We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie Davies a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Stephanie , appreciate you joining us today. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?
Utilizing the money challenges I teach—like the Penny Challenge, 52-Week Challenge, and $5.00 Challenge—has made it possible for me to travel outside of the USA four times a year. But for me, travel isn’t just about leisure; it’s about education. Each journey teaches me something new. Experiencing different traditions and ways of life expands my perspective and enriches my soul. Meeting people from around the world broadens my connections and opens up opportunities I never imagined. Seeing how others live and overcome challenges gives me fresh ideas to bring back home to my business and community.
By saving intentionally, I’ve turned a dream into a reality. Travel has allowed me to invest in myself—mind, body, and soul—and it all starts with a commitment to financial literacy. Saving isn’t about deprivation; it’s about creating the freedom to say “yes” to opportunities that change your life. If I can do it, so can you. Let’s make your goals a reality—one smart choice at a time!
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?
Most people in my community know me as BASHIRA. For most of my career ive been in Facilites Management. My career started in 1992 with an entry level position in the maintenance dept at a Casino. Within four years I entered a four year apprenticeship program. I earned my Black Seal License, HVAC license and various other certifications from electric, plumbing and CAD-CAM and Project Manangement. Because I made a nice salary I had to learn about money and being SMART about making it work for me.
Learning valuable info about money from my co workers who were mostly men. Made me want to teach my friends what I was learning about money. So I started teaching my friends about budgeting and saving money. This is how I grew my BRAND “saving is sexy DBA Make it Make CENTS”
Utilizing the money challenges I teach—like the Penny Challenge, 52-Week Challenge, and $5.00 Challenge—has made it possible for me to travel outside of the USA four times a year. But for me, travel isn’t just about leisure; it’s about education. Each journey teaches me something new. Experiencing different traditions and ways of life expands my perspective and enriches my soul. Meeting people from around the world broadens my connections and opens up opportunities I never imagined. Seeing how others live and overcome challenges gives me fresh ideas to bring back home to my business and community.
By saving intentionally, I’ve turned a dream into a reality. Travel has allowed me to invest in myself—mind, body, and soul—and it all starts with a commitment to financial literacy. Saving isn’t about deprivation; it’s about creating the freedom to say “yes” to opportunities that change your life. If I can do it, so can you. Let’s make your goals a reality—one smart choice at a time!
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Expertise and Authenticity: My deep understanding of financial literacy and facilities management, paired with my authentic approach as an African American Muslim woman in a non-traditional career, sets me apart. Sharing my personal journey—from starting as a facilities dispatcher to building a successful career—has helped me earn trust and credibility within my market.
Community Engagement: I’ve made it a priority to connect with my community through financial literacy workshops, symposiums, and collaborations with organizations like FLOUHWERS and the Atlantic County Women’s Advisory Commission. These efforts reflect my genuine commitment to uplifting others and making a difference.
Educational Impact: I’m passionate about educating others, especially African American youth. From my financial literacy talks at summer camps to organizing multi-week programs, I’ve focused on breaking down complex concepts into actionable steps. Seeing the positive impact on individuals and families has been incredibly rewarding.
Consistency: Over the past two decades, I’ve consistently championed financial literacy and empowerment. Being a steady and reliable presence has helped me establish myself as a trusted resource and leader in my community.
Innovative Tools: I utilize money challenges like the Penny Challenge, 52-Week Challenge, and $5.00 Challenge to make saving fun and accessible. These tools give people practical steps toward financial success and set me apart as someone who turns ideas into action.
Vision Beyond Self: I don’t see others in my field as competition but as collaborators. This mindset allows me to build goodwill and focus on collective growth, which strengthens not just my reputation but the financial literacy movement as a whole.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for me has always been word-of-mouth referrals and community engagement. When people attend one of my workshops or hear me speak at an event, they often recommend me to others because they find value in what I share. Delivering genuine, impactful content creates a ripple effect, as individuals not only apply what they’ve learned but also share their experiences with friends, family, and colleagues.
Another significant source has been collaborations and partnerships with sororities, fraternities, and local non-profits. By working with organizations that are deeply connected to the community, I’ve been able to reach people within my target audience: urban communities and individuals who share my demographics and experiences.
Social media and networking also play a role. Sharing my money challenges, financial tips, and success stories online helps me reach a broader audience. However, it’s the personal touch—showing up in the community, being relatable, and authentically addressing the unique needs of urban audiences—that truly resonates with people and keeps them engaged.
What’s especially rewarding is seeing how my clients’ growth inspires others within their networks to take the first step toward their own financial literacy journey. That kind of organic growth is invaluable and deeply fulfilling
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bashirakhan.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bashira.khan
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bashira-khan-bb69862b8/
