The idea for Babygirlz was born in 2003 when I was in constant contact with a young lady that was very close to me at the time. She was going through a tough time with life's growing pains and there seemed to be no end in sight for her. She had a lot of turmoil in her family life, problems with focusing on school, feelings of inadequacy, etc. Since I was a person she confided in, I felt compelled to take her under my wing. I kept her as close to me as I could while becoming a mentor, of sorts, for her.

During that time, I was a college student and often took her with me to class to get her used to the idea of higher education and the diligence that went along with it. However, nothing could pull her from the road she was so determined to succumb to.

Year after year, she and I would connect on some level and at times I really thought I was finally getting through to her. I made several attempts over time to ensure that she always felt good about herself, to let her know that she is destined for greatness because God places none of us "here" for mediocrity.

I placed actions behind my words by introducing her to certain areas of life previously not visited. I sometimes took her to my job, taught her software programs, and discussed work ethic with her. I even talked at length with her about the lack of options available when education is not something possessed. After so many years of resistance from her, I came to realize that all the talking in the world would not heal the hurt she was living with. She'd endured a lot in her life and had internalized it for so long that: 1) Either I could not reach her, or 2) I had to find new ways to increase the chances of reaching her. I opted for the latter, and in the process, began thinking about all the other girls in the same situation who may or may not have the same support in their lives; yet could use it, and the idea for Babygirlz was born.

Although I don't feel I succeeded in helping bring her into her true self, I honestly think that just being there when she needed me to talk to or to see her through whatever transition in life she was engaged in at the moment, made a difference. I am still very much a part of her life to this day and I will continue to do what I can to help her as she journeys through.

The primary goal for Babygirlz will be to provide a safe haven, and an outlet of sorts, for young women who feel that they need/want a guide for those parts of life that are baffling, hard to handle, or even unfamiliar to them.