Ciera Ellison, a Temple University alumna with a background in social work and policy, found herself at a crossroads after being laid off from her position as a child policy associate. Rather than letting rejection define her future, she launched Cice Consulting dba Curated by Cice in September 2022. Based in Philadelphia, Ciera’s mission-driven venture reflects her personal journey of transformation and growth. Through her work as an executive coach, product designer, and mentor for young women, she empowers others to build leadership, confidence, and entrepreneurial purpose.
Ciera launched her business as a self-taught, bootstrapped entrepreneur, learning every aspect of building a business from scratch. As a solo founder emerging from a layoff, she faced the challenge of wearing multiple hats while building a business that blended coaching, product development, and youth programming—all under one vision. Navigating these complexities, along with the evolving needs of e-commerce and branding, led her to seek strategic support.
In August 2023, Ciera connected with the Temple University Small Business Development Center. The SBDC provided tailored consulting services, including a comprehensive digital marketing audit and the development of financial projections to help chart a sustainable path forward. Through one-on-one guidance, she was able to refine her business model, articulate her market positioning, and identify new opportunities for growth—both in coaching and e-commerce. The Temple SBDC’s support gave her clarity and confidence to expand with purpose.
With her financials and marketing strategy sharpened, Ciera applied for and was awarded a $10,000 Catalyst Grant—marking a major milestone for her business. She is allocating 80% of the funds toward scaling Curated by Cice, her e-commerce brand of journals and self-care tools, and the remaining 20% toward expanding Cice Consulting, her executive coaching and leadership training service. Together, these ventures reflect a unified vision: pairing executive coaching and leadership development with wellness tools that help women embrace confidence, clarity, and growth. The funding will enable her to hire a local marketing firm to boost brand visibility and reach more aspiring leaders. Additionally, she is planning new city-wide events to engage and inspire emerging entrepreneurs.
What began as a personal pivot has grown into a business with real community impact. Ciera’s journals serve as “cocoons for mindset,” helping others navigate their own transformation journeys. Through her Girls INSPIRE youth program, she also extends her mission to the next generation of leaders. “As much as this is a Philadelphia story, it’s a Temple story,” she reflects. “The partnership with the Temple SBDC has played a vital role in my momentum forward.” This opportunity ensures that Cice Consulting continues to be a catalyst for others to find the courage to start something of their own.