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I’m chatting with Kerry-Ann Wilkinson in Dunbar, where she’s opening the Fab Institute of Beauty. Kerry’s hustle is all about beauty, something she’s been passionate about since childhood. After 20 years in the industry and running her own salon for eight years, she’s now starting a beauty school to train future hairstylists, makeup artists, and wax specialists. Originally from Jamaica, Kerry moved to the U.S. for college and pursued her dream of working in beauty. She encourages people to just start when building a business, emphasizing that mistakes are part of the process. Her school’s curriculum is state-accredited, and she’s committed to giving students the tools they need to succeed in the beauty industry. Kerry’s story is one of determination, and she’s excited to help others follow their dreams.

I sit down with Tiara Brown, the Community Development Coordinator at EnAct Community Action, to discuss her work supporting low-income communities in West Virginia. Tiara explains how EnAct Community Action helps individuals become self-sustainable through programs like two-year degree assistance, vehicle repairs, and rental or utility support. We talk about how small setbacks, like a broken car, can be devastating for someone living on the poverty line, and how EnAct fills those gaps by partnering with other organizations. Tiara also shares her responsibilities, including event planning, fundraising, and securing grants to keep their programs running. She encourages anyone in need of help or looking to partner with EnAct to reach out and reminds us to share resources with others who may benefit.

In this episode, I talk with Lori McNabb, the owner of Spotlight Dance and Acrobatics. Lori shares her journey of turning a lifelong dream into reality. She always wanted to open a dance studio, but she initially pursued a career as a counselor and administrator. After praying for guidance, she received a call about a building for rent, which she took as a sign to follow her passion. Lori opened her studio in 2009, and now her daughters and longtime dancer Brooke are helping to keep the dream alive by teaching a variety of dance and fitness classes. Lori explains the challenges of leaving a stable job to start her own business and emphasizes the importance of following your passion, working hard, and having a strong support system. She encourages others to pursue their dreams, even if it means putting in long hours and juggling multiple jobs.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I chat with Evan Casper, a chemical engineer who just moved to Charleston, West Virginia, from Pittsburgh. Originally from South Louisiana, Evan is excited about his new job at Atlas Prediction Control, a process controls company, and his fresh start in Charleston. He shares his first impressions of the area, noting how Charleston feels like a return to his roots, and expresses enthusiasm for the local music scene and outdoor activities like skiing. We discuss his work with polymer plant reactors, where he’s diving into the specifics of process control software. Despite being new to the city, Evan is eager to explore all that Charleston has to offer and is happy to be part of the community.

I’m at Roadside Park in Saint Albans for the Kanawha Valley Hustlers Podcast, talking with Shanna Wickline, co-founder of More Than Addiction. Today’s community picnic is filled with activities like inflatables, a live DJ, and arts and crafts, all aimed at bringing people together. Shanna shares that More Than Addiction was founded in 2019 to fight the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. They work to empower people, especially youth, by sharing real stories and making it easier to ask for help. She emphasizes the importance of community and connection, as disconnection often lies at the root of many struggles. For anyone facing addiction, Shanna recommends resources like Help4WV and stresses the value of reaching out before a crisis hits. As we wrap up, Shanna is thrilled with the event’s success and excited about the impact More Than Addiction is making.

On this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I chat with Mason Weese, a house flipper in Charleston. Mason shares how he started his business in 2021, flipping his first house despite everyone telling him it was a bad investment. He believed in his vision, took the risk, and made a profit. Since then, Mason’s business has grown significantly, now managing 15 to 20 crews to flip about 50 houses a year, with plans to double that next year. He explains that the key to success in real estate is finding properties with enough margin and being persistent in looking for opportunities. Mason emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication, saying that finding the right deals takes time and effort. He invites listeners to connect with him through his website, www.majobuyshouses.com or follow him on Instagram, www.instagram.com/masonweese_21