Featured
20 Entrepreneurs to Watch Closeout 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, we’ve got our eyes on a group of entrepreneurs who are not only making waves but are also setting the stage for massive success in the coming year. These 20 powerhouses are redefining what it means to be a trailblazer in their industries, from social media gurus and credit repair experts to business strategists and wellness advocates. They’ve built empires, transformed lives, and continue to inspire a new generation of go-getters. Whether it’s through innovative business models, coaching programs, or empowering content, these entrepreneurs are making sure their impact is felt. Keep your eyes on them—because they’re just getting started.
Ashley Ann
www.ashleyannspeaks.com
@KingAshleyAnn
Ashley Ann is a social media growth and monetization expert, helping over 15,000 individuals build followings and monetize their accounts. With over 1 million Instagram followers, 100k+ on TikTok, 250k+ on Facebook, and 10K+ on YouTube, she’s a digital powerhouse. Nearly 900 of her clients have reached six figures, and 176 have hit seven figures. Remarkably, 12 clients have achieved million-dollar months, while 5 have earned $10 million+ annually. Ashley Ann excels in crafting creative ads, driving organic growth, and hosting both online and in-person events. She simplifies complex topics like lead magnets, funnels, and customer value optimization (CVO), delivering outstanding results A highly sought-after speaker, Ashley Ann has been featured in numerous media outlets, including TEDx, Black Enterprise, Essence, CNN Money, Business Insider, Newsweek, and more. Her reputation for delivering exceptional value is recognized across the business and media landscapes.
Derrick Harper Sr.
derrickharper.com
@derrickharpersr
Derrick Harper Sr., a Swainsboro, GA native, is a seasoned entrepreneur and proud Air Force veteran. With a career spanning over 15 years in team building, technology management, and business strategy, Derrick has launched multiple successful businesses, including Harper’s Trucking Co., WhiteLabel CRO, and Automate MY Flow. His flagship venture, The Credit Repair University, has earned him a reputation as one of the top credit repair experts in the industry. Derrick is passionate about systems and compliance, which has led him to mentor and educate other entrepreneurs on building compliant and thriving credit repair businesses. Holding multiple degrees, Derrick’s thirst for knowledge spans various fields, and he is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs B.O.D.D (build, organize, delegate, and dominate) their businesses globally. Derrick takes pride in his service to the country, considering his title as “Veteran” the most important of all.
Sarah Fontenot
mssarahfontenot.com/hvw-ebook
@MsSarahFontenot
Meet Sarah Fontenot, a dynamic force in international speaking, self-love advocacy, and business consulting. With a track record of building multiple six and seven-figure businesses, she’s helped hundreds improve their health, wealth, and mental well-being. In just six months, Sarah took her first business from a quarter-million-dollar venture to a thriving million-dollar enterprise. As the host of the popular “Its Giving Podcast,” she shares her expertise on self-discovery, business success, and personal empowerment, reaching a global audience. Beyond her work as a podcast host, Sarah is an actress, public speaker, philanthropist, and investor, dedicated to inspiring others. Sarah’s mantra, “Helping people help themselves to create the life and business they love,” reflects her belief that mindset, confidence, and strategy are the keys to success. Whether it’s through her entrepreneurial ventures or her podcast, she’s committed to helping others break barriers and achieve their goals.
Mychel “Snoop” Dillard
Mychel “Snoop” Dillard is a highly successful serial entrepreneur based in Atlanta, GA. Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2012 with the launch of Party Bus Kings, an entertainment transportation service that quickly gained traction. In 2014, she made her dream a reality by opening The Hookah Hideaway, a popular lounge in downtown Atlanta. Building on that success, Snoop co-founded Escobar Restaurant and Tapas with rapper 2 Chainz, establishing a thriving culinary brand. She also launched Remedy Salon Suites, offering beauty professionals a space to grow their businesses. Beyond her ventures, Snoop is dedicated to empowering other entrepreneurs through mentorship, master classes, and business courses. Her resilience, business acumen, and passion for creating opportunities for others make her a role model in male-dominated industries. With each new endeavor, Snoop continues to inspire aspiring business owners and solidify her impact across multiple industries.
CEO Matty J
Matthew Adebowale, also known as CEO MattyJ, is a business veteran of Nigerian descent, born and raised in Los Angeles, now based in Dubai and Atlanta. With 17 years of experience, MattyJ specializes in transforming ideas into profitable businesses. Famous for his phrase “DOCUMENT THE PROCESS,” he guides individuals in documenting their life experiences to uncover their true value and create impactful products and services that enhance their character, skills, and income. His framework has empowered hundreds of thousands to leverage their past successes and challenges across various industries. MattyJ has built over eleven six-figure brands in beauty, clothing, health, entertainment, automotive, and real estate, with detailed case studies available as guides for others. Recently recognized by Black Enterprise as one of the Top 40 Under 40, MattyJ has collaborated with notable brands and celebrities, including 2 Chainz, Kanye West, and The Kardashians.
Taurea Vision Avant
Taurea Vision Avant is a resilient entrepreneur, two-time TEDx speaker, and authorship mentor. A Hampton University graduate in Computer Science, she moved to Atlanta after overcoming personal tragedies. Since 2014, she’s helped over 6,000 speakers and coaches become published authors, empowering them to turn their books into multiple streams of income. In 2019, she founded Book Profits Club™, helping authors promote, perform, and profit from their books. Taurea also launched Author Allstars™ Magazine in 2021, providing exposure to authors, boosting their book sales, products, and services. The magazine annually spotlights 50 authors, showcasing Taurea’s commitment to their success. With a mission to impact 10,000,000 men and women in mind, body, and soul, Taurea Vision Avant continues to inspire and uplift others on their journey to success.
Dr. Rhonda Alexander
www.meetwithdrrhonda.net
@thedrrhonda
Meet Dr. Rhonda Alexander—a powerhouse in entrepreneurship, strategy, and leadership. As the founder of IUVO Consulting, E-Squared Coaching, and SoulScribe, she helps experts turn their knowledge into business success. Dr. Rhonda doesn’t just teach success—she embodies it. With three impactful books, including EntrHERpreneur and Your Life’s Calling, she’s an expert at turning ambition into action. Her memoir, 7 Dirty Secrets of a Strong Black Woman, coming this January, offers a raw and powerful narrative that challenges the meaning of “strength.” With degrees in Molecular Biology, Clinical Chemistry, Public Administration, and a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership, Dr. Rhonda has the expertise to drive results. With nearly 30 years of experience leading teams and growing businesses, she’s the go-to expert when it’s time to level up.
Dr. Zanthia Reddish
www.drzreddish.com
@drzreddish
Dr. Zanthia Reddish, also known as Dr. Z—“The Ball Mom Doc,” is an edupreneur, author, speaker, and transition life coach dedicated to helping others thrive through life’s challenges. Known as a Reddiologist™, Dr. Z equips individuals to A.D.A.P.T. and C.R.U.S.H. their next chapter in sports, school, and life. She specializes in guiding parents of 5th-8th grade basketball players through the academic and athletic landscape to help them reach their goals and earn scholarships. Dr. Z also supports women facing major life transitions, such as career shifts, relationship changes, and empty-nesting, with personalized coaching. A retired school principal, she mentors new and novice principals while providing professional development. Dr. Z is also an Amazon #1 Best Selling author of ALLEY-OOP!, The H.E.A.R.T. Leader, and A.D.A.P.T. Her.
Dr. Shaniqua Jones
PurplePathByDrJ.com
@purplepathbydrj
Dr. Shaniqua Jones is a global leader and expert in Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices, known for her exceptional ability to bridge the gap between those harmed and those who have caused harm. Affectionately called Dr. J, she uses restorative practices to foster healing and transformation within individuals and communities. With a passion for justice and compassion, Dr. J has dedicated her career to creating spaces for dialogue, understanding, and resolution. In addition to her impactful work, Dr. J is a devoted wife and mother of five biological children. She is also a prolific author, having written 12 awe-inspiring books that reflect her commitment to empowering others. When she isn’t busy transforming lives or leading initiatives, you can find her embracing her casual side, sporting her favorite gym shoes. Dr. J’s approach to restorative justice continues to leave a lasting impact on both local and global communities.
John Porter
John is a highly sought-after motivational speaker that recently retired after 22 years of law enforcement experience. He’s a four-time published best selling author and a Life and Relationship Coach with the Empower U Coaching Group. John inspires everyone he comes into contact with and loves engaging with young people, small and large groups, and corporate entities to amplify their authenticity and help them find their superpower. He empowers them to become the best version of themselves. John is also the author of “The Twelve P’s of Dating,” “The Twelve P’s of Dating for Young Adults,” “Mending The Broken Soul,” and his latest release Conquering The Cave,” that was just released and was Number 1 Best Seller, in August 2024.
Ayanna Mills Ambrose
Ayanna Mills Ambrose, CEO of Thanx A. Mills, LLC, is an 18-time bestselling author, licensed evangelist, and professional writer. Established in 2019, Thanx A. Mills, LLC is an A+-rated book publishing company that ranks among the top three in Georgia. Ayanna assists aspiring authors in writing, marketing, and publishing books. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Temple University and a Master of Business Administration from Mercer University. Ayanna founded Author In A Box, Inc. to provide writing and publishing resources to disadvantaged women and children. With over 20 years of financial services experience, Ayanna now focuses on ghostwriting and book publishing to amplify diverse voices and increase the number of published authors.
Brittnee Wilder
Brittneewilder.com
@brittneewilder
Brittnee Wilder is a Master Certified Abundant Life Coach and NLP Practitioner, specializing in healing grief, thriving after heartbreak, and achieving successful weight loss. Known for her effective strategies, she helps women drop weight in 30 days or less. Brittnee believes that living the life of your wildest dreams is possible when you’re willing to do the inner work. She leads by example, sharing her journey through trauma and healing to empower her clients. She creates a safe space for individuals to confront their challenges and transform them into stepping stones for growth. Her approach blends practical strategies with deep emotional healing, helping clients break free from limitations. Her book, Bolder, Better, Wilder, is a powerful testimony of becoming one’s most authentic self. Through her work, Brittnee is on a mission to inspire and guide others to live courageously, embracing their fullest potential.
Dr. Iris Wright
Dr. Iris Wright is a dynamic entrepreneur and community leader, known for her ventures such as Caring Hearts Telecare and Wrights Virtual Services, which focus on healthcare innovation. Her entrepreneurial journey began after a decade in restaurant management, shifting her focus to healthcare at 28. Inspired by Steve Harvey’s book “Jump,” she embraced full-time entrepreneurship and has made a significant impact through her work. Caring Hearts Telecare was nominated for Best Home Care in Newport News, VA, in 2023 and 2024. Dr. Wright, a sought-after speaker, has shared her telehealth expertise at various seminars. She also advocates for affordable home care and social justice through her Injustice Movement, which supports wrongly accused individuals. With multiple honorary doctorates and numerous accolades, Dr. Wright’s dedication to service continues to inspire others to pursue their passions and drive positive change.
Dr. Ronda Stinson Boyd
www.flowwithronda.com
@rondastinsonboyd
F.L.O.W With Ronda Consulting Firm, provides high achieving women tools to build wealth, become debt free, and actually realize their visions and dreams. The Founder and CEO of F.L.O.W., Dr. Ronda Stinson Boyd, is also Executive Director of Passion 2 Pay Project P3, a non-profit organization providing financial education to families in underserved communities. P3 places emphasis on entrepreneurship education and economic empowerment. Wearing numerous hats, Dr. Boyd is also a property manager and investor of residential and commercial properties, an adjunct professor at Destiny Bible College, a leadership and mindset coach, motivational speaker, educator and author. • Financial Professional 12 yrs • Real Estate Investor 20 yrs • 4x Author Most recent book “Investing Made Easy: A Family Affair” Book, Parent Workbook and Child Workbook creating generational legacy through communication, teamwork and financial literacy. • Debt Elimination Specialist • Infinite Bank Specialist
Daria Rosen
www.Imstillhot.com
@dariarosen
Daria Rosen, the Perimenopause Solutionist, is a Senior Manager in Medical IT Consulting with over 20 years of experience and an MBA in Management. Known for simplifying complex concepts, she authored the highly regarded guide Perimenopause – What Your Mother and Girlfriends Did Not Tell You. As the founder of Age Gracefully Inside and Out, Daria is dedicated to supporting women through perimenopause, offering practical solutions to restore balance to their physical and mental well-being. In addition to her book, Daria is an international TEDx speaker and a featured cast member in the Making of an Entrepreneur docuseries. After publishing her first solo book at 60, she inspires women to embrace perimenopause with confidence and joy. Her work empowers women to face life’s changes with grace, strength, and resilience.
Shanel Evans
shanelevans.com
@theshanelevans
Shanel Evans is a powerhouse business strategist and content marketing guru, known for creating the Local Sales Superstar Framework. She’s all about helping entrepreneurs, consultants and agency owners level up by aligning offers, pricing, and messaging to attract top-tier clients. Shanel’s authentic approach fosters real connections and drives sales through content that truly resonates. Her SAVVY framework—Structure, Authority, Vision, Vibe, and YES content—revolutionizes social media and sales strategies. As a coach and mentor, Shanel breaks down mindset barriers, builds trust, and empowers clients to confidently implement strategies, even if they’re not perfect. Her down-to-earth style and business savvy have propelled countless entrepreneurs to boost their influence, revenue, and build sustainable businesses.
Dr Rasheda Jackson
Dr. Rasheda Jackson, the 2024 Ms. Woman Entrepreneur Sunshine State, is the CEO of Be Free Tax and Business Services, the COO and co-founder of Be Free University, and a dynamic speaker. With over 25 years in corporate America, she is a trailblazing African American female executive, also serving as VP of Operations for a multimillion-dollar private brand. Her journey began over 15 years ago when she launched Be Free Tax and later expanded her mission to help others start their businesses through structure and tax education. As the author of 11 books, a contributor to 2 anthologies, and the creator of 8 e-books focused on taxes, business, and executive empowerment, Dr. Jackson’s work has trained and inspired many. Committed to Biblical education and holding a Doctorate in Divinity, she aims to leave a lasting legacy through service and education.
Dawnna St. Louis
www.fyresavvy.net
@dawnnastlouis
Dawnna St. Louis is a powerhouse business coach, keynote speaker, and high-end sales leadership expert, renowned for driving entrepreneurs and leaders to breakthrough success. As the founder of multiple businesses and high-impact coaching programs, Dawnna blends her deep expertise in sales, leadership, and mindset mastery to transform individuals and teams. Her no-nonsense, results-driven approach integrates strategic frameworks with a focus on personal growth, trust-building, and authentic leadership. Dawnna’s signature High-End Sales Certification empowers business owners to master high-stakes sales conversations, shatter limiting beliefs, and implement actionable strategies that boost revenue and growth. Known for her engaging speaking style and practical insights, she inspires and equips others to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Dawnna is a trusted mentor to countless entrepreneurs, leaders, and sales professionals, helping them elevate their impact and achieve lasting success in their industries.
Dr. Janell Harvey ECRF
Dr. Janell Harvey is a leading expert in nonprofit consulting and fundraising, known for her leadership, public speaking, and educational impact. As the founder of Harvey Nonprofit Consulting Group, LLC, she helps organizations achieve sustainability through fund development training and assistance with tax-exempt status applications. A published author and thought leader, Dr. Harvey has shared her expertise at prestigious institutions like Harvard and Yale and inspired audiences at conferences such as the LILAC Foundation’s event for professional women. Her firm offers grant writing courses for major corporations, and she is a certified CFRE trainer. Dr. Harvey has also spoken at international events like the Botswana Explosion Summit. Dedicated to leadership and innovation, she is involved in the Milestones Circle Program and presents annual awards, including the WIN (Women Impacting Nonprofits) and the Presidential Award for Volunteering.
Angie Sims
leagueofgirlfriends.com
@findgirlfriends
Angie is a distinguished rainmaker and key influencer, renowned for her ability to elevate women in their careers. With over 14 years at Morgan Stanley and its predecessor firms in roles such as Deputy Director of Diversity and Director of Professional Alliance Relationships, she has made a significant impact. After relocating to Georgia nine years ago, Angie established herself as an influential executive coach, helping professional women achieve their potential with focused success tools. A five-time self-published author, Angie takes pride in coaching 17 women to become first-time authors. In 2016, she founded The League of Girlfriends, now with nearly 600 members, to connect businesswomen on a deeper level. She also created the Girl Led NOW Leadership Academy to transform how women grow their businesses. Angie is President of the Atlanta Women’s Network and actively participates in various local business organizations. She lives in Dallas, GA, with her family and runs Angela’s Exquisite Events.
On May 10, 2025, the world breathed a cautious sigh of relief as India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed neighbors with a long history of hostility, agreed to a ceasefire following a series of escalations that threatened to ignite a full-scale war in South Asia.
The Trigger: A Devastating Attack
The conflict reignited after a tragic terrorist attack in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir left 26 civilians dead. The assault, which targeted a busy market in the city of Srinagar, immediately raised suspicions within Indian intelligence circles, who blamed Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed. India swiftly condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of terror” and vowed to respond with force.
Retaliation and Escalation
Within 48 hours of the attack, India launched a series of targeted missile strikes on what it claimed were militant training camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The air raids resulted in multiple casualties and further inflamed tensions between the two countries. Pakistan responded with its own military mobilization and threats of retaliation, pushing the region to the brink of war.
For days, military analysts and diplomats around the globe watched with increasing concern. Social media lit up with reports of troop movements, blackouts in border towns, and intercepted communications suggesting a possible escalation to conventional warfare. The international community, particularly the United Nations and regional allies like China and the United Arab Emirates, called for immediate de-escalation.
A Surprising Diplomatic Intervention
In a twist that caught many off-guard, former U.S. President Donald Trump stepped in as an unofficial mediator. Leveraging his prior relationships with both Indian and Pakistani leaders from his time in office, Trump initiated a series of behind-the-scenes discussions. According to insiders, the former president made multiple phone calls and engaged in shuttle diplomacy to broker peace.
Critics questioned Trump’s involvement, but even skeptics admitted that his intervention appeared to cool tempers. The talks culminated in an agreement between Indian Prime Minister Arvind Reddy and Pakistani President Ahsan Qureshi to observe a full ceasefire starting immediately.
Terms of the Ceasefire
The agreement included several key components:
- Immediate halt to all military actions along the Line of Control (LoC).
- Establishment of a joint investigation into the Kashmir attack, with representatives from both nations and neutral observers.
- Reinstatement of diplomatic backchannels that had gone cold since 2023.
- A scheduled summit in Geneva in July 2025 to discuss long-term peace frameworks and cross-border terrorism.
Indian Defense Minister Nikhil Menon confirmed the ceasefire in a televised address, stating, “While we will never tolerate terrorism, we recognize the importance of dialogue in preventing further loss of life.”
Reactions at Home and Abroad
Domestically, reactions were mixed. Indian nationalists criticized the government for not pursuing a more aggressive stance, while peace advocates praised the leadership for prioritizing diplomacy over war. In Pakistan, President Qureshi faced both praise for preventing escalation and criticism for conceding too quickly under international pressure.
Global leaders, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, applauded the ceasefire as a step in the right direction. China issued a statement urging both countries to continue working toward peaceful solutions, while Russia offered to host future peace talks.
What’s Next?
While the ceasefire has brought temporary calm, the underlying issues remain unresolved. The Kashmir region continues to be a flashpoint, and both nations harbor deep mistrust. Experts warn that without substantial policy changes and mutual agreements, future flare-ups are inevitable.
Still, the May 10 ceasefire is a reminder of the power of diplomacy—even when led by unexpected figures. Whether this truce holds or falters will depend on the upcoming Geneva summit and the political will of both nations to choose peace over provocation.
For now, South Asia watches and waits.
Featured
From Local Hustle to Global Empire: 16 Visionary Entrepreneurs Teaching Business Tips for Success
At some point in the entrepreneurial grind, every high achiever faces the same question: Is all this hustle really building the legacy I want? Scaling a brand takes more than clever marketing and social media trends—it takes mindset alignment, financial literacy, purpose-led decisions, and a story that reaches beyond borders.
The 15 leaders featured here aren’t just building businesses—they’re dropping hard-earned wisdom that can change how you grow, lead, and impact. Each one shares a tip rooted in real experience, crafted to help you build an empire that actually lasts.
This list was curated by entrepreneur and speaker Taurea Avant, who brought together this group of extraordinary changemakers to be featured in the book Elevate & Empower, launching at the Legacy Leaders Workshop happening Thursday, May 22. We thought it only made sense to share their top leadership and business-building tips in this powerful article.
LaShana West: Your business can’t grow beyond your mindset. Before you build systems, scale strategies, or chase clients, address your internal roadblocks. Healing past trauma can unlock future income. When you lead from wholeness instead of hustle, your clarity increases—and so does your cash flow.
Too many entrepreneurs try to fix external problems without addressing the internal wounds driving them. Start with your belief systems. Mindset isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation your business is built on.
Nichica F. Melton, M.Ed.: Clarity kills chaos. If your calendar is packed but your results are flat, simplify. Use time-blocking to control your week and commit to no more than three top priorities a day. Overwhelm isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a sign of broken systems.
Productivity is more about discipline than doing more. Focus isn’t about having time—it’s about making intentional decisions and protecting your energy like a high-value asset.
Lisa Stringer Bailey: Pay yourself first, always. If you’re waiting until the end of the month to see what’s “left,” you’ll never create real wealth. Automate a percentage of your income into savings or investments and treat it like a non-negotiable bill.
Money mastery isn’t about big wins—it’s about consistent habits. Wealth is built in percentages, not paydays.
Dr. Dominique Carson: Your body is your most valuable business asset. Prioritize physical restoration with regular breaks, massage therapy, and movement. A burnt-out body can’t build a booming business.
Physical health and business growth go hand-in-hand. Energy, focus, and endurance all start with how well you take care of your body.
Dr. Dawn Menge: Use storytelling to simplify complex ideas. Whether you’re teaching, selling, or leading, narratives create emotional connection. People won’t remember data—but they will remember how your message made them feel.
Leaders who leverage storytelling build deeper relationships, higher trust, and longer-term loyalty. Start every message with “why this matters.”
Naomi Carrington-Hockman: Speak with clarity and confidence. Rambling loses respect. Know your key point, say it early, and reinforce it with presence. Whether on stage or in a Zoom room, your tone, timing, and takeaways define your impact.
Great communicators aren’t wordy—they’re intentional. Influence is built when your message sticks and moves people to act.
Dr. Toccara Nicole Steele: Your book should be your blueprint. Don’t stop at publishing—build products, services, and offers from your content. Every chapter holds an opportunity to create value beyond the page.
Think of your book as intellectual property, not just inspiration. Extract and expand to scale.
Shanita Crafter: Your emotional health determines your business ceiling. Set boundaries, take breaks, and get support when needed. Healthy leaders build healthy legacies.
If you’re emotionally exhausted, you’re not equipped to serve others. Build emotional recovery into your business plan.
Crystal D. Woods: Healing is a business growth strategy. Don’t ignore emotional pain just because you’re meeting professional goals. When you confront what’s hurting you, you create space for clarity, creativity, and deeper alignment.
Running from your story weakens your brand. Stand in your truth and let healing shape your leadership, not hinder it.
Dr. Obioma Martin: Self-love is a leadership strategy. When you prioritize inner peace, your decision-making sharpens, your relationships improve, and your tolerance for nonsense disappears. Lead from overflow—not depletion.
Confidence starts with how you treat yourself. Model the grace and discipline you expect from your team and clients.
Ronald Holloway: Build with people in mind, not just profit margins. When your business solves real problems and serves real needs, revenue becomes a byproduct of impact.
Purpose-driven ventures create sustainable income and community trust. Listen to what your audience truly needs—not just what’s trending.
Taurea Avant: Your book should work harder than you do. Use it to secure media, land speaking gigs, build your list, and attract aligned clients. If your book isn’t getting you business, it’s not being leveraged correctly.
Authors don’t need more hustle—they need more strategy. Your message is your magnet. Use it.
Dr. Lena Payton Webb: Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s brand power. When you own your story, you create resonance. Curate your narrative with intention and share it consistently across platforms.
Authentic storytelling builds brand authority. You become the guide your clients are looking for when you show them you’ve walked the path.
Teri Thompson: Invest in the next generation. Teaching youth entrepreneurship plants seeds that grow into scalable, sustainable impact. Your legacy is measured by how many leaders you help raise.
If you mentor young entrepreneurs, you multiply your influence. Build a legacy that outlives you by pouring into those coming behind you.
Ernee Peppers: Don’t just speak—perform. Stage presence can 10X your perceived value. Walk in like the deal is already closed. Confidence sells before you even open your mouth.
Public speaking is a business development tool. The better you own the mic, the more doors you open.
Daria Rosen: Build your business to match your life—not the other way around. Create routines, products, and timelines that honor your season of life, especially during hormonal or emotional transitions.
Your business should serve your health, not sabotage it. Structure creates freedom when aligned with who you are now.
Success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what actually matters. These 16 leaders aren’t giving fluff. They’re handing you the same insights they’ve used to build powerful, profitable, purpose-filled businesses.
Want more of their wisdom in the room with you? Join them at the Legacy Leaders Workshop in Dubai, where they’ll dive deeper into the tools, frameworks, and mindset strategies that are shaping the next generation of impactful leaders.
All attendees will receive a FREE copy of the book, Elevate & Empower—a playbook of tips, frameworks, and legacy-building strategies.
It’s time to stop grinding and start growing.
Lock in your spot at www.LegacyLeadersWorkshop.com
Grab your merch and books at www.AuthorAllstars.com/shop
This is your moment. Own it. Build it. Lead it.
Featured
China’s Strategic Clapback: How Luxury Brand Exposure Became an Economic Retaliation Tool
China claps back on the United States
In the wake of escalating tariff tensions between the United States and China, a new form of economic retaliation has emerged—one that doesn’t involve additional taxes, embargoes, or diplomatic statements. Instead, China has turned to social media and transparency as its sharpest tools. What began as viral content on platforms like Douyin (China’s version of TikTok) has become a calculated, highly effective campaign revealing the true cost structures and manufacturing origins of Western luxury products.
The results? Consumer backlash, brand skepticism, and a major shake-up in global perceptions of luxury.
The Backdrop: U.S. Tariffs and China’s Silent Response
The U.S. recently imposed a new wave of tariffs targeting Chinese imports—ranging from electric vehicles to critical components used in renewable energy and technology sectors. Instead of responding through traditional government channels, China opted for a culturally resonant and strategically disruptive response: peeling back the curtain on the luxury goods Americans hold dear.
Through viral videos, Chinese factory workers, influencers, and content creators have started showcasing the real production costs and assembly processes behind designer items sold by global brands like Hermès, Gucci, Chanel, and others. The content, often presented in side-by-side comparisons of production cost versus retail price, has gone viral on both Douyin and TikTok, resonating with a global audience of skeptical, budget-conscious consumers.
Revealing the Margins: From $100 Manufacturing to $10,000 Price Tags
One widely shared video displayed the step-by-step manufacturing of a Hermès-inspired handbag, noting that its production cost was approximately $120 USD. The retail equivalent of the same bag? Upwards of $12,000. Similar videos have shown luxury sneakers being produced for under $30, designer belts for less than $20, and branded jewelry created from base materials available at a fraction of retail prices.
The implications are far-reaching. For decades, luxury brands have justified their price points through the appeal of exclusivity, craftsmanship, and brand legacy. However, this transparency campaign is effectively undercutting that narrative by focusing the spotlight on the reality of outsourced labor and inflated margins.
Psychological Warfare Through Transparency
While the move may appear grassroots, industry analysts suggest this surge of transparency is anything but random. It comes at a time when the Chinese government is tightening its internal regulations on displays of wealth and pushing for greater domestic modesty in personal consumption. At the same time, this exposure allows China to assert quiet leverage in the ongoing trade war.
By revealing that many luxury products sold in the West are, in fact, manufactured in China—often in the very factories now subject to tariffs—China is flipping the power dynamic. It’s a reminder to Western consumers and lawmakers alike: China is not merely a source of low-cost goods—it is also the backbone of many of the West’s most celebrated brands.
This form of “soft retaliation” is strikingly effective. Rather than targeting governments, it targets perceptions. And in an era where brand reputation can swing markets, perception is everything.
Consumer Reaction: Disillusionment and Demand for Accountability
As these revelations gain traction, social media has become a hotbed of discussion. Consumers, especially younger generations, are questioning the true value of the luxury items they once saved up for. Comments across platforms express a common theme: disillusionment.
Many are calling for more ethical transparency in pricing models and supply chain management. The exposure has also triggered interest in alternative luxury, such as direct-to-consumer models and brands that prioritize authenticity and fair labor practices.
This shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity for global luxury brands. The challenge: rebuilding consumer trust. The opportunity: reintroducing their value in a way that withstands scrutiny—not just from regulators, but from an increasingly informed customer base.
Broader Implications for the Luxury Market
The luxury industry is built not only on materials and labor, but on perception. Prestige, quality, and exclusivity are carefully curated attributes that command high margins. The current wave of manufacturing transparency challenges the very foundation of that perception.
As global consumers become more aware of product sourcing and true cost structures, brands will be forced to adapt. This may lead to:
- A deeper investment in domestic manufacturing to regain trust
- Greater openness about pricing models and ethical practices
- Stronger marketing around craftsmanship and quality assurance
At the same time, this may also accelerate the decline of blind brand loyalty. Consumers are already turning toward values-based shopping, and this transparency push could expedite that shift.
Conclusion: Economic Strategy Reimagined
China’s decision to allow—or at least not suppress—the mass exposure of U.S. luxury brands’ production realities is a masterclass in modern economic strategy. It sidesteps direct confrontation and instead wields cultural and consumer influence as tools of power. Rather than imposing tariffs of its own, China has placed the burden of response on Western companies and the consumers they serve.
As the global economy becomes more interconnected and more visible, traditional forms of economic retaliation may give way to perception-based strategies. In this case, China has sent a message loud and clear: If you’re going to tax our exports, don’t be surprised when we reveal what your imports are really made of.
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