Ladies! This has been a month of trails & tribulations for me. I wanted to take sometime and reflect with you. I want to highlight all my downfalls and high moments because we need to be able to see real people go through the struggle of making their dreams come true. Sometimes it may not be a dream but we just need a source of passive income. Every journey has it’s fair share of test and I want to share mines.
So just to recap, I’m a single mom, work 9-5, entrepreneur and self-taught designer… as if designing isn’t hard enough right lol. I started this journey in the middle of depression as a single mom. I just knew I needed to do more. Thinking back now, God was telling me it’s time to move. I listened.
At the tail end of May, I was nervous and excited about June because I had events planned to be a vendor at and I knew my 1st Keona Evolve photoshoot was coming up. I completely planned everything ahead. As an entrepreneur that’s important but being on mommy schedule is a whole different juggle. I confirmed with 4 ladies who I knew, who didn’t model professionally. They were all entrepreneurs and some even moms. I loved this because it completely represented the women of this brand. I ended up collabing with one of my good friends, Luz, who is also a make-up artist, mama and entrepreneur. We saw the power in working together & helping to build each other’s brands. It was honestly the perfect match. I knew that there were going to be test coming my way because the concept for the shoot was too dope and everything was working out maddd smooth.
June 15th came around and we showed at our 2nd event this year, The Culture Expo in Brooklyn. Now, my 1st vending experience I made no sales, which comes with the territory. In my mind, I’m like these products are way too fire, not to sell. So I started looking for events that were more my niche, which was another lesson, not every event is YOUR event. The day before the event, the one and only clothing rack breaks. I had to get my mechanic next door & prayed he could work some magic, he did! The rack lasted all the way through the event and broke as soon as we took it down! BUT Keona Evolve was definitely a hit at The Culture Expo. We made almost $300 in profits! This was a major accomplishment for me because I was having a difficult time selling directly to people and receiving feedback.
We received so many contacts and great reviews that were essential to helping us grow to the next step. Now, I’m on fire, feeling like nothing can stop me! Super pumped and ready for the photoshoot. Everything was planned, confirmed and double confirmed. We just needed the day to come. That week 2 models canceled back to back. By that time I was like sisss come one but I knew I could still make it work we had 2 left including myself, if needed. Now keep in mind, I am a super behind the scenes person, I wanted to work the room to make sure everything looked how I wanted and you know be She-EO but God had other plans. The day before the shoot the last 2 models canceled, literally in the middle of trying to replace the clothes for the models who already canceled. Now, I’m down to no one. You're probably like just cancel right? That option was no longer viable because we couldn’t cancel the shoot location or if we did, we would just lose out on the money. Who’s doing that?
You can imagine by this time I’m legit cringing at this time, freaking out & everything else you can think of at this time. I called my friend to see if she can pull up to the shoot & thank God for her because she was able to do it. I’m also super grateful to the photographer, Michelle, and make-up artist, Luz, because they remained so positive and helped in any way possible. Funny enough the photographer found a replacement who ended up canceling as well. The whole time through this, I’m talking to God like, I know this is going to be a story for the books because I’m pushing through no matter what.
Shoot day, it’s me, mom, my son, my friend, her 2 kids, stylist, make-up artist and photographer. You can say it was a long day lol. Thank God for my mom because she really kept the kids entertained while we banged out this shoot. Luz and myself stepped in as models and absolutely killed it! My friend killed it like we all really showed up! A room full of boss females, staying positive through the chaos and making it happen. Our stylist, Ris, was amazing and really helped things to move smoothly. She saw the vision through.
In the end, I learned, if you have a vision you better push through and make it happen. No one can stop you, no obstacle, no enemy, God got you and he will make a way. I learned to push through no matter the circumstances. It really was a learning experience but also a testament to how much I can push myself when I really want to.
Let this be motivation for you. I had everything working against me but I prevailed and you can too.
Pics coming soon!