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

Hi Keelay, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
My name is Keelay Carter, I am from the DMV area (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) currently residing in Maryland. I believe that my background and my upbringing is what pushes me to strive for more and to keep going despite…. I grew up in Washington, DC with my grandparents to begin with until the age of 7. Both of my parents suffered from addiction HOWEVER my mom is a true warrior, she has a strong testimony of what God can do when he truly has a calling on your life and for me, that’s one of the biggest impacts on who I am today. My family has lost so much, we’ve experienced so much hurt and pain that I didn’t think I would make it out let alone all of us still being here for one another and being able to exert the joy that we have, being able to share our purpose with the world in our own way. It took me a very long time to stop playing victim to my situation, to stop blaming, to stop holding unforgiveness in my heart, and truly heal from all of the hurt and pain. It took me some time to truly surrender it all, but once I did, I began to see God begin to work in my life in every aspect. In January 2020, right before the pandemic, I heard God say to me clearly “Turn Your Pain into Purpose”. At that time I immediately broke down in an emotional state of mind because I didn’t want to be ashamed or embarrassed by my story but through it all, God has blessed others and used my transparency to not only be healing for me but for others. I have built not only a brand but a ministry, a true story of overcoming obstacles and pivoting it into Passion. My upbringing has everything to do with the strong, powerful, ambitious, loving, authentic, faith-having, woman of integrity I am today. God had to allow me to go through everything I endured to build me up into who he needed me to be today and for the future. At the time, I didn’t understand all that I was experiencing, I didn’t understand all of the heartache, pain, loss, and trauma my family had to endure but as I begin to grow and as I begin to inspire others, I now see it all working for Purpose. Living With Purpose is the true story of my life as I continue to navigate who I am and meant to be in this world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m most proud of overcoming everything I’ve been through and being able to turn it into purpose because I honestly would have never seen myself where I am today. I’m excited for all that’s to come with the Keelay Carter Experience, for every person that this brand/ministry will touch, impact, bless, and uplift. For every life that will change due to me walking fully in my purpose. I got here by accident if you ask me lol I’m sure God has a different version of that story but truly, I started this thing off as a hobby. The podcast that allowed me to be me, to create this platform for mothers that I knew I needed more than anyone because I was struggling! It began to impact so many and it surprised me because I was only being me, I was only doing what all mothers do, I was only sharing my boring life. I was confused when people would tell me “girl you inspire me” because I honestly had no idea what I was doing so special that made them feel this way. The pressure began to come and I felt inadequate again telling myself “you’re not doing anything special” “you’re not good enough for all they’re telling you can do” “give up” and so I did…. I would stop and give up, I would become sad and emotional and feel stuck and that was the biggest challenge— ME, MYSELF and I! I overcame these challenges by beginning to sow into me, beginning to pray and ask God for clarity in what it was he wanted me to do and be in this world, beginning to feed my spirit with encouraging messages, continuing to encourage others even when I felt my lowest and they thought everything was good with me. I got out of victimizing and got into manifesting and sowing seeds of Faith— Was it easy? Not at all and it still isn’t but I give myself grace and I take it day by day, hour by hour, sometimes minute by minute. I want the world to know the same thing about me and my brand as a whole because I am the brand. I want them to know that it is driven by Purpose and not by Recognition or Popularity. I want them to know that Authenticity, Integrity, Love, Kindness, Honesty, and Faith will always be the forefront in everything that I do or don’t do. I want to impact and leave a legacy that means something.

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?
If you’re ever in the DMV area, I would definitely want to take you on a “tour” if I may. One of my favorite restaurants in the city is a cute little spot for Brunch Ophelia’s Fish House. I love that it is a Family Owned Restaurant and the food is just amazing there. It’s not overcrowded and customer service is always on point. Now, if we’re headed to have some fun, I love all things music and dancing. We would enjoy something small and intimate but also fun by bringing our wine on the FloatBoat 360 with some great tunes and enjoy the water at the National Harbor. We could enjoy skating because that’s a new hobby of mine. I would definitely host a night because I just love hosting and planning themed events with friends and family. We could picnic at one of my new favorite parks, Gravelly Point and enjoy the outdoors while watching the planes fly right over our heads. and Of Course!!! we’re definitely going to partake in some karaoke nights lol because what’s a trip without karaoke with Keelay. Lastly, let’s relax at one of my Fav hotels that’s perfect for a Staycation Hotel at Arundel Preserve. We’d enjoy rest and relaxation and a time to just be.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Husband- My Partner, My Biggest Supporter, My Encourager and Prayer Warrior. I am beyond thankful that God saw fit to place me with the person he knew would not allow me to give up the purpose he has for me. My Children- All Moms say we needed our children more than they needed us, for me this is very true. My Children motivate me, they’re the reason I can’t give up, knowing that they are watching and questioning my every move makes me move differently. My Parents- They have instilled in me the values and the courage to Live in My Purpose. My Sisters- My Best Friends, they are with me every step of the way, being there for whatever is needed. They’re truly my rocks in this thing called life. My Ma Ma- My grandmother, without her, there would be no me! She’s the reason I’m here today to even have a story. To Every Person that has encouraged me, prayed for me, inspired me, supported me and believed in me. Save the Best for Last- GOD! Because he is “I AM”

Website: www.KeelayCarter.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Keelay_Carter/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/K.Carter2/

Image Credits
BelleImagery Portraits AmberIris Photos Joe Coates

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