Today we’d like to introduce you to Rian Graham.
Rian, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In 2012, I realized that I needed to surround myself by better opportunities and other like-minded individuals. It wasn’t planned. It just happened. It was a Sunday afternoon and I had just finished coming from church. I was so motivated by the specific message that day as I truly felt like the message had cake directly from god itself.
I can remember the exact words verbatim, however, the Summary of the message was that there was a light at the end of the tunnel and your path that you are supposed to be on will only conquer if you follow the way. I knew that time for me to go and in complete obedience, I packed up my car, and left my apartment and drove 12 hours straight from Detroit, Mi to Atlanta with just $700 to my name. Boy was it scary as I thought I had it figured out and believed that I was going to take over an old close family member apartment whose rent was $600 and I figured that I could worry about the rest when the time comes because in 30 days I New that I could make something happen! I must admit that I was quite upset when I reached the apartment and as soon as I walked in I seen hundred of roaches, and the lights got cut off exactly 30 mins later. I was so tired from the drive and was willing to make something out of nothing that I just attempted to clean up the entire house and fell asleep on the couch to immediately get rest. I remember being so tired.
When I woke up in the middle of night, I remember scratching and actually jumping up because I felt something crawling on me. I was bit up by these bugs and I think I cried for like 5 mins and I told myself at that moment and I prayed to god and he really told me! We said together, this transition won’t be easy but I promise you that it will be worth it. You came too far to turn around and we will get through this. I got up, and working with a limited budget I ended up at the Motel 6 off delk road… who also had roaches! I changed my room every two days literally! A month later my life changed as I received a phone call from BET inviting me to New York City. I’m forever grateful and the rest is history!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Some of my biggest struggles along the way has been…. well honestly, I done got through it and I get through it so I wouldn’t really take them back. Struggle builds character. I am who I am today because of the struggle.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Rianryelee Foundation, Inc. – what should we know?
I have a business called Poise Hair Collection that services the metro Atlanta Area where we sell wholesale distribution to salon owners throughout the city and provide retail to customers all over the world who may purchase online.
My heart, my baby, is my non- profit organization the Rianryelee Foundation, which is constantly molding me into a better women daily, and forcing me to push through new limitations everyday. We advocate for the hungry, needy, and at-risk youth, we provide women empowerment, and we currently outreach in Nigeria, Africa, and Jamaica.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost God for always having my back! Literally, I ran out of money so many times and it seemed like his savior flew out the air. I can literally remember finding $20 bills on the ground and no one else would be around! I give a lot of support to my former teammates on the Detroit Pistons Dance Team and coach for letting me not get comfortable, obedience, and the opportunity.
My psychiatrist who was the only person I vented to and actually helped save my life in a positive way, Dr. R.J Johnson. Tiffany Burgess who gave me my first dance opportunity out in Atlanta and believed in me regardless.
Contact Info:
- Website: Rianryeleefoundation.org
- Phone: 3124500857
- Email: ibelieverianryelee@gmail.com
- Instagram: @rian_ryelee_foundation, @ilovepoise_
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