Greetings, my name is Cyrus Clearwater, and I am a schizoaffective individual with a criminal record who has recently embarked on the path of entrepreneurship. Despite the negative connotations associated with my first two labels, they have played a pivotal role in shaping my current journey towards success. Prior to my incarceration, I was preoccupied with trivial matters such as fashion and leisure activities, blissfully ignorant of the harsh realities of life.

However, during my time behind bars, I was exposed to a side of society that is often overlooked, one that an unfortunate number of individuals experience. I discovered that many of my fellow inmates, much like myself, suffer from mental illness and are in desperate need of help. Despite our dire circumstances, we all share the same aspirations, dreams, and loved ones. It became increasingly clear to me that there were fundamental inadequacies in the system that is supposed to assist us.

As I became more cognizant of these issues, a seed of inspiration was planted within me, igniting an unquenchable desire to effect change. Through conversations with fellow inmates, acquaintances, and loved ones, I began to envision a platform where people in my situation could sell their artwork while simultaneously raising awareness of the issues we face. I found solace in art and utilized it as a means of expressing my emotions and discovering a sense of purpose amidst the harshness of incarceration.

And thus, CWCreform was conceived with the goal of providing myself and others with a platform to express our creativity and foster personal growth. The power of awareness is a lesson I have learned through firsthand experience, and it is one that I hope to impart upon the world through CWCreform.

I believe in the power of a comeback story, and my own family has been instrumental in helping me achieve mine. With CWCreform, I aim to empower others to achieve their own comeback stories and inspire positive change in our society.

“Art is my way of drawing hope and creating beauty in hard places.”