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

Hi Kenisha, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in Grady Hospital and raised in the heart of Southwest Atlanta. I’m a true Georgia Peach through and through. I come from a hard-working family, where my grandparents set the tone, teaching me that work ethic is everything. For me, life’s compass has always pointed in two main directions: God and family. Now, as I navigate the world of business, those values remain my true north—work ethic intact, God and family at the forefront.

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?
Navigating the helm of Darden Quality of Works, a Remote Staffing Services company, has been a labor of love for me. The company offers a lifeline for people to work as independent contractors, furnishing customer service right from their homes. This business model not only offers an alternative revenue stream but also a new way of life for many.

Unfortunately, like countless others, my business was not immune to the havoc wreaked by the pandemic. While we haven’t fully recovered, there are glimmers of hope and signs of a rebound. During this challenging phase, I didn’t just sit on my hands, waiting for things to improve; I actively sought out new marketing strategies to rejuvenate the business.

Simultaneously, this period unlocked a dormant part of me: my creative side. I took to writing and published two more books. One of these, “Meditation Basics: A Beginner’s Guide to Enhanced Mindfulness and Personal Transformation,” is available on [Amazon](https://a.co/d/cEzuKZ0) and [Audible](https://www.audible.com/pd/Meditation-Basics-A-Beginners-Guide-to-Enhanced-Mindfulness-and-Personal-Transformation-Audiobook/B0CGGC22TG?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp).

I’m also thrilled to announce that my upcoming book, “Life After Periods: Decoding the Mysteries of Menopause,” is scheduled to drop soon. Mark your calendars for a special book signing event on September 30, 2023, at Douglasville Books & Things from 2-5 pm.

To further diversify, I launched KeniShopGifts, an online store on Etsy. You can check it out at [https://kenishopgifts.etsy.com](https://kenishopgifts.etsy.com).

If there’s one takeaway from this journey, it’s the art of making lemonade when life hands you lemons. Through adversity, I’ve discovered new avenues for growth, both personally and professionally.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re ever visiting Atlanta and I’m your guide, get ready for a deep dive into the city’s rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant sports scene. First stop? Mary Mac’s Tea Room, an iconic establishment that’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a piece of Atlanta history. Serving up soul food that’ll make your taste buds sing, it’s the ideal spot to get acquainted with Southern hospitality and cuisine.

But there’s more to Atlanta than its culinary delights. We’d make our way to the Civil Rights Museum and the King Center. Atlanta isn’t just the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr.; it’s a city that’s played a monumental role in the Civil Rights Movement. At these centers, you’ll immerse yourself in exhibits that’ll give you insight into the struggles and triumphs that have shaped not just Atlanta, but the entire nation.

To wrap up, how about some live action? Depending on the season, we’ll either catch an Atlanta Falcons game if you’re into football or an Atlanta Hawks game if basketball’s more your style. It’s the perfect way to feel the pulse of the city and engage with its passionate sports culture.

We’ll round out the day with a stroll through the newly reopened Underground Atlanta, a historic shopping and entertainment district that’s been part of the city’s fabric for generations.

So, whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a sports fanatic, Atlanta offers something for everyone. And I can’t wait to show you around.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s hard to pinpoint just one person as my guiding light, especially when the women in my family have been such profound influences. My mom, aunts, and grandmothers have all instilled in me a sense of immense strength and perseverance. Their resilience in tough times shaped my character, making their lessons part of my very DNA.

When it comes to business acumen, I owe a great deal to the owner of Kids Stop Day Care. Interestingly, I don’t think she even realized I was soaking up her wisdom. Yet, I was quietly observing and learning, and I apply much of what I absorbed from her in managing my own businesses today.

Website: www.dardarenqualityofworks.com, https://kenishopgifts.etsy.com, https://www.amazon.com/author/kenirdarden

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dardenquality/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dardenquality/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dardenqualityofworks

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.