In this high-glam, high-vibration episode, host Leigh LaRie and guest co-host Charlisa "Chadowboxx" Harris are joined by the ultimate duo of beauty and creativity: Tralice Lewis of Kelly’s Custom Hat Wigs and Ambrosia of The Lam Art Studio.

Tralice shares her powerful journey from healthcare professional to becoming the only Black-owned wig store owner in the Pacific Northwest, honoring her late mother’s legacy through "healing hands" and "vibe-architecture." Meanwhile, Ambrosia discusses how she pivoted from a retail boutique to a thriving art and wellness business, tripling her revenue by focusing on community paint and sips and mobile art therapy.

The Queens get real about the "thug thistle" of entrepreneurship—from surviving targeted vandalism and internet scams to the manifestation moment involving a DM from Tabitha Brown. They dive into the necessity of collaboration over competition, why "no negative self-talk" is the #1 rule in art, and how a custom wig can be a total game-changer for a woman's spirit.

Grab your crown and your sparkling cider—this episode is packed with gems on branding, faith walks, and the power of Black women supporting Black women.

• [00:00] Intro: Welcome to Season 7, Episode 9 – The Queen Edition.
• [00:22] Product Highlight: Milani Vegan Tame Leave-In Conditioner (The "Swiss Army Knife" of hair care).
• [02:10] The Sparkle Story: How Leigh met Tralice through a blinged-out water bottle.
• [03:21] Small World Connections: How Charlisa and Ambrosia’s paths crossed years ago.
• [03:52] Communal Juice & Mocktails: Creating recovery-safe creative spaces.
• [04:36] Why "Queen"?: Honoring the ancestors and good stock.
• [05:37] Callie’s Legacy: Founding a business in honor of a hospice nurse mother.
• [06:37] Healing Hands: Why Tralice won't create wigs when her energy is off.
• [08:46] Salon Drama: The infamous "rabid emotional support cat" story.
• [10:55] The Gap in Beauty School: Why ethnic hair and wig education are minimized.
• [12:37] Art as Therapy: Releasing trauma through doodles and paint.
• [14:11] The #1 Rule: No negative talk in the art studio.
• [15:30] Showers & Signs: Crying in 170 square feet and asking God for a sign.
• [16:45] The Tabitha Brown Miracle: A DM that changed everything after a home-buying scam.
• [18:50] The Callie Sign: A chilling revelation about names and destiny.
• [20:15] The Critique vs. The Boutique: Advocating for signage and foot traffic.
• [21:40] Learning to Pivot: Why letting go of "the dream" is necessary for growth.
• [22:50] Tripling Revenue: Taking the hard advice to focus on one stream.
• [25:35] Targeted Vandalism: Rebuilding after hate speech and stolen mother’s signs.
• [28:34] Look for a Black Woman: Why we are the ultimate safe spaces.
• [30:30] Celebrity Vibes: Working with Lunell and being a caregiver at heart.
• [33:15] Manifestation: Writing it down and speaking it into existence.
• [34:33] Reclaiming the Garage: Opening a storefront in downtown Gresham.

What does it take to build a dessert empire while navigating the hardest trials life can throw at you? Host Leigh LaRie is joined by the "Cupcake Queen" herself, Damala Badon, owner of DB Dessert Company. In this moving and transparent episode, "Cupcakes & Comebacks," Damala shares her journey from self-taught home baker to a powerhouse entrepreneur with multiple locations in Portland.

Damala opens up about the "thug thistle" of the hustle—from expanding to three stores and dealing with vandalism to the difficult decision to consolidate for the sake of her family. The conversation takes a deep dive into the reality of Black motherhood and entrepreneurship, as Damala discusses the tragic loss of her oldest son and how she continues to move forward for her two living children.

From the "cracker pie" that inspired her grandmother to the technical challenges of shipping cupcakes in jars, Damala embodies resilience. They discuss the myth that women can't raise men, the importance of therapy, and navigating a public divorce while maintaining your grace. This is a story of legacy, survival, and the sweet taste of a well-earned comeback.

• [00:00] Intro: Welcome to Season 7, Episode 8
• [01:05] Meet Damala Badon: The myth, the legend, and the Cupcake Queen
• [01:59] The Beginning: How a 2-year-old’s birthday cake sparked a 16-year career
• [03:49] Legacy over Bills: Why Damala chose the path of a brick-and-mortar business
• [05:25] The Expansion Journey: From Gleason and Alberta to consolidating back to one
• [06:55] Trust and NDAs: How to build a team without losing your secret sauce
• [08:46] Finding the Niche: Transitioning from custom 3D cakes to high-volume cupcakes
• [10:44] Business Fails: The story of the "lost cake" and how to apologize like a boss
• [12:54] Favorite Designs: Letting her sons test her skill set with Minions and basketball courts
• [14:44] Representation in Portland: The heavy weight of being a Black woman in business
• [16:03] Inspiration: Cracker Pie and the "Apple Pie" survival mode of the 1930s
• [18:19] Mentoring the Youth: Giving young people their first jobs and operational support
• [19:32] Community Service: Supporting the community through SNAP benefit cuts with free bread
• [21:00] Cupcakes in a Jar: The trial and error of shipping logistics
• [23:12] The Snowstorm Rebuild: Coming back after a collapsed ceiling and a flooded bakery
• [25:15] Navigating Grief: Moving forward after the tragic loss of her son
• [28:08] Self Care & Therapy: Leaning on a core group of friends and professional support
• [30:50] Parenting Black Men: Autonomy, natural consequences, and the myth of the single mom
• [36:46] Public Figures & Private Divorces: Staying silent when "hurt people hurt people"
• [41:00] Choosing Yourself: Why staying "for the kids" isn't always the best decision
• [45:51] Reintroducing Yourself: Finding peace in the quiet moments of the "soft life"
• [48:43] The Dating Scene: Introverted dating and avoiding the "piss in the pool"
• [51:19] Leigh’s...