03/31/2026
Being an entrepreneur requires sacrifice and for me, that mindset started early.
At just 7 years old, I coached my first “team,” made up of one of my brothers and our best friends. Together, we turned our coloring books into inventory, selling hand-colored sheets door to door.
I pushed them to stay inside the lines and give their best effort. We had a clear goal: the ice cream truck. Not just any treat but the freedom to choose whatever we wanted.
Living on a dead-end street meant limited opportunity, but we made it work. We knocked on every door we could, convincing our neighbors that our “artwork” deserved a place in their homes; or at the very least, would make a great gift.
And it worked.
We sold each sheet for a whopping $0.50, and before long, the quarters started piling up.
That day, I fell in love with the grind.
In that moment, I realized something that has stayed with me ever since: if there’s something I want but don’t have, I’ll find a way to hustle and get it.
Fast forward to the last six weeks an absolutely mind-blowing experience.
I’ve had the opportunity to connect with fellow trailblazers, and being in a room filled with so many driven, creative individuals was nothing short of invigorating.
We learned from powerful, insightful leaders; people who once stood where we are and went on to achieve incredible success. They didn’t just teach us theory; they showed us how to move, how to think, and how to go guerrilla when it comes to building something from the ground up.
More than anything, we gained a community; a family.
The South Bend Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program - SBEAP has been one of the most impactful experiences I’ve ever had the privilege to be part of. I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful for the mentorship, the lessons, and the relationships built along the way.
Forever Grateful 🙏🏾💪🏾❤️
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