We recently connected with Kelly Holmes and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kelly, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience, for me, is deeply rooted in my cultural heritage as a Lakota woman. Drawing from the wisdom passed down through generations, I find strength in the teachings of our elders and the enduring spirit of my community. Our traditions emphasize adaptability, connection to the land, and the importance of sustaining not just ourselves but also the generations to come.
Over the past decade of navigating the business landscape, I’ve encountered numerous challenges. However, it’s the richness of my heritage that serves as a source of inspiration and resilience. Our traditions instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility to my community and the broader world.
Moreover, the tenacity required to be a successful business owner aligns with the resilience inherent in Indigenous cultures. Our histories are marked by overcoming adversity, and that spirit is reflected in my approach to entrepreneurship. Each setback becomes an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the collective well-being.
In my journey, I’ve also been fortunate to have amazing mentors who understand the intersection of cultural identity and business. They’ve provided guidance and support, reinforcing the idea that success isn’t just about individual achievement but about uplifting the entire community.
Ultimately, my resilience is a blend of cultural heritage, community support, and a commitment to leaving a positive impact. It’s a reminder that, as Indigenous entrepreneurs, we carry not just the weight of our personal aspirations but also the dreams of those who came before us and those who will follow.
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?
I’m Kelly Holmes (Mnicoujou Lakota from the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota), and through my work in business, fashion, and media, I hope to strengthen connections to culture and identity by inspiring and empowering readers while sharing stories with the world.
I’m the founder and President of Native Max New Media, an award-winning global multimedia brand with a constellation of platforms and networks that expands indigenous talent across print, digital, web, mobile, video, events, e-commerce, and partnerships. I’m also editor-in-chief of Native Max Magazine, a glossy publication that features the positive stories of Indigenous people across North America and beyond. After working as a model, writer, designer, and stylist, I decided to create my own fashion business. I felt that by launching a magazine that features Indigenous talent, we can promote self-esteem, self-respect, and pride in Indigenous communities.
I’m also the founder of Native Fashion in the City, a global network and platform committed to strengthening the impact and influence of Indigenous Fashion around the world by supporting the next generation of Indigenous fashion talents.
I also co-founded Skoden Ventures with business partner Alice Loy. Skoden Ventures is the first Native female-founded boutique venture fund that focuses on supporting very early-stage start-up ventures with Indigenous, Black, Brown, and female founders. Here, I utilize my significant personal experience and long expertise in start-ups to help disrupt the traditional VC model, helping make capital accessible to historically excluded communities.
Sharing my wealth of knowledge and entrepreneurialism, I’m the Lead Faculty of Creatives Indigenous, an entrepreneur program that takes Indigenous creative entrepreneurs from the starting line to start-up status and beyond through an array of programs, education, resources, and more.
All of my work stems from my personal experience of lack of opportunities, resources, support, and guidance through my business journey. I had to learn how to advocate for myself as well as learn the ins and outs of having a successful business, which, unfortunately, doubled the effort of starting and growing a business. I don’t want to see any other Indigenous entrepreneur or visionary experience this. We need to work together better to ensure these issues don’t keep happening.
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?
The qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey as a creative Indigenous entrepreneur with over ten years of experience consider the following:
~Cultural Resilience: My connection to my Lakota culture has been a source of strength and resilience. My cultural background influenced my decision-making and problem-solving. I also learned to be adaptable and creative. I have the ability to adapt to changing markets and industry trends while remaining relevant and modern. My creative thinking led to innovative solutions and products, helping my business stand out.
~Marketing and Branding: My marketing strategies and branding efforts allowed me to effectively communicate my brand story, connect with my target audience, and utilize digital and traditional marketing channels.
~Negotiation and Networking: I understood the importance of networking in my industry, which strengthened my negotiation skills. My effective negotiation and strong professional network have opened doors to opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations.
~Industry Expertise: I have deep knowledge of the industry, trends, and market dynamics, which I always made a priority throughout my business journey. Staying informed and continuously learning about my field has given me a competitive edge.
My advice for early journey entrepreneurs:
~I want to encourage others to embrace their cultural identity and integrate it into their entrepreneurial journey and share how being authentic has resonated with their audience and community.
~Continue to learn and adapt. It’s important to stay informed about industry trends, continuously learn, and be adaptable. The business landscape evolves, and the ability to adapt is crucial for long-term success.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I find myself overwhelmed, I draw upon my decade of experience as a creative indigenous entrepreneur to navigate challenges with a balanced approach. First and foremost, I connect with my cultural roots, seeking guidance from the wisdom passed down through generations. This involves engaging in traditional practices, consulting with elders or community members I respect for mentorship, or simply spending time back home to reconnect and recenter myself.
In the business realm, I’ve learned the importance of strategic prioritization. I take a step back and assess the situation, identifying the key priorities that align with my long-term goals. By breaking down the overwhelming task into manageable steps, I can regain a sense of control and focus my energy where it matters most.
Collaboration has also been instrumental in my journey. I reach out to my network, both within and outside my community, seeking support and advice. This not only fosters a sense of community but also brings fresh perspectives to the table. In indigenous cultures, communal support is often at the core of decision-making, and I’ve found that embracing this principle in my business has been invaluable.
Furthermore, I prioritize self-care, recognizing that my well-being is intricately linked to the success of my endeavors. Whether it’s through taking breaks, creative expression, or physical activity, taking time for myself allows me to recharge and approach challenges with a renewed sense of creativity and resilience.
Ultimately, the intersection of my indigenous identity and entrepreneurial experience has shaped a holistic approach to overcoming overwhelm and stress. By blending cultural knowledge with strategic business practices, I’ve found a path that not only sustains my personal well-being but also contributes to the success and sustainability of my businesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shor.by/wRb5
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellycamilleholmes/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kholmes4
Image Credits
Black top: courtesy (me) Pink: Karalynn Radford
