A former drug trafficker, Antwoin Gutierrez – aka Chef Fresh – is now the manager of a pastry company: “I developed my entrepreneurial spirit in a somewhat dubious way, selling illicit drugs at home, in Peekskill, near New York, he admits. I was pretty good at sales and marketing, but I’m not really proud of it.”
An association helped him to reintegrate
Imprisoned three times, Antwoin spent a total of four years in prison. But once released, he was given the opportunity to get housing and job training through the non-profit organization The Doe Fundwhich helps people who have lived on the streets, had addiction problems, or who have been in prison.
Today, Chef Fresh realizes the importance of having had a second chance: “You have to understand that with the right support and in the right circumstances, ex-convicts can very well change their lives… and succeed! “. The young pastry chef also devotes a lot of time to sharing his story, in schools, high schools, detention centers, to encourage people to “find their passion”.
This article is produced by Brut and hosted by 20 Minutes.