We recently connected with Sequoia Clay and have shared our conversation below.

Sequoia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers

When I first launched NET WORTH UP™, my Instagram account had only about 300 followers. I was determined to make waves in the personal finance space, so I applied for one of Anthony O’Neal’s small business giveaways. Honestly, I didn’t think much would come of it—he’s a prominent personal finance influencer with millions of followers across his platforms.

To my shock, Anthony himself slid into my DMs! Not only had he noticed my application, but he also invited me to be featured on his show, which boasts over 2 million subscribers across social media. I couldn’t believe it—this was the break I’d been praying for!

When the day of the interview arrived, I was nervous but ready to share my story and my passion for financial literacy. What I didn’t expect was how much fun we’d have. During the interview, we even played a round of NET WORTH UP™! Watching Anthony engage with the game and light up with curiosity was so surreal. His excitement was contagious!

Once the show aired, the response was overwhelming. My sales skyrocketed almost overnight, marking my first viral moment. It was an incredible milestone for my business and something I’ll never forget.

Anthony O’Neal took a chance on me—a small business owner with a big dream—and it changed everything. That moment reaffirmed why I created NET WORTH UP™: to inspire, educate, and entertain.

Sequoia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

You can have FUN and get RICH playing the NET WORTH UP™ card game! In 2011 my freshman year of college, I was scammed by an unauthorized booth during homecoming. After getting yelled at by my mother for giving out my social security number, I decided to empower myself and not ever get played again.

I connected with a community leader that created a financial literacy curriculum, and I started the first financial literacy club on campus in 2012
—teaching credit, budgeting, and investing to my peers. Now over a decade later my asset portfolio consists of properties, retirement accounts, and other investments. I learned early not to live like the Jones’ and the power of compounding interest.

My family is from the Midwest (fun fact—Cedric The Entertainer put Caruthersville, Missouri on the map with his 2004 movie Johnson Family Vacation) and our family tradition is playing card games—from spades to deuces and tonk! I wanted to combine these Black traditional quick playing strategy games while continuing to be an advocate for financial freedom in a fun way. So I founded the first of its kind financial literacy card game called NET WORTH UP™!

You can have fun and get rich in a quick easy and fun way! This unique card game is a blend of UNO, Monopoly, Poker and tonk. NET WORTH UP™ exposes players of all ages to wealth building concepts that encourage financial well being. A player can win a game in less than a couple of minutes! The goal is to have more asset cards (what you own) and less liability cards (what you owe to win the game with the highest net worth. The player that thinks they have the highest points (AKA net worth) reveals their hand for a chance to win, ending the game. All players have to count their points, and the player with the highest points wins.

NET WORTH UP™ is dedicated to providing a quick playing time and unique gaming experience. Our innovative approach to financial education transforms learning the building blocks of net worth into a fun and compelling card game.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

For the initial capital I borrowed against my home through a home equity line of credit also known as a HELOC. It is a pretty straightforward process. Essentially, it lets you tap into the equity you’ve built in your home—kind of like using your house as collateral for a revolving line of credit.

Here’s how it works: First, a lender looks at the current value of your home and subtracts what you still owe on your mortgage. That difference is your equity, and most lenders will let you borrow up to 80-90% of that amount.

Once you’re approved, you’ll get access to a line of credit that works a lot like a credit card. During the draw period, which is usually about 5-10 years, you can borrow what you need, when you need it, and you’ll typically only have to pay interest on what you use. After that, the repayment period kicks in, and you’ll start paying back both the principal and interest, often over 10-20 years.

It’s a great way to fund a growing business, but it’s important to be mindful—since your home is the collateral, managing it responsibly is key!

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

I had no idea how to manufacture my product. I just had this incredible idea for NET WORTH UP™ and was determined to bring it to life. So, I turned to ChatGPT as my digital research assistant. I asked it for recommendations on manufacturers that specialize in card games, and that’s how I found Shuffled Ink.

The process was surprisingly smooth. I reached out to them, and they were super professional and collaborative. They helped guide me through everything—from choosing materials to finalizing the design—and it felt like they really understood the vision for my game.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to overcommunicate. Manufacturing involves so many little details, from colors to packaging specs, and it’s easy for something to get lost in translation. Also, always ask for samples! Seeing the product in your hands before going into full production is a game-changer.

Ultimately, finding the right manufacturer, like Shuffled Ink, can make all the difference. It’s about partnering with someone who sees your vision, gives you a realistic timeline, and is just as invested in making it a reality as you are.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.networthup.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/networthup?igsh=bHo2dmdyNmEyZG1s&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/RjFzvt68L688RkeF/?mibextid=kFxxJD
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/net-worth-up%E2%84%A2-63713b304?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Twitter: https://www.x.com/networthup
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@networthup?si=kDKxEG-T1c81RJA7
• Other: Interviews:

  The Table with Anthony O’Neal
  

  The Donna Drake Show
  

Image Credits

Miracle Fleming