Exclusive Interview with owner on Fox43 Online News

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly McKinney.

It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?

It’s an honor as well, Thank you! Born and raised in Abbeville, Louisiana, I’m wife and mother first! I retired after 21 years as an Army Veteran specializing in Human Resources Management whereas, I also earned my MBA in HR & Leadership Development with LSU. You see naturally I am a born leader and I believe I was destined to help people, hence the career choice, a leaser of Soldiers, a profession in HR (EVERYONE, needs HR), a Leo in Zodiac, we are born leaders. But how did I get here, you see when I retired, I did so during the beginning of the COVID pandemic, where I went from always being depended on to coming home to a family that learned to be independent and self-sufficient in my absence; I was no longer needed. This led to a struggle with depression and PTSD! I was stuck in the house, not knowing when life was going to go back to normal. I had to do something; I dropped to my knees and was led on a spiritual journey towards Reiki where I’m now a Reiki Grand Master certified in multiple levels of Reiki. This path, helped me on my path to understanding how to move forward in not only how to survive this pandemic, but in how to survive retirement, because the military was my entire like since graduating High School at 17 years old. Which brings us to the birth of my small business.

I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?

Fear and the embarrassment of rejection is what I had to get over. For one, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you that 80% of the time I am an introvert! Strangely enough people flock to me and will walk up to me and start talking to me for no apparent reason at all! I am not the type of person to walk up to a perfect stranger and be like, “Hi, I’m Kimberly, Could I interest you in?” That’s kind of not my thing, but put me in a room and tell me to teach a class or give a briefing and I will work the crowd as if, my life depended on it. I was always a Soldier first, so starting out in a Civilian sector I had to become a “person”. I had to think differently. But I believe that motivation is a significant forecaster of success. Being highly motivated does not only ensure total preparation, but will, in turn, ensure maximum performance and results. While some people are essentially motivated by the opportunity to help others or “make the world a better place”, my motivation comes from a place of strength and comfort that is supported by faith in God, my ancestors, my family. What motivated me the most to get past my fear as an Entrepreneur, was the impact whether good or bad that I have on the people that I come in contact day to day.

Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?

First and Foremost let’s talk about what Unapologetically Healthy means. It’s a space created where we don’t have to apologize for needing to create peace not only in our minds, but in our bodies, souls, and as well as our spirits and we should not be embarrassed when exploring those spaces of peace, serenity and comfort in each of these areas. We offer and specialize in products for the entire family, to include babies, men, home, including pets! We also offer Health and wellness products that are all natural, vegan friendly and plant based. What it all boils down to is that we offer products that caters to all four realms of an individuals needs; physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I also offer Reiki Healing serves, which just encase you or someone does not know what that is, it’s a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on hands” or “hoovering hands” over or on a person and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. I also use this energy to personally bless all of my products before they leave my home store; all products are personally made and tested by myself and my family members before we sale them to the public to ensure their safety. We provide these serves to anyone regardless of race, religion, gender, etc.

What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?

Trust the process and have patience! Sometimes things will not go our way or progress will not move as fast as we want them, but as long as we have faith in the universe, trust in ourselves, our product and show gratitude for the process that we do make, our success will grow abundantly!

Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?

Being flexible allowing us to be open to change and the ability to adapt and adjust continuously to ever changing circumstances; especially during these times when this pandemic has already taken so much from us.

What’s next for you?

We are working on a few projects! Right now we are working on my 14 year old daughter’s, Sole Proprietorship of her Lip Gloss Brand, Lollipop Lips by Jasmine. She’s currently piggy backing under my brand, but hopefully by next Summer she be ready to branch off on her own! We are also, working on launching our new addition under the brand; Tenacious Beauty a Hair care and Premium Skincare brand. Unapologetically Healthy, LLC is here to stay! We aren’t going anywhere any time soon. Hopefully in the near future I will have my own store front and warehouse! I’m claiming it! It’s all about Generational Wealth for my children.