Life & Work with Bre Collins of Douglasville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bre Collins.

Hi Bre, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Bre Collins, and my journey is about rebuilding and purpose. I spent several years incarcerated, and during that time I made a decision to change my life. I earned my GED and committed to creating a better future for myself and my son.

After my release, I moved to Georgia with very little, went back to school, and earned my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. I eventually started a successful tax and financial services business, which showed me how many people struggle simply because they lack financial knowledge.

That inspired me to start Common Ground Empowerment Network, a nonprofit focused on financial literacy, mentorship, and helping people rebuild their lives. I also created the GroundHER Sisterhood Circle to support women in growing financially and personally.

Today my mission is to help people understand that where you start doesn’t have to define where you finish.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Rebuilding my life after incarceration came with many challenges. I had to start over with very little, work different jobs, and prove to people and to myself that I was capable of doing more.

There were times when money was tight, opportunities were limited, and I had to push through self doubt and fear of failure. Building businesses and starting a nonprofit required long hours, patience, and learning through mistakes.

Those struggles shaped who I am today. They taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of staying committed even when things feel difficult.

The challenges I faced are the same experiences that now allow me to help others rebuild and move forward in their own lives.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an accountant, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder. I specialize in financial literacy, tax education, and helping people rebuild their lives through practical financial knowledge. I teach people how to understand their credit, manage their money, file taxes correctly, and start businesses so they can create real stability for themselves and their families.

I am the founder of Common Ground Empowerment Network, where we provide financial education and mentorship programs. I also created the GroundHER Sisterhood Circle, a program that helps women grow personally and financially in a supportive community.

What I am most proud of is the lives I have been able to impact. Seeing people improve their credit, start businesses, and gain confidence in their finances means everything to me.

What sets me apart is that I teach from real life experience. I have had to rebuild my own life from the ground up, so I understand the challenges people face when they are trying to start over. I focus on practical steps and real solutions that people can actually use, not just theory.

I am known for being honest, relatable, and committed to helping people move forward and build better futures.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe luck has played a small role, but hard work and faith have played a much bigger one. There were moments where I met the right people at the right time or had opportunities come my way, and I am grateful for those. At the same time, I also faced situations that felt like bad luck, especially when I had to rebuild my life and overcome obstacles that could have held me back.

What I have learned is that opportunities matter, but preparation and persistence matter more. I focused on improving myself, getting an education, and staying committed to my goals so that when opportunities came, I was ready for them.

I would say my journey has been less about luck and more about determination, growth, and making the most out of every opportunity that came my way.

Pricing:

• Membership $350 annual
• Services Vary starts at $350

Contact Info:

• Website: https://commongen.org