We were lucky to catch up with Khristin Isley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Khristin, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
First and foremost, I must describe resilience as the ability of a person to adapt to adversity or life circumstances. I believe it involves a combination of emotional, physical, and mental toughness, flexibility, resourcefulness, and creativity in coping with adversity. Resilient individuals and communities are better equipped to handle unexpected situations, learn from past experiences, and thrive in uncertainty and change. Over all else, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. My lord has promised this, a verse I abide by daily. I believe I’ve been created via divine purpose. However, you can only imagine this also brings life tests. I’ve been tested in many forms and have been thrown several curveballs. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. No matter how hard one tries to prepare, life is very unexpected. The most significant way to overcome and show resilience is by using my mind, body, and spirit to anticipate challenging times. As I take those challenges head-on, I identify what occurs as the issue arises. I reflect and ask myself what lesson(s) I am learning from this or what practical actions are necessary. I meditate, remember, and allow my next action steps to follow the wisdom of the man upstairs. This is how I push through resiliency.
In addition, I would like to shout out to my family and friends for providing examples of overcoming resilience. Their strength and support have encouraged me to overcome some of the most challenging times. And finally, my husband. The unconditional love and how he chooses to show up for me daily motivates me to push through all trials and tribulations. He is my best friend and lifelong partner; I will forever be grateful. He has been my greatest blessing.
I appreciate your insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, you could tell our readers about yourself.
I am the CEO & Founder of two different small businesses. ICEY Organization (Implementing a Capable and Exceptional You) has developed to inspire, motivate, educate, and provide necessary resources to help direct young adolescents of low-income and first-generation students throughout their post-secondary education choices. I have over ten years of experience in higher education and am an adjunct professor at one of the most prestigious universities in Atlanta, GA. I.C.E.Y is a small organization that will take a holistic approach from under-resourced backgrounds with the academic enrichment, personal development, and life skills needed to apply, matriculate, and succeed before and after college. Our primary mission is to target students to understand the process of college preparations, learning to properly research post-secondary college searches that best fit their individual life goals, career goals, personal development, and leadership development to become college ready. The I.C.E.Y Organization aims to increase students’ knowledge and attendance of secondary education for disadvantaged people. After working in higher education for over eight years, I’ve developed and gained insightful knowledge from students’ and families’ perspectives. I genuinely believe that giving back the ability I’ve equipped back to the community is a powerful way of bringing resources within reach of those that have not had the opportunity. I am also rebranding and adding a few services such as counseling services, upon completing my M.S., Clinical Mental Health Degree.
In addition, I would like to highlight my husband and my business. N&K On Customs. N&K On Customs was founded by like-minded fashion devotees determined to deliver style to shoppers worldwide. Our motto is, Embrace your UNIKness. What does it mean to be U.N.I.K (unique)? We created this line to encourage others to embrace their uniqueness. UNIK: (To Be One of One and Unlike Any).
What does it mean to be UNIK (unique)? Why fit in whenever you’re meant to stand out? We all were placed on this earth with purpose and with reasoning. No one was made precisely alike, as stated in Romans 12:6-8. God has given us different gifts for doing things well in his grace. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your donation is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. But one thing we do have in common is that we are Unique (U) naturally (N) and invaluable (I) knowingly (K). We look forward to gaining your support and seeing you grow the confidence to be yourself. Embrace your UNIK! We have a testimony and are ready to share it with the world.
Looking back, what 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?
- Self-Awareness/ Self Reflection
- Ambition
- Lifelong Learner
I’d advise those early in their journey that it is not about where you come from but what you make of it. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions and find a couple of mentors who have accomplished some of those goals you are striving for. They are full of wisdom and can help guide you along your journey. And finally, go into something knowing your foundation and stay true to it. Know your purpose and embrace who you are.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The number one obstacle or challenge I’m currently facing is resources. Finding the information you’re looking for can be difficult when you do not know the right people. As entrepreneurs, we sometimes carry many titles and roles, which can be exhausting. But we must continue to invest in ourselves to help open those opportunities and find a voice at tables we would never have the chance to sit out if we never took a risk. Keep moving forward and believe in yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/khristinisley
- Instagram: Iceyorganization and nandkoncustoms
- Other: https://shoutoutatlanta.com/meet-khristin-isley-educational-consultant-and-designer-content-creator/
Image Credits
Photo credits to Gary photography
