Meet Karen Dade | Health & Wellness / Women’s Designer Ties/ Artist

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

Hi Karen, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I would say, definitively before even starting it, It has to be something that you are passionate about. With starting a business, there are a plethora of risks that are involved. In order to have the motivation and tenacity to continue doing it even when faced with unforeseen challenges, it has to be something that drives you.

If we are 100% honest and transparent, giving up enters your mind on multiple occasions. It’s hard when you are the only safety net that you have. Everything has to be strategically planned and mapped out to ensure that you can survive. Especially, if it’s your only source of income.

With all that being said, I don’t believe there’s a blueprint that fits every scenario. Only the person running it knows the struggle. As for me, quitting is NOT an option. Not only am I doing it for me, but I’m also doing it to leave a legacy for generations to come.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a Praise & Worship leader, Christian comedian as well as the CEO of my two companies. The parent one being IKARE Essentials, LLC where I make seamoss. The branch of it is, Tie Kare, which specializes in making Women’s Designer Ties.

As a Praise & Worship leader, it’s important for me to live a life that emulates Christ. When I sing, I pray that people are inspired and encouraged enough to keep pressing on no matter what issues they may face.

As a CEO of two companies, more than anything I want to offer quality products and operate in a manner of integrity.

As a CHRISTIAN comedian, I want to make people laugh, but in a way that’s not offensive and clean.

What sets me apart is that it’s ME. Not to sound arrogant, but GOD made me to have my own individuality. There is no one that can do what I do like I do it. Everything about it God-driven and God-inspired. If it’s not about God, it’s not about anything.

We know nothing in life that’s really worth having comes easy. There are always going to be obstacles, crossroads and/or roadblocks. The question is, are you going to let those stand in the way or be a deterrent? WILL you allow them to keep you FROM success or use them as a stepping stone TO your success? It’s really a personal choice.

What helps me to overcome, is my relationship with Jesus Christ. I’m wise enough to know that I can do nothing without him, but I can accomplish all things through him…

I would want the world to know that there is nothing that can stop you, but you. Oftentimes we can stand in our own way, in the place of our own delay or destruction. We become consumed in doubt and fear so we talk ourselves out of doing. We say things like, “I’m oo old. I don’t have enough money^ or other any contrary verbiage. I would say change your words from negative to positive affirmations. Keep telling yourself that you can and before you know it, YOU WILL..😊

What am I most proud of? I will say becoming an award winning author of my autobiography. It depicts my life story from being molested as a young girl to the woman I am today, from “Victim to Victor!” 🙌🏽

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.
My best friend is a photographer. Any place with beautiful scenery would be good for her. Anybody who knows anything about Chicago knows we have the prettiest skyline imaginable. We definitely would have to go downtown at night. Visit the Shedd Aquarium and then 360 Chicago. Its a view from the 94th floor that tilts. She could take pictures and we can eat there as well.

Of course last, but not least, The Magnificent Mile. Well because what girl doesn’t like to shop? 😂. It’s pretty cold in the Chi right now, so most things indoors.

One popular restaurant I love is, “The Signature Room.” Whew! Another breathtaking view.

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?
I would give the recognition to my mother.

My mother just recently turned 95 years old. So, as you could imagine, the narrative of her life is one that can’t even be written. Her journey and things that she has witnessed covers a multitude of experiences.

I’ve heard some of her struggle and I just have to say, she is one of the strongest women I know without fail. She is who I glean my strength from as well as a cornucopia of gifts and talents. I see myself through and in my mother’s eyes. 😊

Website: Www.ikareessentials.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkaren_dade?igsh=MnBmYWhxMm4xZjg0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.dade.63?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Other: Www.tiekare.net TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@karendade?_t=8j9QO1lh1iA&_r=1 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100026546635142&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits
The main photo would not let me delete and upload the correct one…