We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kesha Denise a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kesha , so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
Optimism is influenced by a combination of genetics and environment, so for me, my optimism comes from my upbringing and life events.
Being raised by a single mother, I was always told a few things that totally assists in me being so optimistic:
– Always look at the glass half full versus empty.
– If you have faith, you have no fear. If you have fear, you have no faith.
– After the rain/storm, there is always the sun/rainbow.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Kesha Denise was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. From the tender age of 2, Kesha was enamored with fashion the moment her mother put her in a big poofy dress with white lace ankle socks and a pair of black patent leather Mary Jane shoes.
CEO, Kesha Denise, had made it her mission to provide stellar customer service and product since becoming an entrepreneur. What originally started out as selling accessories to local hair salons and stylists, transformed into an online website in 2010 and then later an actual brick and mortar in 2013; hence her company Funky Flair Boutique.
Kesha has worked several positions in the fashion industry- from sales associate, to visual merchandiser, to fashion buyer, to boutique owner – she is a truly a “Serial Entrepreneur” and has learned every aspect of the retail industry. Her love for fashion and business continued further. In June 2017, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business with a concentration in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship.
Kesha Denise is a quintessential businesswoman who has collaborated with a plethora of fashion and lifestyle bloggers, in addition to being featured on radio and also, in major publications such as Fashion Bomb Daily, Kontrol Magazine, and The Marietta Daily Journal, to name a few.
In April 2018, Kesha started a workshop, Get to It: The Basics of Running a Boutique. This workshop has debuted in Atlanta and Los Angeles and provides actionable takeaways to elevate any boutique business as it gives insight, in addition to assisting in the daily performance as a boutique owner – taking the brand to a whole new level of greatness. The topics that are discussed:
· Careers in Fashion
· Essentials for Opening a Business
· How to Write a Business Plan in 30 Minutes
· Brick and Mortar vs Online
· Marketing and Branding Techniques
· How to Find your Wholesale Vendors and Suppliers
Kesha currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia and is one of the nation’s most vibrant and energetic motivational speakers. Kesha is relatable and aims to bring a critical and yet significant voice to female entrepreneurs around the world, as she empowers women of all ages to write their own success stories.
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?
Being in the fashion industry for 20+ years, I would say the following is what has been impactful in my journey:
-Communication skills
-Understanding fabrics, colors, and body types
-Being authentic and true to yourself and customers
– The ability to pivot
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my mother has done for me and continues to do is PRAY for me, offers words of encouragement and support when my tank is running low or empty.
Yes, she is my mother, but she is also my best friend. She offers a lending ear. Powerful words to inspire me, and gives the best hugs whether I’m in the trenches or flying like a butterfly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.funkyflairboutique.com
- Instagram: @funkyflairboutique
Image Credits
Photographer: Maria Thurman
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
