Those of us who were lucky to have someone see something in us long before we saw it in ourselves know how impactful it can be. We are thrilled to highlight some of those stories and honor some of the OG heroes.
Ayanna Hiré
I will say that my parents were always my supporters from providing me a space to thrive within my creativity to sponsoring me until I was able to branch out my own . My mother has also always been my inspiration and supporter , in my early home I had a in home salon where I took my own clients. Read more>>
Mike Johnson
I would have to give all the credit to my god mother. Susan Coleman! I was lost and didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with my life & she spoke life into me! This was my first experience of having someone believe in me so much! She challenged me to a better version of myself. Read more>>
Kamaya Primm
My family is my greatest support system in everything I do. No matter what challenges I face or what ideas I come up with, I know I can always turn to them for guidance, encouragement, and understanding. They listen without judgment, give me advice when I need it, and push me to keep going even when things get tough. Read more>>
Christina Jackson
My husband hands down. Growing up my mother always told me to stick to a certain path and that there was no money to be made in creativity. I come from a very creative family on my father’s side, so it was heartbreaking to have that hanging over my head. Read more>>
Jasmine Maurer
Many years ago, I was going through a dark time and had lost touch with who I was. During that period, a friend introduced me to a man named Nathaniel. In one of our conversations, he looked at me and said, “You look like you should be dancing in a field of flowers, being free.” That simple statement shook me to my core. Read more>>
Zeus Da Comedian
Another great question, and again, my answer is my wife, Talisha. She’s been in my life since we were teenagers and has seen me grow into the man I am today. She’s always believed in me, even when I couldn’t see it in myself. She encouraged me to go back to school and get into cybersecurity. Read more>>
Queen Madam Krissy
Me. Before anyone could see me or tell me who I am, I recognized me. At 9 years of age, I knew I was meticulously handcrafted by the highest. My parents always instilled morals along with proper structure in which even to this day, I am most grateful for. Read more>>
Lamaria Jones
Two women saw me clearly before I could even see myself. The First Lady at New Piney Grove recognized my potential as a model long before I did. She planted that seed in me and reminded me to carry myself with confidence and purpose. Read more>>
Chi Chi
It had to be my 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Hoffman. She was really the first person to tell me it was okay to be myself. I was always comfortable around her. I felt safe. She would always tell me I was a star and I believed her. Read more>>
Neal Hamilton
As I earlier stated it was my Grandmother who had been my biggest influence after my mother had died when I was 11, and it was her recognizing my early ability for art. S he then took me to all the museums every weekend so I could immerse myself in all the culture. Read more>>
L’Sonne
Jesus for real. It’s interesting because the mind craves clarity. But I learned real clarity doesn’t come from the mirror—it’s found in relationship with the One who wrote our story before we lived it. Jesus saw me long before I knew who I was. He sees every hidden part, every overlooked strength, and still calls us—continuously—with purpose. We think we know God. Read more>>
Naim Kishun
God saw me clearly before I could see myself. It’s only right to go after what God has planned for me. Read more>>
Nicholas Joiner
My ex wife Read more>>
Mihai Pop
I would have to say my sister. She has always supported me when others told me I was unrealistic. My sister has been the one I still turn to when I’m feeling down or unsure of myself. Everyone needs that one person to lift you up and for me it’s my amazing sister. Read more>>
Jeff LaPread
The answer to that would clearly be God. I didn’t see myself the way I do now when I was a kid, because I didn’t have any dreams or goals. So it was hard for anybody to see who I was. I spent a lot of my life doing what others thought I should be doing, so I didn’t have a clear identity. Read more>>
