Born and raised in north St. Louis, Missouri, and living on my own since the age of 16, I knew that I wanted more than the hand that had been dealt to me. So I vowed to succeed against the odds. While I did not know what my career path would be, I did know that I wanted to excel to a higher level than what was around me.

At the age of 22, with nothing but what could fit in my car and a dream of becoming successful, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia. At the time, I did not know what “success” looked like, but I was determined to define it. In 2008, a friend invited me to visit Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral under the leadership of Bishop Dale C. Bronner. I gave my life to the Lord during my first visit.

Broken, depressed and alone, I worked two jobs while living in an empty apartment because I could not afford furniture. But thanks to Bishop Bronner’s teachings, I slowly opened my eyes and began to recognize my own potential. He taught me that “my condition did not have to be my conclusion.” That year, while growing in my faith, I started my first business: a line of hand-made lip gloss, skin and body care products. I did well selling my products to friends and family, but Bishop Bronner pushed me to realize that I could do more. So, in May 2011, with inspiration and absolutely no industry experience, I opened Sew St. Louis Salon, the city’s first (and only) total hair weaving salon. I was such a novice that I did not even know where to purchase a styling chair! Although I did not have a ton of knowledge, I did have Google and a prayer. Turns out, that was all I needed!

During this period of opening a new business in St. Louis, I was also a full-time student at Georgia State University. For several years I spent over 1,800 hours on the road commuting between cities in order to simultaneously build my business and earn my degree. After so much effort, all of my hard work and dedication paid off in May 2012 as the salon celebrated its first year in business and I graduated from GSU with a degree in psychology.

As a college graduate and a business owner, I still wanted to pursue higher education. Unsure what to do next I reached out to Bishop Bronner asking for his insight on graduate school. I knew I loved Scripture and I loved teaching it, so I asked his advice on whether or not to pursue Ministry or Theology. He suggested I pursue Ministry, and, amazingly, I was one of five members at Word of Faith chosen to receive a scholarship to attend Richmont’s School of Ministry! So grateful for the opportunity, I was determined to do well. Even though I live eight hours away, I make sure that I attended every class.

This spring, I am preparing to graduate and open my third business as I continue to travel between both cities. On Monday nights I even lead a women’s Bible study at my salon where I actively apply the knowledge that I have gained at Richmont. I frequently reference the material when I minister to people and when I am called to speak. My ultimate goal is to become a faith-based motivational speaker, marriage counselor, business mogul and author. I am confident that my Richmont training will be invaluable to the rest of my career and ministry. I look forward to the day where I can gather my hometown and pour out everything that I have been given to a people and a generation that desperately need it.