I come from Red Georgia Clay. Life started in a single-wide trailer by Highway 128 in “Panham” (Panhandle) Community of Reynolds, GA. Growing up in a small town had its challenges. Still does. Wanting a creative career was not an option back then. As a child, I wanted to be a fashion designer and author. However, there were only two choices: go to work or get an education. Even though I am a Millennial, a flexible schedule was scarce back then. Unless you had the pleasure (it was not) of working retail. Work-life balance was not a thing, nor was following your passion.
As an only child to a single parent, I had to grind. Early. I saw education as my only way out. The only way for my mom and myself to survive. Pursing a creative career, had to take a backseat. However, that pull was always there.
Fickling Mill
In May 2007, I moved to Atlanta with a week’s worth of clothes. No money ($100 to my name…), no car, and driving my aunt’s Jeep and then my mom’s Explorer. And cannot forget being in debt! I am grateful to the other half of Olivia L. for giving me a place to stay, which is why she is on this journey with me. I had to borrow money from family members until I earned my first paycheck (I am grateful to them more than I can express). The grind continued and continued. I had to become financially stable. I had to establish myself. But the pull to do something more was still there. Especially as I had to drive by my dream school (SCAD) every weekday for nine years to and from work. It came bubbling up with a fierceness.
At 29, I purchased my first home. I am established. Ok, now what? In 2015, it hit hard. Is this all there is? What is my purpose? The grind. No work-life balance. Home, work, insomnia. Repeat. Suffering from Black Super Woman complex. There must be more than this! Through another “push” from a good friend of mine (Nikki) and praying, I finally applied and was accepted into my dream school in 2016. I cried when I read my acceptance letter. Ugly cried! Dream school and dream program.
The same month I started; we lost a beloved relative. But I had to continue grinding. I wanted to make her proud as well. Working full time, attending graduate school full time, and being single…I do not recommend it! But The Grind. The Pull. The Push. (Having that trademarked so do not even try it, LOL). However, I loved graduate school. Loved the people and the sense of belonging.
“Panham”
In 2018, I graduated with my Masters (Luxury and Fashion Management). It was amazing. My family was there. Oprah was there! I am going to say it again: Oprah was at my graduation. I had to walk by Oprah to get my diploma. I will tell that story to my great-nieces and nephews! But that Fall, the “now what” settled in. Again. I have this expensive piece of paper, now what? Designed a logo and branding for the other half of OLP’s cakes. Did not realize that would be the beginning of something new. And another Push.
Of course, I did not think taking family and friends' photos over the years would turn into something more. I enjoyed capturing those memories. Another Push in 2020 and here we are! Yes, during a pandemic, I found my purpose and my passion. Traci pushed me. Like, she threw me out there. Naked. Given my personality and how I like to be prepared for everything, it scared me a little. However, I am grateful for the push. I had support, motivation, and love from family and friends (including yoga and prayer). I deeply appreciate everything that was done for me. And I want to take you all along with me as we continue to grow. We started from the bottom…
Since 2020, we have had the pleasure to collaborate with amazing people that followed their passion. We want to share their stores with you.
Next up, are a series of interviews with those amazing entrepreneurs as we learn about their Push and Pull. Is there a deferred dream that you have? Tell us about your “Pull.” And who you received your “Push” from.
Written By: Tosha