Can we get a spotlight on center stage please?
This Women's Business Enterprise has been on the move from the moment she received her certification! Kicking off our Spotlight on HER series, we were able to meet up with Lakeast Boone, owner of Keasie B's Coffee Cafe!
Keasie B's is more than a coffee shop, with a focus on bringing all cultures together in a setting to see the world in a different view and to feel that they belong. I believe in change, and I will take the first step to inspire each and everyone in the world to do the same. At Keasie B’s there is a care and a thought in all that we do. I became a small business owner to make a change in the community. Being a single mom, I understand the challenges of creating for advancement.
Keasie B’s Logo Meaning:
Keasie B’s logo comes from my nickname growing up. The name symbolizes FAMILY and everyone that I meet is FAMILY to me. I picked tulips because one its meaning is perfect love. Tulips are the spring-flowering plant of the lily FAMILY. It’s my favorite because it is a boldly colored cup-shaped flower. Pink is the color that I picked because it symbolizes caring, wishing happiness, love, passion, and the expressing of an attachment within. Tulips are one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring which means REBIRTH. The number of tulips that are in my logo is 17. The number 17 spiritually represents insight, responsibility, self-discipline, strength, compassion, spiritual consciousness and wisdom, and a desire for peace and love for all of humanity. In the Bible the number 17 symbolizes "overcoming the enemy" and "complete victory." We want to inspire a victorious attitude.
What inspired you to start your business?
Keasie B’s Coffee Café was a thought when I worked for a well-known coffee chain, and whenever there was a promotion it seemed like I was being overlooked. When I was seeing applications come across the desk and because of what was on the application business needs we weren’t hiring at the time. I wanted to bring all cultures together to feel that they belong. Being a single mom, I understand the challenges of creating for advancement and when I would see homeless people come in and drink milk to survive.
My goal as a business owner is to utilize a portion of the profits to provide food, toiletries, and conversations for the homeless population and offer a re-entry program to help those that are released from jail by offering employment opportunities. I decided to create my own seat at the table.
What advice would you give to female founders just getting started?
I would say don’t give up, and ask for help! There are so many female entrepreneurs that are there to help.
Is there anything exciting on the horizon for Keasie B's?
Yes, I have purchased a coffee trailer, and you can catch me at the next Women's Business Council - Southwest's Coffee with the Council on July 26th!
