It was Mother’s Day, 1991, when I received a handmade Mother’s Day card from my staff that read; “Happy Mother’s Day from the staff of Jackson Communication.” (Later the name changed to OWN: Onyx Woman Network). My husband, Daryl and my son, Armon were my only two unofficial staff. At the time, I was a freelance consultant working for small organizations in need of public relations services. I coordinated media coverage for ribbon-cuttings, ground-breaking ceremonies, community events and business affairs. I was good at what I was doing and it did not go unnoticed. So, when an opportunity presented itself with an organization I was working with offering me a full-time position, I seized the moment.
The little boy who signed his name to the greeting card was the impetus behind my desire to branch out on my own. When Armon was about 4 years old, he was diagnosed with autism. At the time, the condition was rarely publicized, and resources weren’t as bountiful or accessible as they are today. So, the blessing behind launching my own business allowed me to dedicate more time and attention to meet his ever-changing needs. Although Daryl was there a lot to help me, we knew that one of us had to be available to attend the meetings, doctor’s visits and appointments that were required to lay a solid foundation in the beginning stages of early intervention. We also realized the importance of being available to advocate on Armon’s behalf. We understood that sacrifices would be necessary to allow me to undertake on my new venture, but the benefits outweighed the risks. Armon’s well-being was our priority and his needs were not up for negotiation.
Now that two decades have passed, the business has evolved to encompass television shows, digital content production, and women’s conferences. I am often asked what has been the best part of my journey. My response? Being at my front door at 3 pm each time Armon arrived home from school. That response was often met with perplexed looks. As corny as it may sound to others, being at that door meant the world to me. And fulfilling my commitment and responsibility to Armon’s well-being, while having a fulfilling career, was my true definition of success.
As my business transformed and matured, so had my son. There is nothing as gratifying as seeing a plan that was organized, assessed, reassessed and carefully monitored come to fruition. My once nonverbal little boy is now a 31-year-old man. When he peppers me with a laundry list of demands, requests and inquiries over the phone, I am reminded of the speech therapist who told my husband and me that Armon would never speak. And whenever we can’t figure out how to hook up electronic equipment or find ourselves perplexed in the face of technology, we place them aside knowing that Armon can answer any and all things technical with a simple glance at the manual. Seeing Armon surpass our expectations is a testament to what having faith, hope and belief can do. The commitments, dedication and love that go into running a business are similar to those needed to nurture and develop an individual; especially one with challenges.
I learned about teamwork through my experience as an unexpected member of a private (yet growing) club of moms with the unique responsibility of overseeing the development of an autistic child. I learned how to capitalize on a person’s strength and not see vulnerability as a weakness. Over the years, my team didn’t just consist of assistants, consultants, and freelancers. My team included my neighbor who would watch Armon for me if I was caught by unexpected business dealings and couldn’t make it home in time to greet him after school. Also my mother who stayed over when I had business trips. And let me not forget the many friends who stepped in and wore many hats. Especially those who also helped me produce shows and, like me, had one eye on Armon and one eye on their clipboard.
Now, 27 years later, the journey continues. Still by my side is my wonderful husband, Daryl who continues to help with the business, critique my ideas and fully support and encourage me. We’ve made a dynamic duo through the years going head-to-head with a system that wasn’t always fair when it came to addressing the needs of those with disabilities. Now that we are here, twenty years later, we have enjoyed watching Armon grow and become a confident young man. At the same time, I have watched women of color who have read and written for Onyx Woman Magazine, attended our events and lent their expertise, and network to build a positive, independent culture of entrepreneurship. Whenever someone thanks me for providing insight into their own ability to take the reins and define their work-life balance,
It can feel both awesome and humbling to contemplate one’s legacy. Nothing defines you more than what you leave behind; however, what is left behind is not always by choice. Instead, actions cause reactions that bring about change. As long as the focus is clear—the non-negotiable love of one’s family, health, well-being and independent spirit; one’s legacy will be positive, but certainly cannot be predetermined. A popular pastor of a mega church talked about the ways that people can be so caught up in a destination that they fail to stop and appreciate the journey. On the rockiest roads of this life journey, I have never asked, “God…why me?” I simply asked, “Now what?”
While it is impossible to know what the future will bring, as long as the journey has been uplifting, educational and, hopefully fun, one can only move forward with faith; hoping and working for the best. Speaking of the best, I would like to thank all of the people who have been instrumental in helping me live a dream that was spun out of my unexpected reality. Your well-wishes gave me courage, your inspiration gave me strength; your motivation lifted me when I was falling and your prayers never let me hit the ground. On behalf of all of us, I thank you for being there for me and my family.
