During my third year of university, I was diagnosed with severe clinical depression and although I didn't know it at the time, it was that diagnosis that would ultimately define the direction of my career.

Unable to concentrate at school, I tried to find purpose and direction through employment but without qualifications or experience, the only options to me were the two "r"'s - retail or restaurant. I chose retail but instead of helping me find purpose, the long hours, stressful environment and constant contact with customers ultimately exacerbated the mental health challenges I was facing. I spent many hours feeling hope for a "normal" future drain out of my life as I bounced around from company to company trying to find a light at the end of the tunnel.

Those years left a lasting impression on me and it inpsired me to create an alternative employment model so that youth who have suffered emotional and mental challenges don't feel the way that I did when it came to employment. I know firsthand the challenges of working in a service role while going through mental and emotional healing and how it can sometimes feel like being trapped between two evils. Do you work to make money and survive or do you focus on healing and live on the streets? A lot of youth have to decide between these two options and no matter what they choose, they don't win. 

I wanted to create an environment that offered meaningful employment that also allowed them to feel safe, supported and nurtured. I wanted to create an employment model where youth could actually work and balance life so they can achieve the healthy lifestyle that is fundamental to long-term success. 

It is my privilege to be able to do this and for that, I am eternally grateful to the support that Kind Karma has and continues to receive. Thank you for supporting this mission to make the world a better place, one youth at a time.