From Corporate Constraints to Entrepreneurial Freedom: My Journey
Have you ever had that moment when you realized the path you're on isn't the one meant for you? That's exactly where I found myself in 2012, sitting at my desk in corporate America, surrounded by spreadsheets and financial reports.
Breaking Free
As an accountant, I had achieved what many would consider success. The steady paycheck, the respectable title, the clear career trajectory—all the boxes were checked. But beneath the surface, something wasn't adding up.
The discrimination I faced daily wore me down. The microaggressions, the overlooked contributions, the glass ceiling that seemed to get thicker with each passing year. Numbers don't lie, but unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for the corporate culture I was immersed in.
That year, I made a decision that would forever change the course of my life: I left. Not just that company, but corporate America entirely. I launched my first business venture with nothing but determination and a vision of creating a workplace culture that celebrated diversity and innovation rather than stifling it.
Finding My Teaching Voice
My entrepreneurial journey took an unexpected turn when I entered higher education. Becoming a college professor allowed me to share my corporate and business knowledge with the next generation. In the classroom, I found purpose in equipping young minds with not just theoretical knowledge, but practical wisdom about navigating business landscapes.
What my students didn't realize was how much they were teaching me in return. Their fresh perspectives and boundless ambition reminded me daily of why I left corporate America in the first place—to create, to innovate, and to make an impact beyond balance sheets.
Building an Empire While Balancing Gradebooks
Many people ask how I managed to launch multiple businesses while working full-time as a professor. The truth? Passion doesn't clock out at 5 PM.
While maintaining my commitment to education, I began building what would become my entrepreneurial ecosystem:
Business Mogul Magazine emerged from my desire to highlight success stories that mainstream business publications overlooked. I wanted to create a platform where diverse entrepreneurs could share their journeys and inspire others.
Moguls Matter Foundation became the heart of my mission—creating pathways and providing resources for underrepresented individuals with entrepreneurial dreams but limited access to opportunities.
Mogul Home Candle Company might seem like a departure, but it represents something essential: the importance of creating space for reflection and self-care amid the hustle. Each candle is crafted to remind entrepreneurs to pause, breathe, and realign with their purpose.
Mogul Moves Global expanded our reach in the travel industry. Our motto, “For those who travel differently.”
These four ventures aren't separate businesses—they're interconnected pieces of one vision.
Coming Full Circle: Consulting From Experience
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of my journey has been the opportunity to consult with budding entrepreneurs and higher education professionals. There's something powerful about sitting across from someone who's where you once were—full of ideas but unsure of the path forward—and helping them map their route to success.
For small business startups, I provide the roadmap I wish I'd had in 2012. For higher education professionals looking to build their personal brand, I bridge the gap between academic expertise and marketable presence.
The Journey Continues
Today, as I write this to you—my community, my supporters, my fellow dreamers—I'm reminded that entrepreneurship isn't a destination but a continuous evolution. Each challenge overcome and each milestone reached simply reveals new horizons to explore.
I share my story not to showcase accomplishments, but to emphasize possibility. If an accountant facing discrimination in corporate America could build this diverse portfolio of ventures while teaching full-time, imagine what you could create with your unique talents and perspective.