Meet Kasiyahna Kushkituah | Founder of F.A.B. & Professional Athlete

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

Hi Kasiyahna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
There are a few businesses I plan to start in the next couple of years. I have always had a passion for other hobbies outside of my sport. Basketball plays a big factor in my life beginning at 11 years old. I love everything about the game including how much it has taught me, the experiences I’ve made, the places I’ve been and people I have met. Anyone who knows me knows how much basketball means to me but also understands I am much more than my sport and an athlete. I plan to help Influence others in any way possible with my businesses.

I have founded 3 businesses within a year, and recently launched one in Atlanta, GA called F.A.B. – Female Athletes Beyond. F.A.B. is a community that helps and uplifts all female athletes by providing life skills and resources beyond their sports. While playing basketball in Egypt, I used a lot of my free time to brainstorm and create my business plan. I began with F.A.B. Basketball Camp because I thought it was the best way to introduce the business to the world. I wanted a camp I always dreamed of when I was a younger girl.

The first F.A.B. camp was a success, featuring special guests with 50 elementary and middle school campers who were able to learn basketball skills on the court, and life skills off the court. F.A.B. Basketball camp took place on the court and in the classroom for F.A.B. workshops which included: Being a good teammate, health & wellness, game day routine and social media pro’s and con’s.

I was able to bring on Jada Lewis who is a former professional athlete and children’s book Author for Pretty is Me. I also played against Jada many times when we were younger in AAU basketball. It felt good to be one the same team for once! Another special guest, Nia Symone, who was the host of Nike’s Digital Series known as Come Thru and CEO of her new business, Purpose To Be Heard. Rhyne Howard, the overall #1 Draft Pick for the WNBA who now plays for the Atlanta Dream, made a special guest appearance with teammate, Naz Hillmon, who both did a Q&A session with the campers. The special guest and I have history as I have trained with Nia, and played on the same team as Rhyne so it felt good to be back together for another purpose bigger than ourselves. Our other special guest, Chastity Garner, who is an entrepreneur and big time social media influencer! Chastity is also my God-Mother and mentor who has inspired me to always chase my dreams and given me a lot of advice throughout the years. It meant a lot that these special guests, also known as my good friends, were able to come out and share some of their knowledge and experience with the girls!

F.A.B. plans to grow and really connect other female athletes to opportunities and people beyond their sports. My other businesses are centered around athletes, fashion and mental health which are the pillars of my passions. One day soon I hope to come back to share my next upcoming business and journey!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
A lot of people call me by my nickname Kasi, and see me often as a 6’4” person who must play a sport. I am excited to add the words inventive and entrepreneur to my profile.

After completing my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in 4 years as a Student Athlete, I recently graduated from the University of Tennessee in May 2021 to become a professional basketball player and arrived in Brazil a few weeks later to begin my career. Since May 2021, I have traveled, lived and played in Brazil, Portugal and Ciaro, Egypt.

What sets me apart from others is that I am very creative, goal-driven and a hard worker on and off the court. I have always had other desires, passions and goals lined up for myself since beginning my basketball career. I take the mindset of working hard on the court to achieve wins, the same mindset as I work hard off the court with my businesses.

Reflected in the jersey #11 that I often play basketball in, I decided to leave soccer and focus on basketball at age 11. It was difficult for me because I had only played recreational basketball so the seriousness of the game was new to me and I still had so much to learn. Basketball has shaped me into the person I am today because I was able to grow stronger mentally and learn my worth on my journey. I am most proud of myself for staying true to who I am on this journey and most excited to help others around me be successful as well.

I have achieved where I am today by never giving up no matter how hard things get. I know the career goals I have and the hard work it will take to get there. I am very open minded while being able to not be easily influenced by others. One of my personal quotes includes “I dream with my eyes open” because my mind is always going. Some ideas or thoughts I have may sound near impossible to others, but I will never let other minds dedicate mine. I am very determined to get where I know I will be no matter what.

This journey has not been easy, but I will say the people around me have made all the memories worthwhile! While living and playing abroad, I have run into several challenges trying to start my basketball career. With the time difference, it is difficult to talk with people back home in the United States and sometimes my practice and game schedule does not allow the time. I also love face-to face interactions, so being away and having to meet virtually is hard because it feels like I am back in a pandemic or lockdown. I have remained resilient to making things work. The advantage of living internationally has allowed me to experience and learn other cultures as well.

The 5 things I have learned along the way are the pillars that created my F.A.B. 5 inspirational components:
1. Create Balance
2. Remain true to yourself
3. Aim for the best and nothing less
4. Uplift others
5. Know how FABUlous YOU ARE

During the camp, the 50 young girls earned a certificate acknowledging their commitment to benign a F.A.B. Girl. Stay tuned to learn more about my other upcoming inventive businesses! In the meantime I hope you can support and follow my current brand F.A.B. – focused on supporting young girls and adults.

If you want to know more, I am open to sharing my story more in depth just email me at Kasiyahnak@gmail.com

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.
I love hanging out in metro Atlanta. Some things I love doing with my friends when I in town involves:

– Working Out (Hiking Kennesaw Mountain, Biking on the Beltline or Silver Comet trail)

– Dining Out (any Saturday Brunch spot, any Hibachi or Sushi spot)

– Relaxing (Beauty/Nails, Massage Appointment at Treat Your Feet Buckhead, Pool)

– Hanging Out (Karaoke Bar, or Socializing at the Battery, Ponce City Market and Six Flags Over Georgia)

– SHOPPING anywhere in Atlanta

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Nothing would be possible without God! As I continue to build on my relationship with him, I also share all of my ideas with him. The sky’s the limit because I know God is forever on my side.

My Family has been my pillar of strength and support. From traveling more than three hours away to watch my basketball games multiple times a week, to traveling internationally across the country to watch me play. I have a lot of family members in different places, including all the way in New York and am very grateful for their ongoing support as well. My family is who keeps me going.

I have amazing friends, who are always there to support me and have my back. They are always willing and wanting to help me. They continuously push me to never settle and be great in my own way. Playing and living overseas means sometimes the time zone is completely different but we always find a way to make it work and I appreciate them.

I was fortunate enough to be a part of great basketball environments, which includes the FBC Travel Basketball Program, St. Francis High School (Alpharetta Ga), and a Lady Vols Basketball player at the University of Tennessee. I have met amazing people along my journey! I am forever grateful as they continue to support me in any way they can.

One person who has always inspired me through music and films has been Beyoncè. Anyone who knows me knows how big of a fan I am of her. She never fails to inspire me through her art and always reminds me that sky’s the limit and I have the power.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kasiuniquee & https://www.instagram.com/femaleathletesbeyond/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kasiuniquee & https://twitter.com/femalebeyond

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kasiuniquee

Image Credits
Gary Walker -Crowned Photography | Atlanta Photographer