Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mowbray and Cherina Rowand.

🎙️ Interview Summary: Mowbray & Cherina Rowand Purpose of the Interview

To showcase the entrepreneurial journey of Mowbray and Cherina Rowand, co-founders of The Rowand Group and One Stop Taxes, the largest Black-owned virtual tax preparation service in America. The interview highlights their business evolution, scaling strategies, community impact, and the creation of the Black Tax Festival.

🧭 Interview Outline 1. Background & Origins

• Both from Memphis, Tennessee; met in high school.
• Started tax preparation in 2010 as a mom-and-pop operation.
• Transitioned from brick-and-mortar to virtual model by 2015.

2. Business Philosophy

• Entrepreneurship is defined as service to others.
• Mowbray is the visionary; Cherina is the implementer.
• Emphasis on scaling with structure: legal, accounting, HR.

3. One Stop Taxes

• Grew from a single office to over 1,000 virtual franchise locations.
• Offers free training, no startup costs, and shared revenue model.
• Built a platform allowing clients to submit documents and sign remotely.

4. Virtual Tax Model

• Designed for convenience and accessibility.
• Clients and tax preparers never need to meet in person.
• Platform includes document upload, e-signature, and cloud storage.

5. Franchise & Training

• Learning Management System (LMS) for onboarding.
• Training includes tax prep, customer acquisition, and platform use.
• Strategic partnerships with local businesses (e.g., dealerships, daycares).

6. Black Tax Festival

• Annual event held in Atlanta (Oct 16–18).
• Combines networking, education, and recognition.
• Includes IRS updates, business workshops, and the Titan Awards.
• Open to all entrepreneurs, not just tax professionals.

7. Expansion & Diversification

• Own restaurants in Memphis and the Dominican Republic.
• Franchised Fat Tuesday and Esco Restaurant (did \$1M in first 6 weeks).
• Own a yacht for rental experiences in the DR.
• Plans to develop a restaurant strip near FedExForum in Memphis.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Vision + Execution = Growth: Their complementary roles fuel business success.
• Virtual is Scalable: Transitioning to virtual allowed exponential growth.
• Community Impact Matters: Black Tax Festival fosters education and recognition.
• Diversification is Strategic: Restaurants and real estate expand their brand.
• Mentorship & Learning: They study successful entrepreneurs like Tilman Fertitta.
• Faith & Family Drive: Their journey is rooted in love, planning, and purpose.

🗣️ Notable Quotes

• “Entrepreneurship means being a servant to other people.”
• “The same thing that works at \$1M doesn’t work at \$15M.”
• “We had to fire ourselves from some jobs and hire professionals.”
• “We built a platform where you can do taxes from your couch.”
• “We started before social media—we know belly-to-belly marketing.”
• “Recognition matters—people don’t get it at home or work.”
• “We’re trying to bridge the wealth gap through proper paperwork.”
• “We bought a yacht in the Dominican Republic to rent for experiences.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mowbray and Cherina Rowand.

🎙️ Interview Summary: Mowbray & Cherina Rowand Purpose of the Interview

To showcase the entrepreneurial journey of Mowbray and Cherina Rowand, co-founders of The Rowand Group and One Stop Taxes, the largest Black-owned virtual tax preparation service in America. The interview highlights their business evolution, scaling strategies, community impact, and the creation of the Black Tax Festival.

🧭 Interview Outline 1. Background & Origins

• Both from Memphis, Tennessee; met in high school.
• Started tax preparation in 2010 as a mom-and-pop operation.
• Transitioned from brick-and-mortar to virtual model by 2015.

2. Business Philosophy

• Entrepreneurship is defined as service to others.
• Mowbray is the visionary; Cherina is the implementer.
• Emphasis on scaling with structure: legal, accounting, HR.

3. One Stop Taxes

• Grew from a single office to over 1,000 virtual franchise locations.
• Offers free training, no startup costs, and shared revenue model.
• Built a platform allowing clients to submit documents and sign remotely.

4. Virtual Tax Model

• Designed for convenience and accessibility.
• Clients and tax preparers never need to meet in person.
• Platform includes document upload, e-signature, and cloud storage.

5. Franchise & Training

• Learning Management System (LMS) for onboarding.
• Training includes tax prep, customer acquisition, and platform use.
• Strategic partnerships with local businesses (e.g., dealerships, daycares).

6. Black Tax Festival

• Annual event held in Atlanta (Oct 16–18).
• Combines networking, education, and recognition.
• Includes IRS updates, business workshops, and the Titan Awards.
• Open to all entrepreneurs, not just tax professionals.

7. Expansion & Diversification

• Own restaurants in Memphis and the Dominican Republic.
• Franchised Fat Tuesday and Esco Restaurant (did \$1M in first 6 weeks).
• Own a yacht for rental experiences in the DR.
• Plans to develop a restaurant strip near FedExForum in Memphis.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Vision + Execution = Growth: Their complementary roles fuel business success.
• Virtual is Scalable: Transitioning to virtual allowed exponential growth.
• Community Impact Matters: Black Tax Festival fosters education and recognition.
• Diversification is Strategic: Restaurants and real estate expand their brand.
• Mentorship & Learning: They study successful entrepreneurs like Tilman Fertitta.
• Faith & Family Drive: Their journey is rooted in love, planning, and purpose.

🗣️ Notable Quotes

• “Entrepreneurship means being a servant to other people.”
• “The same thing that works at \$1M doesn’t work at \$15M.”
• “We had to fire ourselves from some jobs and hire professionals.”
• “We built a platform where you can do taxes from your couch.”
• “We started before social media—we know belly-to-belly marketing.”
• “Recognition matters—people don’t get it at home or work.”
• “We’re trying to bridge the wealth gap through proper paperwork.”
• “We bought a yacht in the Dominican Republic to rent for experiences.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Germaine Bolds-Leftridge.

💼 Business Overview

• I Know Skincare: A skincare brand created to empower women—especially Black women—by embracing their real age and promoting self-care.
• Mission: To challenge the anti-aging narrative and replace it with a pro-aging, affirming message: “#RealAge.”
• Inspiration: Germaine’s late mother, whose glowing skin and wisdom about self-care sparked the brand’s creation.

💡 Key Insights

• Anti-Aging vs. Pro-Aging: Germaine rejects the term “anti-aging,” advocating instead for embracing the natural aging process as a privilege and a journey.
• Target Market: Primarily Black women over 40, though the products are inclusive and used by a diverse customer base.
• Marketing Strategy: Focused and intentional—Germaine emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience and not trying to market to everyone.
• Cultural Relevance: The brand is rooted in cultural pride, self-affirmation, and economic empowerment, drawing parallels to movements like Black Wall Street.

🧠 Business Wisdom

• “The win happens in the fourth quarter.”
• “If you don’t like what you see, do something about it.”
• “You can’t sell to everyone. Know your audience and serve them well.”

📦 Bonus Highlights

• Dragonfly Symbolism: Represents transformation and resilience—core themes of the brand.
• Clinical Testing: Products are tested specifically on Black women to ensure effectiveness for their unique skincare needs.
• Legacy Building: Germaine’s goal is to create generational wealth and a lasting legacy for her family and community.

#AMI

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Germaine Bolds-Leftridge.

💼 Business Overview

• I Know Skincare: A skincare brand created to empower women—especially Black women—by embracing their real age and promoting self-care.
• Mission: To challenge the anti-aging narrative and replace it with a pro-aging, affirming message: “#RealAge.”
• Inspiration: Germaine’s late mother, whose glowing skin and wisdom about self-care sparked the brand’s creation.

💡 Key Insights

• Anti-Aging vs. Pro-Aging: Germaine rejects the term “anti-aging,” advocating instead for embracing the natural aging process as a privilege and a journey.
• Target Market: Primarily Black women over 40, though the products are inclusive and used by a diverse customer base.
• Marketing Strategy: Focused and intentional—Germaine emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience and not trying to market to everyone.
• Cultural Relevance: The brand is rooted in cultural pride, self-affirmation, and economic empowerment, drawing parallels to movements like Black Wall Street.

🧠 Business Wisdom

• “The win happens in the fourth quarter.”
• “If you don’t like what you see, do something about it.”
• “You can’t sell to everyone. Know your audience and serve them well.”

📦 Bonus Highlights

• Dragonfly Symbolism: Represents transformation and resilience—core themes of the brand.
• Clinical Testing: Products are tested specifically on Black women to ensure effectiveness for their unique skincare needs.
• Legacy Building: Germaine’s goal is to create generational wealth and a lasting legacy for her family and community.

#AMI

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Germaine Bolds-Leftridge.

💼 Business Overview

• I Know Skincare: A skincare brand created to empower women—especially Black women—by embracing their real age and promoting self-care.
• Mission: To challenge the anti-aging narrative and replace it with a pro-aging, affirming message: “#RealAge.”
• Inspiration: Germaine’s late mother, whose glowing skin and wisdom about self-care sparked the brand’s creation.

💡 Key Insights

• Anti-Aging vs. Pro-Aging: Germaine rejects the term “anti-aging,” advocating instead for embracing the natural aging process as a privilege and a journey.
• Target Market: Primarily Black women over 40, though the products are inclusive and used by a diverse customer base.
• Marketing Strategy: Focused and intentional—Germaine emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience and not trying to market to everyone.
• Cultural Relevance: The brand is rooted in cultural pride, self-affirmation, and economic empowerment, drawing parallels to movements like Black Wall Street.

🧠 Business Wisdom

• “The win happens in the fourth quarter.”
• “If you don’t like what you see, do something about it.”
• “You can’t sell to everyone. Know your audience and serve them well.”

📦 Bonus Highlights

• Dragonfly Symbolism: Represents transformation and resilience—core themes of the brand.
• Clinical Testing: Products are tested specifically on Black women to ensure effectiveness for their unique skincare needs.
• Legacy Building: Germaine’s goal is to create generational wealth and a lasting legacy for her family and community.

#AMI

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Germaine Bolds-Leftridge.

💼 Business Overview

• I Know Skincare: A skincare brand created to empower women—especially Black women—by embracing their real age and promoting self-care.
• Mission: To challenge the anti-aging narrative and replace it with a pro-aging, affirming message: “#RealAge.”
• Inspiration: Germaine’s late mother, whose glowing skin and wisdom about self-care sparked the brand’s creation.

💡 Key Insights

• Anti-Aging vs. Pro-Aging: Germaine rejects the term “anti-aging,” advocating instead for embracing the natural aging process as a privilege and a journey.
• Target Market: Primarily Black women over 40, though the products are inclusive and used by a diverse customer base.
• Marketing Strategy: Focused and intentional—Germaine emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience and not trying to market to everyone.
• Cultural Relevance: The brand is rooted in cultural pride, self-affirmation, and economic empowerment, drawing parallels to movements like Black Wall Street.

🧠 Business Wisdom

• “The win happens in the fourth quarter.”
• “If you don’t like what you see, do something about it.”
• “You can’t sell to everyone. Know your audience and serve them well.”

📦 Bonus Highlights

• Dragonfly Symbolism: Represents transformation and resilience—core themes of the brand.
• Clinical Testing: Products are tested specifically on Black women to ensure effectiveness for their unique skincare needs.
• Legacy Building: Germaine’s goal is to create generational wealth and a lasting legacy for her family and community.

#AMI

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brianna Johnson.

A dynamic entrepreneur and founder of Legend Life Financial. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and insights from the episode:

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Entrepreneurship

• By age 22, Brianna owned two clothing stores and a hair salon in Chicago.
• Inspired by her father, a long-time financial services professional, she developed a strong entrepreneurial spirit early on.

2. Transition to Financial Services

• At 24, she pivoted into financial services, initially resistant to the idea due to its lack of “cool” appeal.
• She passed her state licensing exam and is now licensed in over 30 states.
• Her company, Legend Life Financial, focuses on life insurance and financial education.

3. Insurance Education & Transparency

• Brianna emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences between:
  • Term Life Insurance: Affordable, fixed for a set term (e.g., 20–30 years), but can increase if it's an annual renewable term.
  • Whole Life Insurance: Permanent, more expensive, builds cash value slowly.
  • Indexed Universal Life (IUL): Tied to stock market performance with capped gains and protected downside.
  • Universal Life: Flexible premiums, moderate cash value growth.
  • Final Expense Policies: For individuals with health or legal issues, typically lower coverage.

4. Client Advocacy

• She stresses the need to ask questions like “What type of policy is this?” and to avoid blindly trusting agents—especially those who may not stay in the business long-term.
• She follows up with clients regularly and educates them on evolving insurance needs.

5. Mentorship & Impact

• Brianna has mentored over 250 life insurance agents and served more than 5,000 families.
• She’s passionate about empowering people of color through financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Fear is just false expectations appearing real.”
• “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”
• “You don’t have to work more to make more—you just have to work smarter.”

📍 Contact & Resources

• Website: LegendLife.com (spelled with a “Z” – LegzendLife.com)
• Phone: (312) 768-3604
• Social Media: @BriannaKaylaJ on all platforms

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brianna Johnson.

A dynamic entrepreneur and founder of Legend Life Financial. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and insights from the episode:

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Entrepreneurship

• By age 22, Brianna owned two clothing stores and a hair salon in Chicago.
• Inspired by her father, a long-time financial services professional, she developed a strong entrepreneurial spirit early on.

2. Transition to Financial Services

• At 24, she pivoted into financial services, initially resistant to the idea due to its lack of “cool” appeal.
• She passed her state licensing exam and is now licensed in over 30 states.
• Her company, Legend Life Financial, focuses on life insurance and financial education.

3. Insurance Education & Transparency

• Brianna emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences between:
  • Term Life Insurance: Affordable, fixed for a set term (e.g., 20–30 years), but can increase if it's an annual renewable term.
  • Whole Life Insurance: Permanent, more expensive, builds cash value slowly.
  • Indexed Universal Life (IUL): Tied to stock market performance with capped gains and protected downside.
  • Universal Life: Flexible premiums, moderate cash value growth.
  • Final Expense Policies: For individuals with health or legal issues, typically lower coverage.

4. Client Advocacy

• She stresses the need to ask questions like “What type of policy is this?” and to avoid blindly trusting agents—especially those who may not stay in the business long-term.
• She follows up with clients regularly and educates them on evolving insurance needs.

5. Mentorship & Impact

• Brianna has mentored over 250 life insurance agents and served more than 5,000 families.
• She’s passionate about empowering people of color through financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Fear is just false expectations appearing real.”
• “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”
• “You don’t have to work more to make more—you just have to work smarter.”

📍 Contact & Resources

• Website: LegendLife.com (spelled with a “Z” – LegzendLife.com)
• Phone: (312) 768-3604
• Social Media: @BriannaKaylaJ on all platforms

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brianna Johnson.

A dynamic entrepreneur and founder of Legend Life Financial. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and insights from the episode:

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Entrepreneurship

• By age 22, Brianna owned two clothing stores and a hair salon in Chicago.
• Inspired by her father, a long-time financial services professional, she developed a strong entrepreneurial spirit early on.

2. Transition to Financial Services

• At 24, she pivoted into financial services, initially resistant to the idea due to its lack of “cool” appeal.
• She passed her state licensing exam and is now licensed in over 30 states.
• Her company, Legend Life Financial, focuses on life insurance and financial education.

3. Insurance Education & Transparency

• Brianna emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences between:
  • Term Life Insurance: Affordable, fixed for a set term (e.g., 20–30 years), but can increase if it's an annual renewable term.
  • Whole Life Insurance: Permanent, more expensive, builds cash value slowly.
  • Indexed Universal Life (IUL): Tied to stock market performance with capped gains and protected downside.
  • Universal Life: Flexible premiums, moderate cash value growth.
  • Final Expense Policies: For individuals with health or legal issues, typically lower coverage.

4. Client Advocacy

• She stresses the need to ask questions like “What type of policy is this?” and to avoid blindly trusting agents—especially those who may not stay in the business long-term.
• She follows up with clients regularly and educates them on evolving insurance needs.

5. Mentorship & Impact

• Brianna has mentored over 250 life insurance agents and served more than 5,000 families.
• She’s passionate about empowering people of color through financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Fear is just false expectations appearing real.”
• “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”
• “You don’t have to work more to make more—you just have to work smarter.”

📍 Contact & Resources

• Website: LegendLife.com (spelled with a “Z” – LegzendLife.com)
• Phone: (312) 768-3604
• Social Media: @BriannaKaylaJ on all platforms

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.