How I Found the Beauty in My Struggle
I wish I could tell you I had this perfect business plan, a team of experts, and a roadmap for success when I started Pretty&Ghetto.
But the truth?
I started with nothing but a name whispered to me one random day, an unshakable vision, and a whole lot of faith.
Before Pretty&Ghetto existed, I launched a personal development brand called Healing Krowns in 2021. That’s where I first started helping people grow, heal, and step into their best selves. I didn’t know much about the business side back then—I was moving on pure passion. But over time, I became fascinated with entrepreneurship and started learning how to actually build and run a brand.
Still, life reminded me that personal growth was too important to let go of. So in 2022, I decided to merge what I loved about Healing Krowns with my newfound love for business. That merge, mixed with a name that literally came to me like a whisper, became Pretty&Ghetto.
What Pretty&Ghetto Means to Me
I didn’t choose the name Pretty&Ghetto—honestly, it chose me. I can still remember sitting there when I heard it in my spirit, like somebody whispered it directly in my ear. At first, I didn’t even know what it meant. And I’ll be real—sometimes I struggled with it. I knew people might take it the wrong way. But over time, I realized this name is perfect for what I stand for: finding the beauty in where you come from, the beauty in your struggle, the beauty in your pain.
“Pretty is the beauty you see. Ghetto is the struggle that built you. Together, they’re your magic.”
The Life Behind the Brand
When my brother passed away, my world changed. His loss pushed me deeper into my faith, holistic healing, and searching for real purpose. I started asking questions like, “What’s the point of life?” That’s when I began learning, grieving, and healing all at once. Pretty&Ghetto was born in that season—a way to turn pain into purpose.
No Plan, Just Purpose
Let me tell you something—I had no plan. None. I didn’t know how to print a t-shirt, how to make a website, or how to get a logo onto anything. There was no ChatGPT at this time, no real guide for people like me to follow. All I had was the name, the vision, and the determination to figure it out step by step.
My first products? T-shirts and hoodies. And because I can’t start small, I launched with all the clothing at once. People say start with one product—I say, when your vision is that big, sometimes you just have to let it pour out.
“When your vision is loud, you can’t quiet it to fit someone else’s rules.”
The Challenges Nobody Talks About
My biggest challenge? Honestly, the name. I had to explain it over and over, and I knew some people judged it before they understood it. But now I stand on it proudly—it’s who I am, it’s where I come from, and it’s what I represent.
The second challenge was money. Pretty&Ghetto has been 100% self-funded since day one. Every shirt, every hoodie, every service—it came out of my pocket. And I’m proud of that because it taught me resilience.
And yes, there are days—even now—when I think about giving up. Not because I don’t love it, but because running a business alone means doing everything. Some days it’s exciting; other days it’s draining. But this brand isn’t going anywhere. It’s part of me.
What Helped Me Along the Way
Social media and word of mouth were my starting tools. And along the way, I found game-changers like Canva, workshops, and—yes—AI tools like ChatGPT. I know people have their opinions, but for me, it’s been a lifesaver for organizing my ideas, staying consistent, and bringing my vision to life.
I also have to mention the women I’ve met along the way—other entrepreneurs who’ve supported me, shared resources, and helped me grow. That community has been everything.
Lessons Learned
- Love what you do. If you don’t, you’ll give up when it gets hard.
- Find your balance. Running a brand and living your life is a constant juggle—learn to manage both.
- Build your systems. Organization will save your sanity.
Advice to My Past Self
“You’re not doing anything wrong—just keep going.”
I’d tell her to be patient and stop rushing to the next level before learning the lessons at this one. Every step prepares you for the next, and skipping steps will only make things fall apart later.
Advice to Other Women Starting Out
It’s not easy, but it’s not impossible. The hardest part is becoming the version of yourself who can handle the vision you’ve been given. You might have to change your routines, your habits, your circle, even your mindset.
“You can’t build your new life with your old self.”
Be serious about your growth and intentional about where you’re headed. Take it as a journey, not a race.
How You Can Support Pretty&Ghetto
Follow us on Instagram @PrettynGhettoGirls, shop our merch at PrettynGhetto.com, or join one of our services. Whether it’s Sistas Safe Space for community, Book Baddies for our book lovers, or our upcoming Sistas With Businesses networking group—we’ve got a space for you.
And if nothing else, tell someone about us. Share the message. You never know whose life it might touch.
By Keisha A, Founder of Pretty&Ghetto
