We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mareka Riles. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Mareka , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Within the last month I’ve gotten a new puppy. Bentley is about 5 months old and he’s really helping me enjoy the little things. Long and busy days can unknowingly weigh us down and just his excitement when he sees me brightens my day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mareka and I’m the owner of KavunByRe, KBR Essentials, and New Society Boutique. When I first started entrepreneurship in 2019 with KavunByRe I had recently separated from the United States Air Force after 8 years, was working a 9-5, and obtained my Master’s degree. But I was missing something, I still did not feel like I was walking in my purpose. First came KavunByRe in 2019 with body butters, body oils and scrubs and even beard oils. By 2021 I decided to add more products that included women’s clothing focusing on items geared towards vacation wear and I named that business KBR Essentials. After juggling both of those businesses while still working my 9-5 I was blessed with the opportunity to open a physical location and expand my businesses outside of the online world. Currently the New Society Boutique is under construction, to be opened in October 2025 in McDonough Georgia which will be the home of my previous two brands and it will also include men’s clothing options as well.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My mother has taught me the most about work. All my life I’ve seen my mother work sometimes multiple jobs at once and still have time to be present in the household. There has been good days and bad days for her as for everyone else but she never lets those bad days keep her down. She shows up no matter the task and you can always count on her to get it done right. There’s no cutting corners with my mom.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
The night before Father’s Day in 2023 I lost my dad to cancer. He was diagnosed in January of that year and we were told it was Stage IV, but I didn’t know at that time it meant I’d only get 5 more months with him. Him and my mom had been together for almost 40 years at this point and I couldn’t see a life without him in it. Two years later I still can’t say his name without breaking down but I know he’d want me to keep pushing. There were many dark day during this time where I missed work, closed my businesses and I couldn’t even show up for myself. When I moved to Georgia in 2019 from Texas my parents loaded their car and drove me here themselves so I can’t give up because he literally brought me here.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The woman you see in public and on social media is the real me. On my personal pages you see me traveling and you see my family. Outside of that I’m very much an introvert but I’m working on being “out there” a little more because of my businesses. I get overwhelmed in crowded places and I’m slowly working on putting myself in those awkward situations so I can connect with more people.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
I regret not having the full confidence in myself to just go for anything I want. I’m an over thinker and sometimes I talk myself out of opportunities because I lack self confidence. I know in any situation I will be and do my best but that little grain of doubt wins more times than I would like it to. And I’m definitely making that a top priority for me to work on by the end of this year.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://NewSocietyBoutique.myshopify.com
- Instagram: New_SocietyBoutique
- Other: https://WWW.KBRESSENTIALS.COM
