How This Mom Went from Unemployed to 6 Figures

Privilege and intellect can take you far in life, but when things get really tough it tends to be your mentality that pushes you forward, not the fact that you grew up privileged.

During this time in my life, which wasn’t so long ago, I had just been fired from my job, was 7-months pregnant with my son, had no savings account and only one stream of income. My 16-year-old Brother died in a car accident a few months prior, I was 87lbs over-weight, had to move back home, was clinically depressed and honestly lacked the guidance or nurturing environment to pull me out of that downward spiral.

I vividly remember crying hysterically during my first visit to the welfare office yelling “I don’t belong here” to the clerk. It was humiliating. I come from a family of hard workers who find it shameful to have your hand out for something you didn’t earn. Even when I was a child my Mother taught me not to accept a dollar from anyone, even if it was for a small piece of candy. This trip to the welfare office was the shame and embarrassment I needed to get my ass in gear.

With all the free time I had being unemployed I began to build my first company, Wallball World. This decision was my one-way ticket out of my current circumstances and at the time I had no idea of the journey I was about to embark on. One year after creating Wallball World, I founded a non-profit organization called The US Wallball Association, Inc (USWA). Today, Wallball World has been funded by Red Bull for almost a decade and the USWA is fully funded via government contracts and foundation grants. It took about 3 years before both companies provided a steady stream of income.

Then, I was appointed Executive Director of a failing school in Brooklyn. My appointment was a last-ditch effort to save the school. Not only have I now been there for (4) years but I managed to triple their budget in the first (2) years. That was due to the experience I gained navigating the challenges of my first (2) companies.

Today, I earn a 6-figure salary, own a home in the suburbs and maintain an apartment in New York City. I have a fully funded IRA savings account, take trips without being on a budget and ride my motorcycle on sunny days. Collectively, all (3) of my companies exceed a million dollars annually. I live a lot more than I work. And, that is because a large portion of my work doesn’t even feel like work. It feels like dreaming then building, solving then overcoming. It’s a satisfying feeling that everyone should have.

Most of the work conducted in the beginning of my journey was on improving my mentality. How I viewed the world, the economy, the government and most importantly building the courage to be completely self-reliant without the comforts of a job or daily routine.  I began to understand the importance of keeping order in my life and home. I confronted any negative thoughts and experiences I was holding onto and slowly over time my confidence began to build. I became a vegetarian, lost all the baby weight, got into the habit of reading books and surrounded myself with people who made a positive contribution to my life. 

Once I mastered myself, I got to work on my technical skills. I enrolled into school, took business courses, studied people like Steve Jobs and Vince Lombardi, signed up for an MBA program, learned the art of negotiation, spent a lot of time with my attorney and accountants. I am no one special. I did it because I have a fear of mediocrity and I have a fear of returning to the welfare office.

These days I daydream about helping other aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those who come from similar circumstances.The Culture Pivot (TCP) was founded on the principle that people-of-color need people-of-color. We need to be able to identify with one another, share our journeys and uplift each other.

Someone to relate to is the one thing I wish I had when I started my entrepreneurial journey. There is nothing glamorous about starting a company, especially in the beginning and I’m not saying this to discourage you. There are steep learning curves and sacrifices that not all people are willing to endure but with a little guidance you could be on your way. 

There is a saying that “there are 2 pains in life; the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.” If you aspire to be a business owner you’re going to encounter one of those “pains” in your life. The trick is to mentally prepare yourself early in the game so you have the wisdom and knowledge to keep going when things get tough.

Today, I am calling out all of you who have been procrastinating on your business idea and/or those of you who are self-employed but lack the tools, knowledge and understanding to take your business to the next level. I can almost guarantee that the only person in your way is you. Perhaps you lack focus or believe you lack resources? Do you procrastinate? Don’t know where to begin and just need a bit of guidance? Are you too busy and think it is a lack of time that is in your way?

While the world provokes confusion, chaos and doubt The Culture Pivot is a place to go when you need a little inspiration. We are going to introduce you to other entrepreneurs who were right where you are today. I will introduce you to the many resources that helped me to get started combined with real, practical and actionable advice that set me on the right path. I hope to be right there with you so you feel less alone and more inspired to take the first step of your journey.