Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.

My pops wasn’t around when I was growing up but I don’t blame him for that as he had to find love for himself first. Through that I learned you can’t give something you don’t have for yourself and that’s in business as a leader, and in personal relationships. We’re good these days though and I think not having him around made me who I am though a harder path taken.

What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?

Growing up I learned that you just because you have a bad start, doesn’t mean you have to finish that way. That was huge for me as I thought once society labeled you bad, that’s what you had to be. I realized I had a choice.

Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey?

Yes, I had my first child at 20 while in college and had 2 more by 25. Everyone explained how hard it would be but as much as they put their fears on me, I never gave into them and let the fact that I knew I had lives depending on me push me to where I am today.

What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?

Be patient. These children are as new to life as you are to raising them. Learn from them as well. Just because you’re parents did it to you, doesn’t make it right. Ultimately, know that every child is different, grow with them and not for them.

If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?

Dear Father,

Thank you for giving me life, know that although the I credit you for the bad things you did TO MY LIFE, I also credit you for the great things you did FOR MY LIFE because of it.

Love ya.

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