Black Dollars Exchange Black Gifts™️
Money Is Da Drug
A conversation with Melayshia Neal — Founder, MIDD®
Original Feature · EST. 2016 · Trademark Registered 2021
29. Born and Raised in O, NE. Work for a bank full time. Entrepreneur part time. I love to talk and have a big personality! I enjoy positive vibes only and telling people about my financial journey of adulting.
My name is Melayshia — aka Lay 2x (because you've gotta say it twice). Lay Lay. My business is Money Is Da Drug LLC — MIDD.
No — my last event was either my 3rd or 4th. At the time I was still new at vending. It was the first time I had an event that offered me the chance to showcase my product at no additional cost — an opportunity to gain more experience and exposure within our community.
Black Wall Street Expo was very similar to my own goals for MIDD. My motto is Black Dollars Exchange Black Gifts. It's a message to remind us that the dollars we spend with each other are an investment. It is a gift. You as a consumer may get a product or service — but me as a business owner, you are helping my business stay afloat and reach success.
I learned that from Malcolm X's days with the Nation of Islam — keeping our Black Dollars in our community to create, build, and maintain the growth of Black Businesses. So I'll proudly say he too had an impact.
"Black Dollars Exchange Black Gifts. The dollars we spend with each other are an investment. It is a gift."
To me it's a reminder and an example that we can provide any service or product to and from ourselves.
"From Us By Us. We can provide any service or product to and from ourselves."
What we see now is different than what it was in the 50s and 60s. I want to see a Rebirth of Ownership and Empowerment. Right now I'm definitely seeing the increase of Black Owned Businesses and Entrepreneurs in North Omaha. It's a vibe. I love it. But I want to see ownership in everything.
Nipsey Hussle said it and set an example the best he could before his demise. "Buy Back the Block." That's what I want to see too. Different messages but both vital and inspirational.
"I want to see a Rebirth of Ownership and Empowerment. Buy Back the Block."
Check out previous live opportunities from 95.7 The Boss (11/29/2019) and 101.3 The Beat Show (1/28/2020) — both available on Facebook.
Anyone interested in doing an interview, having me on a podcast, booking me as a speaker, or any opportunity — reach out!
Connect with MIDD®
Instagram: @moneyisdadrug_
Website: moneyisdadrug.com
Shop: moneyisdadrug.gumroad.com
Email: moneyisdadrug@gmail.com
MIDD® educates and elevates through finance and fashion — a federally registered trademark with a registered SAM.gov entity (UEI: RDDKDCLNM9U8), two digital education products (the FED Packet and FEDY Workbook), and an active San Diego vending presence. Since this feature, the brand has grown from a vision into a movement. MIDD® is currently developing Financial Elevation Workshops for high school students, community organizations, and institutions — bringing the same real game that built this brand directly into the spaces that need it most. The vision Lay Lay described in this interview is becoming a reality.