We were lucky to catch up with Karshyra Marshall recently and have shared our conversation below.

Karshyra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

A defining moment in my life is when I turned my blog into a non-profit in June of 2020. My blog was called breatheohio614 which is now a 501(c)3 non-profit called Breathe Ohio Inc. Growing up with Asthma at such young age in the urban community in Hartford, CT. I had limited access to reaching my doctor appointments and healthcare needs. I created my business to help kids and young adults ages 12-22, who live in underserved communities to breathe easy. The goal is for these individuals to live an active, bold and healthy lifestyle. I will help these young people to breathe easy through holistic management, exercise and breathing techniques. I know the struggles these individuals are experiencing. What better way than to have someone like me, educate and bring resources for the people in need. The mission of Breathe Ohio Inc. is to aspire to be the leader in the provision of education information and training in the management of Asthma episodes.

Karshyra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I began my journey researching asthma while undergoing my undergrad at Bethune-Cookman University and continued it further while undergoing my Master’s degree. I have continued this research since then, conducting both primary and secondary research along with creating evidence-based patient education materials on asthma. I wrote an article on “The Prevalence of Asthma” and how it has impacted the residents in the state of Ohio. The article focused on possible treatments that have helped others and myself and has been proven to be effective. Did you know that Asthma affects nearly 25 million people in the United States alone?

African- Americans are 1.5 times more likely to have Asthma, and 5 times more likely to visit the ER due to having symptoms. African- Americans are 3 times more likely to die from an asthma episode compared to White Americans (AAFA.org). Asthma is the leading cause of chronic illness and the world’s most common life-threatening allergic reaction.

Having Asthma, I vowed to create change within my community. As a lifelong asthmatic, I am on a mission to create a nation of healthy children and adults through my non-profit, Breathe Ohio Inc. As someone who has witnessed firsthand the injustice of the social determinants of health in our communities of color, I am calling on all local institutions to re-examine their role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of our most valuable resource.

Our goal is to create a different lifestyle in order to promote a healthier community by increasing physical activity, educating parents and caregivers on food resources available in the community, and focusing on overall wellness of each individual child.

My journey for this cause is just beginning and I plan on implementing the change I want to see in the community for generations to come! Don’t let asthma stop you from reaching your goals. #KnowYourTrigger!

What I believe sets me apart from others is addressing the determinants of Asthma through holistic management. I haven’t seen many other industries within this healthcare field take this approach. I am most proud of taking the initiative to meet the needs in the community; all while looking for many ways to partner with others to continue to build.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The Four Agreements (Don Miguel Ruiz) is a great book I have read that has impacted my entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy. This book teaches you to not take things personal, never make assumptions, do not assume and always do your best. The author breaks down ways in how we came into this world with many disadvantages to our name, religion, cultural, etc. and how it has shaped the way we interact with others and what we all carry into relationships. I have always heard to never take things personal and to never make assumptions, but in reality we always do the opposite. This book showed me a different perception of my reality and how to take on business decisions along my journey. Anything I encounter in my business, whether it be No’s, Yes’s, people offering help but unable to produce or come through is never personal and it is not always a reflection of me. Life is full of challenges, be it good or bad. Everything is a lesson to help you to become better and more cognizant along the way.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training/knowledge, what I think is most helpful for succeeding in your field. Is understanding that your network is your networth. If you want to succeed in life whether it be in your career and/or business you have to be willing to come out of your shell and connect with people at events. Engage and show people who you are in terms of your personality and what you have to bring to the table. You never know who you will meet that connect you to your blessing. Often times than most, we have to get out of our own way to succeed.

Contact Info:

• Website: breathohioinc.com
• Instagram: breatheohio614
• Facebook: breatheohioinc
• Linkedin: Karshyra Marshall/linkedin.com
• Youtube: breatheohio inc.

Image Credits
Candid Photos- Joseph Patrick (Nashville, Tenn.) Instagram- thephotojojo Email: the photojojo.com