I’ve Been There

Before you build with me, let me tell you how I got here.

How It All Began

I didn’t start with a full client list. I didn’t have a beautiful office or a solid plan. When I launched my graphic design business in 2016, I didn’t even have internet in my apartment. I had no personal laptop. All I had was a company-issued computer and a word from God: "Your last day here is February 2, 2016." I obeyed...with no clients, no savings, and no idea what would happen next.

When I turned in my notice, my boss asked if I could stay. I told them I couldn’t. And in a beautiful twist I’ll never forget, they asked, “Can we be your first client?” That’s how I got started.

The Setback That Shifted Everything

But this post isn’t just about how I started. It’s about how I almost didn’t make it. Because in 2022, I suffered two strokes, back-to-back. My body shut down. I was overworked, overwhelmed, and running on fumes. I wasn’t resting. I didn’t know my worth.

Below is a photo from that season that still brings tears to my eyes. I had just gotten out of the hospital. No filters. No glam. Just raw, tired reality. I couldn't feel the left side of my face. I was connected to a 24-hour heart monitor affixed to my chest and my blood pressure was constantly being checked. I share this photo with you because you need to know: there is only one you and that rest is not optional, it's a command.

What nearly broke me wasn’t just the work, it was the pressure to keep performing, producing, showing up when I was empty. I had forgotten that rest is holy. That God doesn’t just speak in the hustle, He speaks in the stillness. That your health is part of your calling. That your body is not disposable for the sake of building a brand. I share my story because I made mistakes I don’t want you to make.

The Day That Felt Like Failure

Just two years before that hospital bed, I was standing on stage in front of 10 people at my very first paid event in March 2020, teaching women how to conquer their fear of public speaking. I had the programs printed. The venue reserved. The lesson plan and presentation prepped to perfection.

I believed this would be my big moment, finally gaining traction as a speaker and facilitator, finally stepping into my next level. But only 10 people showed up! Ten. Most of them were my family. A few close friends. And one gentleman who accidentally thought he was coming to hear someone else speak and decided to stay anyway. True story.

At the time, it felt like failure. I had expected more...more women, more exposure, more confirmation that I was on the right path. But now I know: God was preparing me, so I could prepare you. Those moments in a half-full room laid the groundwork for something bigger than I could see at the time.

Despite the turnout, I told myself we would have fun, grow together, do the work. I decided to work like there were 500 women in the room that I needed to help, not just 10. Sidenote: You'll see in the video below that the guy who was in the "wrong place" was actually all smiles and had a great time. He even asked if I was open to presenting at another event. You never know how God is going to work it!

What Happened Next

Since that day, I’ve helped hundreds of women find their voice, overcome fear, launch brands, grow businesses, speak boldly, and own their worth—not just in front of a crowd, but in every room they walk into. And now, I know how to do it without burning out!

And that small start? My obedience opened big doors. I’ve gone on to work with global brands like Amazon, city governments, statewide initiatives, and multi-million-dollar organizations. We've negotiated high-end contracts with celebrities and CEOs and repeatedly earned high five figures in a single day. What looked like failure in the beginning was really God laying a foundation for favor.

I’m living proof that success can come after the struggle, because of the struggle. You don’t have to skip the hard parts to be great, you just have to survive them long enough to see the fruit.

You’re allowed to pause. To heal. To start again. To pivot, reimagine, and rebuild something that works for you, not drains you. I’ve learned that traveling is not a luxury, it's necessary. Prioritizing your health, your family, your faith...it's not optional. It’s spiritual alignment. Because when those things are out of order, so is your business. And so is your peace.

Why I’m Still Here, And Why You Should Be Too

So, when I tell you that I see you… I do. I’ve been broke. I’ve been brilliant. I’ve been both at the same time. I’ve doubted myself. I’ve watched people walk away. But I’ve also watched God send the right ones: the divine clients, my husband Jermaine who is a master negotiator (and the reason why we do 5 figure days), the unexpected checks, the new ideas, the favor that changed everything.

This blog, this brand, this mission, it’s personal. I’m not speaking from theory. I’m speaking from survival. You were not created to burn out. You were not called to chase success at the cost of your soul.

So build boldly, Ladies! Use divine wisdom. Rest deeply. And know this: you’re not building alone.

Let’s keep going... together,

RJ