We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Ragin Whaley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Social Impact is important to me. I believe that God put me in position to create a platform for others to share their stories of challenge and triumph. When people share their testimonies of how THEY MADE IT….it gives hope to others and shows them proof that they can make it too.

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?
Being a business owner has become more important to me than I ever imagined. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. It actually runs in my blood and throughout my family. But for over 30 years, I worked as a federal employee. I quickly learned that could do both, but it took discipline. I tried my hand at it in 1995 by opening a home day care. 2 years later, my interest changed. But several years later, I chose to do something that I was truly passionate about. Women’s empowerment In 2008, I launched an organization called KellyKares Empowering events. This was just the beginning of what has grown tremendously, in terms of other businesses as well as community efforts. From this organization, I launched a publications company called, MyStory Publications. I started out creating magazines as a means to share some amazing stories of local community based businesses and successes. Then, from there, I wrote 5 books. Today, I’m blessed to own a bookstore/booktique called, More Than Just Books”. I’m able to use this platform in so many ways. The biggest factor in all of this is now–I can empower others and give them something to smile about…and something to be proud of overall.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta is such a great place to visit. Great restaurants galore!

I would first take my family or friends who are visiting to check out the new store called THE PAINTED TREE BOUTIQUES in Snellville. This place is beautiful and of course…its the location for where my BookStore is located. Inside they have tons of beautiful retail from candles, soaps, handbags, jewelry and so much more. Tons of Vendors galore!

Then, I would ride over to the New Black Market in Stonecrest, GA. Very similar concept, but so much more offered. There’s an African Textile museum there, restaurants, jazz club, a beautiful Tea Room…empowerment sessions. Very nice establishment.

As for GOOD EATS, not sure where to begin. Some of my favorites are: Eschoichez Carribbean restuarant in Snellville, then Poor Calvins in Downtown Atlanta, Top Spice, Fortune Cookie and LaParilla! These are some of my favorites.

And last but certainly not least. I would invite EVERYONE to join us on a Sunday morning to visit with us for church service at The Berean Christian Church of Gwinnett for an awesome worship experience!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This ShoutOut is dedicated to my Husband, Perry Whaley. My personal motivator.

Website: www.kellyragin.com

Instagram: kellykares321

Youtube: The SitDown with Kelly

Other: Email: Kelly@mystorypubs.com

Image Credits
Images- Kelly Whaley

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