We recently had the chance to connect with Kimerley Baptiste & Ameel Baptiste and have shared our conversation below.
Kimerley & Ameel, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of our day aren’t just about productivity—they’re about stewardship: of our energy, our relationship, and the goals we’re building together. I start by protecting the quiet space before the day’s noise arrives, but I’m not alone in this. My husband and I share a small, intentional ritual that sets the tone for both work and home.
4:00 a.m. — Wake with purpose
I rise early to protect the quiet space before the day’s noise arrives. A glass of water, a breath, and a moment to set an intention for the day—personally and professionally. I know I’m not rushing the day; I’m inviting it to cooperate.
4:10 a.m. — Daily prayer, manifesting, meditation, and journaling
I pause for daily prayer, manifesting the outcomes I want to create, and a short meditation to center my mind and heart. Then I spend 3–5 minutes journaling: a quick note on what I’m grateful for, one insight from yesterday, and a line or two about today’s intention. This journaling grounds my energy and reinforces my focus.
4:30 a.m. — Prepping Ameel to leave for work
I prepare Ameel’s breakfast and pack his lunch, and we speak encouragement about our daily goals, aligning our individual work with our shared mission. We review the day’s priorities and how they contribute to our bigger picture.
4:45 a.m. — Ameel off to work; read for insight
Ameel heads out, and I take time to read herbal books to gain insight and knowledge that can inform future products. This reading fuels our long-term strategy and product development.
5:00 a.m. — Time in the garden: tending to our plants
I spend a few minutes in the garden tending to our plants, nurturing growth both literally and metaphorically. A quick hands-on moment that grounds me in patience and steady progress.
5:30 a.m.—Personal care: getting ready to take on the day, refreshed from the garden.
Breakfast prep for the boys and family rhythm
I’m prepping breakfast for Asar and Amiri as they awaken, and I’m getting a head start on their morning routine. This is also when I orchestrate a smooth start for the kids—making sure they’re fed, hydrated, and set up for a positive day. While they eat, we weave in a quick family moment that reinforces our daily goals and values, so morning energy supports both family and business.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Kimerley Baptiste, founder of Keleecia Queens Collections. As a farmer, wife, and mother of five, I launched KQC to bring herbal, chemical-free care from field to bottle. Our products blend time-tested botanicals with gentle, effective formulations to care for hair and skin without synthetic ingredients. We champion clean beauty, ethical sourcing, and a community where every customer feels seen and valued.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The people who taught me the most about work are my parents. They left a secure life in Jamaica—both police officers, with a paid-off five-bedroom house—to come to America and start from scratch. They worked incredibly hard to give us better opportunities, showing me that sacrifice, perseverance, and a clear vision can turn challenges into success.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain when I realized I needed healthy boundaries with our family and focused on what’s best for my husband, children, and our businesses. I stopped listening to outside noise and chose power through focus and purpose.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is the real me, just in progress. I’m committed to lifelong growth as a lifestyle and I own my life with everything it comes with. I can be everything I choose to be in peace, because that’s what suits me.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes. I can give my best even without external praise. I’ve learned to derive my self-worth from within—focusing on doing quality work, meeting my own standards, and learning from the process. While I appreciate feedback, I don’t rely on it for validation; I measure my success by personal growth, consistency, and the impact of my contributions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.keleeciaqueenscollections.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/keleecia_queens_collections/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Keleecia-Queens-Collections-108916754808321/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCoIaSEYcYR1ugqQQoGJ337Q
- Other: TikTok:
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8t32xhN/
Image Credits
Iyonni Taylor
