Blog
10 Years, 10 Lessons: When You Turn Over the Power
Who do you trust most in this world?
Think about that person.
Now ask yourself:
How many times have you laughed with them?
How many times have you cried together?
Trust isn’t built through compliance. It’s built through shared experience.
From One Business to Two: How Scymentress Built a Life of Abundance with JUST
When Scymentress joined JUST, she was already running Global Race Management — a business she'd built from the ground up. But she knew there was more potential inside her. She needed clarity, community, and the courage to think bigger.
10 Years, 10 Lessons: Trust Is Built Through Action
In the last blog, I mentioned that I didn’t have a grand plan for how this was all going to work, only how I wanted people to feel.
After 10 years in global microfinance, the last thing I wanted to do was become a lender.
10 Years, 10 Lessons: From My Why to A Higher Purpose
The clock on my nightstand read 2:00 p.m. It was January 4th, 2016, and I was exactly eight hours into the rest of my life.
“What have I just done?”
Trust Is the Product: How JUST Builds More Than Capital
At JUST, trust isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s the product.
We talk a lot about access to capital, coaching, and community. But underneath all of that is a deeper truth: none of it works without trust. It's the invisible asset that makes our model sustainable, our clients empowered, and our impact real.
Why Joy Sparks Economic Growth For Ambitious Entrepreneurs
At JUST, we start with a simple truth: chronic stress from economic exclusion makes it harder to plan, dream, and make good financial decisions. That’s why creating moments of joy—breathing room, support, connection, and laughter—isn’t an afterthought in our program; it’s the foundation that makes transformation possible.
In this conversation, CEO Steve Wanta and Board Member Erika Ortiz share why “less stress + more joy” is at the heart of JUST, how it shows up in our work, and the powerful ripple effects it creates in clients’ lives and communities.
Less Stress, More Joy: What Transformation Looks Like at JUST
At JUST, our higher purpose is simple but powerful: help ambitious women entrepreneurs live with less stress and more joy.
Because when the constant pressure of making rent, paying bills on time, or putting food on the table starts to ease—everything shifts.
El Paso Entrepreneurs Are Leading the Way — And We’re Learning From Them
In our last post, we celebrated an exciting milestone: $1 million loaned to small business owners in El Paso. That milestone isn’t just about numbers — it’s about people. It’s about women who believe in their potential, take ownership of their growth, and invite others to grow with them.
At JUST, we don’t scale programs — we scale leadership. And El Paso is showing us what’s possible when local leaders lead the way.
Latina’s Legacy of Care: A Journey in Compassion & Entrepreneurship
At 41 years old, Latina, originally from Michigan, is transforming lives through her non-medical home care business, True Home Care Agency LLC, in Austin, Texas. Driven by a lifelong passion for helping others, Latina provides essential services to seniors, veterans, and those recovering from surgery. As a single mother and dedicated entrepreneur, Latina’s journey is one of perseverance, commitment, and a deep sense of purpose. With dreams of expanding her agency globally, she is determined to make a lasting impact on communities both near and far.
A Journey of Resilience and Reinvention: Meet Zen Ase
In a world often dominated by the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding true fulfillment and peace can seem like a distant goal. Yet, there are those among us who forge paths that blend passion with purpose, turning personal challenges into powerful catalysts for change. Today, we’re excited to share the inspiring journey of a remarkable entrepreneur who has transformed her life through resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to her inner voice.
Meet Zen Ase via this unfiltered interview and watch her short video introduction below:
Breaking the Chains: How Marial Lawson Washington Turned Adversity into Entrepreneurship
From the heart of Houma, Louisiana, to the bustling city of Houston, Texas, Marial Lawson Washington's journey is a testament to resilience and faith.
Raised by her grandparents and inspired by her mother’s adventurous spirit, Marial has faced numerous challenges, from homelessness to personal loss. Yet, she emerged stronger, becoming a beacon of hope and an inspiration to her family and community.
10 Things Successful Entrepreneurs Do That You Can Do Too
Becoming a successful entrepreneur may seem like a daunting task, but the habits and practices that drive success are often straightforward and achievable. Here are ten things that successful entrepreneurs do—and you can too.
The Ultimate Beauty Brand Launch Checklist
Crafting your brand identity is a crucial step in launching your beauty brand. This involves defining your brand's values, mission, and unique selling proposition. Take the time to research your target audience and understand their needs and preferences. Use this information to create a brand identity that resonates with your target customers.
“From Engineer to Housekeeper”: The Journey of Joanny
Joanny's journey is a true testament of resilience, creativity, and tenacity. Her story represents our community of entrepreneurs who lead by example. Women who have defied the odds and forged their own paths in the world of business.
This interview series aims to highlight JUST trailblazers and share not only their triumphs, but also their fears, moments of doubt and challenges.
Q&A: Linda Osborne, CEO of My Legacy Foods
In honor of Women's History Month, we invite you to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and tenacity of the entrepreneurs who lead our community. Women who have defied the odds and forged their own paths in the world of business.
This interview series aims to highlight JUST trailblazers and share not only their triumphs, but also their fears, moments of doubt and challenges.
What Makes JUST Unique?
We recently put together a beautiful digital primer on JUST. In this piece, we outline what makes JUST unique in the CDFI industry as well as the micro-finance industry. Below is a snippet of that primer.
On breaking generational curses and having a job while running a business
In honor of Black History Month, we interviewed Black JUST leaders to share their stories with you. This series is meant to shine the light on what it actually means to be a Black female entrepreneur in Texas.
Today, we are giving the microphone to Kaneeka Moore!
Flexible Business Ideas For People With Jobs
You want to be an entrepreneur, but you do not want to dive into a full-time business just yet. Understandable. If you have a secure job and do not want to let it go, or if you are a stay-at-home parent wanting to spend most of the day with your kids, here are a few business ideas you could try to do on the side to satisfy your entrepreneurial desires.
How To Start A Business In Texas: Step-By-Step Guide
Texas boasts an immensely favorable business ecosystem within the United States. This selection is underscored by several compelling reasons:
How to register a business in Texas
To start a business, you have to start with a dream. Ideally your dream business involves doing something you are passionate about while also making profit. To make your business official, you will also need to do something you might not be passionate about – paperwork.