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

Hi Kenisha, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in Far Rockaway, Queens, NY. Growing up in New York gave me the opportunity to have many things at my fingertips, which was and is still amazing. There’s a constant convenience that makes NYC what it is and it makes the impossible absolutely possible. It’s helped me to dream big and stay focused on my goals. The other side of growing up there is that you experience many things and are forced to mature very quickly. Compared to my friends that didn’t grow up in NYC or major cities, even my college experience was a cake-walk because of the things I’d done before I ever arrived at school.

The saying about New York, “if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere” is true for me. From meeting celebrities on any given day to riding the subway with millionaires, I’m able to hold a conversation with anyone. Experiencing homelessness and having to fight for what’s mine taught me resilience and gave me grit. Having a well-rounded view of the world came from being surrounded by different cultures and people. Being able to push past my comfort zone comes from having to overcome the obstacles of living in a small city with millions of people because nothing is truly comfy in NYC. My awareness of my surroundings, my ability to read a room or situation quickly, and my ability to make critical decisions came from the continuous movement of the city and growing up in the greatest place on earth!

What should our readers know about your business?
Business has always aligned with my purpose. I was managing my dad and his moving business when I was 7, which is around the time I knew I’d work for myself. I started My Tribe Essentials will working a full-time job and traveling what some would call full-time as well. I created 5 essential oil blends to combat some travel issues I was experiencing. Those 5 products took off around the 2019 holiday season. I wouldn’t have guessed that months later, the pandemic would halt my essential oil business that was geared to travelers. It took me a few months to figure out what was next. With my target audience at home indefinitely, I decided to pivot the business from oil blends to candles that include the oils I was using. Fast-forwards to a few months later and the candles have become best sellers, have been featured in magazines, and we’ve even introduced incense and sage bundles to our product lineup.

As a solopreneur, I face challenges daily. Overcoming them looks like affirmations some days, other days it looks like brainstorming with my think partners, or shutting things down and going on an adventure. My advice is always find what works for you and don’t work harder, work smarter. With these in mind, I’m proud of my business growth in just 2 short years. I’m also proud of my brands’ focus, to create products using herbs that produce intentional vibes and promote holistic living. I’m on a mission to create products that are essential oil-based, sustainable, and convenient and my goal is to build and educate a tribe on the simplicity of natural products. Keep an eye out for My Tribe Essentials!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta is so fun! I’ve lived in NYC, DC, LA, Fort Lauderdale, Maryland, and Atlanta. This city has been my longest stay outside of NYC, that’s because of how alive I feel here. I’d contribute that to the people, the culture, the Blackness, and the freedom that resides here. It’s truly an entrepreneur playground here. While in town, you definitely have to grab brunch from The Real Milk and Honey, their honey butter biscuits are divine. I live for brunch, my fave spots of Ms. Iceys and Negril. If you’re in the mood for Jamaican food, check out Mangos (get their rum punch too) and Jam Rock.

If I’m chilling outside, you can find me in Piedmont Park, walking around Cascade Nature Preserve, or checking out a dope farmers market. Between the lively people and the plethora of food, there’s always something to do in Atlanta. If all else fails, grab some tacos from Bar Taco and people watch downtown at the Ferris wheel.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shout-out is reserved for my tribe! There are so many people who contribute to my successes because I don’t do it alone. From my family and friends to mentors and random people I converse with daily, there’s a little bit of everyone in my story. The African proverb “if you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together” is something that I hold onto. There are many things in my story that I’ll do alone, but my reasons for persevering and my support is fully centered around my tribe. They truly are the glue that keeps me bound to myself and my purpose.

Website: www.mytribe-essentials.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mytribeessentials_

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kenisham

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mytribeessentialsproducts

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_-WhPBS15vUSfuJoa8u5Jg

Image Credits
Pics of candles credit Belle Rogue Photography

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