Today we’d like to introduce you to Keon Jackson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Be You; a phrase so simple yet so profound. Growing up, I often struggled trying to “fit in.” Regardless of what I tried to do, I could not seem to please others. My voice was too high, I was not manly enough, I was too churchy, my skin was too light, I was too skinny, I was acting white… the list goes on. I gained many “labels” from others that were not necessarily true, even some degrading. As I got older, things became more apparent to me. We allow society to dictate who we are, how and what we do. When we gain the understanding that God created us all in His very own image, we should all celebrate our differences and accept others as they are. The pattern I’ve noticed in many individuals is that they are not 100 percent comfortable with who they are. (I was the same way!) When you love and accept You, you come to know that you are powerful. So my goal is to encourage people to be who they are so that they can reach their full potential and power. To make a long story short, I got started out of a desire to help and encourage people.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Not at all! I never thought I would have a lifestyle brand, it was never a dream of mine. I used the hashtag BeYou all the time on my social media. One day a really good friend of mine said, “you should put that on a shirt.” I kind of agreed but proceeded in conversation. Shortly after, another friend said the same thing. After that, it got my mind wondering and I started doing a lot of research. There were and still are many obstacles. Being an entrepreneur and working a full-time, demanding job has not been the easiest thing to manage.
In the beginning, there were complications with getting my website built, and it was not launched on time. I ordered products for a photoshoot, and to this day, have yet to receive some of them. On the day of my photoshoot, my venue did not have power because of a hurricane the day prior. I was stressed! Building brand awareness and marketing is something that I am still learning. The pandemic has also made things even more complicated. Shipping is often delayed and manufacturers are behind schedule. Even with all the obstacles I have faced, I am very optimistic about the future. At this time, I’m more concerned about the impact of the message than my stress levels.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Be You hashtag and Lifestyle brand was birthed out of my coaching business. I started personal and financial coaching to help individuals become better at being who they are entirely. Even as a kid, I always wanted to help others. Just a few years ago, I had over $30k in credit card debt. I started making a decent salary but was still broke. I knew nothing about managing money. I did not know what money market accounts were, I had never heard of index funds, and budgets were not discussed in my household. Instead of being taught Algebra in grade school, it should be Personal Finance. After I put myself on a journey to become financially stable, I started helping family members with their credit scores and saving money. Then I started to help friends with small things.
One random day I created a PowerPoint. I invited my friends and family to join the presentation. It was a hit! That very day I knew it was something I wanted to do. I specialize in spending plans and helping people get out of debt, also known as budgeting. My approach is more realistic and attainable. More importantly, I challenge individual’s thinking, spending habits and encourage behavior modification. I enjoy conducting financial and personal development workshops. My personal development workshop is about overcoming adversity and removing negative labels from ourselves. My goal is to get everyone to realize that it’s okay to be who you are, just as you are.
The thing that I am most proud of is the message. Be You, in its very essence, is so powerful and well-rounded. It is a message that all people can relate to. It does not matter if you are Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, Gay, Straight, Trans, rich, poor, woman, boy or girl; everyone must come to know who they are. Out of this belief came the lifestyle brand, and it means a lot to me. The readers must know that the lifestyle line is amazing. I love the material and fabrics I selected. The hoodies are my absolute favorite. They are so soft and cozy, especially the “Busy Being Me” ones.
What do you think about happiness?
That’s a loaded question! In simple form, I honestly love seeing others smile and at peace with themselves. During the current pandemic, there are a lot of uncertainties. I posted a quote on my Instagram the other day by Ralph Waldo Emerson that says, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” So to see someone genuinely happy and laughing is absolutely amazing. True happiness comes from within, and being true to yourself.
Contact Info:
- Email: beingkeonjackson@gmail.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/beingkeonjackson
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyou_thelife/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeingKeonJackson
Image Credits
Tobias Smith Photography Christopher Watson – Model Peyton Harris – Model
