Meet Markeyla Galy

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

Hi Markeyla , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

In my professional journey, I’ve often found myself in environments where I’m one of the few — if not the only — person in the room who looks like me. In corporate settings, that reality can show up quietly, but it shapes the way you see yourself in leadership. At the same time, in my personal life, I was at a vision board workshop, and as we were flipping through magazines to find images of the futures we envisioned, I realized how difficult it was to find representation of people who looked like me. It dawned on me that the challenge wasn’t just in the corporate rooms — it was also in the tools we use to imagine success.

Being the only one in the room who looks like me has taught me that effectiveness comes from knowing my value, trusting my voice, and being intentional about how I show up. I realized that I couldn’t wait for representation to exist — sometimes you have to create the space where you can fully see yourself.

That is what inspired me to build Self Imagined.

I wanted to design a brand and tools around this purpose. The first kit I launched, the Vision Board Kit, helps people break through limiting beliefs, clearly define their goals in all areas of life, and then break those goals down into steps they can take daily. It includes a guided workbook, a three-month undated planner, habit tracking, and vision board cards with affirmations, quotes, and imagery. While anyone can use the kit, I was intentional about including representation for Black and Hispanic communities, because seeing yourself in your goals reinforces confidence and belief.

Being the only one in the room has taught me that success isn’t about blending in — it’s about owning your identity, showing up prepared, and building spaces where others can see themselves too. Self Imagined is my way of doing that, not just for me, but for others on that same journey.

And I’m still growing through it every day.

As I grow on my own journey to building spaces and becoming the best version of myself, I also created a Prayer Board Kit to support others who have faith in Jesus and need scripture to lean on as they show up in rooms where they may not always feel seen. It’s another way to remind people that they are guided, worthy, and capable — spiritually and personally — no matter where they stand.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am the founder of Self Imagined, a self-empowerment brand that helps people set goals, take consistent action, and build self-confidence through intentional planning and daily habits. My mission is to provide tools that help individuals overcome limiting beliefs and confidently envision a future they feel worthy of achieving.

My first product, the Vision Board Kit, includes a guided workbook, a three-month undated planner with habit tracking, and affirmation, quote, and imagery cards that support every major area of life — including career growth, finances, relationships, self-care, etc. What makes Self Imagined especially meaningful is that our materials include representation for Black and Hispanic communities. I want people to see themselves in the life they are creating, because representation fuels belief.

I recently expanded the brand with the launch of a Prayer Board Kit, designed for those who lean on faith as they move through life’s challenges and opportunities. It includes scripture-based affirmations and imagery that remind people of their purpose, strength, and God-given potential — especially in spaces where they may feel unseen or undervalued.

As the brand grows, I’m intentionally focused on community-centered events, workshops, and collaborations for this coming year, that create safe, inspiring spaces for people to dream boldly and plan intentionally.

Self Imagined is not just about setting goals; it’s about becoming the person who believes they can accomplish them — and I am honored to support that journey.

I also have upcoming vision board and prayer board workshops currently in development, which will be announced soon on both our social media channels and our website — giving more people the opportunity to experience Self Imagined in a hands-on and community-focused way.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have had the greatest impact on my journey:

1. Self-Belief
Believing in yourself — even when you don’t have all the answers yet — is the foundation of growth. There will be moments when you’re the only one who sees your vision or understands your purpose. My advice: speak kindly to yourself, celebrate your small wins, and give yourself permission to take up space. Confidence is built through action.


2. Discipline
Goals become reality through daily steps. Building Self Imagined taught me that good ideas only grow when paired with structure. Whether it’s planning your week, tracking your habits, or taking one small step at a time, discipline is what turns goals into achievements. My advice: start where you are and commit to showing up, even on the days that feel slow.

3. Adaptability 

Every part of entrepreneurship and personal growth requires you to stretch, learn new skills, and adjust when things change. From product design to marketing to community building, being open to learning has allowed me to move forward even when I’m figuring it out along the way. My advice: be a student of the process — ask questions, seek feedback, and grow through the challenges.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

A book that has played a major role in my personal development is the Bible. 



My faith has always guided me, especially during seasons of uncertainty or when things don’t go according to my plans. Two scriptures in particular have become anchors for me:


Matthew 6:33–34 reminds me to seek God first and to release the worries of tomorrow. Whenever I feel anxious or discouraged, this verse brings me back to peace and reminds me that everything will align in God’s timing.


Another passage that continues to support me is 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 — to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. That mindset has helped me stay grounded, hopeful, and grateful while building my brand and navigating spaces where I may feel unseen.

These scriptures have shaped how I show up in both my personal and professional life — with faith, purpose, and trust that I am being guided every step of the way.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Would like to give all photo credits to:

Instagram: @kelseymarie.photo

Facebook: @photosbykelseymarie

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