Today we’d like to introduce you to KyWuan Dukes.
Hi KyWuan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Born in Charleston SC, raised in Statesville NC. I got to where I am today by never giving up, staying strong, and having a very strong mentality. Instead of being a product of my environment I rather make my community and environment see the importance of positivity. Overcoming many struggles financially from a kid, to a young man made me much wiser and appreciative for all of the good and bad that life has to offer. Today I’m elevating beyond just SPORTS. I have written my very own children’s book based loosely off of my life and some events I’ve seen personally. The main characters are named after both of my children Loyal, And Ky’Aila Dukes. I have a lot of creative ideas in place and my name will be here to stay! Rather it’s with a football or not or just with my influence and handling business to elevate outside of just the game.
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?
Moving from house to house with different people that weren’t technically family, eating food from the Southside shelter as a kid. Witnessing shootings, death, life, and many losses.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Content creation / Brand Ambassador
What makes me stand out is me being able to make history by my Pioneering NIL Deal:The Bojangles deal in 2021 established myself as a trailblazer for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. I’ve been blessed to work with brands like Bojangles, Fanatics, DoorDash, Body Armor and more. I’m now pushing my own brand. STE (Strive To Elevate) this brand will reach the youth audience from elementary to high-school. Then eventually climb to the collegiate and professional level. This brand is a mindset of life! Think about… everyone just wants to elevate in life no matter what career, position, race, or belief. Everyone wants better for themselves.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
That if you can dream it, then you can do it, giving up is NEVER AN OPTION.
Pricing:
- $15 for soft copies of my book that’s released but aren’t on hand until March 1st
- $30 for hard copies of my book released March 1st
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souljakd3?igsh=MTR2cm84enplc3hzcw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1MfYxKcLMf/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
@jorgetorres
@noahwilliams.creative
