I’ve Started From Zero—More Than Once

I lived in a Refugee Camp for four unbearable years.

I didn’t speak English in 1994.

I was in ESL until 8th grade.

My 7th-grade ESL Teacher laughed at me when I said I was going to be an Architect.

I didn’t take the SATs because I thought I’d fail.

Didn’t go to a fancy school either—just Portland State, where I worked my ass off for an architecture degree… that didn’t land me a job.

When my father passed, my whole life flipped.

I had to be more resilient than ever—mentally, emotionally, financially.

So I did what I’ve always done. I showed up with an architect's state of mind and started building my life.

First, a hookah lounge that became a Portland staple.

Literally, the Portland Trail Blazers would come and hang out, and lines were around the block to get in.

Then, a print shop that grew into a million-dollar business.

But life had other plans.

A falling out with my brother meant walking away from the lounge with nothing.

Million-dollar lounge. I walked away with nada, zip. ZERO.

COVID crushed my print shop when schools, my main clients, shut down.

Launched a book, got it out of my system, and got a good amount of therapy.

I sold what I could and started over.

Joined a publishing company to bring my expertise to the table and started a part-time job at the bottom of the totem pole to learn everything I can.

A month after I got my full-time offer, I got laid off.

Rising Authors was born amid chaos.

Now, I run a business that feels more aligned than anything I’ve built before.

Helping authors grow, speak louder, and turn their message into momentum.

I’ve failed, more than I can count to be honest.

At everything from relationships to businesses, and everything in between.

I can honestly say I wouldn't change anything. I've learned so much and continue to learn daily.

I've had such an incredible life so far, and I'm more grateful than ever.

I’ve started from zero.

More than once.

But every time, I chose to take matters into my own hands.

Because no one’s coming to save us.

But we can save ourselves—if we keep building.

I got my architecture degree because no one will ever tell me what I can and can't do.

Every time I failed, my Dad reminded me to try again or try something else, but to keep moving.

This was one of my last pictures with my Dad at my old printshop.

I miss you, Pop.

#risingauthors #gardenwarrior