Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Ealy.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up, I found myself misguided and in many troublesome situations. However, I was rooted firmly in the belief that God was orchestrating my life and leading me to my purpose. With His guidance and my parent’s enrichment, I continued to be optimistic about my achieving my goals and purpose despite my circumstances. In high school, I decided that when I grew up, I would create a nonprofit to help girls actualize their dreams. It would be a safe space for young ladies to work on their goals, receive counseling, and fellowship with other girls.
In 2014, I decided to execute my childhood dream and created TWST4Girls. I had a few high school and co-worker friends who were excited about the idea of TWST and jumped right on the opportunity to bring this dream of mine to fruition. We combined resources, gathered materials for our first event and spread the word about TWST. The name TWST meaning “Together We Stand Tall” came from the idea of resource/knowledge sharing in order to uplift others.
We’ve grown into a team of mentors from diverse backgrounds and career fields, such as doctors, engineers, nurse practitioners, educators, entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, social workers and more who share their knowledge with our youth.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would say it’s been smooth. There were a few minor hiccups in the beginning but none so grand as to shed light on them. TWST is God’s work through us so, as we’ve approached doors, He’s opened them. If there is a struggle in the future, we’ll know that we’re being prepared or taught lessons to help us endure.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about TWST4Girls – what should we know?
TWST offers life skills development, skillfully matched female mentors, exposure to career options, as well as intellectual and cultural experiences all at no cost to the youth that we serve. Our goal is to ensure that girls graduate TWST as well-rounded young women who are purposeful, self-sufficient, and equipped with the tools needed to excel in life.
We’re known for the diverse experiences and skills, that we provide. TWST offers opportunities that are out of the norm for our participants and oftentimes uncharted or not typically explored by girls.
We’re most proud of our work in the communities. The seeds that we sow today prepare our girls for life now and will continue to spread throughout their families and friends for generations.
What sets TWST apart is, TWST goes to the people. We go into neighborhoods and find youth who need us.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I give my success glory to God, He orchestrates my life and leads me to the success that we achieve. I also credit my success to my mom and dad for the enrichment and lessons they’ve given me growing up.
All of the TWST Mentors and Board Members, deserve big credit for our success because they are believers in our mission, champions for our organization, as well as the main influencers of our youth. I am humbled every time a mentor goes above and beyond for TWST to ensure our sustainability.
TWST Sponsor Johnson Development awarded our organization with a grant in 2017 and after we lost our facility in Hurricane Harvey, Johnson Development stepped up and offered one of their facilities for usage during events for our youth. Johnson Development is incredible.
TWST Partner Lincoln City Park was the first establishment in which we offered our Enrichment Program to the youth in their community. That has been a launching pad for us to attain more community partners and opportunities for expansion. We are thankful for Lincoln Park for opening their doors and hearts to TWST.
Marc Newsome and Jaymes Olamigoke deserve an entire segment of credit for capturing TWST’s moments allowing us to spread the word of our services to the world. They are both genius photographers and we are honored that they sponsor us.
Our sponsors, partners and donors are literally extraordinary people and businesses and deserve tremendous credit for funding our programs, guest speakers, supplies, nutrition, venues, transportation, uniforms and more.
My friends and family who send messages of encouragement or share our mission with others, truly deserve credit because it is motivation. Sometimes I write down their words so that I can gain motivation whenever I need it.
NOT LEAST AT ALL, our TWST KIDS deserve HUGE credit to our success not only because they participate but, they are the reason we established. I am thankful to them for their trust, consistency, feedback, love and attention. Without them, there is no us.
Thank you to everyone who has had a hand in our success.
Contact Info:
- Website: TWST4Girls@Gmail.com
- Phone: 7134830904
- Email: https://www.Twst4Girls@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/TWST4Girls
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/TWST4Girls
- Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/TWST4Girls
Image Credit:
Marc Furi of Furious Films, Jaymes Olamigoke of Jaio Photography
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