We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brandy Mayes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Brandy , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

The idea came from believing in myself first. I had to believe that I can do it. I want to thank my mental health coach Javonne Michael Clark for teaching me how to shift my mindset in the Bears and Bubbles class I learned that the way I think is the energy I attract. It was all about shifting my mindset. It is the 5 year anniversary of that class and I have started three successful businesses. I wrote it on a white board and looked at it every day. I have been podcasting for 5 years and I have my own podcast studio and I have my own dispensary. All because I said that I can and believed that I can. There were a lot of bumps in the road to opening up the dispensary. I did not have the money but I believed that it would come. It came from all directions. With believing in myself, it outputs good energy, so others can believe in themselves. I want people to be all they can be. There has never been a time in history where people can really get a return on their investment in being all they can be. Really believe that you can do anything if you sacrifice your time and put the hard work in.

The last year has been a learning experience. Since I was last featured in Voyage; I opened a dispensary as well. I spent a year getting ready to open. We had to renovate our commercial retail space, order product, figure out our price point, ect. We also had to complete a rigorous application and inspection process. I had to learn how to run a dispensary, learn about the marijuana business, learning about regulatory compliance, running a successful business, paying taxes, ect. Each day gets better and better as I become more business savvy. When learning or doing something new, you have to be uncomfortable and know that you may fail. That is part of the journey. It all starts with having an idea, writing it down, and writing down the steps to execute your goal.

Brandy , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started the podcast because I saw there was a need to highlight successful African American business owners in my city. The podcast lead me to opening my own podcast studio. After opening the studio, my business partner and I decided to open a marijuana dispensary called Liit Factory.

The podcast studio is called Creators Create Studio. It was opened so creators can have a space to construct their craft and create dope content. The studio has professional microphones, cameras and podcast equipment to deliver top quality sound and video. If you are looking to start your own podcast, Creators Create Studio can service your needs as well as edit your show. We are located in Oklahoma City, OK but are able to record virtually. For a complete list of services and prices please visit www.brandymayes.com/studio

I am most proud of myself for remaining consistent despite all the trials and tribulations I have faced. I keep going and I will continue to keep going.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for the podcast studio and also the dispensary has been word of mouth. I make sure to provide excellent customer service and quality sound for my studio clientele. For the dispensary; word quickly spread that our shop, Liit Factory, has premium gas at affordable prices. We have a price point for everyone and a variety of products.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A time where I had to pivot was in 2018. I went to school to become a certified aircraft mechanic. I traveled to Indiana and Texas to work on planes. After deciding it was not for me; I was at a career crossroads. I decided to bet on myself and to create a business for myself. That is how the initial idea for the podcast studio began. I had already been a podcast host for 3 years; opening my own studio was the next step. I wanted to show others that they can have their own show about whatever it is that they are passionate in. After the studio was launched; I worked on opening the dispensary with my business partner.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brandymayes.com
• Instagram: ashotofbrandypodcast
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC692EquysIv-9USybnTGSjQ