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- Community Rallies to Save Local Coffee Shop from Gentrification’s Grip
Community Rallies to Save Local Coffee Shop from Gentrification’s Grip
(and ways to build your business legally & financially while focusing on your Mental Health)
George Torres
March 02, 2025
In partnership with
Dear Cultivators.
This week has been interesting in my city…
Rachel Nieves, co-owner of Buddies Coffee in Brooklyn, is facing the harsh reality of gentrification as a drastic rent hike threatens to shut down her small, Puerto Rican-owned coffee shop. In a raw and emotional TikTok video, she shared her heartbreak over the news, revealing that her landlord is significantly increasing the rent while a new coffee shop is set to open right next door.
Nieves, who bootstrapped Buddies Coffee with just a few thousand dollars, built the shop as a love letter to the Brooklyn Puerto Rican community that once thrived in the area before rising rents pushed many out. Now, she faces the same fate. I alongside many of our local community activists and creative community members have stepped in to amplify her story, drawing attention to the challenges small business owners like her face in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods.
I love seeing our gente show up when it really matters! Since Rachel’s story went viral, the lines at Buddies Coffee have been 200 deep—proof that when we mobilize, we make things happen. In my video, I reminded folks that this isn’t the first time we’ve had to push back. When new arrivals tried to erase Avenida de Puerto Rico, we shut that down. When San Germán Record Store was on the brink of closing, we put it back on the map, turned it into a must-visit Boricua destination, and helped it grow even through a global pandemic. Our community is that strong, that powerful, and that unstoppable.
Buddies Coffee, located at 150 Grand Street in Brooklyn, continues to fight for survival with the support of its loyal customers and advocates rallying behind it.
Today’s Siembra Connect is dedicated to all the Rachels & Taylors out there trying to build their dreams.
Today’s Siembra Lesson is all about Turning Losses into Lessons.
Today I begin talking about Financial Literacy by Featuring Shani Curry.
No Gatekeeping: How I protect myself legally in business with In | Flow Legal.
Want to fund your creative endeavors, Here are some Grants and Resources for Underrepresented Content Makers
Last but never least… sharing 21 Mental Health Tools & Resources for Entrepreneurs (please share this with creators you know and love)
If you read this newsletter “I kindly request that from this point forward, all creators refrain from hustling backwards, chasing clout, or undervaluing their worth.” and be ready to learn from real world experience… I been at this for a minute.
Ready? Let’s go…
Siembra Lessons is where we break down key takeaways from the creator journey—hard-earned wisdom, business insights, and real-life strategies to help you grow. Whether it’s a personal story, a case study, or a lesson learned the hard way, this section is all about planting seeds of knowledge so you can cultivate success.
Creator Spotlight showcases a standout creative who is making waves in their industry. Learn about their journey, projects, and insights, and get inspired by how they’re building their brand and impact.
Shani Curry – Financial Empowerment Coach & Founder of Purse Empowerment
Shani Curry is on a mission to help women—and a few lucky men—break free from financial frustration and take full control of their money. As the founder of Purse Empowerment, she equips individuals with the tools to save their first $10,000, eliminate crushing debt, boost their credit scores, purchase and invest in real estate, and even launch wealth-building businesses.
Shani’s journey into financial empowerment is as dynamic as it is inspiring. A journalism major turned banker, luxury car saleswoman, and licensed insurance agent, she gained firsthand experience navigating financial systems from multiple angles. She purchased her first investment property at 22—only to lose her job soon after. Instead of giving up, she learned how to rebuild from the ground up, transforming her credit score from 520 to 650 and securing her next real estate deal with skillful negotiation.
With years of experience approving and declining loans as a banker, Shani understands exactly what lenders look for when issuing car loans, business loans, and lines of credit. This insider knowledge, combined with her personal financial wins, allows her to break down complex money topics in a way that’s clear, engaging, and actionable. She has since become a three-time property owner, built a thriving business, and co-navigated these financial milestones with her husband—all while raising two young boys.
Shani is also an author and content creator, publishing 10 Things Every Woman Should Keep in Her Purse while pregnant and launching Purse Empowerment WebTV, which has attracted over 25,000 monthly viewers. Through corporate partnerships, speaking engagements, and online coaching, she is dedicated to helping women redefine their self-worth—not by the brand of their purse, but by the wealth and wisdom they carry inside.
Her message is simple: financial freedom isn’t just for the lucky—it’s for those willing to take control.
And with Shani Curry in your corner, Purse Empowerment isn’t just a concept—it’s a movement.
Most of our features come from creators I come across on my timeline daily—but I know YOU are connected to some amazing talent I may not have discovered yet. That’s why I’m opening up the floor…
Are you or do you know a creator who deserves to be featured?
We’re looking for creators, entrepreneurs, and artists who are making waves and have a story to tell. Whether you’re building a brand, leading a movement, or creating game-changing content, we want to highlight your journey!
📩 Send your submissions to [email protected]
My Creator Toolkit is your go-to resource for the best apps, platforms, and strategies to streamline your workflow and level up your content game. From AI tools to social media hacks, this section equips you with everything you need to create smarter, not harder.
Today, I want to share my experience with Ray & Gabe from InFlow Law Group.
Growing a start up that is pre-revenue, I have to keep a close eye on expenses. In this work, legal costs can be a major investment that realistically most business owners will bypass because they cannot afford it. I learned the har way that I cannot afford NOT to have certain conversations with legal counsel, because it will cost me long term.
After a major breach of contract dispute, I decided to build out my legal team.
Navigating any major dispute could be a nightmare, but having unprecedented access to proactive legal advice through their $79 legal subscription service changed everything. Instead of scrambling for damage control after things went south, I have a legal team on my side from the start—helping me spot potential issues, negotiate stronger terms, and ultimately avoid a costly fallout. The subscription model gave me the freedom to communicate without worrying about hourly fees, ensuring I could make informed decisions without hesitation. They took the time to make sure I understood my position.
I used them for legal advice with an existing issue, contract reviews and even consulted with them on new services I want to pursue as I grow Siembra Connect.
"Having this legal service on my team has been a game changer! As a creative entrepreneur, I needed legal support that was accessible, straightforward, and proactive—not just someone to call when things go wrong. Their subscription model gives me peace of mind, knowing I have an attorney in my corner whenever I need guidance. It’s not just about fixing problems—it’s about building a stronger, more protected business from the start. If you’re serious about your business, this is the kind of support you need!"
This isn’t just legal support—it was empowerment, unlimited access for a fraction of what it would cost for a 1 hour session.
Protect your business before problems arise! Don’t wait until you're in a legal mess—get proactive, affordable legal support that actually works for creatives and small business owners.
Check out their website now and see how having an attorney in your corner can help you grow with confidence!
Tell them Siembra Connect sent you.
In the News keeps you updated on the latest trends, headlines, and industry shifts affecting creators and entrepreneurs. From platform updates to funding opportunities, this section highlights what’s happening now and why it matters to you.
SUPPORT THE MOVEMENT
Get Your Siembra Merch
Growth Opportunities is where you’ll find grants, brand deals, job openings, and other ways to expand your reach and income. Whether you're looking for funding, collaborations, or new platforms to showcase your work, this section helps you tap into opportunities that move your creator journey forward.
Join TEDxAdamsMorgan for forward-thinking ideas and lasting connections. Together, we can grow a better world.
TEDxAdamsMorgan is set to bring together thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers for an afternoon of meaningful discussions on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The event will take place at the Sitar Arts Center with doors opening at 2:30 p.m. Tickets and the full agenda are available online.
This year’s theme, "Planting Seeds for a Better World," focuses on the power of ideas to root into transformative change. Speakers from diverse fields will share their insights on innovation, social impact, and sustainability, offering compelling stories, practical solutions and fresh perspectives on building a better future. This event is sponsored by the Cornell Latino Alumni Association.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: Doors Open – 2:30 p.m. | Event – 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Sitar Arts Center, 1700 Kalorama Rd NW #100, Washington, D.C., 20009
For more information, please contact Kathleen Manzo at [email protected].
About TEDx In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).
Upcoming Events highlights must-attend conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities for creators and entrepreneurs. Whether virtual or in-person, these events are designed to help you learn, connect, and grow your brand.
Mental Health Resources is your space for tools, tips, and support to help you navigate the ups and downs of the creator journey. From managing burnout to setting boundaries, this section provides practical strategies to protect your well-being while building your brand.
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