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

Hi NaKeitha, thanks for joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

For the last several years NaKeitha K Creative Services has just been a side hustle for me. A way to make extra income. However, in early January 2022 I lost my job at a promotional products company. Deep down I knew if was time for me to part ways with the company but I called myself trying to wait for the right time. I believe God had other plans for me. I had been entertaining the idea of working for myself full time for quite a while but I let fear get in the way of that. Well, after losing my job I had no excuse now. So I stepped out on faith and I’m so happy that I did. I probably could have sped up the process in some way. Honestly, I don’t think I would have had the self-confidence to do so. To be an entrepreneur; I believe some tiny part of you has to believe you can do it and I didn’t have that back then.

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 am the owner of NaKeitha K Creative Services, LLC. I am based in South Florida. My business provides photography and graphic design services for business owners. We put together the client’s personal image for their brand session. That includes everything from makeup look to wardrobe. Regarding our design services; we provide full identity design. From your logo & brand colors to your brand mission, voice and packaging. I tell my clients to think of me as their personal creative. With me my clients not only have a photographer, but a makeup artist & brand designer in one. I’m very hands on and involved with my clients and I hold nothing back when it comes to their business. The majority of my clients are still working their 9-5 and are looking to branch away from that and dive into full time entrepreneurship. I’ve been there. I know exactly what headspace they are in and the fear that comes along with that. I feel as though it is not only my job to create a brand & image they feel confident standing behind but to get their confidence to the place of I can do this despite the fear. This is why I only take a select few clients at a time because I want to be able to provide my clients with the attention they as well as their brands deserve.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Great customer service. We are in a time of social media and yes it can be an amazing tool to have. In my case, it is my customer service and the referrals of my amazing clients that keep my calendar booked and my clientele growing. That is why I value the interactions I have with my clients. Some of them I never even get to meet in person so every email and every Zoom call has to count. They have to know that when we aren’t talking I’m behind the scened making it happen. Great customer services means everything to me. Even in the times when I have to part ways with a current or potential client. Even though it doesn’t happen often never think it isn’t possible. Sometimes, you may not see eye to eye and that is perfectly ok. I’m not the creative for everybody. My life and business thrived once I realized that. All money is not good money. If I ever believe that a client and I may not be a good fit I explain to them in a professional and genuine tone why I feel this way. It has always been respected and in most cases those individuals have come back later and we’ve been able to successfully work together. That would not have been possible if I did not prioritize the way I provide customer service.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being able to support my fellow entrepreneurs. I take great pride in being apart of their journey. Most times they end up becoming great friends of mines who continue to work with me for years down the line. Their brands become my babies too and I get just as excited as they do to watch them grow and do amazing things.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nakeithak.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nakeithakdesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nakeithakphoto
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nakeitha-melton-3929bb41
• Other: https://dot.cards/nkmelton88

Image Credits
Images of NaKeitha Melton are credited to Stephen Gaskins Photography. All other image credits are to NaKeitha K Creative Services.