Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michaela Merrick.

 

---

🎙️ Interview Summary: Michaela Merrick on Money Making Conversations Masterclass 🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To spotlight Michaela Merrick, founder of Pretty Little Tacos, and her entrepreneurial journey from launching a food truck during the COVID-19 pandemic to building a thriving Creole-Mexican taco brand in Atlanta. The interview aims to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs by showcasing resilience, creativity, and family support.

---

🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Origin of Pretty Little Tacos

• Inspired by a short-lived cooking show called Pretty Little Cooks.
• Launched in May 2020 during the height of the pandemic.
• Offers unique taco varieties including vegan options and dessert tacos like peach cobbler and strawberry shortcake.

2. Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Michaela did not attend culinary school but learned through experience and family influence.
• Her mother encouraged her to pursue the food truck idea, even waking her up to go buy one.
• Her father and brother are chefs, and her daughter is her biggest fan and motivator.

3. Challenges Faced

• Started with little to no money and reinvested daily.
• Faced licensing and permitting issues due to government shutdowns.
• Was misled by commissary kitchens lacking proper permits, resulting in financial loss.
• Her first food truck was stolen, but she bounced back with a new one.

4. Growth and Expansion

• Operates three locations in Atlanta: Colony Square, Union City (inside a gas station), and Moreland Avenue.
• Plans to expand into more gas stations and possibly mass production while maintaining quality and authenticity.

5. Business Philosophy

• Focuses on customer experience and generous portions.
• Requires all staff to sign NDAs to protect recipes and business integrity.
• Encourages staff to learn and grow, even if they aspire to start their own businesses.

---

💬 Notable Quotes

• “I didn’t really have a choice… it was survival.” – On launching her business during the pandemic.
• “You have to be resilient. You can’t give up.” – On overcoming obstacles.
• “My daughter is my biggest fan… I want her to understand she can do anything.” – On her motivation.
• “I thrive off competition… I level up every time.” – On the competitive food truck industry.
• “Business supersedes relationships… protect yourself always.” – On the importance of NDAs and business integrity.

---

 

#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 Tim Mercer.

Author of Bootstrap Millionaire and CFO of Cadence Ventures, Inc.:

---

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To inspire and educate aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals by sharing Tim Mercer’s journey from humble beginnings to financial success, emphasizing the importance of hard work, faith, planning, and leveraging government contracts and nontraditional financing.

---

🗝️ Key Takeaways

1. Background & Journey

   • Tim Mercer grew up in Mullins, South Carolina, in modest circumstances.
   • His path to success began with military service, which broadened his worldview and led him to entrepreneurship.

2. Bootstrap Millionaire Philosophy

   • The term “bootstrap” symbolizes hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.
   • Mercer emphasizes that success doesn’t come overnight—it requires grinding, planning, and faith.

3. Importance of a Business Plan

   • A solid business plan is essential for securing funding and guiding business growth.
   • Mercer shares real-life examples of people failing to secure support due to lack of planning.

4. Cadence Ventures, Inc.

   • A boutique private equity firm offering nontraditional financing for real estate investors.
   • Focuses on investment properties and uses the property itself as collateral.

5. Government Contracting

   • Mercer began in government contracting in 2012 and credits it with helping him scale his business.
   • He stresses that while it’s complex and paperwork-heavy, it’s a valuable opportunity for minority-owned businesses.
   • Free resources like SAM.gov and Georgia Tech’s GT PAC can help entrepreneurs navigate the process.

6. Success Requires Sacrifice

   • Mercer highlights that every successful person has a story of struggle and sacrifice.
   • His book’s first chapter, “See the Glory, Don’t Know the Story,” encapsulates this message.

---

💬 Notable Quotes

• “If you want to have the things tomorrow that other people won’t have, then you got to be willing to do the things today that other people won’t do.” — Tim Mercer quoting Les Brown
• “There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Tim Mercer
• “You can only make as much as the customer that you have.” — Tim Mercer on scaling through government contracts
• “See the glory, don’t know the story.” — Chapter title from Bootstrap Millionaire

---

#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 Michaela Merrick.

 

---

🎙️ Interview Summary: Michaela Merrick on Money Making Conversations Masterclass 🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To spotlight Michaela Merrick, founder of Pretty Little Tacos, and her entrepreneurial journey from launching a food truck during the COVID-19 pandemic to building a thriving Creole-Mexican taco brand in Atlanta. The interview aims to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs by showcasing resilience, creativity, and family support.

---

🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Origin of Pretty Little Tacos

• Inspired by a short-lived cooking show called Pretty Little Cooks.
• Launched in May 2020 during the height of the pandemic.
• Offers unique taco varieties including vegan options and dessert tacos like peach cobbler and strawberry shortcake.

2. Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Michaela did not attend culinary school but learned through experience and family influence.
• Her mother encouraged her to pursue the food truck idea, even waking her up to go buy one.
• Her father and brother are chefs, and her daughter is her biggest fan and motivator.

3. Challenges Faced

• Started with little to no money and reinvested daily.
• Faced licensing and permitting issues due to government shutdowns.
• Was misled by commissary kitchens lacking proper permits, resulting in financial loss.
• Her first food truck was stolen, but she bounced back with a new one.

4. Growth and Expansion

• Operates three locations in Atlanta: Colony Square, Union City (inside a gas station), and Moreland Avenue.
• Plans to expand into more gas stations and possibly mass production while maintaining quality and authenticity.

5. Business Philosophy

• Focuses on customer experience and generous portions.
• Requires all staff to sign NDAs to protect recipes and business integrity.
• Encourages staff to learn and grow, even if they aspire to start their own businesses.

---

💬 Notable Quotes

• “I didn’t really have a choice… it was survival.” – On launching her business during the pandemic.
• “You have to be resilient. You can’t give up.” – On overcoming obstacles.
• “My daughter is my biggest fan… I want her to understand she can do anything.” – On her motivation.
• “I thrive off competition… I level up every time.” – On the competitive food truck industry.
• “Business supersedes relationships… protect yourself always.” – On the importance of NDAs and business integrity.

---

 

#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 Tim Mercer.

Author of Bootstrap Millionaire and CFO of Cadence Ventures, Inc.:

---

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To inspire and educate aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals by sharing Tim Mercer’s journey from humble beginnings to financial success, emphasizing the importance of hard work, faith, planning, and leveraging government contracts and nontraditional financing.

---

🗝️ Key Takeaways

1. Background & Journey

   • Tim Mercer grew up in Mullins, South Carolina, in modest circumstances.
   • His path to success began with military service, which broadened his worldview and led him to entrepreneurship.

2. Bootstrap Millionaire Philosophy

   • The term “bootstrap” symbolizes hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.
   • Mercer emphasizes that success doesn’t come overnight—it requires grinding, planning, and faith.

3. Importance of a Business Plan

   • A solid business plan is essential for securing funding and guiding business growth.
   • Mercer shares real-life examples of people failing to secure support due to lack of planning.

4. Cadence Ventures, Inc.

   • A boutique private equity firm offering nontraditional financing for real estate investors.
   • Focuses on investment properties and uses the property itself as collateral.

5. Government Contracting

   • Mercer began in government contracting in 2012 and credits it with helping him scale his business.
   • He stresses that while it’s complex and paperwork-heavy, it’s a valuable opportunity for minority-owned businesses.
   • Free resources like SAM.gov and Georgia Tech’s GT PAC can help entrepreneurs navigate the process.

6. Success Requires Sacrifice

   • Mercer highlights that every successful person has a story of struggle and sacrifice.
   • His book’s first chapter, “See the Glory, Don’t Know the Story,” encapsulates this message.

---

💬 Notable Quotes

• “If you want to have the things tomorrow that other people won’t have, then you got to be willing to do the things today that other people won’t do.” — Tim Mercer quoting Les Brown
• “There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Tim Mercer
• “You can only make as much as the customer that you have.” — Tim Mercer on scaling through government contracts
• “See the glory, don’t know the story.” — Chapter title from Bootstrap Millionaire

---

#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 Michaela Merrick.

 

---

🎙️ Interview Summary: Michaela Merrick on Money Making Conversations Masterclass 🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To spotlight Michaela Merrick, founder of Pretty Little Tacos, and her entrepreneurial journey from launching a food truck during the COVID-19 pandemic to building a thriving Creole-Mexican taco brand in Atlanta. The interview aims to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs by showcasing resilience, creativity, and family support.

---

🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Origin of Pretty Little Tacos

• Inspired by a short-lived cooking show called Pretty Little Cooks.
• Launched in May 2020 during the height of the pandemic.
• Offers unique taco varieties including vegan options and dessert tacos like peach cobbler and strawberry shortcake.

2. Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Michaela did not attend culinary school but learned through experience and family influence.
• Her mother encouraged her to pursue the food truck idea, even waking her up to go buy one.
• Her father and brother are chefs, and her daughter is her biggest fan and motivator.

3. Challenges Faced

• Started with little to no money and reinvested daily.
• Faced licensing and permitting issues due to government shutdowns.
• Was misled by commissary kitchens lacking proper permits, resulting in financial loss.
• Her first food truck was stolen, but she bounced back with a new one.

4. Growth and Expansion

• Operates three locations in Atlanta: Colony Square, Union City (inside a gas station), and Moreland Avenue.
• Plans to expand into more gas stations and possibly mass production while maintaining quality and authenticity.

5. Business Philosophy

• Focuses on customer experience and generous portions.
• Requires all staff to sign NDAs to protect recipes and business integrity.
• Encourages staff to learn and grow, even if they aspire to start their own businesses.

---

💬 Notable Quotes

• “I didn’t really have a choice… it was survival.” – On launching her business during the pandemic.
• “You have to be resilient. You can’t give up.” – On overcoming obstacles.
• “My daughter is my biggest fan… I want her to understand she can do anything.” – On her motivation.
• “I thrive off competition… I level up every time.” – On the competitive food truck industry.
• “Business supersedes relationships… protect yourself always.” – On the importance of NDAs and business integrity.

---

 

#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 Michaela Merrick.

 

---

🎙️ Interview Summary: Michaela Merrick on Money Making Conversations Masterclass 🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To spotlight Michaela Merrick, founder of Pretty Little Tacos, and her entrepreneurial journey from launching a food truck during the COVID-19 pandemic to building a thriving Creole-Mexican taco brand in Atlanta. The interview aims to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs by showcasing resilience, creativity, and family support.

---

🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Origin of Pretty Little Tacos

• Inspired by a short-lived cooking show called Pretty Little Cooks.
• Launched in May 2020 during the height of the pandemic.
• Offers unique taco varieties including vegan options and dessert tacos like peach cobbler and strawberry shortcake.

2. Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Michaela did not attend culinary school but learned through experience and family influence.
• Her mother encouraged her to pursue the food truck idea, even waking her up to go buy one.
• Her father and brother are chefs, and her daughter is her biggest fan and motivator.

3. Challenges Faced

• Started with little to no money and reinvested daily.
• Faced licensing and permitting issues due to government shutdowns.
• Was misled by commissary kitchens lacking proper permits, resulting in financial loss.
• Her first food truck was stolen, but she bounced back with a new one.

4. Growth and Expansion

• Operates three locations in Atlanta: Colony Square, Union City (inside a gas station), and Moreland Avenue.
• Plans to expand into more gas stations and possibly mass production while maintaining quality and authenticity.

5. Business Philosophy

• Focuses on customer experience and generous portions.
• Requires all staff to sign NDAs to protect recipes and business integrity.
• Encourages staff to learn and grow, even if they aspire to start their own businesses.

---

💬 Notable Quotes

• “I didn’t really have a choice… it was survival.” – On launching her business during the pandemic.
• “You have to be resilient. You can’t give up.” – On overcoming obstacles.
• “My daughter is my biggest fan… I want her to understand she can do anything.” – On her motivation.
• “I thrive off competition… I level up every time.” – On the competitive food truck industry.
• “Business supersedes relationships… protect yourself always.” – On the importance of NDAs and business integrity.

---

 

#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 Charlie Shabazz. 

---

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Showcase Charlie Shabaaz’s journey from CPA to bakery franchise owner.
• Inspire listeners to overcome fear and pursue entrepreneurial dreams.
• Educate the audience on franchising, financial discipline, and community engagement.
• Highlight the importance of adaptability and vision in business success.

---

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. From CPA to Cake Boss

• Charlie is a Temple University graduate with a master’s in taxation.
• She worked in corporate accounting before pivoting to entrepreneurship.
• Her transition was sparked by a desire to fill a community need in Tucker, GA.

“I was committed to bringing a bakery… I was kind of on the hook.” – Charlie Shabaaz

---

2. Overcoming Fear and Taking Leaps

• Charlie moved from Philadelphia to Atlanta with no job contract—just faith.
• She offered to work for free to learn business taxes, showing initiative and humility.
• Her story emphasizes that fear is natural, but planning and persistence are key.

“I took a temp job. It took a leap of faith.” – Charlie Shabaaz
“Fear drives so many people from reaching their ultimate dream.” – Rushion McDonald

---

3. Franchise Journey

• Initially planned a pie business, but pivoted to Nothing Bundt Cakes after discovering the brand.
• She researched and connected with the franchise team, ultimately choosing it over another bakery concept.

“I Googled bakery franchise… and it morphed into Nothing Bundt Cakes.” – Charlie Shabaaz

---

4. Financial Discipline & Real Talk

• Despite being a CPA, Charlie shared her own struggles with money and credit card debt.
• She used spreadsheets and strategic payments to eliminate debt.

“I had a spreadsheet… I was committed to the $200 here, $250 there.” – Charlie Shabaaz

---

5. Community Engagement & Leadership

• Charlie is active in local business associations and chambers of commerce.
• She believes in giving back to the community and building relationships.

“Businesses come to communities and take… I want to give back.” – Charlie Shabaaz

---

6. Franchising Explained

• Franchising is about buying a proven business model.
• The founders of Nothing Bundt Cakes created a replicable system that franchisees can follow.

“You buy the blueprint… once you prove the concept can be done by anyone, anywhere.” – Charlie Shabaaz

---

7. Empowering Black Women Entrepreneurs

• Charlie attributes her drive to her mother’s encouragement and the desire to break out of North Philly.
• She highlights how Black women are the fastest-growing segment in entrepreneurship.

“Our mothers are the backbone of why we’re so successful.” – Charlie Shabaaz

---

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “I didn’t bake. I used to just cut the cookie roll and spray the pan.”
• “You don’t have to be a baker. You just have to have the passion and the ability to work hard.”
• “Know what you’re good at and what you’re not good at.”

---

🌟 Impact of the Interview

This episode resonated deeply with listeners, sparking live call-ins from aspiring entrepreneurs. It served as a masterclass in courage, adaptability, and community-driven business.

#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 Charlie Shabazz. 

---

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Showcase Charlie Shabaaz’s journey from CPA to bakery franchise owner.
• Inspire listeners to overcome fear and pursue entrepreneurial dreams.
• Educate the audience on franchising, financial discipline, and community engagement.
• Highlight the importance of adaptability and vision in business success.

---

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. From CPA to Cake Boss

• Charlie is a Temple University graduate with a master’s in taxation.
• She worked in corporate accounting before pivoting to entrepreneurship.
• Her transition was sparked by a desire to fill a community need in Tucker, GA.

“I was committed to bringing a bakery… I was kind of on the hook.” – Charlie Shabaaz

---

2. Overcoming Fear and Taking Leaps

• Charlie moved from Philadelphia to Atlanta with no job contract—just faith.
• She offered to work for free to learn business taxes, showing initiative and humility.
• Her story emphasizes that fear is natural, but planning and persistence are key.

“I took a temp job. It took a leap of faith.” – Charlie Shabaaz
“Fear drives so many people from reaching their ultimate dream.” – Rushion McDonald

---

3. Franchise Journey

• Initially planned a pie business, but pivoted to Nothing Bundt Cakes after discovering the brand.
• She researched and connected with the franchise team, ultimately choosing it over another bakery concept.

“I Googled bakery franchise… and it morphed into Nothing Bundt Cakes.” – Charlie Shabaaz

---

4. Financial Discipline & Real Talk

• Despite being a CPA, Charlie shared her own struggles with money and credit card debt.
• She used spreadsheets and strategic payments to eliminate debt.

“I had a spreadsheet… I was committed to the $200 here, $250 there.” – Charlie Shabaaz

---

5. Community Engagement & Leadership

• Charlie is active in local business associations and chambers of commerce.
• She believes in giving back to the community and building relationships.

“Businesses come to communities and take… I want to give back.” – Charlie Shabaaz

---

6. Franchising Explained

• Franchising is about buying a proven business model.
• The founders of Nothing Bundt Cakes created a replicable system that franchisees can follow.

“You buy the blueprint… once you prove the concept can be done by anyone, anywhere.” – Charlie Shabaaz

---

7. Empowering Black Women Entrepreneurs

• Charlie attributes her drive to her mother’s encouragement and the desire to break out of North Philly.
• She highlights how Black women are the fastest-growing segment in entrepreneurship.

“Our mothers are the backbone of why we’re so successful.” – Charlie Shabaaz

---

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “I didn’t bake. I used to just cut the cookie roll and spray the pan.”
• “You don’t have to be a baker. You just have to have the passion and the ability to work hard.”
• “Know what you’re good at and what you’re not good at.”

---

🌟 Impact of the Interview

This episode resonated deeply with listeners, sparking live call-ins from aspiring entrepreneurs. It served as a masterclass in courage, adaptability, and community-driven business.

#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 Charlie Shabazz. 

---

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Showcase Charlie Shabaaz’s journey from CPA to bakery franchise owner.
• Inspire listeners to overcome fear and pursue entrepreneurial dreams.
• Educate the audience on franchising, financial discipline, and community engagement.
• Highlight the importance of adaptability and vision in business success.

---

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. From CPA to Cake Boss

• Charlie is a Temple University graduate with a master’s in taxation.
• She worked in corporate accounting before pivoting to entrepreneurship.
• Her transition was sparked by a desire to fill a community need in Tucker, GA.

“I was committed to bringing a bakery… I was kind of on the hook.” – Charlie Shabaaz

---

2. Overcoming Fear and Taking Leaps

• Charlie moved from Philadelphia to Atlanta with no job contract—just faith.
• She offered to work for free to learn business taxes, showing initiative and humility.
• Her story emphasizes that fear is natural, but planning and persistence are key.

“I took a temp job. It took a leap of faith.” – Charlie Shabaaz
“Fear drives so many people from reaching their ultimate dream.” – Rushion McDonald

---

3. Franchise Journey

• Initially planned a pie business, but pivoted to Nothing Bundt Cakes after discovering the brand.
• She researched and connected with the franchise team, ultimately choosing it over another bakery concept.

“I Googled bakery franchise… and it morphed into Nothing Bundt Cakes.” – Charlie Shabaaz

---

4. Financial Discipline & Real Talk

• Despite being a CPA, Charlie shared her own struggles with money and credit card debt.
• She used spreadsheets and strategic payments to eliminate debt.

“I had a spreadsheet… I was committed to the $200 here, $250 there.” – Charlie Shabaaz

---

5. Community Engagement & Leadership

• Charlie is active in local business associations and chambers of commerce.
• She believes in giving back to the community and building relationships.

“Businesses come to communities and take… I want to give back.” – Charlie Shabaaz

---

6. Franchising Explained

• Franchising is about buying a proven business model.
• The founders of Nothing Bundt Cakes created a replicable system that franchisees can follow.

“You buy the blueprint… once you prove the concept can be done by anyone, anywhere.” – Charlie Shabaaz

---

7. Empowering Black Women Entrepreneurs

• Charlie attributes her drive to her mother’s encouragement and the desire to break out of North Philly.
• She highlights how Black women are the fastest-growing segment in entrepreneurship.

“Our mothers are the backbone of why we’re so successful.” – Charlie Shabaaz

---

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “I didn’t bake. I used to just cut the cookie roll and spray the pan.”
• “You don’t have to be a baker. You just have to have the passion and the ability to work hard.”
• “Know what you’re good at and what you’re not good at.”

---

🌟 Impact of the Interview

This episode resonated deeply with listeners, sparking live call-ins from aspiring entrepreneurs. It served as a masterclass in courage, adaptability, and community-driven business.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.