Today we’d like to introduce you to William Fredrick.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
I started making music and writing poetry after a bad break up. I moved to Chicago, entered Digital Film school and started working as a co-host for Soul Suite Radio on WRLR. After graduation, I moved back to Ohio, and worked on the Anthony Sowell documentary. I also worked as a Hairstylist, a Photographer, a Videographer, an editor, and a substitute teacher. I returned to school to work on my Master’s degree. I began employment at a private school as a push-in Math teacher and head boys & girls track coach. Three weeks before my last quarter ended, my daughter was killed in a car accident. Two years later I moved to Omaha where I currently work as a school counselor and girls sprint coach. I began to post my writings on Facebook, and people started encouraging me to write a book. I had always thought about leaving something for my children that would help them through difficult times. A friend of mine introduced me to her friend who helped me develop the concept. Two weeks later I completed a rough draft. I realized while writing I felt a sense of peace, that I hadn’t felt in a long time. I’ve always asked God to bless me so that I could be a blessing to others. By the grace of God I completed my first book, and it has been a blessing for me to bless others with my life.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
I became a father at 19 years old, at the same time, I was experiencing a different world from the one I grew up in. As a result, I flunked out of college twice and made poor choices that helped dig a deeper hole than the one that was waiting for me when I arrived into this world. My parents got divorced when I was seven years old. My father struggled with mental illness, something I didn’t understand until years after he passed. I was in that age range where mental illness could reveal itself, so I worried about my mental health all the time. Then add America’s treatment of black people in general and black men specifically into the equation and it equals the sum total of my life struggles that many people just don’t understand. However, all of that still does not measure up to the biggest challenge of my life. On May 27th, 2018 I received a phone call from my oldest brother telling me that my oldest daughter had just died in a car accident. That devastated me. After that, I lost my mustard seed of faith and that was terrifying to me. It was so terrifying and painful, that I had to find a way to help others get through experiences like mine. As a result, WHO AM I, A Poetic Journey was born, a journey that will forever inspire my children as well as others to never give up!
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I specialize in people. I help people realize their potential, visualize their dreams, overcome obstacles and motivate them to accomplish whatever they set out to do. I’ve actually been doing this all my life. I am diverse, creative and I think outside of the box. I enjoy working with a team or working alone. I’ve been told that I am a joy to work with or around. I am knowledgeable, highly motivated and passionate with everything I touch. I’ve been called a Modern-Day Renaissance Man by several of my friends! My resume is loaded with evidence of my many talents: I am a School Counselor and a high school girls sprint coach. I am a Cosmetologist, a Master Colorist, Digital Media Producer, Entrepreneur, Math Teacher, Photographer, Poet, Music Producer, Radio Co-Host, Videographer and now the author of a Five Star book.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
1. Go where you feel at home. 2. Spend your time with people who appreciate every minute. 3. Love everyone and everything that loves you back. 4. Dismiss BS and BS people. 5. Move in Peace! 6. Live in peace! 7. Fight for your peace/the piece of your pie. 8. Live every day like it’s your last. 9. Forgive yourself and everyone in your past. 10. Leave a memory that makes everyone who crossed your path smile. 11. Make your presence on earth memorable and worthwhile. 12. Be true to yourself. 13. Be in competition with no one but yourself. 14. Take care of your mind, body and spirit. 15. Do not allow the fear of failure keep you from enjoying the fulfilling satisfaction of success. 16. Remain humble. 17. Don’t be afraid to try new things. 18. Don’t be afraid of Love. 19. Correct yourself first before you correct others. 20. Always give God the Glory!
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success to me means being accomplished and being accomplished means succeeding in becoming proficient in reaching goals that I have set for myself. One goal of mine was to make my mother proud of me. When I cut open the box containing my first batch of books and handed her-her copy, she opened it and started reading. It was like our roles reversed. It was like she was the kid, and I was the adult, and she was opening up a Christmas gift from me. She was so excited! As I watched her begin reading my book, I realized that it was the most beautiful moment that I had shared with my mother. My mother was so proud of me and proud to be my mother. Now that’s real success to me.
What’s next for you?
I’m currently working toward producing a poetic CD with my poetry and the music I produced, as well as an audio book for WHO AM I, A Poetic Journey. I am also working on my next book with a fluid release date of June 2022. I have an open mind and an open heart for the future, and several of the things that I would love to do is be a guest on Ellen, Oprah, the Steve Harvey Show, the Breakfast Club, the Michael Colyar Show as well as meet president Obama.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
Website: williamfredrick1965.com E-mail: williamfredrick1965@gmail.com 4. Business phone number: 330-459-9750
