Justin Keller
Q What do you do?
“I help brands lean into their uniqueness + what sets that apart from the pack and build a unique and personalized strategy. ”
I coach business owners to build businesses from the ground up + I specialize in B2B and DTC sales and merchandising.
My unique background also allows me to partner with small business owners to navigate the ups+downs through an ongoing coaching process.
What separates me from that pack is that I take a holistic and integrated approach. How can we work together to build a balance that works for you, for your Brand(s) and the path you desire.
I help Brands find their superpower, it's cool. When one discovers one's self power, its magic. Once we achieve this, we can begin the path to collaboration and cooperation. There is no "one size fits all" plan.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Oh boy; I climbed the fashion corporate ladder in NYC until finally being able to open my own business in 2015. I scaled fast and like many businesses was shell shocked when lockdown hit. I closed my office space in NYC, downsized in LA, and had to lay off my entire staffs. SUCKED. As I have been building back, I have been working with WAY more intention than I had before, but its more holistic and honest. Simultaneously I have been studying to build my-own coaching framework for small brands and entrepreneurs. I call it "no rules, only my rules" essentially helping people gain confidence and empower their creative minds to take into their respective modalities. I also am a certified life coach and my niche is authentic self-leadership.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
GOING AGAINST THE GRAIN! I do not look sound or vibe like a "traditional" life coach
Q What are you working on right now?
1-1 coaching with small business owners + artists and engaging in as many group workshops as possible. I am also a fiduciary financial planner , and I have been able to hone in on integrated grounded planning to educate my network, my people, and plan for the future.
2024 is exciting.
Q What’s your style?
Did you see my website? I am super upfront and honest. I want to always be cool/calm/collected. "effortless cool" / dont try so hard..... when you have it, you have it
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
GROUP WORKSHOPS!! I love love love getting hired to come for a few hours and coach staffs or key clients on the authentic self and being true to you. I swear, every time I get to do this, new bonds are made and new friendships are formed. If you have a team and you have ever thought about hiring someone to come in for some organic and honest team building centered around "being your best self" and striving for peak performance, I would love to talk. This is SO REWARDING. And they can be virtual :)
Q What is frustrating you right now?
So much of my business is referral and word-of-mouth. Therefore a service like this feels new and unnatural. But i chose this sight based on referrals from others who know me well. I hope to be able to "bring myself" to a web community like this :)
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
This one took me a bit that means i have a lot to be grateful for. Probably just extra help around the house with household stuff. Both my wife and I WFH, so simple chores often get pushed aside since we are both focused on ourselves personally and professionally with a healthy level of not too much attachment.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Scaling too fast: hey Justin you dont need a fancy office in NY if you live in LA. You will not always be there so the in-person VIBE will never be equal to where your homebase is.... Also, hey old self you did not make enough time for play and having fun.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
The science of sleep! How can i always be at my BEST.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Individuals or small businesses looking to get started or unstuck and build a path. I love empowering others to gain confidence while simultaneously being there as a sounding board for decision making.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Someone juggling life and small business ownership in the creative arts, who maybe has tasted success and/or failure and needs guidance and collaboration on connecting dots moving forward. In fashion, my ideal client is contemporary+designer womenswear.
Q What is your rate?
One-on-one coaching — 8 session packages. And discovery calls are free! Be curious…
Business Advising — monthly rate and this depends on tasks and scope of work. Popular option :)
Sales advising — monthly rate + % of sales, again depending on scope of work + $$ goals
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Through www.coachjustinkeller.com
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Fashion — Mimi Prober!!!
Comedy — Good friend Aj Lubecker and has helped me a lot in my branding!
Life — My wife, she is a glasses sales exec + classical pilates instructor @cheysita
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Put in earbuds, go for nature walk - reflect and journal. LET IT FLOW; also I take COMEDY CLASSES!!
This member profile was originally published in February 2024