Meet Kenisha Lee | CEO, Haus of Ka’el. Community advocate, photographer, creative.

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

Hi Kenisha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
At the time of me starting my company, I saw so many young families not able to have the same quality of photos and events because of the astronomical pricing provided by other providers. I wanted to create space where artists were able to give back to the community by doing exactly what they love doing. ArtSEE LLC was birthed after my father purchased my first camera at 17 years old. The name changed many times but the values stayed the same. Year after year, I found more and more ways to incorporate my love for the community with my love for art and the creative world at large. I previously worked for one of the top school portraiture companies as a lead and it gave me so much experience and further fueled my love for photography, detail and the connection to the subject. It wasn’t always easy but it is such rewarding work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been a creative for as far back as I can remember. Every moment of success came because I colored outside of the lines. That propelled me to move forward in my work. Meeting individuals along the way that shared their powerful stories with me caused me to join a workforce that allowed for the freedom of creativity as well as the passion for community to thrive. I currently serve in a role where I am able to interact with the vulnerable population on an intimate level. Hearing their stories and learning their needs. I am simply trying to piece my company in where the need is so that I can help in any way that I can. Im a caregiver by nature. I have been taking care of my family since I was 14 years old. I learned the value of giving back to people because of my relationship with God and my activities in the church. I am a servant. I am set apart because I was called to be. I find others like me along the way and that blesses my movement. I once learned about Seth Greene’s Purple Cow theory. and it stuck with me. Standing a part from others stays in the back of my mind every day. How can I further develop my purple cow? Keeping this in mind, I sought a deeper approach to my business model. Haus of Ka’el was birthed as the answer to that question. It’s the umbrella company for everything that I love and this grows month after month. I want to continue building upon what makes me happy and what helps the population. Everyone may not understand or agree but the foundation was set long before I was ever born. I am simply walking in it. I am excited about the arrival of my daughter’s apparel line that will feature creative blazers and accessories for 12mo-5y. I am leaving a legacy for my child that will create some financial stability for her when she is old enough to make the decision on her on with her life. This was not easy work by any means. There has been bumps in the road large enough to put a halt to my progress. At times, I let it stop me. Following the direction of my heart, I always jumped back into it. I am surrounded by those with needs. Homeless youth. Those who have been cast aside by society. Those who just need a listening ear. Im creating a pathway for anyone who desires to follow although that is not mandatory for this work. If I can change the world alone, I am going to try.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I actually love this questions! My favorite place to roam is the harbor. There has been a lot of renovations to the area but it somehow still holds a level of magic to me. I would start with a trip to the aquarium or the Maryland Science Center (specifically one of the adults events that they hold after hours), or a photoshoot in Graffiti Alley. These are some of my favorite sites in the city. I’d take every opportunity to venture outside of the city as well. We’d drive to Bethesda and go to a movie at iPic. We’d spend the day in Gaithersburg and feed the ducks or walk by the water. Hopefully there is a carnival or food truck event in the area. We’d go on a photo walk in Fells Point and people watch at Federal Hill. I’m not a big “foodie” but I do love finding spots along the way to try. There are a few hidden gems that I’d love to try out as well. That’s the thing about the city. As long as your mind is open, the possibilities are endless. People are interesting in general. When we take the time to speak and get to know another individual with the intent and purpose to understand them, we can discover some of the most fantastic back stories into what made people the way they are.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my tribe. I have individuals from various walks of life rooting for me and supporting me. God has given me the blessing of strength through my husband, Ellis Lee and our daughter, Hiro. I press daily for them. They are the foundational members of my tribe and they keep my lifted even when I struggle against it. They are my prayer asked and received. I am blessed to have each of them in my corner. I would be remised if I did not shout out my mother, Mary Jenkins, for all of the sacrifices that she has made for me and my sisters growing up. She is the true pillar of strength and the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman. I strive to be more and more like her daily. This work is for all of us. Thank you for having my six.

Website: www.artseellc.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theceo_mrslee