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

Hi Kiya, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from Atlanta, GA and was raised on the eastside of the metro area in Decatur. I believe that my hometown effected who I am today in ways I haven’t discovered fully. There is always something going on in the city and as I child I was aware of that. Atlanta is referred to by some as “Wakanda” now and I totally understand why. I have been immersed and educated in Black excellence from as far back as I can remember. I know that is not the case for a lot of Black kids around the country. Growing up here and seeing the opportunity people like me, especially Black women, have here has given me the perspective that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to, particularly in business and finance.

What should our readers know about your business?
KNL Co., LLC is the creative agency that I began when I realized it was time for me to transition from my corporate job (because I knew it was not my career) to entrepreneurship. The difference between my business and other that have the same function is my unique perspective on brand marketing and my commitment to executiving purposeful, passionate, and creative marketing/ PR collateral. I believe I have gotten where I am today by taking whatever comes at me. I realize that I am still in stage 1.5 of where my business is going and this perspective creates a student mentality. It is difficult at times because I stretch myself between multiple projects, platforms, and clients at once, but I know years from now this time period will have been the groundwork for my ultimate success. What I want people to know about KNL Co. is that we executive to provide the most unique and optimized visibility for your brand.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If someone I knew wanted a realistic Atlanta experience we would hit every nook & cranny of the metro area. Each neighborhood has its own vibe and I believe that is important to experience. One day we would take a walk on the beltline and grab a drink at a taproom or one of the bars in Ponce City Market. Another day we may go to the westside, drive down Hollowell, and watch the Chattahoochee River move on a hide away with American Deli. The next day we may go on the southside and hit the bar scene that V-103 and 107.9 are always hyping for the weekend. And we would definitely have to do brunch at one of the the restaurants in midtown or Buckhead.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out all the Black women who inspired me to pursue entrepreneurship and media who made Atlanta an incubator. My mother, Kallette Stanford, is one of those women. Taking that leap does not go unnoticed and it is inspiring a new generation of Black women in business.

Website: knl.comapny

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiya.nichelle/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiya-stanford-24818182/

Image Credits
Devin Mann (@mannificentdesign)

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