Today we’d like to introduce you to Aitzarelys Negrón, CPA
Hi Aitzarelys, 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?
Growing up, I wasn’t always on the path to success. In high school, my behavior and academic performance weren’t great—until my guidance counselor pulled me aside to ask me if I wanted to go to college. I literally laughed, knowing there wasn’t any money for that, but then she opened my mind to scholarships. That simple act of someone seeing potential in me sparked a complete turnaround. I started going to class, truly applying myself and because of that was able to secure a full ride to Sacred Heart University. My guidance counselor made me realize what’s possible when you’re willing to take action and invest in your future. She also sparked a curiosity to how many resources are out there that we just don’t know about. I told myself that one day I would build something where resources and this type of knowledge would be shared — especially in diverse communities.
Fast forward to my corporate career, I noticed a recurring theme—so many professionals, even those with high incomes, were stressed and overwhelmed by money. They worked hard but felt trapped, unable to see a way out of the grind. This was my same struggle… I finally had financial access, but that didn’t mean I had the knowledge to make the best financial decisions. I also struggled with shame for a long time because of working in the accounting/finance industry and being caught in a cycle of debt. I started applying different money strategies and doing a lot of mindset work around my relationship with money that allowed me to create a cushion. When I got laid off during the pandemic, that cushion allowed me to search for a new job with less stress than others. I started doing free resume reviews for other people who were laid off and quickly realized that my situation was different then theirs. I remembered my high school mission and decided that the thing I wanted to build was a way to close the financial literacy gap.
I started as a money coach, teaching people how to stabilize their finances and regain control. What I discovered was that many of my clients—once they got their money in order—had dreams of leaving corporate life to start their own businesses. That’s when I realized I could do more. I started Strategies & T.E.A. and launched moneyFLOW$™ Academy, a coaching program designed to not only help clients bridge the gap between their current financial situation and their dream lifestyle but also give them the tools to turn their side hustles into full-fledged businesses.
Today, I’m proud to help professionals transition from employees to confident entrepreneurs and help current business owners transition from cash strapped to profitable. My approach is rooted in understanding mindset, creating practical money systems, and focusing on joy. It’s about showing my clients that their dreams aren’t just possible—they’re achievable. And I’m living proof of that transformation.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all, but the challenges have shaped me and my business in powerful ways. Early on, I faced a lot of personal struggles with my finances. Even as a professional in the accounting industry, I found myself in debt and feeling an overwhelming sense of shame. I thought, ‘How can I ever get out of this position?’ That mindset held me back for a while, but I realized that my journey—my mistakes and how I overcame them—was exactly what could help me connect with and support others in similar situations.
Like I mentioned earlier, I was laid off from my job in 2020. It was a tough blow, but it forced me to reflect on what I really wanted for my future. I didn’t just want financial stability; I wanted freedom—freedom to live life on my own terms and to help others do the same. That’s when I decided to build my business, starting with helping people rebuild their finances and eventually guiding them to use those strong foundations to transition into entrepreneurship.
I still have a full-time job while running my business — but this gives me options. Remember, the hand that feeds you can starve you too and one income is too close to none. Time management has been one of my biggest challenges to managing both. Balancing the demands of my corporate role with the energy and focus needed to grow my business can be exhausting at times. But it’s also taught me the importance of creating systems—not just for my business, but for my life. Systems is how I can work my full-time corporate job, grow Strategies & T.E.A. and manage my Airbnbs.
Looking back, those moments of shame, doubt, and uncertainty have become my greatest assets. They remind me why I do what I do: to help people see that they’re not alone in their struggles and that transformation is possible with the right mindset and tools. That’s the heart of everything I’ve built through Strategies & T.E.A.
As you know, we’re big fans of Strategies & T.E.A.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business, Strategies & T.E.A., is dedicated to helping individuals and small business owners take control of their finances and achieve true freedom—whether it’s through stabilizing personal finances or growing a profitable business. At the heart of my work is a belief in tenacity, education, and accountability (the T.E.A. in my name). I provide practical tools, mindset coaching, and financial systems to help my clients confidently move toward their goals. My vision is to change ‘spilling the tea’ from gossip to growth for our communities.
One of my key offerings is my signature coaching program, moneyFLOW$™ Academy. This program is divided into two phases. The first phase, From Paycheck to Purpose, helps high-earning professionals identify the financial gap between their current reality and their dream lifestyle. I guide clients through mindset shifts, money audits, and spending awareness to help them regain control of their wealth and create systems to manage their cash flow.
The second phase, From Purpose to Profit, is designed for those ready to build a profitable and sustainable business. It provides a step-by-step framework for launching a business while still leveraging the stability of a full-time job. If you’re already a full-time entrepreneur, but find yourself strapped for cash then phase two is also for you. I coach clients on mindset, time management, and building profitable business foundations to help them achieve long-term success.
In addition to coaching, Strategies & T.E.A. also offers bookkeeping and consulting services. Many of my clients start businesses but struggle with the backend financials, so I provide expert bookkeeping and QuickBooks diagnostic reviews to ensure their businesses are set up for success.
What sets my brand apart is the combination of mindset, systems, and practical action. I don’t just help clients manage their money—I help them change their relationship with it. I’m most proud of the transformations I’ve seen: clients saving thousands, reducing debt, and building businesses that allow them to live life on their terms.
I want readers to know that Strategies & T.E.A. is more than a business—it’s a movement to empower professionals to step into their full potential. Whether you’re looking to stabilize your finances or launch a business, my programs and services are here to help you make it happen.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in luck, but I do believe in God’s blessings and divine timing. Throughout my life and business, God has consistently placed the right people in my path—mentors, guides, and supporters who have helped me grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
When I think back to pivotal moments, I see how those relationships were part of a bigger plan. From my high school guidance counselor who showed me the possibility of a different future to the coaches I’ve invested in along the way, each person has played a key role in my growth. I’ve learned the importance of leveraging relationships, not just for opportunities, but for wisdom, encouragement, and accountability.
I’m the child of an entrepreneur, so I had a front row seat to what can go well or not so well in a business. In building Strategies & T.E.A., I knew I couldn’t do it alone. I invested in coaches to guide me in areas where I needed support and leaned into the power of community. Those investments weren’t just about growing my business—they were about growing myself as a leader, entrepreneur, and servant to those I’m called to help.
Looking back, I see how my faith has grown alongside my business. Every challenge, every connection, every victory has deepened my trust in God’s plan. As I continue to move forward, I know my success isn’t about luck or coincidence. It’s about faith, preparation, and being open to the blessings and lessons that God places in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.strategiesandtea.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategiesandtea/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategiesandtea
