Pariss, Award Winning Business Owner and Fundraiser
What did you want to be when you grew up?
From my earliest memories, I recall aspirations of entrepreneurship. At just 5 years old, I'd play with a toy cash register and freezer bags, pretending to sell jewelry. I can even recall the exact song that played in the background: "Missing You" by P. Diddy. Since childhood, I've always been drawn to the idea of owning a shop, primarily because I loved—and still love—serving and helping others.
As I matured, my passion for supporting others, especially the youth, deepened. This drive was fuelled by the injustices I observed affecting children and young adults in inner-city areas, including my own community. Every time I saw my peers deprived of opportunities and resources, my desire for change intensified. I felt a change was imminent, and I was certain I would be a part of that transformation.
What do you want most in the future?
To see Journal to Dreams in more communities across the world facilitating ground breaking and sustainable interventions for women, children and young people to promote effective change. Our mission is always to leave people better off than we found them. To date we have been able to touch the lives of people UK wide, The Gambia and in the USA. My prayer is that we can expand to more countries delivering 1-1 therapeutic intervention, seminars, workshops and retreats to guide women, children and young people back home to themselves.
What’s been your biggest achievement to date?
I am the founder of an award-winning personal development organisation - Journal to Dreams which over the last 24 months has allowed me to facilitate powerful and sustainable change worldwide. This has to be my greatest achievement. What is so special about this is that I’m the one who has been chosen to be used as a vessel for those who require support mentally and emotionally. This blows my mind.
What makes this so beautiful is that my two little boys get to witnesses that journey. When they say “Mummy I’m proud of you” or “Mum, you can move mountains”. I don’t think I’ll ever have enough words to describe the feeling that comes with that. Being the change for the next generation is integral. Not just telling them but showing them that we have to have unwavering faith in our ability to be great.
What’s your advice to other women/girls?
Wow! Growing up I always had imposter syndrome and that feeling of never being enough. It kept the lid on my wildest dreams because I didn’t believe I was capable.
I want you to know that YOU are capable. You are the essence of beauty and the epitome of greatness, because no one is YOU! People may project and tell you your dreams aren’t possible but they are, and when you reach the possible you are going to realise that there’s scope for so much more. I promise you that the only limit is you. If I can go from imposter syndrome and a lack of self-belief to managing a successful business so can you. The only thing I changed was my belief system.
The last thing I want to say is that you must pay yourself first. What do I mean by that? Charge your own battery before you charge the world’s. Invest in you.
What does it mean being a black woman in your industry?
It means change! It signifies that little girls can see someone who resembles them, who has similar beginnings, confidently embracing her dreams and crafting the life she envisioned. The industry shouldn't be centred on the individual, but rather on the collective, because there's room for everyone. My mission is to guide as many people as possible in uncovering their 'why' and realizing their purpose. It's not just about our actions in the present but the legacy we leave for the future. I aspire for my name to be synonymous with clearing a path for little girls who look like me, empowering them to chase their grandest dreams.
What school did you go to?
I went to Our Lady St. Chads Catholic School in Wolverhampton, West Midlands
What is the most important thing in the world to you?
Family, where it begins and ends!