We were lucky to catch up with Cairon Crews recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cairon, appreciate you joining us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?
My great-grandmother, (the late Mrs. J. Gamble) is my hero. She taught me so much coming up as a little girl; how to read, how to say my prayers, how to braid hair, how to cook. I used to watch everything she would do like a hawk. She was a short and tiny woman, but her personality, her demeanor, spirit and strength (mentally, physically and spiritually) would make anyone feel like she stood ten feet tall-all while still showing everyone grace, love and compassion. She was a God-fearing woman that carried herself in such high esteem, and she was such a lady. Her hair was always combed perfectly and neat, and she always wore dresses. She was also a very loyal woman to not only her friends but her family as well. I never got the chance to meet my great-grandfather because he passed away before I was born; but I remember that my grandmother never remarried and she never took her ring off even after he had passed. This lady would literally give anyone the shirt off her back and would feed anyone that she knew was hungry. By watching my grandmother at such an early age, I now see myself inheriting some of her many great qualities which have transitioned me into becoming a great God-fearing woman, a great mother, leader and also a great businesswoman. Also, she was very clever at how she handled all of her business matters, and she always had the heart of an entrepreneur and visionary- which was definitely passed down to me. Watching how she executed business plans and personal plans so well in her everyday life, helped me to where I am able to do the same and execute the exact same way as her. Her will power, girth, determination, strength and courage, and never giving up when obstacles came her way showed me how to keep fighting- keep going after your heart’s desire, no matter what may come your way; and last but not least, her boldness. She was firm and bold with the things that she wanted and required, and she didn’t back down from it-nor her beliefs. The image that was captured in my heart and mind transcended and resonated with me so deeply- above all else because when people tried to persuade me to go a certain way, or to go against what I believed in, and they tried to traject their ideas or beliefs on me; that’s when I stood my ground on what I believed and what I knew and felt was right. Through this act of discipline displayed by her and the example she set for me, I have been able to execute so many business plans and proposals. So, for my grandmother I am extremely grateful. She is the reason I am the true entrepreneur that I am today.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am 41 years old and the mother of four lovely children. Born in Mississippi, but grew up in Phoenix, AZ. I have worked in the nuclear industry for over 10 years, and I am now a nuclear radiation protection/health physics technician- a job which I love doing; but I believe and know that entrepreneurship is my true passion/calling. I think that mindset was embedded in me at an early age-basically because I had some great leaders of men and women that were true examples of great entrepreneurs whom I looked up to. I always knew at an early age that I loved helping people, and it was like second nature to me. I loved to care for people, so for people; but I never envisioned that once I became an adult that I would be running a nonprofit organization for youths in underserved communities. I was always told as a child to be careful what you pray for and ask of God, because you just might get it; but sometimes the answer you are given will be answered in a way you aren’t ready to receive; or it may not turn out how you envisioned it. In 2013 I was living in Houston, TX, and I’ll never forget- one night I was praying and I asked God to show me what was my purpose in life, and when I prayed that prayer I definitely wasn’t expecting very shortly thereafter to go through a series of traumatic events and heartbreak to where the pain I endured would lead me to my purpose/calling in life. So when I went through my series of trauma from 2009-2014, it was like one day I had an epiphany, and a light bulb turned on in my head( no one but God), and I had this vision to start a nonprofit for youths all ages and all walks of life. Once I finally accepted and appreciated the fact that this is what I would be doing, and this is what God wanted me to do; it’s like all the pieces to the puzzle came together. I paired with an amazing partner; Greg Watkins, and together we formed a great nonprofit- Yoing Leaders of Today. Today we currently serve youths nationwide through our mentorship programs by providing and hosting youth conferences, teen summits and summer camps that include workshops. As an end result, I think what sets myself and my organization from others is my/ours pure empathetic nature. It’s so many people that just don’t have enough empathy , grace or compassion towards others. I know that whenever I encounter someone, I have the ability to really tap into how that person maybe feeling or what they maybe going through, and I actually take the time to listen. I am literally willing to help anyone that I meet. I must say, I have a huge heart. Lol. Henceforth, I am most proud of the hearts and the lives that I’ve changed within these youths that I’ve met while conducting my conferences, summer camps and summits. It feels so good to know that I have left a positive impact on someone’s life for the better. What I want others to know about YLOT is that we are a organization that aims to aid in youths mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We are consistent when it comes to delivering effective life skills, and avenues to success by pouring into these youths with as much knowledge- and also giving them as many resources and opportunities to succeed in life as much as possible.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Some books that have significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy have been “ 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” and “Atomic Habits.” I would say resources that have helped me aid in this were definitely people, and those people are E.T. (Eric Thomas), Robert Kiyosaki, Tobe Nwige and Steve Harvey.
We’d appreciate any insights you can share with us about selling a business.
I’ve never sold a business in my life. Lol. Wouldn’t even know where to begin. However, I would like to learn one day
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @bridgingthegaphtx
- Facebook: Young Leaders of Today