Entrepreneur Brittney Castro
Working for yourself and owning a business is not for the faint of heart. How did you make your way into a life in entrepreneurship and what were some motivating factors that led you to this decision?
Honestly, it was just about taking the steps in life that ended with me being here now. I think for me, it was and still is, about constantly growing and going for more in life. To grow as a person and keep evolving to achieve what I want for myself. Being an entrepreneur is more about the ability to say yes to the million challenges that come with it, and going into the unknown to create something you have a vision of. For me, it is the creation process I enjoy most, and business is just one way I like to create in life.
With a vast array of entrepreneurs in the business world, which ones inspired you the most and had a positive impact on your own career?
You know, for me, it has been the many virtual mentors I have had from the business books I have read and still read. I find that learning from other business leaders and hearing their journeys and stories, is always the most valuable for me, as it helps me feel not alone and “normal” to experience the emotions of being an entrepreneur. The recent ones I have read were Shoe Dog by Phil Knight and The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger. Both of these stories showcase how, the risks they took as business leaders, led them to the huge successes they have now. But, also, they highlight the reality of the journey and all their mistakes and failures that taught them important lessons as well. It is never a straight line nor is there ever one road to success.
In 2013, you founded Financially Wise Inc. Congrats on this accomplishment! What is the objective of your company and how do you go about assisting people in this space?
Financially Wise, Inc. is a financial company offering fee-only, comprehensive financial and investment planning services, online courses, speaking services, and brand partnerships. We’re in the business of serving those who are ready to take financial action and invest in themselves. We teach our clients and students the art of money management – how to earn it, save it, invest it, spend it wisely, and enjoy it through every stage of life.
As a woman of color, being a leader in your industry, especially the finance industry, is no easy feat. What were some of the challenges you faced along the way and how did you overcome them with great success?
I have never thought of myself as a woman of color because I have always been connected to many races and ethnicities in life. Of course, I am sensitive to the real concerns and challenges of specific demographics of people. But, rather than focus on how these challenges may be affecting me, I put my efforts and energy toward what I can do to become the person I want to in life, and have the things I desire in life. For me, this has helped bring more ease and clarity to overcome any challenge or obstacle life has for me and get stronger and wiser, by staying the course and not giving up.
What advice would you give the younger version of yourself, knowing what you know now?
You will have what you want, in due time and with the right effort and mindset. I know as I get older, I get wiser and understand the timing of things. Even though I have desires of what I want, I work with what I have now and enjoy the present more. With a deeper knowing and trust, I am able to relax and enjoy more and know I will have what I want next in life, when I am ready and the timing is right. This wisdom has come from age and experience and allows me more peace and happiness in my days and moments.
Now that you’ve done the work, and have overcome the obstacles, what advice would you give to those embarking in entrepreneurship and the finance world?
Don’t give up. So much of someone’s success comes from staying the course and consistently showing up and working hard to create what they want most out of life. This same mindset can be seen in the top athletes, business leaders and financially successful individuals. I like to think of it as the Mastery mindset. Focus on becoming the master of a craft and see how that type of mindset, discipline and training can be applied to all areas of your life.
We hear that you have a love for fashion and shoes. Which designers and styles appeal most to your personality and taste?
Gucci, Alice + Olivia, Zara, Frame, All Saints, Veronica Beard, Rag & Bone, and Chanel are some of my favs. I think it is a matter of finding great designer pieces on sale or mix and matching designer pieces with lower price point items to look and feel your best. It is amazing though with online shopping what we can find at a great rate with the right strategy 😉
Thank you for sharing your story and sound advice. What’s coming up next for you in the near future?
Hopefully, more brand partnerships like the recent ones I have with Mint, Altruist and First Entertainment Credit Union and the Lakers, where I help create financial education tools and programs to help more and more people manage their money and live a happy life free of money stress and worry.
Instagram: @BrittneyCastro
Twitter: @BrittneyCastro
Facebook: Brittney Castro
Photographer: Ben Cope
Stylist: Kaylee Jackson
Makeup: Brett Freeman
Hair: Hailey Adickes