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

Alright, Keosha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I was working as a supervisor for two years, it started to feel draining and like I was challenging myself enough . I decided to quit right before Covid hit . I’ve always loved cooking, making Jewelry and the ideal of self expression. I was home one day and decided to cook a bunch of meals and have people try them . That expanded into a demand for more and more . I gave the people what they wanted and they loved my food ! I experience with different flavors and techniques to always have something different with my own twist on it . While taking breaks from cooking, I discovered my love to express myself through art, particularly acrylic painting and resin art . I started to discover my style and technique and that was the beginning of my art life . I met my boyfriend a few years later and found out he was an artist, a true artist and he has helped me to keep going . He introduced me to art shows and we’ve done plenty together since then.

Keosha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a self proclaimed artist and a wonderful cook ! In my art I give people open expressions, open interpretations and a lot of abstract . I put a lot of colors and depth into what I do . I love to do unconventional, unorthodox, eccentric type of art to let people know it’s okay to be you . Everything in the world doesn’t have to be neat and in the lines of acceptance. For my food business I give people the opportunity to taste things that are different from your average menu, I play with cuisines from many cultures and put my American twist on it . I love Asian dishes so I experiment a lot with that and create my own flavors mixed with Asian ingredients. I am so proud of all of my growth and work ! I want all people to know that it’s okay to be yourself, not everyone will accept you but as long as you’re authentic many people will love you . If it’s anthing you want to express, create or experience, just go for it and see where it takes you . You’d be surprised!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

There is a website called MasterClass that I believe every entrepreneur or inspiring entrepreneur should be a part of ! It’s only $10 a month and it’s give the best raw and uncut guidance and information you may want or need . It features real, successful entrepreneurs that tell their story from how they started, any problems they’ve faced while creating their business and how they became successful. It gives you the blueprint of entrepreneurial development, growth and thinking . I didn’t discover this until recently because I’m actual in school right now for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. My professor showed us a few videos and I felt so connected, understood and learned so much .

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I remember feeling like everyone should say good things about what I provide and everyone should love and accept me. I’ve since unlearned all of that and changed my mindset. Your product will always be for a specific type of person and you have to market for those people. It’s okay if everyone isn’t into what you have to present but there are people for you that are, find those people and cater to those people . Learn what they love about your product or idea, learn what they don’t love, ask questions and opinions and accept them with an open heart . It’s still your decision at the end to do what you think is best . Just like when you’re at the store and you by pass one product to go for another…same thing with your business . Many people with by the product you walked past because it spoke to them but tons of people will stop at the same product you chose because it spoke to them . Find your people and stick with your people !