Meet Kalimba Edwards

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kalimba Edwards a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kalimba, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My purpose is to not only help others in my community but also to let them know they aren’t alone in whatever they are battling. I found my purpose by living my life authentically and not being ashamed of my past. Doing my ‘job’ as a first responder and captain involves usually meeting people on what may be the worst day of their lives. I can relate because I’ve had a quite a few of those and made it through.

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?
My brand is myself. Kalimba Edwards, although I have a wellness company focusing on yoga, personal training, and self-development. I also mentor youth and young adults while doing speaking engagements and retreats. I’ve gone through a few major life changes in the last year which caused me to take a break, but I look forward revamping my brand and business in 2024.

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?
I would say for me it’s my strength, love for the community, and ability to relate and communicate with just about anyone. I used to try to prove to myself and others that I was worthy of working in this field. When I was hired 23 years ago it was common to have to go above and beyond as a female, and even more so a Black female. I felt like I always had eyes on me which caused me to be not only guarded emotionally but questioning my self worth constantly. I have realized we all have our strengths, and don’t get me wrong, I’m strong (two time winner of Minnesota Strongest Woman) but that’s not my “strength”. I’m a mother, a childhood trauma survivor, a recovering addict, I AM my community….that’s my strength. I care about people and I believe in them with all my heart.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m a dreamer of sorts. A self proclaimed “multi million dollar idea” person so I’m going to go for it. I have on my dream board three people I would like to collaborate with, Mike Tyson, Erykah Badu, and my local hero Lisa Clemons. I would like to build a country/farm school for our youth battling life on so many fronts. A plant where they are taught life skills, mentored, loved, and believed in… instead of jail. I have watched our community consumed with fentanyl and comforted too many parents of children lost to OD’s and gun violence.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
cbs tv Tough As Nails productions, Rebecca Rabb

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