07/04/2023
I can't express how incredibly proud I am to be part of the Rise community. I've witnessed my goals becoming a reality and pushed myself harder than ever before. Seeing their commitment to bring manufacturing back to America up close has truly inspired me. One of the reasons I moved to Philadelphia was because of its charm as the workshop of the world, which holds a special place in my childhood.
My dad, the CEO of several sewing factories, created textiles and clothes for renowned companies. I grew up surrounded by sewing machines, fabric rolls, and threads, getting to know the factory workers. I'd climb through rooms, searching for hidden fabric between the rolls, immersing myself in the scent of machinery and oil. In the 80s, I spent time in my dad's office, covered in red velvet and filled with boxes of rhodia notebooks.
Watching Joey work and documenting the process has been eye-opening. Some people easily take the victim road, making
excuses and expecting the government to solve everything. They feel entitled to money and a living, but unfortunately, that's not the reality. While I desire freedom for all and the ability to sustain ourselves through land, we must face the fact that we have to work for a living. We can't change the current circumstances, so we must play the game and make an impact within our community. It starts with ourselves, then extends to our family, neighbors, friends, clients, and their families. Right here, under our noses, our network forms, akin to nature's roots in the ground. Eventually, we connect on a common ground, rather than merely complaining or doing nothing. By working hard on ourselves, helping others, and making a real impact, we can create freedom for ourselves.
Happy whatever holiday you want or donât want to celebrate today.
Just make sure you can celebrate your own freedom to create the life that you wish to see.