Growing up as a Navy brat meant my childhood was defined by constant movement. I was born on an Air Force base in El Centro, California, and before the ink on my birth certificate had dried, we packed up our 1968 Chevy Nova and began a cross-country journey to Fall River, Massachusetts. From there, life became a cycle of relocations, hopping from Naval base to Naval base along the East Coast until we eventually settled for a longer stint in Goose Creek, South Carolina.
It was in those southern swamps and coastal waterways that my love for the outdoors truly blossomed. My parents were never happier than when they were fishing, harvesting an endless bounty from the ocean. We caught everything from lobsters in Rhode Island to blue crabs along the Carolina coast. Summers were spent at low tide, combing estuaries and beaches for clams and oysters, wading through cattail-lined marshes with buckets and shovels. Our family was the definition of “catch and eat,” often grilling freshly caught fish, shrimp, and shellfish on my dad’s portable Hibachi grill. These moments-satiated by nature’s abundance and surrounded by family - felt like the essence of happiness to me.
But life wasn’t without its challenges. It was the early 70’s, a tumultuous period in history. As a family of color with a father serving in an unpopular war, living in the South meant facing our share of fear and bigotry. Yet, despite the struggles, we endured. We found ways to create a life filled with joy and resilience, and I carry immense pride in the experiences that shaped my youth.
Even then, I understood there were alternative paths to happiness, ones rooted in simplicity, family, and hope. Looking back now, those years instilled in me a belief in humanity’s potential and a deep appreciation for the beauty of life’s small, fleeting moments.
My philosophy
Every problem presents a variety of solutions. The best or most effective choice is often not the simplest one. Sometimes, the most rewarding outcomes come from embracing a more abstract or unconventional perspective. With my expertise, insight, philosophy, and maturity, I aim to help others elevate not only their products but also themselves.
My future
TBD