Meet Keilani Astra | Brand Strategist

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

Hi Keilani, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I made the choice to make graphic and web design into a business after being asked by friends…often. I’ve always had an eye for detail and began my career in the fashion industry as a designer. I couldn’t afford to hire someone to do my website, so I taught myself how and I seemed to catch on fairly quickly. Eventually, after offering to help friends out with their websites, logos or social media, I thought, “Maybe this is a thing. Maybe this should be WHAT I’m doing”. So I did! I love creating in all forms and thoroughly enjoy my work every day. I LOVE the logo development process — getting to infuse the energy of a business with brand authenticity and flow through visual pieces is so fulfilling.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career began in the fashion industry as a designer, then morphed into more of a stylist role. Do you remember the show What Not to Wear? Essentially that was my job, only on an individual basis, and I didn’t throw people’s clothes in the trash. I spent over a decade in that world as a stylist, Fashion week coordinator, and wardrobe styling in tv/film and for marketing campaigns. I left that side of things to take on a Shop Director role for a company called Kit & Ace and through that experience, I recognized my LOVE for business in general. Fast forward to 2022, after being asked over and over by friends and acquaintances for help with graphics, websites and design, I made the call to do it full time. I have learned that above everything, I am a creator, first and foremost. I am thrilled to work with people on bringing their vision to life, helping to translate their authentic energy signature into their branding and throughout their visual assets. I am 100% energy driven first — I create and live based off of feeling, and I infuse that into everything I create. It’s truly a sacred experience for me every time I sit down at my computer.

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 this! I would start off with some outdoor grounding — head to the beach, let the ocean calm and ground everything, soak up the sun, maybe have a delicious iced coffee. Hitting up some amazing vegan restaurants would be next — I love Wild Pie (the most amazing plant based pizzas made fresh!), True Food Kitchen, and Alms & Fare for some sweets. We would definitely spend a day heading up to some springs because there are some incredible ones here in Florida! I love time on the water kayaking and just being in the energy of nature. As any good visit, we’d spend time together relaxing, going on walks, having easy mornings, connecting. If there was live music going on somewhere, that would be a must too! And lastly, I love a live baseball or football game.

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?
This is so tough because there are MANY. My dear friend and client, Malie Oriana, has been incredibly supportive and encouraging in all ways. I have done work for her for quite some time and she is, in part, a reason I chose to make this career of mine a more serious endeavour. She’s an incredibly talented International Design Expert specializing in new home builds, renovations, and overall Interior Design.

Website: www.astrabranddesign.com

Instagram: @astra_brand_design

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AstraBrandDesign?mibextid=LQQJ4d