Today we’d like to introduce you to LaSondra Jackson.
Hi LaSondra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Approximately two years prior to me establishing The C.U.T.E. Foundation, Inc, it was just a mere vision! I’ve observed my oldest daughter undergo her surgeries throughout the years, along with the daily obstacles she endure. My ability to assist with her confidence and positivity inspired me to desire that for other daughters! I recall deciding to write the business plan while my daughter was undergoing surgery. I guess you could say that was therapeutic for my mental state. I would get asked to speak at other engagements to uplift parents with similar situations. In return, The C.U.T.E. Foundation, Inc. was born.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road? The road hasn’t been smooth, but it has been rewarding. There were times when I was striving to go above and beyond to request donations and partner with other organizations, but their response was consistently “Not at this time.” Several questions played in my head, “What am I not doing?” “What could they be looking for?” It’s difficult to think you’re doing everything right but still getting nowhere. Also, I asked myself, “Could I devote 100% of my time into The C.U.T.E. Foundation and still be a wife and a mom (especially when you’re a stay-at-home-mom and your kids are not accustomed to you leaving the residence for anything pertaining to work)?” My children have full-blown schedules amongst the four of them alone. My fatigue contributed to my physical and mental nature of feeling like a failure. When you invest your overall focus into something, you expect to receive a substantial return. If you come short at achieving your goal, the result could be disastrous on you mentally. Along with my husband AJ Jackson (Co-Founder), God blessed me with donors and volunteers that I could depend on. Our mission is bigger than ourselves. Providing educational programs that build confidence for young ladies throughout the year, feeding the homeless, giving essential items to children during our Back-to-School Kick-Off, and outsourcing additional etiquette services is what I was put on earth to do. When I reflect on these things along with noticing how far my oldest daughter has come and how many individuals we’ve blessed, I understand why I’m at this stage of my life. I can only cherish this very moment. Through perseverance in life obstacles and my ability to strive and fight as a mother is what helped me continue to execute the mission of The C.U.T.E. Foundation. Sometimes, we don’t know how the road would end. We don’t know the different bumps that will occur or the quantity of bumps that you must endure along your path. We have no idea if our car will get a flat or run out of gas. However, when we follow our gut when we follow the Holy Spirit God gave us, we tend to keep a steady pace and remain on course. The road wasn’t smooth at all. Even at my 5-year mark, the road still isn’t as smooth as it may seem to others. Thinking about those individuals that received blessings through our programs and the services we provide is when that bumpy road is worth the ride.
We’ve been impressed with The C.U.T.E. Foundation (Class, Unity, and Teachings of Empowerment) “Where a Woman’s Worth Starts at Birth,” but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Mission of The C.U.T.E. Foundation, Inc. is to not only empower young girls and young ladies through their intellect, confidence, and pride; but to also inspire them by demonstrating that royalty is not dignified by where you come from or how you look. Royalty is defined by the manner in which you carry yourself. We provide educational and confidence-building programs (Personal and Professional Development, Etiquette, and Leadership Training). We have two main events that take place ever year (Back To School Kick-Off and Tis the season where we provide for the homeless). We also privately provide speaking engagement services through our S.T.E.M. program, Professional program, and Etiquette program for churches, schools, organizations, personal dinners, and businesses. What sets me apart from others is truly my passion and willingness to help. Having a daughter that undergoes surgeries and my ability to be there for her to rebuild her confidence is why I execute my mission for The C.U.T.E. Foundation. I’m very proud that I was able to create an organization that is a true representation of me in which embodies my brand. The fact that I’m raising daughters is a plus. When I receive the appreciation from the parents and children and photos of the young ladies stepping into their own skin from my programs is what shows me my brand is working. Witnessing the number of children, parents, and adult lives that I’ve touched solidifies to me that my mission is working. We are being a blessing to people. In order to continue being successful in our mission and inspire young girls/ladies by demonstrating that royalty is not dignified by where you come from or how you look. Royalty is defined by the manner in which you carry yourself. Partner with us and donate at www.cutefoundation.org and/
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
Reading the Bible, studying plans from the Bible App, communicating with my husband, and watching my children grow and thrive is what keeps me excelling in my life. My favorite scripture is James 1:2-4 which states, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cutefoundation.org
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/cute.foundation
