We recently connected with LaKisha Overton and have shared our conversation below.

LaKisha, appreciate you joining us today. Too often the media represents innovation as something magical that only high-flying tech billionaires and upstarts engage in – but the truth is almost every business owner has to regularly innovate in small and big ways in order for their businesses to survive and thrive. Can you share a story that highlights something innovative you’ve done over the course of your career?

The most innovative thing I’ve done in my career as of today, is amazing myself with all of the creative knowledge I didn’t know I had in me, thats been just sitting dormant. I’ve also recently expanded my jewelry business & we now host jewelry making wellness workshops.

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 background and context?

My name is LaKisha Overton & I’m an entrepreneur. I started this journey in the fall of 2019 when I created LaCentric Jewelry & Accessories.

We specialize in selling unique handmade, Afrocentric jewelry and accessories. Many of our pieces are handmade from Kenya, Ghana and India. We mostly sell jewelry online via our Etsy shop, at Pop up Shops, private events, fairs and festivals.

Since my first interview, I literally jumped into event hosting via my event brand, Around the Way Gyrlz Events; with no experience. Around the Way Gyrlz Events creates extraordinary experiences that feed your mind, body & soul.

I’ve hosted a few pop up shops including an event strictly for different food vendors to showcase their new food brands. The Mayor of Baltimore City even stopped by the Black Wallstreet Market On the Avenue Pop up Shop I hosted earlier this year in February during Black History month. One of our local news channels also attended & featured the event that weekend. This was super cool.

Most recently I’ve hosted two jewelry making wellness workshops. My first workshop was funded by a grant I received from the Baltimore Arts District.

I’m very proud of everything I’ve accomplished since I started my own business. This entrepreneurship journey is so much fun. Staytuned for so much more from LaCentric Jewelry & Accessories and Around the Way Gyrlz Events.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I first started selling jewelry and vending at events I had to learn that you don’t always sell out and make money at events. However you can still make connections and network with other small businesses. And that’s just as valuable. Their connections and business friends I’ve made while vending at events, that I’ve ended up connecting or partnering with.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my audience on social media by using all of the free information and resources, social media provides. Utilizing the marketing tips of the many social media marketing guru’s. Who typically offer one free consultation and watching their ig lives for tips, was also very helpful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LaCentricJewelry
• Instagram: @lacentricjewelry
• Facebook: LaCentric LLC