Originate, Motivate, Innovate

CHAPTER 5Nothing Moves Without People

I don't do the word “can't,” and you shouldn't either. In a defining moment from the film The Pursuit of Happyness, Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith, explains to his son how important it is not to let anyone or anything get in the way of his dreams. I was told I couldn't finish college as a teenage mom. I was told that no one would rent a tee‐pee as an Airbnb. I was told I couldn't raise three kids as a single mom and follow my dreams. I was told I couldn't run a successful business focused on women of color. I was told I couldn't get access to capital. I was told I couldn't do whatever it is I was trying to do so many times I have lost count. If I had listened, I wouldn't be here right now writing this book. I wouldn't be running one of my most successful Black‐owned businesses in the country focusing on a segment of the population that has historically been ignored. I wouldn't be doing any of this if I believed what others told me—I can't. That's not all though. You also shouldn't tell yourself you can't. The truth is YOU CAN. You can do whatever you want, in whatever way you want, and how you want if you have a plan.

When I changed my name to Omilâdè I was already verified on Instagram as Shelly Bell, and as you may know, once you are verified you can't change your name on these social media apps. I tried and tried to get it changed while keeping my verification symbol. I went through all the verification steps time and time again. ...