Book Description

Raylexia Gavion had been carrying the weight of her world for as long as she could remember. From taking care of her siblings after her grandmother passed to juggling school and work, she’d been in survival mode since she was a child. But Raylexia? She was more than just a survivor. She was a hustler, and she wasn’t about to let life or circumstances knock her down. No, Raylexia was focused—locked in on her goals and determined to make it out the mud. She walked the fine line between street smarts and book knowledge, knowing one without the other wouldn’t be enough. School, despite its challenges, was a means to an end for her. The classroom was just another battlefield, where grades were the currency for her future. Every class, every assignment, every test—she handled them like a boss. But even with all that, the responsibilities at home were never far from her mind. Her siblings depended on her. They didn’t ask for it, but Raylexia had become the glue holding them all together, even when her world felt like it was coming apart at the seams. From making sure homework was done to getting food on the table, she played every role necessary: sister, parent, and sometimes counselor when things got too real. Still, Raylexia’s dream was bigger than her day-to-day hustle. She wasn’t about to let her current situation define her future. She had a vision—one that would pull her and her family out of the struggle for good. Owning a business, being her own boss, and creating something that would last—something no one could take away from her. Her friend Shamena always had a thing for hair, Deana for fashion, Shayla for decoration and Johnya for touch massage. They all had a knack for making people look and feel good. Cosmetology seemed like the path. But more than that, it was their way out. While some of their peers were chasing guys and living for the moment, Raylexia and her friends were planning, stacking their money, and plotting their next moves. That’s where our crew was different from the rest. We weren’t just friends; we were each other’s backup. Deana, Shamena, Johnya, and Shayla—each of them had their own struggles, but together, they were a force. They understood Raylexia’s drive because they had their own ambitions too. It wasn’t just about surviving the streets or getting by; it was about rising above it, building something that would last. It started small—late-night talks after shifts, brainstorming sessions over cold pizza. But soon, the vision became real. Raylexia, with her natural leadership and business acumen, led the charge. They pooled their resources, saved every dollar, and made sacrifices that others couldn’t understand. It wasn’t glamorous, but nothing worth having ever was. They hit the grind, balancing jobs, family obligations, and their hustle on the side. “We gon' make it, y’all. Just wait,” Raylexia would say, her voice steady, eyes sharp with focus. She believed it. And when she spoke, the others believed it too.