Dreams In Drive

The Cupcake Collection founder Mignon Francois shares how taking a chance and flipping her last $5 turned into a legacy with over five million cupcakes sold to date. "I realized I could be sick and tired but I couldn't be both," said Mignon Francois - speaker, entrepreneur, community leader and founder of The Cupcake Collection. On this episode, Mignon dives into how she was able to get out of debt and brokenness - by founding The Cupcake Collection in 2008, on the last $5 she had to feed her family. That determination and will turned into a legacy with over five million cupcakes sold to date. Mignon shares the details of the beginning days of running the business and some of the mental hurdles she had to overcome in order to truly soar along her #dreamdriving journey. She gives advice for other dream drivers who may feel like the dream has "passed them" or that "it's too late" and why being willing to let your gifts shine is the best thing you can do for your chance of future success. SHOP THE DREAMS IN DRIVE STORE: https://www.dreamsindrive.com/shop SUPPORT DREAMS IN DRIVE: https://www.dreamsindrive.com/donate BROWSE THE BOOKSTORE:https://www.dreamsindrive.com/bookstore SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER – THE KEYS: https://www.dreamsindrive.com/join FIND MIGNON ON: Instagram: @mignon.francois Web: https://www.thecupcakecollection.com/ FIND RANA ON SOCIAL: Instagram: http://instagram.com/rainshineluv Twitter: http://twitter.com/rainshineluv FIND DREAMS IN DRIVE ON:Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive Twitter: http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive Web: https://www.dreamsindrive.com

How can one of the most tramautic experiences of your life lead you towards new beginnings? Meet Camila Crews, founder of Sorry For Your Loss (Cards).  Camila has worked in PR and communications for some of your favorite brands, having had a part of developing and executing campaigns for critically acclaimed films like Universal’s US, Sony’s The Woman King, Apple TV’s Ted Lasso and more. SFYLC provides support to individuals who are grieving. The company utilizes greeting cards as a vehicle to help family and friends open the conversation about grief and loss so they can offer support not just when the loss happens, but throughout the grief journey. What we really dive into today is how the unexpected loss of her dear father inspired this journey that she never planned or expected she’d be pursuing now. Camila knows firsthand how painful loss can be. Over the course of 20 years, she lost her father and mother. After losing her dad in 2022, while grieving, she had to manage his estate, which was incredibly difficult since she needed to find helpful resources like a grief group, a therapist and new approaches to her personal and professional life. This traumatic experience gave birth to Sorry For Your Loss (Cards). That’s the beauty of dream driving - sometimes we go down unexpected paths - and find out so much about ourselves and our potential along the way.  SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER – THE KEYS: https://www.dreamsindrive.com/join FIND CAMILA CREWS ON: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorryforyourlosscards/ Web: https://sorryforyourlosscards.com/our-story FIND RANA ON SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo/Web: https://blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo.org/ FIND DREAMS IN DRIVE ON:Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive Twitter: http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive Web: https://www.dreamsindrive.com

What are 3 essential things you need in your #dreamdriving toolkit as you embark on getting out of NEUTRAL and into DRIVE? This week I share the three keys that have been helping me navigate current life moments and why I think you need these long the journey, too. *SUBSCRIBE TO "THE KEYS" NEWSLETTER: http://www.dreamsindrive.com/join *Follow Dreams In Drive on Social: *http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive *http://instagram.com/dreamsindrive *Follow Rana on Social: *http://instagram.com/rainshineluv *http://twitter.com/rainshineluv

Black People Die By Suicide Too co-founders T-kea Blackman and Jordan Scott chat with me about their road to building a non-profit focused on normalizing the conversation about suicide in the Black Community. We talk about the importance of mental health and mental wellness (including actionable tips, support + resources) and why these conversations are so pivotal for those along the #dreamdriving journey.  SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER – THE KEYS: https://www.dreamsindrive.com/join FIND THE T-KEA & JORDAN ON: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo/ Resources: https://blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo.org/resources/ FIND RANA ON SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo/Web: https://blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo.org/ FIND DREAMS IN DRIVE ON:Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive Twitter: http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive Web: https://www.dreamsindrive.com

Trying to build or scale your brand? Here’s what Beauty CEO Melissa Butler says you need to know.  In this episode, The Lip Bar CEO and Founder Melissa Butler shares the keys to growing and scaling her beauty empire while growing as a person and business owner. We first spoke to Melissa in 2017 on EP 119 and she shares in details there how she went from stock broker to beauty entrepreneur. In this update episode Melissa details how much she and THE LIP BAR have grown since 2017 and shares some of the realities of what it means to truly pivot and grow up as an entrepreneur, leader, and individual. Some of what you'll learn is: What changed for TLB since 2017 How Launching in Walmart was a game changer Realties of growth no one talks about The importance of negative reviews The importance of supply chain management Why fundraising and getting investor $$ isn’t for everyone The question to ask about "wasting time" The importance of knowing your audience Why dream driving doesn’t always mean entrepreneurship How to accept where you are The importance of playing the long game The true meaning of dreams in drive SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER – THE KEYS: https://www.dreamsindrive.com/join FIND THE MELISSA/THE LIP BAR  ON: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/melissarbutler Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thelipbar FIND RANA ON SOCIAL: Instagram: http://instagram.com/rainshineluv Twitter: http://twitter.com/rainshineluv FIND DREAMS IN DRIVE ON:Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive Twitter: http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive Web: https://www.dreamsindrive.com

Let's talk about money! CFA Jason Blumstein helps us debunk some finance myths and provides practicable, actionable advice that we can start implementing to start building wealth today. Hey Dream Drivers -  Today on the podcast we have Jason Blumstein, CFA®, CEO and Founder of Julius Wealth Advisors, LLC, a boutique wealth advisory providing concierge advantages. We are going to be talking about how you can BUILD WEALTH BY CHOICE. I know money, funding, financial independence, and wealth building are all topics that you all are dealing with on the daily - so I’ve brought in an expert to help us debunk some finance myths and provide practicable, actionable advice that we can start implementing ASAP. Jason is the Host of the podcast, "The Big Bo $how." He’s knowledgeable and an engaging speaker and you all are going to enjoy not only his practical tips on building personal wealth but also his story. Growing up familiar with financial struggles and frustration, he’s walked the walk that’s been the journey of most of us Dream Drivers. I’m happy to have Jason share his teachings on financial literacy with us. His expertise snowballed at branded institutions like PricewaterhouseCoopers, Morgan Stanley, and J.P. Morgan.  If you enjoy this episode - the BEST thing you can do is share with a friend or your community!! SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER – THE KEYS: https://www.dreamsindrive.com/join CONNECT WITH JASON:Email: [email protected] FIND RANA ON SOCIAL: Instagram: http://instagram.com/rainshineluv Twitter: http://twitter.com/rainshineluv FIND DREAMS IN DRIVE ON:Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive Twitter: http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive Web: https://www.dreamsindrive.com

It can be tough when you feel like everyone else is achieving the dream faster than you. Assuming, you're actively trying to make a dream happen...what do you do? Listen in as Rana responds to a listener question and shares 4 key reminders about the #dreamdriving journey. What else would you add to this conversation? *SUBSCRIBE TO "THE KEYS" NEWSLETTER: http://www.dreamsindrive.com/join *Follow Dreams In Drive on Social: *http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive *http://instagram.com/dreamsindrive *Follow Rana on Social: *http://instagram.com/rainshineluv *http://twitter.com/rainshineluv

It's my 33rd birthday and I'm reflecting on the many truths and (questions) in my life right now. Sharing the many lessons I learned over the past year and the many areas of life that I'll be exploring in this coming year. Most importantly, I want you to know you're not alone. Though we're all trying to figure out "what's next" - there's so much to look forward to along this #dreamdriving journey. *SUBSCRIBE TO "THE KEYS" NEWSLETTER: http://www.dreamsindrive.com/join *Follow Dreams In Drive on Social: *http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive *http://instagram.com/dreamsindrive *Follow Rana on Social: *http://instagram.com/rainshineluv *http://twitter.com/rainshineluv

Maya & Brian Smith share how they built their wildly popular The Doux Haircare brand by focusing on solving their customers' problems and staying true to their purpose, values, and vision to make salon- quality products accessible to all.  Learn how they went from operating salons and brand building overseas while Brian was in the military to navigating the nuances of matrimony, parenthood to FIVE sons, and their own creative pursuits.  More on Maya & Brian Smith below:  Meet Maya Smith and Brian Smith, partners and parents to five sons, and navigating the realms of matrimony, parenthood, and entrepreneurship with creativity agency. A teenage love that blossomed in the halls of high school, their journey took flight against the breathtaking backdrop of Germany, where Brian served in the distinguished US Air Force, and Maya conceived what was their brainchild, The Doux.   Maya Smith, a seasoned Licensed Cosmetologist with three decades of expertise, leads the charge as the CEO of The Doux. With a passion for simplifying beauty routines, she spearheaded the development of simple yet highly effective, multi-functional formulas. Brian Smith, 3rd generation military, is the COO of The Doux responsible for spearheading form and function.  Together they have garnered international accolades synonymous with innovation and in the world of hair care.   The brand's footprint extends far and wide, with major retailers such as Target, Walmart, Sally Beauty, Cosmo Prof, CVS, Walgreens, HEB, and Amazon proudly featuring The Doux.   SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER – THE KEYS: https://www.dreamsindrive.com/join FIND THE DOUX/ MAYA & BRIAN  ON: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ilovethedoux Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ouidoux FIND RANA ON SOCIAL: Instagram: http://instagram.com/rainshineluv Twitter: http://twitter.com/rainshineluv FIND DREAMS IN DRIVE ON:Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive Twitter: http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive Web: https://www.dreamsindrive.com

How Hannah Williams went from corporate employee to viral content creator and the steps she is taking to shine a light on salary transparency. Ever since she was a kid, Hannah Williams had a passion for injustice. Fast forward to navigating post-college, Hannah found herself navigating the work-world and advocating for better pay. Five jobs and 2.5 years later, Hannah was frustrated with the lack of salary transparency and decided to document her story. Soon, the series/brand as we know it - Salary Transparent Street was created. Listen in as Hannah details her journey from corporate employee to viral content creator and the steps she is taking to open up the salary transparency lens and help others along their own #dreamdriving journey. Note: This episode first aired in January 2023. More about Hannah: After learning how to swim with the help of coaches in 2009 at CUNY York College, Paulana nurtured her love for swimming and became inspired to teach others how to conquer their fear of water. For over a decade, she has shared her passion for swimming by working with swim clubs, teams, and gyms to build a community with her students.Hannah Williams is a 25-year-old content creator in the Washington, D.C. area tackling a major issue: salary transparency. With her viral series, Hannah encourages strangers to share what they do and how much they make. She's inspired to combat discriminatory tendencies in employment and close pay gaps that affect women, POC, workers with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. Hannah uses her platform to educate her community on market research, salary negotiation, and labor laws to understand workers' rights. With this knowledge, she hopes to help workers grow professionally and build wealth. FIND SALARY TRANSPARENT STREET ONLINE: Instagram: @salarytransparentstreet TikTok: @salarytransparentstreet FIND RANA ON SOCIAL: Instagram: http://instagram.com/rainshineluv Twitter: http://twitter.com/rainshineluv FIND DREAMS IN DRIVE ON:Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive Twitter: http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive Web: https://www.dreamsindrive.com DONATE TO DREAMS IN DRIVE: www.dreamsindrive.com/donate SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - THE KEYS: www.dreamsindrive.com/join  JOIN THE #DREAMSINDRIVE FACEBOOK GROUP: www.dreamsindrive.com/facebook