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.
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.
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?
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.
Empowering Aging in Place: Karen Campbell’s Inspiring Entrepreneurial Journey
Karen Campbell’s entrepreneurial journey is deeply personal, rooted in a story of love, loss, and resilience. My Age In Place Advocate (MAIPA) was born from a profound determination to protect families and honor the memory of her elderly parents, who were tragically victimized by a lottery scam. Reflecting on the heartbreak and helplessness she felt, Karen turned her grief into action, creating a business designed to safeguard the elderly from financial exploitation and help them age gracefully in the comfort of their own homes.
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.
Ashanti Thomas-Mack is a passionate and ambitious entrepreneur living in Brooklyn, NY. She is the founder of Keep It Tight, and together with her husband and co-founder Shon Mack, they offer cosmetic surgery support and recovery care. Ashanti’s entrepreneurial spirit burned brightly within her, fueled by a desire to make a positive impact in people's lives.
Ashanti has always been driven and ambitious, and she always knew she wanted to be an entrepreneur. “From a young child, I had the taste of entrepreneurship from my mother. My mother, well, my family, migrated from Guyana. She had the skills, talent, and drive to make something out of nothing. I always heard stories that my mother was the “Trade woman”, selling gold and goods in Trinidad, Barbados, Grenada, and Syrunam. I remember the first time I saw my mom in action. It was Juvet night, we were selling baked and saltfish with coffee, then the next day, which was the Labor Day parade, we had a table full of food, coolers full of drinks under a tent with our flags representing my family roots, making money and making people happy. Then, I realized my mom was making money from the food she made. That showed me you can make money for yourself. Be your own boss.” - Ashanti
Ashanti's story began in the heart of Brooklyn, where she worked as a dental office manager. Despite her professional success, she yearned for something more. Deep within her, a flame of ambition and creativity flickered, waiting to be ignited. Ashanti dreamed of creating a company that would provide comprehensive support for individuals undergoing elective surgeries, a company that would be their guiding light through the entire surgical journey.
It was during her own traumatic surgical experience that Ashanti found the inspiration she needed to take the leap. She had traveled to Florida in 2020 to get surgery, but the aftermath was far from what she had anticipated. Her recovery process was unsafe and poorly managed, leaving her disillusioned and determined to create a safe haven for others in similar situations. With a burning passion and a vision in her heart, Ashanti founded Keep It Tight, a company dedicated to providing pre and post-surgical support for individuals undergoing elective surgeries.
Starting a business in the healthcare industry proved to be no small feat for Ashanti. She faced numerous challenges, including finding the right resources, understanding the complex healthcare landscape, and building trust and credibility within the community. But Ashanti's unwavering determination pushed her forward, and it was during this time that she discovered the transformative power of Centro's entrepreneurship programs.
“What I like most about being an entrepreneur is the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives. Knowing that I am providing a service that is genuinely needed and that I am helping individuals through a difficult and often overlooked process brings me great satisfaction. It's rewarding to see the positive impact we can make on our clients and the community.” - Ashanti
“Before Centro, I had concerns about the feasibility of starting my own business in the healthcare field. I was unsure about the resources available, the steps involved, and how to navigate the healthcare industry. Additionally, I had concerns about building trust and credibility with potential clients and partners.” - Ashanti.
Through Centro's Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, Ashanti found the support and guidance she needed to navigate the uncharted waters of entrepreneurship. The Centro Business Planning App became her trusted companion, providing her with a clear outline to write her business plan. It was a revelation, an empowering tool that gave her the structure and confidence to articulate her vision.
“Since joining Centro, I have had the opportunity to connect with a network of like-minded entrepreneurs and industry experts. This has opened doors for collaborations, partnerships, and continuous learning. Centro has also provided me with ongoing tools and access to additional resources, which have been instrumental in the growth and success of Keep It Tight.” - Ashanti
In 2023, Ashanti graduated from the Advanced Entrepreneurship Program, where she delved deeper into her business plan, discovering the importance of setting smart goals and executing them with precision and focus. She harnessed the knowledge and insights gained from Centro's programs, sharpening her skills in business development, financial management, and marketing strategies. “I would highly recommend Centro to my friends and family. The programs, resources, and support they offer are invaluable for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. Centro is a trusted and reliable partner that genuinely cares about the success and well-being of entrepreneurs. I am grateful for the opportunities and guidance they have provided me.” - Ashanti
Armed with newfound knowledge, Ashanti's entrepreneurial journey began to take flight. Keep It Tight started to grow, reaching new milestones and making a lasting impact on the lives of its clients. Ashanti's unwavering dedication and her team's collective passion propelled them forward, inspiring positive changes within the elective surgery industry.
“My advice to other entrepreneurs is to stay focused on your vision and never compromise on your values. Surround yourself with a strong support system, whether it's through mentors, peers, or professional organizations. Seek guidance when needed and be open to learning from both successes and failures. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Most importantly, be resilient and believe in yourself and your ability to make a positive impact. Don't base your success on others' wins or failures. This is your journey, you're in control.”- Ashanti
Today, Keep It Tight operates in the vibrant streets of New York City, supporting individuals through their surgical journeys with compassion and expertise. Ashanti's vision is boundless, and she has set her sights on expanding their services and reaching a wider audience. With their MWBE certification and plans to become ABCDE certified, Keep It Tight is poised for even greater success.
“Keep It Tight has contributed to the community by promoting safety and proper care within the elective surgery industry. We prioritize the well-being of our clients and strive to educate them about the importance of selecting qualified surgeons, obtaining medical clearance, and taking appropriate pre & post-operative measures. By providing comprehensive support and guidance, we aim to ensure a positive and safe surgical experience for our clients. Another way we foster through the community is through our brand ambassadors. These are individuals who have been through their own surgical journeys with Keep It Tight and are passionate about spreading the message of safety, support and self-care. Our big sister program and clothing drives will also be our contribution to the community. “ - Ashanti
Ashanti's success story would not be complete without acknowledging the incredible support she received throughout her journey. Her husband, Shon Mack, children, and team members have been her unwavering pillars of strength. They believed in her vision and stood by her side, offering encouragement, assistance, and unwavering support.
Currently, Keep It Tight is operating in New York City. They are MWBE Certified and working on becoming ABCDE certified, and have serviced over 45 clients since 2021. Ashanti has a dedicated team of professionals working with her. Her team includes , district manager-registered nurse, district manager-massage therapists, mobile massage therapist, support liaison, caretakers (PCA, CNA,CMA), administrative staff, and interns.
Ashanti envisions a future where Keep It Tight becomes a household name in pre and post-surgical support. Her goals are ambitious, yet she approaches them with the same unwavering determination that has carried her this far. She plans to establish a 24/7 short-term care facility, purchase additional ambulances, forge partnerships with renowned surgeons, and hire dedicated healthcare professionals. Keep It Tight will be a beacon of care and compassion, serving individuals not just in New York City but across the globe.
Join us in congratulating Ashanti for being brave and following her dreams! If you are in New York and want to learn more about her services, you can visit Keep It Tight and her Instagram.
