Let’s rewind to 2013. I had just enrolled in Communication Design, excited, hopeful, and maybe a little scared. I wasn’t a typical college student. I didn’t have parents backing me up or guiding the way. My mom was M.I.A., and my dad only supported anything hospital related, so art wasn’t exactly on his list.

It took me extra time and effort just to get there, proving I was financially independent and jumping through hoops most people never have to think about. But when I finally started in Fall 2013, I felt proud. I was doing pretty decent too, until my mom passed away.

After that, everything changed. I couldn’t focus. I tried opening up about it once, and I’ll never forget a professor told me, “That’s not an excuse.” That moment broke something in me. I was hurt, angry, and lost. Eventually, I dropped out.

Fast forward to 2016. Three years later, I was still trying to find my way. I didn’t have anyone motivating me or a roadmap to follow. Then one night, I stumbled across a YouTube video of Gary Vaynerchuk talking to a young man, giving advice that hit me straight in the chest. It was called “Advice to a Young Man That Many of You Need” (August 11, 2016 — I’ll never forget that date). That video changed everything.

From there, I started watching more, reading self help books, and diving deep into rediscovering myself. I started taking my art seriously. I started selling my work. The first time I made real money from my art, it wasn’t about the cash, it was about proof. Proof that I could do this. That I didn’t need validation from anyone else.

People told me to quit and to be practical. But that’s not me. I hustle, whether I’m cooking for a living or creating art at night. One day, the goal is to live solely off my art.

Gary taught me to believe in myself and to tune out the noise. Because at the end of the day, it’s me versus me.

I started with lined paper and a pencil. Now I have tools, paints, brushes, and a purpose. Success to me isn’t trophies or awards. Success is what you decide it is. I’m rich, not in money, but in opportunity and gratitude.

And I’m nowhere near done.

This is only the beginning of my journey. I’m just sharing my adventure with you.

If you’ve ever felt lost, stuck, or unsure of your path, stay tuned. I’m building something real, one piece of art and one story at a time. Follow along as I grow, learn, and create and maybe you’ll find a little inspiration for your own journey too.