Meet Kenisha Lee of The Klee Brand

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenisha Lee. 

Hi Kenisha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Kenisha Lee; I am 33 years old. I achieved my bachelor’s degree in business from Walsh College. I have been working for the local Subway (a national QSR brand) Development office for 11 years. I am currently serving in a dual position. My primary role is the Director of Leasing and Development for the local Subway Development office, now managing 600+ restaurants across Michigan and Ohio (in the following geographic territories: Wayne County, Macomb County, Oakland County, Northern Ml, Grand Rapids, and Cleveland, Ohio). Although each role is equally important, my secondary role is Head of Human Resources for about 80 – 100 staff members. 

11 years: ago, I started with a Subway franchisee / Development Agent as a Store Manager and then quickly transitioned into a district manager overseeing 9 Subway locations. I then quickly transitioned into the Development office doing HR and Development, transferring from the field to the office. Fast forwarding to 2022, I have worked or managed in every department within our company. In 2020, an opportunity to co-own a Subway restaurant arose. I am now the co-owner of the Subway located inside of the First National building in downtown Detroit. I also own an online women’s clothing store. 

I grew up on the east side of Detroit in a single-family home. This is when and where I developed ambition, independence, and a strong work ethic. My mom had to provide for my sister and I by herself in which resulted in some hardships. To ease the pressure off of my mom, I started working at the age of 15 at Charley’s Steakery in Macomb Mall. Fortunately, I can say that I have not had a gap in employment since the age of 15. I didn’t have the normal child dreams of becoming a doctor or lawyer etc. I always knew I wanted to be a Businesswoman. I always pictured myself with a suit and briefcase. It wasn’t always clear on what I would be doing or where I would be going, but I was always clear on the type of person that I wanted to be. That was always my goal! I have work very hard over the years to become just that and unexpectedly achieved many goals along the way. My journey has been full of joy, heartache, and lessons. I am now interested in supporting others on their journeys and showing others a different perspective of life in efforts of showing people that everything that they want is in reach! 

Passions and values: My greatest passion has always been to train/mentor. I am fulfilled when I support people in personal & development growth and provide opportunities. I value honesty, humility, integrity, and dependability. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. My journey has been full of joy, heartache, and lessons. Anytime someone ask me how I was able to get here, I tell them, “Hard work.” I worked really hard over the years to achieve my goals professionally and personally. 

I have always felt overlooked throughout my life in which I developed this need to always have to work extra hard and prove myself to everyone. It took years of personal work to get to a place of being happy with myself and not feeling the need to prove myself to everyone and everything. 

Oftentimes, I was the youngest and only African American woman in the spaces that I occupied. I always struggled to find my place and the sense of belonging. 

I also struggled with figuring out who I am, accepting & trusting my journey. We as humans often compare ourselves and our journeys to others. Over time I learned that everyone’s journey looks different and is unique. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am now launching my consulting business where I offer business & career consulting and will be offering mentorship programs in 2023. I am now interested in supporting others on their journeys and showing others a different perspective of life in efforts of showing people that everything that they want is in reach! 

Our mission: To provide direction, clarity, and the necessary tools to execute your vision and take your career and or business to the next level! The purpose of creating this company is to do my part in helping people evolve to the next level, personally and professionally. 

Tag line: Perception creates your reality 

Specializing in – Efficiency, creating systems, Planning and executing, Educating & Training, streamline operations & processes, Project Management, Finding creative solution to issues. 

What sets me apart: My experience! 

11 years of experience in Human Resources, Operation, Office Management & Business Management 

2 Years of basic accounting experience 

Strong background in project management 

Heavy experience in creating new policies & procedures 

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Michigan Realtor, Certified Serv Safe Proctor & Manager Certificate. Certified Business Consultant, Member of the Society for Human Resources, Member of ICSC. Notary 

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
Books – Year of yes – Shonda Rhimes, The Four Agreements, Rich Dad Poor Dad, Ask and its Given, The Alchemist 

Motivation: Eric Thomas, Girl CEO – Ronnie Brown 

Documentary – Think Grow Rich 

Podcast – Jay Shetty On Purpose, Earn your leisure 

Apps – Masterclass 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Thekleebrand

Image Credits
Q11 Photography