“Starting from Zero”: How Kirrsy Baez Built a New Life — and a Business — in Paterson with the Help of Our Financial Empowerment Center

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When Kirrsy Baez stepped off the plane from the Dominican Republic in 2019, she carried little more than hope and determination. With two young children by her side and no safety net waiting for her, she arrived in Paterson ready to start over — “from zero,” as she puts it.

From the beginning, Baez knew what she wanted: to build a better life for her family. But the challenges were immediate. “Feeding my children, educating them, being a good example — that was the hardest part,” she said. “As parents, we show our kids the way.”

With few resources and a long road ahead, Baez set her sights on two goals: buying a home and opening her own business. “I made a list of all the businesses I might want to open — and laundromat was at the top,” she said.

She liked that a laundromat was not only a stable income source, but also a way to serve the community and meet new people. “When I first came here, I didn’t know anyone. A place like this opens doors.”

Baez’s turning point came when she connected with the Paterson Financial Empowerment Center (FEC), a free service that helps residents make informed financial decisions and achieve greater stability, operated by NJCDC in partnership with the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund and the city’s Office of Financial Empowerment. The only such program in the state, FEC provides non-judgmental guidance in a number of areas, including budgeting, debt management, and credit improvement.

Baez attended a homebuying workshop hosted by the FEC and shared her dream of becoming a homeowner. From there, she began working one-on-one with FEC counselors. “They were amazing. They gave me advice, helped me build my credit, and even got me pre-approved for a loan,” Baez said. “They gave me the confidence to keep going.”

As the housing market grew more competitive, Baez’s FEC counselors encouraged her to revisit her first dream: opening a business. With their support, she pivoted toward launching a laundromat — a dream she had once shelved in favor of homeownership.

With help from the FEC, Baez navigated every step of launching a business — from securing licenses to opening a business bank account. She even sold her beloved car to raise capital. “A coworker used to say I looked ‘fancy’ in that car,” she said with a laugh. “I sold it to invest in the business — and that’s how the laundromat got its name: Fancy K.”

On March 1, 2025, Fancy K Laundromat officially opened its doors at 143 Belmont Ave. With its bright purple signage — a nod to Baez’s daughter’s favorite color — the laundromat quickly became a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

“This place was abandoned for years,” Baez said. “People were so happy to see it open. There was no laundromat nearby, so it filled a real need.”

The laundromat is more than a business; it's a community hub. “Here, people come together, talk, laugh. It feels like I’m adding a little grain of sand to this big ocean.”

NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci praised Baez for her resilience and determination. “Kirrsy represents the very best of what Paterson is all about — grit, vision, and a deep commitment to family and community,” he said. “Her success is a reminder that when people are given the right tools and support, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.”

Looking ahead, Baez is hopeful. She still dreams of buying a home, and she’s already planning for her next steps. “I just want the business to run a little smoother, and then we’ll see what’s next,” she said.

She’s most proud, she says, of the example she’s set for her children. “Now when people ask my kids about their mom, they can say, ‘My mom owns a laundromat.’ That makes me proud.”

And as for those moments when giving up felt like an option? “I couldn’t,” she said. “I came too far. My family is watching. I have to show them, and myself, that I can do it. And I did.”