Kisora Thomas never set out to be a software engineer. As a kid, he was more likely to be found sketching anime characters, painting surreal landscapes, or tinkering with arts and crafts than staring at a computer screen. But the curiosity and imagination that fueled his creativity as a child would one day become the same traits that carried him into technology.
As the youngest of four, Kisora grew up moving across the United States, even spending time in Puerto Rico. A true ‘90s kid, much of his childhood was spent outdoors making things with his hands. “I’ve always been an art kid,” he says. “I loved building, crafting, and drawing.”
His grandparents played an important role in his upbringing—especially his grandfather, who was a mechanical engineer. Kisora’s original dream was to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. “I always thought I would be an engineer too. I didn’t know it would end up being software instead of machines.”
Kisora’s creative spark never went away. Through sketching, painting, or designing, Kisora was unknowingly preparing himself for a different kind of canvas. “I realized I could merge that creativity with computer science,” he explains. “Building websites felt just like making art. It was a blank canvas.”
From Sketches to Code
Kisora planned to study fine arts or animation and nearly enrolled in an art institute. But a cousin at Indiana State encouraged him to consider computer science as a growing profession. “I respected him, so I gave it a shot,” he remembers.
The transition wasn’t easy. From the start, math tested his resolve. “I wasn’t the best at it,” he admits. “Even though I took advanced classes, I knew it would be a challenge.” Courses in calculus and physics often left him questioning whether he belonged in the program at all. “There were moments I doubted myself, wondering if I had chosen the wrong path. But I like challenges. I wanted to rise to meet them.”
That persistence paid off. Over time, the very subject that intimidated him most reshaped his confidence. “Studying math long enough changed the way I think. Now, I can do calculations in my head that I never could do before,” he says.
His studies at the University of Toledo stretched from designing websites to programming CPUs from scratch. And through the struggle, he began to find his footing. “I realized I could merge my love of design with computer science. Making websites beautiful gave me the same joy as creating art.”
Growing & Giving Back with Apotome Labs
After college, Kisora built his career in software development, starting with internships and later working for a London-based consultancy where he wrote code for major clients like Discover Card. But his entrepreneurial spirit kept nudging him forward. In December 2024, he launched his own business, Apotome Labs, in Trinidad, Colorado.
Today, he builds websites, mobile apps, and marketing campaigns—sometimes even layering in his machine learning certification to add AI features. In less than a year, he’s already delivered a dozen projects, including sites for local artists, the Trinidad Library, and even the City of Raton. “Starting projects came easy to me,” he admits. “But finishing and delivering them—that’s what I’m most proud of now.”
This spring, he mentored his first high school intern through Emergent Campus, Gracie Keltch, teaching hands-on lessons in software development. Together, they built a dream journal app powered by AI. “It felt full circle,” Kisora says. “I saw myself in Gracie—starting from scratch but eager to learn.”
Thriving in a Small But Mighty Town
For Kisora, Trinidad has been more than just a place to live. It’s the community where his business could take root. “I love Trinidad. I’m so proud of the camaraderie we have here,” he says. Word-of-mouth alone has kept him busy with clients, a surprise that turned into gratitude. “I thought being in a small town might hold me back. Instead, it’s opened doors.”
Mentorship programs like Rocky Mountain Microfinance Institute (RMMFI) paired him with coaches who shaped his company. “My accountability coach, Christina, gave me actionable SEO and marketing advice that changed the way I designed my site,” Kisora explains. “And my financial coach helped me understand how to value my work. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am.”
Amplifying Rural Businesses
Kisora’s mission is clear: to amplify rural voices through technology.
“Big cities have all the resources—agencies, marketing teams, funding. I want rural communities to have the same digital presence, so their voices are just as loud.”
Looking ahead, he sees no limits. He envisions Apotome Labs as more than a business—it’s a platform for helping local entrepreneurs, artists, and organizations share their stories with the world.
“I want to show people that living in a small town doesn’t mean you have small dreams,” he says. “Trinidad is small but mighty, and if you take the leap, you’ll be surprised by how much support is waiting for you. The opportunities are here—you just have to believe in them.”