Breaking the Cycle - Alley's Story
Left to Right: Iamme, Alley, & Russell
Hi! My name is Alley and I am a so on to be graduate of Ripple of One! I would like to tell you a little about my background and how much Ripple has impacted my life.
I grew up very poor and unstable. I remember my family constantly getting evicted, moving from neighborhood to neighborhood, living with parents' friends, eating at soup kitchens, and even living at a homeless shelter. At 13, we lived in a rat and roach infested house in Greenville without running water and electricity. It was at that age I made up my mind to do my part in changing the vicious cycle that I had been born into. I moved out of my mother's home to live with friends. There, I learned how to braid and I began earning money for braiding. At 14, I had saved my braiding money and moved back home to help my mother get the water and lights back on. I also got a part time job, braided hair in my free time, and saved all my money. I was able to pay cash for a car at 15 years old. At 16, I got pregnant and had my baby at 5 months. My baby died and it was one of the hardest things for me to get through at that age. Despite my hardships, I got my Certified Nursing Assistant license while in high school and with hard work and dedication, I became the only person in my family to graduate high school ! I was 3 months pregnant with my now 14 year old daughter at my high school graduation. I received my braiding license and began working in a salon.
After having my daughter in 2008, I moved out of my mother's apartment, and got my own apartment. Working as a full-time hair braider and CNA, I spent very little time with my daughter as a toddler. My mother kept her while I worked. One of my biggest challenges when I moved out on my own was juggling being an adult, work, paying bills, and being a parent. I never wanted my child to grow up in the conditions that I grew up in so I strived to be the best I could be. I now have 2 children, a 14 year old daughter, and a 9 year old son.
Before Ripple of One, I did not have a savings account. It was much easier to spend my cash when I made it, knowing I would make more in the near future. Now I am more mindful of my spending due to my monthly set budget. I also now have a savings account that I add to monthly. Prior to being a participant in Ripple, I didn't have a specific plan for my tax refund checks. Now, I set tax refund plans and stick to them. I use them to invest in my future as a barbershop owner.
In the time that I have been in the Ripple of One program, I have earned my barber license, saved my money and am planning to open my own barbershop. I feel confident in having the knowledge and experience in setting goals, budgeting, and executing them to reach my full potential!
“Alley is a joy to work with! She’s positive, has a ton of energy, and takes on life’s challenges with a can do attitude. I think these qualities along with a lot of hard work, are the reasons she’s been successful in the Ripple Program!”
While in Ripple, Alley…
Met budget every month
Maxed out the Ripple matched savings every month
Was awarded The Reserve at Lake Keowee Charitable Foundation Scholarship
Completed her Barber Apprenticeship
Passed the State Board exams
Acquired her State of SC Barber License
Recovered from knee surgery thanks to her major efforts at rehab