In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Evie Waite, Air Force veteran, law enforcement professional, and founder of ELW Initiative (Empower. Love. Win.).

Evie shares her raw journey from military service and civilian law enforcement into entrepreneurship — revealing how stress, mindset, and lived experience led her to create a mission-driven brand rooted in self-empowerment, love of self and community, and winning from the inside out.

This episode dives deep into:

• Transitioning from military & law enforcement into entrepreneurship
• Mental health, mindset shifts, and identity after service
• Betting on yourself when entrepreneurship “wasn’t the plan”
• Why how you treat people is the real business strategy
• Scarcity vs. growth mindset in work, life, and leadership
• Building community-centered businesses that feel like family

Evie also shares her experience as a member of Veterans Growing America, explaining why culture, energy, and community matter just as much as capital.

Whether you’re a veteran, entrepreneur, creative, or someone searching for purpose beyond the paycheck — this conversation will resonate.

Connect with Evie & ELW Initiative

• Instagram: @elwinitiative
• Facebook: ELW Initiative
• Founder: Evie Wait
• Programs: 30-Day Reset + Empowerment Initiatives

Connect with the Hosts & VGA

• Coach RL Simmons: https://yourmoneygoat.com
• Veterans Growing America: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com
• VGA Directory & Veteran Marketplace:
  Shop veteran-owned businesses nationwide or visit the physical marketplace in Woodbridge, VA (Open 7 days a week, 12–6 PM)

Quote Worth Remembering

Subscribe, listen, and share this episode with someone who needs permission to bet on themselves.

Veterans Growing America Podcast — where service meets ownership, and community fuels growth.