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

Hi Jayla, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I’d say the most important factor behind my success has been the support I’ve had. From the beginning, my family and friends have supported my idea and believed in the potential of FHL, and it’s because of this support that I was able to keep going. I would thank my mother in particular, who has helped immensely from its founding.

What should our readers know about your business?
My nonprofit is named Faith, Hope, Love Closets & Tutoring Services, Inc, also known as FHL Closets. We put “closets” containing anything the school may ask for in schools that serve underprivileged communities, particularly in inner-city areas. My journey was actually not super difficult, because of the immense amount of support I had behind me. From our founding, we had people who wanted to support us by donating items and money, so it was not super difficult for us to get on our feet. Along the way, I’ve learned to be patient with others and myself, and various business skills I would not have known before. I want the world to know that I genuinely do this because I love it and my fellow man, not for a college application or anything like that.

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.
I’d recommend Sweetwater Creek, Midtown, and the Beltline, as well as the various areas to skate around the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shoutout my mother and the city of Atlanta, for always inspiring me to keep going.

Website: fhlclosets.org

Instagram: fhlclosets

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