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

Hi Kish, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
What really brings me joy and happiness is connecting with people. I love the curiosity of getting to know someone, the vulnerability and honesty that’s present as there’s no need to impress because the presence of trust is there. Realizing my love for connecting with people has brought me even more joy because it led me to finally start a “talk show” called Kish’s Kouch on YouTube. Where I invite guests to my couch to chat about a plethora of topics. From dating, to relationships, careers, fashion, and even gender roles. Starting Kish’s Kouch has sparked an undeniable joy, and it truly makes me happy to be doing something that I’m passionate about. But I will add that deciding to do something all on your own is not the easiest, but when it’s something that really brings you joy it definitely helps to keep you going.

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.
Since I was in Gr 3 I knew I wanted a career in fashion. In fact I wanted to be a fashion designer. As I grew older and realized where my strengths were I came to terms with the fact that I was not the best at drawing. But I was great with people, had great ideas, and had an undeniable passion and love for fashion. With that I decided I would go into fashion marketing and branding. After graduating I had the rude awakening that pursuing a career is fashion was not easy! I worked various retails jobs before finally landing a position as a visual merchandiser for a brand. It was really a great job, and I felt that it was finally a start to my career in fashion. However, at the time I also had a lot of customer service experience and I speak french so I was presented with an “opportunity” to go back to office work and make a lot more in salary, with having to do essentially less work. No more long hours on my feet, but then that also meant no longer pursuing my dreams. I was at a crossroads, but I ended up choosing the opportunity with the most financial gain. A few years later I really regretted that decision. I was able to land a few other positions in fashion but none of them really fit until I started working at adidas Canada. The employee demographic was really young, and I felt seen and understood. I was no longer the only black girl in the office as the office was so diverse and multicultural. I started off in the customer service department, and worked my way up to being in the apparel department. Finally pursuing my passion again. It was actually a great company to work for, and I was able to do so much more than just my job which I loved because I was promoted again to being an assistant category manager for the new sportswear category that adidas launched. I also got to be apart a great internal organization where we planned employee and community events. At adidas is actually where I got my first opportunity to host events. And that’s where my love for hosting and being an MC sparked. I truly felt like I was on my way to achieving “success”. But then I along with over 150 other people were let go from the company. It was a mass laYoff, and if I’m being honest I have to say it was devastating. I felt lost and confused, hurt, and disrespected. But as they say everything happens for a reason. After sulking for a month I decided it was time to finally start my YouTube channel, I mean I did have the free time. And from starting the YouTube channel I have been blessed with so many opportunities from being featured in a commercial, to hosting events and even producing events. Like I mentioned previously, this journey is new to me but I’m excited to see the amazing things I can achieve if I really put in the work and believe in myself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Toronto is a HUGE city with almost too much to do. So instead of feeling overwhelmed I like to keep it low-key. My best times ever are games nights and just a night hanging with friends. My friend calls his place “Gary’s Lounge” and we dance, laugh, sing, eat and drink all night long. It’s ALWAYS such a great time!! A nice spot that we sometimes go to is Lavelle Rooftop Lounge, they have good food and maybe I’m bias but I really only like the music if my girl Killaxkels is spinning. Cold Tea, and Cabana pool bar are also good spots in the city. To eat there’s just soo many places but some of my favourites are Gyu-Kaku japanese BBQ, La Carnita, Mahjong, Harriett’s Rooftop Loung for brunch, and Baro is really great too. Picnics in the park or beach or pool day is also one of my favourite things to do in the summer obviously. But to be completely honesty my best friend is a DJ (Killaxkels) so really we just go where ever she is booked and we bring the vibes!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A friend, well I actually call him my brother is the person who deserves a little credit, or a lot of credit his name is Gary Beals. The reason is because before he even knew I had just unexpectedly lost my position at adidas Canadian head office, he shared with me that he felt so strongly that I needed to pursue my own passions. He said it was time to take a risk on myself, and that he saw so much light in me that was being dimmed by not truly living out my passions. I feel like this words helped me so much in a season of uncertainty. I had no idea what I was going to do next, I felt like I needed to work a job, because that’s what I’ve been doing my entire life. The thought of being an entrepreneur was so daunting and actually brought me fear when I would think about it. But the words from my friend Gary cut deep, it felt like a pivotal moment in my life. It felt like confirmation of everything I had been feeling in the recent months, and it was truly time to bet on myself. And I did, and I have to say it has been most freeing time of my life. Being able to do things on my own terms the way I see fit, being able to have more than enough time to spend with my daughter, and even just having the ability to spend time the way I see fit has made the risk really worth it. I am definitely just starting my “road to success” but I’m damn sure enjoying the ride!

Instagram: @kishbmedia

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm1wtWF4nackQUWDmohLS1A

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