TOPSHELFDIVA OF THE MONTH: KARLET REID OF FOREVER KARLEY

January 5, 2018 by iamsummerterry

 

Can I just say how excited I am to bring back my TopshelfDiva of the Month feature? I started doing this when I first started blogging but was discouraged after a popular blogger (I shall not name names) took my feature of her as some type of “claim to fame” when let’s be honest nobody was famous. I do regret allowing someone make me feel bad for the good I was trying to do. The intention behind these TopshelfDiva of the Month features is and has always been to highlight and introduce amazing women doing amazing things to different audiences. Women who dare to chase their dreams, follow their hearts, live their purpose, and help impact lives along the way. To kick off 2018 let me introduce you to Karlet Reid! Karlet is a Lifestyle and Business Coach and the founder of Forever Karley. Get to know her!

 

Read more after the jump…

1. What is Forever Karley and where did it come from?  Forever Karley began as my alter ego. She’s my better half. Sort of like how Beyoncé has Sasha Fierce. “Karley” isn’t afraid of challenges, she accepts them head on, she gets things done, she takes risks, she unapologetically her, and believes in doing everything required to be her truest most authentic self. This persona really took on a life of its own when other women began asking me to “show them and teach them” to acquire similar characteristics. That’s when I realized this is who I want to be Forever. I officially launched my business in February 2015 and began offering one on one coaching services to women who wanted to become fearless, confident and held accountable while working towards their goals.

 

2. You have such a bright and positive aura about life. What are some things you practice to keep you in that positive state of mind? I pray. I read and I design every aspect of my day. From the time I wake up, to the first things I listen to in the morning, I monitor the conversations I have throughout the day, my coffee, my social media content, my meals, etc… I’m very intentional, especially with my mornings. How I start my day really sets the tone for everything.

 

3. You work with entrepreneurs to build the brands of their business online. How important do you think social media is to build a business and a brand today? Unfortunately, believe it or not, I do not build businesses. I work with entrepreneurs to build their personal individual brands. We are our business. How we live our lives carries over into our businesses and brands. Social media is instrumental in developing any brand. It creates maximum expose in a short period of time. Allowing people and businesses to get in front of as many people as possible to share what they’re working on, products, services and so much more.

 

 

4. As a Life Coach and Business Coach what do you think the importance is of having mentors and who are some of yours? Mentors are a pivotal factor in self-development in and out of the office. I have a long list of mentors. Some I’ve followed and studied for years. Some I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with and some who have no idea who I am “yet”. I believe people don’t know more than they know. We all need someone to support us during our developmental stages, whether as aspiring entrepreneurs, established moguls or a working parent trying to improve their family life. My mentors include some of the legacy powerhouses such as Maya Angelou, Oprah, and Michelle Obama. My current mentors are people like Stephanie Johnson-Quarles, Erika Brown-Coleman, Cara Alwill Leyba, Patrick Betdavid, Les Brown and Evan Carmichael to name a few. (I could go on). These women + men have and continue to have a great deal of influence in my personal, spiritual & professional growth over the years. They’re world-class, highly intelligent, outspoken, experienced people with unmatched qualities I aspire to acquire.

 

5. Name 2 stand out experiences that have impacted your life today. My son Adam has impacted my life like no other. There I was 25 years old with this little person looking up at me with full dependency to provide and care for him. All while still trying to figure out who I was and who I wanted to be. He forced me to stand on my tippy toes, aim higher and level up my mindset in order to give him a great life. Secondly, going through an insane custody battle and getting laid off from work in the midst of the battle. Phew, let me tell you, those are true defining moments. The moments that shaped me. I had to constantly remind myself whose I am and who I am in order to make it through that very real, very rough period paired with a lot of tears, heartache and still being able to put the smile on for my son. Nevertheless, we made it.

 

6. What is a typical day in the life of Karlet like? I wake, I pray, walk my son to school and take on the day. There is no typical day for me. My life is ever-changing. There’s always something going on in my world, but it always starts with God.

 

7. As an entrepreneur who still maintains a 9-5 job how do you manage the two? I believe in prioritization and organization. If I plan to invest in my business and continue to have my Investor (my employer) cut me a check every other week, it ultimately boils down to me waking up earlier to work on my business, grabbing a cup of coffee so I can show up to the office on my A game, prepared and productive to handle their business. I’m huge on developing processes and having the right tools available that allow me to manage both worlds that are equally important to me.

 

 

8.How would you describe your personal style and where are your favorite places to shop? Comf-cu-chic. (I totally made that up). I opt for comfort first and then the cute-chicness. I’m not a big shopper believe it or not. It’s one of my least favorite things to do, but I do like Zara, Kate Spade, Elie Tahari and Tory Burch.

 

9. What are your #CertifiedTopshelf fave trends right now? Totally loving Fenty Beauty by Rihanna. Her “Stunna” lip paint is my new signature lippie.

 

10. Knowing what you know today what advice would you give teenage Karlet? I would tell her, “many of the lessons you’ll endure as an adult can be prevented if you talk less and listen more”. I would tell her “be patient and allow yourself time to grow through what you go through”. You will get through it!

 

 

 

BONUS: Every woman carries a makeup bag for touch-ups; What’s in yours right now? 

I always have a nail file (life happens) and I’m completely obsessed with lip balm, hand lotion and of course, a fiery Red lipstick is a must.

 

To keep up with Karlet follow her on instagram and visit her website Forever Karley.

 

Make sure you’re subscribed to see who February’s TopshelfDiva of the Month will be!

 

xoxo ~ Summer Terry