Matthew Cockrell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Matthew, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’m walking a path. Honestly, it’s a path I should have started sooner, especially after my diabetes diagnosis. That moment gave me clarity and purpose. Now, I’m using my artistic talents through Warriors Against Diabetes to help motivate and inspire others who are fighting the same battle. It’s more than just a creative outlet—it’s a mission.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Warriors Fighting Against Diabetes was born from my own journey as a Type 2 diabetic. For years, I struggled with my health and felt lost on how to take control of my life. It wasn’t until I discovered what worked for me that I realized I could turn my fight into a purpose. Instead of keeping that victory to myself, I decided to use my story and talents to help motivate and inspire others who are battling the same disease.
Every piece we create is handmade right here in Las Vegas, which makes the brand not only unique but deeply personal. It represents resilience, strength, and the determination to keep moving forward no matter the odds. To me, it’s not just about the products—it’s about building a movement of warriors who refuse to give up.
An important part of this mission is giving back. A portion of every profit is sent to support others who are also fighting diabetes, because I believe no one should feel alone in their battle. Right now, I’m focused on spreading the word about Warriors Fighting Against Diabetes with relentless drive, faith, and motivation. My goal is to create more than just a brand—I want to inspire a community that lifts each other up and proves that we can keep going, together.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I would have to say two people. First, my amazing wife, Malisa. We got married during COVID, had a child during COVID, and I lost my graphic design job during COVID—it was a tough time, and I was feeling pretty low. A couple months after our second child was born, I started working at O’Reilly Auto Parts. A few years later, Malisa encouraged me to upgrade my equipment, and even helped me land a freelance graphic design job. She believed in my talent when I had almost given up on it.
The second person was a gentleman I worked with. In a casual conversation, I shared some of my older artwork, and he challenged me to design something for what I later learned would become his brand. That moment reignited my drive. I realized it was time to start my own company again—and the rest is history.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
As men, we’re often taught to be tough and never admit when we’re scared or in pain. But in the months leading up to my diabetes diagnosis, I was struggling—both physically and mentally. At first, I thought it was just heat-related issues from work. When I was finally diagnosed and had to go through countless tests, pokes, and prods, there was actually a sense of relief—I finally knew what was causing the fuel behind part of my struggles.
The real challenge came mentally. I started searching online for ways others were managing their sugar levels, and what I saw was a lot of people feeling depressed and defeated. I realized how easy it is to fall down that rabbit hole. But I made a decision: instead of letting it consume me, I would find joy in the journey. I discovered there are fun, creative ways to eat and drink that taste great and still support your health. After all, who wants to drink plain water every minute of the day?
That mindset is what led me to create Warriors Fighting Against Diabetes. My goal was, and still is, to inspire others by sharing not only foods and drinks that work for me, but also motivation, art, and creativity to show that life with diabetes doesn’t mean life without joy. It’s been a process, full of ideas and growth, but turning pain into purpose has given me the power to keep going and to help others do the same.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They would say that what really matters to me is seeing others smile and truly enjoy life. There’s no greater joy for me than knowing I’ve brought a little happiness to someone’s day. Yes, the money raised helps me buy supplies to create more apparel and to support others fighting diabetes—but the real reward is personal. It’s in those moments when someone asks to purchase one of my products, and when I hand it over, they light up with a smile. That reaction means more to me than anything else.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
When it comes to my brand, absolutely. My goal isn’t to chase a million followers or stack up money in the bank. My goal is much simpler but far more meaningful—to see someone smile and know that my artistic ability or even my quick wit made their day a little better. Praise is nice, of course, but if you’re working only for recognition instead of the true purpose behind the work, I believe you’re doing yourself an injustice. For me, the reward is in the impact, not the applause.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: wfad_702
- Facebook: wfad_702
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
