thanks again for tuning in!  #WHOGOTNEXTCLT #CLTUREFOLLOW THE SHOW:Spotify, SoundCloud, & Apple PodcastsEmail: whogotnextclt@gmail.com

What up folks! As I'm gearing up to release Part 2 of this volume it was only right to kick it off with Kendria, Brandi, and Sh'niqua. Together they formed Rollin CLT here in the QC! Roller Skating is a favorite pastime for many and it has been buzzing again for the past year since being "inside" and they're here to get us all back OUTSIDE! We sat down to discuss how the idea came together to create the venture for a roller rink and lounge and what it takes to make that business come to light, their approach on forming a sisterhood within business, and giving back to the CLT community thru their non profit endeavors such as Rollin Homies, which provides tools for kids to be educated on financial literacy and business principles. Rollin CLT will be making their business debut Labor Day weekend and tickets are selling fast!