Meet Ladji Ruffin

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ladji Ruffin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Ladji, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

During my 23 years in prison, I discovered my passion for transcribing books into Braille. Upon my release in 2016, I founded Authentic Braille Masters, LLC, a Braille transcription company. Despite the skepticism I faced from others who advised me to seek traditional employment, I was committed to my vision. As I established my business, I developed resilience, which became my guiding force. Within a year, my company transformed into an international powerhouse, serving clients not only in the United States but also in Canada. Additionally, we actively engage with disadvantaged communities by teaching children how to transcribe Braille. Our mission is to advocate for equal access to educational resources for blind and visually impaired individuals, ensuring they have the same opportunities as their sighted peers.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am proud to be the owner of Authentic Braille Masters, LLC, a Braille transcription service that goes beyond traditional offerings. We are dedicated to teaching essential skills to young people and individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, believing that we must play an active role in uplifting our community. Our mission is rooted in the conviction that every blind and visually impaired person deserves equal access to education, healthcare, mental health services, and opportunities that can enhance their lives. As a husband, brother, uncle, father, and grandfather, I am committed to building a brighter future for my family. However, I recognize that true progress requires helping the community and state in which I reside. By empowering others, we can create a more inclusive and enriched environment for everyone.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

During a time when I was grappling with mental health challenges, it was someone who shared a similar lived experience who truly made a difference in my life. Unlike me, this individual had overcome the shame surrounding mental health issues and inspired me to do the same. Through their support, I discovered my voice and recognized that there is no shame in facing a mental health crisis. As I began my recovery journey, I realized I needed to embrace my entrepreneurial aspirations. Being an entrepreneur is not just about owning a business; it’s about understanding how our economy operates in the broader world. Education has been a crucial part of my journey. I knew I had to equip myself with knowledge to forge a better path for myself, my family, and my community. I take great pride in having completed the Justice Involved Life Coach certification program at Morehouse School of Medicine, and I am excited to graduate from Mercer University this December with my Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Leadership.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

Two books have profoundly influenced my life: Thinking Outside the Cell by Joseph Robinson and Jump by Larry Miller.

Robinson’s book introduced me to the world of entrepreneurship, igniting my passion for starting my own business. His insights not only equipped me with the knowledge to pursue my goals but also inspired me to share that knowledge with my family. Through his teachings, I learned the importance of giving back to the community, making my entrepreneurial journey about more than just profit.

Larry Miller’s Jump showcased the power of resilience. Miller’s remarkable journey—from prison to college, and ultimately becoming the head of operations for the Jordan shoe division at Nike—deeply moved me. His story highlighted the strength of determination and perseverance, motivating me to embark on my own writing journey.

Together, these books have shaped my outlook on life, encouraging me to embrace challenges and strive for success while uplifting others along the way.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Ladji Akil Ruffin
• Linkedin: Ladji Ruffin

Image Credits

Governor Nathan Deal and the child is my grandson Amar. (We did the book that Governor Deal author called Veto the Governor Cat in Braille so the blind community can read.