Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

What would your life look like if money weren’t the thing holding you back? How would it change your business?

Deahna Moore, the Founder of Budgets by Joi was the featured guest on the fifth episode of “Big Ideas Welcome” podcast by the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center. She said “confidence starts with your wallet.”

Her business is primarily targeting individuals, non-profits, and small business owners who may need support with financial literacy. Budgets By Joi assists with grant writing consultancy, bookkeeping, and budgeting strategy.

On the episode, Moore spoke with Jonathan Clark a.k.a “Courageous“, who is a member of the Mayor’s Maker Council, founder of ART. Official Intelligence, and a performing artist with Neon Entertainment. He brings to the table a unique set of experiences, coming from the perspective of living as an artist, poet, and activist.

Both Moore and Clark are graduates of the 100Knoxville program.

“Money is a hard thing to talk about…because we were taught not to ask, not to tell, and just to get by,” Clark said.

Moore shared her approach for financial empowerment, community-driven strategy, and keys to building generational wealth. She said oftentimes our financial mindset is shaped by the time people are seven years old. She specifically speaks into how to break out of those thought patterns. In her words, budgeting isn’t about spreadsheets, it’s about breaking cycles.

 “Financial confidence spills into every other part of your life. If money isn’t the struggle, you can focus your energy on what truly matters,” Moore said.

This season of Big Ideas Welcome centers on “passing the torch,” spotlighting collaboration between today’s innovators and the next generation of changemakers. Listeners can expect honest conversations about the highs, the lows, and the pivotal moments that shape every entrepreneurial journey.

🎧 Tune in to the full episode here.

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