I may be a loser, but I gained more than I lost.

As a child I,

I was raised in a family living in Nigeria with challenges surrounding insolvency. Pretty way to say that we were dirt-broke beyond description.

I was sent to America at 19, the land of "milk and honey" (I still want to know the first person to say that).

I was homeless at 19, and soon after, I joined the Army Reserves. Pay me to feed and house me? I signed up.

I was homeless at 22 and terrified. I really thought I was going to die under snow that winter.

I was selling aromatherapy bath salts at bus stops and corporate buildings in the winter in DC.

I was qualified because I did an internship in economics when I was 7 years old.

I was a street hawker with experience selling bread and chin-chin before going to school. If you are Nigerian, you know exactly what I am talking about.

I was a sorter at UPS, security for a car dealership, grocer, meat cutter, and college student.

I was done with the Army, part 1. I thought, "It's time to focus on me."

I was in the DJ and promotion business! So much fun! I got lost in the music as it was more if an escape than a gig.

I was homeless at 28. I figured maybe music and lights were not for me, and I needed to be "realistic."

I was frustrated with my life.

I was over everything, so I packed everything and took a one-way flight to LA.

I was a new business, building websites, which did amazing for 6  months ($6,500 a month average), and... well, 2008 happened.

I was another business with Aquaponics and pitched till we turned blue in the face, and no one cared.

I was homeless at 31 and re-enlisted in the military, not just for country but for a chance to find myself once more.

As I decided to live for me and not to keep up with "The Jones,"

I became a combat medic.

I became an LVN.

I became a Combat Veteran. I earned the right to have a patch on my right shoulder in my Army Uniform.

I became married.

I became a project manager.

I became divorced and I lived in a motel.

I became fatherless when my Dad passed away.

I became jobless (I worked at the same place as my now ex. at the time)

I became employed once more.

I became hopeful as I got a cool swanky loft!

Just when I thought I figured it out,

I was laid off 11 months later.

I was a homeless veteran (yes, it is different) at 39 with two dogs (Ruby and Zoe). Walmart parking lots were very safe for us.  Friends helped where they could (the ones I told).

I was a bouncer at a bar I used to drink and sing karaoke weekly. I thank the heavens for that place, as I do not know... I was at a newfound low emotionally and mentally.

I was a mad hustler and networked an unfathomable amount. I could not give up on me yet.

I was employed as a project manager again!

Out of nowhere, I realized,

I am a son.

I am a brother.

I am a friend.

I am an uncle.

I am an Emperor.

I am married.

I am a husband.

I am a father.

I am a homeowner.

I am an author.

I am becoming a brand unlike the world has ever seen.

I am still struggling, but it is proof that I am growing.

I am not looking for your validation.

I am telling you that you simply need to decide what you truly want.

I am telling you, if you do, YOU WILL GET IT, as long as you put in the work.

I am human, just like you. Oh yeah, my young Kings in training keep me very grounded.

Join My Journey!

I share this not to boast of my struggles but to build a community that supports each other’s growth. Join the newsletter, and let’s write the next part of our stories together. It should be pretty epic.