In the latest episode of Born To Be Dope, host Ryan C. Greene welcomes Carlena Davis, the founder of Spillin' The Sweet Tea, to discuss her journey from a small-town girl in North Carolina to a prominent food content creator. With a rich background in Southern cooking and an inspiring story of resilience, Carlena shares how she turned her childhood experiences and love for food into a thriving business, all while navigating the challenges of social media.

The Roots of a Culinary Passion

Carlena Davis grew up in Kingston, North Carolina, where her parents owned a funeral home. This unique upbringing taught her the importance of hard work, empathy, and community. After school, she would help her mother cook, learning valuable skills in the kitchen. "Food has been a big part of my life...everything is centered around food," Carlena recalls, highlighting how family gatherings and church events revolved around cooking and sharing meals.

The Birth of Spillin' The Sweet Tea

In 2017, Carlena started her food blog, Spillin' The Sweet Tea, as a way to document her mother’s recipes. "I started studying her in the kitchen...because I knew a day would come when she wouldn't remember how to make these dishes," she explains. The blog began as a passion project but transformed into something more significant during the pandemic. In 2020, she shifted her focus to creating video content on TikTok, capturing the attention of food lovers everywhere.

Navigating Social Media

Carlena's journey on TikTok began with simple cooking videos. Initially, she faced challenges like negative comments and misunderstandings about her cooking methods. "I had made some smoked turkey wings and people were quick to criticize. But it was those comments that actually helped me grow my following," she notes. Rather than being discouraged, Carlena embraced the feedback, using it as motivation to connect with her audience and share authentic cooking experiences.

The Viral Moment

A turning point for Carlena came when she recreated a beloved dish from her hometown called a "pig and a pup" during the pandemic. This copycat recipe went viral, leading to an interview with a local news station. "I was just like, I might have something here," she reflects. This moment solidified her status as a content creator and opened doors to new opportunities in the culinary world.

Lessons Learned and Future Goals

Throughout her journey, Carlena has learned the importance of perseverance and authenticity. She emphasizes that success does not require fame; rather, it stems from passion and hard work. "You don't have to be famous to be successful," she reminds listeners, encouraging aspiring creators to embrace their uniqueness.

Carlena Davis' journey from a small-town upbringing to a successful food content creator is a testament to the power of passion and resilience. By sharing her family's recipes and stories, she has built a community that values authenticity and creativity in cooking. Key takeaways include the importance of following your passion, embracing feedback, and staying true to yourself in the face of challenges. Carlena’s story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to turn their unique talents into a thriving business.

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In this episode of the Born to Be Dope Show, host Ryan C. Greene engages in a heartfelt conversation with JoJo Crews, the host of the Prince of Pop Culture Podcast. JoJo shares his journey from aspiring musician to thriving media personality, offering insights and inspiration for anyone pursuing their passions against all odds.

The Early Years

JoJo Crews recalls his childhood in Washington D.C., where his love for music began at a young age. Growing up on Saratoga Avenue, he found inspiration in the sounds of Whitney Houston and Salt-N-Pepa. Living across from the original BET Studios fueled his dreams of a future in entertainment. By the time he reached high school, JoJo had his heart set on becoming an artist, believing that he was destined for a career in music.

The Pursuit of Music

JoJo actively chased his dreams throughout high school, participating in plays and honing his craft as a singer. He recalls vividly his audition experiences for shows like American Idol, where he camped out overnight to showcase his talent. Despite his passion, reality set in when he realized that pursuing a career in music would require more than just talent; it needed stability. This led him to seek jobs that would pay the bills, pushing his dreams to the back burner.

Life Changes and Responsibilities

When JoJo became a parent, his priorities shifted dramatically. Taking on the role of a father was a turning point that forced him to focus on providing for his family. He worked various jobs, including a long tenure at a non-profit organization, where he found stability but felt lost in terms of his true calling. JoJo's journey reflects the struggle many face when balancing dreams and responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of persistence even when life gets complicated.

A Turning Point

The loss of his mother in 2013 was a profound moment that altered JoJo's life trajectory. This tragedy served as a catalyst for change, prompting him to seek outlets for his grief. He started a blog, which unexpectedly opened doors to opportunities in the media industry, including covering red carpet events. JoJo’s story illustrates how adversity can lead to new paths and reignite passions that had been sidelined.

Building a Career in Media

Through his blog and connections made along the way, JoJo Crews transitioned from aspiring artist to a respected media figure. His experiences in the entertainment industry, combined with his natural charisma, allowed him to carve out a niche for himself. JoJo emphasizes the importance of networking and staying true to oneself in the journey toward success.

JoJo Crews' journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of pursuing one’s passions despite setbacks. Whether it’s through the loss of a loved one or the challenges of adulthood, JoJo’s story inspires others to keep pushing forward. The key takeaways from his experience are clear: embrace your unique journey, stay connected to your passions, and never underestimate the impact of your story on others.

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the channel to continue learning how to build your own dope media platform.

Get the full Born To Be Dope experience at https://www.borntobedope.com

Join the Born To Be Dope Leadership Cypher. Our community for leaders looking to 10x their leadership impact, influence, and income: https://www.borntobedope.com/cypher

Get the eBook “Cracking The Content Creation Code” and register for the free live workshop: https://www.mypodcastpartner.com/ebook

Build your Authority Media Brand in the next 8-Week Media Camp: https://www.borntobedope.com/camp

Subscribe to the Dope AF Blog: https://www.borntobedope.com/blog

Follow Born To Be Dope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borntobedope

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