We recently connected with Na’Kedra Rodgers and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Na’Kedra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I was inspired to start my own business during the pandemic. I began to notice individuals on social media using their talents to earn money. Folks were providing meal services, becoming party planners and balloon decorators, baking; all kinds of stuff, so I got to thinking, what talents do I have, and I came up with nothing. I didn’t bake, I wasn’t crafty so I got sad and said to myself, I don’t have any talents, I knew that was far from the truth, but at the time it was how I felt. Praise God for reminding me that I have the authority to speak over my life and will things to happen.

I started asking people in my circle for their suggestions on what I could do as a business owner. They would say you should do something with encouragement. You already post scriptures every day and I said those aren’t my words and they said post anyway. I finally settled on posting inspirational videos every day.

Next, I had to figure out a name for my platform. One day my friend, my husband and I sat in the living room and began brainstorming. I chose colors (branding) and hashtags. Then we started throwing out names for my new platform. I wrote down a few names and OptimisticallyKe just had a ring to it. So I sat in front of my camera on April 16th, 2021 and posted my first video.

Over the next few months I did all things: I purchased a ring light so I could look more professional when recording my videos. I got business cards and a website designed. I took professional photos. I found someone to design a retractable banner to set up at vendor events and applied for my LLC so my business would be legit. I opened a business account as well because I learned you couldn’t operate out of your personal checking account.

My first vendor event was March 5th, 2022. Since that time, I’ve participated in over 25 vendor events which has helped to expand my business exponentially.

Na’Kedra , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Na’Kedra Rodgers is a Spiritual, Motivational Speaker, Author and Influencer. A true southern belle with sass. A Louisiana native who has made Texas her home. She has experienced heartache, healing and everlasting hope. An overcomer who desires to connect and encourage broken women who are searching for their purpose, struggling with their faith or feeling as if life is getting the upper hand at the moment.

She affectionately calls herself OptmisticallyKe. Her vision is to speak worldwide spreading optimism using sound biblically based uplifting words.

Being authentic and vulnerable is what sets OptimisticallyKe apart from others. She doesn’t mind sharing her hard story because she knows that people need to hear it to help them experience breakthrough. Sometimes people just need to hear that everything will be ok. You can make it past your current circumstance. She is the hope giver.

OptimisticallyKe is proud to add the title Author to her name. She put her hurt and words of inspiration on paper for the world to see. Her initial vision included posting daily encouraging videos on social media; however, OptimisticallyKe has expanded her ministry to a business. She has sold 1,000 affirmation tshirts since January 11, 2022, 400 copies of Kneeling Earnestly for Transformation 30 Day Devotional since March 30, 2022 and since that time has added custom jewelry to her product line.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Consistency Matters.

I posted my first inspirational video on social media April 16th 2021. I wasn’t that great in the beginning. My words were all of the place but I stuck with it and eventually developed structure for my recordings. I made a commitment to post daily and that’s what I did, even on the weekends. The time that I posted wasn’t always the same, but something went out.

People noticed my dedication and began to comment, like or share my videos. I was determined to grow my audience and I knew that if I was inconsistent especially in the beginning that it wouldn’t take off.

Your passion for your business will shine through and individuals will gravitate towards that. Be authentic and stay true to yourself. You are unique and that’s what will make you stand out. There will be days when no one comments on your posts, but trust me they’re watching. Continue to promote your business everyday to keep your name on the forefront of their minds.

It doesn’t matter if others don’t see your vision; God gave it to you and not them so continue on your journey. Encourage yourself when you encounter disappointments and keep pressing forward all the way to the top. Success is in your future. Go get it!

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I started thinking of ideas of how to get my name out there and came up with selling affirmation tshirts. I created my logo in Canva and then I chose five “buzz words” with corresponding bible verses: Chosen, Overcomer, Forgiven, Healed and Unique.

I then began to shop around for pricing researching online options and local business owners. I also factored in the turnaround time. Once I gathered that information, I took $800 from my personal savings account and invested in OptimisticallyKe. I purchased 50 shirts in various sizes and colors and paid to have the buzz words printed on them.

I didn’t know if anyone would purchase the shirts or not; however on January 11, 2022 I announced on social media that I had 50 shirts for sale with the buzz words above printed on them. Within four days, I had sold out. That was the start to turning my ministry into a business.

I used the profit from tshirt sales to develop my website, pay for professional photos, a retractable banner and other marketing material and paid to have my 30 day devotional published with full distribution.

Being a vendor has helped me reach a vast amount of people, and I’ve been blessed to sell over 1,000 affirmation tshirts, over 400 devotionals, and now my jewelry line is selling well also.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.okthatsme.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/OptimisticallyKe
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/OptimisticallyKe
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nakedrarodgers
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@optimisticallyke1523