Exploring Life & Business with Kasiyahna Kushkituah of F.A.B. (Female Athletes Beyond)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kasiyahna Kushkituah.

Hi Kasiyahna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
One day the quote, “Your biggest dreams don’t even come close to the plan God had for your life” came across my phone screen. I now view it as one of my daily reminders. I wouldn’t be where I am today without God by my side. I am a person who is always dreaming big dreams that sometimes don’t seem attainable to others, but that never discourages me. I speak to God about my dreams and plans and I have faith in everything that I do, including my sport and businesses.

A lot of people often see me as a 6’4” person who must play a sport. I am excited to add the words inventive and entrepreneur to my profile. I have always been creative and innovative in everything I do. I am always trying to make the best out of any situation in any creative way.

I recently graduated from the University of Tennessee in May 2021 and completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in four years as a Student-Athlete. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Retail and Tourism Management with a minor in Business Administration. I received my Master’s degree in Communications and Information with a concentration of Journalism and Electronic Media. I took advantage of my time at Tennessee studying and preparing for life after college with learning and intaking as much information as I could.

Becoming a Lady Vol is something that has also prepared me for life after college. Having the name “Lady Vol” attached to my name means something special. The Tennessee Basketball Program is much more than just a program, but an actual community. I have faced challenges during my years at Tennessee such as coaching and staff change and injuries but always knew the biggest achievement of all of this was being able to establish myself as a Lady Vol. Once a Lady Vol, always a Lady Vol. #LV4L

After my college career, I became a professional basketball player and arrived in Brazil a few weeks later to begin my career. Since May 2021, I have traveled, lived and played in Brazil, Portugal and Ciaro, Egypt. Although trying to start up a business while being overseas has been challenging, I have tried to make the most out of it.

There are a few businesses I plan to start in the next couple of years. I have always had a passion for other hobbies outside of my sport. Basketball plays a big factor in my life beginning at 11 years old. I love everything about the game including how much it has taught me, the experiences I’ve made, the places I’ve been and people I have met. Anyone who knows me knows how much basketball means to me but also understands I am much more than my sport and an athlete. I plan to help Influence others in any way possible with my businesses.

Throughout my journey, I have had the opportunity to start my Youtube Channel and self-document my life. I started this channel a few years ago in college. I have always been a huge fan of Youtube and many videos on there have helped and inspired me in various ways. I love watching interviews from my favorite artists, actors, daily vlogs of lifestyle, beauty and travel, and motivational speakers. Everyone’s story is original and I want to be able to share mine with the world through my eyes. I want my Youtube Channel to connect with other people who may have a similar journey or become inspired by what I am doing.

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel and Journey here:
https://www.youtube.com/kasiuniquee

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Reflected in the jersey #11 that I often play basketball in, I decided to leave soccer and focus on basketball at age 11. It was difficult for me because I had only played recreational basketball so the seriousness of the game was new to me and I still had so much to learn. I have had many doubts throughout this journey in the beginning with having so much more to learn but I was blessed enough to have many people who have taken a chance on me and impacted my life in various ways. It has taken another level of confidence, worth ethic and focus to get me where I am today. Basketball has shaped me into the person I am today because I was able to grow stronger mentally and learn my worth throughout my journey. I am most proud of myself for staying true to who I am on this journey and most excited to help others around me be successful as well.

The biggest challenge with my business thus far has been finding a balance between being a professional basketball player and an entrepreneur. Playing overseas means I have to live overseas while trying to manage my business. I face challenges such as time-zone, a lot of virtual meetings and phone calls and sometimes not the best wifi. I have been in a position for most of my life to face different challenges. I have been learning to adjust and complete tasks in the best way I can. It has definitely been a huge learning experience.

Unfortunately, I did not get picked or invited to go into a WNBA training camp after my college career but was fortunate enough to continue my professional career elsewhere overseas. The NIL rule (The NIL is the ability of college athletes to make money off their “name, image, and likeness.”) in college basketball had just gotten passed the year I left, meaning I wasn’t able to explore as many NIL deals or have a lot of access for people to reach out about a management or marketing team. I have had the chance to really gather a lot of knowledge from my time at The University of Tennessee, to where I am able to manage and market all things myself. It has been a learning experience and also has put a lot in perspective for me. I am fully in charge of everything that happens in my business which sometimes can be challenging but I am always up for the challenge. I am grateful enough to have the support from my family and close friends who are always willing to help out in any way they can. I am excited to have a hands-on approach with all of my projects and businesses so when I do expand my team, I will be well experienced on how I want things run and done.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I have founded three businesses within a year and recently launched one in Atlanta, GA called F.A.B. – Female Athletes Beyond. F.A.B. is a community that helps and uplifts all female athletes by providing life skills and resources beyond their sports. While playing basketball in Egypt, I used a lot of my free time to brainstorm and create my business plan. I began with F.A.B. Basketball Camp because I thought it was the best way to introduce the business to the world. I wanted a camp I always dreamed of when I was a younger girl.

The first F.A.B. camp was a success, featuring special guests with 50 elementary and middle school campers who were able to learn basketball skills on the court and life skills off the court. F.A.B. Basketball camp included different workshops such as: Being a good teammate, health & wellness, game day routine and social media pros and cons. I believe that all athletes are not just challenged physically by the game but mentally as well. I want to take as much time as I can talking about the mental aspect of the game and ways to improve our minds so we can become the best players we can be. I also made it known throughout my camp and brand that it is ok to have other passions and hobbies outside of your sport and be versatile in your own way.

F.A.B. plans to grow and really connect other female athletes to opportunities and people beyond their sports. I am also hosting my first F.A.B. workshop soon, known as Stretch with F.A.B. that will be located in Piedmont park in Atlanta, GA. Stretch with F.A.B. will include women gathering together to do light stretching but mainly stretching the mind, by digging deep and having conversations centered around lifestyles and mental health. Follow F.A.B.’s Instagram @FemaleAthletesBeyond, to see how our 1st basketball camp and 1st workshop went!

My other businesses are centered around athletes, fashion and mental health which are the pillars of my passions. One day soon I hope to come back to share my next upcoming business and journey!

The roles I play in my business are the owner, founder and creator. I plan to inspire others in any way possible. I hope for business to inspire people who choose to be involved but also my staff members as well. I am very open-minded and love hearing and bringing other creative people on board too. I am aware that in business start-ups, I have to build myself up and I am willing to do that. I handle everything from the smallest detail to the biggest and have multiple tasks on my hands at all times.

As an entrepreneur and professional basketball player I am a hard worker and always open and willing to learn something new. I love being around people and challenging myself to get outside of my comfort zone.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see my businesses growing and evolving in 5-10 years in the best way possible and being very successful. I hope to have a bigger community of people who are like-minded and want to be involved in the movement as well, which is making the world a better place.

I plan to have more F.A.B. Basketball Camps, events, and workshops that will be bigger and better than ever. In the next couple of years, I should be able to move into F.A.B. Phase 2 is coming soon, with hopes of coming back and sharing that journey with Voyage ATL as well. I plan to be a part of an industry where people can come into a safe space, where we cherish and support all people in the best way we can. I hope to partner with more businesses similar to mine, inspire each other, meet more people along the journey and really connect with others.

Overall, I plan to inspire more people through my businesses and work and give people more memorable and life-changing memories.

The sky’s the limit and I plan to keep going.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femaleathletesbeyond/ & https://www.instagram.com/kasiuniquee/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kasiuniquee/ & https://www.facebook.com/FemaleAthletesBeyond/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/femalebeyond & https://twitter.com/kasiuniquee
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kasiuniquee 

Image Credits
Gary Walker- Crowned Photography – ATL Photographer