We recently connected with Adrian Troublefield and have shared our conversation below.

Adrian , appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Standing there still as a tree in complete shock, my shoes were wet like that of a sponge, the strong smell of chicken loomed in my clothing. As I watched hundreds of dishes piled up in the sink, outside the window was my co- worker taking long cigarette breaks, as usual, slow as a sloth. My $6.25 cent wage back then was just barely enough to keep food in my mouth. The only thing keeping me satisfied was the free chipotle I got once a day at work. As I slouched down against the wall on the damp floor, I heard my boss call my name, like a Sargent commanded his troop’s. I walked into her office, she handed me a check of $150 and told me, “Sorry we doing budget cutting, thank you but no thank you”. Just like that I was fired!

It was cloudy evening in the spring of April 2012. I just got home from work after being fired, I remember like it was yesterday. Just like any 20 year old kid home from college on spring break, life was filled with partying with friends, booze and Facebook posts. Furthermore I believe, Life is a journey filled with choices that shape our destinies, and often, the most transformative moments arise from taking risks that others might shy away from. One such pivotal moment in my life on April 15, 2012 I went back to college, my loan did not cover my semester. So I was forced to return home and attend community college in Maryland.

2 weeks later I attended a business meeting to go into business for myself. The meeting was filed with hundreds of people cheering, you would think it was a concert. I remember sitting there with excitment, after being fired from my job, the entrepreneurial spirit began to grow in me. I made the bold decision to drop out of college at the age of 20, with no car, no money, living in my parents’ house, to pursue my path as an entrepreneur, my journey began. After failing my business exam 7 times. The early days of my entrepreneurial journey were defined by adversity and resilience. With limited resources at my disposal, the road ahead appeared steep and treacherous.

The first year in business was marked by financial struggles, with a mere earnings of only $900 served as a harsh reality check, testing my faith and forcing me to re think. Still unwavered by my income, I remained committed to my vision, viewing every obstacle as an opportunity for growth and learning. Little did I know that this decision would plunge me into a rollercoaster of challenges that would shape my character and define my entrepreneurial spirit over the course of the next 5 years.

For the next 5 years, I relied on public transportation, self improvement audios from les brown, taking buses and trains to navigate my way to and from the office. The daily routine of commuting became a symbol of perseverance, a reminder that success demands dedication and resilience. Every journey was a testament to my willingness to endure struggle in pursuit of the American dream.
As I walked to the office with worn-out shoes, for several months , even at times through the bitter snowy months in December. my determination outshined the physical discomfort. The next several years became a struggle, making little money here and there, selling and pawning almost everything I can find, to keep my head above water, to stubborn to run back to a job. Making 50 to 100 calls a day, working 13 hour days to building my sales forces became extremely exhausting.

One of the most significant trials came in November 2017 at 25 years old, a week before Thanksgiving ,when I found myself facing homelessness. Anger turned into rage, it seems like frustration had became a permanent residence in my heart. Asking myself where did I go wrong, what’s the next move. All I could think of was the moment I got fired from my job, my bosses words still lingered, “thank but no thank you” these words served as motivation to keep burning the midnight oil.

Through all the adversity, the turning point arrived 6 years later when my perseverance bore fruit. From a once dishwasher at chipotle to now a vice president at a well known financial firm. The once modest income transformed into a six-figure success through my different businesses. Affirming that the path to prosperity is often paved with perseverance and unwavering strength. The taste of success was sweet, but it was the journey itself that cultivated me.

Empowered by the fruits of my labor, I ventured beyond my comfort zone. With the mindset of a global citizen, I embraced the opportunity to travel the world ultimately traveling to over 20 countries since 2020, 14 countries alone in 2023. The exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives fueled me.

Today, I stand as a testament to the power of resilience, and the willingness to take risks. Armed with the lessons learned from my journey, I now oversee multiple online businesses, given back to charities in Thailand and Ghana. Mentoring a group of 500+ African American men, teaching them how to earn money online and become a global citizen. The obstacles I faced, from financial struggles to homelessness, provided the ground for personal and professional growth. Sometimes it takes six years of grinding for that one year to change your life. So don’t quit!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am originally from Suitland, Maryland. My background is from Accra, Ghana where I spent majority of my childhood. Majority of the businesses I have now, were all self created. One thing that I am most proud of, is becoming successful without losing my faith or morals. Some things that I would like for people to know about my brand is that I help individuals make money online and understand basic economics. I also help mentor individuals to become the best version of themselves.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My social media presence came from 10 years of work. Majority of it came from well known clients whom I gained their trust over the years and saw me rose to success. Also as I stepped into the travel space a few years ago, traveling to 20 countries in 24 months, helped inspired thousand of people, that no matter your background you can become successful.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I keep in touch with clients through social media

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lifestyleuniversitycourses.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adriantroublefield?igsh=OGpnMWowN3R0OTkw
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Lifestyleboyz?si=6UecfVO0N97vlkdx

Image Credits
Wesley