Merica Esson Patterson
On September 26, 1985, I was born to Melvin Hopkins and
Meco Patterson in Detroit, MI. I was third of five up on the
east side of Detroit until the age of 11. My parents divorced
in 1997 and my father, Melvin Hopkins raised me from for
the remainder of my childhood. As a child, my dream was
to be a fashion designer and a successful business
professional like my father.
I was always a very gifted child. I learned to sew and make
clothes at age of seven and started my own small business
offering clothing alterations and designs, hair styling and
nail design at the age of 11.
My father kept me in church every Sunday and Bible class
every Wednesday. He had very high standards such
remaining an honor student, staying deep into my religion
and not allowing me to date. My father was an accountant
for a nonprofit organization and a Deacon at his church
Pearly Gate M.B.C in Detroit. He provided a stable
environment until I advanced from high school (Denby) and
began Baker College at 17. I was the youngest student from
Detroit to complete an associate’s degree in Marketing and
a bachelor’s degree in Business Management in the
shortest amount of time.
While completing my degrees, I worked five jobs to care for
myself and pay for my education. Though I have been
working from the age of 11, I began my professional work
career at Baker College at the age of 17 teaching a math
lab for students in need of assistance, working as a driver
for my mother transportation company, styling hair, as a
sales representative for GM and working as a sales
representative at Bally Total Fitness. After graduating with
my bachelors in Business Management at the age of 20, I
pursued my fashion dream and publicly launched the
“Merica” clothing line as well as “Merica Cares,” my
nonprofit organization. My clothing line launch at Prive'
Lounge in Detroit was a success with more than 800
designers, state officials, buyers, models, and guest attend
this event. The “Merica Cares” organization has also been
successful helping more than 200 families, organizations,
and people over the past four years. Motivational speaking
is another one of my passions. I have spoken at more than
100 events, schools, shelters, and churches.
In early 2007 at the age of 21, I began my masters degree
at University of Phoenix and completed my program in
about one year later with honors. During this time, I began
working for a multi-million dollar grocery chain as well as
continuing with my fashion line and cosmetology. In 2009,
I studied Psychology on a Doctoral level at Capella
University and in 2011 I began studying for my PhD in
Educational Leadership Curriculum/Instruction at
University of Phoenix.
In 2011, I also officially launched Proactively Zealous L.L.
C. ( www.proactivelyzealous.com ), my advertising and
business development company.
My 2011 goals are to focus on my religion, PhD, Care
organization, and career. I attend Welcome Missionary
Baptist Church in Pontiac (Pastor P.J. Jones) and
sometimes my uncle (Dr. Michael Greir) church, Browns
Chapel, in Detroit, MI. I am a member of the Order of the
Eastern Star and desires to become an AKA. I am a
member of the National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People, a mentor for my church organization
Blooming Ladies in Christ, volunteers at Orchards
Children Services (an adoption agency), volunteers at
Guardian Angel Animal Rescue, and I sit on the board of
Directors for St. Christine Christian Service in and serving
the metro Detroit area. Though I cared for my nephew for
some time in early 2010, I do not have children yet. I spend
my leisure as a mentor and assisting those in need,
traveling, and attending events that support the city of
Detroit as well as other metro areas.
Though I have accomplished a vast amount in my short
time here on earth, I still see myself as a God-fearing, hard-
working young woman with a humble, warm heart.
On September 26, 1985, I was born to Melvin Hopkins and
Meco Patterson in Detroit, MI. I was third of five up on the
east side of Detroit until the age of 11. My parents divorced
in 1997 and my father, Melvin Hopkins raised me from for
the remainder of my childhood. As a child, my dream was
to be a fashion designer and a successful business
professional like my father.
I was always a very gifted child. I learned to sew and make
clothes at age of seven and started my own small business
offering clothing alterations and designs, hair styling and
nail design at the age of 11.
My father kept me in church every Sunday and Bible class
every Wednesday. He had very high standards such
remaining an honor student, staying deep into my religion
and not allowing me to date. My father was an accountant
for a nonprofit organization and a Deacon at his church
Pearly Gate M.B.C in Detroit. He provided a stable
environment until I advanced from high school (Denby) and
began Baker College at 17. I was the youngest student from
Detroit to complete an associate’s degree in Marketing and
a bachelor’s degree in Business Management in the
shortest amount of time.
While completing my degrees, I worked five jobs to care for
myself and pay for my education. Though I have been
working from the age of 11, I began my professional work
career at Baker College at the age of 17 teaching a math
lab for students in need of assistance, working as a driver
for my mother transportation company, styling hair, as a
sales representative for GM and working as a sales
representative at Bally Total Fitness. After graduating with
my bachelors in Business Management at the age of 20, I
pursued my fashion dream and publicly launched the
“Merica” clothing line as well as “Merica Cares,” my
nonprofit organization. My clothing line launch at Prive'
Lounge in Detroit was a success with more than 800
designers, state officials, buyers, models, and guest attend
this event. The “Merica Cares” organization has also been
successful helping more than 200 families, organizations,
and people over the past four years. Motivational speaking
is another one of my passions. I have spoken at more than
100 events, schools, shelters, and churches.
In early 2007 at the age of 21, I began my masters degree
at University of Phoenix and completed my program in
about one year later with honors. During this time, I began
working for a multi-million dollar grocery chain as well as
continuing with my fashion line and cosmetology. In 2009,
I studied Psychology on a Doctoral level at Capella
University and in 2011 I began studying for my PhD in
Educational Leadership Curriculum/Instruction at
University of Phoenix.
In 2011, I also officially launched Proactively Zealous L.L.
C. ( www.proactivelyzealous.com ), my advertising and
business development company.
My 2011 goals are to focus on my religion, PhD, Care
organization, and career. I attend Welcome Missionary
Baptist Church in Pontiac (Pastor P.J. Jones) and
sometimes my uncle (Dr. Michael Greir) church, Browns
Chapel, in Detroit, MI. I am a member of the Order of the
Eastern Star and desires to become an AKA. I am a
member of the National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People, a mentor for my church organization
Blooming Ladies in Christ, volunteers at Orchards
Children Services (an adoption agency), volunteers at
Guardian Angel Animal Rescue, and I sit on the board of
Directors for St. Christine Christian Service in and serving
the metro Detroit area. Though I cared for my nephew for
some time in early 2010, I do not have children yet. I spend
my leisure as a mentor and assisting those in need,
traveling, and attending events that support the city of
Detroit as well as other metro areas.
Though I have accomplished a vast amount in my short
time here on earth, I still see myself as a God-fearing, hard-
working young woman with a humble, warm heart.
Merica Esson Patterson
 |  |  |  |