Meet Teresa Kelley | Editor in Chic

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

Hi Teresa, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
While there are several that I live by, I would say the most mentioned and most impactful would be “Make It Happen.” For me this is a reminder that by any means necessary {positive & legal of course) I have the opportunity to create the life the life I deserve and desire and accomplish any goal I put forth. I use this phrase in my personal life as a mom, business life as owner of two businesses and in my community work as president of the Black Child Development Institute and mentor.

I’m often reminded of the lyrics to Mariah Careys song. It says:
“If you believe in yourself enough and know what you want
You’re gonna make it happen
And if you get down on your knees at night and pray to the Lord
He’s gonna make it happen”

When life’s trials and tribulations appear to get in the way, I remember these words and simply put, I take a deep breath, push through and make it happen!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m an educator by profession. I’ve known for a long time that my life’s purpose was to teach. As I have grown, my teaching has evolved. I’ve gone from teaching children how to read to teaching adults how to teach children. Then there was this love for fashion but more specifically shoes. Currently I’m in a space where I can combine my two loves. Hi, I’m Teresa Kelley, Editor in Chic at My Kiatu, the not so ordinary shoe boutique for the xtraordinary woman. I’m also the Business & Style coach at Xtraordiary Woman Lifestyle. I support & guide aspiring women entrepreneurs over 35 to start their businesses with confidence and style.

I most proud that I have been able to use my entrepreneurship journey to guide and inspire other women to begin to step out and walk confidently in creating the life they have been dreaming about in their heads but were to scared to get started. I’m most proud to have encouraged women to be bold in their fashion choices and try something new and exciting. I’m also most proud that my 19 year old has watched me, learns from me and has been bitten by the entrepreneur bug. Because I’ve taught him along the way, he’s listened and implemented, he’s a lot further along than I was at 19. Another one of my motto’s is “each round goes higher and higher” My son has definitely point of proof.

I’m excited to see my businesses grow and expand from out of my head and into reality.

I got to where I am in business today, because I never gave up. I am always trying to figure out another way to use my God given gifts. Afterall we were put on this earth to serve. My Kiatu is my second business. Has it been easy, ABSOLUTELY NOT! But that’s where passion, dedication and discipline come in. Of course, I’m in business to make money, but I have learned that making money doesn’t come easy. You have to put in the work, be patient and be willing to learn.

I want the world to know that the life of Teresa Kelley both personally and professionally is to help people be better and do better.

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.
Interesting question. Funny thing is, I would be just as much a tourist as my friend. LOL. I would take her to see the Wynwood Walls of course. Because Im big on supporting Black owned businesses, I would for sure take her to some of hot spots like Just spoons for brunch. NYSW Jazz Lounge one night for live music and English Brown Winery.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely want to thank my mom, sister, brother in law and son. Collectively they have watched me hustle and flow through this thing called life and have cheered me on along the way.

Website: www.mykiatu.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mykiatu www.instagram.com/i_am_teresakelley

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-kelley/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mykiatu

Image Credits
Karli Santana Chic in Prints