Meet Dr. Constance Craig-mason, Mrfc®, Nssa®

We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Constance Craig-mason, Mrfc®, Nssa® recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Constance, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Walking into rooms where I’m the only young, Black, female Investment Advisor can be both empowering and challenging. Early in my career, I quickly learned that I couldn’t just rely on my credentials or expertise alone. I had to bring my full self to the table, owning my unique perspective and understanding the value it adds. At first, it felt intimidating, but I shifted my mindset from ‘fitting in’ to ‘standing out’ and embraced what made me different as an advantage.

Being the only one in the room meant I was often asked questions that others weren’t, expected to prove my worth repeatedly. Instead of seeing this as a burden, I reframed it as an opportunity to teach and to lead. I could represent not only my knowledge of financial empowerment but also the communities and experiences I hold close to my heart. I’ve found that people remember authenticity and empathy—by showing up fully as myself, I open doors for deeper conversations about wealth, legacy, and empowerment that might otherwise be overlooked.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is resilience in the face of skepticism. I’ve met it with grace, patience, and an unwavering commitment to my clients’ success. Each time I step into these spaces, I remember that I’m not just there for myself—I’m creating a pathway for others like me to feel seen, heard, and represented. My presence alone is a message that we belong in every room. Through confidence, compassion, and a commitment to transforming lives, I’m building trust and breaking barriers, not only for my clients but for the generations to come.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Thank you so much for this opportunity! As a licensed Investment Advisor, Insurance Broker, Master Registered Financial Consultant® and National Social Security Advisor®, I specialize in holistic financial planning that empowers individuals and families to achieve financial freedom, peace, and legacy building. What I do isn’t just about numbers—it’s about helping people, particularly those from underserved communities, overcome financial trauma and reclaim their financial narratives.

What makes my work so special is my deep commitment to educating and guiding my clients through their financial journeys in a way that’s relatable, easy to understand, and actionable. I often tell people that financial empowerment starts with changing your mindset and healing from past financial wounds. That’s why I’m intentional about addressing not only the technical aspects of money management but also the emotional barriers that can hold people back.

I’ve also created platforms to uplift and mentor other Black women in finance and insurance, helping them gain exposure through speaking engagements, coauthoring opportunities, and partnerships that advance their careers. I truly believe in the power of collaboration and community.

Something I’m really excited about right now is the upcoming launch of Money TALK$ Financial Planner that helps people increase financial well-being, grow and leverage assets, and protect their wealth. This planner is part of a 3-part financial empowerment toolkit designed to make financial literacy fun, accessible, and empowering, with sections for budgeting, journaling, debt payoff strategies, and savings challenges. It aligns with my mission to help people turn financial freedom into a reality.

I always say that financial peace isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for everyone. My brand is here to show you that, no matter where you start, you have the power to build the future you desire.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, the three qualities that have been most impactful are resilience, empathy, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Resilience is at the core of my story. Like many of my clients, I’ve faced financial challenges and setbacks that could have easily derailed my path. But I learned early on that resilience is about getting back up, even when the journey is hard. For anyone early in their journey, I would say, expect challenges—they will come—but it’s how you respond that matters. Stay grounded in your “why” and keep pushing forward.

Empathy is a huge part of what I do. To be truly effective in helping others, I’ve had to listen, understand, and relate to the experiences of my clients—especially those who’ve experienced financial trauma. For new professionals, I recommend leading with empathy. Don’t rush to “fix” people’s finances before you understand the root of their fears and struggles. Building trust through empathy is key to long-term success.

Lastly, a commitment to lifelong learning has been invaluable. Financial services are constantly evolving, and so are people’s needs. I’ve dedicated myself to continuously expanding my knowledge, whether that’s through earning designations like MRFC® or staying on top of industry trends. For those just starting out, I suggest investing in your education, but also in personal development. The more you learn, the more value you can provide to your clients.

If I could offer one piece of advice for early professionals, it would be to never stop investing in yourself and your growth. Whether it’s through mentorship, education, or simply being curious and open-minded, the best way to develop these qualities is through consistent, intentional effort. Your journey may have twists and turns, but stay the course and remember that every step brings you closer to your purpose.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! I am always looking for like-minded individuals and organizations to partner and collaborate with. Collaboration is the heart of what I do—it’s how we create lasting impact and expand opportunities for financial empowerment in our communities.

I’m particularly interested in collaborating with:

Financial and insurance professionals, especially Black women, who are passionate about financial literacy, wealth building, and legacy creation. I love working with those who want to amplify their voices, gain exposure, and contribute to the financial empowerment of underserved communities.

Nonprofit organizations and community groups focused on financial education, economic development, and social justice. I believe that financial well-being is deeply connected to broader community empowerment, and I’m excited to collaborate with organizations making a difference on the ground.

Corporations and brands committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly in the financial space. Whether it’s through workshops, speaking engagements, or content partnerships, I’m open to working together on initiatives that align with my mission to break generational cycles of poverty and financial trauma.
If you’re passionate about helping others build financial freedom and want to explore collaboration, you can reach me directly by email at [email protected] or through my social media platforms @ccraigmason. I’d love to connect and see how we can work together to create meaningful change!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Media Expertzy
Rich Creatives Media
GreeneHouse Media

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than

Highlighter Series
Are you walking a path—or wandering?

The answer to whether you are walking or wandering often changes from season to season

Highlighter Series
Life, Lessons, & Legacies

Through the work we do we are incredibly fortunate to find and learn about so