Today we’d like to introduce you to Keisha Howell
Hi Keisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started doing hair years ago (like in high school); I found that was my love and passion. It was something I would do for friends of the family and my friends. While working in corporate America over the years I continued to dabble. Along the way I found an interest in wanting to blog and YouTube so when the opportunity presented itself I started. Fast forward to present day while it has been a struggle along the way and I’m not exactly where I want to be, I am a full time licensed cosmetologist and YouTuber. I use my YouTube platform to discuss all things my life through a visual of lifestyle vlogs. An example of things that can be found women’s health, hair tutorials, wife/mom life and more.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As I mentioned it has been a strug-gle! lol The biggest struggle is finding balance between being a wife and mom as well as grow a brand. For instance, we know to grow on most platforms consistency is the key and sometimes (a lot of times) that can be a struggle on its on. Doing hair and trying to film, then edit and upload, just an example, can be time consuming but it gets done. If I had to add time management then let’s add time management because some days go smooth and others not so much. The days just fly on by lol
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m the operator and owner of byKeishDenise where I “Specialize in your natural hair”. I’m known for braids because that’s how I started out. But now, byKeishDenise not only braids but I style hair and take pride in educating each client that takes a seat in my chair. The goal is to understand the goal of each individual and find ways to aid in their hair goal. I walk the journey with them. On the other hand, while my YouTube is a lifestyle channel as a woman that has overcome many obstacles I share those with others in hopes of helping and/or encouraging. So, from my IVF journey to my journey to coming a cosmetologist I share it.
I’m most proud of overcoming the imposter syndrome. While that may seem bleak it’s such a real thing! Often times I would second guess myself in both areas of my business. Like most, I was an over-thinker and that was a huge detriment to my success. As I’ve matured I’ve grown to understand the journey that I’m on is the journey that God has for me. So I learned to turn my mistakes into lessons and try not to dwell on those things.
The thing that sets me apart from other is I AM KEISHA DENISE! My talent is my talent, my story is my story, my journey is my journey. I’m genuine in all aspects. You are going to get the real authentic me whether you are sitting in my chair getting your hair done or you are watching me on YouTube, same Keish just a different angle whether ascetically pleasing or not.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Get out of your comfort zone. I am an introvert, thus I am a homebody but I had to step out of that and meet people. Networking doesn’t mean you have to be in a room full of people every time. You can network at the grocery store, you can network on social media, you just have to understand what your overall goal is and put yourself in the presence of like minded individuals. If I’m in the hair store and I see someone that looks as though they need some assistance I step in, create conversation and share my business card and social media. The salon that I work at part time I network with individuals there and build relationships. These are the things that have worked well for me. Have I attended networking events, absolutely and I’ve built some great relationships. So step out of your comfort zone and get to know people! Start with social media, then venture out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://keishdenise.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keishdenise_/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeishDenise
- Other: https://bykeishdenise.glossgenius.com/
