Meet Kemone Francis | Purposeful, Resilient, Passionate

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

Hi Kemone, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Use question below

Where are you from and how did your background and upbringing impact who you are today?

I am from Kingston Jamaica, raised in inner-city communities by both parents. I had an average childhood until my father and brother were made redundant from their jobs. This resulted in an increase in our bills, and little to nothing to eat. I recall a period in my life where my father had to go to Missionaries of the Poor (a Poor Relief Agency in Jamaica) for assistance with food. He got some biscuits and beans which served as our breakfast, lunch and dinner.

In my young adolescent years, I succumbed to peer pressure, broke some school rules and engaged in bad behavior. I was also a truant, ‘skulling’ grades 7-9. It was not until a teacher saw me one day and said to me “why are you doing this? there is more to you than this”.

This was my turning point! Those words convicted me instantaneously and allowed me to do a thorough introspection and changes to my life. The following year I was enlisted as a Prefect and later shortlisted and succeeded in an interview for Head Girl.

It came as a surprise to me as I had a bad record at the school but it also helped me to understand the potential I carry as an individual. This turning point later saw me completing a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Counselling and Social Work.

Today, I am employed as a Guidance Counsellor at a local school where I help children understand the power of their CHOICE. I am also an award winning author of the book “Where Shame Ends, Grace Begins: Chronicles from the Redeemed”, Justice of the Peace serving my country and an empowerment speaker helping women who are experiencing shame and rejection to become resilient, using the word of God, so that they can overcome and live an unapologetic life, in Christ

I watched my family struggle. I was determined to break that cycle, determined not to allow their efforts to go in vain, determined that my children shall be born into a legacy of fulfillment. My parents are now retired and resting peacefully in our home.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a trained counselor providing interventative and preventative measures for children, parents and teachers. I am better able to identify with my clients as I too am coming from the grassroots and have experienced my portion of emotional struggles, as such, I aim to empower and not condemn.

When I look at where I am coming from and where I am today, I am humbled at my achievements. It was never easy but I believe that I was blessed with a spirit of resilience, received divine favour and parents whose language, in the face of adversity, was perseverance.

My spiritual struggle taught me that in the midst of my battle, in my deepest pain, God still has a plan for me. I am standing on His promises!

I use my brand and my story to show other women that whatever mountains they face, they can overcome too. All my circumstances made me who I am today. I have no regrets.

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 loveeeee nature, especially water. In the early morning, I would take my best friend to my favourite spot – the beach in Port Royal.

We would then visit Hope Gardens and stop by South Avenue Bar and Grill for lunch. The food there is delicious!

In the evening we would visit a nice ambience, have a good drink (sorrel beer or some red wine), food, chat, fun and laughter.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
One of the lowest points in my life was when I was relieved from positions at my local church and told that I could no longer testify because I am engaged to an unsaved. I was shocked, crushed and hurt.

Nevertheless this crushing season became the pinnacle of my legacy. I was able to birth my first book which has helped numerous people who have experienced shame and rejection to overcome feelings of self sabotage and increased their confidence in self and God. The book later won an award in the Top Women’s Empowerment Category of the Kingdom Indie Author Awards in 2022 and is being used in book clubs locally and internationally.

I want to give a special shout out to Pastor Alrick Douglas of the Seek International Ministries and Dr. Rev. Andrew Henry for praying with and for me during this period. They were my Aaron and Hur who held up my hands and fanned the flames so that my fire would not go out.

I honor God for the crushing season. My relationship with Him has increased in confidence, faith and strength.

Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him (Job 13:15).

Instagram: @kemonefrancis

Facebook: Kemone Francis (Kym)