Start. Then figure it out later.

January is typically a time when we take on the “newness” of life, while letting go of our old ways. We pick up new habits. New routines. New goals. New dreams. You know how it goes…

I hope the new year is off to an amazing start for you, but let me fill you in on where I’m at so far in 2024 through my own journey.

I started Ground Masa last November with the vision to build a social enterprise. I walked away from my job at LinkedIn in October and I felt a ton of different emotions.

I felt scared. I felt anxious. And I felt accountable for putting my family in a vulnerable position financially. Whenever I’m overwhelmed, solitude has served as the best way for me to gain clarity. I talk to my self. I talk to God. And sometimes, realisations come, while finding the answers that I need.

Lots of folks have mentioned that I have a certain confidence that comes with ease. When that’s far from the truth. Here’s a picture I took of my self on October 8th, 2023, while on a hike. I took this picture to document a moment in time that I never wanted to feel again.

Just before this photo, I was balling my eyes out crying.

Why? I had hundreds of mentorship sessions in 2023. I spoke at a few events where people shared deep truths with me, that brought them to tears.

And here I was too scared to reach toward my own full purpose because of worldly fears like a recession. Sure, the money was great at where I worked and the team was solid. But I felt like my spirit was reaching for something I physically couldn’t see. And emotionally, the picture above was the in between…where I felt like I wasn’t sure how to move forward.

As hard as it was, I sat with those feelings. Realising I wanted to build something I personally didn’t yet see in the world: a human focused enterprise, that focused on helping others level up in tech, from a viewpoint that knows the struggles of blackness, coping with anxiety, loss and otherness, while staying true to self. All I could see was that the communities I came from, continued to be displaced because of financial insecurity. And if people with knowledge like my self, didn’t share it, the digital divide would only get worst, while sinking those communities deeper into hardships.

A couple days later, I walked the same path on my hike. And at the end, I met these guys below. I thought they had pulled up to play for a party. But they were actually in the neighbourhood filming a music video.

When the universe sends me a message, I pay attention. These were the same types of men that inspired me in South LA at the beginnings of my tech journey. While growing up, I saw Latino immigrants grinding by the freeway to sell fruits, flowers or whatever else they could to make a way. I always told my self, I’d have that same work ethic toward whatever path I take on.

In my mind, this was God reminding me about what was already known about me at the deepest levels. These homies, as old as they were, continued reaching for their dreams. They worked day jobs, they had families to raise of their own, while pursuing music, they told me. They played in restaurants, parties and they put out content online for the world to see. Their message was exactly what I needed.

Over the next week, I felt a sense of self assuredness, even in the fear. There were individuals who helped me tap into design communities. Here’s a photo of me speaking at UC Irvine.

These communities empowered me to keep going. The individuals I connected with, understood my story. And they helped me understand their own fears.

Honestly for the first time ever, I started to really understand the power of design being spoken about from a non-traditional, POC stand point.

Fast forward to now, I’m in a completely different head space. I’m working my first contract gig under Ground Masa with a large non-profit. I’ve spoken on a couple podcasts. And I’m learning everyday to simplify my life to the most necessary elements I value.

But most importantly, I’m living something I always imagined in my head. This was a dream I had for 7 or 8 years. All it took was for life to push me in the most uncomfortable positions, to take a chance on my self.

I’ve learned too many times, that when you have the courage to take the first step and let go of expectations, the most high will fill in your life with the people and situations you need most, to help you walk over the mountains you may see in front of you.

Since starting Ground Masa, every day has been crazy. I rest when I can, while other days I’m pouring in 18-20 hour days between all the different roles I take on as a father, husband and creative. On the hard days, when I think to my self, “what the heck am I doing? And why did I sign up for this?” I remind my self that this is exactly what I wanted. Its hard. But I love every minute.

Every day I’m figuring it out as I go. Every day my daughter could see me doing what I said daddy would do. Every day I can say that I followed through with at least trying. I’m creating things I want to see. I’m building products that add value to the people I want to affect. And I’m finally physically and spiritually aligned with who I am in this season. I’m not sure where the future will go, but I’m grateful for how far this journey has taken me.

Which leads me to encourage you to do the same for your self, when it comes to your own fears. We all have them. And if I had to break down some of the beginnings of how Ground Masa started, this is it:

• Freeing my self of expectations (financially or professionally)

• Sharing my vision with others (CPAs, mentors, college students, co-workers, family members)

• Connecting with those who believe in the mission

• Working together with like minded people to build communities that aren’t yet established

• Iterate. Every damn day. And test what works.

Its crazy to think that in only 3 months, I’ve learned so much. This is what I think the future of work is. Having agency in your career to gain the skills you personally want to grow into.

I didn’t know how to start a business. I didn’t know how I’d get my first client. And I didn't know how to create a course. But guess what? We figured it out. There’s always gonna be more to learn about. The key is to start.

Then figure out the rest. Step by step. The race rewards those who are determined to accomplish the mission. Not those with all the knowledge in the world.

Blessings family. And much continued prosperity in 2024.

Also, happy black history month! I find that I learn most, while teaching what I learn. I’ve gone from working in tech at small to large sized companies, to now, starting my own thing. I want to continue to share as much as I can at each phase, so that others can continue building the necessary bridges in their own communities. I’ll be opening up space on my calendar for individual coaching sessions. If this is something you’d be interested in, definitely DM me on LinkedIn and lets talk about it.

All love,

Jeremi