Money Talksis an xoNecole series where we talk candidly to real women about how they spend money, their relationship with money, and how they get it.
Sherri J comes from very humble beginnings. Her family was impoverished, and she was forced to grow up early after becoming a teen mom. It was not expected for her to thrive. Yet, against all expectations, she has risen to become a multimillionaire, owning three successful childcare facilities across Metro Atlanta.
Sherri recognized a need in her community and decided to act on it. Today, she is not only a thriving entrepreneur but also a published author, business coach, and motivational speaker.
Additionally, her daughter is following in her entrepreneurial footsteps. Together, they are the dynamic duo behind the Offices at Dogwood Park. Within this building, Sherri and Janaya operate their Success Suite, offering cost-effective conference rooms and business suites for emerging entrepreneurs.
Janaya also runs her own business, Belle Lux Day Spa, which occupies a quarter of the building and exemplifies the family's entrepreneurial spirit.
Sherri J’s journey was far from easy, and throughout this process, she’s learned a great deal about the childcare industry, money management, and the power of determination. She shared a bit of her journey with us in today's Money Talks.
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On how she got started:
"Well, I fell pregnant very early in life, at 14 years old. That's what molded me and the rest of my life. I had to learn responsibility very, very early. I had to be a mother all while balancing being a teenager, trying to find and learn myself. Having that type of responsibility at such an early age gave me a quicker start at life.
"Anyway, my daughter's father’s side of the family was into childcare. I had to work for them to kind of earn my keep and to take care of this new child that I had sprung on everybody. So in working for her father's side of the family, I learned the childcare industry – really unbeknownst to me. I was kind of being molded into being the person that I am today. Then I decided I wanted to step out on faith and try to open my own childcare center; I did that by 24. Long story short, that's what got me to where I am today."
On her initial relationship with money:
"I didn't have the option or experience to be good with money. I didn't know anything about it. My mom was just the average everyday working woman trying to make ends meet. I didn't know what a wealthy lifestyle was. I didn't know what having money looked or felt like. I think I got my first understanding of it when I met his family and saw what they had. That's when I knew we didn't have money."
On stepping out on her own:
"I was very scared because, at this time, I was working as an executive assistant to the principal for [the] Atlanta Public School System. So I was making maybe $35,000 in my early twenties. I had always been in corporate America. I worked for Wachovia Bank (Wells Fargo) and H&R Block and felt like I had gotten a good job at the school system.
"I mean, 16 years ago, $35,000 was a lot of money for a 21-year-old. But I knew that I wanted to always be a resource for my daughter, and even on $35,000, I was barely making ends meet. I had enough to pay my rent, my little car note, and maybe buy some McDonald's here and there."
On using her taxes for startup money:
"When I made the decision to jump into childcare, I had saved three years' worth of tax returns. At the time, I was getting between a $2,500 to $4,000 return. And one year, I just decided not to spend it. Also, I was saving like $100 out of each check. For two years, I ended up with about $5,000 – so that was my startup. I literally just buckled down and decided not to waste the money."
"When I made the decision to jump into childcare, I had saved three years' worth of tax returns. At the time, I was getting between a $2,500 to $4,000 return. And one year, I just decided not to spend it... For two years, I ended up with about $5,000 – so that was my startup. I literally just buckled down and decided not to waste the money."
On her favorite splurges:
"Sadly, I do not splurge. I like cars so when I want a new car, I'm going to get one. But that's not all the time. You know? I really don’t do much for myself. Everything I do is always for other people. My life is really 'complex-simplicity.' But for my 40th birthday last year, I threw a huge party and went to Turkey. That was the beginning of me doing more for myself. Oh, and property! I’m responsible, but I’ll buy a property in a minute."
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On money-lessons she learned the hard way:
"I was never taught budgeting, so I had to figure it out on my own. And honestly, most Black people are counting and spending their money before they get it. So mentally, they know exactly what they do and don't have.
"Childcare is fast money. If you set up shop in the right location, you can go from $0 to $40,000 quickly. And this happened so early on in my business and so fast that I was out having fun, spending all this money, but I wasn't growing the business that I started.
"You gotta think, I went from getting around $1,200 every two weeks to $8,000. But I learned very, very quickly that I couldn't be gone on vacation 24/7 because no one was running or growing the business. And so it wasn't until that $8,000 a week was $2,500 a week, then $1,800 a week, that I realized I didn’t have as many kids to care for!"
"Childcare is fast money. If you set up shop in the right location, you can go from $0 to $40,000 quickly. And this happened so early on in my business and so fast that I was out having fun, spending all this money, but I wasn't growing the business that I started."
On real estate and passive income:
"I'm a licensed Realtor in both Georgia and Florida, and I became licensed in both states because I invest in real estate. I own the buildings for all my childcare centers outright, with no mortgages. I also own the buildings for any business I operate; I don't rent from anyone. My investment portfolio is focused on real estate because it consistently gains value, and you can always generate income from it.
"Whether you choose to start a business or rent it out, real estate offers flexibility. If you need to access funds, real estate allows for that too. I always recommend investing in real estate because it has worked well for me."
On a final, personal money-saving tip:
"I would say, if your business is a heavy cash flow business, meaning you get a lot of cash but also accept credit cards, checks, and etc., save the cash that you do not need. Put that cash in savings, don’t ride around with it. That way you don’t think twice about spending it."
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Pluto goes retrograde in Aquarius from May 4 until October 13, and this will be a time of remembering your power when it comes to your purpose, innovations, and the ability to attract support into your life. Mercury moves into Taurus on May 10, making this a good time for negotiations, creating new plans financially, and sticking to your word on something that holds value to you. The Full Moon of the month occurs in Scorpio on May 12, and this is the Flower Moon of the year, signifying growth and seeing the beauty in your life.
This Full Moon is all about letting go of what doesn’t feel authentic or resonate with you emotionally, and about experiencing more closure and healing within relationship matters.
Your May 2025: A Monthly Overview
Gemini Season officially begins on May 20, and we enter air sign energy, which is good for communication, business, and coming up with inspiring and new ideas. On May 24, Saturn enters Aries, beginning its new transit where it will remain for the next few years. Saturn in Aries is bold, direct, and straightforward, but so are its lessons. There is a gift in resilience and finding your strength during this time, and this transit will show you where your power is, but it may challenge you to confront self-limiting behavior in the process.
Mercury enters Gemini on May 25, and Mercury loves being here. Mercury in Gemini is the creative genius, and this is a month of aligning yourself with this energy. On May 26, we have a New Moon in Gemini, and it’s time to set your intentions for where you want a communication breakthrough in your life, and what new ideas you want to start planting the seeds for. This is a good New Moon for networking, exchanging ideas, having more fun, and getting inspired.
Article continues after the jump.
We Are/Getty ImagesMay 2025 Horoscopes for Every Zodiac Sign
Keep reading for your sun, moon, and rising sign below to see what May has in store for you.
ARIES
AriesKyra Jay for xoNecoleThe impact from April is finally behind you, and you get to move forward this month, Aries. After a month of retrogrades and Eclipses, you are starting to see the progress of what you have been working towards financially this year. The Sun is in your 2nd house of abundance, self-confidence, and values this month, and you are putting your dreams here first.
With Venus also in Aries for the entire month of May, you are feeling the support within and without this month, and this is a beautiful month unfolding.
On May 24, Saturn enters your sign, beginning its transit in Aries, which will last for the next few years. Saturn is the master of tough love, and you are going to be learning a lot about yourself during his time and going through a growth spurt. The New Moon of May is at the end of the month on May 26 and will be giving you the answers and clarity you have been looking for, highlighting open communication in your life. Overall, this is your month of fewer obstacles and more progress.
TAURUS
TaurusKyra Jay for xoNecoleTaurus Season is officially underway, and you are the main character right now, Taurus. Remember that. This month is about trusting your intuition and the timing of things, and knowing that things are working in your favor. With Venus, your ruling planet, in your 12th house for the month, you are seeking a lot of closure and culmination right now and are healing what was. Mercury enters your sign from May 10 until May 25, and it’s all about the perspectives you are gaining right now.
Don’t be afraid to ask the important questions and get down to the bottom of things that have been worrying you. On May 12, there is a Full Moon in your 7th house of partnership, and you are closing the door on what has not been working for you in love. You are seeing the clarity of what you need within your emotional world and how you want to navigate the changes you have been through here now.
GEMINI
GeminiKyra Jay for xoNecoleMay is a new beginning for you, Gemini. You have a lot of energy and vitality with you this month, and you are ready to accomplish some personal goals and intentions of yours. For most of the month, the Sun is in your house of closure and healing, and you are finding yourself rejuvenated from the transformations you have been through. Gemini Season officially begins on May 20, and with the Sun in your sign, nothing is holding you back from shining and living in your truth right now.
On May 25, Mercury enters Gemini until June 8, and Mercury loves being in your sign, as this is your planetary ruler.
Mercury in Gemini is forward-thinking, quick, and intelligent. You are coming up with solutions to previous challenges or obstacles, and overcoming something that has felt restrictive mentally. Before the month ends, there is a New Moon in Gemini on May 26, and this New Moon is one of the best times of the year for you to set your intentions and manifest your dreams. Remember you are worthy of what you are setting out to accomplish this month, Gemini.
CANCER
CancerKyra Jay for xoNecoleCancer, this month requires you to slow down, take care of your health, and allow things to come to fruition the way they are meant to. There is a chance you could be overthinking more than usual this month, and you are being reminded that there is only so much that is in your control, and to give yourself some more grace. The Full Moon in Scorpio on May 12 will help you gain a little more clarity of the heart and is going to be a time of feeling the love and appreciation in your life.
Saturn enters your 10th house of career on May 24, remaining here over the next few years, and you are getting an opportunity to grow and discover where you may have been limiting yourself professionally, socially, or within your aspirations in life. This time is all about reminding yourself that you deserve recognition for the work you do, but that you must also be the one believing in yourself as well. On May 12, there is a New Moon in your house of emotional healing, and you are seeing the gifts of alone time, safe spaces, and tending to your creative inklings at the end of the month.
LEO
LeoKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis month is an opportunity for a new beginning in love and progress within your emotional world, Leo. You are learning to trust your intuition more, and you are putting more of your energy into your heart’s desires. With the Sun in your 10th house for most of the month, you are shining in your truth and remaining confident in your goals in life.
Venus is in your house of adventure for the entire month, and this is a good time for experiencing romance while traveling or getting out of your comfort zone a little.
Saturn makes a significant move from Pisces into Aries at the end of the month and enters your 9th house. With Saturn here, you will be learning more about what mental growth and clarity mean to you, and this is a good time to dedicate yourself to higher education, traveling, gaining a new perspective, and honoring your integrity and values. The New Moon of the month is on May 26, creating magic within your friendships and community.
You are leaving this month with hope in your heart and new plans for the future.
VIRGO
VirgoKyra Jay for xoNecoleMay is a month of abundance and fruition for you, Virgo. Your dreams and intentions are coming to fruition, and you are owning that which you have created for yourself. With Venus in Aries, this is a good time for seeing support in your life financially, dedicating yourself to your commitments and responsibilities, and seeing the gifts in that. On May 12, there is a Full Moon in your 3rd house of communication, and this is an intuitive time for you, giving you the strength needed to close the chapter on what you don’t resonate with anymore.
On May 24, Saturn enters your house of shared finances, rebirth, intimacy, and resources, and over the next few years, you will be learning the importance of connecting with people who truly have your best interest at heart, and not committing to what feels unstable. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Gemini in your house of career, and this is a good time to manifest and set your intentions for where you want to see professional growth in your life.
Overall, May is about embracing your freedom while honoring the people and connections that help you grow and make you feel more secure in life.
LIBRA
LibraKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis is a month of feeling empowered and ready to take on anything that comes your way, Libra. You are inspired by the progress you are making in your life right now, and with Venus in your 7th house of love, you are being well-received. This is a month of finding your balance between your path and the growth of your relationships, and there is a sense of support, harmony, and love in your life in May.
You are owning your authenticity and living in your truth fully, and this energy is magnetic.
However, Saturn also enters your 7th house of love this month, where it will remain for the next few years. Saturn empowers and helps you grow, but you can also feel a little more challenged within your relationships during this time. The more you can own your wants and needs, the more you can find vulnerability and support within your relationships. On May 26, a New Moon in a fellow air sign occurs and happens in your 9th house, creating a chance at a new adventure and an opportunity to discover some new inspiration.
SCORPIO
ScorpioKyra Jay for xoNecoleMay is about believing in the impossible, Scorpio. It’s time to take a leap of faith in yourself and to remember your power. You are seeking a new beginning in your life, and with the Sun in your 7th house of love for most of the month, you are being supported and encouraged in the process. Pluto, one of your ruling planets, goes retrograde in your house of home and family from May 4 until October, and you are gaining clarity on the people and support systems you can rely on more.
The Full Moon of the month is in your sign on May 12, and this is the Flower Moon of the year. You are in full bloom and ready for whatever is next for you, and this is beautiful. Previous intentions and goals come to fruition for you overall in mid-May, and there is a lot to look forward to right now as you are getting excited about it all. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Gemini in your 8th house, creating a sense of empowerment through what you are looking to change and transform in your life right now.
This month is about not being afraid to take more risks and doing things your own way.
SAGITTARIUS
SagittariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleMay is a beautiful month of magic, success, and good fortune, Sagittarius. You are feeling lucky this month and are attracting success to you in many different areas of your life. Venus, the planet of love, is in your 5th house of romance for most of the month, and you are enjoying your life, feeling the love within your heart, and expressing yourself freely in May. You are a magnet for your manifestations, and dreams are coming true for you this month, Sag.
On May 12, we have a Full Moon happening in your house of endings and closure, and you are closing out a big chapter in your life this month.
You are letting go of old pain or emotional experiences and choosing not to repeat a pattern that left you feeling hopeless before. On May 26, we have a New Moon in your sister sign, Gemini, enhancing your need for love, connection, and relationship development this month. This is a great New Moon to set your intentions for what partnerships you want to see grow, heal, and come to fruition for you. Overall, May is your month of fruition, balance, and believing in the magic in your life.
CAPRICORN
CapricornKyra Jay for xoNecoleMay is about slowing down and allowing yourself to find the answers you have been looking for, Capricorn. This isn’t the time to rush your progress or doubt where you are in life. The Sun is in your 5th house, and this is good for finding more time for fun, pleasure, self-care, and asking your heart what it needs. With Pluto going retrograde in your 2nd house of values and income, you are being reminded to hold yourself with integrity and to know that you are worthy of the things you are asking for.
The Full Moon on May 12 is a beautiful time to connect with loved ones or those who inspire you. The universe wants to show you that you are not alone this month and that you deserve to live a life where you can enjoy yourself more and manifest your dreams, rather than believing everything needs to be a challenge to be worthy. Saturn, your ruling planet, then enters your 4th house of home and family, and over the next few years, you are going to be rediscovering what home means to you.
AQUARIUS
AquariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleYour guidance for May is to trust that what is falling from your life or changing for you is doing so for your benefit, Aquarius. Trust that what is happening is happening for you and not to you, and don’t doubt that you will rebuild from this. With Pluto going retrograde in your sign from May 4 until October 13, you need a break from some of the confusion you have been feeling in your personal life, and you are getting a chance to gain a new perspective this month.
Use this time to get inspired by change rather than let it bring you down, and ground yourself in the present moment more.
Saturn enters Aries in May, where it will remain for the next few years, helping you grow in the areas of your life that have to do with communication, networking, transportation, siblings, and education. You will be learning a lot during this time and will be finding new outlets for self-expression and communication. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Gemini occurring in your 5th house of romance, pleasure, hobbies, and entertainment, and after a month of navigating endings, changes, and closures, you are ready for a fresh start and are receiving one in love now.
PISCES
PiscesKyra Jay for xoNecoleAllow what is to be, be, Pisces. May is a month of allowing yourself to trust the timing of the universe and not giving up hope that things are going to turn out beautifully for you. On May 12, there is a Full Moon in fellow water sign, Scorpio, and this is a time to get inspired and see the benefits of closure. This Full Moon is about gaining a new perspective and not doubting what is clearer to you now, that you are worthy of a new beginning.
On May 24, Saturn moves into your 2nd house of income, and you are going to be moving through a journey of developing financially, and working on maintaining stability while building new foundations in your life. The New Moon in Gemini at the end of the month is about setting your intentions for your home and family life and creating some new energy here. Overall, May is your month of breaking ground on the things you want to create for yourself and trusting the timing of how things are unfolding.
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Featured image by Kyra Jay for xoNecole
