By: Evelyn Richardson
My name is Evelyn – “Eve” for short. I am a single parent of a handsome, wonderful little boy, Nehemiah. I was born with Spina Bifida, a Neural Tube Defect. From birth, I never let anything stand in my way or stop me from what I wanted to do. Since I couldn’t walk, I crawled and BOY! was I fast. Since I couldn’t run, I hopped. I taught myself how to swim and how to ride a bike. I graduated from college with my BA. I’ve never been without anything that I needed. It may not have been what I wanted, but I am blessed.
My life story, struggles, limitations, etc. is how “Go Gettah” came about. I KNOW I am a “GO GETTAH”. No matter my disability, no matter that limitation, no matter being a single parent or circumstance, “shout out to the mothers and fathers raising their kids on their own.” Yes, I have a physical disability and I am limited with doing stuff, but I do not let that get in the way of my success or happiness. I am determined to succeed for my son and everyone who said I couldn’t do it and for those who need a role model or an example to look up to. This is my testimony, and I am here to share with whomever is willing to listen. We all have the potential to be a GO GETTAH but who can say” I AM A GO GETTAH!”
“YOU HAVE THE POWER YOU NEED” I was talking with a friend and we just jokingly said, “We can have us a clothing line…let’s do it!” I said OK, so I began to brainstorm and came up with GO GETTAH. Then a little later, I came up with the following definition: “Someone who does not let their limitations or circumstances get in the way of their My friend was off doing things for himself already, so I said to myself, “Even if we don’t do something together, this defines my story/testimony.” What inspired me was my son and wanting to be able to build a foundation for him that he can have when he gets older.
What motivated me was seeing people around me who were not afraid to take that leap of faith and make things happen.
I planned for 6 months and I saved up my disability checks to purchase inventory. I reached out for help to a family member on how to make my dreams a reality. I believed in myself and trusted in God, so I told everyone (even before I had inventory) that GO GETTAH Apparel was coming soon.
The biggest challenge I have faced this far has been raising awareness of my business. I have reached only so many through events and social media.
My favorite business tool or resource is…my cell phone – it’s how I network.
My favorite quote is…
“NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE, THE WORD ITSELF SAYS ‘I’M POSSIBLE’”
Evelyn Richardson is a single parent who was born with spina bifida and learned early in life how to not let her circumstances limit what she could do. Her “anything is possible” attitude and testimony is the power behind her Go Gettah Apparel business.