Meet Janasha
“Jay” Bradford
Award-Winning Author • Financial Advisor • Founder • Advocate
Who Is Jay?
Janasha Bradford, affectionately known as Jay, is an award-winning author, licensed financial advisor, visionary founder, and community-rooted speaker on a mission to revolutionize the way families — especially Black and Brown families — talk about and teach money.
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She is the CEO and creative force behind Mahogany and Friends: The Tiny Investor Club, and founder of the Mahogany & Friends Foundation — two sister brands working in tandem to make money education fun, joyful, and accessible for all.
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With years of experience across top financial institutions and multiple FINRA licenses (Series 7, 65, and 66), Jay blends her real-world expertise with cultural authenticity to create financial tools, stories, and workshops that don’t just teach kids about money — they empower entire families.
Why She Started Mahogany & Friends
Jay’s story begins at age seven, when she lost her father. Left with a large insurance payout and three young children — including one on the way — Jay’s mother had to navigate finances alone, without guidance or tools.“That experience shaped everything. I watched firsthand how the lack of financial education could unravel stability and safety.”
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Over time, her family lost their home. Jay later withdrew from college to support herself — eventually returning and paying her way back in. These struggles became a turning point. “I’m thankful for my struggle because, without it, I wouldn’t have stumbled upon my passion.”
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Years later, while studying for her Series 7 exam, Jay realized she wasn’t just preparing for a test — she was decoding a language she was never taught. A language that many others in the field seemed to already know.
That frustration sparked a bigger question: Why don’t we teach this earlier — and why is it always so boring?
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Her question became her mission:
"What if we made money education start early,
feel joyful, and be built to last?"
From Storybook to
EdTech Movement
In 2021, Jay launched Mahogany and Friends with a single storybook — written for her nieces, nephews, and every child who deserved to see themselves reflected in stories about money. That book became a brand. That brand became a movement.
Today, Mahogany and Friends is a growing EdTech company offering:
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Story-driven books & curriculum
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Financial literacy workshops for kids & families
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Digital learning tools & media
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The Tiny Investor Club — a nationwide subscription for family money learning
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What makes it different?
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Jay weaves culture, storytelling, imagination, and confidence-building into every lesson — because money isn’t just about numbers.
It’s about identity, choices, and power.
Mission & Impact
Jay’s personal mission is simple:
"To empower the next generation of financially free thinkers who know their worth — and how to grow it."
As a Financial Empowerment Manager at United Way, she’s built community-based programs that meet families where they are.
Through Mahogany & Friends, she has:
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Spoken on panels and stages across Virginia
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Led workshops for UVA Starr Hill and DEC-VA
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Created tools to help kids as young as five understand how money works
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Inspired both children and caregivers to rethink their relationship with money
Honors & Awards Include:
Best in Black Cville – Financial Advisor
Best Published
Book Author
Staff Pick – Best Kids Programming
Proclamation for Financial Literacy – Albemarle County
Day of Caring Community Impact Award – United Way
Topics Include:
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Financial Literacy for Kids & Families
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Building Generational Wealth in Black & Brown Communities
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Grit, Growth, and Turning Setbacks Into Purpose
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Out-of-School Learning as a Pathway to Equity
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Storytelling as a Financial Education Tool
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Mindset, Money & Leadership for Youth
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Custom programming available upon request
Topics Jay Speaks On
Whether on stage, in classrooms, or in the community, Jay brings bold energy, relatability, and practical wisdom to every audience.
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She is available for:
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Keynotes
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Workshops & Panels
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Author Visits
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Corporate + Community Trainings
Quick Facts
About Jay:
Born in Newark, NJ, raised in Charlottesville, VA
Attended Hampton University
Passionate about travel, creativity, and pushing limits
Lover of bold fashion, design,
and disruptive ideas
​Believes financial education isn’t extra — it’s essential
Licensed Financial Advisor (Series 7, 65, 66)
Self-proclaimed foodie + proud “Auntie Mommy” to her nieces & nephews
“Financial literacy is not a privilege — it’s a human right.”
- Janasha “Jay” Bradford