A Year and a Half in Review: The Journey So Far

When I went out on my own in June 2023, I was excited—and terrified.

Going into business for yourself is both exhilarating and daunting. There’s no safety net, no corporate structure to lean on—just you, your vision, and the uncertainty of whether it will all come together. But despite my doubts and the uncertainty, I landed a client almost immediately after stepping out on my own—a moment that I know wasn’t just luck. I’ve come to realize that this journey has required me to lean on God more than ever, trusting that He’s guiding me, even when the path ahead feels unclear. Each step has been a reminder that faith, more than anything, has kept me grounded and moving forward.

Speaking, Coaching, and Learning on the Go

This year and a half (a little over that, really) has been packed with opportunities I didn’t see coming. In 2024 alone, I spoke at 4 conferences, 3 local events, judged a hackathon, made appearances on 2 podcasts, and even made it onto the radio. Each of these opportunities helped me refine my message, build connections, and solidify what Kuzaa LLC stands for. Public speaking has never come easy to me (yes, despite the number of times I do it), but it’s been one of the most rewarding aspects of the year.

I’ve also had the privilege of coaching some incredibly talented people. I’ve worked with a few individuals through the Plato platform and several others through Level Up in Tech. Watching these folks grow and helping them break through challenges has honestly been one of the highlights of my year.

And then there was my blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment as a LinkedIn Top Voice—fun while it lasted, until the algorithm moved on.

Sales and Self-Care

One thing that became abundantly clear this year is that sales is a huge part of the job. Running your own business means constant selling—whether it’s pitching to clients or, at times, convincing yourself to stay the course. I used to think of sales as a necessary evil, something you just “get through,” but I’ve learned it’s all about how you frame it. When I approach sales as a way to help people solve real problems, it changes the dynamic. It feels more natural, and less like I’m trying to convince someone of something.

And then there’s self-care. I talk about it, I advocate for it, but sometimes I forget to practice what I preach. When you’re juggling client work, speaking engagements, mentoring, and running a business, self-care can slip through the cracks. This year, it did. It’s sneaky like that. It wasn’t until I felt the impact—mentally and physically—that I realized how critical it is to schedule downtime and really honor it. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Client Success Stories

One of the most fulfilling aspects of running Kuzaa LLC has been seeing the real impact the business has had on clients. We’ve helped one client reduce their average risk score by 45%—a huge step toward building a more secure and resilient organization. For another, we reduced their cloud spend by 60%, freeing up capital they could reinvest in growth. One of my favorite wins this year was securing tens of thousands in AWS hosting credits for clients, helping them scale far more affordably than they expected.

Beyond the numbers, I’m proud of the work we’ve done around inclusive hiring practices, establishing engineering hiring strategies that help companies find the best people while ensuring they’re not overlooking talent from underrepresented backgrounds. It’s about creating teams that reflect the world we live in, and the communities we’re building for.

Growth, Partnerships, and Scaling

As Kuzaa LLC continues to grow, we’re expanding into more security-specific offerings and strengthening our partnership with Vanta for compliance services. Compliance is a game-changer for startups—it’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about building a foundation of trust with customers. We’re also exploring subscription-based models to make our services more accessible, while continuing to scale the business in ways that align with our mission.

Building new partnerships has been a key focus, and it’s opening doors I hadn’t considered before. The next year is going to be about striking that balance—growing the business, staying true to the work I enjoy, and making sure the people I serve get exactly what they need.

Managing Imposter Syndrome and Staying Grounded

If I’m honest, one of the biggest ongoing battles is managing imposter syndrome. Even with the wins, even with the client success stories, that voice sometimes creeps in—“Am I really doing enough? Am I really the expert here?” It’s something I work on every day.

I’ve also learned to be more intentional about understanding how frustration can change who I am. When things get tough, it’s easy to let frustration push you in a direction that doesn’t feel authentic. I’ve had to remind myself that growth, both personal and professional, comes from staying true to the person I’ve been called to be.

757ColorCoded Inc.

One of the biggest blessings this year has been my ability to pour into 757ColorCoded Inc. in ways I hadn’t been able to before. With the growth of Kuzaa, I’ve been able to give more time and energy to our mission of empowering people of color to achieve careers in tech. It’s been a fulfilling reminder that the work I’m doing with Kuzaa isn’t just about business—it’s about creating real opportunities for people who have historically been overlooked.

Trust, Faith, and Support

None of this would’ve come together without my wife. She’s been there from the start—keeping me steady, challenging me when I need it, and always in my corner. Running a business is a team effort, even when you’re the one at the helm, and I’m beyond grateful for her unwavering belief in me and this vision.

This past year has been one of the most challenging and rewarding of my life. I’ve leaned on God more than I ever have, trusting that I’m on the path He’s set for me. I’ve learned to trust the process, lean into the uncomfortable, and celebrate the small wins along the way. As Kuzaa LLC continues to evolve, I’m excited about what’s to come—new partnerships, new services, and continuing to help mission-driven startups reach their potential.

Here’s to growth, staying grounded, and building a future I’m proud of.

Photo by Casey Fyfe on Unsplash.