Leaving Home Threads of Grace

In 1997, Lucienne boarded her first international flight and left Gambia for America. She carried the wonder of a new beginning alongside the ache of homesickness—and discovered independence one bus route, one paid bill, and one faithful step at a time.

Before the flight came a courtship with David: playful teasing at a mixed-sex Catholic school, French lessons, and a Christmas Eve whistle outside a window. Their love story would become one of the threads anchoring a life shaped by marriage, migration, and faith.

In America, mentors Madame Jones and Vicki offered courage and skill in equal measure. Lucienne built a cleaning franchise while working full time, watched a candle business fail honestly, and welcomed her mother’s first visit to America for her college graduation.

Then came the leap: resigning from a stable job to found JT Commercial Capital. The company has since placed $2 million into the hands of 20 underserved businesses—entrepreneurs who had heard “no” everywhere else.