Rashaad Mayes
"4 years ago: I moved to D.C. It was my first time away from home. I was fresh out of college, working in the political field, and sleeping on my best friends couch: I needed a way out."
In 2014, I can honestly admit that I was falling into a state of depression. I made a bold decision to move from my hometown, Jacksonville Florida, to Washington D.C. I moved away from my family and everything that was familiar to me. I was working in the political arena (which was not what I majored in). Working in the political field meant I was not going to make any money. Rent in D.C. was ridiculous and I knew I could not afford that on my own. I made the tough decision to sleep on my best friends couch. I was grateful that she allowed me to stay with her, but this was not the life I had planned for myself. I knew what I wanted to do, but I had no idea where to start.
"J. Cole released his album "2014 Forest Hill Drive". An album that documented his transition from struggle to success. An album that inspired me to take a giant leap of faith."
I had a love of flying,a love of architecture, and a passion to start my own business. I knew I needed to develop a plan that could combine the three. Fortunately I was in D.C., the place where networking was equivalent to breathing.
"I met a man who would soon become my mentor and open the door to the development of my business plan."
I met Patrick at a FAMU alumni reception. The first thing he asked was "What did you study in school?" After I told him I graduated with a degree in architecture his next response was "You're gonna design my next house." I had never designed an entire house before, but that did not stop me from accepting the challenge.
Our relationship continued to grow and he began helping me look for places to practice flying. His ability to make my dreams a reality gave me the motivation I needed to develop a plan. I started researching, planning, and designing my own business.
"See, me, I came a long way...Way too far for me to stop now...
Not that I would stop anyways...but…I’m so close, I can feel it
Can you feel it..?
Warm up…" - J. Cole
J. Cole's mixtape "The Warm Up" was my saving grace at this moment. His message spoke to me. He had a dream of making it big regardless of the struggle. I was in the same boat. I had a vision and I wanted that vision to become a reality despite the struggles I would face. I saved up enough money to buy an architectural desk so I could have a space to write down my ideas. I deleted all social media for 2 months, I limited contact with people, and immersed myself into my business plan.
I was reluctant to launch my business at first, because I felt unprepared. Eventually, I came to a point where I told myself to stop overthinking. I filed my articles of incorporation with my business and started asking around for clients. One of my coworkers got me in contact with a high profile architectural designer. His story of how he started, was very similar to mine. He took me under his wing, showed me the ends and outs of the business, and consulted with me.
Eventually I started facilitating deals. I gained new clients and started obtaining contract deals. I had moments of success and failure throughout this journey. I lost a few deals for various reasons and deals have fallen through. Those negative experiences have molded me into the business man I am today.
I went from designing basements to designing small homes. From designing small homes to assisted living homes. From designing assisted living homes to small commercial buildings. Long story short, I'm building my dream now: still designing, training to flying, and taking on new challenges in real estate investing. I'm not where I want to be, but I'm damn sure not designing basements anymore.
