Meet Caitlin Crane | CEO & Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Caitlin Crane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caitlin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Just1 was born out of the belief that just one person is worth fighting for. The world is full of brokenness and need, and quite honestly it can be overwhelming to process the need, let alone take action to help meet the need. I remember seeing statistics like “there are 27 million people trapped in modern-day slavery around the world”. It is hard for any human being to wrap their mind and heart around 27 million. That’s why it’s so important for us to remember that even if we help just one of those people find freedom, it’ll be worth it. Because to that one, freedom will mean everything. This is what led me to start Just1 International.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I don’t want to sugar-coat this answer in effort to sound more successful or like I have it all figured out. Hopefully my raw answer will encourage someone in their journey. Building a nonprofit from the ground up has broke me and built me. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I signed my name on a few dotted lines, paid the IRS an application fee we could barely afford, and jumped headfirst into the deep-end. I do not have a four-year degree. I do not have any fancy certifications. I’m just a girl from the country side of Newnan Georgia who wanted to do something with her life that matters. What are some lessons I’ve learned along the way? Ha! Where do I start? I learned that “making a difference” isn’t glamorous. It’s a lot of doing very mundane, everyday tasks— admin, emails, data entry, communications, etc. It’s also a lot of doing things that make you very uncomfortable— asking people for money, public speaking, having to make very hard decisions under pressure, etc.

I’ve learned it takes grit and sheer determination, whether your heart is in it or not. Because some days, you’re going to be so emotionally and mentally drained that you feel like your heart isn’t in it anymore. At that point, you have to put on your big girl pants, and keep doing what’s necessary to keep the mission going. We care for 15 young women and girls on the other side of the world in Kenya. If I give up, they don’t eat or have a place to live. Somedays that’s the only thing that keeps me going. They are my why. And that’s what I have to focus on when I’m weary.

I’ve learned you must have healthy outlets. Community, exercise, fun activities, whatever it is that rejuvenates you. Combating sexual exploitation and trafficking is heavy and draining. I have to make space for the things that fill me back up so I can continue to pour out.

I’ve certainly not overcome every challenge perfectly. I don’t believe there’s a “secret” to overcoming challenges. I think it just requires not giving up. I’ve had to learn to give myself grace for my weaknesses and be proud of how far I’ve come. I’m proud of Just1’s story, because it is one of persevering despite the odds. I want people to hear Just1’s story and be encouraged to take the risk and to help others even if it costs you a lot. Loving people is worth the cost. It’s been the honor of my life to play a small part in the lives of the girls we care for in Kenya. They are the real heroes of our story.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, I’m not a huge city girl, so my list my not be as lengthy as others might be, haha. I would take friends to my favorite coffee shop in Marietta – Tuesday Coffee. The next day I would take them to read a book and sit in the sun by the river at Chattahoochee Coffee. I would take them for a walk from Krog Street Market to Ponce City Market, and then to grab drinks and dinner at Saints + Council in Colony Square. Then later in the week I’d take them hiking at Blood Mountain in North, GA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My friend and pastor for many years – Clint Byars was very instrumental in the early stages of me dreaming of starting Just1. I remember calling him sometime in 2013 and telling him my ideas. He told me: “I think it’s a great idea and I think you should do it.” Well, that was all I needed to take the risk and start a nonprofit at 20 years old. He encouraged me through many hard days when I wanted to give up on my dream, he helped build our first website and design our first logo, he rallied support for Just1, and so much more. I owe big thanks to Clint for his impact on me personally and on the development of Just1. Without him, I doubt I ever would’ve taken the risk.

Website: http://just1.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/just1international