Christina Hollis

Christina was born in Houston, Texas.  Her family moved to Georgia, July 4, 1985 when the Texas oil industry was hit with an economic recession, and her dad found work in Georgia.  Christina began sewing at the age of 10 with her mother. Although Christina's sewing talents may have come from learning with her mother, she believes her dad and life's experiences helped her with all the self-confidence and "never give up" attitude she possesses. Today she makes gorgeous one-of-a-kind "memory" and specialty quilts.

Christina is visually impaired and was unaware of IDA programs until the Center for Financial Independence & Innovation Coordinator, Bridgette, visited CVI to present the program, but she had already decided at the age of 19 that she would be self-employed. Christina began with a savings goal of $1000.00, contributing $100 per month so that she could by assets for her quilting business. Christina succeeded in reaching her goals, enjoyed the program and would like very much to continue with her financial education and new savings practices so she may grow her business. 

Nichole Jones

Nichole Jones is a native of Georgia - and proud of it!  She attended Meyers Elementary School in Flowery Branch and then South Hall Middle School before High School. Because of Nichole's disabilities, depression and ADHD, she attended several High Schools in Georgia before graduating with a GED from Atlanta Technical College/Institute with a Legal Assistant Diploma. Nichole is currently working on an Associate's Degree while attending Atlanta Christian College. Ms. Jones credits life's experiences and her disability to her sense of humor and her ability to continually adapt and recreate herself as necessary.

The second oldest daughter of six children and a mother to two children herself, Nichole believes nurturing just came naturally to her. She is interested in starting a child care service and employing others from the disability community to help her care for the children, while she mainly manages the business. Ms. Jones was not aware of all the tax credits available to her until she discussed the IDA Program with the Center for Financial Independence & Innovation Coordinator, Bridgette. It was then that Nichole decided to take her income tax return and apply it toward the IDA Program. She had a savings goal of $1000.00 and contributed her tax refund of $600.00, leaving her with a monthly contribution goal of $25.00 so that she could start her child-care business. She would like to continue her financial education so she has the knowledge and is aware of all the assistance available to her to keep her business going and growing!