Member Highlight
circumstances didn’t define her
Nazeerah never imagined she’d become a business owner—let alone one whose work feeds people, creates jobs, and gives back to the community. For years, survival took precedence over long-term planning. Money was a day-to-day concern, not a tool she could use to build her future.
In November 2022, everything changed. Nazzy was at risk of losing her car. She struggled to make payments and feared repossession. She knew she needed help but didn’t know where to turn. While searching for answers, she came across a Canopy Credit Union social media post about refinancing. She made an appointment at the Mallon branch—unsure, but hopeful.
That meeting was the first time Nazzy truly learned what refinancing meant. The team walked her through her credit, reviewed her pay stubs, and—most importantly—took the time to understand her situation. Instead of rushing her into a product, Canopy’s team met her where she was. When she asked how much ongoing financial coaching would cost, she was surprised to learn it was free.
She became a member that day.
Through financial coaching, Nazzy began paying off her car and watched her credit score rise. It was her first experience with a credit union—and the first time she felt supported rather than judged.
In May 2023, Nazzy took a leap of faith and launched Compassion Catering. She had worked in restaurants since 2015, often juggling two or three jobs at a time. After moving to Spokane in 2018, she quickly learned how difficult it was to advance as a woman of color in the restaurant industry. Still, she loved food—everything from fine dining to hole-in-the-wall spots—and she loved people even more.
During the pandemic, Nazzy and a friend began cooking meals for people with food allergies and for those in need. What started as shared meals turned into catering requests. When a cousin asked her to cater a graduation—requiring $900 out of pocket—Nazzy quit her job, got licensed, and committed fully to her business.
As Compassion Catering grew, so did the need for intentional financial guidance. Nazzy joined Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance (SIMBA), where she learned about a Community-Based Progressive Program (CBPP) loan designed to support women and Black-owned small businesses. She applied through Canopy—and was approved.
This time, Nazzy was determined to do things differently. She didn’t want to repeat past mistakes or rely on debt without a plan. Nazzy and her financial coach, Ashley, audited her spending, uncovered habits she hadn’t realized were holding her back, and addressed the root causes of her financial stress.
For the first time, Nazzy learned how to set goals, budget, live within her means, manage income increases responsibly, and use the snowball method to tackle debt. Today, her credit score has improved, risky expenses are behind her, and she sees a future where she’s debt-free within two years.
Compassion Catering is now entering its third year. Nazzy manages everything—accounting, payroll, staffing, scheduling, cooking—and employs 15 people, with 6–4 working consistently. Her business model is intentionally community-driven: donating meals, supporting food drives, partnering with organizations like the MLK Center, and using creative events to fund community impact.
Today, Nazzy’s shoulders feel lighter. She understands debt isn’t the end of the world—it’s something that can be managed with a plan and patience. Her goals now include buying a home, growing a sustainable business, and continuing to serve her community through food.
For Nazeerah, Canopy wasn’t just a financial institution—it was the place where she learned that her circumstances didn’t define her, and that with the right team on her side, growth was not only possible, but already happening.
