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

Hi Kemberley, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I believe some risk taking is essential. When you take risk, it may challenge you in ways that help you grow. In someways risk helps you discover a strength you never knew you had. I never was the type of person to take a risk. I was that one person in the group saying, “wait let’s research and ask questions”. It wasn’t til I was good and grown, when I decided to just jump out and go for it. My first HUGE risk I took was relocating to Texas. This one risk turned out to be a pivotal point In my life’s journey. I began to follow my heart and dreams and began a journey in entrepreneurship.  “There is NO passion to be found playing small and settling for a life that’s less than the one you are capable of LIVING” Nelson Mandela.

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?
Suddenly Forty was established in 2017. Suddenly Forty is in the business of restoring confidence and empowering women through the aging process. Although we have a target audience of women approaching forty, our website has clothing for women of all ages and from every walk of life. As women age, our goal is to look ageless and alluring. There is still the desire to be sexy, trendy, and edgy while still expressing sophistication. As a brand, we are most proud of expanding our brand to not only selling garments to our target audience but being able to discus all things Forty through our podcast, which is appropriately titled Suddenly Forty. Suddenly Forty podcast provides women the opportunity to discuss any trials, tribulations, and inquires not only about the art of fashion and aging but the mental, financial, and health tips of an aging woman. Suddenly Forty Podcast will return as soon as Covid 19 exits our lives. You can tune in to all major platforms and listen to our pre-Covid 19 episodes. Getting to where Suddenly Forty is now has not been easy. We are constantly learning, researching, and remaining fearless when it comes to Suddenly Forty. To get to where we are now we stay consistent with setting monthly goals and doing everything it takes to meet those goals monthly. We learned to accept mistakes and consider them as lessons that help us grow instead of viewing them as disappointments or failures. We’ve learned to overcome and not to succumb to challenges. It is imperative to keep our mood and thoughts positive. Staying fearless, prayerful, and focused has been our recipe thus far to overcome any barrier. I want the world to know that Suddenly Forty is, knows, and understands the everyday thoughts and desires of a woman’s confidence and needs for containing her personal style. We are a brand that believes quality is important as do affordability is of the essence as well. Our brand caters to and celebrates all curves. We wholeheartedly believe fashion empowers individuals to have a voice through personal style and strengthens an inner glow that fosters pride.

She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future, when she speaks her words are wise and she gives instructions with kindness. Proverbs 31 v. 25-26

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?
Bishop Art district- catch all location for food, drinks, and shopping
Deep Elum- catch all location for food, drinks, and shopping
Vignettes- live band Don Dieg
Dallas Black Repertoire- great plays and exhibits
Fort Worth Zoo The Cowboys practice stadium at the Star- tour
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Tenders Smokehouse                           Wingfield
Babes Chicken Dinner House

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?
First, I want to give my loudest shoutout to God. My cup overflows with blessings and joys of knowing God is at the Front, center, and back of this journey. God continues to encourage and motivate me to keep going when the light is dim. Secondly, I want to send a shoutout to the many individuals (Family, Friends, Customers) for purchasing Products, helping set up vending equipment, liking and sharing posts to help build the brand and spread the word, informing me of events, and those who have helped to troubleshoot my ideas as well. I want to give a Shoutout to the Mocha Moms of North Dallas for providing the opportunity to participate in our first vending event in 2017. We also will like to give a Shoutout to Dallas Women Entrepreneurs for being so kind and offering numerous of networking opportunities along with vending opportunities as well. A special Shoutout to the models/influencers and photographers that brought an extra pizazz to our product. @ikenya._ @toodiebruce @tracyripsen @d.marie809 @mnjh7821 @lana_toi @andrea_lady_a @madelynbrene @thehollandvictoria

Website: www.suddenlyfortyllc.com
Instagram: @suddenlyforty
Facebook: @suddenlyfrty

Image Credits
@ikenya._ @toodiebruce @thehollandvictoria @suddenlyforty

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