We recently connected with Kelisha Mills and have shared our conversation below.

Kelisha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success, in my view, is an intricate tapestry woven from various threads of dedication, resilience, and a passion that refuses to waver in the face of adversity. It’s about finding that sweet spot where your personal and professional aspirations align harmoniously. Allow me to illustrate this perspective with two stories that have profoundly shaped my understanding of success.

Story 1: The Art of Adaptability

Years ago, I embarked on a journey to establish my own business while being a full-time mom. It was a path filled with challenges, requiring me to wear multiple hats simultaneously. One day, a major client requested a last-minute meeting, and my youngest child fell ill on the same day. In that moment, I had to make a critical choice – do I prioritize my business commitment or tend to my child’s well-being? I chose the latter without hesitation.

In the aftermath, I wondered if I had made a mistake that would jeopardize my business. However, what I learned was that success isn’t just about seizing opportunities; it’s also about recognizing when to pause and prioritize what truly matters. This adaptability, this ability to pivot in the face of unexpected obstacles, has been a cornerstone of my success.

Story 2: Embracing Collaboration

Another pivotal moment in my journey came when I realized the power of collaboration. In the early days of my business, I believed I had to do it all alone to prove my worth as a mompreneur. However, I soon discovered that collaboration is a catalyst for success.

I vividly recall times when I joined forces with other mompreneurs in my industry. We combined our strengths and resources, and the results were astounding. Our partnership not only eased the workload but also brought fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. This experience taught me that success often thrives in the fertile soil of collaboration, where shared visions can bloom into remarkable achievements.

In conclusion, success, to me, is an ever-evolving journey. It demands the ability to adapt, to prioritize, and to recognize the value of collaboration. It’s about passionately pursuing your goals, yet being flexible enough to navigate the twists and turns that life presents. Success isn’t just a destination; it’s the sum of your experiences, choices, and the lessons you learn along the way.

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 am a connector of ambitious mompreneurs around the world. They come together in person and online in relaxing and beautiful environments to share how they do life, family and business in a way that promotes their personal growth, mental health and financial wholeness. They are truly so much stronger together!

I’ve always been a learner. I started my entrepreneurial journey as a child in the village of my Caribbean island of Trinidad & Tobago, selling hand-made crochet hair ties for girls. I taught myself to crochet within a few days and thought, why not create something from this!

Later in life, I started my own company utilizing my skills as a Procurement Professional, selling to the Government. We sourced hard to find items locally and internationally.

What I’m most proud of in my journey as a mom entrepreneur is the thriving community we’ve built together. When I look at what we’ve accomplished, it fills me with immense pride and gratitude.

Here are some key aspects I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me, my brand, and my work:

Passion for Empowerment: My work is driven by a deep passion for empowering individuals, especially fellow moms, to chase their dreams fearlessly. I believe that with the right mindset and support, anyone can achieve their goals.

Dedication to Balance: I understand the challenges of balancing motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship. I’m not just here to preach; I’m here to share practical strategies and stories from my own journey that showcase how it’s possible to find that delicate balance.

Results-Oriented Approach: My brand is built on a foundation of real results. I’ve walked the path of building a successful business while nurturing a family, and I’m committed to helping others achieve similar success through actionable advice and strategies.

Community-Centric: My community is everything to me. I want everyone to know that we’re in this together. Whether you’re a client, follower, or fan, you’re a valued part of our vibrant and supportive community.

Continuous Growth: I’m not just about reaching a destination; I’m on a journey of continuous growth and learning. I’m always seeking new ways to improve, innovate, and bring even more value to those who trust in my brand.

So, in a nutshell, what defines me and my brand is a fervent commitment to empowerment, a dedication to balance, tangible results, a strong sense of community, and an unwavering pursuit of growth and excellence. I’m excited to continue this journey with all of you!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I want to take a moment to share a deeply personal chapter of my journey with you, one that speaks to the power of resilience and the art of pivoting when life throws you unexpected curveballs.

In 2013, I faced a situation that I never anticipated. My brick-and-mortar store, a business I had poured my heart and soul into, had to close its doors due to the unforgiving downturn of the economy. To say it was a tough time would be an understatement. My family of five found ourselves in a challenging spot, and we had to make a difficult decision – we moved back in with my mother-in-law.

For three years, our life looked very different from what we had imagined. The humbling experience of relying on family support wasn’t easy, but it taught me some invaluable lessons about strength, adaptability, and the unyielding spirit of a mompreneur.

I knew I had to pivot, not just for myself but for my family. It was during those trying times that I discovered a new passion and purpose. I turned to online business coaching, sharing the knowledge and expertise I had accumulated throughout my entrepreneurial journey. It wasn’t just about survival; it was about thriving against all odds.

But that’s not all. I didn’t stop there. I recognized an opportunity to leverage my husband’s skills and experience in the tourism industry. Together, we started a tourism business that allowed us to combine our strengths and create something truly special.

So, here’s the message I want to share with each of you: Pivoting isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to your strength and adaptability. Life might throw challenges your way that seem insurmountable, but as mompreneurs, we have an incredible ability to rise above adversity.

Through my journey, I want to inspire you to embrace change, to pivot when necessary, and to never underestimate the potential within you. The setbacks we face are often the catalysts for our most remarkable comebacks.

You have the resilience, the determination, and the creativity to transform challenges into opportunities. Your path might not always be straightforward, but with each twist and turn, you’re one step closer to the success you deserve.

So, keep pushing forward, my fellow mompreneurs. Embrace the power of the pivot, and let your journey be a testament to your unwavering spirit.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Let me share with you what I believe played a significant role in building my reputation within my market. It’s a journey filled with lessons and insights, and I’m more than happy to pass them along.

Consistency: The Foundation of Success

One of the key elements that have helped me establish a strong reputation in my market is consistency. I firmly believe that consistency is the cornerstone upon which trust, credibility, and recognition are built.

Over the years, I’ve maintained unwavering consistency in my niche. This consistency has been evident in various aspects of my business:

Content: I’ve consistently provided valuable and relevant content to my audience. Whether through blog posts, social media updates, or newsletters, I’ve strived to deliver content that addresses their needs and challenges. This consistent flow of information has helped me establish authority and reliability.

Quality: Quality is non-negotiable. I’ve consistently offered high-quality products or services. This commitment to excellence not only delights customers but also encourages repeat business and referrals.

Engagement: I’ve maintained a consistent presence in my market by actively engaging with my audience. Responding to comments, participating in discussions, and being accessible to my customers has fostered a sense of community and trust.

Adaptation: While consistency is vital, it doesn’t mean rigidity. I’ve consistently adapted to the changing needs and preferences of my target audience. This flexibility ensures that my brand remains relevant and continues to meet market demands.

Building Trust Through Reliability

Consistency builds trust. When your audience knows what to expect from you, they feel more confident in their interactions with your brand. They trust that you’ll deliver on your promises, that you’ll consistently provide value, and that you’ll be there when they need you.

Credibility Through Persistence

Persistence is another critical factor. Building a strong reputation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of persistent effort. I’ve continued to show up, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. This persistence sends a powerful message to my market – that I’m committed for the long haul and dedicated to serving their needs.

Recognition Through Specialization

I’ve also found that specializing within my niche has been instrumental in building my reputation. By focusing on a specific area and becoming an expert in it, I’ve been able to stand out in a crowded market. Specialization not only sets you apart but also makes it easier for customers to associate you with the solutions they seek.

Consistency, reliability, credibility, and specialization have been key elements in building my reputation within my market. It’s a journey that requires dedication and persistence, but the rewards in terms of trust, recognition, and a loyal customer base are immeasurable. Remember, building a reputation takes time, but it’s an investment that pays dividends in the long run.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kelishamills.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/brunch
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelisha.mills
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelisha-mills/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj4jpU475O5qyVnBDjVwEGA
• Other: https://kelishamills.com/media/

Image Credits
Kyle Archibald Photography