Brown Ambition

*Today's show is dedicated to Titi Branch — a phenomenal woman, entrepreneur, and sister. We love and thank you for every contribution you made toward helping women embrace their natural beauty.*Miko Branch, the phenomenal cofounder of Miss Jessie's sits down with Mandi and Tiffany to talk about creating the Miss Jessie's hair care line with her big sister Titi in their Brooklyn brownstone over a decade ago. The sisters mixed their products in the kitchen of their Brooklyn brownstone and bootstrapped the company themselves without any of the usual trappings of entrepreneurship (they didn't have MBAs, or a team of wealthy investors to back them). Word spread about their signature product, their "curly pudding", and soon enough they went from begging NYC-area stores like Ricky's to carry their products to lining up deals with major retailers like Target.But, of course, there were some bumps along the road to success.   After Titi's sudden passing in 2014, Miko has made it her mission to not only continue to grow the company they created as a team but also to focus even more on her own personal happiness, health and balance in life. "I make happiness and health a priority right up there with business," she says. "I think money is a tool that you can use to do many things but I don't think money has much to do with your character or your decision making." Check out Miko's book, "Miss Jessie's: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch---Naturally". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it possible to save TOO much? And should you quit your job if you've got a shot at getting your student loans forgiven if you stick it out?We're answering your questions today on BA. If you have a question on life, money or career, hit us up at brownambitionpodcast.com. But first... we recap the movie "Get Out" that has EVERYONE talking *Major spoiler alert -- skip ahead if you haven't seen it yet!).We talk about the mind tricks money can play on us... and when it's sometimes not such a good thing to be cheap all the time.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out www.brownambitionpodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's show, an EXCITING update on Tiffany's real estate adventure.-How she found her dream home (and what she's doing to make sure the deal goes through!) -The strategy she's using to become a homeowner once again after facing a foreclosure during the recession If you're a first time homebuyer, check out this guide Mandi mentioned on today's show: Have a question for us? Drop us a line at brownambitionpodcast.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have questions about money or your career? Hit us up at brownambitionpodcast.com!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a Mad World, y'all. We couldn't start our show today without acknowledging the troubling events of the last few days.We eventually get down to business and take reader Angelique's question on sold off debt."When a lender sells my debt and closes the account, do I still owe that debt?"We've got an answer for her and a huge Brown Ambition hug to everyone out there impacted by Lord Voldemort's refugee and muslim immigrant ban. If you'd like to share your story, send us a note at Brownambitionpodcast.com or at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com. Much love,Mandi & Tiffany Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you dumped your big bank yet? On today's show, we've got a super special guest: Lisa Servon, author of the new book "The Unbanking of America: How the New Middle Class Survives" joins us for a conversation about how payday lenders and check cashing facilities are taking the place of big banks in our neighborhoods. Lisa didn't just write about these businesses. She actually worked for months at a check cashing business in the South Bronx in New York City and a payday lender in Oakland, California, where she talked to real people using these services to find out why — and how banks have let them down.On Servon's website, she has tips on how to ditch your big bank and find banks with lower fees: https://www.lisaservon.com/Also on today's show: Suffering from an Inaugural hangover? Here's one way to feel better: Speak Up! Contact your local representatives and tell them how you feel about the direction our country is heading. We have voices. Let's use them! Here's where to find your local reps: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officialsToday's listener question: "Should I stop paying an account that's been charged off?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So much to cover, so little time! First of all, thank you for making January our biggest month for downloads yet!If you haven't, please take 2 minutes to leave us a review on iTunes. This is a HUGE factor in how many people are able to find our show on iTunes, and every review counts!Here are the hot topics and links we covered on today's show: Mandi's Brown Boost this week featured two of her favorite money- and time-saving tools (these are NOT paid endorsements!)LevelMoney: Find out exactly what you can afford to spend each day.andHello Fresh: How she makes great dinners without ever going to the store. Today's question: How do I even begin to find a financial planner? Resources: LearnVest Financial Planning Review via MagnifyMoneyHidden Investment Fees to Watch Out ForMandi's $246 Flights to ItalyFor the full scoop on how Mandi used credit card points to book her honeymoon to Italy for $246, check out this post on Yahoo Finance >  Tiffany's win this week featured Lucinda Cross, founder of the "Activate Movement."   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've missed you and we're BACK BA Fam! On today's show:-Find out how Mandi booked a European honeymoon for FREE and Tiffany got her wedding dress for FREE. We are kind of killing this wedding planning thing, y'all. -All you need to know about joining Tiffany's Live Richer Challenge: Credit Edition, a free online program that will help you finally pay down your credit card debt. To sign up visit http://LRCCredit.com.-Balance Transfer: What it is, how to use one and mistakes to avoid.-Mandi shares a Ted Talk that blew her mind and Tiffany opens up about learning to be a taker as well as a giver. See the Ted Talk here >     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.