Now is a better time than ever to bet on yourself — at least according to Joel Roache.
The former mechanical engineer and now full-time content creator did just that when he applied for — and went on to become the first-ever grand prize winner of — Stan’s “Dare To Dream” Challenge in 2025, taking home $120,000. Stan Store is an all-in-one, creator-focused e-commerce platform, according to its website.
For his submission video sharing his dream, Roache spotlighted his company, Creative Minds, a Christian-led retreat that brings creators together for several weeks to focus on connection — an element that has been central to his journey into content creation from the very beginning.
“Creation as a whole, being a creative person and trying to pursue that over standard living, is very uncommon. It’s very, very, very lonely,” Roache shared in an interview with AFROTECH™. “So I wanted to talk about the pursuit of finding people who are more similar. It’s the one thing that I think is kind of my mission. So with that, I looked into Stan.”
Why Joel Roache Chose Content Creation Over Engineering
Roache became an engineer shortly after graduating from the University of Rhode Island in 2022, but it wasn’t long before he realized the role didn’t allow him to fully apply his creative ideas or innovative mindset.
That realization led him to transition into content creation full-time — a move he believes is possible for anyone with enough dedication and effort.
“There’s so many resources and access to distribution to get your work out into the public eye now than ever,” Roache told AFROTECH™. “And it’s so cheap. You can do it with a phone and [an] internet connection. This is the most incredible thing I’ve seen. So I would say take advantage of this opportunity right now because it may not be the same in the future.”
He also shared a second piece of advice: Don’t let the people around you discourage you from pursuing something that could change your life exponentially.
“Don’t let that fear stop you from doing it,” Roache added. “There’s people who are going to support you and obviously people who won’t support you, but you have to make that leap to get that reward.”
Addressing The Lack Of Black Creators In The Space
Roache also acknowledged the lack of Black creators in the space, particularly in video editing and technology — the fields his work centers on. While he admits there can sometimes be an added sense of pressure, he said he’s “never really thought much” about race.
Instead, he sees it as a positive that his work is inspiring people who look like him, noting that more people look up to him than he ever realized.
“I thought always about just making content and trying to put out the best thing that I wanted to,” Roache shared with AFROTECH™. “It’s only after doing this for a little time that I realized it’s really good that there’s Black people in this space who are encouraging other Black people to try to pursue their dreams.”
Joel Roache Is Determined To Make An Impact
When discussing unexpected challenges since leaving engineering, Roache pointed to the uncertainty that comes with being a full-time creator — never knowing when the next opportunity will arise, how income will fluctuate, or what the future may hold. He also cited time management and learning how to be his own boss as ongoing challenges.
“You have to manage your time. You have to create something. There’s no one over your back. So if you slack, you really are going to be hurting yourself in the long run,” Roache said.
As for the legacy he hopes to leave behind, Roache said he wants the next generation of creators to understand that it’s possible to make an impact on their lives and their communities — without feeling boxed in by what society tells them they’re supposed to do.
“If they believe there’s another reality that is more fulfilling for them, I think it’s worth it to pursue that reality,” Roache told AFROTECH™. “And I want people who follow me to know that they can pursue something that doesn’t seem traditional.”
Interested In Applying For Stan’s ‘Dare to Dream’ Challenge?
Now in its second year, Stan’s “Dare to Dream” Challenge allows emerging entrepreneurs and creators to pursue their goals without the stress of looking for funding.
The competition awards $100,000 to the grand prize winner and $10,000 to each runner-up, along with mentorship, a subscription to Stan’s tools, and access to a community designed to help participants succeed and make a meaningful impact.
“‘Dare to Dream’ is our mission manifest. We all grew up with very little, and now it’s our chance to pay it forward to the younger version of ourselves. I mean, giving out $250,000 to fund people pursuing their dreams?! How cool is that!?” John Hu, co-founder and CEO of Stan, said in a statement. “We’re going to build Stan to be so good that it helps anyone, anywhere build an audience for themselves and then monetize it.”
Applications for “Dare to Dream” are open until Jan. 31, 2026. Winners will be notified on Feb. 20 and officially announced on Instagram on Feb. 23.
