Overcoming Motivation Struggles

OVERCOMING STRUGGLES WITH PERSERVERNCE

Last year in early August of 2020, midway through the Covid-19 Pandemic, my mom challenged me to do something productive with all the extra time that I had. Almost immediately, I was prompted to pray and ask God what he would like me to do. And that's when I got the idea to start a threefold business called "Faith Family & Food," FFF for short. I got connected to the Indy Mentor Networks (IMN) virtual village through one of my church leaders from that business. I met Mr. Kareem, Ms. Kim, Mr. Dwayne, and the rest of the IMN team. As the calls grew, so did the youth on the calls. From there, Mr. Kareem had the idea to take these hard-working and passionate young people and put them on the path to break away from society's mold, and he dared us to be different. From there, we ran with the challenge, and the Young Entrepreneurs Network was born. The IMN team used their business knowledge and expertise to help us birth our businesses. Specifically, they've helped me to narrow down and focus on one aspect of my overall vision for my brand.

What I committed to first was the faith aspect. One day I was in the kitchen, and I began to pray about a name for this huge vision of faith-based God-centered apparel line. The name "Overcomer Clothing" was revealed to me, and since then, I've been running with it. The Bible verse I use to describe Overcomer Clothing is Revelation 12:11; this is because it talks about how the children of God overcame the enemy through the blood of Jesus and the bold word of their testimonies of what God has done. To me that scripture means that through Christ not only can we overcome obstacles and challenges we face in our life but it means that we have already overcome because Christ died and rose again. That scripture gives me the confidence that whatever I go through in life and whatever battles I face, Jesus is King and I will always win and overcome. I am using that same truth to inspire and help other young people and even older people to live their lives not in their own truths but in the truths of who they are in Christ.

STRICTLY TWEENS Not only have they helped me with just learning more about business, but they have introduced me to people and organizations who have assisted me in growing my business. They have also helped me monetarily by putting on showcases through the YEP. They have given each entrepreneur a platform to showcase our businesses, organizations, and, most importantly, confidence in who we are. They've not only encouraged and affirmed me but also other young business owners. The mentors have instilled in us that we are strong creative leaders and CEO's of what could be multi-million dollar companies. They've done an amazing job building an entire family unit and environment where we can be vulnerable with one another and not worry about judgment.

Also, as a teenage entrepreneur, I've found that it comes with many added tasks and responsibilities because you have to juggle school and business and relational and social life, and it's hard to find balance in that. Honestly, I haven't found the balance yet, so to make up for where I lack, I pray and ask God to help me and cover me where I'm exposed and weak in my life. But I'm blessed nonetheless to have an amazing mother who actually specializes in business analysis, amazing mentors, and a great support system who push me and help me when needed with my business. Lastly, my vision for my brand is to own my own office space, establish a team, expand my online market, and own multiple stores across the country. I also would like to provide job opportunities that give my employees the ability to gain financial wealth and, most importantly, help them grow spiritually.

I pray you all are encouraged by my story and these words and that you begin to really grasp that because Christ overcame the grave that the same power used to raise him up is the same power that was planted on the inside of you the day you began to walk this journey out with God.

The power that helped me, when I was a little boy in the second grade, overcome depression, suicidal thoughts, and attempts to take my own life can also help you overcome every bit of pain, hurt, trauma, confusion, and whatever else you battle within your life. Just remember I love you, and above all, God loves you!

Eric

Indianapolis