“We are a product of the choices we make, not circumstances we face.” R. Craw

At AVITA, it is the stories that fuel our commitment to continue advocating for women, minorities, and disabled entrepreneurs. So for that reason alone I think it is just that I share my story and why I chose to create AVITA.

In life we are all faced with challenges we must overcome. Each of us has a choice to learn from our lessons or to continue the cycle of struggle. As a young child I was faced with my own struggles, living with an abusive parental figure. Many years passed in this difficult situation and at the age of 18, things escalated and I had to seek shelter for my own personal safety.

Within days my life changed forever. I was homeless, with no job or money to pay for my university education. A group of friends banded together and secured a small basement apartment for me to live in. I took a job at the local hospital’s business division and went into hiding for three years.

With no other choice, I decided to plead my case to the University’s financial committee petitioning to receive a full scholarship to attend the business program based on the severe circumstances I was facing. The committee took a few hours to deliberate on this unusual request. I remember sitting in the secretary’s office vowing if the university provided this opportunity, I would spend the rest of my life providing others with the same opportunity. Two hours later the secretary walked out and shook my hand with sincere congratulations for being accepted into their full scholarship program.

It was then that I knew I would spend the rest of my life serving others and providing them with the same opportunity I received, regardless of the circumstances they were facing.

I have never reconciled with my father but I am grateful he was a part of my life. Though he has been my greatest challenge, he has also been my greatest teacher. Each time I assist a client in reaching their endeavors and overcoming obstacles that face them, I thank my father for creating the circumstances that fueled my desire to create AVITA.

Kedma S Ough, AVITA

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world” Mahatma Gandhi