We had the good fortune of connecting with Khandice O’Kelley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Khandice, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Like many other families, the pandemic changed our everyday routines drastically. I was working from home and my daughter, who was in kindergarten at the time became a virtual student. Little did we know that she would spend her entire year in first grade in virtual school as well. During this time I realized the need for hands on activities to reduce her screen time. If she had her way, she would watch TV and use her iPad 24/7. We would bake together, make crafts and we even started an indoor garden. All of these things were great distractions but the lure of the TV was so strong, and momma (that’s me) was gaining weight from all the cookies and cakes we were baking.

Prior to the pandemic we had several mommy daughter activities we did together. One of them was getting our nails done at a local salon together. They were closed due to the pandemic so My daughter and I decided to do our manis together at home. I was researching nail polish to buy and realized that many had toxic ingredients. Also there were certain principals like being made in the USA, Cruelty- Free and Vegan that were important to me. I told my daughter that I was having trouble finding the type of nail polish I wanted, and she said “Let’s make our own”! This was the perfect long term project for us to reduce her screen time and create something for the world to enjoy. Pink is her favorite color, and chocolate is my favorite indulgence. So Pink Chawkulit was born!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My professional career does not define who I am, but what I do. I am a MOM. Being a MOM is the most prestigious title that I have. Mommihood has given me super powers. I am able to be in 2 places at one time and can create something from nothing in the drop of a dime. As a mom I have completed interdisciplinary internships. I have become a doctor when my child is sick, a lawyer when negotiating screen time, a 5 star chef when making the perfectly crisped tater tot….. the list goes on and on. I am fortunate, blessed and appreciative of this experience. Momming ain’t easy, buts it sure is fun!

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 would start at Lorca, our favorite coffee shop for their Nutella latte and some conversation. Next we would go for a walk along Harbor Point and sit on the swing and chat some more. We would have a low key relaxed day, because the night belongs to NYC! the cobblestone roads and the restaurants of the Meatpacking District are perfect for an impromptu night out that never ends! We would need to spend the night because, who wants to go home after having that much fun! Don’t book ahead, use an app that fills empty rooms. Do it around 2 am and you’d be shocked at the great deals and fab boutique hotels you can stay in for discounted prices. Next day we treat ourselves to a Spa day at our hotel. If they don’t have one, or they are booked we go elsewhere! It’s NYC, you don’t need plans you just need a few extra coins to spend and the possibilities are endless. We end the day with a low key shopping stroll through Soho. I love the wide streets, architecture and low key shopping vibe downtown.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Teachers. All of the teachers that were able to adjust to the changes so quickly and find a way to make virtual school interesting, fun and interactive. SpecIfically Taylor’s Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Blackwell.

Website: www.pinkchawkulit.com

Instagram: @pinkchawkulit

Facebook: Pink Chawkulit

Image Credits
Product photography Lynda Norgaard for A Firefly Studio portraits Cari Battista for Bella Grace Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.