At the Black Entrepreneur Tour: Spring Formal hosted by Doing Far More LLC, Roselyn Omaka of Bolanle Media sat down with Martel Matthews—CEO of Trustavio and COO/co-founder of Black Wall Street—to share a deeply personal story and transformative wisdom on planning for legacy.

Martel recounted how his journey began at just 21, when he lost his mother—and over the next decade, faced six more family deaths, with only two covered by insurance. “We had to pay for four funerals out of pocket… We didn’t have the capital,” he shared, emphasizing how the lack of preparation magnified grief and placed an unfair burden on his father and himself.

From this experience, Martel learned that pre-planning is not just prudent—it’s essential for protecting dignity and financial stability. “Death is inevitable. But leaving behind a legacy—and some finances—gives your loved ones room to breathe during their darkest days,” he explained.

He urged attendees to take concrete action: have conversations, secure insurance, and formalize estate plans. “Sit down with your family. Make sure you’re protected. Know how to access resources when life happens,” he emphasized.

By sharing his story and advice, Martel is fueling a community movement—alongside Roselyn and Mrs Donna Marshall‑Payne—to inspire Black families and entrepreneurs to transition from reactive survival to proactive legacy building.

🔗 Stay Connected & Take Action

• Follow Martel Matthews on social media: @MartelMakesChange
• Connect with Doing Far More LLC for legacy planning:
• 📞 832‑745‑1114
• ✉️ info@doingfarmore.com
• 📱 Instagram: @doingfarmorellc
• 🌐 www.doingfarmore.com

The Black Entrepreneur Tour: Spring Formal, hosted at The Grand UpperRoom in Katy, TX, was more than just an event—it was a powerful reminder of what it means to build and protect a legacy in Houston’s Black community. This impactful gathering was made possible entirely by Doing Far More LLC, led by the visionary Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne. Her passion and dedication brought together entrepreneurs, visionaries, and families for an afternoon focused on real strategies for generational wealth, with a special emphasis on the often-overlooked role of real estate in legacy planning.

The Meaning Behind the Movement

Legacy planning is about more than passing down money or a business. It’s about ensuring that the values, stories, and assets you’ve worked hard to build will continue to benefit your family and community for generations. As Mrs. Donna shared, “It’s not just about what you leave behind—it’s about how you set your loved ones up to thrive long after you’re gone.” The event created a safe, celebratory space for guests to share their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs, making the experience deeply meaningful for all who attended.

The Real Estate Advantage

One of the most impactful topics discussed was the role of real estate in legacy planning. Real estate is more than an investment—it’s a cornerstone of generational wealth. By securing property, families can:

• Build equity that appreciates over time
• Provide stable housing or rental income for future generations
• Avoid the pitfalls of probate and family disputes through proper titling and estate planning
• Anchor a family’s presence and influence in their community

As highlighted during the event, many families lose valuable real estate due to lack of planning, leading to unnecessary legal battles and the loss of generational wealth. Mrs. Donna and her team emphasized the importance of proactive steps—like creating wills, trusts, and clear succession plans—to ensure that homes and properties remain assets, not burdens, for those left behind.

A Conversation That Matters

A highlight of the afternoon was the video interview with Roselyn Omaka, Founder and CEO of Bolanle Media. Sitting down with Mrs. Donna, Roselyn explored the deeper significance of legacy planning and how real estate can be a game-changer for Black families and entrepreneurs. Their conversation brought to light the urgent need for education and action, inspiring attendees to think beyond immediate business success and focus on long-term impact.

A Community United by Purpose

The Spring Formal wasn’t just about information—it was about inspiration and connection. Guests shared personal stories, learned from experts like Brittany Hall, owner of La Lutte Empire; Marcus Bowers , CEO of She’s Happy Hair and Cinema Anywhere Houston; and Martel Matthews (Black Wall Street and Trustavio), and left with practical tools to start their own legacy planning journeys. The event’s unique “pre-planning party” atmosphere turned a traditionally somber topic into a celebration of life, family, and future possibilities.

Stay Connected

Families looking to keep up with Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne and Doing Far More LLC can find resources, events, and one-on-one support through their website, social media, and direct contact. The movement continues, and everyone is invited to be part of a legacy that uplifts, protects, and empowers the next generation.

This entire impactful event was brought to you by Doing Far More LLC—Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne’s vision and leadership made it all possible.

Contact Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne & Doing Far More LLC:

• Phone: 832-745-1114
• Email: info@doingfarmore.com
• Instagram: @doingfarmorellc
• Facebook: Doing Far More LLC
• Website: www.doingfarmore.com

Let’s do far more—together!

Houston’s Black entrepreneurial community is flourishing, with Black-owned businesses now making up approximately 4.7% of all businesses in the city—one of the highest rates in Texas and well above the national average. From 2017 to 2020, the number of Black-owned businesses in Texas surged by 13.6%, generating over $141 billion in revenue and providing employment to more than 1.3 million Texans. Houston consistently ranks among the top metropolitan areas for minority-owned startups, with nearly 5,600 minority-owned startups—about 30% of all new companies—calling the city home.

Despite this impressive growth, a critical vulnerability threatens many of these businesses: over 70% of Black-owned businesses in Houston lack a formal succession or legacy plan. Without such planning, a single crisis—whether the sudden illness, incapacitation, or death of the owner—could lead to costly legal battles, business closure, or loss of generational wealth. This stark reality puts years of hard work and community progress at risk.

Compounding this issue, only 1 in 5 Black families in Houston pre-plan for funerals or final expenses, leaving families vulnerable to financial strain during already difficult times. Systemic challenges such as limited access to capital, lower rates of financial literacy, and historical barriers to wealth accumulation continue to impact the sustainability of Black-owned businesses in Houston.

Recognizing this urgent need, Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne, founder of Doing Far More LLC, is leading the charge to empower Houston’s Black entrepreneurs through the upcoming Spring Formal. This event, part of the Black Entrepreneur Tour, will be held at 23161 Morton Ranch Rd, Katy, TX 77449 and is designed to educate business owners about the critical importance of legacy and succession planning.

The Spring Formal will feature inspiring speakers such as Marcus Bowers, CEO of She’s Happy Hair and Cinema Anywhere Houston; Brittany Hall, owner of La Lutte Empire; Martel Matthews (co-owner of Black Wall Street), and event sponsor YetundeO, founder and creative director of The UpperRoomEvents. Attendees will also enjoy special experiences including coverage by Flume TV and Eyeconic Television alongside Bolanle Media, a sophisticated charcuterie table by Chef Shay, and signature mimosa bar drinks crafted by La Lutte Bartending exclusively for Doing Far More.

If you’re a Black entrepreneur in Houston, this event is your opportunity to join a vital conversation that too often goes unspoken. Don’t wait until a crisis threatens your business and legacy. Secure your spot at the Spring Formal and become part of a community committed to building lasting wealth and generational success.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne directly at 832.745.1114 or email info@doingfarmore.com

Let’s ensure Houston’s Black-owned businesses not only thrive today but endure for generations to come. Join us at the Spring Formal, and let’s do far more—together.