Today we’d like to introduce you to Keisha Gillis.
Hi Keisha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a proud country girl who was born and raised in East Tennessee. My strong values and sense of community were instilled in me by the best parents on the planet and a family that loves to love each other. So many inspiring women in my family and close circle have influenced my entrepreneurial journey and contributed to my success. Their continuous support gave me the confidence to go full time with my consulting business at the end of 2019. As a Project Based Consultant, I am passionate about helping small business owners, entrepreneurs and freelancers take their business to the next level. When Covid hit hard in 2020, my consulting business slowed down. The break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life allowed my creative juices to flow and I began to brainstorm business ideas that would feed my entrepreneurial spirit. My strategic pivot was the birth of Bespoke Naturals, a product line that promotes self-care and a business model that can be easily duplicated. Since launching on Labor Day of 2020, I have doubled my product offerings, collaborated with other entrepreneurs impacted by the pandemic and developed a wholesale structure.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Bespoke Naturals is a one woman show, and it’s been an uphill battle to build a business and a brand in the midst of a global pandemic. I’ve learned a lot along the way and I attribute my success to the seeds that so many fempreneurs in my circle have sewn for me. Had it not been for the strength of my network, I would not have had so many wins over the last few months. One of my Sheroes, Issa Rae, said it best, “It’s not about networking up but networking across.” Everything I need to grow professionally, personally, spiritually, mentally and physically can be learned from the sister to my left and to my right. I can’t fail with my squad by my side.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m known as a creative collaborator. It’s not fulfilling enough for me to win by myself. I want us all to win. As my business began to grow it evolved into a model that provides an additional stream of income to other like-minded entrepreneurs. My butter business is helping put additional revenue into the pockets of nail techs, massage therapist and wax specialist. Seeing the immediate return on their investment inspired me to recreate this same model with my bar soaps. I’m not content with giving people a piece of the pie. I want people to have the whole recipe.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Within local creative and artisan communities, my hope is to see a collaborative approach to business. I’m going to do my part to build a community of boss ladies that are ready to change the status quo. If we can learn something from the pandemic, I hope it’s that we must support each other. Be intentional about buying local and make an effort to educate other entrepreneurs. This type of thinking will shift the culture of small business and create communities that build together.
Contact Info:
- Email: ShopBespokeNaturals@gmail.com
- Website: www.Etsy.com/Shop/BespokeNaturals
- Instagram: @Bespoke_Naturals
- Facebook: Bespoke Naturals
Image Credits
Headshot Photographer: Jeremy “Jay” Jones
