We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Empress Kehinde Koyejo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Empress Kehinde, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience is deeply rooted in the knowledge of my ancestors, both from Africa (my fathers’s land) and America (my mother’s land), who were business owners, stewards of the land, and community builders. They embodied strength, wisdom, and perseverance in the face of unimaginable challenges. Their stories, struggles, and triumphs have become a blueprint for my own journey.
As a melanated Indigenous woman of America, resilience is not just a trait—it’s a necessity. I’ve had to survive and overcome the intersecting barriers of systemic racism, sexism, poverty, and the ongoing trauma of cultural erasure and ethno-genocide. These challenges, while heavy, have shaped me into someone who refuses to yield in the face of adversity.
One of the most empowering and liberating tools in my life has been genealogy. Tracing my roots and discovering the depth of my heritage has been transformative. Knowing who I am and where I come from has fortified my sense of purpose and given me an unshakable foundation. It’s a constant reminder that I am the result of my ancestors’ wildest dreams and that their strength flows through me.
This knowledge, paired with the indomitable spirit of my ancestors, allows me to stand tall, face challenges, and build spaces where others can find nourishment, joy, and community. Resilience, for me, is a legacy, a birthright, and an act of honoring those who came before me and the many who will follow.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
At Choc’late Mama Cookies Co., we reimagine the classic American cookie with a gourmet twist—plant-based, gluten-free, and grain-free creations that are as nourishing as they are indulgent. Our cookies aren’t just desserts; they’re experiences. Crafted with love, care, and intentionality, each bite is a celebration of health, heritage, and community. Rooted in the belief that food is medicine, our mission is to make indulgence joyful, healing, and guilt-free.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to community, culture, and sustainability. Every cookie is made with high-quality, organic ingredients, reflecting our passion for health and the environment. Whether it’s through the Choc’late Mama Cookie Co. Cafe Popups, catering, wholesale partnerships, or special events, we bring people together over shared moments of conscious sweetness. With every bite, we honor the power of choice—offering treats that align with values of wellness, sustainability, and connection.
We’re thrilled to share our latest innovation: a line of vegan ice cream sandwiches in collaboration with local artisans. Marrying our chewy, flavorful cookies with creamy, plant-based ice cream, these sandwiches redefine indulgence, offering a refreshing treat that’s perfect for every occasion and season.
Looking forward, we’re embarking on an exciting new chapter—the opening of the Choc’late Mama Cookie Café in the Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco. This café will be more than a place to grab locally roasted coffee by Aftermath Coffee and cookies by Choc’late Mama Cookie Co. It will be a community hub, a garden of nourishment and creativity where we celebrate the art of food as medicine. Complete with a full lunch menu by What the Shuck and curated artistic experiences by Afatasi, the Artist (owner of Sunbelt Gallery on 3rd), the café will exemplify our vision of merging culinary excellence with cultural enrichment.
This is where you come in. We’re seeking financial support, startup investment, and in-kind business services to help us realize this vision. With your support, we can create a vibrant space that revitalizes Black café culture in the Bayview while offering a welcoming haven for all. Your partnership will not only support a thriving small business but will also amplify a movement that celebrates health, culture, and community.
Choc’late Mama Cookies Co. is more than a cookie brand—it’s a call to action for better, more intentional living. By supporting us, you’re contributing to a legacy of love, resilience, and empowerment for historically under resourced communities. Together, we can build a future where every bite tells a story of joy, connection, and transformation.
Join us on this journey! Follow us on Instagram @chocolatemamacookies to stay connected, discover new products, and share in our success. Let’s create a world where “Hella Love in Every Bite” becomes a universal truth.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I would say that my journey has been deeply influenced by three key qualities: resourcefulness, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning. These have shaped not only how I navigate challenges but also how I embrace opportunities.
A quote by the legendary American tennis champion Arthur Ashe has been a guiding light for me: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” This wisdom has helped me ground myself in the present, make the most of available resources, and take actionable steps toward my goals—no matter how small they seemed at first.
For anyone beginning their journey, my advice is this:
1. Cultivate Resourcefulness: Learn to see possibilities where others see obstacles. You don’t need to have everything figured out or access to endless resources. Instead, focus on what’s in your hands right now and how you can creatively use it to move forward.
2. Build Resilience: Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but they don’t define your journey. What matters is how you bounce back and grow from those experiences. Surround yourself with supportive people and remind yourself of your “why” to stay grounded during tough times.
3. Commit to Continuous Learning: The most impactful leaders and entrepreneurs never stop learning. Be curious, seek out new knowledge, and remain open to evolving your perspective. The more you invest in personal growth, the more equipped you’ll be to face what’s ahead.
Above all, trust in your ability to adapt and thrive. Every step you take—no matter how small—brings you closer to a life of true freedom, fulfillment, and impact.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents ever did for me was to conceive me and bring me into this beautiful world. Their decision to give me life laid the foundation for everything I am and everything I strive to be. Without them, I wouldn’t have the privilege of existing in this time and space, where I can play a meaningful role in the lives of others and work toward fulfilling a purpose far greater than myself.
I am deeply grateful for the gift of life and the opportunity it brings to create, contribute, and inspire. It’s because of them that I have the chance to build a legacy rooted in pride, resilience, and the transformative power of cooperative economics and self- love. Their love and sacrifice are the seeds from which I continue to grow, and through my work, I aim to honor their impact by leaving behind something truly lasting and meaningful not only for my family but for my community as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kalmkorner.com/
- Instagram: @chocolatemamacookies
- Facebook: Choc’late Mama Cookies
- Other: Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Digital Brand Hive
Oakland Bloom
Vivid Vhues Studios (VVS)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
