Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelli Perkins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kelli, 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?
My resilience comes from my faith in God. I was introduced to the Christian faith at a young age—whether it was Sunday school, listening to my grandma talk about her love for God, hearing my great aunt preach, or simply witnessing my family worship together. Faith quickly became the foundation of my life.
As I grew in my understanding of how faith works, I began to recognize miracles in the midst of hardship. One of the most defining moments was during college, when I was caring for my maternal grandmother as she battled ovarian cancer. I remember thinking, How am I supposed to keep up with school, apply for scholarships, and stay on top of assignments while coming home to this? After she passed, I grieved deeply—but through that grief, I saw firsthand how God can carry you through the unthinkable and still position you to thrive on the other side.
Since then, I’ve had many moments where I’ve asked God, How am I going to get through this? And each time, He’s shown up. Most recently, I’ve been navigating my first layoff—a major life transition. But even in this, God has created space for something new: the opportunity to build my company, Sycamoore Lane. That’s the kind of resilience my faith has given me—one that turns trials into testimonies.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Spending my childhood summers visiting family in Moore Haven, Florida taught me so much about the power of community. Even though I didn’t live there, that small town left a lasting impact on who I grew up to be. What stood out most was how connected my family felt. As I got older, I learned that no family is without its rifts, but as a child, I felt nothing but love, acceptance, and the reassurance that I could always lean on someone—no matter how far away I was.
Community has been one of the biggest contributors to my success. It has shown up for me in moments when I couldn’t show up for myself, offering support, joy, and a safe space to be fully me. That unwavering presence and sense of belonging is what inspired me to start Sycamoore Lane.
Sycamoore Lane is a new social hub designed to help Black professionals in NYC connect through shared interests and meaningful experiences. Like the sycamore tree, we’re building strong roots for intentional conversations and deep connections — empowering Black professionals to thrive in the city that never sleeps.
Our first event will kick off with the Rooted Dinner Series: a curated gathering of Black professionals around one table, one city, and one purpose — building something deeper. These aren’t networking events. They’re nourishment for the soul — spaces to connect over good food, intentional dialogue, and shared experiences.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Faith – Trusting that God is working, even when you can’t see how all the pieces are coming together in real time. That belief has carried me through uncertainty and reminded me that purpose often unfolds in the process.
Humility – Learning to put ego aside and get comfortable sharing your ideas, even when there’s a chance of hearing “no.” Rejection isn’t the end—it’s often just redirection.
Storytelling – Having the courage to tell your story, in your own voice. No one else carries your lived experience, and your perspective has power.
My biggest piece of advice? Be yourself. The people who are meant for you will recognize you, support you, and walk with you until the very last chapter of your story.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m looking to collaborate with people and brands who are passionate about building authentic community, intentional about the conversations they spark, and deeply committed to leaving the world better than they found it. I believe that when purpose-driven people come together, real change happens — and I’m excited to build with those who feel called to create something lasting and meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sycamoorelane/
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/sycamoorelane
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