We were lucky to catch up with Kneeshe Parkinson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kneeshe, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
KneesheSpeaks Solution was created in 2019, the origin of St. Louis, MO. Coming back from a national conference in Washington DC one year prior. My journey became to formalize my motivational speaking career. My experiences of decades of struggles, consequences, and battles led me to elevate my voice to many audiences. My talent for speaking publicly emerged during my teenage years. I received several confirmations from ages 17-21 that I can own a room with my voice. People stop and listen to what you have to say and I command a room with my energy. I have been told numerous times.
Upon coming back from travel and reaching out to my mentor, the journey began. I immediately went to the State of Missouri Website to complete formal paperwork for my business. Dedicating hours, months, and years to elevate this platform with coaching, training, seminars for public speaking and so much more. I am a former Heiress Sister of 4 years of coaching and doing business better with The Milliionheiress Club LLC founded by Michele McNabb which is an exclusive, membership-based organization for professional women of color; sisterhood, personal and professional development.
Kneeshe, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Kneeshe Parkinson, Native to Saint Louis, MO – my business endeavors came about back in 2018. Leaving a stage where I spoke in front of 4500 people for a health conference. I knew my life had just elevated from my storytelling experience. As I became engulfed in my motivational speaking industry the guidance allowed me to build a more solid business.. I have been keynote speakers for several summits, conferences, webinars, and community events. The accomplishments I am most proud of is graduating with my bachelor’s degree, being a curator of a black women’s workbook that engages self-worth, body autonomy, and sexual health, and changing the narrative of “RISK” to so many Reasons to love yourself. I love myself for so many reasons and thrive while living bold and unapologetic as a Queen. The main things I want potential clients/ followers/ fans to know about me is that my brand speaks LIFE, Empowerment “Become a Better, Stronger You. The power of positivity releases the pain of the past and fear of the future. Life is full of opportunities, and it is my job to help you figure out which opportunities to take advantage of in order to live the life you want. When you choose to live a dream, you need a plan to make it come true. Once you have a plan, a coach will help you stick to it and get around any obstacles. Being a storyteller, coach, and motivational speaker has elevated the epitome of leadership to all the feminists of character come shining through your purpose.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Resilience – (noun) the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness: The journey of resilience I can remember as far back as the Fourth grade. I remember having a teacher named Mrs. Burgess who spoke defeat over my academics during a parent-teacher conference with my parents. She spoke these words to my parent” I believe that your child would never excel in life. She will always be academically challenged behind her peers. I was devasted hearing this information. I remember my parents took me home and discussed a plan to increase my academic performance. I remember my father staying up with me most evenings to make sure my reading, mathematical English, and fine arts skills improved. Ms. Burgess wanted me to go to a special educational program. My parents were not in agreement with that decision. Over the next few semesters, I proved to Ms. Burgess that I could conquer the defeat of those spoken words over my life. I advanced on to the Fifth grade and became a high school graduate. After high school, I became a Registered Medical Assistant for an inner-city clinic. Over 2 decades I have worked in the medical industry in many capacities as an academic, researcher, family advocate, community health worker, and a scholar content expert in virology. I am a published manifesto author for one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies. I graduated from the University of Missouri Saint Louis with my Bachelor’s Degree in 2019. I have received many awards and accolades on local, statewide, and national platforms. I have assisted the Saint Louis MO area during the COVID-19 pandemic to help families receive food, and hygiene items, and assistance with rent and utilities. I am currently the Executive Director of R.I.S.E IMPACT which was established in 2021. Our mission is to help women and families conquer those social determinants of health that resonate with the lack of sustainability related to unemployment, food insecurities, education, and health comorbidities. Our mission is to improve health outcomes among key populations.
What I would like to say to the audience today… It might have looked like defeat in those words spoken… Sticks and stones may break my bones … I am standing today!!!! Keep conquering!!! No weapon formed against you shall prosper!!! You have the power to start shifting stuff in your life …..Kneeshe Parkinson !! (Quoted)
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
A moment in my life 7 years ago was a pivotal time. !! This situation in my life was life-changing. I had to make some hard decisions regarding my mental, physical, and emotional well-being. When you say you have to live and learn from life lessons. This was one of those situations. Being able to hear from my higher being “Yahweh/God to help carry the load of disbelief. Walking through the journey of the unknown for my family was a disturbing situation. Many restless nights and poor appetite. I was lost for words. Being a mother is a pivotal moment of a shift to making sure your child is successful and giving your all. What I do know today having support and love to help me conquer those roughest days.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kneeshespeaks.solutions/
- Instagram: kneeshespeaks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Riseimpactinc/
- Linkedin: Kneeshe Parkinson
- Other: Website: https://www.riseimpactlife.org/ RISE IMPACT -office number – 314-440-7863 [email protected]
Image Credits
Image Credits Riveting Reflection- Photographer Ms. Erica White