Fireside Chat: Xavier Tramaine

Xavier Tramaine is a social entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Humble Hustle coach company Inc Nonprofit, Imagine Me Mentoring, Humble Hustle Clothing, and Xavier Tremaine Creative Consulting. The nonprofit began as a simple idea in 2015 to assist with resources, exposure and equity with youth in Roanoke. 

The nonprofit has three programs that promote exposure, education, and empowerment for black youth. 

Tramaine began designing and producing shirts with one singular message, "keep giving." The nonprofit sold clothing at local events, festivals and pop up shops to increase awareness for their mission. They aspire to be a staple in the world of urban streetwear with an emphasis on giving back to the community that we serve through impactful messages and statements on clothing.

One way that Xavier gives back to this community is through a nonprofit, Humble Heights outdoor program which provides the chance to expand horizons and experience the world in a positive and healthy way. Humble heights aims to expose black youth to the outdoors. 

Xavier also created Imagine Me Mentoring in 2018 as a first black owned school based mentor agency in Roanoke, Virginia, that serves as risk youth that serves at risk youth in Roanoke City Public Schools. This program has served over 1500 youth in elementary, middle and high schools with programs community events and initiatives. 

On February 22, Xavier Tramaine came to speak to students for Fireside Chat hosted in the Venture Lab. Tramaine had the chance to share advice and

inspiration to over 30 students. 

Here are the top pieces of advice that Xavier had to share with RU students.

• What steps would you recommend for entrepreneurial students to take now to prepare themselves for entrepreneurship later?

Really test the waters of everything, because that is going to allow you to know what you want to do and what you don't want to do. You can only say you don't want to do something when you've done it.

• Travel has played a really important role and your perspectives in entrepreneurship. Can you share more about that?

I will spend my last dime on travel. Like I'll go, I'll go broke, to travel. It shapes your view on not only in life, but seeing other ways that people do things and provides perspective. The more you can widen your view of what life really looks like, the more creative you'll be. 

• Is there an opportunity for students to work for an entrepreneur or business owner during college or right after?

If you sit quiet, there's never gonna be opportunity for you. There's always opportunity. It's all about where your confidence level is and your passion. And if it's not me that can give you a job, I can at least refer you out to somebody that can give you an opportunity.

By: Jessica Britton