Thirteen years ago, I had the incredible honor of being featured on the cover of Black Enterprise magazine. The article, titled How to Keep a Good Financial Start Going, highlighted my journey of financial responsibility, goal-setting, and resilience. At the time, I was just beginning my path toward financial stability, navigating the post-recession economy (which was so scary!), and making intentional decisions about money. Looking back now, I see how that moment shaped not only my financial habits but also my understanding of the long game when it comes to building wealth. It also helped so many others take a look at their financial status and make positive steps to improve their situations. Here are a few personal takeaways from that article.
Reflecting on My Black Enterprise Experience
The Power of Sharing My Story. One of the most powerful takeaways from that experience was realizing how impactful it is to share your financial journey. When the article went live, I received messages from people who saw themselves in my story—young professionals, first-generation wealth builders, and individuals looking to create a strong financial foundation. Many told me that my approach to financial planning, budgeting, and long-term thinking gave them the motivation to take control of their own money. This reinforced a lesson I still carry today: personal finance is just that—personal—but sharing experiences can inspire and educate others in ways we often don’t realize.
Learning That I Wasn’t Alone. At the time of the story, I was carefully budgeting, making sacrifices, and prioritizing financial security over instant gratification. While I knew it was the right thing to do, it sometimes felt isolating—like I was missing out on the experiences my peers were enjoying. However, through the article, I learned that so many others were in the same position, trying to figure out how to build wealth, avoid financial pitfalls, and set themselves up for long-term success. Knowing that I wasn’t alone made the process feel more manageable and reinforced the importance of financial literacy in our communities.
Understanding Financial Basics (And How They Still Apply). When I was featured, I was focused on mastering financial fundamentals—budgeting, saving, managing debt, and planning for the future. These basics became my financial foundation, and while my income and financial goals have evolved over the years, those same principles still apply today. The economic landscape continues to change, new financial tools have emerged, and my life has grown more complex, but the core values of financial discipline, intentionality, and patience remain constant.
Playing the Long Game. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past 13 years, it’s that financial stability is a long game. It’s not always glamorous or exciting to be conservative with money, plan ahead, or say no to short-term indulgences—but it pays off. Looking back, I’m grateful for the choices I made early on because they have given me the freedom and stability I have today. There were moments when I doubted myself, but staying the course has allowed me to build a strong financial foundation, invest wisely, and create opportunities for my family and my business.
Thirteen years after that magazine cover, I’m still on a mission to educate others when it comes to financial literacy. My journey has evolved, but my commitment to financial stability and helping others do the same remains unchanged. I’m proud of the lessons I’ve learned, the impact my story has had, and the journey that continues. Because at the end of the day, financial freedom isn’t about a single moment—it’s about consistently making choices that align with the future you want to build.