We had the good fortune of connecting with Kertrina Dauway and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kertrina, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I came up with the YOU CAN LIVE AGAIN brand because of my own experience. As a young adult I made choices that weren’t in my best interest. I saw how people treat you when you self harm in life. Outside of my family, no one really tried to help me. I really had to work hard to believe in myself and that I could push past my mistakes all the while helping others believe in themselves. I didn’t want the ones I could help go through what I went through in not having someone to encourage them. I wanted them to know there was someone they could depend on. YOU CAN LIVE AGAIN is very dear to me and that is why I believe it is a movement to empower others that whatever has happened to them in life they can LIVE AGAIN.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I spent most of my career in corporate America learning from the best in my industry. Because of my upbringing, I already came with a very strong work ethic and it was noticed by some pretty amazing executives who took me under their wings and mentored me. I’m very proud of the results of my strong work ethic. Throughout my career I have received several top tier awards. It wasnt really easy but I was determined to stay focused and excel in my industry. I think the one thing corporate America helped me with is to believe in myself. I had to get in and make it work. It came through me believing that I could meet and achieve goals. My dad and mom raised us to believe that we can do anything if put in the work and it would eventually be instrumental in my growth in self belief. You must belief in yourself and your purpose.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am blessed to have a group of really close friends. I really don’t go out unless I am performing as a singer or Emcee of the House of Blues Gospel Brunch. My fun times are movies and good food. LOL. So, where would I go? Hmmm… I would probably take them to a museum, movie and really cool restaurant.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shout out to my kids Johnny and Toz. Both aspiring artists. They inspire me to keep excelling. It’s beautiful when your kids become your best friends and you can trust their advice. LOL. The things I would normally tell them they now tell me. Also, a huge shoutout to my incredible parents who instilled in my siblings and I a strong work ethic.

Website: www.youcanliveagain.today

Instagram: youcanliveagain_ycla

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/yclatoday

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