Q: Katrina, you've made such an impact in the world of business funding. What inspired you to focus on empowering women entrepreneurs in particular?
KF: After experiencing fluctuating cash flow early in my business, I discovered the secrets that the top 1% of business owners use to leverage O.P.M.—Other People's Money, a.k.a. 'the bank’s money'—instead of their own, allowing them to operate in surplus, or what I call 'Cash Flow Abundance. Once I had a proven track record—along with my clients' success—I knew I had to support other businesses by teaching them to do the same. 

Q: As the CEO and CFO of New Day For You Financial, how do you see the role of women in financial sectors evolving over the next decade, especially given some of the latest social and political changes that could impact women’s leadership and women’s roles in certain sectors?
KF: As young girls and women, we are taught and exposed to many limiting beliefs—be small, play small, and speak small. Be seen and not heard. Don’t speak up. Accept whatever is given to you. I believe that as women's rights continue to be challenged, we will witness what I call 'A Woman Shift.' In the next decade, I expect to see more women leading organizations, stepping into C-suite roles, building business empires, and driving change in high-level government positions like never before.

Q: You’ve facilitated millions of dollars in funding for women entrepreneurs. Can you share some success stories or personal experiences that stand out to you during this journey?
KF: Yes, I have so many amazing clients who’ve been incredible to collaborate with. One of my clients, who is a small business owner of a tax consultation firm and real estate investor, secured over $500k alone in the last year and a half to scale her business empire. Another client, who is opening a senior living residence home as a startup, just secured $111k. We have many success stories like these who understand the power of leverage and positioning their business to execute cash flow management strategies.

Q: What were some of the most significant challenges you faced when building your business, and how did you overcome them?
KF: Building my business has come with many significant challenges, but one that stands out the most is cash flow management. As a business owner, managing cash flow is essential—not just generating revenue, but also managing expenses and ensuring a steady flow of cash to cover bills and prepare for unforeseen circumstances. Too often, business owners focus solely on their bank account balance, which is merely a snapshot in time rather than a true indicator of financial health. Cash flow is the lifeblood of a business—critical to its survival and long-term success. This is how even multi-million-dollar businesses fail. Cash flow must be continuously monitored and strategically managed. I was able to overcome cash flow management issues by implementing a few strategies such as: 1) Leading weekly money management meetings to promote awareness & time to pivot by making tactical adjustments; 2) Implementing cash flow monitoring tools to track & trend spending; and 3. Leveraging cash infusion banking options, a.k.a O.P.M. "Other People's Money." and leveraging vehicles, like unsecured loans, credit cards, lines of credit, cash flowing assets, etc.

Q: For many women, turning a side hustle into a full-time business seems like an insurmountable challenge. What advice would you give to women who are just starting out?
KF: I advise women with side hustles to leverage their salary as their first investor. Once their business services, products, or investments are validated through consistent cash flow and a strategic business plan is in place, they should properly structure their business by seeking professional guidance to ensure profitability and secure capital if needed. Then, once their net income consistently matches their salary and they have secured 3–6 months of personal and business expenses, they can confidently transition to full-time business ownership.

Q: You emphasize helping women to secure funding quickly, often with same-day approvals and next-day funding. How do you ensure a smooth process for your clients, and what sets you apart in this space?
KF: As an A+ rated Better Business Bureau (BBB) funding firm, we leverage proprietary strategies and financial marketplace partnerships to secure same-day pre-approvals and, in some cases, next-day funding. Unlike other funding firms that simply offer financing options, we take a holistic approach—educating our clients on financial literacy, providing white-glove service as an extension of their team, and acting as a trusted funding advisor throughout their business funding journey. Additionally, our strong community of women entrepreneurs meets bi-monthly to celebrate their wins, collaborate, and support one another as a sisterhood dedicated to creating generational impact.

Q: In your experience, what do you think holds women back from fully embracing financial independence and scaling their businesses to new heights?
KF: In my years of experience, I’ve seen one major factor that holds women back from fully embracing financial independence—fear. Fear of the unknown, imposter syndrome, and fear of failure. To overcome fear, it’s important to recognize that a little fear is healthy. It’s a natural response that energizes and strengthens you, pushing you outside your comfort zone to conquer the unknown. The more you push past fear, the easier it becomes—until one day, you realize you’ve achieved your goal. Another major barrier preventing businesswomen from scaling to new heights is execution. Success requires discipline, consistency, focus, and resilience. Scaling a business demands investment at the level you expect results. You must be willing to get uncomfortable, take risks, and even fail—because failure teaches valuable lessons and provides opportunities to pivot and grow. If you want to accelerate your success, seek out a mentor or hire an expert—someone with the experience, blueprint, and proven track record to help you reach your goals. It’s also important to anticipate an increase in operating expenses and a potential short-term dip in profit as part of the investment in long-term business growth.

Q: You’ve been recently recognized by ESSENCE Magazine, Steve Harvey Morning Show and MSN, just to name a few, for your work. How does this recognition shape your approach to continuing your mission of helping women build financial empires? 
KF: Being recognized by ESSENCE Magazine and MSN as a financial expert, as well as having the opportunity to share my insights on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, has further motivated me to continue my mission of helping women entrepreneurs build their financial empires. It has also fueled my drive to keep pushing forward in this movement—empowering women to become fully funded and live the lives they dream of.

Q: What is one word of advice you can offer to young women who want to reach your level of success?
KF: Success isn’t just about what you know, it’s about who you surround yourself with. One of the greatest accelerators in my journey has been intentionally placing myself in rooms with people who were two, five, even ten steps ahead of me—people with sharper strategies, stronger profits, and skill sets that challenged me to grow. We are a direct reflection of the five people we spend the most time with, so it’s essential to surround yourself with a circle that stretches you. Investing in my personal and professional development didn’t just expand my opportunities, it transformed my mindset. And once your mindset shifts, your entire trajectory changes.

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments of your career?
KF: In 2008, I lost my corporate job. At that time, it felt like the rug was pulled out from under me—but in hindsight, it was the push I needed to step into my true calling. That moment made me realize I had set myself up for failure by relying on just one stream of income. I vowed to never let that happen again. It was the catalyst that set me on the path of entrepreneurship, and from that day forward, I made a commitment: I would never experience another broke day in my life. That decision didn’t just change my finances, it changed the way I thought about money forever and was the catalyst for my founding the first of my companies, New Day For You Financial.

Q: At the start of your career, what do you wish you had known?
KF: FOCUS. And I don’t just mean the general idea of being focused, I mean Follow One Course Until Successful. I see so many entrepreneurs chasing every opportunity, trying to do it all at once. Yes, having multiple streams of income is essential, but if you don’t give any one thing the time and attention it needs to truly thrive, you will just be spinning your wheels. Success comes when you commit to mastering one path before branching out. Pick your lane, build it strong, and once it’s solid—then, and only then—start diversifying.

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work-life balance?
KF: Work-life balance isn’t about splitting your time 50/50, it’s about being fully present in whatever you’re doing. When I’m working, I’m locked in. When I’m resting, I allow myself to truly rest—without letting work seep into that space. The key is to be intentional with your time so that both your business and your personal life get the best of you, not just what’s left of you.

I structure my day with purpose, building in flexibility because let’s be real life happens. The key is to be married to the vision, not the process. Things will not always go according to plan, but that doesn’t mean they’re not happening exactly as they should. Having a trusted team, clear communication, and the ability to release the need for control over every little detail allows me to keep moving forward without burning out. Some days, balance looks like closing my laptop early. Other days, it looks like locking in and getting things done. Either way, I know that if I am aligned with my goals, the rest will fall into place.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue their dream and start a business?
KF: The financial advice we’re given in our personal lives does not apply to business. Too many women are out here trying to save their way into entrepreneurship, building their businesses piece by piece, dipping into personal savings, or—worse—draining their retirement accounts just to make ends meet. It doesn’t have to be that way. You don’t have to risk everything to make your dreams a reality. Business funding exists for a reason. Whether you’re starting from scratch or scaling up, using the bank’s money—strategically—gives you the resources to move now instead of years from now. The best part? You can do it without sacrificing your autonomy, your profits, or your peace of mind. Smart money moves lead to long-term wealth—and that’s what we’re building.

Q: What was the last book you really got into?
KF: Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell. It’s a game-changer for entrepreneurs—because let’s be honest, too many of us are caught in the cycle of doing everything ourselves instead of learning how to delegate, automate, and scale. If you ever feel like you don’t have enough hours in the day, this book is a must-read.

Q: What’s your favorite quote or saying?
KF: “Your feet will never take you where your mind has never been.” — Dr. Bill Winston

Success first begins in your mind. If you cannot see yourself achieving it, you’ll never take the necessary steps to make it happen. The mindset shift comes before the money moves.

Q: What would your perfect Saturday be like?
KF: A slow morning—sleeping in just a little, starting my day with prayer and reflection, and then getting in a good workout. I love using my weekends to reset my mind and body, whether that’s through listening to a podcast, diving into a book, or just giving myself the space to do nothing. Midday, I’d have my weekly money meeting—because financial freedom doesn’t just happen; it is something you build with intention. And then to wrap it all up, a dinner out with my husband, reflecting on the week and dreaming about the future. Balance isn’t just about rest—it’s about being intentional with how you refuel.