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Written By: Kiara Day

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Turquoise Barney never imagined that entrepreneurship would be her path. With a background in social work and a minor in business, she originally intended to pursue a career in therapy. But as life unfolded and purpose revealed itself, she discovered that her greatest calling was building something much larger than herself—a series of ventures rooted in empowerment, education, and economic transformation. Today, as one of Metro Atlanta’s most powerful women, Turquoise is known not only for her business acumen but for the legacy she’s building—one that champions women, especially those who have been historically overlooked.

Her journey is defined by intention and impact. As a mother, a Black woman, and a self-made entrepreneur, Turquoise brings her full self to everything she creates. She describes herself as a “serial entrepreneur,” a title that emerged not from a desire to collect ventures, but from her commitment to solving real problems and meeting real needs. Every twist in her path prepared her for the next step, and every lesson became part of the blueprint. Entrepreneurship didn’t just find her—it shaped her into a leader whose influence now extends across industries and communities.

One of the most significant challenges she’s faced was learning to trust herself. In a world full of opinions and conventional advice, Turquoise had to develop a sharp sense of intuition and confidence in her vision. Trusting her instincts was only part of the equation; the other was building a trustworthy team. She understood early on that success isn’t a solo act—it’s a collaboration. By aligning with like-minded individuals and nurturing strategic partnerships, she was able to scale her businesses and create platforms that uplift others along the way.

Mentorship has played a foundational role in that journey. Turquoise has both benefited from and contributed to powerful mentorship networks, and today, she leads one of the most impactful financial mentorship communities in the country—Recession Proof, which boasts more than 10,000 members. Through this network, she pours into other women, offering not just guidance but real tools to change lives. For her, mentorship isn’t optional—it’s essential. It’s how we build together, grow together, and ensure that no woman has to walk her journey alone.

Turquoise doesn’t subscribe to the myth of perfect balance. Instead, she believes in prioritizing with intention. There are seasons when business takes precedence and others when self-care or family needs more attention. It’s a rhythm she has learned to respect. Her advice to women is clear: let go of the guilt, honor your needs, and know that balance is fluid. Real fulfillment comes from making conscious choices—moment by moment—that align with your goals and values.

Her current focus is The Women of Recession Proof, a movement that blends financial education with community and empowerment. Through this initiative, Turquoise is creating a safe space for women to learn about credit, business, and legacy-building while also fostering sisterhood. It’s more than education—it’s transformation. And it’s reaching women far beyond Atlanta, inspiring change nationwide.

One pivotal moment that redefined her leadership came when her husband fell seriously ill, forcing her to step into a more demanding role within their company. That experience taught her the power of preparation, systems, and sustainable leadership. She learned that businesses must be built to thrive even in the face of personal crisis—and that resilience is key. It was a turning point that matured her leadership style and strengthened her commitment to building businesses that last.

Turquoise stays ahead of the curve by remaining a student of her craft. She studies trends, engages with thought leaders, and constantly challenges herself to grow. In her world, innovation isn’t a buzzword—it’s a daily habit. It’s how she stays impactful, relevant, and ready for what’s next.
For young women entering entrepreneurship, her message is powerful: know who you are. Lead with intention, be bold, and never shrink to fit someone else’s idea of success. Face challenges with strategy, not fear. And always remember—your voice, your story, and your presence matter.

Turquoise uses her platform to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion by doing the work. She builds systems that welcome and uplift marginalized voices, champions representation in leadership, and holds the door open for others to walk through. Her mission is simple yet

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