Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalin Elisa and Squat Bae.
Kalin and Squat, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all started with a squat… but seriously. Never in a million years did I think my claim to fame would be an outtake gone viral, super viral. I was just a regular young woman stumbling through my 23rd year of life when all of this happened. All of this really shined a bright light on what was a dimmer time in my story. Many people don’t know, but I was actually unemployed when I became the sensation known as “Squat Bae.” Twitter was where I initially uploaded the picture so the people of Twitter are who embraced me first. The love I received was overwhelming to say the very least. Complete and utter strangers from every corner of the world reaching out to me simply to say thank you for the laugh. I was filled to the brim. In the times we live in, you never know how things will be received and I’m truly blessed that this was all positivity. It seeped into my life. Shortly after I landed a job, signed deals with awesome companies like TopGolf and TurboTax, got to work on behalf of Stacey Abrams, and paid off a whole credit card just in time for my 24th birthday! After some time, I started to think about what was all this for. What am I supposed to do with this? I meditated for a while, and finally, it came. The one reason my meme was so successful is that regardless of the caption, we all could relate. Being a catalyst for commonality is amazing. I (unintentionally) brought tens of thousands of people together, imagine what I could do with intent! I interpreted that into something I love with event planning. Some of the best moments are in spaces created by someone. Whether it’s granny, the church board, or your favorite event planner, there’s power in us connecting with one another. I aim to set many stages for our generation to really shake this world up. The business consulting side of my company is to fuel the burning fire in me to see my people win. I want to help whoever, whether just getting off, or hitting a block 3 years in the game, im here to help you power through.
I launched K.Elisa Consulting + Events in January and have already been blessed beyond measure. As of 3/22, one year and five days after, it all began. I will be fully self-employed! God is so good! I also am launching a podcast with my dear friend Poppy (@talk2pops). We shot our first episode last week with some dope new Atlanta artist. There’s more but I’m just gone drop it on y’all when the time comes. ☺️
Has it been a smooth road?
Whew, no Black Jesus. I mean how many potholes can you put on one road 😂 “Tough times don’t last, tough people do.” As cliche as that is, it’s the truest thing I know. Looking back on ugly times, I can recall exactly how I felt. It’s not a good feeling. Focus on the good and the good alone. Whatever you can’t do anything about, “eff it” to censor myself. Your energy is far better spent focusing on ways to be the best you possible. As women, we are resilient beyond our own understanding and we need to hold on to that for dear life.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m most proud of my work in the community and political realms. Some projects haven’t been announced but our city is in dire need of community safe havens. I, along with amazing organizations are doing just that on the ground.
I think the biggest thing that sets me apart from others is that I truly believe I was put here to change the world. In every creative way, I think, it will get done.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I’ve been blessed to have many mentors and they all took me under their wing after meeting me in the most random of places. Put yourself in the rooms where you want to be, whether you feel you belong or not, you do. Be confident but humble. And once you get them to agree, DO NOT LET UP!! These folks are busy, find a way to be an asset to them and boom, you’re in there.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 229.292.7799
- Email: kelisaconsult@outlook.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalin_elisa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000343797183
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/solo_kalin
Image Credit:
Tevin
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