If Amazon started in a garage, Tashina Calhoun sees no reason why her nonprofit can't start at her kitchen table.
"Amazon just had one person. I'm already ahead of the game, I've got my kids and a great team," Calhoun said.
Surrounded by donated school supplies, Calhoun is a vibrant mother and business owner who smiles from ear to ear as soon as she mentions her newest project, One Belief. Calhoun started the 501c3 earlier this with a mission of empowering students and educators through frank conversations about mental and emotional health and conflict resolution.
"Not everyone comes from a home where they're equipped with these skills to work through problems or conflicts or even to identify emotions," Calhoun said.
Last week Calhoun hosted her first big event where she gave away 300 backpacks filled with supplies. But the free pencils and notebooks were just part of the draw, once there students could talk with mentors about emotional problem solving, mental health and healthy conflict resolution.
"There is a huge need here. These skills will help kids through life," Calhoun said.
Calhoun's biggest supporters are her children, 15-year-old Caleb and 7-year-old Faith, the two help their mom stuff backpacks full of goodies for other kids across DFW. Her children are also her inspiration.
Calhoun came up with the idea for One Belief after an incident at her daughter's school where another student put classmates in danger. Calhoun said she realized then that children were making destructive decisions and it is up to everyone to help guide young people towards a more productive path.
"People ask why I'm doing this for other children and I say those kids go to school with my kids," Calhoun said.
It wasn't an easy transition going from full time worker and single mom to nonprofit director. Calhoun says she's gotten help from her church, friends and coworkers.
"I prayed that God would give me divine connections and it's been amazing how the people I need just show up in my life," Calhoun said.
Calhoun also learned how to fund raise. She says companies like WalMart, Target and Chik-Fil-A have stepped up in big ways.
Calhoun says the first event was a major success, but her dreams are global.
"I want to expand outside my community and help children all over the world," Calhoun said.