Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Keisha Hester. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Keisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.

I received my first client while I was teaching! I taught special education for 12 years. While writing grants for supplies for my classroom, I was approached by a coworker who wanted to know if grants would work for their small business. From there, not only did I gain my first client, but I was opened up to a WHOLE NEW world of what grants could do for other industries.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I got into the grant writing industry as a sophomore in college. It was my very first job as an intern with a nonprofit organization in my hometown of Beaumont, Texas. I learned everything about grants from research, to narratives, and management. I offer creative works for my clients as far as grant writing, and additional fundraising opportunities. I believe that there is enough currency available for each and every person who wants to follow their passion and purpose. I devote myself on educating my clients throughout the entire process, especially since now there are so many opportunities for scam artists to take their money. I am in a category of my own when it comes to what I do. I truly believe I’ve been called specifically to this field to serve others. I would want anyone who finds my company and my services to know that I will help you build your dreams from the dirt, all in the same time helping you to secure funding to make sure you can do what you’ve been called to do in your lifetime.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My entire journey is a story of resilience. Any person who has stepped out on their own to build a business knows that nothing comes easy or happens overnight. Since the beginning, there has been ups and downs, but what makes me special, what makes anyone special, is that the failures that occur are not meant to be the end all. Failing is the fastest way to succeed. It may sound cliche, but the faster you figure out what doesn’t work, the closer you are to the answers of what does. It never gets easier, because each level has new challenges, so it’s important to always give yourself grace, and credit from where you first began.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

This is absolutely KEY in my business. I try to reach out to my clients weekly, if not, bi-weekly. My workload can get heavy at times, being that I am often in meetings with funders, and also researching opportunities that align the best with my clients work. However, it’s important that they are knowledgeable of where I am in the process and what they can be expecting. It’s no fun not hearing from someone who is supposed to bringing you money! I’ve had to learn over the years, transparency and clear communication is the golden ticket to not only great customer service, but opens that line of trust, and also gives me peace that they know everything I know! I also keep an open line of communication with my clients – they know that I’m only a phone call or text away.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CkYZDvmkU/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@keibossedup9

Image Credits

Desmon Norris, Photographer