Meet Na’Kedra Rodgers | Christian Motivational Speaker, Author, Radio Show Host, Influencer and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Na’Kedra Rodgers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Na’Kedra, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
When I started my ministry as a Christian Motivational Speaker, I told myself that I wanted to speak on the highest stage spreading optimism worldwide. I had no idea what that meant or why I said at the time, but it’s becoming more clear to me now. By the end of my career, my ministry will be what I do full-time. Currently, I juggle being a Data Analyst and Entrepreneurship which is very taxing on the mind, body, and soul; however, my passion is to empower women. I will appear on the New York Times Best Sellers List multiple times as an author. I have added podcast host at Fishbowl Radio Network to my resume, and I believe that opportunity will be the catalyst to becoming a tv personality someday. My first podcast episode debuted in ten countries; therefore, my message is already being heard around the world. By the end of my blessed career, I will be a renowned, motivational speaker who is compensated to travel and speak all around the world delivering empowering messages to sold out arenas.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business was started during the pandemic. In the beginning, I looked at it as a side hustle, but God has turned it into much more. I didn’t have a business plan, and I had done no research on how to successfully launch a business; therefore, I pretty much learned everything on the fly. Everytime I needed something for my business, God would allow me to cross paths with someone that would willingly share the valuable information that I needed at that time. It was overwhelming at times trying to get everything that I needed for my business such as a website, marketing material, business cards, professional photos at the same time as balancing family life, but God helped me get through that period in my life. I’ve encountered several obstacles along the way, but I’ve learned from them and don’t mind sharing my story with others in hopes that they won’t endure the same hardships as I did.
The biggest challenge that stands out was my first t-shirt vendor. We didn’t have a contract so I was pretty much at her mercy. Towards the end of our partnership, she stopped answering my calls and didn’t deliver my product at the time that she promised she would. What I learned is that you have to put things in writing and sign contracts with people or they can do you any kind of way. That experience could have caused me to stop selling merchandise because it’s hard to find dependable people that produce quality work; however, God worked it out.
The second obstacle that I encountered was my t-shirt vendor increasing her prices. I was able to expand my product line based on her price point and my profits. When she increased her prices, I wasn’t able to purchase all of the items in the OptimisticallyKe product line, so I felt unprepared sometimes at vendor events. I shopped around until I found someone whose prices were not only more affordable, but also delivered quality service. I am once again able to keep all of my merchandise available for purchase at events.
What sets my business apart is that I don’t mind sharing my hard story. I live my life out loud on social media for others to see. I openly discuss my trying times as well as my successes. I allow people to see that even though I’m a Christian, I can still have fun. My business is also different in the fact that I have various items in my product line. I learned that you have to give people a variety with different price points. Not everyone wears t-shirts or are book lovers. I also have jewelry in my product line as well; however all of my products are connected with the buzz words and bible verses associated with them.
I’m really excited about my podcast on Fishbowl Radio Network. It wasn’t my desire to start a podcast, but the owner of the radio station heard my speak and encouraged me to give it a shot. She saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. I think it’s pretty cool that my podcast debuted in 10 countries. When the owner of the radio station pitched the idea of me being on the radio, I had no idea that my reach would extend to international waters,  other countries outside the United States, and beyond. God keeps doing amazing things in my life and I”m glad about it.
I want the world to know that my brand started with just posting inspirational videos on social media; I had no structure when I began, but I stuck with it. I went from being a vendor at pop-up shop events to speaking at conferences. Anything is possible if you just believe and make the first step. Just trust your gut and start. The rest will fall in place.

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?
Ella B’s in Arlington has such great food and live music. This restaurant also has the most colorful butterfly mural out front and you must get a picture in front of it before or after dinner on Friday night. Then it’s all about self-care Saturday. Start the day off with a massage to work out the knots due to stress from the work week. After massages, it’s on to Eb and Flow in Dallas for brunch. That’s a great place for a photo op as well. Afterwards, we have to head over to South Dallas to visit the Black Girl Magic Museum. Each room is a celebration of black girl excellence. Church on Sunday is a must. We’ve got to hear a good word and thank God for blessing us with good health. The choir never disappoints at BBC and the Pastor most definitely will speak a powerful message that will touch your soul. Monday night would be chill inside and order some wings from Wingstop while watching NBA playoffs. Tuesday night is seafood boil at the Crab Trap in Southwest Fort Worth. The blackened salmon is so delicious. Wine down Wednesday with pedicures and mobile spa services. I love a good facial and glam right in the comfort of my own home. Thursday night is all about swing dancing the night away at Club Ritzy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This shoutout is dedicated to my family, specifically my husband, daughters and my Dad. I promote my business relentlessly in hopes that inspires my daughters. They are at an impressionable age and are watching everything that I do. I want them to see that anything is possible as long as you’re determined, consistent, and believe they are more than capable of doing the job. My husband takes care of the girls while I’m at vendor events or speaking engagements. I don’t have to worry if they’re safe or not because I know they’re in good hands with their Dad. There have been a few times when I’ve overbooked myself and he has stood in the gap and vending for me while I attended another event happening at the same time. My Dad has been my #1 supporter since day one. He lets me know all the time how proud he is of me and he never misses an opportunity to tell all of his friends that his daughter is an author. He has purchased quite a few books from me to gift to his friends and church members. Their encouragement is what keeps me motivated and pushes me to keep dreaming bigger.

Website: www.okthatsme.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/OptimisticallyKe

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nakedrarodgers

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OptimisticallyKe

Other: https://fbrn.us/shows/optimisticallyke-thats-me/