Hidden Gems: Meet Nesha Higgins of Melabiz Service Hub

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nesha Higgins

Hi Nesha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Originally from Milwaukee, I moved to Phoenix a little over two years ago with my family. As a proud wife and mother to a teenage daughter, family is at the core of everything I do. My journey from Milwaukee to Phoenix was driven by a desire for new opportunities and a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others.

In Milwaukee, I was deeply involved in various community initiatives, and that passion continued when I arrived in Phoenix. Here, I founded two different ventures that reflect my commitment to empowerment and community development.

Melabiz Service Hub is dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs achieve their dreams. Through this venture, I offer guidance, mentorship, and access to essential resources that enable new business owners to navigate the challenges of starting and growing their businesses. I take pride in seeing entrepreneurs turn their visions into thriving enterprises.

On the other hand, Melabiz Community Hub is focused on providing critical resources and support to marginalized communities, particularly youth and families in need. Our drop-in center offers a safe space, mentorship, holistic wellness activities, free mental health counseling, and workforce development services. By addressing these fundamental needs, I strive to create a more equitable and inclusive environment for everyone.

The transition to Phoenix wasn’t easy, but it gave me a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by underserved populations, particularly in areas like economic empowerment, mental health, and youth development. This led to the creation of Melabiz Community Hub, where I’ve been able to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

When I’m not working on expanding our programs or connecting with the community, I enjoy exploring Phoenix’s vibrant culture, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, and spending quality time with my family. Whether it’s participating in local events or simply enjoying the beautiful Arizona sunsets, I’m committed to making Phoenix my home and leaving a positive mark on this wonderful community.

As someone who believes in the power of collaboration and community, I’m always looking for new ways to partner with others who share the same vision of building a stronger, more inclusive society. Phoenix has welcomed me with open arms, and I’m excited to continue this journey of growth, learning, and service in my new hometown.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the most significant challenges I encountered was securing the necessary funding to launch and sustain our programs at Melabiz. Starting a nonprofit focused on marginalized communities meant that we were often competing for limited resources with many other worthy causes. Additionally, building trust within the communities we aimed to serve was a hurdle. Many individuals in these communities had faced systemic neglect and broken promises, making them understandably cautious. I had to be persistent and consistent in showing that our organization was genuinely committed to making a difference.

Another challenge was navigating the complexities of nonprofit management and ensuring our organization remained financially sustainable while staying true to our mission. Balancing the administrative demands of running a nonprofit with the hands-on work of community engagement required a lot of strategic planning and adaptability. It was also a challenge to find and retain dedicated staff and volunteers who shared our vision and were willing to work through the ups and downs of building a community-focused organization from the ground up.

Despite these challenges, each obstacle provided valuable lessons that have strengthened our organization and deepened our impact on the community.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As the Founder and CEO of both Melabiz Community Hub and Melabiz Service Hub, my work is centered on empowering marginalized communities and supporting businesses in reaching their full potential. Through Melabiz Community Hub, I lead initiatives that provide essential resources, mentorship, and support to at-risk youth, women, and underserved populations. Our programs focus on everything from reducing gun violence to offering mental health counseling and workforce development.

At Melabiz Service Hub, I help entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits navigate the complexities of business growth and development. I provide consulting, grant writing, marketing, and training services to ensure our clients have the tools and strategies they need to succeed. My work is all about making a meaningful impact, fostering resilience, and driving positive change in both the communities and businesses I serve.

What does success mean to you?
With Melabiz Community Hub, success is defined by the breadth and depth of support we provide to marginalized individuals and communities. Our initiatives, such as the MYGuard Initiative, which addresses gun violence and supports at-risk youth, and the D.R.E.A.M. Girl Initiative, which empowers young women, are just the beginning. We also offer workforce development programs, free mental health counseling, holistic wellness activities, basic needs support, and educational assistance. Success is seeing these programs make a tangible difference—when youth feel safer and more supported, when women gain the skills and confidence to pursue their dreams, and when community members have access to the resources they need to thrive.

For Melabiz Service Hub, success is about helping entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits reach new heights. Whether we’re assisting with business consulting, grant writing, marketing, or providing training through workshops, our goal is to empower our clients to succeed. When a business secures critical funding, develops a strong brand, or navigates challenges with our support, that’s a clear indicator of success. We’re not just helping businesses grow; we’re helping them build a foundation for long-term success and sustainability.

Across both organizations, success is about creating opportunities and fostering resilience. It’s about building trust within the communities we serve and being a reliable partner for our clients. Whether through community engagement, business growth, or personal development, success is measured by the positive, lasting change we create. When the individuals, businesses, and communities we work with thrive, that’s the ultimate measure of success for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: melabiz.com
• Email: melabizcommunityhub@gmail.com