Turning Reinvention Into Opportunity — Part 2
From Idea to Business and From Business Owner to Funded Entrepreneur

In Part 1 of our Montco ProBiz Spotlight, we introduced Nafeesa Akbar, M.Ed.—an educator, counselor, entrepreneur and founder of Authentically Her. Her personal journey of rebuilding after a traumatic divorce inspired her to create products and resources that encourage women to embrace their identities, strengthen their confidence and step into their next chapters.

Now, Nafeesa is expanding that mission through Opulent Endeavors Academy, an entrepreneurial education platform designed to help women move from having an idea to building a business with structure, strategy and purpose.

“I want women to understand that their ideas are valuable, but an idea needs a plan, support and consistent action to become a sustainable business.” — Nafeesa Akbar

Through Opulent Endeavors Academy, Nafeesa helps aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs clarify their visions, establish strong business foundations, develop their brands and prepare for opportunities that can support long-term growth. Her guidance is rooted in both professional experience and personal understanding.

She knows what it means to start over, learn along the way and build confidence while navigating uncertainty. That perspective allows her to meet women where they are—whether they are developing an idea, launching their first offer or preparing to pursue funding.

Nafeesa also emphasizes the importance of becoming funding-ready. For many entrepreneurs, access to capital begins with preparation: understanding the business model, organizing financial information, communicating a clear vision and demonstrating how funding will support measurable growth.

“Funding is not just about receiving money. It is about being prepared to show that your business is ready for the opportunity.” — Nafeesa Akbar

Her entrepreneurial journey gained national attention when she was selected from thousands of entrepreneurs to appear on Season 17 of The Blox. That experience further strengthened her commitment to helping women recognize their potential and pursue entrepreneurship with confidence.

Whether through Authentically Her or Opulent Endeavors Academy, Nafeesa’s work reflects one central belief: reinvention can become a source of strength, and personal transformation can create a pathway for others.

For women who are ready to turn their ideas into action, build stronger business foundations or prepare for the next level of growth, Nafeesa offers encouragement, insight and practical support.

Connect With Nafeesa
Website: authenticallyher.com
Instagram: @AuthenticallyHer | @_theempress1115
TikTok: @akbartheempress
Facebook: Nafeesa Abdul-Akbar | Authentically Her

Pennsylvania is seeing a significant rise in measles cases, with health officials reporting 460 confirmed cases across 31 counties as of August 28. That includes 36 new cases reported in just two days.

The outbreak has also resulted in 83 hospitalizations and two measles-associated deaths. The deaths involved two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents and were Pennsylvania’s first measles-associated deaths in 35 years.

Measles is highly contagious and can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Early symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose and red or watery eyes, followed several days later by a rash.

With students returning to classrooms and families moving between communities, health officials are encouraging residents to know their vaccination status and stay alert for possible symptoms. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide about 97% protection against measles.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health

Sweet Find in Perkasie

Gluten-Free Goodness found in Harleysville Supermarkets

This was a great local discovery! 

I recently visited Haasis Gluten Free Bakery in Perkasie, Bucks County, and this is one bakery Montco ProBiz Buzz readers may want to put on their list. Specializing in gluten-free and nut-free foods, Haasis offers much more than sweets. The cases were filled with cupcakes, brownies and other baked treats, along with pizza, pretzels and savory options.

Even more exciting, Haasis is in the running for USA TODAY recognition as one of the country’s best gluten-free bakeries.

Montgomery County residents can find select Haasis products closer to home at Landis Supermarket in Harleysville and Henning’s Supermarket.

Planning a birthday or special celebration? For personalized cakes and custom orders, you’ll want to visit the Perkasie bakery.

Haasis Gluten Free Bakery
 316 W. Walnut Street, Perkasie, PA 18944
 215-853-0222
Friday: 8 AM–6 PM | Saturday: 8 AM–4 PM
Closed Sunday–Thursday

Photos by Montco ProBiz Buzz

Who’s Watching the Road?

Abington Puts License-Plate Technology Under the Microscope

You drive to work, grab coffee, run a few errands, and along the way, a camera may have recorded your license plate.

That’s the technology at the center of a recent decision in Abington Township.

Township commissioners voted to replace the police department’s Flock Safety automated license-plate reader system with another system. These cameras can help law enforcement identify vehicles connected to investigations, but Abington’s decision highlights another side of the technology: what happens to all that data? The replacement is expected to give the township tighter control over how information is shared.

It’s a fascinating example of a challenge communities everywhere are facing. Technology can make public safety faster and smarter, but convenience and security can come with questions about privacy, data access and oversight.  And as cameras, AI and connected databases become increasingly sophisticated, those questions aren’t going away.

Would you feel safer knowing these cameras are watching or more concerned about your privacy?

One Easy Meal, Endless Possibilities

Last week, we talked about trying just one plant-based meal instead of changing everything you eat. If you missed it, you can view that article here.

This week, let’s make that first meal ridiculously easy.

Meet the build your own bowl.

Start with something familiar like rice, quinoa, pasta or even roasted potatoes. Then add a protein such as black beans, chickpeas or lentils. Pile on vegetables you already enjoy, whether they’re fresh, roasted or sautéed.

Now comes the part that makes the bowl worth looking forward to: the toppings. Try avocado, salsa, hummus, fresh herbs, seeds or your favorite dressing. There’s no rule that says healthy food has to be boring!

The best part? Bowls are perfect for using what’s already in your refrigerator. Yesterday’s roasted vegetables and leftover rice can become today’s colorful lunch.

You don’t have to eat plant-based every day to enjoy the benefits of adding more plants to your plate.

This week’s DIG IN challenge: Build one bowl your way. No perfection, no complicated recipe—just good food and something new.

Next week: We’ll keep DIG IN going with another simple way to explore plant-based eating.

Last week, we talked about the spots that are easy to forget—ceiling fans, baseboards, light switches and those sneaky areas that don’t always make the cleaning list.

But what happens after you’ve cleaned them?

The secret to a cleaner home isn’t spending every weekend deep cleaning. It’s creating a few small habits that keep dirt and clutter from building up in the first place.

Try the 5-Minute Reset. Before leaving a room, spend just five minutes putting things back where they belong, wiping down frequently touched surfaces and handling one small task you’ve been putting off.

Another trick? Pick one overlooked area each week. This week, tackle the refrigerator handles. Next week, clean underneath the couch cushions. After that, give your cabinet fronts some attention.

Little jobs don’t feel so overwhelming when they’re spread out—and your home stays fresher between deeper cleanings.

Montco Cleaning Pros Tip:
Don’t wait until it looks dirty. A little maintenance now means a lot less scrubbing later.

Montco Cleaning Pros
 267-263-7567