We recently connected with Eileen Graham and have shared our conversation below.

Eileen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Perfect Solutions was born from a personal need I had as a mother. I’ve always believed that learning, education, and the pursuit of knowledge are essential to living an abundant and meaningful life. My mentor once told me, “You are your children’s first teacher,” and I took that to heart.

Before the name Perfect Solutions ever existed, I was creating homemade learning tools using index cards, encouraging my children to memorize poems, and engaging them in open, thoughtful conversations during our Bible studies. As a young mom, I knew the importance of learning with my children—and I later realized that what I was doing could be a gift to other families as well.

Much of my inspiration comes from my late maternal grandmother, who worked at Eastman Kodak Company. At night, she attended literacy classes at a local school—School #2—and brought us along with her. At home, she would practice her reading while also helping us with our homework. Her dedication and determination left a lasting impression on me and shaped the heart of this mission.

Perfect Solutions: Products and Services, is deeply rooted in the belief that youth can thrive when empowered through positive family interactions and strong community connections. We create environments where both youth and adults can learn, grow, and play together building the foundation for a brighter, more connected future.

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 a proud mother of three—Brandi, Brandon, and Brielle—and a loving grandmother to Jamari and Mehaki. I also played a vital role in raising my youngest sister, Shante’e (Nyzari), and I cherish the unconditional love of my fur baby, Benji. Family is at the heart of everything I do, and I bring that same compassion and commitment into every space I enter.

As an adult, I’m learning to embrace joy in new ways—like celebrating my birthday on September 25. Growing up, I don’t remember birthday parties or even having my birthday acknowledged, so reclaiming that celebration now is an act of healing and self-love.

Faith plays a central role in my life. I find deep fulfillment in going to church, where both corporate and private worship experiences allow me to stay grounded and inspired. I am passionate about storytelling, learning—especially about African and Black history—and engaging in activities that bring joy and connection, such as roller skating, karaoke, and travel.

I’m a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, an organization committed to dismantling harmful stereotypes and building stronger communities through sisterhood, service, and empowerment—“Greater Service, Greater Progress.”

My long-term goal is to earn a Doctorate in Human Behavior, a pursuit deeply connected to my passion for understanding people and helping others heal, grow, and thrive. Every chapter of my life—every challenge and victory—has shaped me into the woman I am today.

I am unstoppable—a woman of heart, wisdom, and purpose, leading with compassion and vision to create lasting change in the lives of others.

https://youtu.be/m3nTKFJZQPU?si=eFWblY5gSpJetZm3

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I am the oldest of six siblings. My journey began in hardship—my father was murdered shortly after I was born, and my mother struggled with addiction. From a very young age, I stepped into the role of caretaker, devoted to the safety and well-being of my brothers and sisters. I didn’t have much of a childhood of my own. Growing up in the inner city of Rochester, NY was challenging. While there were moments of joy, my memories are mostly filled with trauma, dysfunction, and survival.

I became I mom at 17 years old and my grandmother passed away soon after I graduated from high school. I found myself as somewhat of a matriarch to my siblings. I soon realized I couldn’t care for all of my siblings. So, I began to search for people in my community and at the church we attended to help. I found homes and families for them that I felt could care for them. Life wasn’t easy, and I’ve walked through some incredibly dark times—including childhood sexual abuse and emotional wounds that took many years to begin healing. But today, I stand in that healing. I now know that God protected me and my siblings, even when things were at their worst.

I share my story because I believe in the power of transformation. I believe in the power of education, family, and faith. And I believe that no matter where we start, our stories can be used to uplift and empower others. I live to motivate, to nurture, and to create spaces where others—especially youth and families, can thrive.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to unlearn was the idea that I always had to be in survival mode — that I couldn’t rest, couldn’t trust, and couldn’t lean on anyone else. Growing up in chaos and trauma, I learned early on that I had to stay alert, always be strong, and take care of everyone around me — even when I was just a child myself.

For a long time, I believed that being “okay” meant staying in control of everything. That asking for help was weakness. That vulnerability wasn’t safe.

But over time, I started to realize that what helped me survive wasn’t going to help me thrive. As I grew older, became a mother, and began my healing journey, I had to unlearn that constant state of high alert. I had to unlearn the belief that love, and trust weren’t safe. I had to unlearn the lie that my worth was tied to how much I could carry alone.

This process wasn’t easy. It came with therapy, prayer, reflection, and community. I had to teach myself that rest is not laziness. That joy is not dangerous. That I don’t have to prove my strength by suffering in silence.

Unlearning survival mode has opened the door for deeper relationships with my children, my family, and myself. It has helped me to lead Perfect Solutions from a place of healing, not just hurt. And it’s reminded me that growth isn’t just about what we gain — it’s also about what we’re willing to let go.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.surrenderboardgame.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surrenderboardgame?igsh=MWxtY3VyY2JjMGlmag==
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/egraham749/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@egrahamsurrender?si=SdVd2W_8FS02HSW8
• Other: SURRENDER® BIBLE BOARDGAME
  Wholesale: only $33.00
  🛒 Order Now:
  Click Square link here 👉🏾https://square.link/u/II9Jt5hm?src=smshttps://square.link/u/II9Jt5hm?src=sms

Image Credits

Photos credit: Brielle Graham