Meet Kalina Harrison: Content + Copy Writer & Author

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

Hi Kalina, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Life is impossible without risks! The key is to take calculated risks, which are those that involve intentional planning and execution. Taking risks has been a major part of my life as an entrepreneur. One of my first hurdles was forcefully resigning from my job without having a significant roster of clients. While I was nervous, I chose to let my confidence override my fear. I created a contingency plan, consulted a business coach for a FREE discovery call, and marketed my business like it was the last on earth. I’m happy to report that I’ve now been a full-time biz owner for 4 years! My secret? I keep my faith higher than my fear.

The same month that I went full-time in my business, I traveled to Cuba (I’d already had it planned and paid for piror to resigning from my job). While there, I saw so many people selling items out of their homes, setting up nail shops in their basements, and styling hair in the park. Though they had limited resources, they didn’t allow anything to stop them from reaching their business goals. Risk taking became apart of their daily routine, and I firmly believe that a little bit of risk taking skills are in everyone’s DNA.

If you’re thinking about taking a risk do it; but make sure that it’s
1) Ethical
2) Legal
3) Aligned with your God-given purpose

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 am most proud of myself for sustaining myself as a full-time entrepreneur and being able to travel abroad without having to ask anyone for permission. Though it takes a great deal of discipline and courage, it’s quite rewarding to help other people reach their goals by doing what I do best — WRITE! I wouldn’t say it was easy, as I’ve overcome lots of challenges.

I once had a contract with a corporate organization (YAYYY!), but they paid me nearly two months late (BOO), which left me with very little funds to cover my bills. I eventually received a gas shut-off notice, and that same day, I closed a deal that doubled the cost of the bill! From that, I’ve learned not to rely on one client (no matter how large or small the budget) to cover my living expenses. I also realized that my work ethic and ability to quote big-ticket prices greatly surged when I was under pressure! I’d like the world to know that no matter the pitfall, I continue to persevere — and with God’s help, I win every time!

BONUS! I also piloted a plane for my 30th birthday! The intention was to take a leap of faith and do something that I had no experience in, and feel the exhiliration of courage, adventrue, and personal success.

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.
My bestie and I would go to the historic West End area, and I’d take them to Taste of Tropical or Caribbean Delight. Then, we’d go to West End park to enjoy a cultural festival, shop with the local vendors, and enjoy the good vibes that the area has to offer. For a girl’s night out, I’d take her to Boogalou Restaurant & Lounge so she can get a taste of the Old Fourth Ward. We’d take pics on the luxe furniture, toast to a prosperous friendship, and then leave to have a Krispy Kreme donut while the “Hot Sign’ is on. The next day, we’d have brunch at the same place that Martin Luther King, Jr. dined, Paschal’s. After we’re good and full, we’d visit Edgewood Avenue, Martin Luther King’s house, and other nearby bazaars. In between time, we’d make candles at Simply Naked Candle, Co., go to happy hour in Midtown or Atlantic Station, and end the week with meditation at West End Park.

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 would like to shout out 4 people; Tamika “Georgia Me” Harper, my mother, Judith D. McDaniel, and Patrice C. Washington. Tamika has been my mentor for 10+ years, and she’s the first full-time entrepreneur that I met who built a career around her talent as a Spoken Word artist and writer. I shadowed her as she negotiated and closed deals, and learned how to manage and scale a business. Tamika’s gotten me internships that resulted in working on projects in St. Thomas, and she continues to remind me, through example, that my dreams are achievable. My mother has instilled faith + entrepreneurship ideals in my mind since I was a young girl. She bought books and toys that taught my sister and me how to write checks, sell products, and employ our talents. Whenever I share a business idea with her, she asks me to write a business plan for it. She believes in me beyond measure, and I am so grateful! Judith has become an ever-present mentor in my adult life, and she has endowed me with the blueprint to operate a profitable non-profit organization, balance work-life and family, and she supports every single project that I’ve launched. She offers constructive criticism in a compassionate way and ensures that I am charging my worth! Patrice C. Washington, known as the Money Maven, is my best friend/mentor in my head! She gives wisdom and strategies on how to build and scale a 7+figure business. She discusses her struggles, failures, and challenges while giving the step-by-step breakdown on how to overcome each of them — with joy and profit!

Instagram: @Kreativescribes

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/kalina-harrison-1a122579

Image Credits
Courtesy of Kalina Harrison.