We had the good fortune of connecting with Lakeisha Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lakeisha, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?

“The island raised me, but the states made me,” reflects the journey of my upbringing shaped by my Jamaican heritage and the challenges and opportunities presented in the United States. Growing up with a Jamaican mother who worked tirelessly as a single parent to provide for her four children,
including myself and my twin sister, has clearly left a lasting impact on my life.

My mother’s unwavering dedication and sacrifices to ensure that all of us had what we needed, despite the financial struggles, illustrate her incredible strength and resilience. Her determination to prioritize education and steer me away from the hardships she faced herself demonstrates her selfless commitment to my future.

The values instilled in me by my mother, such as the importance of education, hard work, and perseverance, have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping my character and guiding my path towards success. My experiences growing up in a Jamaican household with a strong emphasis on education have provided me with a solid foundation and a unique perspective on life.

It is evident to me that my background has contributed to my strength, resolve, and ambition to achieve greatness despite the obstacles I may face. My story is a powerful testament to the impact of a loving and resilient family unit in shaping one’s identity and aspirations.

My journey reflects the blend of influences from my Jamaican roots and the opportunities presented in the United States, culminating in a story of perseverance, hope, and the pursuit of excellence. I have always overcome challenges and strove for greatness, which is a testament to my resilience and the unwavering support of my family.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

For me, this year was the year of manifestation. My boss, Toshia Drummond, encouraged me in January 2024 to obtain a real estate license, and on the first of February 2024, I passed the exam. I have the essential skills of listening to people and having humility, which I have been continually told is why I provide excellent customer service in this field. I am genuinely proud of being a youthful, amiable professional with a fresh and innovative approach. I’m proud of myself for being able to break the generational curse, becoming the first in my family to get a license to sell real estate, and always seeking out new opportunities for education to succeed in life.

I began working as a school board employee at a small charter school. I served as the office manager of a charter school for several years. I held an assortment of jobs and titles at the charter school, including that of teaching assistant, testing coordinator, ESOL contact, and after school worker from early in the morning to six in the evening.

I gained experience becoming a young professional working under Belinda Hope, the principal at my previous workplace. She gave me a comprehensive education on business etiquette. I worked under several administrators at the school, but Belinda stood out given that she took the time to mentor me and assist in developing the professional person I am today. Also, my grandmother who taught me it is never too late to start something new.

I had to learn to stop comparing my narrative to that of my peers since my story is unique. God has given me a specific hand, so I must pay attention to it. Your path may differ from mine, and vice versa. You may always start now. Persist in pursuing what is rightfully yours.
The year 2010 was the hardest of my siblings’ and my lives. My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer after I graduated from high school, but she beat it. That was the year I learned success would require hard work. Before deciding to stay in school, I worked multiple jobs to support myself and finish my education while working a full-time job. My mother inspires me to become a better person.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I love to go to restaurants to review local food, and love finding the hidden gems. In my spare time I host events like baby showers, graduation celebrations, happy hours and weddings.

I would take them to a restaurant based on the cuisine of choice, then go to Karaoke lounge or go listen to good music. Maybe we can do something that is physically activity like an escape room, get a swimming pass on the beach, a mixology class or go to one of the best massage places that has been reviewed in the past. Also, we would visit one of the black owned businesses in the area with good eats. In this generation aesthetically pleasing places are the thing to do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Thank you, Toshia Renea Drummond PHD, the Real-estate/ Mortgage Expert. Thank you for fostering a work environment where we feel valued and encouraged to do our best. She has inspired me to learn from my mistakes and push my limits. I am forever grateful for your leadership. You’re
knowledgeable, decisive, and resilient, and I couldn’t imagine someone else leading me into entrepreneurship and legacy building. Thank you for offering your continuous support and bringing out the best work of my career as now a licensed agent. You lead with humility and are a true inspiration. I
value working under your direction, and I’ve seen my leadership skills grow thanks to your guidance and commitment. Thank you for providing me with guidance throughout my career transition from the School system and allowing me to finish my bachelor degree in December of 2022 (understanding and worked with my schedule/ allow me to use resources to finish college).
My mother and my twin sister have always been my sounding boards, encouraging me and reassuring me that I can do everything I set my mind to. My brothers and boyfriend have always encouraged me to strive for personal improvement and I would like to thank them. I would like to express my gratitude to my aunt and uncle for their unwavering support and reliability throughout my life, as well as for setting me up for success in college and adulthood.

To my supportive girl tribe of friends and cousins, who are always supportive of anything I put my mind to, thank you. I appreciate you constantly helping me to keep my eyes on the bigger picture of things, love you girls for that. I appreciate your unwavering support of our definition of friendship. To all the professionals I have met in the past and present, thank you.

Instagram: @keishatheprocessor (business)

Other: Tiktok:key2street1 (food content)

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