Today we’d like to introduce you to Briana Barnes
Hi Briana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always believed that financial empowerment is the key to breaking generational cycles and creating true economic freedom. My journey to founding Affluent Culture Inc. started with a deep passion for financial literacy and a firsthand understanding of how access to knowledge and resources can change lives.
Early on, I saw the struggles that individuals, particularly within Black and minority communities, faced when trying to build wealth and secure funding for their businesses. Many were talented, driven, and had great ideas but lacked the financial structure and credit foundation to qualify for funding. I knew that education was the missing piece, so I set out to bridge that gap.
I started my career learning the ins and outs of personal credit, business credit, funding strategies, and financial coaching. Over time, I honed my skills and developed a system to help entrepreneurs become bankable. Meaning they could position themselves to qualify for funding, grow their businesses, and achieve sustainable success. That’s how Affluent Culture Inc. was born: a financial coaching and business development firm dedicated to educating and equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need to build thriving businesses.
Today, Affluent Culture Inc. offers structured financial literacy programs, business funding solutions, and coaching for entrepreneurs at every stage. I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals, organizations, and banks to create programs that empower small business owners, particularly those who have been overlooked by traditional financial institutions. My work extends beyond just business. I’m deeply invested in closing the Black wealth gap, fostering economic resilience, and ensuring that more entrepreneurs have access to real, actionable financial knowledge.
Through my company, I continue to expand my reach, building programs like the Be Bankable Program, which directly address the financial and funding challenges that so many entrepreneurs face. I also run Community Blessings, a nonprofit that provides essential resources to those in need, reinforcing my commitment to financial and community empowerment.
My journey has been one of learning, resilience, and service. I believe that wealth isn’t just about money, it’s about knowledge, opportunity, and empowerment and with Affluent Culture, I’m making sure that more people have access to all three.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey to building Affluent Culture Inc. and establishing myself as a business and funding coach has been anything but smooth. Like many entrepreneurs, I faced significant challenges, setbacks, and hard lessons along the way. But every struggle shaped the mission of my company and strengthened my commitment to helping others navigate the financial landscape.
One of the biggest hurdles was access to knowledge and networks. When I first started, I had to educate myself on business credit, funding strategies, and financial literacy, often through trial and error. The financial world isn’t designed to be easily accessible, especially for minority entrepreneurs, so I had to push through the barriers and seek out the right information. This is exactly why I created Affluent Culture, so others wouldn’t have to go through the same struggles I did.
Another major challenge was proving credibility in a competitive industry. The financial space is filled with misinformation, and many people are skeptical of business funding services. I had to build trust, establish a strong track record, and consistently deliver results for my clients. That meant not just talking about financial literacy and funding, but helping real businesses secure capital, repair credit, and create sustainable growth plans.
Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve also faced moments of burnout. Running multiple businesses, coaching clients, and leading financial literacy programs takes a toll. I had to learn how to balance my passion with sustainability, ensuring that I wasn’t giving more than I could sustain. Over time, I’ve built systems and a team to help scale my work so I can serve more people without losing sight of my own well-being.
Finally, one of the most personal struggles has been addressing the racial wealth gap and the systemic barriers that keep Black entrepreneurs from accessing the funding they deserve. I’ve had to push for better resources, partner with banks, and educate business owners on how to navigate these obstacles. My goal is to create real change, not just for individual entrepreneurs, but for the entire financial ecosystem that has historically left us out.
Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. The struggles have made me a better leader, coach, and advocate for financial empowerment. Every obstacle I’ve faced has fueled my mission to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to become truly bankable. And I’m just getting started.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Affluent Culture Inc., we help business owners structure their companies for financial success by providing education on business credit, funding preparation, and financial literacy. Our focus is on helping entrepreneurs become bankable—positioning them to qualify for funding and long-term growth.
What We Do
The Be Bankable Program – A 12-week coaching program guiding business owners through financial structuring, credit building, and funding readiness.
Business Credit & Funding Preparation – Teaching entrepreneurs how to properly set up their businesses to access funding, including PG and Non-PG options.
Financial Literacy Training – Partnering with organizations like the YWCA to provide budgeting, debt management, and credit-building education.
1:1 Coaching – Helping business owners prepare essential financial documents such as Profit & Loss Statements, Balance Sheets, and Cash Flow Statements.
What Sets Us Apart
We teach fundability, not just funding. Entrepreneurs learn how to structure their businesses to qualify for capital.
We bridge the gap between businesses and financial institutions. Our Bankable Business Pilot Program works with banks and credit unions to create better funding pathways for minority entrepreneurs.
We focus on education and execution. Business owners don’t just learn theory, they gain practical tools and strategies to implement immediately.
What Readers Should Know
Affluent Culture Inc. helps business owners become financially prepared, creditworthy, and fundable. Whether you need coaching, business credit education, or funding strategy guidance, we provide the expertise to help you build a strong financial foundation for your business.
To learn more, visit www.afculture.com or contact briana.mobley@afculture.com.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Success is never achieved alone, and I am incredibly grateful for the people who have played a role in my journey with Affluent Culture Inc.. Their support, guidance, and belief in my vision have been instrumental in shaping the business and its impact.
My Mother – My Foundation
My mother has been my greatest supporter, always pushing me to be great. Her unwavering belief in my potential, constant encouragement, and the values she instilled in me have been the foundation of my success. She has taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of never settling.
Monica Allen – The Funding Powerhouse
Monica Allen, my business partner, is a beast when it comes to funding. She has gone above and beyond to help me refine my expertise and become the best funder possible. Her knowledge, dedication, and commitment to helping businesses secure the capital they need have been invaluable to the growth of Affluent Culture.
Octavia Treadway – Operations & Business Development Leader
Octavia Treadway has been a strong supporter of my mission and an expert in business operations. She plays a critical role in helping business owners understand systems, processes, and how to scale efficiently. Her leadership in operations education ensures that entrepreneurs not only get funding but also have the foundation to sustain and grow their businesses successfully.
Business Owners (The Heart of Affluent Culture)- None of this would be possible without the business owners I work with every day. Their drive, passion, and commitment to their visions are what fuel my work. Their success stories are the true measure of what we do at Affluent Culture. Every entrepreneur who has trusted me with their business journey is a key part of this company’s success. They are the reason I push forward, continuously expanding programs and resources to help more people become bankable.
Strategic Partnerships- I am also grateful for organizations like the YWCA, which have partnered with me to bring financial literacy and funding readiness programs to a wider audience. These partnerships allow me to reach more entrepreneurs and provide the education and resources needed for long-term financial success.
Affluent Culture Inc. is a collective effort, and I am honored to have the support of so many amazing individuals. Their belief in this mission keeps me motivated to continue helping entrepreneurs build wealth, secure funding, and create sustainable businesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.afculture.com
- Facebook: @affluent_culture_inc
- LinkedIn: briana-barnes-a3b7122b9
