Mattison’s Family Biz Builder Story: From Struggles to Global Success
- Family Biz Builder
- May 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 5
The Heart of the Mattison Family Biz Builder Story
Mattison’s transformation was about more than academics—it was rooted in her family’s love, belief, and the opportunities created through Family Biz Builder.
“My past shaped me, but it didn’t define me. I defined myself through persistence, passion, and the unbreakable support of my family.” – Mattison
A Story That Shows Why Families Matter
College didn’t always feel possible for Mattison. In high school, she struggled academically and silently battled mental health challenges. While some of her peers soared, she often found herself just trying to make it through the day.
But even in her hardest moments, Mattison had one thing: an unshakable desire to try—and a mother who never stopped believing in her.
Her story isn’t just about personal transformation. It’s a reminder that when families show up with love, patience, and consistency, young people rise higher than they ever imagined.
Planting Seeds of Possibility
Mattison's journey with Family Biz Builder started nearly a decade ago when she attended the Sports & Fitness NJTL Leadership Camp in Atlanta in 2016. That experience helped plant early seeds of confidence and leadership, but her full transformation would unfold years later.
After graduating high school, Mattison made a bold decision: to test the waters at San Jacinto Community College in Texas. It wasn’t easy. She had doubts. But she pushed through—and earned an associate degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences.
She didn’t stop there.
She transferred to the College of Charleston in South Carolina, where she faced new challenges. Many of her peers came from magnet schools and private academies. Mattison, by contrast, was still learning how to write research papers and study effectively. But instead of letting that make her feel small, she let it push her forward.
Turning Shame Into Confidence
One turning point came when she discovered Religious Studies—not theology, but the academic study of global belief systems and rituals. Through this program, Mattison not only found her voice—she found her wings.
She traveled abroad to Israel to study environmental spirituality. Then to Spain, where she walked 164 miles on the Camino de Santiago while exploring religion and art history. These weren’t just academic trips—they were transformative moments that redefined how she saw the world and herself.
Mattison didn’t need to be the “smartest kid in high school.” She just needed a way to learn that fit who she was.
And she found it.
The Power of One Woman’s Support
Behind Mattison’s academic success was something even more powerful than study skills: her mother, Toinesia Edge.
“She didn’t always use words to push me,” Mattison says. “But her example—her quiet strength—taught me not to give up on myself.”
Toinesia showed up consistently, with grace and grit. Her love wasn’t always loud, but it was always there.
And that steady presence made all the difference.
A Snapshot of Success
By the time Mattison graduated, she had:
✅ Earned two bachelor’s degrees – in Psychology and Religious Studies
✅ Presented her research at a regional Religious Studies conference
✅ Studied abroad in two different countries
✅ Been accepted into Middlebury Hebrew College
✅ Earned a certification to teach English as a Second Language (ESL)
Why This Story Matters
Mattison’s story is a living example of what Family Biz Builder believes: strong children are raised by stronger communities.
Whether it’s a parent, grandparent, mentor, or program—every voice that speaks life into a young person matters.
Longtime FBB donor Rosemary, Mattison’s grandmother, has believed in this mission for years. Now, she gets to see that belief turned into legacy.
Final Words of Wisdom from Mattison
“I used to feel ashamed that I wasn’t the ‘smart kid’ in high school. But I’ve learned that intelligence looks different for everyone. I didn’t have to be a math genius to succeed—I had to be me. And I had to believe, just like my mom believed in me.”
Why Family Matters More Than Ever
If you’re a parent or grandparent reading this—your role matters. Your presence, your encouragement, your sacrifices—they all build a foundation your child will stand on long after the world stops watching.
At Family Biz Builder, we’re not just building programs. We’re building bridges—between generations, opportunities, and dreams.
Because when families show up, children rise.
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