In the latest episode of the Twendé Podcast, we sit down with Rashad Russell, a true example of resilience, determination, and innovation in the tech industry. As a survivor of Hurricane Katrina and a founder of two tech companies—Acme Builder and Beyond Light Creations—Rashad’s journey reveals how personal challenges can inspire a lifelong mission to make an impact.
Early Entrepreneurial Beginnings
Rashad’s entrepreneurial path began young, driven by a commitment to create stability after his family lost everything to Hurricane Katrina. At just 14, he discovered his passion for tech and entrepreneurship, setting his sights on Silicon Valley. Through hard work and self-discipline, he taught himself to code and build websites, even giving up video games to focus on his craft. This commitment took him to Yahoo for an internship while he was still in college, opening doors in the tech world and leading him to where he is today.
The Importance of a Digital Footprint
Rashad shares his thoughts on the importance of having a digital footprint, especially for small business owners. His latest project, Acme Builder, simplifies website creation for non-technical founders, allowing them to establish a professional online presence with ease. Through Acme Builder, he’s helping small business owners in Nashville and beyond create a strong foundation for growth in the digital age.
Advocating for Diversity in Tech
But Rashad’s journey also touches on an essential issue in the tech world: representation. As a Black entrepreneur navigating an industry that often lacks diversity, Rashad highlights how important it is to encourage young people of color to explore STEM fields. By speaking at high schools and connecting with aspiring tech professionals, he hopes to make the tech industry more inclusive for future generations.
Insights for Aspiring Founders
In this inspiring episode, Rashad dives deep into his strategies for building a tech startup, his approach to identifying a market, and the importance of a personal website as the “home base” for any business. For early-stage founders or anyone interested in tech, Rashad’s insights are invaluable.
Tune in to Twendé
Listen to Rashad’s full story on the Twendé Podcast, and be inspired to “go” after your dreams, no matter where you start or the challenges you face. Find the episode at ec.co/twendepodcast and learn more about the Twendé program at ec.co/twende.
