Conversations with Ta-Keela Lee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ta-Keela Lee.

Hi Ta-Keela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
At thirteen years old, I understood my love language: gift-giving and creating memorable experiences for my loved ones. I also learned from my parents how to be an entrepreneur. My Dad owned a drywall business, and my Mom owned her own daycare. They instilled the importance of hard work, dedication, and how to operate from a client’s perspective.

For my daughter’s 6th birthday, I tried to convince my cousin, Kym, to make Niyah a tutu. However, she refused. In return, she sent me a video on how to make them. So, I surprised Niyah with the cutest pink and purple tutu that I made. As a result, Kym ignited my entrepreneurial spirit. Thus, Keela’s Closet was established. Not only did I make tutus, but I also made bowties and other kids’ accessories.

In 2016, I started creating personalized gift baskets. I cannot fathom the amount of joy it brought knowing my clients trusted me to provide the element of surprise for their loved ones. A little over six months into gift basket making, the pandemic unprecedentedly halted my business. So, I began studying with my life coach, Monte, focusing on self-development and arranging my next step. During our conversations, event planning always came to mind.

With hopes of the pandemic ending soon, I explored event planning in depth. However, it quickly became evident COVID-19 was here to stay. Thus, I shifted my focus again. I, like many others, was frustrated with life. As always, I turned to prayer. I prayed to God to reveal HIS purpose for my life. That’s when things began to unfold.

Monte kept nudging me to start selling food plates. I thought, “I could do that, but I wouldn’t enjoy it and that would be a disservice to myself and my customers.” After a few failed attempts of making other treats, I found myself making pecan turtles. The first couple of batches were terrible! But, after a month of long nights and early mornings, I created “The Sinfully Delicious Pecan Turtle.” As a result, Selfish Joy was officially established.

Selfish Joy is my heart, my soul, and my peace. It is nothing for me to stay up all night hand dipping each pecan turtle. During this time, I usually listen to music, sing, dance, talk to God, and visualize. Just having a good ol’ time!

For many, this is just a piece of chocolate. But, for me, it represents joy and happiness. It is my contribution to the world. I love connecting with my customers because we all deserve to experience immense joy, and that touches my soul. This is why I created Selfish Joy, and this is how I hope Selfish Joy continues to grow and serve others.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. Being a mother of two, working full-time, and having my own business, I frequently found myself juggling my time. In the beginning, there were many sleepless nights. It took some time to “perfect” my recipe, but I was determined not to give up.

I also had frustrating moments obtaining my license in two different states. Since I live in Illinois but sell in Missouri, I acquired both licenses. It, too, required a lot of patience and trial and error. I’m grateful to EVERY person that assisted me.

Then, there’s getting out of my way. I’m still working on this. Naturally, I’m introverted and keep to myself, but I had to step outside my comfort zone as an entrepreneur. That was terrifying. But I took a chance and started participating in public vending events. I am grateful my sister, Jazz, has been by my side assisting me in every way possible. We were able to network with people in the community as well as business owners. I’m grateful for the experience because I struck gold and met some pretty amazing people!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am affectionately known as “The Turtle Lady” or “Nikki” (my childhood nickname). I specialize in bringing joy to the soul through self-celebration, self-joy, and self-love because Selfish Joy is not just chocolate.

What sets Selfish Joy apart from others is our recipe. From the first bite, you’re surprised and shocked by the taste. Then, you enter the phase of not wanting to share. Next, you think of everyone you want to share with because the chocolates are so delicious! In the end, you contemplate if you should share them at all; it’s a unique experience!

Overall, I believe there’s no better time than right now to celebrate who we are: flaws and all.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned to never underestimate myself when it comes to attaining goals. If I think it, I can create it!

Contact Info:

• Email: selfishjoy@yahoo.com
• Website: www.selfishjoyshop.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfishjoy/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/selfishjoy1/

Image Credits
Aaron Lucy
JM Photography