Meet Keira Chatman

We were lucky to catch up with Keira Chatman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Keira, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Resilience has always been a core part of who I am. I learned it early on by watching my mother overcome adversity time and again. No matter what challenges she faced, she always found a way to bounce back, and that showed me the power of perseverance. I’ve also always been naturally adaptable and driven. When someone tells me “no” or that my ideas are too big, it only fuels my determination to prove them wrong and push forward. My independence has always been a source of strength, but having a family I can depend on has given me the confidence to pursue my goals with courage. From a young age, my family instilled in me both self-esteem and humility, and that foundation has been key to my resilience. Also, I’m a Sagittarius, so I have no choice, but to be a person who shoots for the stars even in times of adversity!

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

For the past several years, I have had the privilege of serving in multiple leadership roles within the Columbus community, striving to uplift and empower those around me. As the President of the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals (CULYP) for two years, I’ve led initiatives that foster professional development, civic engagement, and advocacy for young professionals of color. Through this role, I worked to create opportunities for networking, mentorship, and community service, encouraging young leaders to harness their potential and make meaningful contributions to Columbus.

In addition to my work with CULYP, I currently serve as the Executive Director of the Columbus Fashion Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and developing a diverse and inclusive fashion industry in Central Ohio. In this capacity, I have been deeply involved in creating platforms for emerging designers, organizing community-driven events like Fashion Week Columbus, and building partnerships that enhance the city’s cultural and creative landscape. My role allows me to merge my passion for fashion and community building, driving growth in the creative economy while supporting local talent. I’m extremely excited to celebrate the 15th year of Fashion Week Columbus, October 13th-19th.

Furthermore, as a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, I am deeply committed to service and sisterhood. My affiliation with this esteemed organization has strengthened my dedication to community service and social justice. Through my involvement, I have contributed to initiatives that address education, health, and economic empowerment within underrepresented communities.

Collectively, these roles have given me the opportunity to influence positive change in Columbus, work alongside inspiring leaders, and continue my commitment to serving and uplifting my community.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

First, becoming a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty taught me about finance and how money moves, particularly in real estate. Understanding these dynamics has given me the ability to make informed investment decisions and advise others in ways that build wealth and create lasting value. Second, joining leadership organizations at a young age helped me develop a strong sense of self-worth, empathy, and a deep dedication to community. These values shaped my leadership and my desire to contribute to something larger than myself. Finally, mentorship has played a huge role in my growth—both from those older than me, who have provided wisdom and guidance, and from those younger than me, who keep me sharp and challenge me to stay current and innovative.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

As I’ve gotten older and further into my career, my perspective on this topic has fluctuated. Early on, I believed it was essential to be well-rounded and knowledgeable across various areas, especially as an entrepreneur. Being business savvy and understanding different aspects is crucial because missing out on certain details can be costly to your business. However, now as a CEO of several organizations, I’ve realized the power of leaning on others’ expertise and not trying to figure everything out on my own. I believe in the importance of education and expanding beyond your own experiences, but I also know that some people hold themselves back by thinking they need to master everything before moving forward. If you’re an entrepreneur and your business requires you to do everything as a startup, focus on learning enough to secure funding or resources that allow you to work with reliable people who know more than you do in specific areas. It’s a balance between being well-rounded and knowing when to delegate or collaborate.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Legacyhouse614.com
• Instagram: @redcarpetrealtor614 and @legacyhouse614
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keirachatman/

Image Credits

Comfort Witcher
Tony Bentivegna
Dysheen Davis