Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Adrianne DeJesus. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Adrianne, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

My mother, Genevieve aka Genny, passed away in 2020 and she used to work for the B.O.E. Public Elementary School for 20+ years. She had a knack for kids like no other. They confined in her because of the sincere love she showered upon them. She taught them how to jump rope, hand clap games, to respect themselves and others. My mother had a way to connect with kids and I, too, have that blessing. It’s been almost four years and I had an urge of wanting to honor my mother yet didn’t know how. I knew I didn’t want to do the traditional release of balloons nor annual celebration on her birthday. I wanted something that truly represents my mother and her name can live on. One day Genny Cares Corp just appeared in my mind. I cried and knew from my gut I needed to start a nonprofit organization that provided community fitness programs, mainly geared towards the youth. My vision was/is to encourage the youth to put down the electronics, guns, social media sites and replace with positive activities. I created a few programs
1. Gloves Up and Weapons Down is a class I teach the youth basic boxing skills and a HITT style Boot Camp exercise circuit class.
2. In The Ropes is a class I teach the youth how to turn and jump straight rope. I teach how to turn and jump double dutch. I teach various jump rope games which both the girls and boys enjoy!
3. Genny Golden Gals & Gents is a virtual class I teach individuals 55+, moderate exercises using the chair, bed and wall. I search online for various moderate exercises and send them to individuals to complete.
4. AD’s Work Da’Body Circuits is a class that consist of 8 exercise circuit. Each circuit is three minutes and we complete 2-3 rounds. The focus is what I call Triple A (Arms, Abs & Ass). I also became an Extreme Hip Hop Instructor which is an aerobic exercise that utilize a step board. This exercise was extremely therapeutic, a long with boxing and I want to teach people of all ages about it. Especially the youth. There are no organizations, let alone schools providing the programs I offer. I was able to partner with an after school organization to render my services and EVERYONE loves it. I teach discipline, self respect, respect others, encourage to do good in school, no bullying and that they have a future.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a Director of Accounting, Night Auditor for Marriott and I have two business….1. Your Financial Neighbor which I have one client, a Daycare, I do payroll and their books. 2. Genny Cares Corp, Inc. I’ve been working two full time jobs for seven years and been an entrepreneur for two years. Since Junior High School I knew I wanted to be an Accountant/Bookkeeper. My mother was a manager at a Bank in Harlem called Carver. I was fascinated by how she was able to use the 10 key adding machine. I took classes related to Accounting/Business and was a recipient of the Junior Honor Society. While in High School I took college classes at Fordham University and Bronx Community College. I was apart of the Co-Op program where you had to maintain a 75 & above grade so you can work one week and go to school one week. I’ve worked for several nonprofit organizations from a young age and was promoted at each of my employments. I understand the importance of nonprofit organizations and is why I chose to create Genny Cares Corp, Inc. oppose to a LLC. I started my company using funds from my personal account. During my time of grieving, I didn’t realize I was investing in myself by paying for monthly boxing training and attending Extreme Hip Hop classes. It all just felt good for my mind, body and soul. A feeling I am able to spread to the youth and community. Our youth rarely have the opportunity to play like how I did when I was young. I want them to experience that joy and is why I reached out to the LOOP Boys & Girls after school organization to partner with them. They have a summer program and I included hula hoops, drew a hop scotch board using chalk, teaching hand clap games, etc. They love the activities I provide. I can have a bad day yet when I work with them, my day is better. Their hugs are sincere, they confine in me about personal matters, cried in my arms, laugh and joke with me. It’s an amazing feeling interacting with the youth and witnessing them interact with one another. What I enjoy more is seeing their growth. My first class with LOOP Boys & Girls was April 8, 2024. They didn’t know how to box, some didn’t know their left from their right, some didn’t know how to turn rope nor jump rope. Now, they can do it all. Even jump in and out the rope. They didn’t understand balance and my HITT Boot Camp exercise program taught them a lot. Some even started resolving there issues with words opposed to hitting and/or yelling. It’s such a blessing to see the youth develop in maturity. My Extreme Hip Hop class is another class I’m proud of. I started with two clients and have grown to a steady 5. It’s been a little over a month and my clients have the same feelings I have towards the program. We get to exercise and jam to some dope music. I love to dance so my ability to put some steps together to a song is fulfilling. There are two songs I choreographed that my clients LOVE. They look forward to my classes.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I’ve been working two full times jobs for seven years. I’ve created a few savings pots and was able to use the money from one of the pots to cover the initial capital. The cost to file the proper State paperwork for a nonprofit was unexpected. I didn’t realize the 501(c)(3) would cost so much. I thought I only needed an EIN number yet the State of PA has their own. Then I started working on equipment and realized Facebook Marketplace is a gem. Initially, I was purchasing equipment and supplies from Dick’s and Amazon. This was definitely a learning experience for me and I enjoy the journey.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn not everyone has your best interest at their heart. There are people who are jealous of you even when you’re trying to help uplift them or include them in your success.
I established positions for the business to operate smoothly and selected people who I thought had great backgrounds to contribute to the cause. Also people who understood this was to honor my mother, Genevieve aka Genny. Needless to say, changes had to be made and I had to unlearn to not have faith based on people potentials. When people show you who they are believe them.

Contact Info:

• Website: gennycarescorp@gmail.com
• Instagram: Genny Cares Corp
• Facebook: Genny Cares Corp

Image Credits

Special shout out to Extreme Hip Hop participants who help me create a demo which is one of the requirements to become an Instructor.