News, San Jose
Mary Huber
Forging Dreams and Building a Legacy

Daniel Fonseca: Forging Dreams and Building a Legacy with Oasis Home Design

Daniel's story is an inspiring example of how resilience, passion, and love for one's roots can transform challenges into opportunities. Born in Colombia and raised in a family of creatives and entrepreneurs, Daniel grew up surrounded by a deep tradition of independence and hard work. From a young age, he observed his grandfather, a self-taught carpenter who left behind the poverty of mining towns to build a better future in the city, and his father, who continued that legacy by establishing himself as a construction entrepreneur in California.

Forging Dreams and Building a Legacy
Entrepreneurs, New York, Florida, California
Mary Huber
Financial Planning for the Year Ahead

Financial Planning for the Year Ahead: Keys to Successful Financial Planning

Personal Financial planning is one of the most crucial steps to ensuring your personal success. With the beginning of a new year, now is the perfect time to set clear goals, evaluate your resources, and prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Financial Planning for the Year Ahead
Entrepreneurs
Mary Huber
Intuitive Adornment by Rachel McKernan

Rachell’s entrepreneurial story began in her teenage years, growing up in New York City, where the vibrant fashion industry left a lasting impression on her. Immersed in the urban landscape, she observed how elements of daily life, nature, and even the ocean could inspire creativity. Rae’s modeling career started at the age of 12, an experience that allowed her to develop a deep appreciation for the transformative power of fashion. "I love how a single piece of jewelry can make us feel beautiful, but also elevate any outfit," Rae shares. This insight shaped her journey as a jewelry designer, leading her to create her brand, Intuitive Adornment Jewelry, which reflects her intuitive and organic approach to life and design. Her jewelry combines bling and fashion with nature and feminine energy, making every woman who wears her creations feel special and beautiful.

Intuitive Adornment by Rachel McKernan
News, Entrepreneurs
Mary Huber
Kickstart Your Business Goals for 2025

The start of a new year is the perfect time for entrepreneurs to dream big and set meaningful goals to start a new or existing business. Since our founding in 2010, Centro Community Partners (Centro) believes every entrepreneur deserves the support and resources to turn their vision into reality. You can make 2025 your most successful year! What are the right strategies and programs to get you there?

Kickstart Your Business Goals for 2025
News, Featured Entrepreneur
Guest User
Cathleen's Transformation with Sajès Ed ...

Cathleen Antoine-Abiala’s entrepreneurial journey began with a profound love for learning, storytelling, and cultural preservation. Inspired by her family’s rich history and traditions, Cathleen recognized the power of education and creativity in shaping identities and building communities. The loss of her mother deepened her commitment to honoring intergenerational knowledge, leading to the creation of Sajès Ed Consulting—a venture dedicated to helping individuals and communities uncover the stories and values that define their identities and futures.

Cathleen's Transformation with Sajès Ed Consulting

2011

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Foodies at the Fruitvale Public Market

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It has been a busy summer at Centro! We are currently working with the entrepreneurs at the Fruitvale Public Market in Oakland in our Business Growth Program. MBA Advisors have been working closely with the Fruitvale entrepreneurs to help grow and revitalize their businesses. We have also discovered some amazing foodie finds at the Public Market.

Stop by and try some of Leticia’s famous pozole and authentic home-style cooking at the Taco Grill. For dessert, there are plenty of options including traditional and unique ice cream flavors at Nieves Cinco de Mayo (our favorite is avocado!) Cold outside? Warm up with a churro hot caramel filled from Churros Mexicanos or a slice of famous tres leches cake from Bakery Del Sol.

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PieTisserie: A Unique Take on Classic Dessert Pies

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Jaynelle St. Jean was raised in a family of three women in the Sunset District of San Francisco.  She graduated from the top of her class from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism.  After living and working in New York and Hawaii, Jaynelle returned to the Bay Area and began her life as an entrepreneur.  On Valentine’s Day 2010, Jaynelle staged her mother’s apartment as a country window with pies set out to cool and served her neighbors on ceramic dishes in order to create a sense of community.  Soon, neighbors began to recognize her as the “pie lady.”  After this experience, Jaynelle knew that her future was in the pie business and she is now the owner of PieTisserie, a catering and retail business.

Jaynelle explains, “I will feel successful when my real life mimics elements of the lifestyle PieTisserie depicts – one in which my own financial needs are met and I share with others; one in which work and life complement one another, such that I have time and vitality to labor over food for family, friends and neighbors; and one in which I contribute to a community where trust is the norm and interdependency is safe.  The reason my business thrills me is because it allows me to experience these feelings, while I work on making my desired state a reality.”

Jaynelle participated in Centro’s second cohort, where she worked with MBA Advisors to further develop her business plan, capture her production costs, and create marketing and growth strategies. She has a devoted following who absolutely LOVE her pies!  To learn more about Jaynelle and her unique take on pies, see PieTisserie on Facebook.