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

Hi Kenajawa, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The answer to this is simple… God! Without God I would not be the woman I am today. I do not want this answer to sound religionly ( I’m sure I made that word up lol). In 2018, I sat pool-side with 2 bottles of advil extra strength coursing through my body, ready to jump into a pool and drown. There I had to admit, I am nothing without God. I had hit what we all would call “rock bottom”. From that moment the vision was birthed, I didn’t see it at that time, but from that moment God had planted the seed of my business and brand, and from that moment forward it began to blossom. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Writing is my art. This is where everything started for me, I will always be an author first! In 2018, I published my first book at the time I did not realize that this was for me. I had to publish those books to begin to believe in myself. The testimony that God has given me is what sets me apart, no one has the story that I have and God gave me all that he has for a reason. I am most proud that I never gave up, even in all of the times that I attempted to, I am glad that I stuck around! I am proud that I have something to call my own, something no one can ever take from me. Where I am from, good things are not always associated with our name, but I am glad that God showed me early that I was meant to be different. Look at my name, I am Kenajawa! My journey has not been easy, my journey is just beginning. Entrepreneurship is a constant journey of learning, and that’s how you overcome. I believe that everything is either a win or a lesson. So, the more that I learn the farther my journey will progress. I want the world to know that I am here. My biggest desire is through the deliverance of my testimony I will be able to help people find healing. By sharing how I have made it through some of my darkest moments, I can help others do that as well. Through my gift of words, I will heal the world! It is my biggest desire to help young people tell their story in the most creative ways possible.

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?
Eating is probably one of my favorite things to do in the city. Some of the places on our itinerary would definitely include Chamberlain Book Mine, my favorite book Store. We would start our day with Starbucks each day (my weakness). Breakfast from Metro Diner to get Chicken and Waffles. There are a lot of creative driven events we could visit throughout the week. Between the food trucks and small family owned restaurants our food options would be different each day!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I believe I have been blessed with some amazing people at every stage of my growth. My first shoutout would be Jinicka Campbell, she was introduced into my life as a mentor, but she became so much more. She helped me to start believing in my voice, always let me know that I had something to do. Her story showed me that I could do it too. Next, would be my time working with the Emerging Black Team, this was my first introduction to a team of entrepreneurs who were following their dreams with no holding back. Lastly, Katrina Nickhol, my current business coach and mentor. I watched her for a long time, I saw myself in her. Everytime I read a post or saw something she was doing, I would say to myself, I am going to be like her one day. She is the reason I have gained the confidence and clarity I have now in my business and brand! This is not the full list of those who have impacted my entrepreneurship journey, but these have been vital moments to my growing success.

Website: www.kenajawalashawn.com
Instagram: @kenajawalashawn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenajawa.lashawn.1/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ulvexzzbaoqinOIKaQNGA?view_as=subscriber
Other: www.dawritinghouse.com

Image Credits
Bracy Photos

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