We recently had the chance to connect with Ayanna Keeling and have shared our conversation below.
Ayanna, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, I’ve been finding a lot of joy in slowing down and being intentional with my time outside of work. I love creating a home environment that feels warm and reflective of me, so decorating and refreshing my space has been especially fulfilling. I’ve also been embracing solo outings—taking myself out to lunch, prioritizing self-care, and occasionally spending a day at Disneyland. Those moments of creativity and lighthearted fun help me recharge and bring a more balanced, positive energy into my life.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Ayanna Keeling, and I’m someone who is deeply passionate about creating meaningful experiences and building things that feel intentional and authentic. My brand is rooted in the belief that details matter—whether that’s in the way something looks, feels, or connects with people. What makes my work unique is the balance between creativity and purpose. I’m not just focused on outcomes, but on the experience behind them. I value connection, storytelling, and creating spaces—whether physical or digital—that inspire and resonate.
For example, I’m part of a family-owned restaurant that has proudly served our community for over 40 years. Being raised in that environment shaped so much of who I am—it taught me the value of hard work, consistency, hospitality, and most importantly, people. Our restaurant has never just been about food; it’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcomed, seen, and cared for. What makes our story special is the legacy behind it. For decades, we’ve built relationships across generations—serving families who now bring their own children and grandchildren through our doors. That sense of continuity and community is something I truly value.
Beyond the restaurant, I’m currently working on writing a book centered around self-love, entrepreneurship, and legacy. I’m passionate about helping people build not only successful businesses, but fulfilling lives. My audience is anyone eager to grow, evolve, and live better—whether that means strengthening their mindset, pursuing their goals, or creating something that lasts beyond them. At the core of everything I do—whether in business or in writing—is the belief that success is most meaningful when it’s built with intention, heart, and a commitment to uplifting others.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
This question is personal for me because, like many people, I’ve experienced both sides of it. I’ve been in situations where I exercised poor judgment in relationships, and I’ve also hurt people in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time. When you’re young and navigating growth, change, and identity, you often lead with your heart before your mind has fully caught up. I believe bonds begin to break when communication breaks down. When feelings go unspoken or difficult conversations are avoided, distance grows quietly. Over time, that silence can feel louder than any argument. Broken trust also plays a major role—dishonesty, betrayal, or inconsistency can fracture even the strongest relationships and friendships.
Unresolved resentment can slowly turn small misunderstandings into deep wounds. And sometimes, ego and pride get in the way. Friendships that were once built on laughter, shared milestones, and so many “firsts” can unravel simply because no one wants to be the first to apologize or be vulnerable. I’ve learned that when effort fades, the bond often fades with it. Relationships require intention, humility, and communication. Without those, even meaningful connections can quietly drift apart.
What I’ve come to understand, though, is that bonds can also be restored through growth. Self-awareness changes everything. When you’re willing to reflect, take accountability, and communicate with honesty instead of defensiveness, healing becomes possible. Restoration requires humility, consistency, and a genuine desire to understand rather than to win. As I’ve matured, I’ve realized that protecting relationships requires the same intention as building a business or a legacy. You nurture what matters. You show up. You speak up. And you choose connection over pride. For me, that awareness has been one of the most powerful lessons in both love and leadership.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me lessons that success never could because pain forces you to slow down and confront yourself. Success can validate you, but suffering reveals you. In 2024, I broke my ankle and suddenly lost my independence. I couldn’t walk, drive, cook, or even bathe myself. I’ve always been self-sufficient, so having to rely on a friend to take care of me was humbling in ways I wasn’t prepared for. There were countless hospital visits, tests, and long days where even looking at myself in the mirror felt difficult. My confidence began to dwindle. I felt fragile… incomplete.
That season exposed how much of my identity was tied to strength and capability. When those were stripped away, I had to face myself without the titles, productivity, or independence I was used to leaning on. But suffering also softened me. It taught me humility and deep gratitude. It reminded me that behind closed doors, everyone is carrying something. There are so many silent battles we fight that the world never sees.
I was fortunate to have an incredible support system—close friends and family who showed up for me when I couldn’t show up for myself. That kind of love changes you. It shifts your perspective. It made me realize that life isn’t the fairytale we’re sometimes taught to expect. It’s not perfect or linear. But it can be beautiful—if you’re willing to do the work, grow through the discomfort, and allow yourself to be transformed by it.
Success can elevate you, but suffering reshapes you. And the version of me that emerged from that season is more grounded, more empathetic, and more intentional about the legacy I want to build.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I think the “public me” is a version of myself, but not the whole picture. We all show up differently depending on context—family, friends, work, social media—and those versions highlight different parts of who we are. The real me includes the quiet struggles, the mistakes I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. It’s the version that faced setbacks, leaned on others, and sometimes felt fragile or unsure. Those moments rarely make it to the public view, but they shape everything about who I am and how I show up in the world.
I also have a part of myself that is just for me. I am my own best friend, and there are pieces of my life I keep safe and close to my heart because I know how unpredictable this life can be. That inner life—private, reflective, and personal—grounds me, fuels my growth, and keeps me centered even in the midst of everything else. I try to make the public version of me authentic, intentional, and aligned with my values, but I’ve learned that true authenticity comes from embracing all parts of yourself—the visible successes, the invisible growth, and the private self that only you fully know. The more I honor that, the more real both versions of me feel, and the more meaningful my connections with others become.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m fully present with myself or the people I love. Sometimes it’s in small rituals—It could be a peaceful morning with music playing in the car, hitting a milestone at the gym, adding personal touches around my home, or savoring a solo lunch while enjoying my own company. It’s also when I’m creating—whether that’s in the kitchen with my family at the restaurant, planning something meaningful, or reflecting on my life and goals.
There’s a sense of calm that comes when I let go of distractions, expectations, and judgment, and simply allow myself to be. Those moments remind me that life doesn’t have to be perfect to feel whole—they’re small pockets of stillness and gratitude that ground me and give me energy to show up fully in everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.simplywholesome.com
- Instagram: @ayannameshaun.co
Image Credits
cc: ayanna keeling
