A crucial element of my business is Johno Cares 2. Johno Cares 2 is where 5 percent of sales go towards kids that need help with medical bills and to also develop the sport of skateboarding in Barbados. Johno Cares 2 means a lot to me as from the age of 11, I was suffering from an illness called gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is basically the slow emptying of the stomach. Everytime I would eat I would throw up. This illness caused me to have to seek treatment overseas for over seven years. It was a very humbling period in time for me and my family. It was hard to cope mentally , physically and financially. Through this whole journey, what helped me cope with my illness was skateboarding. As it made me feel free and intune with the present moment. And in 2020 which was a very pivotal year in my life. I came up with the idea of starting my own skateshop. As I was doing Marketing and Management at the Barbados Community College and I thought it would be the most practical way to learn about business.
With that being said, through my experience of being ill for 7 years. And seeing my family struggle with medical bills. This has given me the passion to giveback to others. And I am proud to do that through Johno Cares 2.