Today we’d like to introduce you to Kashie Mckinnon
Kashie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my company out of a deep need for representation and authenticity. I am a published children’s book author of a book series that highlights an Afro-Native, Pre-teen’s battle with hair discrimination. In the book she goes on a triumphant journey of affirming her natural hair and its beauty and learning she is beautiful just the way she is! I wrote the book because there just isn’t enough mainstream representation of our hair/colorism battles currently. While at my book signings at various Barnes & Noble stores, I noticed how limited the selection of stationery and bookmarks truly was, especially for people of color. I realized that our community deserved to see more of itself in these everyday products. That’s what led me to fill in the gap and create “Seasoned Stationery” @seasonedstationery, a space where BIPOC individuals can celebrate their culture and creativity. I also felt called to create something that affirms who we are, celebrates our journey, and brings us joy; which is why I’ve poured my heart into each piece. My goal is to make sure everyone feels represented and uplifted through my products. We deserve to celebrate life with our faces, our phrases, our Cultura! Since opening, our products have been very well received, and we are excited to expand our reach in due season. We are: Christian, Woman-owned, Black and Native owned and operated.
Find us at www.seasonedstationery.com and follow us on Instagram @seasonedstationery, @kashiemusic, and @naturallynailabooks for more.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It absolutely has not been a smooth road. I was forced by necessity and lack of funds to be a Pioneer of sorts. In my friend/peer group, there weren’t any authors or creatives to guide or help me directly. A lot of frustration comes with not seeing the change you desire in your world and feeling the weight of the responsibility to create the change you want to see. Even though no one is expecting you to. It’s almost like there are invisible weights descending onto your shoulders that no one can see. You feel obligated to be a firestarter. I will add that the only reason I knew being an indie author was possible, was because of a woman named Donna Walker. She was the only black author I had ever known in person. She hired me at 16 years old to edit her beautiful book of poetry. She opened up a new realm of possibility for me. Because of her I believed in myself enough to self-publish when I was ready. Unfortunately she never got to see me become an Author. I had no one to help me to create a website. Or teach me how to copyright my written words. Or trademark my logos. Nor did I have the funds to do so. So I learned on my own. I went to Youtube University. I read every book in the library on the respective subjects. I messaged people on Instagram. I started a crochet business to fund my true passions. I learned. I learned how to write and format books. I learned how to self-publish them. How to market them. How to end up on the shelves of Barnes and Nobles stores. I had no one to teach me. I refused to allow my nieces to grow up hating their hair. Hating their skin. So I had no choice. I created the world I wanted them to see. So I would say the biggest struggle has definitely been not having a mentor, or template of any kind and pretty much having to wing it, pray and hope for success. Entrepreneurship is expensive. It’s very lonely. Because you have to be of a certain mindset to see the unseen and go after it day after day, failure after failure with the same hope as the beginning. Believing in yourself tirelessly. Trusting God blindly. Most people are not built like that, so they cannot relate to your brand of insanity lol. It’s isolating. You literally have to create micro side-businesses just to fund the big businesses lol!! But I wouldn’t trade nothing for my journey now. It gives me great joy now to give new entrepreneurs guidance, sharing the information it took me years to acquire. I try to be the person for someone else that I needed.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am obsessed with creating. I always have been. I am a HUGE reader. I love books, the Bible being my favorite, because it’s the only book that no matter how many times you read it, remains relevant and revelatory. Words are my thing. I write music, that I sing with my wonderful husband Graham in our band @plantseedsmusic, and amazingly talented artist brother, Scifii @scifiimusic. I am known the most for singing, crocheting murals, cooking on social media, praying/prophesying and performing spoken word poetry. I have 6 published books and currently working on 3 more. I am also a freelance Genealogist and Christian Lifestyle Strategist. It’s so rewarding to connect people to their ancestors. You meet yourself truly once you meet the people that created you. And the Creator that created you. Currently my specialty is bookmarks and I LOVE IT!! And these aren’t just your run of the mill bookmarks. We’re talking truly remarkable, very well-seasoned bookmarks! I get to do what I love everyday! I am most proud of being able to use every gift God gave me to glorify and give platform to Him. I believe that is one of the things that sets me apart from others in these times. My boldness. What also sets me apart is my ability to take what I see in my head and make it a reality time and time again. My favorite quote that I live by is, “Do what you can, with what you have, wherever you are”. I don’t hesitate. I don’t procrastinate. I don’t talk myself out of creating. I go for it! Yes there are losses, but there are also BIG WINS! Just knowing that everything I have created, once only existed in my head, keeps me excited for the future because I know this is just the tip of the iceberg!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Covid reminded me of the fragility of our human bodies. It also reminded me that we need each other. Even if you never speak to the person in line with you at the grocery store, just feeling the energy of their being was comforting. The Covid crisis robbed us of that experience for quite a while. We were all so lonely. On a positive and lighter note, being at home more than I’d like, only fed my fire. I sat and brainstormed and created the life I am living now. There is gold in every gray. Also, being in such close quarters with my family, I was reminded daily how much I love them. I love my Mother and Father dearly. They have been the only constant in my life. Their sacrifices for me have been a driving force. I will prosper to give them the life they deserve. At the end of the day, I am a daughter of the Most High God, Wife to the most spectacular husband that has supported my journey and loved me fiercely every step of the way, and mommy to my biggest blessing in this life. The Covid-19 Crisis only reminded me of God’s love and grace, and to enjoy every beautiful moment with my loved ones. Life is but a vapor. I am already a wealthy woman.
Pricing:
- Every bookmark is only $2.99!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.seasonedstationery.com
- Instagram: @seasonedstationery
- Facebook: @seasonedstationery
Image Credits
Graham McKinnon
