From Howard University to Hollywood TV screens to owning a mid-century modern furniture store in Philadelphia — this episode is a masterclass in reinvention and entrepreneurship.

In this episode, Haqq sits down with longtime friend and Howard classmate Kenya Abdul Hadi, co - owner of The Modern Republic, a premier mid-century modern furniture store in Philly. Before furniture, Kenya built two successful clothing brands, selling T-shirts that landed in Nordstrom, appeared on iconic shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and were worn by cultural heavyweights including Tupac, Fat Joe, DMX and LeBron James.

Kenya breaks down:

* How he got his clothing line into major retail stores like Nordstrom

* The real strategies behind building and growing a loyal customer base

* Why furniture is one of the most lucrative retail businesses

* How anyone can start a furniture business today

* Knowing when to pivot and evolve as an entrepreneur

The conversation also dives into their shared roots at Howard University, the power of relationships, and the mindset required to build brands that last across industries.

Whether you’re into fashion, furniture, retail, or entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with real game from someone who’s lived it.

Don’t forget to Subscribe and Rate & Review on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast at.

#Entrepreneurship #MidCenturyModern #FurnitureBusiness #HowardUniversity #Streetwear #RetailGame #Philadelphia #TheModernRepublic #BusinessPodcast

Pure Love Pies is more than a bakery — it’s a story of faith, family, and self-determination.

In this episode, Haqq sit's down with the owner of Pure Love Pies, a Muslim-owned bakery known for its legendary navy bean pie, a dish deeply rooted in Black Muslim history. Popularized through the Nation of Islam and the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, bean pie was created to encourage healthier eating and economic independence — and that legacy continues today.

In this episode Haqq and Samaad Barnes discuss:

⚫️ The do-for-self mindset passed down from his father

⚫️ How his mother developed the original bean pie recipe still used today

⚫️ Turning a cultural staple into a profitable business

⚫️ Running two bakery locations and selling thousands of pies

⚫️ Balancing a 9-to-5 job while building a business

⚫️ The real steps it takes to open a brick-and-mortar bakery and make a profit

⚫️ Why keeping it a family business matters This episode is for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, Black Muslim history, food culture, or building something meaningful from the ground up.

From Sudan to Stardom: This episode features a conversation with Alsarah, the East African retro-pop artist, poet, whose journey from Khartoum to musical success is as inspiring as her soulful sound. She opens up about her roots in Sudan, navigating cultural identity as a Muslim, and how her family's resilience shaped her creative path. Discover how her deep connection to East African traditions and life experiences fueled her rise in the music world and led her to form her own rock band, Alsarah & The Nubatones.

From her early days exploring Sudanese music to embracing African American sounds like gospel, jazz, and blues, Alsarah shares how she built her career as an independent artist from studying greats like Erykau Badu, Learn how she financed her albums, negotiated licensing deals, and took bold steps to preserve her authentic voice amidst industry norms. This episode also dives into her activism for Sudan, her reflections on revolution, and her ability to craft music that transcends borders and genres. Whether you're a fan of cultural exploration, Islam, or simply enjoy authentic artistry, this episode is for you!

Don't miss her heartfelt insights, her latest album "Seasons of the Road," and how she landed a record deal.

Be sure to Rate and Review on Apple Podcast and subscribe to stay tuned for more inspiring tales from artists redefining success and pushing boundaries.

#sudanesemusic #ethnomusicology #eastafricanculture #eastafricamusic

CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro

02:06 - East African Retro Pop Overview

03:59 - Her Genesis Story

10:05 - Moving to America

12:12 - What is "Tarab Music"

13:20 - Discovering African American Music

16:16 - Graduating from Wesleyan University

18:49 - Moving to New York City

22:06 - Starting Her Band Journey

24:34 - Securing A Record Deal

30:09 - Releasing a New Album After 9 years

34:40 - Sudan’s Future Perspectives

35:54 - Alsarah's Music Journey

39:54 - Artists She Wants go on Tour With

42:12 - Outro