Entrepreneurship is often glorified as a quest for innovation and financial success, but for many, including myself, it is a profound journey of healing and self-discovery. My path to entrepreneurship was paved with hardships, from the lingering pain of childhood trauma to the harrowing experiences of sex trafficking and homelessness. Yet, these adversities did not define my end; instead, they shaped the beginning of a transformative journey.
From Darkness to Drive
My early life, filled with abandonment, trauma and abuse, set a turbulent stage. However, the darkest chapters came later, when I found myself trapped in the cycle of trafficking, a time when survival eclipsed all other concerns. The birth of my child while engulfed in this nightmare was a pivotal moment, igniting a fierce determination to change our fate.
The Healing Power of Entrepreneurial Pursuit
Entrepreneurship emerged as an unexpected beacon of hope. The process of creating and nurturing a business provided not just a distraction but a therapeutic outlet. It offered a sense of control and purpose that had been missing from my life, enabling me to channel my energies into something positive and constructive. It gave me hope that I could create a life that I had only dreamed of.
Learning and Growing Through Business
Launching Connect 2 Change was more than a business endeavor; it was a personal crusade against the injustices I had endured and witnessed. A way to help others as others had helped me. Each step in building the organization was a step toward personal healing. I immersed myself in learning about business management, operations, and sustainability, which, in turn, fostered a deeper understanding of myself and my capabilities. I even donated plasma to pay for various cohorts that I believed would help me grow and they did. Best money ever spent!
Entrepreneurship as a Path to Self-Discovery
Through entrepreneurship, I've not only developed skills and knowledge but also embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Facing the challenges of starting and growing a business forced me to confront my fears, reassess my values, and redefine my goals. This journey has been as much about building a successful enterprise as it has been about reconstructing my identity and self-worth.
Impact Beyond the Individual
My entrepreneurial journey has extended its impact beyond personal healing, offering a platform to support others facing similar struggles. Connect 2 Change is not just a business; it's a mission-driven entity that embodies my experiences, learnings, and aspirations to make a tangible difference in the lives of those ensnared by trafficking through the manipulation and abuse of others.
Legacy of Change and Empowerment
Looking ahead, my vision for Connect 2 Change is to create a legacy that transcends the traditional boundaries of business. It's about establishing a movement that empowers, educates, and liberates, transforming personal suffering into collective healing and growth.
Entrepreneurship has been my pathway to healing and finding purpose amid life's chaos. It has allowed me to turn my past adversities into a force for positive change, both for myself and for the community I serve. Through this journey, I've learned that entrepreneurship is not just about building a business; it's about forging a life rich with purpose and meaning, underscored by the relentless pursuit of personal and communal transformation.