June – Innovator

Keiona Cook, Founder of Lovely’s Sewing & Arts Collective, teaches youth sewing, yoga, dance, public speaking, entrepreneurship, poetry and so many other life skills. They use those skills as tools to teach patience, focus, leadership and accountability of actions at home, school and everywhere else. Keiona shares more below! 

Every business has a story, tell us yours.
In 2010 Lovely’s Sewing & Arts Collective (LSAC) was founded. We teach youth the Art of Sewing and Yoga ages 4-14yrs. The kids come in create, sell and then we teach them about financial literacy and money management. Then we help them open savings accounts. Sewing and yoga are used as tools to teach patience, focus, leadership and accountability.

You were chosen as this month’s Innovator Member. What does being an Innovator mean to you?
This is an honor and it means that you all care enough about each business owner to build relationships to get to know us individually. This is very important in any coop office space.

No one likes to brag about their business, but if you HAD TO . . .
If you want your kids to learn patience and accountability this is the program you need to sign your kids up for. Because a lot of times kids will receive information, that same information that us as parents told them from someone else better. It takes a village is what I have learned running LSAC. LSAC has become the bridge in the communication gap between the parents and their kids. This is the biggest thing I brag about. But in addition, we become family and close friends from every person that puts their kids in the program.

We learn from our mistakes, especially in business. Give us some words of wisdom.
• Procrastinate less
• Find your happy place in your work daily
• Live your best life every day and remember…
• When you give someone your time, you’re giving them a moment in your life you can never get back. So be mindful of your time

What “teacher” has made the most impact on your life and why?
Gandhi!! First of all, we share the same birth date. Next, he has taught me so much about patience and experiments with his truth that can add value and patience to any life.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I can jump double-dutch still at age 38

If you could have only one super power, what would it be and why?
I would want the power to show people perspectives from someone else’s shoes. I think people would be more compassionate if they where able to see through and feel through the eyes of the next person.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week?
I saw a friend of mine jump off a table while dancing and land on the floor into a split. She is an amazing dancer.

Why do you choose to WORK AWESOME at OffiCenters?
Because of amazing staff that genuinely care.

In addition to our Member Directory, how else can people CONNECT with you?
Website: www.lovelyssewing.org
Email: lovelyssewing@gmail.com