By Design Consulting, LLC

03/13/2026

It’s Friday and the final day of the Rural Pathways Project Institute 3—and what a meaningful few days it has been.

Our conversations have centered on advancing DEEP K–12 pathways, strengthening partnerships, and thinking intentionally about how we create opportunities for students in rural communities. The work is complex, but the commitment in the room reminds me why this work matters.

I’m especially grateful to serve as a coach on this project, supporting colleges in Ohio and Texas. One of the greatest gifts of this work is how much I learn from them with every interaction. It’s always powerful to see how different states approach challenges, innovate, and support students in ways that move the work forward.

Every time we bring educators, leaders, and partners together with a shared purpose, we move one step closer to building pathways that truly support students—from where they are to where they want to be.

Grateful for the dialogue, the collaboration, and the continued focus on student success and opportunity.

Now let’s finish strong. 💚

03/12/2026

Day 2 | Rural Pathways Project Institute #3

Today’s conversations pushed us deeper into what it really means to advance DEEP K–12 pathways in rural communities.

Rural institutions play a powerful role in expanding opportunity. When K–12 systems, community colleges, and workforce partners align with intention, we create pathways that help students not only access education—but move through it with purpose and momentum.

Day 2 reminded me that meaningful progress requires more than strategy. It requires:

• Honest reflection about where gaps still exist
• Cross-sector collaboration that moves beyond silos
• A commitment to designing systems that truly work for rural learners

The work happening in this space is critical. Rural communities deserve pathways that are intentional, equitable, and built for long-term student success.

Grateful to be in community with leaders who are committed to doing this work well.

Looking forward to the conversations that Day 3 will bring.

HigherEducation

03/11/2026

I love ❤️ and am deeply thankful that my college supports me in helping other colleges advance their student success work through my coaching and training roles with Achieving the Dream, National Center for Inquiry and Improvement, and Complete College America.

This week I’m with some of my favorites—the incredible team at the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement—for the Rural Pathways Project Institute #3. My history with the leaders of this organization goes back more than 12 years, and I’m grateful for the continued support and the trust they place in me to contribute to the meaningful work they are doing.

It’s always meaningful to be in spaces where people are deeply committed to improving outcomes for students and communities. Opportunities like this remind me how powerful collaboration can be when organizations and leaders come together with a shared commitment to student success. Grateful to continue learning, contributing, and being part of work that truly makes a difference.

02/03/2026

Leadership looks good on me. 🎤✨

Showing up rooted, ready, and fully in my purpose—one keynote at a time.

12/06/2025

🎨 Introducing… The Authentic Life Adult Coloring Book! ✨

Created with intention. Designed for your peace. Rooted in purpose.

I’m so excited to share something deeply meaningful with you — The Authentic Life Adult Coloring Book. This isn’t just a coloring book; it’s a moment to breathe, recenter, and pour back into yourself.

Every page was crafted to help you slow down, tap into your creativity, and reconnect with the parts of you that deserve ease, joy, and restoration. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day, looking for a mindful practice, or gifting something that actually speaks to the soul — this is it.

🖤 Perfect for you.
🖤 Perfect as a gift.
🖤 Perfect for anyone on a journey toward authenticity, healing, and self-discovery.

✨ Grab your copy today and step into your soft, intentional season:
👉🏽 https://a.co/d/2Yd0FDM

Thank you for always supporting the work and the mission. This is just the beginning. 💛

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

12/01/2025

It’s a new week, but that doesn’t mean you need a “new you.”

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do on a Monday is recommit to who you already are:
• The you who has already overcome real stuff.
• The you who shows up even when you’re tired.
• The you who is allowed to choose peace and still be ambitious.

This week, give yourself permission to:
• Say no without apologizing.
• Protect your energy without guilt.
• Take one bold step that’s aligned with your purpose, not someone else’s expectations.

You don’t have to do it all.
You just have to do what’s yours to do.

✨ Small note: My The Authentic Life coloring books are on sale right now—created for those moments when you need to breathe, reset, and pour back into you.
👉🏽https://a.co/d/2oIXiN9

11/30/2025

Coloring Book ✨

🎄✨ Holiday Gift Alert! ✨🎄
If you’re looking for a meaningful, feel-good gift this season, the Coloring Book is officially here — and it’s the perfect way to add a little peace, joy, and authenticity to someone’s holiday.

📘 Hardcover available now:
https://a.co/d/bLpZST9
📚 Paperback expected Monday (pending Amazon approval)

⸻

💛 Why You Should Buy It

✔️ It’s more than a coloring book.
Each page was intentionally designed to help you unplug, reset, and reconnect with yourself — something we all deserve during the busy holiday season.

✔️ A tool for mental wellness.
Coloring reduces stress, calms the nervous system, and creates space for reflection. This book blends mindfulness with messages rooted in authenticity and self-love.

✔️ Beautifully crafted & gift-ready.
The hardcover edition makes for a stunning, durable keepsake — perfect for gifting or adding to your personal self-care routine.

✔️ Supports a Black woman–owned business.
Every purchase pours back into The Authentic Life mission of helping women (and everyone) live boldly, confidently, and without apology.

⸻

🎁 Who You Can Gift It To

✨ The women in your life who do everything for everyone and need a moment to breathe.
✨ Your girlfriends, sisters, and aunties who love self-care, journaling, or creative outlets.
✨ College students who need an easy way to de-stress.
✨ Coworkers or supervisors as a thoughtful wellness gift.
✨ Teen girls as they learn to embrace confidence and identity.
✨ Moms who rarely take time for themselves.
✨ Teachers, counselors, and social workers who give so much of their emotional energy.
✨ Anyone on an emotional wellness journey who’s learning to slow down and live authentically.

And honestly… get one for yourself, too. You deserve a moment of color, calm, and authenticity. 💛

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

11/28/2025

Today feels like the pause between gratitude and “go mode.”

Yesterday many of us were pouring into family, food, and tradition. Today, I’m reflecting on what it means to carry that same gratitude into how we live, lead, and work — not just for a holiday, but as a practice.

🧠 I’m thankful for:
• The people who challenge me to grow, not just agree.
• The students and colleagues who remind me why this work matters.
• The quiet moments where I can hear my own voice and check in with what I truly need.

As we head into the end-of-year rush, I’m inviting myself (and you) to:
• Protect our peace like it’s a deadline.
• Lead with empathy, not ego.
• Make choices that align with who we are, not just what’s on our to-do list.

And a small bit of joy I’m excited about:
On Cyber Monday, I’m releasing The Authentic Life Adult Coloring Book—a simple, creative way to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself in the middle of the chaos. It’s not about perfection… just permission to pause. 💛

How are you giving yourself permission to rest and reset this weekend?

11/27/2025

Gratitude + Growth.

I haven’t posted here in a while, but the work has been happening — deeply, intentionally, and with purpose.

As we step into this season of gratitude, I’m reminded of why By Design Consulting exists:
to help people, teams, and organizations grow with clarity, confidence, and intention.

This year has been full of transition, elevation, and partnership. I’m grateful for:

✨ The colleges and national organizations that trust me to coach their teams.
✨ The leaders who invite me into their learning spaces.
✨ The opportunities to design meaningful experiences that push people toward growth and alignment.
✨ And the continued evolution of this work — done with heart, strategy, and authenticity.

If you’re new here: welcome.
If you’ve been here: thank you.
And if you’re looking for support with leadership development, organizational change, team culture, or DEIB-informed strategy… you’re in the right place.

Here’s to purposeful work, aligned partnerships, and stepping into the next chapter with gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving 🍁
— Keisha
By Design Consulting

11/25/2025

✨ Something beautiful is coming… ✨

Sis, get ready.
I’ve been working on something soft, intentional, and so needed — and it drops just in time for Cyber Monday. 💗

The Coloring Book is your new soft-life essential.
A creative space to relax, reflect, and reconnect with YOU.

Inside you’ll find:
🌸 Beautiful illustrations
🌸 Mandalas
🌸 Affirmations
🌸 Reflection pages
🌸 Mood + habit trackers
🌸 Self-care prompts

It’s a whole vibe.
And yes… a special Cyber Monday offer is coming. 👀✨

Turn on notifications so you don’t miss it.

11/06/2025

🌿 New Release:

Have you ever realized how your personal life and professional life sometimes tell the same story — just with different characters?

The way you handle conflict, the boundaries you set (or don’t), the lessons you keep learning — they all show up at home and at work.

This month’s issue of Newsletter, , dives into the mirror between life and leadership. Because the truth is, who you are in one space shows up in every space. And when you start paying attention to the patterns, you find freedom — not just from the stress, but from the stories you’ve been replaying.

Here’s what’s inside this issue:
✨ The honeymoon phase — when the newness fades and alignment begins
✨ Boundaries & burnout — teaching people how to treat you
✨ Trust issues at the office — healing from professional hurt
✨ The breakup — when walking away becomes an act of courage
✨ The glow-up — rediscovering yourself on the other side of change

It’s deep. It’s real. It’s me — reflecting on what happens when life and work collide.

🎧 Plus, I’ll be unpacking these lessons on The Authentic Life Podcast, where we talk about how to live, lead, and love from a place of truth.

🛍️ And yes, the latest Authentic Life merch is live — because authenticity isn’t just a mindset, it’s a lifestyle.

💛 Read the new issue now, share it with someone who’s growing, and remember — it’s okay if it’s complicated. Growth often is.

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/theitscomplicatedlife-when-life-work-mirror-each-other-keisha-jones-nqste?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&utm_campaign=share_via

09/24/2025

One thing you can take from Cardi B is this: she owns her story. She acknowledges her role in it, shares it openly, and doesn’t let outside opinions dictate how she moves (for the most part 🤷🏽‍♀️).

And honestly, we could all live a little freer if we did the same. Most of us don’t sit with our own mess, which makes judging someone else’s feel easy.

When you’ve made peace with your good, your bad, and even your not-so-pretty moments, what others say about you doesn’t carry weight. ✨

The truth is, the only opinion that truly matters is the one you hold about yourself. People will always talk, judge, and create narratives—but that’s their business, not yours. When it’s their time to stand before God, they won’t be discussing your choices.

So step into this Wednesday with confidence: if someone has something to say about how you’re managing your life… let them. Talk about me. Judge me. Whisper my name. Thanks for keeping me on your mind. 😉 I’m good over here.