Deaf Entrepreneurs

Calvin Young

What, Where? All Entrepreneurs
USA
Hospitality / Tourism

Our focus: Deaf entrepreneurs in Europe. But: we make an exception for Calvin Youngs from the USA. He is a professional Deaf traveler. But also: a successful entrepreneur. Before he become a Deaf traveller, he had already started two companies: Media Company and Real Estate Software.

Then, he launched Seek The World to inspire and empower deaf people and people with disabilities from all over the world to travel on their own or reach their dreams without fear.

"I took stock of what was happening, and I hit my breaking point. That was when I realized that I wasn’t doing what I loved to do.  I asked myself why I couldn’t just let everything go and start living the dream. That was the moment I decided that I didn’t want to hold on to my dream any longer. It took me around three months after the break-up to finally make the decision to leave the startup to travel the world. It was one of the hardest things I had ever done, but it was also the best choice I ever made in my life.

To this day, I still remember the day I called my parents, who are also deaf, on FaceTime to discuss my plans to travel the world. Both of my parents actually smiled and gave me their full support. They told me to go ahead and purchase my flight to Thailand.

My deafness never once intervened with my decision. I’ve always enjoyed traveling with my family while growing up. Back in my high school years, I started an International Study program at Texas School for the Deaf. My class ended up going to Europe. London, England was the first foreign country I visited, and it really opened my eyes to how much I love learning new things about people, the environment, food, history, and much more. I’d also filmed an around-the-world trip for a deaf company, but had never backpacked. It felt like it was finally time.

(..)

We wanted to share all of our stories, without having to relay them to friends and family one by one. That’s why we decided to start Seek The World.

Showing the people I meet, and my readers, who I am makes me more confident with what I want for my life. After meeting many deaf people, I realized that I have done one thing that everybody wants to do: I’m reaching my dream by breaking down communication barriers and overcoming different obstacles. I always find a way. And I always make things happen. I didn’t do that in the past; I’m grateful that I do now.

(from: https://passionpassport.com/being-deaf-hasnt-stopped-calvin-young-from-traveling-the-world/)

Calvin Young

  • Clark Denmark (Trainer at UCLan workshop)

    "In the past Deaf people have had to travel many miles to find a course which is then predominantly hearing people and hearing led. This has made participation and involvement very problematic for Deaf people who have said comments such as: “I didn’t understand what the trainer was saying.” Also, “I found it difficult to mix with others in the group.”

  • Participant Deaf Enterprise workshop (IT)

    "It is now no longer matter of dreaming: we have discovered we have so many ideas it is a matter of putting them into practice! This workshop was an important opportunity, with many useful presentations and group discussions. I hope this same opportunity can be given to deaf individuals in other cities in Italy."

  • Deaf Enterprise Survey

    "Perseverance and guts! Develop resilience to deal with adversity as this will help you get stronger and believe in your business."

  • Deaf Enterprise Survey

    "Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Making mistakes is okay and you learn most from this. Don't afraid to ask for help if something is wrong."

  • Deaf Enterprise Survey

    "I only will say: Go on! Use help from everybody, both from government and in your network. A lot of people are helpful with sharing informations and so on."

  • Ramon Woolfe (Trainer at the UCLan workshop)

    "The level of quality engagement was so great that we often would not have enough time in the day to discuss all the points the participants wanted to discuss and would often spill over into our tea break or lunchtime to continue the discussions.

    All of which shows how great the need is by Sign language users to have this direct dialogue in their own language."

  • Deaf Enterprise Survey

    "Try it, nothing to lose."

  • Deaf Enterprise Survey

    "Talk to other business owners, ask them about their successes and their failures. Don't be scared to ask for help. You do not need to do it by yourself."

  • Clark Denmark (Trainer at the UCLan workshop)

    "The workshop was extremely worthwhile; especially when one considers there has been nothing of its type in the UK before."

  • Deaf Enterprise Survey

    "Most of all, be passionate! Know and love your subject well!"

  • Ramon Woolfe (Trainer at the UCLan workshop)

    "There are plenty of opportunities for Deaf people to set up their own business not just in the traditional areas of teaching sign language and interpreting services but also in all areas of the economy from retail, to service industries such as restaurants, leisure such as a gym.

    I really would like to see more Deaf entrepreneurs showing that they can do it.

  • Deaf Enterprise Survey

    "Keep fighting, don’t give up!"

  • Deaf Enterprise Survey

    "Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Making mistakes is okay and you learn most from this. Don't afraid to ask for help if it's something wrong."

  • Deaf Enterprise Survey

    "Go for it. Follow your dream. Keep persisting and ask lots of questions. Don’t give up. Seek advice from friends, family and look outside the box."

  • Clark Denmark (Trainer at the UCLan workshop)

    " Therefore, without Deaf role models being here it would be difficult for many Deaf participants to imagine and believe in what they could achieve."

  • Participant Deaf Enterprise Workshop (IT)

    "The Deaf Enterprise workshop has been incredible: each one of us worked intensively on understanding the way to take to achieve our dreams; each one of us was able to express their doubts regarding talents and difficulties we might encounter.(..) Each one of us was able to contribute so as to find the key to unlock our personal journey and fulfil our dreams."

  • Deaf Enterprise Survey

    "Asking Feedback is important. Then I look back and ask different people about their experiences. What is going well? What can be done better? I often hear new things and I learn. That helps your company improve."

  • Deaf Enterprise Survey

    "You can do anything if you put your mind to it. Your deafness does not define your business skills. You are thinking with your brain, not your ears."

  • Jakob Gade (DK)

    "The best way to create more jobs for deaf people? More businesses run by deaf entrepreneurs!"

  • Participant Deaf Enterprise Workshop (IT)

    "It has been amazing, I am really satisfied because I have learned so much during these days and I think I have looked into myself and found very interesting insight which will be useful for my life. I believe this is the same as all other participants feel."

  • Deaf Enterprise Survey

    "Keep an open attitude; co-operate with other Deaf business people. Use 'we' instead of 'I'."

  • Ramon Woolfe (Trainer at the UCLan workshop)

    "By the end of the workshop they all displayed a renewed confidence to be able to go home and act upon their aim of setting up their business idea."

  • Deaf Enterprise Survey

    "I will only say: Go on! Use help from everybody, both from government and in your network. A lot of people are helpful by sharing information and so on."

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