Cultivating Creativity & Enterprise

My career has introduced me to a wide range of jobs. Each job has introduced me to different personalities from whom I’ve learned a variety of perspectives about our communities, the workplace, and the human motivation of dreams. Since my first job at Kentucky Fried Chicken, a little ball of spirit has gathered knowledge and inspiration.

With that ball, I’ve taken my chances many times. The entrepreneurial mindset runs strong with me, nurturing me when I feel weak and defeated. The spirit gives me hope in the moments when I think the world has turned its back because I have confidence that we all have something to offer. The challenge is sharing that with others, a challenge that I’ve overcome several times.

Growing up, I had always been encouraged to be creative. My poetry was praised and published in elementary school. I played the trumpet in concert, pep, jazz, and marching band – with a minor stint in a ska band that rehearsed maybe twice. There are several lost high school projects on VHS tapes with my friends because making a movie inspired by the sketch comedy that we loved was much more fun than a written report.

I learned that it is difficult for me to be bored. There’s always an idea in my mind that I can play with. Some are just intangible toys that I selfishly amuse myself with. Some are “too big” to be shared because I’m afraid of the work or the rejection of my brainchild. There are quite a few that I’ve put out there though, whether it was to test the waters, fill some void, or just to get it out of my head.

My most ambitious idea, “Million Dollar Fist,” came to me about 10 years before I did anything with it. In its inception, I had a simple thought about how many people it would take to generate 1 million dollars if they donated X amount of dollars. The money received would go to help all those who donated with financial need – debt, bills, rent, investments, etc. At the time, I remember thinking about celebrities, YouTube creators, and the like, who were able to magically generate money from fans. Their attraction of attention brought the attraction of fiat, which was all expendable income. Expendable income that, in my eyes, could have been used more “responsibly.”

Learn more about Million Dollar Fist and my other projects here!