We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ray’Chel Wilson, CFEI. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ray’Chel below.

Hi Ray’Chel, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

The best ideas often stem from real problems. You know, like the lightbulb, born out of the hassle of being stuck in the dark, or Fenty Beauty, addressing the lack of diverse makeup shades. Now, my predicament was a triple threat: drowning in student loans, stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck teacher grind, and losing sleep over my students graduating clueless about managing money. Talk about a triple whammy!

In my book, the best solutions knock out two birds with one stone. To tackle this three-headed monster of problems, I got certified in financial education and dove headfirst into the world of investing (over 5000 hours, folks!). And guess what? I not only paid off those student loans but also saw my first batch of seniors graduate with an amazing financial literacy curriculum. That curriculum? It blew up into the internationally-selling Black Wealth Freedom series.

Through 5000+ hours of learning and countless challenging days, I reaped the benefits of going from idea to execution. In that two-year period, I wiped out my student loans through investing, saw my school’s first seniors graduate with financial savvy, and witnessed that curriculum evolve into the Black Wealth Freedom series. This journey led to the founding of ForOurLastNames—a tech-enabled financial education and investing platform for first-generation wealth builders.

Fast forward to 2024, and we’re on the brink of dropping it for everyone—individuals like you and me, and even companies that want to treat their employees right with some financial wellness. It’s about making positive changes within the system by working within the [workforce] system.

Now, here’s the secret sauce to going from idea to execution: spot the problem, get crafty with your solutions, and when something works, make it big. Like, impact-the-system big.

Ray’Chel, 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 teach people how to build wealth through upskilling, investing, and stewardship. I help them solve the problem of scarcity mindsets, lack of education, and lack of empowerment.

Here’s a twist many don’t know about me—I started off as a preacher’s kid. Growing up, my father showed me the importance of caring for others’ physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Witnessing the transformative power of empowering people with an abundant mindset and relevant information shaped my approach. Now, as a grad student at Duke Divinity School, I view things through the lens of collective liberation—how can we as a people, rather than an individual, be free?

My proudest creations are the Black Wealth Freedom workbook series and the soon-to-drop ForOurLastNames app. These solutions are all about empowering first-generation investors, like me, to create not just personal wealth but multi-generational prosperity. It’s about breaking free and liberating entire generations.

What I want you to know about engaging with my products and services is that it’s not just about accumulating wealth for yourself—it’s about gaining the empowerment to create a positive change for your last name. Let’s build a legacy that echoes for generations to come.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

A book that completely shifted my work approach is “Who Not How” by Dan Sullivan.

See, I used to be a bit of a perfectionist, thinking I had to do everything myself to get it right—even if it meant diving into the depths of learning a new skill. But “Who Not How” flipped the script for me. It taught me a crucial lesson as a CEO: I need to be okay with outsourcing, partnering, and, sometimes, relinquishing control.

Every new goal in a company comes with a cost—either time or money. Learning to collaborate with the right “whos” who share the mission and know how to achieve the goal became a game-changer. This realization prompted me to bring on a virtual assistant and a co-founder. Since then, our business has been on a growth trajectory.

So, here’s the deal—being a CEO isn’t about doing everything; it’s about finding the right “whos” to achieve the mission. It’s a shift from a solo act to a collaborative symphony, and it’s made all the difference in the world.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Launching my business wasn’t just about finding capital; it was about recognizing the power of my voice as a driving force. I discovered a unique avenue—pitch competitions and grants—that aligned perfectly with this God-given gift.

Platforms like SkysTheLimit.org, with its monthly grants, became my go-to. In fact, it was through such a platform that I found my co-founder, a pivotal move that significantly decreased risk in our business, making us a more attractive prospect for additional funding.

Here’s the gold: To secure that initial capital, my best advice is this:

1. Know Your Gifts: Your unique talents are your greatest assets.
2. Understand Your Brand Mission and Vision: Clarity here is your guiding light.
3. Articulate Your Story: Tell it well to key stakeholders—investors and customers alike.

It’s not just about the money; it’s about leveraging your strengths, understanding your purpose, and effectively communicating your narrative to those who believe in your journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://forourlastnames.io/
• Instagram: ForOurLastNames
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raychelwilson
• Other: Want to engage in your wealth journey in a new way? Check out the Black Wealth Freedom workbook series at https://rtbinvestments.org/collections/products/black-wealth-freedom-series