Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Grant.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born to a single parent household in Dallas, Texas. I graduated from Northwest High School in Justin, Texas. I was known for being a bully in school, until my freshmen year at Northwest, when Principle Linda Parker asked her to organize the first Black History program in the school district. This responsibility sparked my interest in community involvement, so much, that I continue to assist with the Black History’s program throughout Northwest ISD.
In 2011, I founded Advising Generation Z, , after completing a 5-month campaign visiting high schools throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area as a promotional model for a media company. It was during my interactions with students from each campus that I saw young people struggling to find themselves. I instantly became passionate about giving children what I was given while transitioning from teenager to adulthood, which was a strong support system. I graduated from Wiley College with a Bachelor’s of Science in Ethical Leadership and a minor in Conflict Resolution. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Education with a concentration on Training and Development.
Has it been a smooth road?
Becoming a CEO at 21, had its up’s and downs. As a boss, I had the option of waking up at 8am or 12pm. I could decide what issues really moved me and go after them relentlessly. While it was a blessing to be the type of dreamer that could articulate their vision to investors, administrators and children, I had a really hard time learning how to be a leader of people. Although, I love my brand and the people we serve, I haven’t always been the best person to work for. I learned the hard way that I am the only person who is full invested in seeing Advising Generation Z grow.
Please note, I do not discredit anyone who has helped me get here. In fact, I want to THANK ALL of the 20 millennials that sat in my living room as I pitched this idea. If it weren’t for their support in the beginning, I couldn’t say I would have gained the confidence I needed to continue building my brand for the last seven years. The transition from peer to boss was hard. I thought that everyone in my life had to endure my calling. I could teach seminars all day and spend all night talking about the lives that were impacted. But I never stopped to ask my loved ones if they wanted to hear this every day. Nor did I ask them if they wanted to help me. I defiantly learned how to respect boundaries and lower my expectations for the relationships I value. I am grateful that every lesson I learned, God allowed me to learn them in the dark. My relationship with God is the foundation I needed in order to let go of any mistake/misjudgment I made during this journey. I have finally become the women I have always wanted to be. The students and young adults that attend our events always come up to me and tell me how my staff and I, have completely change their lives. If only they knew that, my life is enriched every time I get the privilege of serving others. I truly love what I do and couldn’t image my life being any different than it is now. Every obstacle I faced prepared me for the next hurtle.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Advising Generation Z is social skills mentoring program, that is dedicated to supporting, equipping and empowering Millennial and school age youth to become the best versions of themselves. This non-profit is divided into two branches: Lipstick Ready for girls,and Shepherds of Healing for boys. Advising Generation Z, facilitates through local school districts, municipal courts, recreation centers, churches, and outreach programs.
AGZ targets 11-22 year old youth and young adults that are feeling disconnected from their community, campus or their purpose. AGZ specializes with students that are battling: insecurities, anger, eating disorders, abandonment issues, identity, toxic relationships, substance abuse, peer pressure, death, social anxiety, bullying, self-harm, and unhealthy relationships.
AGZ is successful in assisting students on their journey in overcoming adversity. The secret to AGZ’s success is inspiring young adults to mentor the next generation. By providing safe spaces for young adults to share their personal testimonies, AGZ creates an environment where students receive solutions to problems they would normally be too afraid to talk about.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I love North Texas, I think we have a lot to offer entrepreneurs. Especially those willing to fight to keep their doors opened, while humbling themselves to make connections within their community. When starting a brand, you have to commit to divorcing your ego and limit your emotional outbreaks. If you allow your ego to stand in the way of asking experts for help, you’ll never make it. If you allow your emotions to control you, than you’ll lose the momentum you need to keep fighting. Also a little tip I have learned over the years is that 80% of the people you come in contact with will smile in your face, tell you congratulations but their waiting for you to make a mistake, figure out a way to use you, or hoping they can discredit you. Unfortunately you still have to deal with them in order to discover the 20% of people that will support you, promote you and pray for you without your permission. God wants us to stay humble, cautious and using his gift of discernment to differentiate between the two.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.advisinggenerationz.com
- Phone: 214-991-9353
- Email: management@advisinggenerationz
.com - Instagram: Advising Generation Z
Image Credit:
@C_BThree charles.neversatisfied@gmail.com
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