If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting Naketta Lowery, CEO of Sustainable Life Solutions, we hope to do her justice through this interview.
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In the short time we got to talk to her, she reminded us of the power of being grateful for the little things, even if it’s just waking up on a brand-new Monday with our mind, body, and spirit functioning.
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What made you decide to start your own business?
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I never thought that life would prepare me to start my business. I used to own a childcare center, was a k-12 school teacher, and a correctional officer at a maximum-security men’s facility. Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed multiple traumatic experiences as well, which gave me a unique perspective on trauma genesis. I realized the importance of intervening early in kids’ lives so they didn’t grow up to make decisions as adults that really hurt people, including themselves.n
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What was the most challenging time(s) in your business and how did you overcome it?
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At the beginning, I struggled with my confidence. You need to surround yourself with people who believe in you when things get tough. I have all the support of my mother and my dad in my ear reminding me “Well, Keke you never know unless you try.” He’s my biggest cheerleader.
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My most recent challenge just happened last year. One of our largest clients (made 50% of our revenue) left because they were downsizing. But thank God, I just started praying and heard “This is just a hurdle. Keep pushing.” A few months after, we got a new contract and from there, they started talking about our programming and more contracts started coming in. n
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What advice would you give to a fellow black woman entrepreneur just starting out?
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Find a community that you trust and be honest so they can truly help you. n
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What would you do if you weren't scared?
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I would purchase an entire community of vacant houses, apartment complexes, and build a little community that involves things like trauma and resilience education, life coaching, career coaching, and all of this would be on the house. nn✨ What excites you the most about the future?
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Seeing everything my husband and I invested in our four children play out with them in their own families. n
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My superpower is dancing anywhere and for any occasion (even to elevator music). n
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What book or podcast are you reading/listening to?
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Right now, I’m reading a book by Tiffany Aliche called Get Good with Money. Another one that I’m listening to is by Watchman Nee and it’s called Spiritual Authority.
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About Naketta Lowery
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