Welcome to BRANDED
CONVERSATION SERIES
A conversation series on branding and marketing for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
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This is how local entrepreneurs across industries turn their ideas into identities and businesses into brands.
Latest Conversation
Ft. Shanklin Hall, DC's hottest social club
I sat down with two of the founders behind this social club: Imani Shanklin Roberts, an art therapist who curates the Creative-In-Residence program here, and Nic Hall, the marketing strategist scaling the institution's impact.
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Tessa Velazquez — Co-owner of la Betty
Tessa and her family have spent the last decade turning cafés into community hubs. She shares how the risk to rebrand their family café paid off and why the best brand strategy is rooted in connection.
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Nori Nori — Solopreneur and Award-Winning Entertainer
Nori Nori has built a career across radio, writing, and film, each chapter proving that authenticity still sells even in an industry obsessed with trends. From early mornings on air to producing films and writing children’s books, Nori shares what it takes to build a personal brand that lasts, one rooted in character, consistency, and creative reinvention.
How Miles Johnson Built His Brand as an Artist
In this episode of BRANDED, we dive deep into the business of creativity. If you’re a creator, an influencer, or a small business owner struggling to stand out, Miles shares exactly how he developed a signature look that is instantly recognizable and how he turned his art into a community-driven brand.
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Lesley Bryant — Founder of The Lady Clipper
Founded by Lesley Bryant, this all-female, all-Black barbershop was built with one goal: belonging. Lesley shares how she transformed a
routine experience into a meaningful moment of care.
Alex Schroeder's Brand Strategy for Digital Growth
Alex Schroeder is the creator of @DevourDC, a digital platform he’s scaled to almost 300,000 followers that helps shape how thousands of people experience Washington, DC through food, arts and culture.
PAST EPISODES
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SHARE YOUR STORY
Join the Show
We travel far and wide to meet small business owners and entrepreneurs who show up with intention through killer marketing, thoughtful branding, and storytelling that sets them apart. But the best leads often come from you. If you or someone you know should be featured on BRANDED, we’d love to hear about it.
Tools to Build Your Brand
Build Your Brand
Coming Soon
We’re preparing a curated library of guides, templates, and tools for founders. Stay tuned.
In Good Company
Every entrepreneur needs a village. We’re grateful to have Jacqueline Chavis, Founder of Colander Chavis Educational Consulting, in ours. Their commitment to helping educators and leaders build thriving, inclusive spaces mirrors what this show is all about — growing stronger brands, stronger founders, and stronger communities.
COMMUNITY
Behind BRANDED
THE CREW
Tsunami Digital Media
— Production Team
Malaika Karriem
— Series Creator & Host
Malaika Karriem is a brand strategist and founder who has spent more than a decade helping small business owners. Through her marketing boutique, Founder, Malaika works with growth-minded entrepreneurs every day. She knows firsthand what it feels like to run a business, to wrestle with marketing that feels overwhelming, and to wonder how to stand out when everything online looks the same.
Founded by Tony Berrios, Tsunami Digital Media is a creative production studio specializing in cinematic storytelling for brands, entrepreneurs, and organizations. From commercial campaigns to long-form series like BRANDED, Tsunami blends strategy, visuals, and narrative to create work that feels intentional, human, and impactful.
