We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Paige Hughes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Paige , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
It was a little after college that I first felt a strong desire to give back to the community. I had no idea what my purpose was or that I was gifted in this area until I realized one day, while serving with a friend, that even though I might not have much, I do have enough to help someone else. I got a sensation that God would not let me rest until I finished the concept and vision in my head. Finally, I brought it up with my father, who was also working for a nonprofit at the time. He then introduced me to a pastor who said he would take care of the 501c3 paperwork for free! It was obvious it was meant to be since the sum needed to complete the paperwork was something I lacked since I had recently lost my job and had to move back home with my parents. I continued to serve one a week even though the paperwork was being processed. We were able to distribute food without having any money in the bank thanks to our partnership with Mom’s Meals on Wheels. Doors kept opening for the Royal Sisters Project because I had faith in it. Our first grant was obtained the following year with the help of prayer, a team, and networking with individuals who were more knowledgeable than we were.
Following the establishment of a team and board, we met weekly to talk about our mission and monthly goals. We also held each other accountable for completing the tasks assigned to us each week and ensuring that the goals we set for the month were met. We all knew in order to move beyond the idea phase we had to set SMARTIES goals and create weekly task to accomplish.
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?
Although most people know me as Paris Golden, my name is Paige Hughes. As the CEO of Royal Sisters Project, a nonprofit serving underprivileged communities, particularly youth in the 13–19 age range, we operate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Right now, we provide free workshops for trade training, permits, and drivers education. We also provide summer trip programs and a weekly Monday night hangout to help young people stay off the streets and out of trouble during school breaks. Our mission is to keep young people safe and engaged in well-managed extracurricular activities while assisting in the breaking of generational curses through free trade education and the presentation of alternative career paths.
My pride in the youth we serve is greatest. I got to see a lot of them graduate, go on prom, get their driver’s license, and even start college. Even though a lot of people have given up on the young people in the city, these youth can be saved! This youth is capable of guidance; I have personally witnessed it. I have seen them develop with time and consist of. love and care from me and my team.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
You can’t accomplish everything on your own, which is a business lesson I had to unlearn. Even though I have a creative and visionary mind, I am not a specialist on everything. If writing grant proposals or creating content isn’t your forte, feel free to bring one in. Watch them and take notes, but allow the experts in their field to be the experts.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
In this field, you witness a lot of people coming and going. Long-term volunteering doesn’t have to be everyone’s passion. It’s possible that some people would rather donate or volunteer only on special occasions like Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Christmas. That’s okay, though. It’s also not a bad thing that some people will only be here to serve for a season, not a life time. Even if they only serve once or twice, find your team and love them. Have faith in the process that your team will develop over time. Someone doesn’t always want to be on your long-term team, even after serving one time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.royalsistersproject.com
- Instagram: Royalsisterproject
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/royalsistersprojectnonprofit/
- Other: Tik Tok- https://www.tiktok.com/@ladies_of_rsp Ceo Instagram- Parisgolden