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

Hi Kerona, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

In my teenage years, I had clear, beautiful skin. People always asked me how I managed to keep my skin so smooth and bump-free, and I’d usually say it was partly genetics, but I also had a consistent skincare routine. I’ve always been curious and creative when it came to skincare and hair care—I used to try out DIY recipes I found on YouTube just for fun. But everything changed in my twenties when I developed acne after being on intravenous antibiotics for a kidney infection I had developed as I do have kidney disease. That experience sent me on a frustrating journey to clear my skin, especially since my visit to a dermatologist turned out to be a huge disappointment.

In 2017, I opened my beauty store. But at that time, it wasn’t my own brand—I was selling other brands, along with makeup and hair care products. In 2019, after some of my products were stolen from my store, I made the decision to move fully online. Things were going well, but I felt the need to evolve and rebrand. When COVID hit, I took that moment to shift my business entirely to focus on my own brand. Even though I already knew how to make my own products, I let fear hold me back and instead sourced them from suppliers.

Then in 2023, something unexpected happened—a woman I had never met DM’d me on TikTok, just business owner to business owner. She asked me a few business questions and I answered her, which left her in shock, as many would not have responded. She asked me about my products and I told her I used suppliers. She then proceeded to ask me why didn’t I make my products myself. I told her that I can and I do know how. I then paused and gave a sigh. She gave me a whole lecture and told me she believed in my ability to make my own products and encouraged me to stop relying on suppliers. At the time, we were complete strangers, but she spoke life into me and even jokingly threatened to cut off our friendship before it began if I didn’t “pull up my socks.” That push was exactly what I needed. I made my first batch of soaps, and honestly, it’s been pure bliss ever since. I find product making to be therapeutic—just like my art. Those two things are my peace, and the fact that I get to share them with the world fills me with joy.

Most recently, I launched my podcast, Aspire to Inspire with Kel—something that had been on my heart for years. I finally stopped waiting for the perfect time and just took the leap. 2025 has been a mix of sadness and joy, but even in the midst of it all, God has remained by my side, and for that, I’m deeply grateful. My mission is to inspire, heal, and create. One day, I hope to become a household name, known for all the layers of who I am and what I do. Being multifaceted isn’t always easy, but I’m learning to navigate each day with grace, showing up for myself, learning new things, and pouring into others as I grow.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

It all started when I had to drop out of college in 2013. My doctors told me I couldn’t return to university because my kidney couldn’t handle the stress, and I remember feeling lost. I didn’t know what to do or where to turn, but I knew one thing for sure—I had many talents, and I started thinking seriously about how I could turn them into something purposeful, something that could eventually sustain me.

I’ve always had a deep love for writing, so I started blogging. That opened the door for me to connect with people all over the world. Around that same time, I began exploring art, and people loved my pieces when I posted them online. In fact, many of my first creations were given away, simply because I wanted to share a piece of myself. Over time, I found myself diving into content creation, and that added another layer to my journey.

Today, I run a handmade skincare and hair care brand where every product is crafted with love and intention. I focus on helping people who struggle with skin and hair issues regain their confidence and feel good in their own skin again. Whether it’s acne, eczema, breakage, or hair thinning etc, my goal is to provide natural, effective solutions that truly make a difference.

In addition to products, I offer several services. I’m a content creator who is open to collaborations, and I also help others bring their creative ideas to life—whether it’s journals, devotionals, or other custom projects. I recently completed a journal for a client (who is also a dear friend), and she’s launching it for her birthday. I’ve also launched my own journal and have started working on my devotional as well. These projects are deeply personal to me, and I love helping others create something meaningful that they can call their own.

Creatively, I express myself through art—mostly abstract and fluid pouring art—but I’ve started exploring new crafts too, and I’m excited to share more of that side of me with my audience. My art and my product-making process are both therapeutic for me—they’re how I heal and how I pour into others at the same time.

With my content, my mission is simple: to inspire and motivate. I remember the days when I needed the very encouragement I now give to others, and I never take that responsibility lightly. My content spans lifestyle, health and wellness, a bit of travel when I get the chance, self-care, motivation, and daily inspiration.

For those who want to create but don’t have the time or knowledge, I step in. Whether it’s done-for-you journal services, devotional design, or even creating custom labels for wholesale clients—I handle the behind-the-scenes work so they can bring their vision to life with ease.

What I’m most proud of is that no matter how many times I’ve felt like I’ve failed or didn’t see a way forward, I never gave up. Even in moments of doubt or darkness, I’ve kept going. God has been my guide through it all, and I truly believe I’m not putting in all this effort in vain. Sometimes, an idea will just pop into my head out of nowhere, and all I can do is laugh and say, “God, yuh not easy enuh—but thank you.” My brands were created from a place of love, purpose, and faith. And if even one person feels seen, helped, or inspired through what I do—then it’s all worth it.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Over time, I’ve realized there were a few things I had to unlearn and relearn in order to grow into the woman I am today. One big thing was the idea that I always had to be strong or have it all together. I’ve come to understand that softness doesn’t make me any less powerful—it actually makes me more human, more connected. I also had to relearn the importance of resting and giving myself grace. I was so used to always being in “go mode” that slowing down felt like failure, but I’ve learned that healing, clarity, and purpose often come in the stillness. And emotionally, I had to unlearn the habit of overexplaining or shrinking myself to make others comfortable. Now, I show up fully and freely, and I honor my feelings without apology. Growth really demanded a different version of me, and that required me to let go of survival habits that no longer serve where I’m going.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

Yes, I used to have manufacturers for my products before I rebranded and really stepped into my own branding. Back then, I took the time to research multiple manufacturers, read reviews, and personally reached out to them. I based my final decisions on how they interacted with me and how much I felt they aligned with my vision. But as I mentioned earlier, I eventually started manufacturing my own products. It wasn’t that I didn’t know how—it was more that I didn’t believe in myself enough at the time. It actually took a stranger, who is now a friend and like a big sister to me, to give me the push I needed. I’m forever grateful to her for that encouragement, because now I love my brand even more than before. It took a lot of research, plenty of trial and error, and of course, what we jokingly call “YouTube University.” I also received so much guidance from two of the manufacturers I used to work with—they were kind enough to offer advice and support, which helped me transition confidently into doing it all myself. The journey has been incredibly empowering and deeply personal.

Along the way, I’ve learned so many valuable lessons about manufacturing. One of the biggest is that consistency is everything—not just in how a product is made, but in how it performs. I’ve also learned the importance of patience; things don’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Every failed batch or unexpected challenge has taught me something. Quality control, proper preservation, and understanding each ingredient’s role became non-negotiable for me. But more than anything, I’ve learned to trust myself, my hands, and my ability to create something powerful and purposeful from scratch.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kelsyourbodyandmine.com
• Instagram: @inspiredbykel @kelsyourbodyandmine @inspiredbykelart @aspiretoinspirewithkel
• Facebook: @kelsyourbodynmine @inspiredbykel
• Twitter: @yourbodyandmine @inspiredbykel
• Youtube: @inspiredbykel @kelsyourbodyandmine @aspiretoinspirewithkel
• Soundcloud: [email protected]
• Other: Spotify @aspiretoinspirewithkel
  Apple podcast @aspiretoinspirewithkel