Meet Keisha Hall | Serial Entrepreneur & Educator

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

Hi Keisha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started Prayer & Hustle when I moved back to my hometown of Newburgh, NY after tearing my ACL. I was living in Tampa, coaching two basketball teams, mentoring during the day and serving at night and was miserable. All the hard work and effort I was putting out was not being put back into myself and essentially, I lost myself. I felt as if God had to slow me down because I was not going to do it. When I moved back home, I finally decided to become a full-time entrepreneur but I did not know what to do. I got down on my knees and asked God to show me and that’s when the name came to me. “Prayer & Hustle”; it was literally my lifestyle. So, I put the name on a shirt and people instantly gravitated towards it. That was 2016. Fast forward to today, my brand has expanded from one t-shirt to multiple collections, home items, jewelry and bags.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
There was a point in 2017, where I had to completely surrender and give my business back to God after 1 year of its inception. I had come to a crossroads where literally nothing was working out. I was so broke, I was walking across George Washington bridge in the dead of winter to get to an internship that I believed would lead to a full-time position, that never came. I was yelling at God on that walk, “What do you want from me?! What do I need to do?!”, with seemingly no answer. I was sleeping on my friend’s couch for months and it got to a point where she had to put me out because I could not contribute. I was homeless and hopeless. Once again, I got down on my knees, surrendered and asked God what was the will for my life. That same day, I walk into a grocery store and run into a little book titled, “What is God’s will for my life?” I felt God had finally heard my cry. So, I asked for more. I asked God to show me in my dream what it is I needed to be doing. I That night, I dreamt I was in a classroom, mentoring students who cried out for help. Fast forward to one year later, I became a substitute teacher. As soon as I started working, the principal asked me to fill a long-term position, which would consist of me making lesson plans and teaching 6th grade students English and Social Studies. I am still teaching to this day.
I also went back to school in 2019 for Accounting. I excelled. I am also currently a small business accountant. Between Prayer & Hustle, educating and being an accountant, I can absolutely say that I am in alignment with what was written for my life at this point. And I believe that because it all comes easy. Creating, teaching and organizing finances. I am most proud of my impact that I have on the students that I interact with. Hearing them say to me how great of a teacher I am, or even having another teacher come to me after overhearing students say that, always is confirmation that I am doing what I should be.
I believe what sets me apart is my journey and what I have learned along the way. The main lessons I learned was to let go of control. When I try to figure it out on my own, I am limiting the potential and outcome that God has ordained. I surrender everyday and ask God to use me. Because I know that is how I can make the greatest impact.
I would like the World to know that with Prayer & Hustle, anything is possible. Having faith in God and moving towards whatever desires that come to the heart, great things will transpire no matter what it looks like. My story can attest to that. I have lived in over 7 different states and have tried many different things such as photography, videography, media, coaching, teaching, accounting, etc, etc. There are no limits to what we can achieve when we hustle for God and through God.

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?
I would schedule a bike ride around the city, a visit to little 5 points, Ponce city market to a wine festival. We would absolutely go to Tasilli’s and get a wrap and go to Slutty Vegan for dinner. Also, we would do yoga with Jamie at The Home Depot backyard followed by a workout with The Real DP! Then for fun go to Rum Punch on Sunday. Then go meditate at Piedmont Park the next day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out my former personal trainer Hayes Kanyike! He was the person that helped me in my healing and strenghtening journey after tearing my ACL. I did not get surgery, I just went through intense physical training. He helped build me up not only physically but mentally. He helped me see the beast that has always been within me and also helped me recognize my value. He even hired me as a personal trainer at his gym once I was healed. He always made me strive for more and I can definitely attest that he helped me conjure up the confidence within myself to put myself out there and essentially, my brand as well.

Website: https://prayerandhustle.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nonidle_keish

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

Facebook: facebook.com/prayerandhustle

Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/nonidleent