Hustle & Heart Collective was born from lived experience.
Founder Corissa Hernandez grew up in East Los Angeles, watching her parents build a small business with grit, sacrifice, and love — but without access to the systems, financial guidance, or support they deserved.
Years later, as an entrepreneur herself, Corissa encountered the same realities.
Not a lack of talent.
Not a lack of ambition.
A lack of access.
So she built what didn’t exist: a space where entrepreneurs could gain the tools, knowledge, and community needed to build with clarity and confidence.
Built in LA. 300+ founders gathered at our first summit. 85% said they’d attend again.
✳︎
Built in LA. 300+ founders gathered at our first summit. 85% said they’d attend again. ✳︎
We saw entrepreneurs doing everything right —
and still struggling to move forward.
Founders navigating financial systems without guidance.
Small business owners building in isolation.
Communities full of talent, but underserved by traditional resources.
We saw the pressure of building not just for yourself — but for your family, your future, and your community.
And we saw how often that journey happens alone.
Hustle & Heart Collective is a growing ecosystem designed to change that.
We connect entrepreneurs to education, resources, and relationships that support real growth — not just inspiration.
Through events, programming, and an expanding media platform, we create consistent, meaningful touchpoints where founders can learn, connect, and access opportunity.
This is not a one-time experience.
It’s a platform for long-term impact.
Our Mission & Vision
Mission
To provide culturally rooted financial literacy, entrepreneurial education, and community-driven resources that empower first-generation founders and underserved entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses, financial stability, and generational wealth.
Vision
A future where every founder, regardless of background, zip code, or generational starting point, has access to the tools, knowledge, and community support needed to build economically vibrant, culturally rich, and empowered lives.
What we do
We support the whole entrepreneur — business, money, wellness, and belonging.
Our work blends strategy + soul, creating spaces that are both practical and culturally resonant.
From financial education to high-impact events and community experiences, everything we build is designed to help entrepreneurs move forward with clarity, confidence, and support.
Programs
Our programs are designed as an interconnected ecosystem — supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.
Financial Literacy &
Wealth-Building Education
Clear, accessible guidance that helps founders understand money, build stability, and plan for
long-term growth.
Founder Wellness Retreats
Intentional spaces for rest, reflection, and sustainability — supporting the human behind the business.
Mentorship & Resource Navigation
Guidance and connection to tools, systems,
and funding pathways that are often difficult to access alone.
Entrepreneurship Events
& Signature Summit
Including the Eastside Hustle & Heart Entrepreneur Summit — a flagship experience that brings together founders, creatives, and leaders for high-impact conversations and connection.
Community & Cultural Activations
Vibrant, community-centered experiences that celebrate culture while expanding visibility and opportunity for small businesses.
Podcast & Media Platform (Growing)
A digital platform amplifying founder stories, expert insights, and community voices — extending our impact beyond physical events.
Meet the founder
Corissa Hernandez
Corissa Hernandez is a proud first-generation Latina, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder rooted in East Los Angeles.
She created Hustle & Heart Collective after recognizing a pattern in her community — entrepreneurs full of talent, vision, and drive, but lacking access to the financial education, resources, and support systems needed to build sustainable businesses.
With over 19 years of experience and a background in community organizing, financial education, and cultural programming, Corissa has dedicated her work to bridging those gaps — creating spaces where founders feel seen, supported, and equipped to grow.
Her work sits at the intersection of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and cultural impact — blending practical tools with real-life experience to support long-term success.
Her mission is simple:
To help people build thriving businesses, create generational opportunity, and do it without losing themselves in the process.
Timeline
2007
Legacy Full Circle Financial founded
2017
Hospitality ventures (Nativo, House of Xelas, Empire Tavern)
2025
First Eastside Hustle & Heart Summit
2026
Expansion, media partnership, citywide opportunities
