From Struggles to Stories: The Journey That Defines Us

I sat on the porch, the desert stretching endlessly before me, the sand glowing in the golden light of sunset. My mind wandered back to Oklahoma—back to where it all began.

Growing up Cherokee in extreme poverty wasn’t a disadvantage; it was a teacher. Every challenge, every scarcity, every struggle taught me something about resilience and the importance of community. But at the time, it didn’t feel like a lesson. It felt like survival.

Dropping out of university wasn’t the plan. It was a leap into the unknown, one that forced me to rely on instincts and creativity. I picked up a camera, taught myself design, and began to see the world in stories—stories waiting to be told.

The early days were a grind. Late nights editing, long hours shooting, and endless trial and error. But each small success built on the last, and over time, the work spoke for itself. Brands started reaching out, asking for help telling their stories. Global companies trusted me to share their vision with the world.

But something was missing.

It wasn’t enough to create for others. I wanted to build something of my own—brands that reflected not just creativity but purpose. Apparel. Wine. Consumer goods. Hospitality. Each venture taught me something new, and each success was rooted in one simple principle: storytelling connects us.

I thought back to the meals.

Over 500,000 donated to my community. Each one was more than food—it was a story of care, of belonging, of hope. It reminded me why I advocate for families and children in New Mexico, a state that so often feels left behind.

I looked at my kids playing in the yard, their laughter filling the desert air. This was the life I’d dreamed of—one built on connection, creativity, and giving back.

The lesson was clear: every story has a beginning, but what defines it is the journey and how it changes us along the way.

I stood up, ready to help someone else tell their story, to take the next step in their journey. After all, stories aren’t just what we share; they’re how we grow.