From Intern to CEO: LaToya Shambo on Building a Creator Empire

From Intern to CEO: LaToya Shambo on Building a Creator Empire

Author: Kiki Said So & Medinah Monroe March 12, 2026 Duration: 1:29:07
This week on CockTales: Dirty Discussions, Kiki and Medinah sit down with LaToya Shambo, founder and CEO of Black Girl Digital and creator of Creator Palooza. From building a platform that celebrates Black creators to negotiating million-dollar brand deals, LaToya breaks down what it really takes to build influence into a real business.

The conversation dives into entrepreneurship, imposter syndrome, and the realities of the creator economy—plus how to determine your value and confidently negotiate what you’re worth. LaToya shares the lessons she learned from working in advertising and media before launching her own company and explains why learning on someone else’s dime can be one of the smartest moves future entrepreneurs make.

They also talk about growth, letting go of old situations, the importance of forgiveness, and why knowing your value—whether in business, relationships, or life—is a practice. If you’ve ever wondered how creators turn content into careers, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and real talk.

Follow Our Guest
@latoyashambo
@blackgirldigital

SPONSORED OFFERS FOR OUR LISTENERS
For all promo codes and links for promotions in the episode and other current offers, follow this link: https://linktr.ee/cocktalesads

SOAKING WET
Visit soakingwet.com and use code COCKTALES for 10% off 

SUPER.COM
Try out Super.com/credit right now to see how Super+ can help you boost your credit score.

Contact Us!
Advice: advice@cocktalespod.com
Cocktales: cocktales@cocktalespod.com
Weird Sex: weirdsex@cocktalespod.com
Show Sponsorship: sales@cocktalespod.com
General Inquiries info@cocktalespod.com
Join Patreon! www.patreon.com/cocktales

Get Your Merch & Order Your Card Game Purchase Merch And Card Game at www.imcurioustoknow.com

Get Klassy Baste! Learn to Cook with Kiki www.klassybaste.com

Join Kiki's Book Club www.patreon.com/kikisaidso

Travel With Medinah! https://linktr.ee/MedinahMonroe

DONATE TO MEALS ON WHEELS ATLANTA- https://www.mowatl.org/donations

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cocktales-dirty-discussions--2818687/support.

CONNECT WITH US
Follow the hosts and join the conversation after the episode:

Kiki Said So (Kiara Walker)
Instagram: @kikisaidso
TikTok: @kikisaidso

Medinah Monroe
Instagram: @coffeebeandean
TikTok: @medinahmonroe

CockTales: Dirty Discussions Podcast
Instagram:@cocktalespodcast
TikTok:

Grab a drink and get comfortable. CockTales: Dirty Discussions is that unfiltered conversation happening in the corner of your favorite bar, hosted by friends Kiki Said So and Medinah Monroe. With one navigating single life and the other rooted in a long-term relationship, their perspectives clash and complement in the most honest ways. This isn't a clinical advice show; it's a raw, comedic, and deeply personal journal of what modern dating, sex, and relationships actually feel like on the ground, specifically through the lens of life in Atlanta. Each episode feels like you’re pulling up a chair to their table as they dissect their latest encounters, frustrations, and triumphs with zero censorship. The laughter is genuine, the stories are real, and the discussions go to places most are too polite to mention. You’ll find this podcast lives in the messy, human intersection of society, culture, and personal revelation, all served with a hefty side of comedy. Tune in for the kind of candid talk that makes you nod in recognition, laugh out loud, and maybe even rethink your own approach to the complicated sea of love and connection.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

CockTales: Dirty Discussions
Podcast Episodes
Relationship ROI, Bottomless Mimosas & Separated Checks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:56
Are you getting a good Relationship ROI, or are you just operating in chaos? This week, Kiki and Medinah discuss the importance of intentionality—from your wellness routine to your brunch dates. We’re diving into why sep…
Ep. 476 "What's Your Superpower?" with Kiki Said So & Medinah Monroe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:04
What’s Your Superpower?In this episode of CockTales: Dirty Discussions, Kiki and Medinah tap into reflection, purpose, and grown-woman clarity as they unpack the question: what’s your real superpower? From unexpected “Go…
Ep. 475 WHO SAID THAT- PART 2! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:33
SPECIAL OFFER!Beducated is offering our listeners 50% off an annual membership when you click the link iand use code COCKTALES. https://beducate.me/pd2603-cocktalesLast week we kicked off our “Who Said That?” recap, and…
"WHO SAID THAT" 2025 YEAR IN REVIEW [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:52
It’s time to look back… and immediately ask ourselves, “Wait—who said that?!”In Part 1 of this two-part recap episode, Kiki and Medinah revisit some of the wildest, funniest, most unhinged moments from 2025 (with a few o…
Ep. 471 Naughty Nog, Naughty Stories & A Very Public Emergency [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:25
Try Beducated and use code COCKTALES for 50% off your annual membership https://beducate.me/pd2549-cocktales #BEDUCATED #getbeducatedWe’re shaking up the holiday season with a cocktail that tastes like Christmas, cozy vi…
Planes, Parties & Premium Oscillation: A Very CockTales Catch-Up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:02
Kiki and Medinah are back with a full life update you did not see coming. From Virgin Voyages cruise chaos (yes, sandstorms and lost cameras!) to pajama parties, new friendships, holiday stress, and family tea — the girl…
GRIEF, HEDO, & THE ER [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:10
We are back in the studio with Cocktales Chardonnay in our glasses and a lot on our hearts.This week Kiki and Medinah catch you up on everything from Hedonism in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa to one of the wildest Weir…