We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kibwe Cooper. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kibwe below.

Kibwe , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

At Kibwe Kreative Inc our mission is to empower organizations and individuals to create meaningful change through strategic marketing, multimedia storytelling, and innovative content. This mission is deeply personal to me, shaped by the real challenges I’ve faced and the opportunities I want to create for others.

Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered moments where my abilities were questioned or underestimated. For example, during my education, there were instances where it was implied that I couldn’t possibly have achieved certain results on my own, or that I might have had some unfair advantage. These experiences were not about my performance, but about perceptions and biases that exist in many environments.

In my early career, I faced hiring decisions that didn’t always reflect my skills or experience, and I often received less guidance and fewer opportunities for advancement. When I started my business, I ran into challenges accessing credit and capital. While I had a strong business plan and track record, some financial institutions didn’t communicate the full range of support options available or how I could better position my business for success. These were real hurdles, but they also highlighted gaps in access and support that many entrepreneurs face.

Rather than let these experiences define me, I used them as motivation to build something better. I founded Kibwe Kreative Inc. (KKI Consulting) to help organizations across sectors like education, healthcare, non-profit, and now government, amplify their impact and reach. Our work is about elevating voices, telling authentic stories, and delivering results that inspire action and build stronger communities.

This mission matters to me because I know how powerful it is to have your story heard and your potential recognized. That’s why I created the EmpowerYou Podcast. While it’s rooted in the experiences of BIPOC professionals, students, and those on a journey of self-discovery and mastery, the podcast is for everyone seeking real-world wisdom and practical tools for growth. My goal is to give back and support others, making sure the next generation faces fewer barriers and more opportunities.

Our mission is meaningful because it’s about more than marketing or media, it’s about helping people and organizations realize their potential, build equity, and create lasting, positive change.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up in Gary, Indiana, a small Midwest city near Chicago that also happens to be Michael Jackson’s hometown. From the time I was 16, I worked multiple jobs to support my family, save, plan, and eventually move forward in pursuit of new opportunities. Those early experiences taught me the importance of adaptability, vision, and hard work.

My professional path started with a love for music, sound design, and writing. That creative passion evolved into a fascination with film and video, then a deeper curiosity about the human experience, and finally a drive to understand how communities can transform when they have access to information and opportunity. Through multimedia, I believe I help close that gap in meaningful ways.

As the founder of Kibwe Kreative Inc. and KKI Consulting, I lead a team that specializes in helping organizations and individuals amplify their impact through a comprehensive suite of media and consulting services. We work with clients across government, healthcare, education, and non-profit sectors, providing:

Consulting and coaching to help clients define their audience, shape their message, and develop a strategic content plan

Market and audience research to ensure every campaign is grounded in real insights

Content development, including multimedia production—audio, video, and digital assets—tailored for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook

Launch strategy and audience engagement, from stakeholder mapping to lead generation and conversion tactics

Production management, ensuring every episode, clip, and campaign meets the highest creative and technical standards

Impact analysis, including audience analytics and conversion tracking, to measure effectiveness and optimize future efforts

We’re partners in your transformation, working closely with your team to co-create solutions that drive measurable results and foster lasting connections.

The EmpowerYou Podcast was created as a tool to serve others and build intentional community. Over the years, we’ve featured more than 100 guests and reached thousands online. I’ve also had the privilege of collaborating with media outlets on award-winning podcasts like “Systemic” and “Off the Walls”, highlighting diverse leaders, artists, and community voices.

What sets Kibwe Kreative Inc. apart is our blend of creativity, technology, and strategic insight. We approach every project with empathy, quality, and a focus on impact. Our goal is not just to produce content, but to help people and organizations realize their potential, build equity, and create lasting, positive change.

I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had amplifying important missions, supporting growth journeys, and elevating stories that matter. As we continue to grow and serve, our focus remains on delivering exceptional value, building authentic partnerships, and helping clients and communities thrive.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, there is a clear mission driving my creative journey: to help close the gap between access and opportunity for individuals and organizations, especially those who have historically been underestimated or overlooked. My work is about using multimedia, strategic storytelling, and consulting to amplify voices, empower communities, and create pathways for growth.

This mission is rooted in my own experiences. Growing up in Gary, Indiana, I saw firsthand how a lack of access to information, mentorship, and resources can limit potential. Throughout my education and early career, I often encountered implicit bias and limited guidance, which made it harder to build networks and advance professionally. In business, I faced challenges with access to credit and support, not because of a lack of preparation, but due to gaps in communication and opportunity.

Rather than letting these challenges hold me back, they became the fuel for my work. I realized that when people and organizations have the right tools, information, and support, they can transform not just their own circumstances, but their entire communities. That’s why every project I take on whether it’s consulting, content development, or producing a podcast is focused on helping clients tell their stories, reach their audiences, and achieve measurable impact.

At the core, my goal is to be a catalyst for positive change. I want my work to serve as a bridge, connecting people to the resources, strategies, and inspiration they need to thrive. That’s what drives me every day, and it’s what continues to shape the direction of Kibwe Kreative Inc. and KKI Consulting.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

There are a lot of resources I wish I’d known about earlier in my creative journey, but the one that stands out the most is the value of asking for help and reaching out for others’ expertise. Early on, I often tried to figure things out on my own, thinking that independence was the key to growth. Over time, I realized that seeking guidance, mentorship, and collaboration is not only beneficial, but often essential, especially when you want to accelerate your progress.

It can be challenging to ask for help, whether it’s due to pride, uncertainty, or simply not knowing who is safe to approach. But, connecting with others who have different experiences and knowledge can open doors, provide new perspectives, and help you avoid unnecessary setbacks. If I could give advice to anyone starting out, it would be to actively seek out those connections and not hesitate to lean on the expertise around you. Growth happens much faster when you’re willing to learn from others and build a network of support.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kkiconsulting.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kibwe_contentstrategist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KibweCooper1990
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kibwe-cooper-a4002b127/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kibwecooper-KKIConsulting/featured

Image Credits

These images belong to me