Jared Miller
Founder & President
KEZA
Franklin, TN USA
“Don’t look for a cause. Look for people you fall in love with.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationJared Miller
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, but moved to Nashville, Tennessee, for my dad’s job when I was about eight years old.
I was a big Michael Jackson fan as a kid and, after watching him perform the “We Are The World” charity single for Africa on MTV, I decided I wanted to help Africa as well.
As a teenager, I struggled with addiction and the only time I really felt good and right about myself was during the two weeks I’d spend serving others at a summer camp every year.
As I got older, I spent a lot of time volunteering and working with different charities and campaigns that were focused on crises in Africa.
I eventually wanted to start my own business to help others—I decided I wanted to focus on the inequality and abuse that women face.
My former boss was working in Rwanda and invited me to join him and start a bicycle program intended to promote sustainability, boost the economy, and encourage tourism.
I worked for the program for about six months and then started KEZA, an ethical fashion label that fosters independence and dignity for formerly abused and oppressed women in Rwanda.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Founder & President
I lead an ethical fashion label intended to help oppressed women in Africa.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Non-Profit Organizations
Entrepreneurship
Helping People
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
I think the best thing to do when trying to serve another community is to actually go and immerse yourself in that community. It's not enough to just give a handout. Real aid and change comes from listening to what that community has to say. Take time to learn their struggles and dreams. I recommend spending at least five years in that community and culture trying to help. Anything less just isn't enough in my opinion.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"We just don't care as much."
Challenges I Overcame
Drugs / Addiction
