HBB Star – Keisha Hammonds

We got to connect with another rising star in our Huntsville community Keisha Hammonds the creator of the The Miss Black Rocket City Scholarship Pageant. Check out our conversation below:

Keisha, please tell us a little about you. Where you are from, what’s your upbringing?

As a devoted child of God, wife, and proud mother of two young men, I consider myself incredibly blessed. My mission is to uplift and empower others, particularly young women, to reach their full potential and positively impact their communities. With a deep fondness for children, I find joy in every moment spent with them. I am a substitute teacher for K-3, a mentor to young girls, and a pageant coach, and I serve in the children’s ministry; beyond the classroom, I share my passion for dance as a fitness instructor.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I competed in pageants as a young girl and was determined to start my own program for young women of color when time allowed. I am deeply committed to empowering the young women who participate in our pageant and making a positive impact in their lives- ultimately helping them with their college education by providing scholarships!

What is unique about your business? Tell us a bit more.

Overall, what makes the MBRC scholarship pageant unique is not just the pageant itself but the broader mission and impact it seeks to achieve—empowering women of color through education, opportunity, and representation.

What have been your biggest challenges, and how have you overcome them?

One of the ongoing challenges for the MBRC Pageant is reaching out to young girls and spreading awareness about the program. Despite this challenge, we remain dedicated to our mission and are continuously working on expanding our outreach efforts to attract more participants and grow the program.

If you could speak to your younger self, just starting out, what advice would you give him/her?

I would tell my younger self that the road ahead won’t always be easy, but I would continue to work hard and persevere. Remember that God is faithful; if you seek Him first, He will guide you through every step of the process. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed—no one succeeds alone—trust in God, yourself, and the support of those who care about you.

What’s your dream/the end game?

By staying committed to my vision, I can successfully expand the stage production, increase participation, and offer attractive scholarship prizes totaling 10K, ultimately creating a platform for young women of color to showcase their gifts and pursue their educational goals.

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?

Remember that entrepreneurship is a journey, and success often comes from hard work, determination, and a willingness to adapt and learn. Stay committed to your vision, continuously seek growth opportunities, and don’t be afraid to dream big!!!

And that’s a wrap on another amazing interview with another of the amazing small business owners here in Huntsville, AL. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us!