The Seven Times

10/12/2025

09/12/2025

Black Student Unions are safe and welcoming spaces for Black students at 4 Iowa universities, say student leaders.

09/12/2025

A PREMIERE EXPERIENCE - Chelsey Montgomery-Gusta's journey into dog training began in college when a therapist recommended an emotional support animal for anxiety. Today, she runs Knallhart Kennels & Training Academy, a premiere dog boarding and training facility near Iowa City.

Part 1 of 3 - Follow along as we explore Knallhart Academy.

🎥 .kraus9 and Nik Heftman | 💻 .kraus9

Support our mission: We're documenting Black-owned businesses across the nation. A dollar spent locally circulates seven times in the community. Help us tell these stories: GiveButter.com/the7times

Follow on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Substack.

20/11/2025

Enjoyed meeting and interviewing the great Bill Whitaker about a number of different topics. I’m grateful for the opportunities that have found me since I started doing things my way. I have to keep going.

19/11/2025

Check out the preview for our series on Knallhart Kennels & Training Academy in Iowa City!

15/11/2025

HOPE + GROWTH - Shawnniecakes Owner LeShawn Smith talks about what is next for her growing Cedar Rapids business. She also hopes to inspire Black women to follow her footsteps into entrepreneurship.

🎥 Filming by: .kraus9 and
💻 Edit by: .kraus9

This is the third and final part of a series of stories about Shawnniecakes.

We need your help producing our series on Black-owned businesses. Please consider donating to our mission to highlight Black entrepreneurs around the nation: GiveButter.com/the7times

A dollar spent at a local business turns over seven times in the community. is a platform highlighting Black-owned businesses with a physical presence in their communities. Please support the initiative by following on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

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14/11/2025

Grateful for the opportunity to interview actor Delroy Lindo about Black art - among other topics.

21/10/2025

LOVE + SOUL - Everything at Shawnniecakes is made from scratch. Owner LeShawn Smith talks about the food’s personal touch. Smith also talks about the challenges and lessons that come with being an entrepreneur.

🎥 Filming by: Heidi Kraus and Nik Heftman
💻 Edit by: Heidi Kraus

This is the second part of a series of stories about Shawnniecakes.

We need your help producing our series on Black-owned businesses. Please consider donating to our mission to highlight Black entrepreneurs around the nation: GiveButter.com/the7times

A dollar spent at a local business turns over seven times in the community. is a platform highlighting Black-owned businesses with a physical presence in their communities. Please support the initiative by following on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

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21/10/2025

So grateful for the recognition!

Received our Outstanding Independent Film Award from the Detroit Black Film Festival yesterday. So grateful for the recognition among the many great films that played there.

07/10/2025

ENTREPRENEURSHIP + LOVE - LeShawn Smith didn’t always love baking, but she did always want to become a business owner. She is now the owner and operator of Shawnniecakes - a bakery and cafe located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Smith shares her story and the inspiration that propels her business.

🎥 Filming by: Heidi Kraus and Nik Heftman
💻 Edit by: Heidi Kraus

This is the first part of a series of stories about Shawnniecakes.

We need your help producing our series on Black-owned businesses. Please consider donating to our mission to highlight Black entrepreneurs around the nation: GiveButter.com/the7times

A dollar spent at a local business turns over seven times in the community. is a platform highlighting Black-owned businesses with a physical presence in their communities. Please support the initiative by following on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

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2m

03/10/2025

Thank you Detroit Black Film Festival !

23/09/2025

We screened our debut film for the first time a year ago today! Many more screenings to come.