We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nefertiti Holas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nefertiti below.

Alright, Nefertiti thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the early days of establishing your own firm. What can you share?

In 2014, I launched my business after deciding to leave my last 9-to-5 job due to an unhealthy work environment created by my supervisor. Over the years, I had gained diverse experience across several industries, including daycare, auditing, campus police, restaurant management, retail, banking, payroll, and accounting. This range of roles provided me with a broad skill set, which shaped me into a resourceful and intuitive entrepreneur with strong management and leadership abilities.

Determined to start my own venture, I crafted a business plan and presented it to my mother and stepfather, seeking their support. Without hesitation, they invested in my vision—my mother contributed $500, and my stepfather provided a new laptop. I converted my laundry room into my first official office space, and with that, ChaNJe Money Matters Co. was born (originally named ChaNJe Credit Repair LLC). My first year in business brought in $4,500. Although I recorded a loss, I was incredibly proud of generating revenue on my own. Since then, ChaNJe Money Matters Co. has continued to double its revenue year after year.

Starting out, I faced significant challenges, notably the struggle to gain industry recognition. Despite holding a Bachelor’s degree and two Master’s degrees, I was often overlooked in favor of competitors with more established names, even if their credentials didn’t align as well with my target market. Reflecting on my journey, the one thing I would change would be to invest more in marketing and operational systems early on. These have become essential components of my business’s growth and my team’s success.

For young professionals considering starting their own business, my advice is to treat it as you would any serious endeavor. Many assume that running your own business offers total freedom; in reality, it requires more hours, dedication, consistency, and sacrifice than a 9-to-5 job. Your business becomes your new “9-to-5”—and then some. Respect it, nurture it, and commit to it fully. This mindset will pave the way for genuine success.

Nefertiti, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Nefertiti Holas, and my journey into entrepreneurship and financial empowerment is deeply rooted in my upbringing and personal experiences. I was raised in St. George’s, Grenada , where I was exposed to the world of business and finances at an early age. Being heavily involved in the family business from cooking to bank runs, I developed a natural curiosity about money management, problem-solving, and creating opportunities. Those early experiences planted the seeds for what would later become my passion and career.

How I Got Started
Growing up, I saw firsthand how financial literacy—or the lack of it—could impact families and businesses. Those lessons stayed with me and inspired me to create a life dedicated to helping others achieve financial clarity and success. Fast forward to adulthood, I launched my business from the most humble of beginnings: my laundry room, an investment from my mom, $500.00 and stepdad, a new laptop. With limited resources but boundless determination, I started building a business that would grow to serve individuals and organizations in profound ways. Today, I’m proud to say that what began as a dream in my home has grown into a thriving enterprise with a commercial building, an incredible team, and over 10 years of impact.

My Work and Offerings
I offer a range of products and services designed to empower people with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed:
1. Financial Consulting: I specialize in accounting, taxes, payroll, bookkeeping, and CFO services for businesses looking to scale.
2. Educational Tools: I created ‘The Game of ChaNJe’, a financial literacy board game that teaches essential life skills—like budgeting, credit, and investing—through real-world scenarios in a fun and engaging format. As well as budget planner to assist clients to manage their finances.
3. Real Estate Services: I provide guidance on buying, selling, and investing in real estate, helping clients achieve their financial and personal goals.
4. Mentorship and Speaking: Through my site, ‘nefertitiholas.com’, I offer mentorship, speak at events, and provide workshops on financial literacy, business strategy, and personal empowerment.

Problems I Solve
My work helps individuals and businesses tackle challenges such as:
– Demystifying complex financial systems
– Structuring efficient tax and payroll solutions
– Building sustainable financial strategies for long-term growth
– Improving financial literacy through innovative, hands-on tools
– Navigating the real estate market with confidence

What Sets Me Apart
What sets me apart is my personal investment in my clients’ growth. I don’t just provide services—I educate, mentor, and empower. My approach is grounded in making financial literacy relatable, actionable, and accessible to everyone. Whether I’m consulting, mentoring, or designing educational tools like ‘The Game of ChaNJe’, my goal is to ensure that people leave with the skills and confidence to succeed independently.

What I’m Most Proud Of
While I’ve achieved many milestones in my career, what I’m most proud of is being a mom to my son, Channing. Watching him grow inspires me every day and reinforces the importance of teaching financial literacy and life skills to the next generation.

On a professional level, I’m proud of the journey my business has taken—from its humble beginnings in my laundry room to a thriving company with a commercial space and a national presence. Along the way, I’ve been honored to receive numerous awards, including:
– 2023 ODU Alumni Association 40 under 40
– 2024 CoVa NEXTgen Award
– 2020-2023 CoVa Best Tax Service Awards
– 2022 CoVa Business Person of the Year
– 2022 CoVa Innovator of the Year
– 2023 CoVa Top Female CEO
These recognitions are a testament to the impact of my work and the incredible clients and collaborators I’ve been fortunate to work with.

What I Want People to Know
I want people to know that success is possible, no matter where you start. My work is about transformation—helping individuals and businesses achieve their goals through knowledge, strategy, and empowerment. My journey has been built on faith, perseverance, and a genuine passion for helping others thrive. If you’re ready to take control of your finances, grow your business, or learn something new, I’m here to help. Let’s make ChaNJe together.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale require a thoughtful approach to leadership. Clear and transparent communication is paramount; keeping the team informed about goals, expectations, and challenges fosters trust and alignment. Equally important is setting clear expectations and ensuring that each team member understands their role and how their contributions support the larger mission. Regularly reviewing progress and celebrating successes, no matter how small, helps sustain motivation and a sense of accomplishment.

As a leader, I believe in leading by example. Demonstrating integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic inspires the same qualities in a team. Recognizing and rewarding efforts—whether through simple expressions of gratitude or formal recognition programs—goes a long way in reinforcing positive behaviors and maintaining morale.

My management style and skills are a reflection of the lessons I’ve gathered from observing and working under various supervisors throughout my career. I took the time to assess what approaches were effective and what were not, allowing me to shape a leadership style that emphasizes both structure and empathy. Equally important is fostering a healthy work-life balance and respecting personal boundaries. Flexibility, when possible, enhances morale and demonstrates respect for the well-being of the team. I also address conflicts promptly and constructively, ensuring that disagreements are resolved in a manner that preserves relationships and trust.

Above all, I prioritize ensuring that my team feels heard, valued, and recognized. I strive to create an environment where each member understands that their contributions are integral to achieving our larger goals. By fostering open communication, celebrating accomplishments, and involving my team in the vision of the organization, I aim to cultivate not just a productive workplace but one where individuals feel motivated and empowered.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building my reputation within my market has been a combination of consistency, authenticity, and a commitment to delivering exceptional value. Early on, when I conducted the SWOT analysis for my business plan, I identified communication as a key challenge for many competitors in my field. I made it a priority to ensure that clear, transparent, and consistent communication became one of the hallmarks of my business. This focus has allowed me to build trust, foster stronger relationships, and set my brand apart from others in the market.

Another significant factor has been my dedication to educating and empowering my clients. Whether through financial consulting, mentorship, or tools like ‘The Game of ChaNJe’, I focus on equipping individuals and businesses with the knowledge and strategies they need to succeed.

I also emphasize personalized service, taking the time to understand my clients’ unique needs and tailoring solutions that genuinely address their challenges. This approach not only builds trust but fosters long-lasting relationships, leading to referrals and a strong reputation for reliability.

Transparency and integrity are at the core of everything I do. I believe in being honest and clear with clients, even when discussing complex or difficult topics. This openness has helped establish credibility and respect in my field.

My willingness to innovate and adapt has also been key. Creating tools like ‘The Game of ChaNJe’ demonstrates my commitment to finding creative ways to solve problems and engage with my audience. Staying ahead of industry trends and continuously improving my offerings have ensured that I remain relevant and impactful in a competitive market.

Lastly, the milestones I’ve achieved—such as expanding my business from a laundry room to a commercial space and earning multiple awards—reflect the hard work, dedication, and results that clients and colleagues associate with my brand. These achievements serve as tangible evidence of the value I strive to deliver every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nefertitiholas.com
• Instagram: nefertiti_holas
• Facebook: nefertitiholas
• Linkedin: nefertiti-holas-780861161
• Other: Business website: www.chanjemoneymatters.org
  IG: chanjemoneymatters
  FB: chanjemoneymatters

Image Credits

Josh Boone Photography