A Jacksonville man is on a mission to uplift the hearts and minds of many on the First Coast.
Austin Franklin created Good-Natured Life, which has allowed him to inspire youth through his speaking, publications and Q&A sessions.
As a 25-year-old CEO, Franklin spreads messages of self-love, at local middle and high schools empowering kids to handle life’s difficulties or disadvantages.
"I know for me, when I was their age in high school, a lot of times I didn’t really come across inspirational speaker of people trying to pour life knowledge," Franklin said.
After losing three people near and dear to his heart, within the same year, it's easy to assume he'd slow down. But, he says it only added a dimension to his message.
With a deep passion for youth, Franklin continues to pour life skills into kids around the First Coast daily.
"It really gives me the joy and the fire to keep going and keep perfecting and keep raising things to the next level because I see the things in real-time," he said.
Franklin says he was a junior at Hampden-Sydney College when he developed a business idea to impact lives in the community.
Challenged to make a difference in his entrepreneurial thinking course, Franklin launched a company to help people spread friendliness, kindness and patience.
"I really liked the idea, saw the niche and the market need for it, so I decided after the class was over to take the venture idea and make it into a real actual business," Franklin said.
Encouraging teens and adults to promote self-love, more positive images, and an optimistic mindset, Franklin hopes all people find the key to unlock their destiny.
"I want people to realize they each have hidden credentials, and qualities they posses to develop and bridge the gap between our weaknesses and our strengths," he said. "We all have those."
Franklin just wrapped up his 'Wake, Rise, and Smile' tour. He spoke to thousands of kids in schools around the city, and says he plans to strike up the tour again, next year.