Kendall Robinson helps the homeless by collecting rolls & monetary donations to purchase them
I have always found great joy in giving my time and assistance to those who are in need since I can remember. Last summer, I had a chance encounter with a homeless man that has been life changing, to say the least. While attending a Youth Summit at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, I met him while I distributed paper products at a mobile food pantry. He told me that he had to make a single roll of toilet paper last for one month. Always taking toilet paper for granted by simply grabbing another one under the bathroom sink, when I needed it, I found this very disturbing, unbelievable and totally unacceptable. I was so inspired by his story that in April 2016, I founded a nonprofit, Love Rolls, Inc. We collect physical rolls and monetary donations to purchase toilet paper for the homeless and others in need. Word spread about our efforts and donations poured in from large corporations, local businesses, civic organizations, family and friends all across the world including Japan and the Bahamas. The continued generosity and support that has been received highlights the importance of paying it forward and shows how one idea, one person and one movement can have a tremendous impact.
What is your proudest accomplishment so far?
My proudest moments so far have been inspiring other youth and adults to act, having a positive impact on my community in such a short timeframe, and being acknowledged by President Barack H. Obama and other government officials. The impact of assisting the homeless and those in need with such an essential item has moved people to respond in ways I never imagined. The original goal was to have a week-long toilet paper drive. After the word spread, I knew almost immediately, that the story could not and would not stop there. As a result, we are in the final stages of the 501c3 application process. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, Love Rolls, Inc. will be a Federal Public Charitable Organization.
How as being an entrepreneur affected your life? How did it change the way you think about life?
Becoming a teen entrepreneur has equipped me with leadership skills and given me a sense of confidence to speak up and out. Since the launch of Love Rolls, Inc., I have had the opportunity to speak directly with tops leaders of various companies to communicate and stress the importance of community involvement. It has inspired me to continue to encourage others and remind them that anyone can change the world regardless of your age. All it takes is ambition, a good support system, an open mind and many prayers to help it come to fruition.
Do you believe that there is one specific formula for success? What does it mean to be a successful business owner?
There is no one recipe to follow to achieve your goals. As with most things, there are many formulas for success and common steps that are essential for accomplishing them. For example, compassion, dedication and always being a team player will help your business prosper. A successful business owner is someone who is fulfilled with their work to the point where enjoyment replaces the work component.
What is failure?
True failure is doing the wrong thing repeatedly and never learning from it or trying again. With all endeavors, there will be times when things will not go as planned and you veer off course. Failure happens when you decide to stay there and not make the proper changes to achieve a different outcome.