I was born in Jamaica - and my upbringing was the opposite of privileged. Some days I’d go to school without lunch money...
...and other days I wouldn’t go to school at all because I couldn’t afford the bus fare. If I made it to school, I’d often try and sell candy just to make sure I made it home in the evening. My Dad raised me as best he could, but we really struggled.
Despite my inconsistent attendance, and getting pregnant at age 17 - I managed to graduate high school. I went on to study education, accompanied by my kids, as I had nobody to watch them. Perhaps it’s appropriate that I went on to become an early childhood educator for 5 years!
I knew education was my calling, but Jamaica couldn’t provide the life I wanted for my family, so I migrated to the USA… What I didn’t anticipate was how hard it would be, despite being educated, to get a stable job as an immigrant. I worked as a cashier, I even sold Avon products…
Eventually, I landed a job with one of the top Airline's and worked the 4 am-4 pm shift for 10 years. One day, I decided I’d had enough. I was sick of trading my time for money and not being able to spend quality time with my kids.
I knew something had to change. It’s easy to say ‘I’m going to become an entrepreneur…’ But with no money, no knowledge, and no sales-y personality, that’s easier said than done…
