Don Ross and Tara Gilbert-Ross, The Boujee Southerner Experience, and Samantha McElhaney, SouthState Bank (Family Business Radio, Episode 35)
Host Anthony Chen profiled Don Ross and Tara Gilbert-Ross, The Boujee Southerner Experience, and banker Samantha McElhaney, SouthState Bank, on this edition of “Family Business Radio.” Don and Tara discussed their journey as entrepreneurs, their military service, how they work together as business owners and a married couple, and their plans for The Boujee Southerner Experience. Sam McElhaney shared how she works not only to give the best banking and financial advice and service for her clients but connects them in ways which help their business. Anthony closed the show will a commentary on using money to fulfill life’s purpose.
Family Business Radio is underwritten and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network.
The Boujee Southerner Restaurant, and Selfie Museum (AKA) “The Boujee Southerner Experience” was created to educate and celebrate African American contributions to Southern cooking and healthy living. The business seeks to serve plant-based replicas to popular Southern soul food dishes in an African American culturally inspired space that promotes pride and self-love.
The boutique section of the restaurant seeks to provide a shared retail space for minority businesses looking to gain more exposure. The Selfie Museum is dedicated to “Mental Health Awareness”, focusing on those who are learning to love themselves.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Donald and Tara Ross are a happily married couple originally from Chicago, IL. Parents of 7 children (2 boys and 5 girls), grandparents to 6 grandchildren, and 1 grand puppy. The retired military couple has dedicated their lives to service of God, country, family and community. 2 1/2 years ago Tara had a mental breakdown that led to her leaving the workforce and losing own identity and purpose. Donald worked to provide for the family while caring for Tara.
In September 2020, Tara and Don became grandparents to premature identical twins who were diagnosed with achondroplasia. Inspired by the twin’s tenacity and courage, Tara and Don wanted to resume life, serving others and building a foundation for their family and community. This desire brought them to Lawrenceville, GA where they’re building their family business “The Boujee Southerner.”
Don and Tara can be reached by email.
SouthState Bank
SouthState is one of the leading regional banks in the Southeast – serving more than one million customers via 275+ locations in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia. They offer robust banking solutions, including consumer banking, mortgage, small business banking, commercial banking and wealth management.
SouthState bankers care about their customers and each other – and it shows. They are proud to have earned awards for their banking solutions, service, and workplace environment. For the past three years, they’ve been ranked on Forbes’ 100 Best Banks in America and have earned top workplace honors several years running. This is banking at its best. This is banking forward.
Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.
Samantha McElhaney, Commercial Relationship Advisor, SouthState Bank
Samantha McElhaney is a Commercial Relationship Advisor with SouthState Bank.
She is a single mom of twins at the University of Alabama and the University of South Carolina. She has been in financial services for 28 years this September and currently holds the position of Commercial Banking Advisor in Greater Georgia.
She loves Lighthouses because they provide hope in the darkness/storms of life and admits she is extremely hard on herself. She leads and participated in small groups at North Point Community Church and Woodstock City Church because her faith is extremely important to her personally and professionally.
And her favorite time of the year – college football season is about to start, so bring on fall, food, and “fandemonium.”
Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio
This show is sponsored and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. Securities and advisory services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. (RAA), member FINRA/SIPC. RAA is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of RAA. The main office address is 575 Broadhollow Rd. Melville, NY 11747. You can reach Anthony at 631-465-9090 ext 5075 or by email at anthonychen@lfnllc.com.
Anthony Chen started his career in financial services with MetLife in Buffalo, NY in 2008. Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, he considers himself a full-blooded New Yorker while now enjoying his Atlanta, GA home. Specializing in family businesses and their owners, Anthony works to protect what is most important to them. From preserving to creating wealth, Anthony partners with CPAs and attorneys to help address all the concerns and help clients achieve their goals. By using a combination of financial products ranging from life, disability, and long-term care insurance to many investment options through Royal Alliance. Anthony looks to be the eyes and ears for his client’s financial foundation. In his spare time, Anthony is an avid long-distance runner.
The complete show archive of “Family Business Radio” can be found at familybusinessradioshow.com.
