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

Hi Karisma, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Being a victim of abuse and violence, I noticed the impact these traumas had on me and the various relationships I have experienced growing up, even to now. Once I went through the frustrating process multiple times, trying to get a protective order, I noticed how the system was flawed against people of color and that I was not the only person of color who was refused help. It was that moment I realized how my community needed an organization, founded by people who look like them to help address and face these issues with them from a cultural perspective as well as from 1st hand experiences. Through the support of my husband and his family, we worked together and birthed A.I.R. Project, and we changed my pain into purpose.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
We provide abuse and violence prevention education awareness through social and emotional learning, expressive arts, and providing positive quality of life experiences, primarily to youth and their families in communities of color. Our goals are to stop the perpetual cycle of abuse and violence in communities of color and encourage healthy lifestyles, relationships and mental health. We use art as a catalyst to help address these tough issues, because art is what helped me not take my life when I was overwhelmingly faced with depression, anxiety and ptsd from the abuse I experienced. What sets me apart is that not only do I bring representation, but I have the unfortunate experience and journey of being a victim, but I also have the journey and experience of taking the steps to heal and help others. I am most excited about the growth we continue to make. No matter how small the stride is, the fact that we continue to grow despite all odds, we are still here, I am still here growing.

It was not easy to get to where I am today. It took and continues to take peace, commitment, dedication, and persistence to keep on going. You have to be able to face the hurdles and challenges, especially for something you are passionate and authentic about.

The lessons I learned, what is meant for you will be for you and when your back is against the wall and you are in the process of throwing in the towel to give it all up, the Universe will show you the truth and reveal that what you have to offer is invaluable and that the world needs you to give it.

What I want the world to know is to tap into that fire burning inside of you, don’t let yourself get in the your own way of walking in your destiny, walking in your purpose.


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’m big on family, so I like to do family friendly things while still having some time for me. For a girls day, I would have to say go to Studio XVIII hair salon for top notch hair care and services, go to Honi Dip Yoni or Inner Me Yoni to get some self care, then we would try out some new eateries that I have wanted to visit such as Flava Wings, because I am a wingspert, Sweetmustardhtx to try some nice veggie bites, then maybe we would go to a roller skating rink…otherwise we would have to relax and experience some meditation. We also could go visit the the hot poetry spot and listen to some poets from Write About Now (WAN).


Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s so many, I can’t mention them all, but I want to start with My Meemah for always expressing unconditional love even when she had no words for me, and for having a way of showing her support and care often by her silent actions.
My husband for being the strength and armor I needed to finally “break my silence”. Him and his family played pivotal roles in my journey towards healing and finding my voice.

Ms. McCullough always had something nice to say to make me feel confident and was pivotal in me not making the choice to end my life at a young age.
Coach Roland and his family, for taking me in and truly treating me like a daughter and family. Thank you for being a positive father figure.
My daughters for always saying “mom you can do it”, “mom don’t be hard on yourself” and being my eyes and ears to help us to continue reaching youth in their generation (Gen Z)

To everyone else I have crossed paths with on this journey who continues to motivate, encourage, and inspire me and see in me sometimes more than what I see in myself. Thanks for helping me brighten my light. You all know who you are.


Website: www.abuseisreal.com

Instagram: @a.i.r.project

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

Youtube: @abuseisreal

Image Credits
Pleasant Designs is credited for the first photo with the PD on the image.

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