At the age of 9, my mother began teaching me how to sew. She owned a boutique in southwest Philadelphia and I would. Soon I began designing and sewing clothing for family and friends. However, during my teenage and early adulthood, I engaged in street violence. In my early twenties, I received a 20-year federal conviction.

While I was in prison, I became interested in the leather workshop. I learned how to work with leather in various ways and would send pieces home to family and friends. I also took business, health, and economics classes. I obtained 25 certificates and was released from prison early. With the knowledge and tools I acquired, I started a business.

I still saw a need for me to help my community. I started my business inside of my living room doing print and press. I knew it was my obligation to give back to my community, so I started YouthELM.

I would travel to recreation centers, schools, and organizations teaching youth how to start a print and press business. I would demonstrate how to use the equipment and computer software properly and do heat press activities. The heat press activity allowed them to use the equipment to press images on a shirt, hoodie, backpack, etc.