Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Precious
Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am Ama, also known as Amanda Chemutai Precious—a Kenyan-American, gender-fluid, hard-of-hearing woman and the visionary founder of HUG Collective, a movement dedicated to healing, empowerment, and systemic transformation.
Born in Tucker, Georgia, I have navigated a world not built for me. As a minority among minorities, I have faced systemic oppression—not just because of my identity, but because society repeatedly fails to support, uplift, and respect marginalized individuals. I have fought to be seen, heard, and understood in education, healthcare, the justice system, and even within the family I was born into.
Throughout my journey, I’ve been shaped by individuals who challenged and strengthened me. Danielle, my childhood friend has been a foundational source of support in my life. Her unwavering support has remained constant through every chapter of my life. In high school, I met Nick Kayea, a musician and filmmaker whose mentorship sharpened my creative and business aptitude. This connection eventually led me to Leadership Team Development, where I honed both my personal and professional skills. Through Nick, I connected with Kadé Hill, founder of Jaido Studios, whose commitment to representation deeply resonated with me.
One of my most profound experiences was working alongside Kadé during the early development of Xchange, a series centered on human trafficking. Learning about the horrifying realities of trafficking shook me to my core, forcing me to confront my own struggles within oppressive systems. Rather than let those systems define me, I found clarity. I was not just meant to dismantle oppression, but to create spaces where survivors can heal and reclaim power.
Despite the challenges I’ve faced and witnessed, I have always held onto faith. I believe in Jesus Christ—not as the distorted figure used in religion to justify oppression, but as the radical force for justice, love, and liberation that He truly was. His teachings, when understood in their purest form, are a call to truth, healing, and transformation.
I also believe in the transformative power of creativity—not just as an outlet for self-expression, but as a force for global change. Creativity bridges gaps, heals wounds, and brings people together across cultures and lived experiences.
I initially envisioned Harmonious Unison Global (HUG Collective) as a creative network—a way to unite people through cultural expression. However, the summer of 2024 was a turning point. I was forced to confront the failures of institutions—educational, medical, and legal. During this time, I met Clifton Reyes Enlers Jr., a close friend who shares my passion for systemic change. Together, we challenged the barriers that keep people trapped in cycles of oppression, refusing to accept the status quo. While our experiences were different, our core realization was the same: the world as it is now does not support the most vulnerable among us.
Instead of waiting for change, instead of waiting for a platform, I built it.
Even within institutions specifically designed to serve Deaf people—such as Gallaudet University, currently the world’s only liberal arts university for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students—I found that being hard-of-hearing, even in a space built for us, does not always mean being understood. When you exist at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities, you are often left fighting for visibility and recognition, even within communities that claim to represent you.
I witnessed firsthand how systemic barriers continue to silence, overlook, and disempower those who do not fit into neat, expected categories. My experiences at Gallaudet reinforced a truth I could not ignore:
The world does not change on its own—we must build the systems we wish existed.
HUG Collective is more than a platform—it’s a global ecosystem designed to disrupt oppression, empower creatives, and cultivate healing. By merging creativity, technology, storytelling, entrepreneurship, and holistic wellness, we are creating the support that institutions have failed to provide.
This is not about surviving. This is about thriving. Together.
Every step of my journey has reaffirmed one undeniable truth: creativity is not just an art—it is a weapon against oppression, a tool for justice, and a foundation for healing. Creativity connects.
HUG Collective exists to ensure that those who have been silenced, overlooked, or underestimated finally have a space where they are seen, heard, and valued.
For too long systems have failed us.
Now, we take back our power.
Now, we sustain a system that works for us—not against us.
This is not a request. This is not a plea.
This is a revolution.
You have a choice.
Will you watch from the sidelines?
Or will you rise and join us?
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The vision for HUG Collective has always been crystal clear, but the journey to building it has been anything but smooth. From the very beginning, I knew exactly what I wanted HUG to be—a global creative platform that uplifts and empowers people, especially those who have been marginalized. The challenge was never in the vision itself; it was in overcoming the obstacles that stood in the way of bringing it to life.
One of the biggest hurdles has been financial constraints. As a student and entrepreneur, I don’t have the luxury of upfront capital to fund this vision the way I’d like to. Growing up, I didn’t have access to financial literacy or educational resources to learn how to properly manage money, and that gap carried into my early adult years. Every step of building HUG Collective has required resourcefulness, persistence, and an unshakable determination to create something out of nothing. I’ve had to navigate spaces where funding opportunities are often gatekept—where marginalized entrepreneurs, especially Black, Deaf, and women founders, struggle to access the same financial backing and resources as others.
Beyond financial challenges, I’ve also faced systemic barriers that stifle creativity and progress—from institutions that fail to be supportive to industries that overlook accessibility. I see artists struggling to survive, let alone thrive, creatives feeling isolated in their craft, and innovators being held back by a lack of opportunity and funding. These are not just individual struggles—they are systemic problems. That’s why spaces like HUG Collective aren’t just important—they’re necessary.
Yet despite these obstacles, I refuse to let these barriers dictate the outcome. If I don’t find a way, I create one. My mission with HUG Collective is not only to push through these struggles but to dismantle these barriers for others along the way. That’s why our motto is:
“Creativity Connects.”
Would I say it’s been a smooth road? Absolutely not. However, every challenge along the way is proof that this work matters, and that’s exactly why I’m here—to build what should have existed all along.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Harmonious Unison Global?
HUG Collective: Revolutionizing Creativity, Connection, and Healing
Harmonious Unison Global (HUG Collective) is more than just a business—it’s a movement. We merge creativity, culture, technology, and holistic healing to empower communities worldwide. Our mission is to uplift marginalized artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers by providing a space where creativity fuels collaboration, healing, and economic growth.
At its core, HUG Collective harnesses the full potential of technology to break down barriers and create opportunities. We are developing an innovative digital platform where local creatives can connect, small businesses can grow, and cultural understanding can flourish.
What Sets Us Apart?
1. Empowering Local Creatives
Our platform enables photographers, models, designers, musicians, and other creatives to collaborate, showcase their work, and generate income.
2. Growing Small Businesses
We provide tools for entrepreneurs to promote their offerings, host events, and connect with like-minded collaborators.
3. Sign Language, Accessibility & DeafBlind Inclusion
One of our most groundbreaking initiatives is leveraging AI and digital tools to teach sign language and enhance accessibility, ensuring that Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals are fully included in creative and business spaces.
Additionally, we recognize the isolation faced by senior citizens, particularly those experiencing hearing and vision loss. Through adaptive technology for DeafBlind communication, we ensure that elders and other DeafBlind communicators remain connected, valued, and engaged in creative and business spaces.
4. Bridging Generations & Cultures Through Creativity
We believe cultural understanding is everything. Our platform not only connects creatives but also celebrates diverse traditions, art forms, and perspectives to foster unity in an often-divided world.
HUG Collective is committed to bridging generational gaps through mentorship programs where elders—who hold rich cultural knowledge and life experience—mentor younger creatives and entrepreneurs. By combining storytelling, technology, and accessibility, we create intergenerational collaborations that honor wisdom, amplify marginalized voices, and ensure that no one is left behind in the creative revolution.
5. Holistic Healing & Trauma Recovery Hub
One of our most transformative initiatives is creating a healing space for individuals experiencing burnout, systemic oppression, and unresolved trauma. This hub will offer therapeutic services, movement-based healing such as dance, and creative expression as tools for emotional processing, balance, and breaking cycles of trauma.
What We’re Most Proud Of
HUG Collective is redefining what it means to be a creative entrepreneur in today’s digital age. We’re not just building a platform—we’re creating an ecosystem where historically excluded communities—Black, Deaf, women, and other marginalized people—can thrive. Our commitment to inclusivity, cultural connection, technological innovation, and healing truly sets us apart.
What You Should Know
HUG Collective is a space where:
✅ Your creativity is expressed, experienced, and valued.
✅ Your business can grow and thrive.
✅ Your wisdom and voice truly matter—at any stage of life.
Whether you’re an artist, an entrepreneur, a DeafBlind communicator, a mentor, or someone passionate about cultural exchange and holistic wellness, HUG Collective provides the resources, connections, and support you need to succeed.
We’re bridging gaps, breaking barriers, and proving that creativity has the power to change the world.
And this? This is just the beginning.
Be Part of the Movement.
Your support makes all the difference. Every donation helps us build a future where creativity empowers and connects—where every perspective is acknowledged, and every story has the opportunity to make an impact.
Donate today.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Finding Joy in Creativity, Connection, and Purpose
I feel truly happy when I’m doing what I love, surrounded by the people and companion animals who add depth to my life. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about sharing moments of creativity, connection, and relaxation with those who matter most to me. Seeing their happiness—and knowing I’ve contributed to it—fills me with an even deeper sense of joy.
Whether it’s collaborating on a project, dancing, spending time outdoors, or simply being present in a quiet moment, it’s the shared energy, mutual love, and understanding that make those experiences so special. Happiness, for me, is rooted in connection—feeling seen, valued, and embraced in a space of harmony and respect.
Pricing:
- Support HUG Collective. HUG Collective is a movement dedicated to creativity, cultural connection, accessibility, and holistic healing. Your support helps us: • Provide resources for marginalized artists and entrepreneurs • Expand accessibility initiatives, including sign language integration • Develop our holistic healing and trauma recovery hub • Enhance our technology-driven platform for global collaboration 💜 Every contribution makes a difference! If you’d like to support our mission, you can donate at:
- Cashapp: $theHUGcollective
- Venmo: @HUGcollective
- PayPal: https://www.paypal.biz/hugcollective
- Together, we are bridging gaps, breaking barriers, and proving that creativity has the power to heal and transform the world. ✨ This is just the beginning. ✨
Contact Info:
- Website: https://harmoniousunisongl.wixsite.com/hugcollective/about-3
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmoniousunisonglobal
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076127868818
- Twitter: https://x.com/theHUGplan
Image Credits
Caleb Kai
Michael Odom
Ramon Sanders
Jabarri Weston
