We were lucky to catch up with Earl Felisme recently and have shared our conversation below.

Earl, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful project this year was surprising a few locals families with Random Act of Kindness blessings. I was able to pour into others during their darkest times and celebrate who they are as individuals. I was able to shower them with love while they were dealing with pain or maybe just needed to be reminded that they are loved and someone cares about them. I was able to create baskets for Valentines Day and even provided groceries for an elderly during Christmas time. I even dressed up in a Santa Claus hat which put the biggest smile on her face.

I also coordinated a few community events like an Sunday Funday, Glow Party at The Park and an Easter Egg Hunt. This was a way to community build and just bring families out to connect, enjoy and celebrate each other. Each event was supported by local community members. I was able to create space for them to showcase their talents, foods and resources.

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?

After my identical twin brother Marc passed away 4 years ago from stomach cancer I had to find a positive, healthy and healing way to live. I had to find more meaning, purpose and serve in a way like ever before. After the healing process which included intense self work, therapy and support from others who were in a similar journey I LEARNED so much about who I am as an individual and how I can use my light for the greater good. I use my social media platforms as a safe space to vent, share their journey with grief, find encouragement, support and connect with with others. Heprevails is my brand, my purpose and my outreach to others. I now host various community events in Chula Vista, I host support groups for those who are struggling with grief, I help provide assistance for those seeking therapy but do not feel strong enough to seek on their own. I’ve partnered with schools, government officials, local small businesses, churches and Community Based Organizations which helped build the team and support I needed to serve the community.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I have built a strong social media presence by my transparency, sharing the good and bad from the grief journey. So many people from all over the world are connected on my platforms because we all struggled and experienced grief in one way or another. I was able to help make a uncomfortable topic comfortable to talk about. We all grieve something, whether its a loss of a loved one, house, pet, relationship, or any attachment to something or someone we had a love connection to. My journey sharing on social media was able to help provide a sense of hope, faith and encouragement.

My advice would be to be yourself, be genuine and go for what’s in your heart. Do not be afraid to go with the unknown and build you own positive support system. Ask for help when needed!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I used work as a distraction to help keep my mind of the pains and struggles. I reached a point where I broke down and could no longer be who I once was. I needed a break but the support was not there. I was misunderstood and told to “man up” and this was maybe 1 month after my twin Marc had passed. I had to leave where I was working because of this. There was nothing in place to help me deal with the grief.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Heprevails
• Facebook: EarlMFelisme
• Linkedin: EarlFelisme