Navigating Disruption: Strategies for Rising Above the Storm
Coaching through transformation starts with clarity—and sometimes, we have to disconnect in order to reconnect more deeply and on purpose.
When Hurricane Helene hit, Ramona, the visionary behind Kenté Kitchen Market, was one of my clients most deeply impacted. A tree fell through the center of her home, displacing her and her mother. All the while, she continued serving as a full-time caregiver.
Despite every challenge, Ramona never wavered. Instead of letting the storm wash her out, she used it as a turning point—to get clear, rebuild, and recommit to her purpose.
Here’s how she turned disruption into transformation:
Strategy 1: Get Grounded Through Knowledge & Connection
Ramona didn’t just gather information—she showed up to serve and learn. By attending FEMA-related workshops and networking sessions, I watched her actively exchange ideas, share resources, and uplift other entrepreneurs. She leaned into her community and found strength through connection.
Participated in FEMA-related small business recovery programming through Black Wall Street AVL
Completed 20+ hours of personalized coaching with me through Mountain BizWorks
Engaged in Entrepreneurial Open Exchange networking for peer learning and visibility
Strategy 2: Say Yes to Support
Ramona took bold, decisive action and applied for every opportunity available to her. She didn’t move from a place of entitlement—she moved from purpose. Each deadline became a door, and she showed up ready to walk through. Her willingness to receive support helped her skill up, stay grounded, and move her business forward.
Earned a $1,000 scholarship to AB Tech to take a bookkeeping course
Received a $200 supply grant through Black Wall Street AVL
She increased her coaching to weekly for deeper support.
Strategy 3: Build with the Future in Mind
Ramona made smart, strategic moves to future-proof her business. Her refreshed brand now reflects not just the excellence of her products, but the heart behind her mission. She never stopped refining, never stopped improving—and every step she took was rooted in a commitment to long-term sustainability and growth.
She increased her coaching to weekly for deeper support.
Became HUB Certified, opening doors to public sector contracts and broader business opportunities
Resilience Through Branding
To bring Ramona’s vision to life, we rebuilt the Kenté Kitchen Market brand from the ground up. We designed custom seasoning labels that showcase the authenticity and care behind her products. We developed a media kit to position her for larger opportunities, partnerships, and press coverage. And we rebuilt her website to better reflect her story, connect with customers, and create a foundation for future growth.
We restructured the website to improve both usability and storytelling. On the homepage, we added a clear services section and moved the About section higher up to introduce Ramona’s story earlier in the customer journey. We replaced stock photography with real images of her food and added logos from events and publications where Kenté Kitchen Market has been featured to build trust and credibility. The About page now includes richer visuals and a direct link to the media kit. On the new Catering page, we expanded the content and created a custom inquiry form tailored to the information Ramona needs from each request.
Every piece of the refresh was crafted to match not just the excellence of her food, but the spirit of resilience that drives her work.
– Erica Lewis, Designer
KenteKitchenMarket.com Before
KenteKitchenMarket.com After
Ramona’s Experience
“Working with Aisha Adams Media and her team through Mountain BizWorks & Black Wall Street has been a game-changer for me and Kenté Kitchen Market.”
Working with Aisha Adams Media and her team through Mountain BizWorks & Black Wall Street has been a game-changer for me and Kenté Kitchen Market. From day one, they didn’t just help me rebuild my brand — they helped me reimagine what was possible. Together, we created stunning custom labels that truly honor the roots and spirit of my products, developed a media kit that positioned me for major opportunities, and completely redesigned my website to connect more deeply with my customers and share my story with pride.
Since partnering with Aisha and her incredible team, my business has taken off. I’ve landed new partnerships, seen a surge in sales, and gained the kind of media exposure that once felt out of reach. The growth has been real — not just in numbers, but in my confidence, my reach, and the future I’m building. Every step of the way, Aisha and her team poured into me with vision, strategy, and heart. I can honestly say that Kenté Kitchen Market would not be where it is today without them. I am proud, grateful, and more excited than ever for what’s ahead.
Results
What makes Ramona exceptional isn’t just her talent—it’s her unshakable commitment to her community.
Even in the face of personal and professional disruption, she remained grounded in her purpose. She understands that entrepreneurs are here to solve problems—and she shows up, every day, to do just that.
As a result, Ramona is open for business—and she’s currently looking for opportunities to grow, partner, and share her culinary magic with even more communities.
Her story is a testament to what’s possible when resilience meets the right support system. With help from N.C. IDEA, Black Wall Street AVL, Mountain BizWorks—and a whole lot of heart—Ramona turned the storm into strategy.
Support her brilliance and browse her offerings at Kenté Kitchen Market.
This story was made possible through the support of:
N.C. IDEA | Mountain BizWorks | Black Wall Street AVL
