How Towanda Perry rebounded in faith and finances in the used car business.

For those of us who know the trials and tribulations that life can bring, it is those who have come through the storm to survive and thrive that shine as lighthouses on the journey.

Owner and Founder of NW Affordable Autos, Towanda Perry, is one of those rare people whom, without hearing her story, you would never know the challenges endured to make it to where she is today.

Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Towanda moved to California at 14 and after graduating, relocated to Oregon at the age of 18. "Like many 18-year olds, I met someone that I thought was wildly in love with and I stayed here," she shared. "I worked at a black owned business called Jabils, a beauty supply store on MLK. I stayed there for about a year, but as most young girls are searching for something bigger outside themselves, looking for a father figure, I met a slick and fast dude and got caught up in the life myself."

She gave birth to her first child in 1990 and second child from a relationship which lasted for about 10 years. “During that time, we bought a home together and opened a beauty salon on 7th and Knott which we had for 17 years."

Her motivation for being a small business owner was rooted in her fierce independence and even fiercer love of her children.

"I always knew the entrepreneurial spirit was always in me and from the time I was 18 years old, I didn't want to work for anyone else," she shared. "Having 2 sons who needed me, I wanted to be available to them and that pushed me into adventuring down that road even faster."

Living the fast life and selling drugs to stay afloat financially, she got into trouble for the first time in 1999. "Because of the breakup, I had bills way over my head. I didn't want to lose our home or our business and wanted to take care of kids and stand on my own two feet," she remembered. After a slap on the wrist the first time around and a third relationship, she gave birth to her daughter, MIgnon.

Despite doing her best to shield her children from the streets and divert them from the traps therein, her oldest child was drawn to a lifestyle that would eventually seal his fate. "I had a son that wanted to be out there in gangs and live the fast life. I lost him in 2008 in a double homicide on New Years Eve," she said sadly. "When I lost him I didn't care about anything anymore and for the next 3-4 years, I went back into street mode and got into more trouble."

After spending time in prison and reflecting upon her life and its trajectory, Towanda had a breakthrough that would change everything. Armed with faith and an indomitable spirit, she joined forces with her family and together, they launched their dream to enter the used automobile industry.

The Dream didn't come easy. As a Black female with a criminal background entering into a white, male-dominated industry, accessing the funds and resources needed to function and operate proved difficult.

After meeting and connecting with Sam Miller and the Navigator program through a Soul District Business Association networking event her brother attended, Towanda found the support and resources she needed to take her business to the next level.

"You all were really clear that it was going to be a battle but you would be standing in battle with me," she shared with interviewer, John Washington. "It is you who connected me with Sam, who connected me with MESO and connected me with Prosper Portland. It is having good people around me that made all the difference."

That difference is abundantly evident in the current state of success experienced by NWAA. In navigating the coronavirus pandemic and challenges experienced in keeping the essential business viable, the business has received support through various channels including the Oregon Cares Fund.

"We are taking those dollars we have accessed and are pouring it into the future," Towanda said with a smile. "We have started a repair shop and now have a full time mechanic here. We offer affordable services to the community as well. We also offer detailing, and have started a towing company called Affordable Towing. Our goal moving forward is to help people maintain their cars, repair their cars, rebuild their credit. What I see in the future is also to have another location."

When asked what business and life advice she has to offer to other Women and people struggling to achieve their Dream, Towanda shared inspiration stemming from hard-won wisdom.

"No matter what your story is or where you come from, never count yourself out. No matter how dark it looks, just keep on going. It's not going to be perfect, you will slip and fall sometimes, but just do the next right thing and reach out. And don't doubt yourself. When the negativity comes, shut it out. Go talk to someone or read something positive, because people aren't always available. Remember, don't hesitate to talk to the man upstairs. He's always there."