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What does it look like when a community comes together to pursue racial equity through education, healing, relationship-building, and collective action?

In this episode of The WEBB Remedy Podcast, WEBB Squared celebrates Community Organizing for Racial Equity, or CORE, as part of its Changemakers in Motion campaign and fifth-anniversary Changemaker Awards.

Hosts Rinnie Orr, Executive Director of WEBB Squared, and Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins, Director of Strategic Partnerships, welcome Pastor Shontea Smith, Executive Director of CORE and pastor of Springdale African Methodist Episcopal Church in Burlington, North Carolina.

Pastor Shontea shares the story behind CORE’s founding in the summer of 2016, when faith leaders and concerned community members in Chatham County came together in response to racial violence and growing division across the country. She discusses how CORE began with racial equity education and evolved into a community-governed organization focused on leadership development, relational organizing, community healing, and systemic change.

The conversation also explores what it means to build leadership from within the community, center the voices of people most affected by inequity, and create space for honest reflection and cross-racial dialogue. Pastor Shontea reflects on the relationship between faith and community organizing, her leadership journey, and the kind of leadership required to support meaningful and lasting change.

Together, the hosts and guest consider what it means to be “Changemakers in Motion”- people and organizations willing to move from ideas to action while continuing to learn, build relationships, adapt, and create new possibilities.

Guest

Pastor Shontea Smith, D. Min.
Executive Director, Community Organizing for Racial Equity
Pastor, Springdale African Methodist Episcopal Church
Burlington, North Carolina

About CORE

Community Organizing for Racial Equity, or CORE, is a community-governed, nonpartisan nonprofit organization working to build a network of community organizers and develop leadership from within the community.

CORE brings together individual community members, local organizations, nonprofits, faith institutions, associations, and other community partners to pursue systemic change through racial equity education, community healing, and relational organizing.

Changemakers in Motion

WEBB Squared’s fifth-anniversary Changemaker Awards are presented under the theme “Changemakers in Motion.”

The theme honors people and organizations that move ideas into action, create opportunities, build meaningful connections, and contribute to a more equitable future. CORE is being recognized for its ongoing commitment to community-led solutions, racial equity, education, healing, and organizing.

Learn More

To learn more about CORE, its programs, community organizing work, and opportunities to get involved:

CORE: https://corenc.org/
WEBB Squared: https://webbsquared.org/

Listen, Share, and Connect

If this conversation gave you a new perspective on racial equity, community leadership, or the power of organizing, share it with someone who is committed to building a stronger and more connected community.

Subscribe to The WEBB Remedy Podcast, leave a review, and follow WEBB Squared for more conversations with entrepreneurs, community leaders, and changemakers creating new possibilities.

Closing Thought

“Our evolution begins with dialogue.”

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

What does it mean to become a partner in racial justice?

In this episode of The WEBB Remedy Podcast, WEBB Squared celebrates Partners in Racial Justice as part of its fifth-anniversary Changemaker Awards and this year’s theme, “Changemakers in Motion.”

Host Rinnie Orr, Executive Director of WEBB Squared welcomes David Hoffman and Dr. Charles Bullock, co-creators and active leaders of Partners in Racial Justice.

Partners in Racial Justice brings people together across racial and cultural lines through education, dialogue, healing, relationship-building, the arts, and community engagement. In this conversation, David and Dr. Bullock discuss the organization’s vision for racial justice, unity, and healing, as well as the importance of developing authentic cross-racial relationships.

David shares his journey from entrepreneurship and oceanfront condominium real estate development into philanthropy and human rights advocacy. He reflects on launching a human rights campaign in support of the Iranian Bahá’í community, producing the documentary Education Under Fire, and founding the Raising Haiti Foundation to support smallholder farmers in Haiti.

Dr. Bullock discusses his background, his early involvement with Partners in Racial Justice, and his work as the organization’s program director. Together, David and Dr. Bullock explore the principle of the oneness of mankind and how it informs their approach to community building and racial justice work.

Guests

David Hoffman
Co-creator and active leader, Partners in Racial Justice
Founding director, Raising Haiti Foundation
Human rights advocate and philanthropist

Dr. Charles Bullock
Co-creator and active leader, Partners in Racial Justice
Program director, Partners in Racial Justice

Partners in Racial Justice is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering racial justice, unity, and healing through collaborative community engagement and educational programs.

The organization brings people together across racial and cultural lines to co-create communities rooted in justice, unity, and healing. Its work includes virtual programs, art exhibitions paired with community conversations, and in-person gatherings that bring together people from churches, secular organizations, and the broader community.

Through creative programming, dialogue, relationship-building, and reflection, Partners in Racial Justice creates opportunities for people to examine racial inequity, deepen their understanding of one another, and develop the relationships needed to move toward meaningful change.

The Principle of the Oneness of Mankind - A central idea in this conversation is the oneness of mankind - the understanding that all people are members of one human family.

For Partners in Racial Justice, this principle is connected to the organization’s commitment to racial justice, healing, unity, and collective responsibility. It offers a foundation for recognizing both the dignity shared by all people and the responsibility to address systems and patterns that create division and inequity.

Learn More About Partners in Racial Justice

To learn more about Partners in Racial Justice, its programs, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved, visit:

http://partnersinracialjustice.org/

Learn More About WEBB Squared

To learn more about WEBB Squared, its work with Black and Brown entrepreneurs, and its free coaching, workshops, and community programs, visit:

WEBB Squared

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

What if the things you loved doing as a child were clues pointing you toward your purpose?

In this episode of The WEBB Remedy Podcast, host Rinnie Orr talks with entrepreneur Tysha Cox, the owner of Tysha’s Salon and Royalty Decor.

Tysha’s entrepreneurial journey began in Pittsboro, North Carolina, at the Horton Ranch, where she spent her childhood rearranging furniture, creating rooms with cardboard boxes, and using rocks and sticks as furniture for what she called “my house.” Her early creativity and love of creating beautiful spaces eventually grew into two businesses centered on beauty, design, service, and helping people feel confident and celebrated.

In this conversation, Tysha shares the story behind her hair salon and Royalty Decor, which offers event planning, decorating, interior design, and Royal Parties. She also talks honestly about the realities of managing two businesses, protecting her personal time, overcoming challenges, and building an entrepreneurial mindset.

Meet Tysha Cox

Tysha Cox is the owner of Tysha’s Salon and Royalty Decor, businesses that reflect her creativity, passion for beauty, and commitment to helping people feel confident, celebrated, and cared for.

Through her salon, Tysha helps clients express themselves through hair and beauty. Through Royalty Decor, she creates beautiful spaces, thoughtful celebrations, and memorable experiences through event planning, decorating, interior design, Royal Parties, and Royal Picnics.

Connect with Tysha

Learn more about Tysha’s work and connect with her through the links below:

• Website: http://www.myroyaltydecor.com/
• Facebook: Royalty Decor
• Instagram: Royaltydecornc

About The WEBB Remedy Podcast

The WEBB Remedy Podcast is hosted and produced by Rinnie Orr, Executive Director of WEBB Squared, a nonprofit working to recognize and address the wealth gap by building a supportive ecosystem for rural and underrepresented entrepreneurs in and around Chatham County, North Carolina.

Through honest conversations with entrepreneurs, community leaders, and changemakers, the podcast explores the stories, experiences, challenges, and mindsets behind entrepreneurship.

At WEBB Squared, we believe that conversation can create connection, build confidence, and open the door to new possibilities. We’re here to help entrepreneurs share their stories and connect their business journeys to the broader community.

Support WEBB Squared

Learn more about WEBB Squared and our work supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs through coaching, workshops, community connections, and entrepreneurial development:

• Website: www.webbsquared.org
• Donate: "Changemakers in Motion" Fundraising Campaign
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/webb-squared/
• Facebook: WEBB Squared

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

What becomes possible when a good business idea is met with the right capital, guidance, and belief?

On this episode of The WEBB Remedy Podcast, we explore how access to capital, advisory support, and a healthy money mindset can help entrepreneurs move from possibility to progress.

Hosts Rinnie Orr, Executive Director of WEBB Squared, and Judy Batista, CEO and founder of Laughing Monitos, welcome JaLisha Richmond, Director of Micro-Lending and Triangle Market Manager at Partner Community Capital, also known as PCAP.

PCAP is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, or CDFI, serving businesses and nonprofits in Central Appalachia and throughout North Carolina. Unlike traditional lending models that may focus primarily on qualification, PCAP pairs lending with guidance, relationship-building, and practical support designed to help entrepreneurs succeed.

As part of WEBB Squared’s Money Mindset Conversation Series, sponsored by PNC Bank, this episode looks at what it means to prepare for capital, build a sustainable business, and create lasting impact in underserved and rural communities.

What Is a CDFI?

A Community Development Financial Institution, or CDFI, is a mission-driven financial organization that works to expand access to responsible financial products and support in communities that may be underserved by traditional financial systems.

CDFIs often serve small businesses, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and communities that have historically faced barriers to capital. Their work may include lending, technical assistance, coaching, financial education, and other forms of support.

In this episode, JaLisha explains how PCAP combines financing with relationship-based guidance so entrepreneurs are not left to navigate the lending process alone.

Meet Our Guest - JaLisha Richmond, Director of Micro-Lending and Triangle Market Manager, Partner Community Capital

JaLisha Richmond serves as the Director of Micro-Lending and Triangle Market Manager at Partner Community Capital, also known as PCAP. PCAP is a certified Community Development Financial Institution serving businesses and nonprofits in Central Appalachia and throughout North Carolina. In her role, JaLisha works at the intersection of lending, advisory support, and community development, helping entrepreneurs access the resources and guidance they need to grow.

Her work reflects a commitment to expanding opportunity, strengthening local businesses, and supporting entrepreneurs through a more human and holistic approach to capital.

Learn more about Partner Community Capital: https://partnercap.org/

Meet co-host Judy Batista CEO and Founder, Laughing Monitos

Judy Batista is a bilingual speech-language pathologist with more than 15 years of experience supporting young children’s communication development.

As the founder of Laughing Monitos, Judy provides play-based, evidence-based therapy for children ages 0–4. She specializes in speech, language, and feeding disorders and is passionate about empowering multicultural families through compassionate, personalized care.

Judy also brings the perspective of an entrepreneur who is building and growing a mission-driven business.

Learn more about Laughing Monitos: https://www.laughingmonitos.com/

About the Money Mindset Conversation Series

This episode is part of WEBB Squared’s Money Mindset Conversation Series, sponsored by PNC Bank. The series creates space for honest conversations about money, entrepreneurship, access to capital, financial confidence, and the beliefs that influence how business owners make decisions.

Special thanks to PNC Bank for supporting conversations that help entrepreneurs build clarity, confidence, and capacity.

Support WEBB Squared

Learn more about WEBB Squared and our work supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs through coaching, workshops, community connections, and entrepreneurial development:

• Website: www.webbsquared.org
• Donate: "Changemakers in Motion" Fundraising Campaign
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/webb-squared/
• Facebook: WEBB Squared

About The WEBB Remedy Podcast

The WEBB Remedy Podcast features real conversations about entrepreneurship, mindset, community, wealth-building, leadership, and the relationships that help people and businesses grow.

Hosted by Rinnie Orr and joined by community leaders, entrepreneurs, partners, and changemakers, the podcast explores what it takes to build stronger businesses and more equitable communities.

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

What does it take to keep entrepreneurs, and entire communities, moving forward?

On this episode of The WEBB Remedy Podcast, we’re celebrating NC IDEA as a WEBB Squared Changemaker Award recipient and exploring what it means to be a Changemaker in Motion.

Hosts Rinnie Orr, Executive Director of WEBB Squared, and Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins, Director of Strategic Partnerships at WEBB Squared, speak with Ben Redding, Chief Financial Officer of NC IDEA and manager of the NC IDEA ECOSYSTEM grant program.

Join us for a conversation about Ben’s entrepreneurial journey, NC IDEA’s work supporting businesses and entrepreneurial ecosystems across North Carolina, and the partnerships that help create lasting economic opportunity.

Ben will accept the Changemaker Award on behalf of NC IDEA at WEBB Squared’s fifth-anniversary celebration on October 22.

What Does It Mean to Be a Changemaker in Motion?

For WEBB Squared, being a Changemaker in Motion means continuing to learn, adapt, build relationships, and move ideas into action.

In this conversation, Ben reflects on how NC IDEA supports entrepreneurs not only through funding, but also through the broader ecosystem of relationships, resources, mentorship, leadership development, and community partnerships that help businesses grow.

The episode also considers how statewide organizations and community-rooted organizations can work together to create more connected and inclusive pathways to economic opportunity.

Meet Our Guest

Ben Redding, Chief Financial Officer, NC IDEA

Ben Redding serves as Chief Financial Officer of NC IDEA and manages the NC IDEA ECOSYSTEM grant program, which supports economic development partnerships throughout North Carolina.

Ben brings experience as an entrepreneur, including founding WellScale and participating in NC IDEA LABS. He has also worked in finance and with growing companies, including Counter Culture Coffee and iContact.

Through his work at NC IDEA, Ben combines his experience in entrepreneurship, finance, and organizational growth to help strengthen the support systems surrounding North Carolina’s entrepreneurs.

About NC IDEA

NC IDEA is an organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems across North Carolina.

For approximately two decades, NC IDEA has invested in entrepreneurs, emerging businesses, nonprofit partners, and ecosystem builders through funding, programs, mentorship, and community partnerships.

Learn more about NC IDEA’s work and read the 20 Years of Impact Report at: https://ncidea.org/

About WEBB Squared

WEBB Squared "Wealth Through Entrepreneurship for Black and Brown Businesses" is a nonprofit incubator and accelerator serving entrepreneurs through coaching, connection, workshops, and capacity-building support.

WEBB Squared works to help Black and Brown founders build durable, wealth-generating businesses while strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem across Chatham County and beyond.

Learn more about WEBB Squared: http://webbsquared.org/

Changemaker Question: What is one action you can take to help move an entrepreneur, a business, or your community forward?

About The WEBB Remedy Podcast

The WEBB Remedy Podcast is a mindset-shifting podcast from WEBB Squared featuring conversations about entrepreneurship, mindset, community, wealth-building, leadership, and the relationships that help people and businesses grow.

Through honest dialogue, the podcast highlights entrepreneurs, community leaders, funders, partners, and changemakers who are helping create stronger, more equitable communities.

WEBB Squared’s Changemaker Awards

This episode is part of WEBB Squared’s fifth-anniversary celebration and Changemaker Awards series, presented under the theme: Changemakers in Motion

The theme honors organizations and leaders who are building relationships, creating opportunity, strengthening communities, and moving meaningful ideas into action.

WEBB Squared is pleased to recognize NC IDEA for its continued work supporting entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial ecosystems across North Carolina.

Closing Thought

Entrepreneurs do not build in isolation. Behind every growing business is an ecosystem of relationships, resources, encouragement, expertise, and opportunity.

As Rinnie often reminds us: “Our evolution begins with dialogue.”

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

What if debt isn’t the enemy, but a tool you’ve been afraid to use?

In this episode of The WEBB Remedy Podcast, we’re rethinking the money mindsets that can keep entrepreneurs from moving forward: the fear of debt, the confusion around risk, and the shame that can sometimes arise when it’s time to ask for capital.

Host Rinnie Orr, Executive Director of WEBB Squared, is joined by Judy Batista, CEO and founder of Laughing Monitos, as well as PNC Bank Business Banking leaders Nicole “Nikki” Hibbs and Joshua Wingo.

Together, they explore what it really means to become lending-ready and approach funding with greater clarity, confidence, and intention.

The conversation examines how entrepreneurs can think strategically about debt, evaluate risk, understand cash flow, and prepare for productive conversations with lenders. It also invites business owners to consider a different perspective: funding conversations are not about personal worth or asking for a favor. They are opportunities to explore whether the right financial partnership can help bring a business vision to life.

This episode is part of WEBB Squared’s Money Mindset Conversation Series, sponsored by PNC Bank.

Meet co-host Judy Batista CEO and Founder, Laughing Monitos

Judy Batista is a bilingual speech-language pathologist with more than 15 years of experience supporting young children’s communication development.

As the founder of Laughing Monitos, Judy provides play-based, evidence-based therapy for children ages 0–4. She specializes in speech, language, and feeding disorders and is passionate about empowering multicultural families through compassionate, personalized care.

Judy also brings the perspective of an entrepreneur who is building and growing a mission-driven business.

Meet our guests:

Nicole “Nikki” Hibbs, Business Banking Regional Sales Leader, PNC Bank — Western Carolinas

Nicole “Nikki” Hibbs is the Business Banking regional sales leader for PNC’s Western Carolinas market, which includes the Triad and Charlotte regions.

In this role, she leads a team of relationship managers who help local small business owners grow and scale their ventures.

With 30 years of experience in financial services, Nikki brings broad expertise from a variety of roles across retail, business, and commercial banking.

Based in Murphy, North Carolina, Nikki is actively involved in her community through organizations including the Cherokee County Chamber, the Murphy Business Association, and the Rotary Club of Murphy.

Joshua Wingo, Business Banking Regional Sales Leader, PNC Bank — Eastern Carolinas

Joshua Wingo serves as the Business Banking regional sales leader for PNC’s Eastern Carolinas market, overseeing the Triangle, Wilmington, and Charleston regions.

He leads a team of relationship managers dedicated to delivering lending, treasury management, and financial solutions that help businesses grow, improve cash flow, and operate more efficiently.

With extensive experience in retail and business banking, Josh is recognized for his consultative leadership style, commitment to client success, and ability to develop high-performing teams.

Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, Josh is an active supporter of local economic development efforts. He works closely with community organizations, business leaders, and nonprofits to promote entrepreneurship and strengthen the communities PNC serves.

About The WEBB Remedy Podcast

The WEBB Remedy Podcast is a mindset-shifting podcast from WEBB Squared, a nonprofit working to recognize and address the wealth gap by building a supportive ecosystem around rural and underrepresented entrepreneurs in and around Chatham County, North Carolina.

Through honest conversations, the podcast explores entrepreneurship, mindset, community, wealth-building, and the relationships that help people and businesses grow.

Special thanks to PNC Bank for supporting this important conversation series and helping create space for entrepreneurs to build financial clarity, confidence, and capacity.

Connect and Learn More

Learn more about WEBB Squared, its coaching, workshops, and entrepreneur support services: https://webbsquared.org/

Learn more about Laughing Monitos: https://www.laughingmonitos.com/

Learn more about PNC Bank’s business banking resources: PNC Bank Business Resources

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

How can the growth happening across Chatham County and Siler City create more pathways to meaningful work, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and lasting community wealth?

In this episode of The WEBB Remedy Podcast, we continue our Money Mindset series - sponsored by PNC Bank. We explore how local economic development, public policy, and community growth shape what entrepreneurs believe is possible.

Our guest, Siler City Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem Travis Patterson shares his perspective on the changes taking place in Siler City and throughout Chatham County.

We discuss the opportunities that growth can create, the challenges it can bring, and the importance of making sure longtime residents, small business owners, and underrepresented entrepreneurs have a meaningful place in the county’s future.

Together, we consider how economic development influences more than buildings, businesses, and investment. It also affects people’s sense of belonging, access to opportunity, and belief in what they can build for themselves, their families, and their communities.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The economic growth taking place in Chatham County and Siler City
• How local development can shape entrepreneurial opportunity
• The relationship between public policy and small business success
• Who benefits from growth—and who may feel left out
• The importance of community voice in economic development
• How entrepreneurs can stay informed and engaged
• What it means to build an inclusive future for Siler City
• The role of collaboration, dialogue, and shared responsibility in community growth

A Key Takeaway

Growth is not only about what gets built. It is also about who gets access, who gets heard, and who is invited to participate in the opportunities being created.

Connect with Travis Patterson:

Email: travisrpatterson@gmail.com

Facebook

LinkedIn:

About WEBB Squared:

WEBB Squared is a nonprofit incubator and accelerator building wealth through entrepreneurship for Black and Brown businesses in Chatham County. We offer free entrepreneurial coaching, mindset workshops, and promotion of BIPOC businesses in our community.

Learn more at www.webbsquared.org
email: rinnie@webbsquared.org

Special Thank You to our Money Mindset Podcast Sponsor:

This Money Mindset series is brought to you by PNC Bank, a proud supporter of The WEBB Squared and the entrepreneurial community we serve.

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a lifelong love of books becomes a business that helps stories, culture, and community find their next chapter?

Welcome to The WEBB Remedy Podcast, a mindset-shifting podcast from WEBB Squared, a nonprofit working to recognize and address the wealth gap by building a supportive ecosystem for rural and underrepresented entrepreneurs in and around Chatham County, North Carolina.

In this episode, host and producer Rinnie Orr sits down with Victor Harris, founder of The Ink Crypt, an independent online bookstore based in Pittsboro, North Carolina.

Victor shares the story behind his lifelong love of reading and the family influences, educational experiences, and early work opportunities that helped shape his relationship with books. He also discusses his time working at UNC Press as a high school student and how that experience introduced him to a space where books, learning, and the written word were deeply valued.

The conversation explores what makes The Ink Crypt unique, from its focus on literary discovery to its commitment to giving books another life. Victor explains how he curates the store’s selection, the kinds of books that come through trade-ins, and the joy of helping readers discover unexpected treasures.

Rinnie and Victor also discuss the broader role of independent bookstores, including their importance as cultural, educational, and community spaces. Together, they consider what it really takes to sustain a bookstore—especially in a digital marketplace—and why loving books is only one part of the work involved in running a successful bookstore.

A Conversation About More Than Books

At the heart of this episode is a conversation about entrepreneurship, memory, culture, and community.

The Ink Crypt is not simply an online store. It is an expression of Victor’s relationship with books and a space where readers can encounter stories, ideas, and possibilities. The episode also highlights the work behind the experience—the planning, curation, customer service, visibility, and community support required to keep an independent bookstore alive.

For more information on Victor and The Ink Crypt: https://theinkcrypt.com/

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

What does it really mean to market with a conscience?

In this episode of the WEBB Remedy Podcast, host Rinnie Orr, Executive Director and podcast producer for WEBB Squared, sits down with Lysandra Weber for a thoughtful conversation about marketing, values, creativity, and what it takes to build a business with intention.

Lysandra is the artist behind WEBB Squared’s logo, and her approach to marketing goes far beyond visibility. She believes marketing is about telling the truth, building trust, and helping the right people find you. That philosophy - Marketing with a Conscience - shapes the way she supports entrepreneurs, artists, makers, and creative businesses.

During the conversation, Lysandra shares her entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on the experiences that first pulled her into marketing and the lessons she learned working with global brands, creative ventures, and her own clothing brand. She also talks about the kind of clients she loves working with, why authenticity matters so deeply in branding, and how to create marketing that feels aligned, human, and effective.

Rinnie and Lysandra also explore:

• what “Marketing with a Conscience” looks like in real life
• how to build trust through authentic messaging
• where creative inspiration comes from
• advice for entrepreneurs who are just getting started with their marketing
• what it means to build a business that is both strategic and values-driven

The episode closes with a quick lightning round and a reflection on what listeners can take away from a more thoughtful, intentional approach to marketing.

To connect with Lysandra;

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lysandragibbs/

Website: https://www.lysandraweber.com/

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever felt like you were shouting into the void—sending out resumes, reaching out on LinkedIn, trying to network your way forward—only to feel more disconnected than ever?

What if the answer isn't doing more… but pausing long enough to reconnect with yourself, clarify what you actually want, and build relationships that don't feel transactional?

In this episode, Esra Uzun Mason shares how career transitions can become opportunities for clarity, connection, and growth. The conversation explores layoffs and the uncertainty many professionals are facing, while offering a grounded perspective on how to navigate change with intention and support.

At the center of the discussion is Papriqqa and its Community Kitchen — a cohort-based networking experience designed to help people reconnect with themselves, build meaningful relationships, and move forward with greater confidence.

What we cover in this conversation

• Why transitions can feel disorienting, especially when work, identity, and security are shifting at the same time.
• How to pause, reflect, and clarify what you really want before rushing into the next thing.
• Why non-transactional relationships matter when building a career and navigating uncertainty.

Esra’s background in more than 12 years of Learning & Development and her work creating scalable, human-centered employee development ecosystems.
How Papriqqa’s Community Kitchen brings together mindfulness, design thinking, creative writing, group coaching, accountability, and free 1:1 coaching.
The role of the kitchen metaphor in creating an authentic, community-driven approach to networking.

Connect with Esra Uzon Mason and Papriqqa Community Kitchen

https://esrauzunmason.substack.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/papriqqa/

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

What if the next contract you pursue isn't just about revenue—but about building jobs, stability, and a legacy that lasts?

In this episode of The WEBB Remedy Podcast, we continue our Money Mindset series - sponsored by PNC Bank - by exploring how the beliefs we hold about money shape the way we approach government contracting, funding readiness, and community building.

Podcast hosts Rinnie Orr and Stephanie Terry sit down with Jessica Richey, an award-winning entrepreneur, government contracting expert, Founder & CEO of NC Spotless Pros Powerwashing, Chief Strategist at Richey Workforce Development, business instructor at Wake Tech, and WEBB Squared Board member to unpack the mindset shifts that turn scarcity into strategy and competition into collaboration.

Key Takeaways:

• Readiness is a practice, not a destination
• Community is a strategy, not just a network
• Legacy is built one intentional decision at a time
• Your next contract can be a pathway—not just a paycheck

Connect with Jessica Richey:

Jessica Richey, MBA | LinkedIn

Richey Workforce Development | Business Strategies

About WEBB Squared:

WEBB Squared is a nonprofit incubator and accelerator building wealth through entrepreneurship for Black and Brown businesses in Chatham County. We offer free entrepreneurial coaching, mindset workshops, and promotion of BIPOC businesses in our community.

Learn more at www.webbsquared.org
email: rinnie@webbsquared.org

Special Thank You to our Money Mindset Podcast Sponsor:

This Money Mindset series is brought to you by PNC Bank, a proud supporter of The WEBB Squared and the entrepreneurial community we serve.

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when music meets marketing? When creativity collides with strategy? When one person masters the art of storytelling across two completely different worlds?

In this episode of The WEBB Remedy Podcast, we sit down with Edith McCaskill - AKA Deja Belle - whose discovered that whether you're crafting a melody or building a brand, it all comes down to storytelling, creativity, and collaboration.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How storytelling shapes both art and business
• Why collaboration amplifies creative impact
• The mindset shifts that unlock innovation across industries

Plus, you'll hear something you won't hear anywhere else: an original song created exclusively for The WEBB Remedy Podcast.

This is a conversation about finding your voice, building authentic connections, and understanding that creativity isn't confined to a single lane — it's a way of thinking that transforms everything you touch.

Unisong, founded in 2026 by Edith "Deja Belle" McCaskill and Tessie Castillo, aims to foster community engagement in North Carolina through inclusive song circles and music workshops that facilitate connection, emotional expression, and personal and collective healing.

Learn more about Deja Belle: https://dejabelle.com/

Unisong: https://dejabelle.com/unisong/

Contact Edith McCaskill for marketing needs: EdithGMccaskill@gmail.com

• The WEBB Remedy Podcast is produced and edited by Rinnie Orr, WEBB Squared's Executive Director.
• Podcast Music by Deja Belle and Matty McCaskill.
• Our podcast studio is located at 79 West Innovation Hub in Pittsboro, NC.

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever had a job that paid the bills—but left you anxious, unseen, or unsure you could keep going?

In this episode of The WEBB Remedy Podcast, podcast host Rinnie Orr sits down with Alexa Avery, a 23-year-old entrepreneur who turned her personal experience with job anxiety into a mission-driven business rooted in dignity and opportunity.

Alexa is the founder of Lecca Service Group, a North Carolina-based company providing Airbnb property management and premium cleaning services for vacation rentals and commercial businesses across Durham, Apex, Pittsboro, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, and surrounding areas.

But this conversation goes beyond cleaning and operations—it's about values. Alexa shares how she's building a company culture where people are respected, paid fairly, and supported to grow. We talk about her journey from employee to founder, how community support through WEBB Squared helped her push through imposter syndrome, and what it takes to scale with confidence while staying rooted in purpose.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• How job anxiety became the catalyst for entrepreneurship
• Building a business grounded in respect, fair pay, and transparency
• The mindset shift from employee to founder
• Navigating imposter syndrome as a young entrepreneur
• How community support accelerates confidence and growth

About the Guest

Alexa Avery is the founder of Lecca Service Group, established in January 2025. Based in North Carolina, Lecca provides comprehensive Airbnb property management and premium cleaning services for vacation rentals and commercial businesses. Alexa's vision is to expand statewide while building a company culture rooted in dignity, transparency, and opportunity for every team member.

Resources + Links

Lecca Service Group

Follow Alexa Avery

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

What money message did you inherit — and is it helping or holding you back?

In this powerful episode of The WEBB Remedy Podcast's Money Mindset Conversation Series - sponsored by PNC Bank - co-hosts Rinnie Orr and Stephanie Terry sit down with Alexa Avery, Founder of Lecca Service Group, to explore how race, class, gender, and family messaging shape what feels "normal" or "possible" financially for entrepreneurs.

This conversation goes deep — unpacking the Cycle of Socialization, generational trauma, and the unique mindset barriers BIPOC founders face when it comes to funding, pricing, and asking for what they're worth.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

The Cycle of Socialization Around Money

• How beliefs about money are shaped long before we make our first financial decision
• The role of family, culture, religion, media, and social systems in teaching us what's "normal" financially
• How race, class, and gender influence what people believe is financially possible
• Ways to interrupt the cycle and start rewriting inherited money beliefs

Key Takeaways:

• Money beliefs are learned — and they can be unlearned
• Breaking cycles requires both mindset work and structural support
• Financial empowerment starts with awareness and community

Sources: Harro, Bobbie. "The Cycle of Socialization." Readings for Diversity and Social Justice, 3rd ed., edited by Maurianne Adams, Routledge, 2000, 15–21.

For more information -

WEBB Squared, www.webbsquared.org, contact rinnie@webbsquared.org

WEBB KiDDZ, http://www.webbkiddz.com, contact stephterry@webbkiddz.com

Lecca Service Group, www.leccaservicegroup.org, contact alexaworksfine@gmail.com

#podcast #podcastersunite #podcasting #podcasters #podcastshow #podcaster

Special Thanks:
This episode is sponsored by PNC Bank, proud collaborator of WEBB Squared in creating the Money Mindset Conversation Series.

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

Are you charging what you’re worth—or just what you think people will pay?

In this lively episode of The WEBB Remedy Podcast Money Mindset Series - sponsored by PNC Bank - co-hosts Rinnie Orr and Stephanie Basima Terry sit down with Dr. Henry C. McKoy, President and CEO of the Carolina Community Impact Fund, to unpack the tricky intersection of pricing, money mindset, and entrepreneur burnout.

Dr. McKoy brings a powerhouse background—from banking and entrepreneurship to teaching and public service—to help entrepreneurs rethink how they value their time, energy, and expertise.

Together, the trio dives into:

• The real cost of underpricing your products and services
• How to calculate your true value (and stop guessing your worth)
• Why burnout often starts with mindset, not workload
• Practical ways to build systems, delegate, and protect your energy
• How to reframe sales as service and lead with purpose

Questions to reflect on while you listen:

• Are you setting prices that reflect your value—or your fears?
• What stories do you tell yourself about money and worth?
• How can you shift from survival mode to sustainability?
• What would it look like to treat sales as an act of service, not self‑promotion?
• Where can you create more space for rest, strategy, and joy in your business?

This episode is equal parts strategy session and mindset reset—perfect for any entrepreneur ready to stop discounting themselves and start building a business that honors both purpose and profit.

Grab your favorite drink, press play, and get ready to rethink how you price, sell, and sustain your entrepreneurial journey.

#podcast #podcastersunite #podcasting #podcasters #podcastshow #podcaster #nonprofit #nonprofitwork

Special Thanks:
This episode is sponsored by PNC Bank, proud collaborator of WEBB Squared in creating the Money Mindset Conversation Series.

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

Transitions and New Beginnings — How we are "squaring" WEBB

Have you ever felt the pull to step into something new—even when it means leaving behind something you helped build?

In this episode of The WEBB Remedy Podcast, we’re diving into the beauty and challenge of transitions, growth, and new beginnings within the WEBB community. Co‑founder Stephanie Terry joins us to share her inspiring journey to amplify the mission and vision of WEBB Squared through the launch of a new B-Corp WEBB KiDDZ - a new venture rooted in the same mission of empowerment, equity, and community impact.

Together, Stephanie and Rinnie explore what it means to embrace change, honor legacy, and create space for fresh ideas to bloom. This conversation is about courage, creativity, and the power of trusting your next chapter.

So grab your coffee or favorite beverage, settle in, and join us for a heartfelt dialogue about transformation, purpose, and the next evolution of WEBB Squared and the launch of WEBB KiDDZ.

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

In this kickoff episode of The WEBB Remedy Podcast Money Mindset Series - Sponsored by PNC Bank - co-hosts Rinnie Orr and Stephanie Terry talk with Venus Myles, Senior Vice President and Carolinas Market Manager for PNC Community Development Banking, to explore how our beliefs about money shape the way we do business.

From pricing and hiring to investing and risk-taking, mindset plays a powerful role in all financial decision entrepreneurs make. Venus brings both practical banking expertise and deep community insight to help listeners move from fear to clarity — and from a scarcity to abundance mindset.

Together, they unpack what it means to build a healthy relationship with your banker, how to prepare for funding, and why mindset is just as important as money when it comes to business growth.

In This Episode:

• What “community development banking” really means — and how it supports entrepreneurs
• How scarcity thinking shows up in business decisions (and how to reframe it)
• Practical steps to prepare for funding and protect your business
• How PNC Bank supports entrepreneurs beyond capital — through education, partnerships, and community programs

About the Guest:

As a PNC Community Development Banking Market Manager, Venus is committed to driving economic empowerment in communities throughout the Carolinas. Venus works closely with small businesses to help deliver the financial solutions and resources they need to start, grow and scale their businesses. She is passionate about driving economic growth, equity, and resilience in underserved communities.

Background and Experience

With over 30 years of experience in leading teams and 13 years of experience in banking, credit, and lending, Venus specializes in designing and implementing financial solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and neighborhoods to thrive. Throughout her career, Venus has collaborated closely with local organizations, nonprofits, and small business owners to foster sustainable economic development and access to critical financial resources. She brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges these communities face.

Venus joined PNC in March 2016 and served as a Regional Manager for Small Business Banking prior to her Community Development Banking role. In this capacity, she led a team of nearly 100 bankers to drive increases in Annual Revenue, Deposit Assets, Equity and Small Business Lending, and consistent annual household growth.

Venus serves on the board of Durham Tech Foundation, Durham Tech Properties, the Affordable Housing Strategic Council of the Duke Community Affairs Office, the NC Bankers Association Opportunity and Empowerment Council, and the Dean's Executive Advisory Board for Johnson C. Smith University. She is a graduate of two Leadership programs, a previous Junior League member, and a current member of the sorority Sigma Gamma Rho. Venus graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Management from Bethel College.

Learn more about PNC Community Development Banking: pnc.com/communitydevelopmentbanking

Connect with Venus Myles on LinkedIn

Special Thanks:

This Money Mindset series is sponsored by PNC Bank, proud collaborator of WEBB Squared in creating the Money Mindset Conversation Series.

#podcast

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

Ministry in the Marketplace: Blending Faith, Order, and Purpose

What happens when faith meets strategy—and ministry meets the marketplace?

In this episode, Antoinette McKie, founder of Antoinette McKie LLC, shares how she turned decades of ministry experience into a consulting and administrative business built on divine order and purpose. After more than 30 years of service in New Jersey, Antoinette stepped out in faith to begin a new chapter in North Carolina, merging her spiritual calling with her professional expertise. This conversation explores how she builds structure around vision, integrates faith into business, and helps others operate with clarity, peace, and purpose.

Guest Overview

Antoinette McKie is an ordained minister, consultant, and virtual assistant known as a “Marketplace Minister.” Through her company, Antoinette McKie LLC, she provides ministry consulting, administrative support, and virtual assistance to churches, organizations, and individuals. Her work brings peace, order, and growth to those serving others, allowing them to focus on their mission while she manages the systems that sustain it.

Her motto: “Ministry is the heart, consulting is the head, and administration is the hands.”
Her tagline: Real Life. Real Tools. Real Faith.

For more information on Antoinette McKie LLC - HOME | Antoinette McKie-Marketplace Minister

Check out Mindful Moments with the McKie's YouTube Channel

Mindful Moments with the McKies - YouTube

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

What if self-care didn’t require another appointment, another commute, or another barrier to entry? In this episode, we sit down with Quentin McAdoo—Founder and Principal of Mobile Saltworks—to talk about wellness, alternative healing, and what it looks like to bring restoration directly to the people who need it most. From salt therapy to VR meditation, Quentin shares how his all-electric EV Salt Cave is redefining accessible, inclusive, and even fun self-care across North Carolina.

About Our Guest: Quentin McAdoo

Quentin McAdoo is the Founder of Mobile Saltworks, launched in January 2023. With 8+ years of experience across finance and healthcare, he’s a results-focused, servant leader known for practical problem-solving and building transformative partnerships. Quentin holds a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and industry-recognized certifications including PMI-ACP and CSPO. As the son and brother of military veterans, he is deeply committed to prioritizing veteran hiring as the business grows.

About Mobile Saltworks

Mobile Saltworks is a wellness-on-wheels company dedicated to making self-care more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive—especially for communities that often face barriers to wellness services.

Mission: Break down barriers between people and wellness through mobile, holistic, eco-friendly innovation.

Flagship Offering: The EV Salt Cave—the world’s first all-electric mobile salt cave.

Services Inside the EV Salt Cave

• Salt Therapy (Halotherapy): respiratory support, immune support, stress relief
• Zero Gravity Massage Chairs: deep relaxation and recovery
• Virtual Reality Meditation: guided immersive meditation experiences
• Red Light Therapy: supports cellular function and helps reduce inflammation
• Chromotherapy (Color Light Therapy): mood and energy balancing

Who They Serve

• Individuals & Groups: seniors, athletes, parents, wellness seekers, event attendees
• Organizations: businesses, schools, hospitals, armed forces, and more via on-site wellness programs

Where They Operate

Resources & Links

• Mobile Saltworks: Home - Mobile Saltworks
• Book an appointment: Contact - Mobile Saltworks
• Follow Mobile Saltworks: Facebook
• Follow Quentin McAdoo: Quentin McAdoo, PMI-ACP | LinkedIn
• WEBB Remedy Podcast: The WEBB Remedy Podcast

Call to Action

If today’s episode resonated, share it with a friend who needs a little relief and restoration. And if you haven’t yet, follow/subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming conversations with the entrepreneurs changing the economic landscape across our state.

Disclaimer

This episode is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any health concerns or before starting new wellness therapies.

About WEBB Squared

WEBB Squared is a 501(c)(3) EIN 86-3751750 whose mission is to recognize and address the wealth gap by providing a supportive ecosystem around rural, under-represented entrepreneurs living in and around Chatham County of North Carolina. Make a contribution to WEBB Squared (EIN 86-3751750)

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Send us Fan Mail

In this inspiring and deeply personal episode, host Rinnie Orr welcomes the multitalented April Storm Perry—comedian, actress, makeup artist, fitness enthusiast, and wellness advocate. April opens up about her journey from a young girl in Brooklyn to a multifaceted creative force. From early self-esteem challenges to finding purpose through performance and self-care, April’s story is as empowering as it is entertaining.

Listeners will hear about her professional beginnings at MAC Cosmetics and the New York City Ballet, her surprising pivot into acting and comedy, and how she now channels those experiences into her latest project: HEAL—Harmoniously Evolving, Authentically Living. Launching this September, HEAL is a self-care initiative offering workshops, products, and personalized support aimed at helping women reconnect with themselves.

April reminds us that healing isn’t linear, self-care is not a luxury, and that authenticity is its own kind of freedom.

In This Episode:

• How beauty and performance helped April navigate identity and confidence
• Behind the scenes at MAC and the NYC Ballet
• The unexpected leap into acting and stand-up comedy
• What "healing" really looks like—messy, empowering, and deeply personal
• A sneak peek into April’s upcoming HEAL program
• Tips on how to start your own self-care journey—without breaking the bank

Connect with April Storm Perry:
🌐 AprilStormPerry.com (site under construction)
📸 Instagram: @AprilStormPerry, @AprilStormPerryComedy, @FreshFacesbyApril
📧 Email: April's contact shared during the episode

Don't Miss It If You:

• Are navigating your own healing or self-worth journey
• Love stories of career reinvention
• Want to learn how comedy, creativity, and wellness intersect
• Need a reminder that you're not alone in figuring it all out

🎧 Tune in and tap into your own remedy.

Support the show

Thank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"
To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.

Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared’s annual campaign.

We would love to hear from you. Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.