Kisha R. Ward is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, author and marketing maven.
Your Title/Business Name:
Creative Umbrella Consulting LLC
Website:
www.kreneeward.com
Instagram Handle
www.instagram.com/kreneeward
Describe what your hometown was like. Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Memphis, but I didn’t live there for long. Raised in New Orleans and Miami. New Orleans was family and food. Lol. Miami was a melting pot with amazing weather.
Where do you currently reside?
Atlanta and DC
What is your zodiac sign?
Jesus Christ
What is your favorite cereal?
Captain Crunch
How did you get started on this road of business? What began it all, and what did the path look like along the way?
Started as a side hustler while working in corporate America as a leader. In 2016, I was laid off. I like to say I am a corporate refugee. Change and transformation is never easy. But, always worth it.
Give us some business advice or one success tip in your field.
Marketing is a work in progress. You must have a budget and you must always test and pivot. Always be open to change when marketing your business. Nothing is art in stone.
What has been the hardest part of being a business owner?
Finding consistent and reliable staff.
What’s in store for you this year?
This year I am scaling my company. I am changing my business model to serve move corporate and government audiences.
Finish this sentence. If I knew back then what I know now” I would ______
Have started writing books while I was still in Corporate America.
What is one mistake that you see business owners make?
Business owners need to have a working budget. Most business owners don’t know their numbers which is a huge mistake.
What is some piece of advice that you would give someone aspiring to be a business owner?
Know thyself before you get into entrepreneurship. Save some money first.
What would be some word of advice to those individuals who are working their business and working a 9-5?
Maximize your time, but make sure you take care of yourself i.e. eat right, get rest, and exercise. Sounds great, but most people don’t do it and they get burnt out.
What is one thing that you are proud of, in relation to your business or personally?
I am proud that I didn’t quit when I wanted to. I pivoted but I don’t quit!
Where do you see yourself in five years? What about ten years from now?
In five years, I’ll be traveling speaking at large conferences a couple times a year. I’ll be a real estate mogul and a venture capitalist.
What are some things you do to ensure work/life balance?
I get massages regularly, I keep morning regimens, and I pray! There’s really know such thing as a work life balance.
If we took a look at your iPod, what songs would we most likely stumble across?
Mostly gospel.
The battle is not yours
Never would have made it
Silver and gold
I won’t complain
What is your favorite tech app and why?
Now that’s hard !
Right now it’s the podcast app on Apple phones.
What did you want to be as a child?
I wanted to be an anchor woman
What are some ways you promote your business?
Social media ads
Google ads
Speaking
Books
What keeps you going no matter what obstacle come your way?
GOD!!!!
Being a business owner teaches an individual a number of things. What has it taught you?
People are people not perfect.
Pivot then perfect.
Life is not all business.
Save money for a rainy day.