We had the good fortune of connecting with Kahlelah Goodine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kahlelah, what role has risk played in your life or career?
“Risk” is a scary word! It involves putting everything you know and have, on the line. It involves a 50/50 chance for your next endeavor to work or not, and it requires you to move forward even in that uncertainty. Risk is “all or nothing,” with the likelihood of nothing at the forefront. It is a very uncomfortable position, because you have no reassurance outside of your own optimism. Risk magnifies the 50% chance that something will not work, almost overshadowing the 50% chance of success.

But what if you trained your mind to focus on the positive 50%?

The old poem by Erin Hanson reads, “there is freedom waiting for you, on the breezes of the sky. And you ask “what if I fall?” Oh but my darling, what if you fly?”” Such a mantra is the driving force that keeps you centered on the possibility of a positive outcome. Taking risks in my own life has shown me the ugliness of bad decisions, as well as the beauty of bravery. It takes a brave person to jeopardize their career, prized possessions, and personal life for something new to be implemented. One decision can make it all plummet . . . or catapult. Taking risks in my life and career has shown me just how strong and resilient I am. It showed me how quickly I am able to bounce back from failure. The word “no” doesn’t terrify me as much as it used to; I mean yeah it still stings, but the healing process is more strategic than emotional now. To whom much is given, much is required . . . and if you can’t handle the pain of “no,” you won’t be able to handle the weight of “yes.”

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a Fashion Business Consultant helping independent fashion designers connect with and market to their target audiences & customers. I help my clients increase their revenue and scale for growth. My umbrella company is LELAH G INTERNATIONAL, a fashion & lifestyle brand catering primarily to the fashion industry, while infusing personal & professional needs to welcome all clientele. My services include wardrobe styling for magazine editorials & photo shoots, event management & production, apparel brand management through my co-ownership of Designers of Los Angeles (www.designersoflosangeles.com), model training & development, and self-booking as a model or event host/commentator.

Was it easy building up to this point? Absolutely not. The road was curvy, rocky, and took several detours. However, I stayed going in the direction. I began as a model on the runway, but that did not propel me to where I thought I would end up, and it was a hard realization. But my heart just wouldn’t let me leave the fashion industry . . . I just have to find a new avenue. I had to look within myself and ask what it is that I knew how to do in the industry that involved models but didn’t require me to be a model. Transitioning from being on-the-scene to behind-the-scenes taught me to embrace change: I went from being a model, to managing models for a short time, and eventually to designer placement.

As an entrepreneur, you will alter your position many times. Your bio and business plan(s) will change. Nothing in your business will remain as in, so it is important to appreciate where you are but to welcome anything that will make significant differences in your daily operations. Do your best to let go of ego, which will allow you to release what you have become accustomed to.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My bestie from out of town would be delighted to enjoying my membership perks at The Gathering Spot: we would begin with complimentary breakfast at the club . . . that is if I don’t cook breakfast myself.

There are so many great places to go in Los Angeles county, or even Orange County or the Inland Empire. You have a variety of popular places and historical landmarks like Griffith Park Observatory in the valley, Angel’s Flight in downtown LA, the mission in Riverside, attractions like Universal Studios and/or City Walk, amusement parks like Six Flags Magic Mountain and Disneyland, coastlines like Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier, getaways like Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear, the list goes on.

You also have common hang-out spots like restaurants and lounges in LA Live, the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Blvd, shopping on Sunset Blvd, Melrose Ave, Ventura Blvd, and an assortment of concerts, pop-up shops, conventions, and special events. Southern California is a “happening” place, so I’d leave it up to my best friend to decide what interests her most.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this shoutout to the entire team of Designers of Los Angeles: Kim Vaughn, Rhonda Bankston, producer Christ Vynece, director Javohn Oddie, and our founder Faith Rudder. We are a dynamic fashion family with a story to tell, so stay tuned to all our updates on our Instagram page, @designersoflosangeles.

I also dedicate this shoutout to Neko Cheri and the Feminine Evolution sisterhood. Our group of extraordinary women who hold prestigious titles and work in high positions, I am forever grateful to God for empowering me and allowing me to grow & flourish in such a powerful community.

As always I dedicate any shoutout to my family. My father & mother, Gregory and Valencia are my rock. Without them I wouldn’t be here. Without them I wouldn’t be the woman I am today. I wouldn’t have the desire to achieve. They mean everything to me, and all my work is for them . . . everything I do is to keep making them proud.

Other: https://linktr.ee/lelahgintl

Image Credits
Javohn Oddie Ian Foxx, Foxx Media Group

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