Tomitchell C.
Pratcher

I started Dream Release about six years ago in hopes to bring awareness to the wealth gap in our country. On that journey there have been several ups and downs with the discovery of just how wide and disparate our country is. My background coupled with marketing, sales, and community connections has afforded me to be able to raise funds and donations to provide for underserved and under resourced communities through various supply drives and education. My ultimate goal is to provide a safe space, called the Dream Release Center for young athletes to practice in a holistic environment and cultivate other skills as well.

Ha! Absolutely not! The struggle is getting communities that do not currently have the basic challenges as the communities I serve, to see how we could connect and create access to those who need it. I think the biggest challenge is fighting the undercurrent belief system that "everyone has the same opportunities" — which in fact they absolutely do not. I have struggled for funding, having a voice, and getting people onboard with the vision. While the work is tedious, the gratification that comes with giving doesn't compare and makes it all worth it.

While I've talked briefly about my non-profit, I also have a business as well. My business focuses on bringing small to midsize businesses a stronger connection with community. I specialize in bringing people, projects, or a combination of both by utilizing traditional practices, like general networking, outreach, and fostering business relationships that will bring a good return in the long run. I think what sets me apart is I have a strong belief in our fast paced digital world but a slightly stronger belief that nothing beats face-to-face networking and true human connectivity. I believe humanity is our connective tissue that makes brands run better overall. Sure we can ChatGPT and AI ourselves until we're blue in the face, but in the end there is nothing that will replace that element. I offer packages that include an array of general services, such as brand development, franchise real estate site advice, market planning, and project management. I want people to know, I have roots in the city, I know the lay of the land and my brand is a brand that is resourceful, simple, and operates in transparency for all its clients.

Don't wait for the AHA! moment. Literally, start and keep showing up. Understand that your purpose is portable and you literally can take it anywhere you go. Some things will not be ground breaking and earth shattering. You have to build a routine that affords you to create space for your creativity. If someone would have just told me "Hey, Tee, just start where you are and don't avoid the 'F' up, because it's a part of your success", I probably would have settled a little more in who I am and skipped the imposter syndrome period — which of course we all fall victim to. I would also add, get good at being bored in the mundane routine that compounds to big results over time.