Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiana Bangura.
Hi Kiana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in West Philadelphia taught me resilience early on. I attended the School of the Future and was part of its very first graduating class, which was a unique experience that really shaped how I see growth, change, and opportunity.
At 19, I stepped into the airline industry, looking for independence and a way to build something for myself. That opportunity turned into a 14-year career with a major airline. During that time, I traveled, met people from all walks of life, and developed a strong sense of discipline, professionalism, and customer service that I carry with me to this day.
Eventually, I felt called to entrepreneurship and owned a nail salon in Southwest Philadelphia. It was something I was truly passionate about—a space not just for beauty, but for connection, confidence, and community. Unfortunately, like many small businesses, I was impacted by the pandemic and had to make the difficult decision.
That moment could have set me back, but instead, it pushed me to pivot. A few years later, I transitioned into the auto industry, applying everything I had learned over the years—resilience, adaptability, and people skills.
My journey hasn’t been traditional, but every step has prepared me for the next. I’ve learned that setbacks don’t define you—it’s how you respond to them. I’m still growing, still evolving, and still creating new opportunities, not just for myself, but for my community as well.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
By no means was this a smooth road—far from it. The initial formation of the business began in 2022, followed by a two-year journey of securing the necessary licenses. This included becoming a notary, obtaining lottery licensing, and finalizing contracts with the Department of Transportation and Western Union.
It was a long process filled with waiting, back-and-forth communication, and moments where I nearly lost my location. Thankfully, my business partner and mentor believed in the vision and stayed committed throughout the entire process.
We officially opened our doors in February 2024, and now we are proudly operating in our third year of business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Market St Business Center ?
Market St Business Center is a local Black-owned small business with a mission to provide essential business solutions and exceptional customer service, while giving back to and serving our community. We are committed to creating a welcoming and comfortable environment where our clients can access a wide range of services conveniently and affordably.
Our services specialize in auto, home, and life insurance; auto tag and title; registration; Western Union; money orders; bill payment; lottery; notary services; fax and photocopying; key cutting, and more.
In addition, we partner with other local small businesses by offering vendor space within our location. This allows us to support fellow entrepreneurs while creating a collaborative, community-driven environment where multiple brands can grow together. It’s important to me to not only grow personally, but to help others grow as well.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If there’s any advice I could give to someone just starting out in business, it would be this—don’t be intimidated by what you have to accomplish or overcome. Do it scared, and do it anyway.
In the beginning, you may not have a team, support system, or everything figured out, and that’s okay. Go alone until you find your tribe—the people who are meant to be part of your journey. But before anything else, you have to take that first step. That’s the most important part. Once you make that first move, everything else begins to follow.
You have to persevere, no matter what obstacles come your way. And trust me, there will be many. I’ve faced a lot, and I still do even while being in business. It can be scary, and the fear of the unknown is real—but shifting your mindset and choosing to think positively can carry you through some of your toughest moments. That’s something that truly helped me during my journey.
If you have an idea, a vision, or something you’ve been wanting to do -go for it. Take action. Do your research, understand what you’re stepping into, and be prepared to work. It’s a long term commitment. But if you stay consistent, keep pushing, and believe in yourself, it will all be worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marketstbusinesscenter.com
- Instagram: @Marketstbusinesscenter
