Today we’d like to introduce you to Na’kayla James
Hi Na’Kayla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was raised by a village – my parents, grandparents, and aunts played an instrumental role in shaping who I am. My earliest memories are of spending time with my cousin Danielle and my grandmother, Mama Diane, who dressed us up like twins and made sure we were always exploring – from swimming and skating to drawing and playing outside. Those adventures grounded me.
Later, my father, Kevin, joined the military, and my family moved around, spending time in Buffalo, NY, and Fort Walton Beach, FL. I loved living by the beach in Florida and bringing back treasures from the sea (much to my mother’s dismay). But after my parents divorced, my mom, Nellie, and I moved back to live with my grandparents.
I attended Ella P. Stewart Academy for Girls, where I was shy yet curious. With the help of my mom and grandmother, I eventually excelled academically, particularly in math. I was invited to join the AAMSUS program, which put me on a path of higher achievement, though it pushed me away from my real passion – fashion. I remember being asked to choose a career from a list, and when I said fashion, I was told to pick something more scientific. I reluctantly chose “detective,” but I never gave up on my dream.
In high school at Central Catholic, I embraced the arts by joining the Gospel Choir, Drama Club, and various art classes. I was always drawn to creativity and expression, balancing that with honors classes.
When it came time for college, I was torn between Fashion Merchandising and International Relations. With lingering doubts, I started with International Relations at Kent State University, but it didn’t excite me. A study abroad trip to Italy reignited my passion for the arts, and I switched to Fashion Merchandising. It felt like the right fit immediately.
After graduating, I attended SCAD for a master’s in Luxury and Fashion Management. It was the most challenging but rewarding program I’ve ever been in. This experience led to an internship at Brother Vellies, a luxury footwear brand, where I learned the ropes of the industry, from sourcing fabrics to assisting behind the scenes with fashion events.
Eventually, I was hired full-time at Brother Vellies, where I used my merchandising skills to drive sales and support multiple roles within the company. But over time, I felt like I was being taken advantage of, juggling too many tasks outside my job scope. It was a tough decision, but I left to create my own business, Keeper of the Ka, where I sell products that spread joy. I design, create, and handle everything from product photos to social media content. It’s been fulfilling to see customers smile at markets.
After working at James Allen in merchandising for a while, I moved back to Ohio to be closer to family. Unable to find a fashion role locally, I pivoted to content creation, enrolling in Jordynn Nicholson’s Influencer Accelerator program. It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey, and now I focus on creating fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content while building my brand.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Along the way, I faced a lot of discouragement, even from some members of my family, who didn’t believe that someone from a small town like mine could make it in the fashion world. That was tough to deal with, but I kept getting signs that pushed me to keep going despite their doubts.
Another challenge I’ve faced is anxiety. I like things to be orderly and follow a clear plan, and in school, I was trained to stick to schedules and meet deadlines. But real life doesn’t always work that way. Sometimes things happen that are out of your control, and I’ve had to learn that it’s okay to adjust and keep moving forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Keeper of the Ka?
Keeper of the Ka was founded in 2022 with a mission to spread joy through thoughtfully crafted home goods and apparel. The brand’s name, rooted in ancient Egyptian spiritualism, refers to the “Ka,” a part of the soul that endures after death. Keeper of the Ka serves as a reminder to nurture the soul and inspire happiness in everyday life.
What sets us apart is our focus on quality, intention, and the genuine impact our products have. When I see customers light up at market events, it’s a testament to the heart behind what we create. Our blog further enhances this connection by offering insights on home, lifestyle, and wellness, helping people live joyfully in all aspects of life.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking has been a crucial part of my journey. One of the biggest risks I took was moving to New York during the pandemic. I didn’t have a job lined up when I got there, but I knew I needed to be in the city to advance my career. I ended up working at Whole Foods and Van Cleef & Arpels before eventually finding my way back to Brother Vellies.
Leaving Brother Vellies was another major risk. I didn’t have another job lined up at the time, but I knew it was the right decision. That leap gave me the freedom to launch Keeper of the Ka, which I started during that transition period. Within a month, I also secured a full-time job as an assistant merchandiser. It was the best of both worlds—job security and a creative outlet without the overwhelm.
Investing in the Influencer Accelerator program was another big risk I took. Spending $1,000 on my personal development wasn’t easy, but within a year, I earned that back through gifted partnerships. Now, I’m on track to land significant paid brand deals. I believe taking risks allows us to grow, build resilience, and open doors to new opportunities.
Pricing:
- Drinkware Range: $15-$45.99
- Apparel Range: $25-$50
- Blog Post Range: $500
- IG Content Bundle (1 Reel, 1 Story Frames): $1,000
- 1 IG Reel Cross Posted to Tiktok: $1399
Contact Info:
- Website: https://keeperoftheka.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenakaylajames
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093608011735
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenakaylajames
