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10 Years, 10 Lessons: When You Turn Over the Power
Blog Steve Wanta Blog Steve Wanta

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.

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Trust Is the Product: How JUST Builds More Than Capital
Blog Hello Just Blog Hello Just

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.

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Why Joy Sparks Economic Growth For Ambitious Entrepreneurs
Blog Hello Just Blog Hello Just

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.

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El Paso Entrepreneurs Are Leading the Way — And We’re Learning From Them
Blog Hello Just Blog Hello Just

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.

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Latina’s Legacy of Care: A Journey in Compassion & Entrepreneurship
Blog Carola Guerrero Blog Carola Guerrero

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.

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A Journey of Resilience and Reinvention: Meet Zen Ase
Blog Carola Guerrero Blog Carola Guerrero

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:

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Breaking the Chains: How Marial Lawson Washington Turned Adversity into Entrepreneurship
Blog Carola Guerrero Blog Carola Guerrero

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.

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The Ultimate Beauty Brand Launch Checklist
Blog Carola Guerrero Blog Carola Guerrero

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.

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“From Engineer to Housekeeper”: The Journey of Joanny
Blog Carola Guerrero Blog Carola Guerrero

“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.

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Q&A: Linda Osborne, CEO of My Legacy Foods
Blog Carola Guerrero Blog Carola Guerrero

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.

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What Makes JUST Unique?
Blog Ashley Phillips Blog Ashley Phillips

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.

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Flexible Business Ideas For People With Jobs
Blog Carola Guerrero Blog Carola Guerrero

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.

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How to register a business in Texas
Blog Hello Just Blog Hello Just

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.

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