I was born and raised on the Southwest side of Detroit, Michigan, where I was fortunate enough to have a loving mother who played a significant role in shaping my formative years. My childhood was filled with a mix of both productive and passive activities, with screen time being a significant aspect of my daily routine. I would often spend hours watching movies and TV shows, which sparked a secret aspiration within me to become a Hollywood movie star. This dream was fueled by my distant cousin, Richard Roundtree, also known as "Shaft", who was a well-known figure in the entertainment industry. Despite the lack of tangible reasons to believe that this dream was achievable, I chose to suppress this ambition and instead focused on academics and sports to shape my future.
The formative experiences of my childhood in Detroit, a city renowned for its gritty resilience, played a pivotal role in shaping my unyielding spirit, fearless attitude, and unwavering determination to succeed in the face of adversity.
The city's unrelenting energy, forged in the crucible of industrial decline and urban renewal, instilled in me the unshakeable strength and tenacity to overcome any obstacle, no matter how daunting or insurmountable it may seem.
Later, our relocation to Fort Pierce, Florida, a charming coastal town, marked a significant turning point in my life, as I began my high school years under the warm, sunny skies of the Sunshine State.
This picturesque town, with its gentle lapping waves and laid-back atmosphere, offered a fresh perspective, allowing me to transition my focus from the perceived dangers and uncertainties of my early years in Detroit to a broader, more aspirational outlook on life.
As the culmination of my academic journey, I had firmly set my sights on the pursuit of entrepreneurship, a career path that had long fascinated me. In pursuit of this ambition, I relocated to the vibrant city of Atlanta, where I enrolled in a degree program in Electronics Engineering. This decision proved to be a pivotal moment in my life, as it not only provided me with a solid foundation in my field of study but also afforded me the opportunity to gain valuable experience in both the corporate and non-profit sectors. The success I achieved in these respective environments served as a springboard for new and exciting opportunities to emerge, ultimately allowing me to realize a childhood dream that had long been simmering in the back of my mind - the dream of entrepreneurship.
For two decades, I embarked on a thrilling entrepreneurial adventure, spearheading multiple companies and traversing the globe, fostering meaningful relationships with influential clients, professional acquaintances, and nurturing lasting bonds of camaraderie.
Throughout this remarkable journey, I had the privilege of working alongside esteemed colleagues, honing my skills, and making lasting impressions on the business world.
As the years went by, I found myself driven by an unrelenting passion for innovation, constantly seeking new ways to push the boundaries of what was possible, and striving to make a lasting impact on the industries I touched.
And then, in the summer of 2016, I made the bold decision to sell my marketing agency, marking a significant turning point in my life's trajectory.
As I approached the milestone of my 50th birthday, I felt an overwhelming sense of nostalgia wash over me, as I reflected on the many accomplishments and experiences that had shaped me into the person I am today.
And yet, despite the many triumphs, I couldn't shake the lingering desire to pursue a childhood dream that had long been put on the backburner – the dream of becoming a Hollywood movie star.
With a newfound sense of purpose and determination, I took the leap of faith, leaving behind the comfort and security of my established career to chase my dream, and to see where this new journey would take me.
And so, here I am today, continuing to navigate the twists and turns of this unpredictable and thrilling ride, armed with an unwavering commitment to my craft, and a deep-seated passion for bringing stories to life on the big screen.
