About us
about us
Journey To Wealth Empowerment is a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization rooted in a powerful mission: to uplift, celebrate, and empower the extraordinary achievements of entrepreneurs, community leaders, and everyday change-makers who have turned trials into triumphs. We believe in the power of transformation the kind that rises from adversity, fueled by resilience, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to growth.
At the heart of our organization is a deep love for the Black community its brilliance, its legacy, and its limitless potential. Through impactful initiatives like The Business Ball, we create powerful spaces where visionaries, innovators, trailblazers, and dedicated individuals can come together in unity. These events are more than just celebrations, they are catalysts for connection, collaboration, and cultural elevation.
We are committed to building bridges between generations, fostering mentorship, and honoring the excellence that exists in our neighborhoods, our businesses, and our communities. Our work is about more than recognition; it’s about igniting a movement of empowerment, where success is shared, knowledge is passed down, and every dream is given the opportunity to flourish.
Our mission is clear and unwavering: to inspire action, amplify Black excellence, and pave the way for sustained growth, legacy building, and transformative impact. Through every story we tell, every event we host, and every life we touch, Journey To Wealth Empowerment stands as a beacon of hope, unity, and purpose lighting the way toward a brighter, more empowered future for generations to come.
Founder
Almetia Thomas “Mimi”
Mimi Thomas is a serial entrepreneur, wellness expert, speaker, author, and philanthropist. She was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, where she overcame a challenging upbringing, including becoming a mother at 15. Determined to break free from her past, she moved to Atlanta, GA, with her two sons and transitioned from a nursing assistant to an entrepreneur. Inspired by her travels to Africa, in 2018 she launched MiSoNatural, an organic skincare line. In 2020, she opened the #1 Beauty and Wellness Mobile Spa in Atlanta, GA. She achieved significant success from serving her community as well as working with numerous prominent and celebrities. In 2021, she hosted her first “Journey To Wealth Women’s Empowerment Conference” in Detroit, followed by the “Journey To Wealth Black Business Ball” in Atlanta and “The Dallas Tea Party” in Texas in 2023. These events were made to celebrate innovative leaders in the community as well as inspire the new wave of entrepreneurs, game changers, and kids to strive for success and be the best version of themselves. Mimi also aspires to take her empowerment conference to Africa, to help stimulate the community and economy, as well as bridge the gap between the U.S. and Africa. She believes true change happens once we set aside our differences and speak and breathe life into each other. She will inspire others to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact, one interaction at a time.
Co – Founder
Santanna Lively is known for her contagious energy, aggressive character and forthright personality. She is a proud wife and mother. Born and raised in Detroit, Santanna is no stranger to hustling. She was taught survival over everything. She inherited leadership skills and how to be a fierce boss from her grandmother. Santanna wears many hats and is known for wearing them well. She is the owner of a real estate company called Ritzy Realty where she has branded herself as “The Ritzy Realtor”. In addition, she owns Excellent Choice Tax Service and Finance My Future Nonprofit Organization. But it doesn’t stop here. She recently ventured into specialized housing by opening her first adult foster care home “Lively Residential Paradise”. She is certified to provide a multitude of essential services that include grant writing, youth financial literacy courses, home ownership counseling, tax preparation, entity registration & structure and personal/business credit formation. She is also a real estate investor and currently owns multiple properties in Detroit. Santanna also has some amazing highlights to add to her resume that includes acting as she most recently appeared on Starz in 50 Cents series BMF.
She has also acted in a scene of Tyler Perry’s show “Caught Up”, You Don’t Know Jack with Al Pacino and Detroit Dreams produced by Al Nuke. Amongst her many accolades, she is most intrigued by her hobbies that includes song recording and writing. She recorded a collaboration track with Tabious Tate from Love and Hip Hop. She relates her life to that of a butterfly symbolizing the transition of her journey. Although she has an extensive list of accomplishments, life wasn’t easy for her. Santanna had a difficult time finding her niche but once discovered, her possibilities became endless. She encourages others to do the same and has expressed her journey and a success guide to others in a collaboration project titled, “Rotten Seeds Still Grow. She explains in the book how one wrong move literally changed her entire life. She is now proud to share her story as it may help others that have endured these same trials master perseverance.