Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrell McNeil.
Hi Katrell, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Single mother
US Navy, Aviation Electrician
Degrees:
Willowridge High School, High School Diploma
Houston Baptist University, 2004, Bachelor of Arts – Marketing
The University of Texas at Tyler, 2014 – Masters of Bustiness Administration – Marketing
Walden University
Harvard University – Management Essentials
University of Houston – Customer Experience Certification
In elementary, I spend several hours drawing dresses. I wanted to be in pageants and modeling, but we could not afford it. I loved being creative, and I also loved science. I worked for a major industrial company in high school and tried to raise money to be in the Ms. Houston Teen pageant.
I joined the military to earn an education, and during that time, I became pregnant at 20 years old. When I had my son, I had no place to live and was homeless; and I returned to Houston to stay with my mother.
I was sitting in a hair salon looking at hair magazines and noticed none of the hairstylists were from Houston, Tx. I started a Hair Magazine for about 1 1/2 years walking door-to-door selling advertisements with little magazine knowledge. I made two editions and found myself excited about marketing. With a passion for marketing, I started college at HCC and then transferred to HBU. As a college student, I worked two jobs, one overnight as a waitress at Denny’s, and went to school.
While in college, I interned for then Fox 26. I worked in the News Room, Public Affairs, and Sales Department. The Sales Team helped me get a job with Clear Channel selling media. When the office closed, I worked as a marketing rep for a CPA firm. A year later, I went to RSC Equipment rental working in marketing for five years, building their industrial tool business. After five years, I went to Herc Rentals (formally Hertz Equipment Rental) And eventually oversaw two divisions, Industrial Services and Small Tool Rentals.
My mother spent most of her life depressed and not loving herself. As an entrepreneur, I later opened a clothing store and or volunteered. Today, I own three businesses 1) Customer Habitat, LLC – a full-service marketing firm, and 2) Keauty Lifestyle, a fashion, clothing, and hair care brand designed around self-love. Our mission is for our customers to Love Their Whole Body, 3) Cut the Chase Short, a dating app for intentional dating with no Hookups.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have been homeless twice I have struggled with confidence. I have spent a lot of time away from home traveling and not supporting my son due to work demands. I have dealt with less qualified people getting better opportunities.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Living, learning, and creating are what I love about my work. I am blessed to have the opportunity to be a College Professor of Marketing at Houston Baptist University. I do not just teach, I make my classes a learning journey. That is how I see everything. Keauty Lifestyle designs are solution-based and made to build confidence. I lack confidence a test confirmed it. I am single, and I want women to know it is okay to be you. I created Cut the Chase Short to find a simple way for people to connect that want to be valued in a marriage, not just married.
I am most proud of my son. As a single mom trying to accomplish career goals, my son is strong and wise. He is human but he is a good kid.
Specialty – I look at marketing from scientific glasses. I believe sales, marketing, and customer engagement must work for a company to succeed. There is more to marketing than just one thing to be successful.
What are your plans for the future?
In 2022, I plan on Keauty Lifestyle released a series of customer personally designed custom dresses. I love dresses. I love drawing. I made these dresses to compliment a lady from size small to 4 xl.
Complete my doctoral degree.
Release more hair products. A woman’s crown is a part of her confidence.
Add 3 to 5 different small businesses to my marketing company portfolio or work in a position that supports building a greater community.
Take a vacation.
Contact Info:
- Website: customerhabitat.com
- Instagram: keautylifestyle
- Facebook: customerhabitat
- Youtube: keautylifestyle
