Help Me Escape a Toxic Industry and Build a Dream
Hi, my name is Jon. I’m half Haitian and half African American man, originally from Charlotte, NC, and now living in Baltimore, MD. I’m engaged to the love of my life, and we’re planning to get married in a year. I want nothing more than to build a stable and healthy future for us—but right now, I need your help to take that step.
For the past 6 years, I’ve worked in construction management—a career that has taken a tremendous toll on me mentally, physically, and spiritually. I’ve given my all to every role: field engineer, office engineer, project manager, inspector—you name it, I’ve tried it. My hope was that if I kept searching for the “right fit,” I could finally find peace in this industry.
But the reality is this: construction has been toxic at every turn. Poor leadership, unpredictable schedules, long hours, and hostile environments have left me drained. I’ve sacrificed time with my fiancé, my health, and my joy just to survive in jobs that felt impossible to succeed in.
I can’t count how many tearful nights I’ve had—lying awake with crushing anxiety, feeling depressed, and losing faith while asking myself: “Why do I keep ending up in these situations? Why is this happening to me?” It has been a painful cycle of giving everything I have, only to be left broken down.
But through it all, I believe that Christ has not abandoned me. I hold onto hope and wait for Him to fulfill my needs in His timing. This dream of building my own business is part of me stepping out in faith, trusting that He has a plan for my life.
That’s why I decided to take a leap of faith. I’ve already invested $16,000 of my own savings to develop four moonshine flavors at 20% ABV: Mango, Passionfruit, Green Apple, and Lemonade.
For the first time in years, I felt hope and excitement for the future. But starting a spirits business is incredibly hard without additional resources. Co-packers require high upfront costs, licensing is expensive, and without support, it’s nearly impossible for someone like me to bring this dream to life.
This moonshine business will allow me to take control back of my life. It will give me the chance to be more present for my family, do passionate and fulfilling work, and live in a way that is healthier both mentally and physically. It will also allow me to visit my folks back home in Charlotte more often—something I’ve missed deeply while being consumed by a toxic career.
This is where I need your help.
I’m asking for support to cover the initial production costs for my moonshine so I can finally break free from a toxic career path and build something healthier and lasting for my family. Your contribution will go directly toward:
- Small-batch production with a co-packer
- Licensing and compliance costs
- Launching my first sales run in 750mL and 50mL bottles
I’ve sacrificed years of my life in an unhealthy industry. I’ve tried everything I could to make it work. Now I’m ready to pour my effort into something that not only brings joy to others, but also gives me back my life.
I promise I will not waste your contributions. It will be a blessing if you donated even a single cent toward helping me create this business and break free from a toxic cycle.
Every dollar helps me take one step closer to freedom. If you can’t donate, sharing this page means the world.
From the bottom of my heart—thank you for reading my story, for believing in me, and for helping me create a stable and healthy future.
—Jon
