We recently connected with Keisha Thompson and have shared our conversation below.
Keisha, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
After having a child, I feel like my life started heading in a different direction with a whole new focus. I didn’t want to work a fancy job in a big city, or travel all over. I felt the calling to be home yet share my love for agriculture with the world. it’s honestly a part of who I am.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I started a business back in 2017. 1 OAK. It’s evolved over time, with a focus on vintage and plants. I offer educational Workshops, where guests commonly pair up the two and create a 1 Of A Kind creation. 1 OAK is also a sales outlet for farm goods. My family raises cattle on our Century Farm. We’ve always raised Black Angus cows and calves, but started selling beef a few years ago. This has been a great way to share our farm with others, while showing the educational perspective of how we care for the land, and livestock to ensure our farm can continue to be around for generations
I volunteer with a group, called Common Ground to help share our agricultural story and teach people more about where their food comes from.
In addition, I work part time teaching “Agriculture in the Classroom“ throughout the schools in our county. I love this job because every day is different and I’m teaching kids about where their foods, fibers, and fuels come from. It’s such a humbling experience to see students tasting a new fruit or vegetable that they’ve never tried before. I love running into their parents outside of school, and hearing how excited their children were, coming home from school after one of my lessons. Sometimes I see the parents or students shopping at my business out in the community, it’s such a cool feeling!
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?
Public speaking, definitely allowed me to be more comfortable. It makes speaking in front of children or adults much easier! I credit a lot of my public speaking skills to the FFA organization. My business skills, in general, have helps get me where I am in my business and career. I studied business in college, and worked in the financial industry for many years. Knowing how to start a business and help others start their business or grow.
Being a kind person in general, also helps develop collaborations. If it weren’t for certain collaborations, there’s no way I would be where I am today!
I think it’s important to have skills or education that can be utilized in many ways. Having my degree in business, gave me lots of options! I also think it’s important to try new things and never be afraid to ask for help. Community over competition also goes a very long way! I try to always keep a positive attitude and avoid politics. Lol.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Currently, I’m trying to drive more traffic to my website. I have lots of unique vintage items on my website that I would love to share with the world! I offer shipping nationwide and would love to reach all 50 states! I currently track all the states I’ve shipped to, and have a ways to go. I’m trying to focus on marketing and search engine optimization (SEO). I am working with a marketing strategist that is focusing on growing my reach. I’m also trying to be more consistent on social media, but it’s so challenging, trying to keep up with all the trends! I also like to share a little bit of our farm on social media to help educate people on where their food comes from. It’s funny because my farm content lately has gotten more views and reactions than the vintage! It’s a work in progress lol.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.1oakiowa.com
- Instagram: @1oakiowa
- Facebook: 1oakiowa
