ABOUT US
Our Founder: Tommy Carstarphen Jr
Empowering Futures with Personalized Guidance
Tommy Carstarphen Jr.’s journey to founding Brakin Out Inc. is one of resilience, transformation, and deep commitment to helping others. Born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in the small town of Lower Peach Tree, Alabama, Tommy’s early life was marked by abandonment, silence, and survival. At just two years old, his family relocated to Alabama. One of the most unforgettable moments of his childhood came when his father pulled him out of first grade to return to Detroit. Tommy can still recall crying uncontrollably as his father hugged him goodbye, realizing the man who once lived just down the street would no longer be part of his daily life.
At eight years old, Tommy experienced a traumatic event that no child should ever face—abuse by a family member. That pain, coupled with feeling like an outsider in his own family, shaped much of his early years. School brought little refuge. He often acted out, fought classmates, and challenged authority figures. After being sent to an alternative school, it was his grandmother who took control of his education and began homeschooling him—a gesture that would prove foundational later in his life.
When the family moved to Virginia during his pre-teen years, Tommy met his best friend, who became like a brother. But trouble followed him. Skipping school, hiding from authority, and manipulating systems to avoid accountability became a way of life—until his mother sent him back to Detroit. There, Tommy decided to stop running. He earned his GED and began working, trying to build stability while still wrestling with who he was.
Tommy’s rebellion eventually caught up with him. In the thick of partying, drinking, and the streets, he was arrested. Facing 5 to 10 years in prison, it was a compassionate judge who saw something more in him. Instead of a harsh sentence, the judge gave Tommy a second chance, with a challenge: pay your probation fees, stay out of trouble, and one day write a letter explaining what this opportunity did for your life. That moment planted the seed for everything that would come next.
At 23, Tommy embraced his full identity and came out to his family. The rejection that followed was painful and isolating. Instead of acceptance, he was met with harsh words and emotional distance. It was in this dark space that Tommy found light—in the choir at Welcome Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac, Michigan. The choir director saw his pain and offered more than support—she offered family. Her love and her family’s unconditional acceptance became a turning point. They helped him financially, emotionally, and spiritually, reminding him he was never truly alone.
In 2019, tragedy struck again when Tommy’s beloved grandfather passed away from cancer. The loss was a devastating blow, causing Tommy to question his faith and withdraw from the world. Just a year later, his grandmother passed away on Halloween morning, only days after a final, heartfelt conversation. Her death plunged Tommy into a deep depression. He lost interest in eating, socializing, and taking care of himself. On the day of her funeral, Tommy didn’t want to go. The weight of her absence was too much. But it was his son who walked into the room, looked at him, and simply encouraged him to get up and get dressed. That small act reminded Tommy of his grandmother’s wisdom—and of a conversation where she once said, “You’ll know what to do when the time comes.” Remembering she was the first to teach him how to read the Bible, Tommy found the strength to attend the ceremony—and eventually, to seek professional help. Therapy became a lifeline on his path to healing.
Despite the overwhelming obstacles, Tommy channeled his pain and experiences into something powerful. He pursued higher education in Social Work, equipping himself with the tools needed to uplift others facing similar struggles. His vision for Brakin Out Inc. was born out of a desire to provide the support he wished he had as a young person—mentorship, guidance, and a path to a brighter future.
Tommy’s unwavering dedication has transformed Brakin Out Inc. into a beacon of hope for countless at-risk youth. His leadership and innovative approach have not only garnered recognition but have also sparked a movement poised for nationwide expansion.
One of the most meaningful reflections of Tommy’s commitment came when he adopted his son at age 16—someone he had mentored for years. What started as guidance for a young man going through his own struggles grew into a powerful bond built on trust, respect, and unconditional love. Though not biologically related, their relationship is a testament to the family we choose and the healing that can come through mentorship and acceptance.
With each success story, Tommy is reminded of his own journey and the importance of second chances.
Curious to learn more about the moments that shaped Tommy’s life and how they continue to inspire his mission? Discover more of his journey and the powerful impact of Brakin Out Inc. by engaging with us further.