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In this episode, we chat with Naja ‘Sakey’ Simeon, a visionary artist from Saint Lucia, who has turned public spaces into breathtaking galleries that celebrate the island’s culture and history. From his tribute to Coach Cassius Glasgow to his latest mural honoring Julien Alfred, the world’s fastest woman, Sakey shares his passion for storytelling through art.

Key Takeaways from Sakey’s Business Journey:

- "The goddess of good luck favors men of action." – Inspired by The Richest Man in Babylon, Sakey emphasizes staying busy and consistently working toward your goals.

- "No great work is done without great solitude." – Master your craft. Dedicate time to becoming the best at what you do.

- Have fun! – Passion fuels longevity. If you don’t enjoy what you do, it won’t be sustainable in the long run.

Recommended Books:

- The Art of War – Sun Tzu
- The Richest Man in Babylon – George S. Clason

Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps keep this podcast running—thank you!

Resources & How to Connect with Sakey:

Available for inquiries or a chat from 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM Caribbean Time

Instagram:

• @sakeyproductions
• @sakeyart

Loved this episode? Share your thoughts and tag Sakey on Instagram!

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Guest: Kiera Peppers

We chat with Kiera Peppers, a multi-talented music teacher and illustrator from the Bronx. Kiera shares her journey of blending creativity and business, offering insights into honing your niche, utilizing the right tools, and putting your work out into the world. Whether you're an aspiring creative or looking to level up your craft, Kiera’s actionable tips will help guide you.

Key Takeaways from Kiera’s Business Journey:

✅ Define your niche and interests—use tools like ChatGPT for brainstorming, proofreading, and idea generation.

✅ Find the right tools for your craft:

• Illustration: Procreate
• Marketing & Design: Canva
• Proofreading & Analysis: ChatGPT
• Music Production: GarageBand or Soundtrap

✅ Don’t hesitate—put your work out there and share your creativity with the world!

Kiera’s Recommendations:

• Book: The Bronx Nobody Knows by William B. Helmreich
• Movie: Beat Street (1984)

Resources & Ways to Connect with Kiera:
Want to learn more or work with Kiera? Let her know you heard about her on the Begin Build Blossom podcast!
- Instagram: @studiopiminyc
- Email: studiopiminyc@gmail.com

Join the Conversation:
What did you take away from this episode? Share your thoughts here and on Instagram (@beginbuildblossom) and tag us!

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February is a big month—my birthday, the anniversary of CME Accounting LLC, and the one-year mark of this podcast! But beyond the celebrations, this episode is about something deeper: reconnecting with the fearless belief we had as kids.

A recent moment with my daughter reminded me of the joy of creating without hesitation. You’ll even hear a special performance from her, inspiring us to dream boldly and embrace creativity without fear.

Turning 40 has also been a milestone of resilience. Five years ago, I fought for my life in the ICU after a severe postpartum health crisis. That experience made me question everything, but it also fueled my drive to build a future rooted in purpose and passion.

Key Takeaways:
- Give Yourself Permission to Dream – Stop waiting for the "right time" to go after what you want.

- Let Go of Fear – Like a child singing freely, approach your goals with boldness.

- Find Joy in the Process – Success isn’t just about results; it’s about the journey.

At CME Accounting LLC, we help entrepreneurs build financial confidence, make informed decisions, and turn their business dreams into reality.

I invite you to share your childhood dreams with me! Email podcast@cmeaccountingllc.com or tag me on social media.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder to keep dreaming!

Until next time—keep dreaming, keep building, and keep blossoming!

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Guest: Adé Hakim Sayyed

Adé Hakim Sayyed is more than just a name. He’s a voice. A movement. A creative force reshaping what it means to make music in today’s world.

What does it take to start with nothing but a vision and turn it into a sound that not only resonates deeply but helps define a whole era of underground hip-hop? Today, we’re going to find out.

From being part of the groundbreaking NYC collective Slums to producing tracks that leave an indelible mark on the genre, Adé has proven that success is more than talent—it’s about perseverance, authenticity, and a willingness to build your own lane.

Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or just someone looking for inspiration to carve out your own path, Adé’s story has something to offer. So, let’s dive into his journey, his lessons, and the artistry that makes him one of underground hip-hop’s most compelling voices.

Resources:
Time with Adé Hakim; please reach out to Adé Hakim using the contact information below, letting him know that you heard him on our podcast.

Contact Information:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hakimworldwide

- Website: https://sunnywalkoflife.com

- Click here to stream the new album

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Guest: Celeste Olivo, Founder of The Cozy Cup

Today’s guest knows how to make every gathering feel special! Meet Celeste, an elementary school teacher turned entrepreneur and the creative mind behind The Cozy Cup. With over 20 years of experience working with children and parents, Celeste brings the same warmth and dedication she’s known for in the classroom to her thriving tea party business.

As a parent who has planned countless events, Celeste understands the value of hosting a fun, relaxed, and well-thought-out celebration. That’s the magic of The Cozy Cup—it lets you sit back, enjoy, and truly be a guest at your own party.

In this episode, Celeste shares her journey of blending creativity and connection to create memorable experiences for her clients. You’ll also hear valuable takeaways from her business journey and actionable tips to help aspiring entrepreneurs get started.

Key Takeaways from Celeste’s Journey

1. Test Your Ideas:
- Start by testing your product or service with friends and family to gauge interest and refine your offering.
2. Do Your Research
- Understand your market and demographic.
- Research organizations and resources available for entrepreneurs.
- Utilize platforms like YouTube for learning and inspiration.
3. Network Strategically
- Build connections with people both within and outside your field.

Celeste’s Recommendations
Movie: Slumdog Millionaire
Book: Becoming by Michelle Obama

Resources:
Women's Enterprise Development Center

Want to Connect with Celeste?
Spend some time with Celeste Olivo and learn more about how she can help you create unforgettable moments. Let her know you heard about her on our podcast!

Contact Information:
Website: www.thecozycupnyc.com
Instagram: @thecozycup_ny
Email: thecozycupnyc@gmail.com
Phone: (914) 412-0042

Get ready to sip, relax, and connect with The Cozy Cup!

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Guest: Eustecia Herman, Co-Founder of UNIK for Education and Fawin Fwans

Eustecia Herman is a passionate advocate for community engagement and personal growth. As a licensed hiking and camping guide in New York State, she inspires others to connect with nature and embrace the outdoors. In addition, she is the co-founder and co-baker behind Fawin Fwans, where she bakes delicious creole bread that pays homage to her cultural roots. Her creativity extends to poetry, where she eloquently captures the essence of her experiences and reflections. In her professional life, Eustecia serves as an administrative assistant, balancing her career with her role as the co-founder and president of UNIK for Education, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing educational opportunities. Beyond these roles, she is deeply committed to fostering community, organizing transformative retreats and bus rides that bring people together and inspire growth.

Eustecia's Takeaways From Her Business Journey:

Don’t Give Up: You’ll encounter many "no's" before you hear a "yes," but perseverance is key.
Seek Support: A strong network is essential for achieving your goals. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you.
Believe in Yourself: Trust in your vision and fight for what you believe in. Your dreams and goals can materialize with unwavering belief and determination.

Recommended Book(s):
15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John C Maxwell

Resources:
If you’d like to connect with Eustecia Herman, please reach out using the contact information below and let her know you heard her on our podcast!

Contact Information:

Facebook (Personal): Eustecia Herman
Facebook (Fawin Fwans): Fawin Fwans
Facebook (UNIK): UNIK for Education
Instagram: @fawinfwans
Email: unikforeducation@gmail.com | eusherm@gmail.com

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Guest: Xavier Williams, CEO of Alfa Pride Financial

Xavier Williams is the owner and CEO of Alfa Pride Financial, bringing nearly two decades of experience in helping clients achieve their financial goals. A licensed financial professional, Xavier specializes in both business and personal finance, working with clients nationwide to secure their financial futures. He is a proud member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and holds certifications as a public speaker and competent leader from Toastmasters International.

Passionate about financial literacy, Xavier frequently speaks to groups about the importance of preparing for the future. His mission is to be a valuable resource for his community, empowering people to build secure futures through effective financial planning.

Key Takeaways from Xavier's Business Journey:

Time Commitment - Ensure you have the time to consistently dedicate to your business, as inconsistency can lead to struggles.

Market Demand - Evaluate whether there is a demand for your offerings, factoring in competition and market needs.

Sales and Marketing - Invest in robust, automated sales and marketing systems to streamline your operations and drive growth.

Recommendation:
Jeremy Miner – The Sales Revolution

Resources:
Spend time learning from Xavier! Reach out using the contact information below and let him know you heard him on our podcast.

Contact Information:

Website: Alfa Pride Financial
LinkedIn: Alfa Pride Financial
Facebook: Alfa Pride Financial
Instagram: @alfapridefinancial
Email: info@alfapride.com

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Guest: Quinn St. Juste, Founder of Delicieux and Game Changers

Quinn St. Juste is a dynamic food and digital entrepreneur from Cedars, Castries, St. Lucia. Quinn brings a wealth of experience in hospitality, event management, and media. He’s the owner of Delicieux, a snack business, and the creative force behind Game Changers, a media company and podcast that shares inspiring stories of entrepreneurship. In addition to his own ventures, Quinn works with St. Lucia Times, providing media services, and contributes his logistics expertise to Nexus Events. His passion for youth and business development, combined with his media savvy, makes him a true game changer.

Key Takeaways from Quinn's Business Journey

- Patience is Key - Trust the process: All things work together for good to those who love God—but remember, it happens in time.

- Build the Right Network - Success isn’t a solo journey; surround yourself with the right people who can support and uplift you.

- Focus on the End Goal - Keep the outcome in mind: When you think about what you can achieve by completing a task, it becomes easier to push through the moments you don’t enjoy.

Recommended Book:
The Diary of a CEO

Resources
Connect with Quinn St. Juste! Let him know you heard him on our podcast.

Contact Information:
Game Changers Instagram: @game_changers758
Delicieux Foods Instagram: @delicieuxfoods758
Personal Instagram: @quinnstar98
Telephone/WhatsApp: +1 758-287-0365
Youtube: @game_changers758