We recently connected with Isabela and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Isabela, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

I knew the 9-5 I had wasn’t for me. I knew many of the jobs I had in the past couldn’t contain me! I feel underutilized, underpaid, and overqualified. I began taking entrepreneurship classes throughout Cleveland. Between 2024 and 2026, I participated in 5 entrepreneurship bootcamps and an additional 3 focused on real estate. At first, my ideas were all over. I wanted to start a t-shirt business (with no sales, startup capital, / shirt making knowledge) and then a coffee shop (with a terrible barista history). I think I was just vying to be a conscious capitalist and contribute to the community. I was also tired of making under 70k, and by 2026, I had 10 years of experience. The courses helped me dig deep. I also applied to 200+ jobs between 2023 – 2025. I began understanding my skillset and what really interested me – community empowerment. I quit my 9-5 with just my PhD stipend (9 months for $19,500) to back me up. Within 5 weeks, with a lot of faith, I landed my first consulting opportunity on Indeed. I took a wage way below market rate, just to get started. I still wish they would properly compensate me, but they did support my transition. It took three more months to close a second deal! I love this second client, and they value me! My first day with my first client consisted of several meetings to get my bearings. 8 months later, I am still inputting proper systems to ensure a high level of customer service. I believe that no matter what you learn as you go as an entrepreneur.

Isabela, 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?

Belle A. Espinal is an Afro-Latina scholar, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to advancing women of color in leadership and economic empowerment. Currently pursuing a Geography PhD, her research focuses on the intersection of women of color leadership and community development. As the founder of Reclaim Our Wealth, she has led initiatives supporting minority-owned businesses, cultivating community wealth, and creating pathways for early-career professionals through strategic advising. With experience as a Commercial Corridor Manager, Minority Business Specialist, and Business Outreach Manager, Belle blends hands-on expertise with strategic vision. An Executive MBA graduate from Cleveland State University, she also holds an M.A. in TESOL from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a B.A. in Comparative American Studies from Oberlin College, bringing a powerful combination of academic insight and practical leadership to her work in community transformation.
Reclaim Our Wealth is a social enterprise focused on economic mobility. We provide commercial corridor revitalization, workforce development and radical economic development consulting.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I met with a local celebrity, and even though we had the same degree, she proposed $15/hr. I had 9 years of experience up to that point. I smiled and graciously said, ” We might not be a fit now, but hopefully we can work together in the future. I was disappointed someone I aspired to be like would offer me such a low rate. I have kept building my business and found other partners.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I continue to resist the default narratives of “I don’t know enough, yet,” and “I am not worth it.” I have lots of tattoos, big curly hair, and even though I express myself naturally this way to some extent, I believe I cannot command my worth. I continue to work through that, and next summer, I will launch a professional association – Inked Professionals for professionals with tattoos! I still must work through; I need more education or certifications. I am getting much better at standing firm in what I do know, but it remains a challenge.

Contact Info:

• Website: reclaimourwealth.org; consultespinal.com
• Instagram: @consultespinal; @sistersofecon.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belle-espinal-mba-ma-ccsp-a9425274/