I grew up in a small town in Louisiana, deeply rooted in a rich Creole heritage. Being Creole means I come from a unique blend of cultures—French, African, Spanish, and Native American—all woven together over generations. This cultural mix has given me a deep appreciation for diversity. I take great pride in this.

You might notice my accent is a bit different, and that’s thanks to my Creole background. It’s a blend of languages and dialects passed down through the years in Louisiana. Understanding Creole culture is key to understanding who I am—my values, my love for good food and music, and my laid-back approach to life. 

For a good chunk of my life, I struggled with my accent, often thinking it made me sound uneducated. But I’ve come to realize that couldn’t be further from the truth. Now, I fully embrace it. I am at the age where I don’t care.

I was raised in a single-parent household, but my mom and grandparents made sure I had everything I needed and were always there to protect me. My grandma played a big role in shaping who I am today. She took me to church every Sunday(I hated going to church) and instilled in me the power of faith, prayer, and dedication. 

She also taught me the simple yet important things, like how to make my bed every morning. My grandpa, on the other hand, taught me the meaning of hard work and the importance of staying out of trouble. He showed me what it means to earn a living for the things you want and how crucial it is to get an education.

Since I didn’t develop a relationship with my dad until my early 20s, my grandfather and uncles stepped in as my father figures, and they were quite good ones at that. They disciplined me when I needed it, kept me in line, and taught me useful life skills—like how to tie a tie and carry myself with respect. 

These men laid the foundation for the person I’ve become, giving me the guidance and support that every young man needs.

Now that I’m an uncle myself, I understand the importance of being there for my nieces and nephews, just like my uncles were always there for me.

As a young boy, I was often teased and made fun of because I wore glasses and carried a little extra weight. I know firsthand what it feels like to be singled out for being different, to feel voiceless and afraid to speak up. But as I grew older, I realized that the very things that set me apart were actually my greatest strengths. 

Now, my life’s mission is to help others discover their own strengths and find their inner voices, empowering them to embrace who they truly are.

In my small town, life was all about the simple things—family gatherings, big pots of gumbo, and spending time outdoors, whether it was fishing or just sitting on the porch with a cold drink in hand playing cards. 

These moments were peaceful and grounding, teaching me to appreciate the little things in life. But even with all this beauty around me, I always had a yearning for something more. I wanted to see what the world had to offer beyond the bayous and backroads of Louisiana.

My very first job was at the age of 16, working at a fast food joint called Checkers, where I served burgers and fries. At the time, I was content, but I always knew I wanted more out of life. I kept pushing myself to find better-paying jobs, which ultimately led me to relocate to Houston. As you can imagine, leaving behind everything I knew and starting fresh in a new city was tough, but it turned out to be the best decision I ever made.

I didn’t graduate college until I was 30, which just goes to show that it’s never too late to achieve your goals. My journey wasn’t a straight line—there were plenty of twists and turns, each teaching me something valuable. And yes, people made fun of me for graduating later on, but I kept going. Don’t let others make you feel guilty for not following their timeline or expectations. Do things on your own time, in your own way.

Earning my degree later in life has been one of my proudest accomplishments, and it’s a reminder that no matter where you start or how long it takes, perseverance pays off.

Being the first male in my family to graduate with a college degree and the first person to travel the world has been a source of pride for me, but it’s not about being the first—it’s about making sure I’m not the last.

And then there’s Krewe, my dog and trusty sidekick, named after the parades and parties that are such a big part of Creole culture. Krewe keeps me grounded and reminds me to enjoy those slow, simple moments, whether we’re on the road or just hanging out at home. 

Life with Krewe is uncomplicated but full of joy and companionship, and that’s something I carry with me on all my travels.

To understand me, you must also understand my culture. Read here