Meet Trade-Works Foundation: 2016 Interview!

At Copymat Hollywood, we are more than just a printing establishment. We are a staple in our community. When we see brilliance within our customers, we don't hesitate to act. Needless to say, we knew we had to share the story of Trade-Works Foundation on our blog. We reached out & conducted this insightful interview! Enjoy.

What exactly is Trade-Works Foundation? 

Inspiring love through action, Trade-Works Foundation connects dreamers with do-ers to cultivate economic opportunity and personal stability for under resourced youth.
We build on current skills while sparking interest in the trade industry.  Utilizing volunteer teams of trade industry experts, we promote self-sustainability through hands-on motivational workshops as well as supplying each attendee with the tools necessary to begin a career in their chosen trade. 

What gave you the inspiration to start Trade-Works?

I have spent several years researching and applying ways to help those in need around the world.  Through my travels abroad and service locally, I came to the realization that I could help others with my career path.  Utilizing the work I have done as a celebrity hairdresser my passion grew for sharing those skills with undeserved people around the world. I figured, If I could do this than I can pave a way for others to give back in their industry as well, thus bringing forth Trade-Works Foundation.
 

What are your goals for the next few years?

We are taking a team of hairdressers/barbers to Jamaica in late January 2017.  In 2018 our first USA site will be Trenton, NJ and our first Africa site will be Kampala, Uganda.  To pick our chosen trade we study the needs of each community as well as each location is chosen by relationships built with partnering groups,and schools. Our long-term goal is to create a thriving internship and scholarship program at each community we serve, providing job opportunities and business relationships. 
 

What has been the most rewarding experience you have had so far?

The reward comes when you are in a community that has been torn apart by poverty and you see first hand how your hard work, sweat and tears all paid off.  In life we don't always see harvest from seeds we sow but there are those glimpses of hope where I have seen smiles on their faces and my teachings applied, right there it becomes all worth it! 

What's your advice to anyone that wants to make a difference in the world or in their community?

Do it! And do it when your fire is burning strong.  It is very easy to get caught up in the day to day, we all can fall victim to that pattern, so I say take risks, and get involved.  There are so many non profits to partner with or even just person to person service, when showing kindness to others, nothing is too small.