Today we’d like to introduce you to Ja’quan Riggins
Hi Ja’Quan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Greetings, my name is Ja’Quan Riggins, and I am the CEO and Founder of Fueled By Pain. I am 24 years old, born in Anniston, Alabama, but raised in inner-city Atlanta by my incredible mother, Shameeka Burns. As a single mother, she worked tirelessly to provide for me and my two younger siblings, Zakia and Benjamin.
Growing up, life was far from easy. My father has been incarcerated since I was just two years old, leaving my mother to shoulder the weight of raising three children on her own. The environment around me was filled with obstacles—poverty, crime, and countless statistics that suggested my future was already written for me. But I refused to become another number, another story of wasted potential. Instead, I made a commitment to myself: I would defy the odds through education and perseverance.
That commitment led me to graduate in the top 10 of my class at Booker T. Washington High School. From there, I set my sights on higher education, enrolling at the Unsinkable Albany State University, where I would go on to become a proud double alum. While at ASU, I didn’t just earn degrees—I built a foundation for my future. I became a member of the greatest fraternity known to man, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and more importantly, I found my true purpose.
Amid my college journey, I faced some of the darkest moments of my life. I hit rock bottom, watching everything I had worked for begin to fall apart. But through that pain, I found a deeper understanding of myself. I realized that struggle wasn’t meant to break me—it was meant to shape me. That realization became the driving force behind Fueled By Pain, a movement dedicated to transforming pain into power.
Fueled By Pain is more than just a brand; it’s a testament to resilience, hope, and transformation. I took the very challenges that once threatened to hold me back and used them to build something greater—not just for myself, but for anyone who has ever felt lost, broken, or alone. My journey is living proof that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, you have the power to rewrite your story. And that’s exactly what I intend to keep doing—empowering others to turn their pain into purpose.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Growing up without my father was one of the earliest and most profound challenges I faced. With him being incarcerated since I was just two years old, I never had the chance to learn from him or have his guidance as I navigated boyhood into manhood. Without that presence, I had to figure things out on my own, often learning through trial and error. My mother did everything she could to provide for me and my siblings, but there were certain lessons about being a man that she simply couldn’t teach. The absence of a father left a void in my life, and at times, I struggled with self-doubt, anger, and the pressure of trying to become the man I never had as a role model. I often felt like I was fighting a battle alone, trying to rise above the circumstances that had trapped so many others in my community.
In January of 2023, I reached the darkest moment of my life and attempted to take my own life. The weight of my struggles, the pain of my past, and the overwhelming feeling of being lost became too much to bear. I truly believed there was no way out. But by the grace of God, I survived. That moment became a turning point—one that forced me to confront my pain and find a greater purpose beyond it. It was through that darkness that Fueled By Pain was born. I realized that my experiences, no matter how painful, could serve as a source of strength—not just for me, but for others battling their own demons. My journey has been filled with obstacles, but I now understand that every hardship was shaping me into the person I was meant to become.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Fueled By Pain is more than just a brand—it’s a movement dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health while providing a safe space for individuals to share their struggles, seek support, and transform their pain into power. At its core, Fueled By Pain is a mental health advocacy organization that offers a variety of resources, including virtual events, community outreach, influencer collaborations, and mental health workshops. We also engage with our audience through content creation and social media management, ensuring that our message reaches and resonates with those who need it most. Our brand extends beyond conversation—we provide tangible ways for people to express their resilience, whether through our podcast or our empowerment-focused clothing line.
What sets Fueled By Pain apart is its deep-rooted connection to real-life experiences. Unlike many brands that simply capitalize on trends, FBP is built on authenticity—every aspect of our organization stems from genuine struggles that so many people can relate to. Everyone has faced hardship, loss, or personal battles that have shaped them into who they are today, and Fueled By Pain embraces that universal truth. Our apparel isn’t just clothing; it’s a symbol of strength, a reminder that struggles can lead to growth. Likewise, our podcast creates an inclusive platform where real stories of resilience are shared, making space for underrepresented voices in the mental health conversation. We take pride in fostering a supportive community that empowers individuals to embrace their journeys and turn their pain into purpose. Whether through fashion, storytelling, or advocacy, Fueled By Pain stands as a beacon of hope, proving that adversity can fuel transformation.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the mental health and advocacy industry evolving in powerful ways, with increased awareness, accessibility, and innovation shaping the way people engage with mental health resources. The stigma surrounding mental health is already beginning to break down, and I believe we will continue to see a major shift toward open conversations, especially among younger generations. Social media and digital platforms will play an even bigger role in mental health advocacy, providing spaces where people can connect, share their experiences, and access support in real-time. Brands like Fueled By Pain will continue to thrive because we are rooted in real-life experiences—something people crave more than ever in an era of transparency and authenticity.
Additionally, I see the intersection of fashion and mental health becoming a more mainstream trend, with clothing brands using their platforms to promote self-expression, resilience, and empowerment. People are no longer just looking for style; they want something that speaks to their personal journey, and that’s exactly what FBP represents. As technology advances, I also anticipate an increase in virtual mental health services, AI-driven support systems, and more interactive community engagement strategies. Through it all, Fueled By Pain will remain at the forefront by continuing to adapt, innovate, and provide real, impactful resources that make a lasting difference in people’s lives. The future of this industry is about making mental health advocacy more accessible, relatable, and embedded into everyday culture, and Fueled By Pain is ready to lead that charge.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Fueledbypain.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fbp.thebrand?igsh=NzJleW5yaHd4ZWRo&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fueledbypainent.?si=EUWGQGnDJtAdXE4v
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@fueledbypa1n?_t=ZT-8thEZ8VJ9at&_r=1
