LaKeisa Stewart-Rucker on Life, Lessons & Legacy

LaKeisa Stewart-Rucker shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi LaKeisa, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Going to work

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Keisa Stewart-Rucker — the Publisher and CEO of Head2Toe Magazine & Entertainment, a lifestyle and entrepreneurship platform dedicated to spotlighting and supporting Black-owned businesses, creatives, and emerging brands. My journey began in the beauty industry as a Master Cosmetologist and salon owner, and over the years it transformed into a powerful multi-brand ecosystem rooted in visibility, community impact, and generational wealth.

What makes my work unique is the way I merge creativity with purpose. Head2Toe isn’t just a magazine — it’s a movement. We uplift entrepreneurs by giving them exposure, resources, networking opportunities, and the confidence to grow beyond what they imagined. I love helping people show up professionally and boldly through branding, social media strategy, and storytelling that resonates.

In addition to publishing, I’m a licensed REALTOR® based in Atlanta, combining real estate education with my passion for style and community development through Real Estate & Styles. I believe homeownership is a major step toward economic security, so I’m committed to empowering families — especially within the Black community — to build generational wealth.

Right now, I’m celebrating a year in print with Head2Toe and continuing to expand the brand — from hosting events and seminars, to amplifying emerging fashion boutiques, to creating new platforms for entrepreneurs to shine. Everything I do is guided by faith, creativity, and a deep desire to help others become the best version of themselves.

From beauty to business to homeownership… I’m here to help you grow from Head 2 Toe.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I am releasing the part of me that second-guessed my value. For years, I poured into others — sometimes at the expense of my own business and boundaries — because I wanted everyone to win. But the version of me that undervalued my time, gifts, and expertise has fulfilled its purpose. I am now stepping boldly into the mindset that my work deserves to be compensated, respected, and appreciated. I’m making space for the future I’ve been building — one where I lead confidently, charge what I’m worth, and create impact without sacrificing myself.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely — there were many times when I felt like giving up. When doors closed, when support fell through, when the weight of everything I was carrying felt overwhelming… I questioned if the fight was worth it. I pushed through some seasons that were physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting.

But now? Giving up isn’t even a thought that crosses my mind.

I’ve seen too much growth to quit. I’ve invested too much time, passion, and purpose into what I’m building. I realized that every challenge was shaping me, strengthening me, and preparing me for where I am now and where I’m going. I understand that what God placed inside of me is bigger than the obstacles in front of me. So today, I don’t see setbacks as reasons to stop — they’re just reminders that I’m on the right path and elevation is happening.

I came too far to only come this far. Quitting is no longer an option — winning is.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Most definitely. What you see is exactly who I am. I’ve never been interested in pretending or presenting a watered-down version of myself. People know me as a realist — I’m honest, direct, and authentic, whether I’m in front of a camera, on social media, or having a private conversation. I believe in showing up as my true self at all times, because that’s the only way to genuinely connect with others and inspire them to do the same. The public version of me is simply the real me, shared with the world.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I understand the power of collaboration and bartering on a level many overlook. So often people try to build alone, thinking they have to pay for everything upfront or wait until they have a perfect budget to move. But I’ve learned that when you bring value to the table, you can exchange skills, talents, and platforms in a way that allows everyone to win. Collaboration multiplies opportunities — it opens doors faster, expands reach, and helps you grow in ways money alone can’t. Bartering isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about leveraging what you already have to get where you’re going. When we work together, our collective success becomes so much greater than anything we could accomplish individually.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Head2toemag.com
• Instagram: @head2toemag

Image Credits
Terrence Smith