Daily Inspiration: Meet Doyvon Montgomery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Doyvon Montgomery.

Hi Doyvon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I would like to first honor God because He gets all the glory for everything that has happened in my life. Thank you, VoyageJacksonville for this opportunity and to everyone who will take the time to read my story. God bless you all.

I was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. I graduated from Mandarin High School and obtained my bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of North Florida. I initially desired to become a social worker.

During college, I worked part-time for various youth programs and started a tutoring business. After graduation, I worked for the State Attorney’s Office (SAO) Juvenile Division as a legal assistant and clerk. I pursued caseworker positions until I decided to transition to a teaching career.

I continued to work part-time for afterschool youth programs and operate my tutoring business. I noticed that the student’s Math grades were progressing when I tutored and mentored them. I resigned from the State Attorney’s Office so that I could become a full-time teacher to reach more students and help them with their Math skills. Teaching, inspiring, and motivating youth and everyone is my passion. I’ve been a Math educator for over 10 years. I currently still teach during the day and run my business in the evening.

My business and Christian brand, Courageous Inspirations, started in 2019 through an encouraging text message sent by my cousin, Pastor Chanda Jones. She texted me and asked if, “Hello Courage Goodbye Fear” was my original phrase. My reply was yes because my Aunt/Pastor Joyce Freeman asked me to come up with a theme for a special program that we had at church in 2018.

This program was for students who were graduating and going to college. I prayed and “Hello Courage Goodbye Fear” was the theme that came to my heart to motivate students to walk in courage as they start a new chapter in their life. We ordered shirts for the graduates with the phrase on them to remind them to be courageous.

Pastor Chanda texted back and was confident that God put in her heart to encourage me to get more shirts made and get the saying out to the public. Her text message was confirmation because I had a desire to sell Christian t-shirts. She referred me to a business consultant, Sierra Taylor, and months later, I launched my business.

My mentor, Latoya Gaulden helped me tremendously. I started off making Christian tees. Then customers begin to request custom shirts. As a result, I sell Christian apparel and custom products via my website: www.courageousinspirations.com.

I’ve been singing for the Lord and leading praise and worship since I was a young girl. I also began playing the drums and keyboard during church services at a young age. I wrote several songs throughout the years and finally released my first song, “Hello Courage Goodbye Fear” in 2021, which is available on all digital platforms.

My writing journey began in 2014 when I started an online Christian blog. These blogs led to my first book, “Courageous Inspirations: Keys to Unlock Life’s Blessings” which was released in February 2022 and is available for purchase on Amazon and online bookstores.

This book is a compilation of some of the Christian blogs I wrote throughout the years. I am thankful for my coach, Dr. Simi Adigun guiding me with the book’s foundation and my book editor and writing coach, Mrs. Jackie “JC” Gardner for helping me to complete the booking process.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A few months after I started my Christian blog in 2014, I experienced a dark place. I no longer wanted to use my gifts because I couldn’t understand how I ended up in my situation even though I was praying and doing my best to live for God. I told my spiritual mentors that I would continue to attend church, pray, and read the Bible, but I did not want to serve or be involved anymore. I no longer wanted to encourage others even though I enjoyed doing it.

My Aunt/Pastor Joyce and my spiritual mentor came together immediately and gave me hands-on prayer and encouragement. They told me to never stop working for God. Prayer, the Bible, and the push from my mentors helped me to press through. The lyrics in my song that say, “The word of the Lord healed my pain and God gave me the courage to live and press on” are in reference to God bringing me through this dark place.

I am grateful that God taught me to walk in courage regardless of my past. I never would have started my business, completed the other projects, and become an ordained Evangelist in 2017 if I did not choose courage over fear during my most challenging season. I am appreciative of my Aunt/Pastor Joyce Freeman for seeing my potential in ministry and training me to become a leader in our church, In the Name of Jesus Outreach Ministry.

As a result, I love to encourage others to press through life and say Hello to Courage and Goodbye to Fear! Do not give up. Even if you feel fear, pursue what’s in your heart anyway! You never know the beauty that will come from any situation if you continue to move forward and keep God first.

I was fearful about my future. I didn’t see how I would overcome that dark season. I am forever grateful that God gave me beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3).

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a full-time Math Educator during the day and an Evangelist, CEO/Business Owner, Singer, and Musician in my free time. I have over 10 years of experience tutoring and teaching 6th-12th grade Math at private Christian, charter, and public schools.

Currently, I am the director and instructor for an in-school Math tutoring program called the Math Lab at Oakleaf Junior High School. I provide small-group and one-on-one tutoring to students. I am known for my passion to help students progress in Math and in life. I enjoy helping students improve their Math skills and performance on state tests.

I am most proud of being a first-year teacher who helped the charter school I worked for in 2013, School of Success (SOS) Academy, improve the school grade from an “F” to a “C”. I am also grateful for the opportunity when I served on the administration team at Westview K-9 as the Middle School Math Coach in 2019.

I am forever thankful for my administrators (Mr. Jeremy Henderson, Ms. Genell Mills, Mr. Wayne Peterson, Ms. Claire St. Amand, Mrs. Candi Sweet, Ms. Jeravon Wheeler, Ms. Kristin Rousseau, Mr. Dustin James, and Mrs. Christy Graham) giving me a chance, believing in me and helping me to develop as an educator.

What sets me apart is my love to train my students to become leaders now. I love to help students build confidence in their learning so that they can teach their peers. I tell them they are the “student-teacher”. They are excited when they experience this leadership role.

I also enjoy rewarding my students often, helping them to set goals, and incorporating surprise activities to keep the learning environment engaging. I learned how to be a teacher and servant leader from observing my darling Mom, Overseer Annie B. Fields who is a retired educator.

How do you define success?
God is the key to success. I believe success is to learn your gifts and use them to glorify God while blessing and helping others. Identify your God-given purpose and walk in it. According to the scripture, Joshua 1:8, the Lord promises us “good success” and prosperity if we meditate on His word day and night and obey it. I love to teach God’s words from the Bible because I observed them come to pass in my life.

My God-daddy, Bishop Michael James Sr. often quoted a phrase during church service when I was a young girl, “Jesus + Education = Success”. I truly believed these words in my heart that if I continued to keep God first and pursue an education God would make me successful. That phrase is indeed true and inspirational! I want to encourage the youth and everyone that Jesus is indeed the key to success.

Believe in Jesus and serve God faithfully. He will lead you to the path of success and connect you with people and mentors that will help you if you stay consistent with Him. Education is the key to success too. Some people may not go to college. But, whatever you decide to pursue, receive the knowledge and study a lot so that you can be confident to serve in your position.

I would like to recognize my family and others who helped me to be successful. I am thankful for the love, support, and encouragement from my Dad, William Montgomery; darling Mom, Overseer Annie B. Fields; Brother, Doric Montgomery Sr.; Nephew, Doric Jr. Aunt/Mentor/Pastor Joyce Z. Freeman, Uncle David Freeman, and our church ministry.

In the name of Jesus Outreach Ministry; Stepmom, Margie and family; cousin, Pastor Chanda Jones & family; Montgomery and Bryant family members, my courageous inspirations family (customers), my granny, mother Doris Bryant; my grandfather, Pop William Montgomery, Sr. Mentors, friends, co-workers, students and everyone who has believed in and inspired me.

Contact Info:

• Email: courageousinspirations@gmail.com
• Website: www.courageousinspirations.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courageousinspirations/
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/courageousinspirations
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJD1kfMrgv3nbU7kpIhb8pg
• Other: https://linktr.ee/courageousinspirations

Image Credits
Suga Shoot Photography