Spark Inside unlocked my true power
I grew up with adoptive parents – an older couple from Jamaica. We didn’t have the best relationship. There wasn’t much communication between us.
And while the house was always full of people, I didn’t feel like anybody really knew me – I was good at wearing this mask.
A shattering realisation
That mask cracked when I turned 12. I found out that my adoptive dad wasn’t actually my biological father. That moment shattered everything. Suddenly, people I thought were my family weren’t.
It put a spin on everything for me, and it changed the dynamic of what family meant. Then my friends started becoming more my family.
Downward spiral
But I also started spiralling. I stopped caring about what other people thought of me, and started focusing only on what I wanted, which wasn’t always the best path.
By secondary school, I had a reputation – I was the kid who fought a lot, the one constantly getting into trouble. I had a hero complex, always trying to protect others, even if it meant getting hurt myself. I was good in class and I enjoyed learning. When my mind was occupied, it was fine, but once left to my own devices, I didn’t know what to do.
I ended up getting kicked out of school and went to the pupil referral unit. I got six GCSEs and told myself – “I’ll go to sixth form and turn things around”. But a week later I was stabbed – pierced lung, liver, almost my heart. I was in hospital for about six weeks. Soon after that I went to prison.
Stuck in survival mode
Prison was the first time I got space from my past. I was away from everybody who knew me or saw me in a certain light. It gave me room to think: who am I? Who do I want to be? I started reading psychology books, got involved in mental health work and even spoke in Parliament. Coming out of prison at 18, I won an award for the work I was doing in prison from the Royal College of Psychiatrists. For the first time, I felt proud of myself.
But growth isn’t a straight line. I came out, got a job, but still found myself back in the same circles. I got arrested again. I went back to prison, came out, and then was homeless for 10 months. I started building a clothing brand with a friend. I wanted to change. But with no stability, I found myself slipping back again. In 2021, my daughter was born. The stress of everything led to me being sectioned, and five months later, I went to prison for the third time.
“Prison was the first time I got space from my past.”
Life-changing impact
This time in prison was different. It was like ripping the band aid off. I was ready to change. I read 147 books and went to every event I could. That’s when I got involved with Spark Inside.
At first, I was sceptical. I don’t really like groups. But I went along and it was life-changing. It was the first time I was in a place where I could speak openly without judgement. I like to have deep conversations, and the coaches created space for that.
The best part was something they call “positive gossiping” – everyone in the room shares all the good things they see in you. Hearing people reflect positive things about me was really powerful. People were moved to tears. To feel that positive energy myself was amazing.
“Hearing people reflect positive things about me was really powerful. People were moved to tears.”
New directions
After coming out of prison, Spark Inside continued to support me. I started one-to-one coaching with Milca. She’s been a huge anchor, helping me to understand myself better and figure out my direction.
Now I’ve got a few exciting projects on the go. I’ve started my own consultancy – Beyond the Narrative – doing workshops, staff training and supporting young people. I’ve completed an AI course, started multiple businesses, managed music artists, launched a podcast, and begun designing educational products for kids that blend intuition and learning. I want ten businesses by the end of the year. I want to live abroad in the next five years.
“Spark Inside helped me to understand who I really am, to find the power within to be my authentic self.”
Journey of self-discovery
Being part of Spark Inside’s Champions programme has connected me with others who’ve faced similar hurdles. You see other champions who’ve come out of prison and turned things around, and that’s really inspiring. We encourage each other, support each other.
Looking back, it’s been a crazy journey. But I see now that everything I have been through has shaped who I am now. Spark Inside helped me to understand who I really am, to find the power within to be my authentic self. Right now I’m aligned with my purpose and I’m walking with that every single day. I’ve never been as happy with my life – or with who I am. It’s amazing.
Javel participated in Spark Inside’s Hero’s Journey programme.
