Today we’d like to introduce you to Kerry Velasquez
Hi Kerry, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up in Miami was a dream. Just a young teenager, living life to the fullest, chasing the sun, and making memories. But everything changed in an instant on October 29, 2006—the day my world flipped upside down.
Someone I trusted, someone I called a friend, betrayed me. That betrayal led to a moment I’ll never forget—a gunshot that tore through my body, leaving me fighting for my life. When I woke up in the hospital, the news hit me like a second bullet: a spinal cord injury had left me paralyzed from the waist down. The doctors told me I would never walk again.
But I refused to accept that fate. “Walk Again or Die Tryin’” became my mantra. I made a vow to myself—I would fight, push, and defy every expectation.
Fast forward 19 years later, and guess what? I’m walking again.
During the 2020 pandemic, while the world was on pause, I hit the play button on my life. I turned my focus to creating videos on TikTok, sharing my journey, my struggles, and my victories. My mission was simple: to inspire, to prove that no obstacle is too great, and to remind people that it’s not what happens to you—it’s how you respond.
The response was overwhelming. My story resonated with thousands, then hundreds of thousands. I built a community across all social media platforms, amassing over 350,000 followers and partnering with some of the biggest brands in the world—Nike, Home Depot, BOSE, ESPN—the list keeps growing.
But beyond the numbers, beyond the success, the real reward was finding happiness. I’m now married to the love of my life, a beautiful woman who stood by me through it all, and together we have two amazing children.
Everything I went through—every challenge, every dark moment—was for a reason. God had a plan. And if there’s one thing I need the world to know, it’s this:
“BE PATIENT. GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to recovery after a spinal cord injury is incredibly challenging, filled with setbacks, obstacles, and moments of doubt. There were days when progress felt impossible, and others where even the smallest victories felt monumental. It’s a journey of both physical and mental endurance, requiring patience, resilience, and unwavering determination. But despite the hardships, pushing through the struggles to become the best version of myself has been worth it. Every challenge has shaped me, every setback has taught me something, and every step forward has proven that strength isn’t just about physical ability—it’s about mindset, perseverance, and the refusal to give up.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
During the 2020 pandemic, I started sharing my journey on TikTok, inspiring others to push through their struggles. My message resonated, growing my community to 350,000+ followers and leading to partnerships with Nike, Home Depot, BOSE, ESPN, and more.what sets me apart from others I was able to change my
Mindset from why me to why not me. From giving to not caring about what people thought of me no matter what obstacles where in front of me I would be able to push through and never give up on myself
But the real reward? Happiness. I’m married to the love of my life, with two amazing children, and living proof that setbacks can lead to something greater.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
What kept me going through the toughest moments was finding inspiration in different ways. Reading Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter by 50 Cent gave me a new perspective on resilience and the power of mindset, pushing me to keep striving no matter the odds. Training in water exercises was a game changer—it allowed me to move and strengthen my body in ways I couldn’t on land, giving me a sense of progress and control over my recovery. Watching others succeed in life has always been a huge motivator for me; it reminded me that setbacks don’t define you, but how you respond to them does. Most importantly, realizing that I wasn’t alone in facing challenges helped shift my mindset. I knew that if I could train my mind to focus on growth rather than obstacles, I could be successful at anything I put my energy into.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerrymyworld?igsh=MTY3emhoczFpMDBmZg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DrV7MxCfv/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerrymyworld312
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kerrymyworld?_t=ZT-8ufdkPltY6M&_r=1
