My path to Neuroscience, textbook/curriculum writing, restaurant ownership, and podcasting started in special education classes. Learning was very difficult for me. I was the little girl that had to leave class to go to remedial learning, because I couldn’t keep up. I could read, but my comprehension level was very low. The score I received on my SAT was for getting my name right (they actually told me this), which meant I had to forfeit scholarships in track because I did not qualify academically. The culmination of being a struggling learner and growing up poor did a number on my self-esteem. Of course I flunked out of college my first year. I just wasn’t ready.

 

How did this all change? When I was 22 years old, I became pregnant with my first child. I remember the fear that gripped me, because I knew I wasn’t prepared to take on that responsibility. I felt like I wasn’t smart enough. How could I take care of her? What could I provide for her? Then, when I was four months pregnant, I stopped feeling sorry for myself. I placed my hand on my belly, and, with tears in my eyes, I made a promise to my daughter: “I may not be able to give all the things I never had, but you will know all the things I didn’t know!” I knew if I was to teach her, I would have to teach myself first. That’s when I began my journey to relentless learning. When my daughter was born, I began teaching her. She knew her alphabet before she was 1 years old and read and wrote at a 1st grade level by the time she was 3 years old. I went on to having 3 more children which I homeschooled for several years before they entered traditional brick and mortar schools. I returned to college at the age of 36 and challenged myself to take on the hardest program I could find--Neuroscience. I excelled in my studies and participated in many research projects in my field.

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 As my confidence flourished, I continued to push the boundaries of my brain. My first project was the creation of Smart Pathways, the first intermediary service for the immigration industry. My next venture was the opening of  a sexy dessert restaurant and lounge in Powder Springs called Play Bistro & Desserts. Our menu items are farm-to-table fresh, always fresh, never frozen. We offer hookahs, giant adult games, with cozy lounge-feel patio great for hanging with friends and lots of fun, social game nights such as trap bingo, couples trivia, besties challenge night, spoken word, and much more! My latest venture has been the launch of my new podcast, Beyond the Beauty. This podcast discusses the hidden treasures embedded in challenges that many entrepreneurs face every day. With the input from entrepreneurs in various industries, we dive into their triumphs, setbacks, and stories along the way.

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While success never  came easy and I experienced many adversities throughout this journey, I take pride in the fact that I backed down. From a failed SAT score and learning disabilities to a bona fide business owner. I thank God and myself for never giving up!