Kehinde Thomas started from humble beginnings, growing up in Nigeria where he faced poverty and hunger. He came to America as an exchange student, seized his opportunity, and never looked back. He’s now a thriving entrepreneur living the American Dream, and he encourages people to take risks, and be bold in every aspect of their lives. 

Kehinde opens-up about his very difficult childhood:

“When I was growing up in Nigeria it was very different because my dad passed away when I was seven years old. So, my mom had to raise eight children by herself. My mom never went to school, so there was no financial literacy. She had to figure things out. But it was a ‘man’s world’ because it was one of those male dominated societies where the men call the shots. So, I watched my mom navigate a man’s world and it was very, very rough. So, it got to the point where she lost everything – the businesses, the farms, everything.”

How education helped Kehinde build a better life:

“I just started reading books because I noticed that education would free me. So, I embellished myself in books, and I had no idea where it was going to take me. So, it took me to the top of my class and, bingo, then I became an exchange student and came to the United States.”

On his mindset to become successful:

“I knew that the world does not lack resources, but people are not resourceful. So, I knew for a fact that if I happened to be in an environment where there were plenty of resources, I just knew I was going to make it. There wasn’t even a debate.”

His gratitude mindset:

“We take a lot of things for granted; we really do. But if you had an experience like I had growing up, you will have a tremendous appreciation for life. A tremendous appreciation for abundance. A tremendous appreciation that you have the ability to fail or succeed. The freedom that we all treasure.”

Why Kehinde loves the United States of America:

“America is the best country in the world. What it has done for a guy like me; an immigrant. To be able to come to a place like this and end up doing the things that I did; I have tremendous appreciation. Nothing is perfect; but my appreciation is enormous.”

Go on a journey to discover your ‘why’:

“You need to have a clarity, truly, about why you’re here. And that’s a life journey. You see all the social media stuff? That’s too much noise. … This requires a reasonable level of solitude and meditation. And it requires you to close the door, you alone, thinking. Most people won’t do that. So, the life journey is to discover ‘why’ first.’”

How Kehinde bootstrapped his way through college:

“I knew the library closed at 11:00 pm. So, I would go in there by 9:00. They had what they called the ‘inside room’ in the library. I would go in there and turn off the light. So, the librarian would do his or her rounds and then leave and I would stay in the library. I would stay there in the library, and I would read all night, literally. They would come and open-up in the morning and I would be out. This is how I was able to study. I had to do what I had to do.”