Hustle Her
Hustle Her
Hustle Her - Kim
Have you ever wondered what it takes to cultivate resilience in the face of life-altering adversity? This episode will surely pique your curiosity as we uncover the life of Kim Roberts, an inspiring entrepreneur and author, who transformed personal hardship into a beacon of hope. Together, we will venture into her entrepreneurial journey, her favorite food, and even her celebrity crush!
Delving into the depths of Kim's life, we unmask her battle with incarceration and how she repurposed this adversity into a personal transformation. We talk about the important role of transparency in her life, her work on the parole board and her relentless fight for inmate rights and rehabilitation. Kim's reflections on her journey, captured in a candid conversation, are sure to inspire you and make you look at adversity in a new light.
As we conclude our journey with Kim, her faith and resilience shine through the darkest moments of her life. Kim shares her aspirations, the solace she finds in her family, and the guiding force of her faith in shaping her future. Join us as we dive into Kim's incredible story of transformation—from being an inmate to becoming the Chair of the Treatment Offenders Board—and get inspired by her unwavering resilience and triumph.
It's time for hustle her podcast. I'm your host, deshae Keynes. Hustle her is all about inspiring women through real life experiences that have helped to mold and develop not only me but my guests into the entrepreneurs and leaders we are today. If you're an enterprising woman determined to succeed and looking for a bit of motivation, a bit of tough love and some actionable takeaways to be the best you girl, you are in the right place. Hey guys, and welcome back to hustle her podcast. Thank you for spending some time with me here today. As always, we want to thank a big thank you to our season sponsors, brown and company and 59 front. Make sure you guys head over to our website, hustle her podcastcom. You can check out all the behind the scenes of the episode. You can also hit the blog, guys, and tell me what you think about this episode, always interested in your perspectives or maybe some of the things that you want to know about that. I didn't act, so make sure you head over there and, you know, engage with me on the website and on all of our other platforms.
Speaker 1:Today I'm super excited about my next guest. Not only is she someone who I've pretty much known all my life, but also she's really good friend of the family. She is an entrepreneur and an author the amazing miss Kim rubber. Thank you for having me. Thank you for being here. I love this blazer color, by the way. Thank you, very nice, it matches the hat.
Speaker 2:You'll get it at the end of the episode. Little between my colors of black. Because you know they say, black takes slow slow, slow slow tampons that you pick up on camera. That's what it is. Yeah, there you go, it's all right.
Speaker 1:We take podcasting seriously here with LDS multimedia. So you know I totally understand. You know quality is very good and that's what we proud of.
Speaker 2:So all right.
Speaker 1:So we're going to ask a few questions. First thing that comes to mind, let me know, and we'll go from there. Cool, all right. If it's something you can think of, no problem. That's an ax one, all right.
Speaker 2:I'm happiest when I'm happiest when I can be in a quiet place there's a lot of noise at work or fully engaged with clients as well as us as colleagues. At home it's a lot of noise. My husband actually likes to have the TV blaring upstairs and downstairs, so when it's quiet, it's peaceful, I can just breathe. And also when I'm eating. I love food, I'm a real foodie, so I am very happy when I'm eating.
Speaker 1:Okay, so what's your favorite dish to cook then?
Speaker 2:I don't particularly have a favorite. My friend, my house sales favorite is like spaghetti and meat sauce, macaroni and cheese, barbecue chicken, that sorts of things. I try and stay away from the seafood to real buy that. I don't have that down yet but we all love seafood so yeah, I don't have a particular favorite.
Speaker 1:All right, all right, talk me through what you do to keep your skin looking so great your skincare routine.
Speaker 2:Interesting Vaseline Really. Yeah, I'm awful, I put whatever is in the shower shower gels. I did, for a minute, buy a product line from Nyland, I think it's Atera.
Speaker 1:Have you heard of her Right?
Speaker 2:So no, no, no, she has an amazing line. I actually purchased her line for our kids bar Okay, but I used her line for a bit, which was really really nice. I ran out and I'm not a real big cosmetic person, so I do need a reorder. But yeah, whatever I get my hands on.
Speaker 1:Okay, all right. Who is your closest friend, best friend?
Speaker 2:My closest friend. Now, that's a difficult one because I have a large friend group right. I really do in different areas. As of now, I would say my daughter. She's 18. Now that's really my bestie. Tanika Adams and Nicole De Shields are known to be my closest friends for the longest time, but there are others that are near and dear to my heart as well.
Speaker 1:Yes, okay, all right. What does love feel like?
Speaker 2:Love, feeling appreciated, respected. I'm big on action, speak louder than words. So you can say it, but if you're not showing it in action, I'll question it. But yeah, pretty much being kind, it being reciprocal, good spoke face.
Speaker 1:What's a hidden talent?
Speaker 2:A hidden talent. Well, as of 2019, the hidden talent became a writing skill that I had, new idea that I had, and Leticia Washington was instrumental in pulling that out of me. So, outside of that, yeah, I'm pretty creative and innovative when it comes to business. I've been blessed in having several of those.
Speaker 1:Some succeeded other students. Yeah, that's entrepreneurship, though, right.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Exactly, picking up and doing it again is the best part. That's to be fearless. Yes, exactly Okay. What are you listening to right now? Music wise.
Speaker 2:Yes, nothing. Maybe whatever might be on the radio. Okay, yeah, I tend if I go walking. I've tried to pick up walking again. I never, really last past two weeks. I don't know what it is, but I would throw on gospel Spotify. You know, one of my clients downloaded some gospel music. So did your cat. It gets one of my.
Speaker 1:I love him yeah, favorite gospel artist so.
Speaker 2:I blast him, Mary Mary.
Speaker 1:Yeah, okay, all right. And who is your celebrity crush?
Speaker 2:Easy, easy one. If I didn't say this, my husband would raise his eyebrow More chess not hands down.
Speaker 1:Okay, okay, yeah, mars is a good looking yeah.
Speaker 2:That's my guy. He's dark like my husband. Yeah, you know, he's got a little sway.
Speaker 1:I love it. I love it. Okay. And then, finally, judgment will be head. But who is your cart mash team? I have to say Summer's Sands.
Speaker 2:Okay, what's wrong with that? That's a good answer.
Speaker 1:Absolutely, Because that's that's not touchy with that. Don't be strong, but that's the right thing, like what religion do you have.
Speaker 2:That was an argument. No, no, no. This is Summer's Sands household, except for Lara.
Speaker 1:Yeah, lara's not a Summer's Sands fan.
Speaker 2:She has not seen the light, but that's okay. Come on ever, girl Convert.
Speaker 1:There you go, there you go. It's all right, we won't go into that today, but maybe another time, all right, okay. So tell me about young Kim. What did you want to be growing up?
Speaker 2:Interesting question, and this has never changed. I always wanted to be a mortician. Really I really did, and when I attended BI, you know we had that work release program going on. They couldn't place me. I don't know whether it was because of age or what, but I ended up being stuck in Butterfield Bank filing. I hated it, I disliked it. Rather, I don't know what you were at hate, but they didn't pan out for me.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so what, what? What about, I guess, mortician? What drew you to that?
Speaker 2:I don't know, that's just what always came to mind. I don't know if I was fascinated when I went to funerals or wakes and just seeing how they really looked like they were just sleeping. I'm not a very fearful person, so I didn't think I had to concern myself of being afraid if I was in that environment. But I just always wanted to do that and it just yeah, has that ever gone away?
Speaker 1:Would that be something you would still do if you had the opportunity now?
Speaker 2:I think I think it went away. I yeah, I think it definitely went away. Yeah.
Speaker 1:So walk me through how you became an entrepreneur.
Speaker 2:Well, I fell into that. Ironically enough, after leaving two years of Fisher College, I came home. My hope was to transfer to North East University.
Speaker 2:I had a few acquaintances that attended there. I became familiar with the campus when I got home. I knew that that was going to be difficult because my mom was a single mom and she was already working two jobs to pay for the two years. But when I returned home, my father, the late Clifford Burgess. He had two boutiques, one with his wife and another one that he had opened on his own, and he just handed me the keys. He was just like here, if you want it, you can have it. And entrepreneur was born. Entrepreneur was born, yeah. He took me to New York and we ran the streets of the retail district the job was at the time, introduced me to everyone and just taught me about the banking part and what it took, and then he technically disappeared.
Speaker 1:Was he ready to go at?
Speaker 2:that time, yeah, I was like do a dices.
Speaker 1:Yeah, there you go. So what type of clothing did you sell in that store? So we saw trendy clothing.
Speaker 2:And if you remember, like Mary Garand Back in the day no, your parents will probably know Mary Garand Oak Tree. You remember Oak Tree? No, oh my gosh, I'm showing my age, that's okay. But you know, we had all the trendy, trendy clothing. We were really, really busy cut match Christmas we had. I did majority of the buying but I did have a young man that accompanied me with that. So we had bought our booth, bought a twist, so we were able to be very lucrative. There weren't many businesses around during that time.
Speaker 2:It wasn't a competitive, we certainly didn't have online shopping, so we did extremely well in that era, nice.
Speaker 1:But your mom is also an entrepreneur as well, right?
Speaker 2:She is. My mom became an entrepreneur late in life. She always worked at. It was at St Brandon's at the time she ran the house keeping department. She was also an educator at the Bermuda College in the hospitality area, and she too just had a turn of events. She was like I'm going to barbering school. Then she took up a lot of courses. Yeah, that was it, but she hadn't always been an entrepreneur, okay.
Speaker 1:So how would you say your parents kind of shaped you into like the woman you are today, like those foundational, like traits and skills and values?
Speaker 2:I believe my mom played more of a role because I was raised in a single-parent home. My dad was not always around. Then he was. I guess he did what he could and I can't really attribute any skills outside of the business skills. But my mom being a single-parent, obviously they always want the best for you, so they instill sending you to Sunday school, just ensuring that you stay on track. She imparted as much wisdom as she possibly could, but I had a mind of my own and I was also raised with an elderly couple Saragut on uncle so they imparted a lot of wisdom and took great care of me Fantastic summers, those sorts of things.
Speaker 1:So I guess with the first business, with the clothing store, obviously your dad kind of gave you the keys to that, but how has that morphed into the entrepreneur that you are today in the different businesses?
Speaker 2:I think I'm just an alien entrepreneur. I jump in with both feet. I listen to people in the industry. I turn not to overthink things. I really don't. If an idea pops in my head, I just go and do it. I'm like a do or die type of person.
Speaker 1:Okay, and what are some of the businesses that you currently have? Because more than just one, no right, it's currently two.
Speaker 2:So we have the salon, calm salon. I've had that for about 17 years. We do more of a rental. Cheer Dental commission is definitely an opportunity to allow young women to come in and hone in on their skills. I tend to share more of the business side because most presidents want to open up their own business eventually, so I give them the dos and don'ts and I just mentor them in that way. It's been amazing and wanted to have actually opened their own businesses since which I then have the kids bar along with my husband and my daughter. The kids bar is actually the brainchild of my daughter. She was eight. That goes 11 years. October 26th. That's a lot of fun. We have a team of six. They rotate. Sometimes I have the hill six on. We might have an external or internal party, and that also allows us to facilitate offering camps to young girls across the island as well as etiquette camps in the past.
Speaker 1:Nice. So what would you say is your favorite part of the entrepreneurial process? What do you love the most about it?
Speaker 2:I love the most having the freedom to make my own time and my own decisions. First and foremost, I love the autonomy of being able to be creative. I'm very creative, so if I want to change something or move in another direction, it gives me the freedom to do that. And I also love that I can share my experiences with other people. I have people that call I'm an open book, I don't hold anything back. You want to know something? I'm going to give it to you.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I think that's really important. I think a lot of times when we become entrepreneurs, especially people think that we're trying to compete with them or things like that. People can be very they call it gatekeeping right With information. I think helping people is also really important because there's so much I mean, lara and I speak about this all the time like things you learn on the fly as an entrepreneur, especially the business side of it too right.
Speaker 1:Or, if something happens, how to deal with people, encouraging people and giving them that knowledge is really important.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Because not everyone knows and not everyone has anyone they can go to Exactly To kind of access questions. And it comes back when you give, it comes back.
Speaker 2:I just see the multiplication in my life, the favor that's upon my life. As a result, I've always been willing to help and to give.
Speaker 1:Mm. So in 2019, and you know, after reading your bio and you know, learned a bit more about you things I didn't know in 2019, you decided to take a course. What was they tell me about the course and what made you kind of want to do that?
Speaker 2:Yeah, so what happened was I was turning 50. And you know, life could get a little complacent, a little boring. So I said anything that I see that I'm interested in, I'm just going to go take it, I'm going to go do it, I'm going to explore it. So I saw the 16 weeks to publish and pop up. I was familiar with the instructor. She at one point was my daughter's school counselor, so I trusted that she would be offering something interesting. And, yeah, I registered. I think it was about eight of us in the class. Now what happened? As you would know, I didn't read the fine print, which is why I couldn't find this location today, ha ha, ha ha. So I didn't read the fine print and when I arrived, I learned the first session that the intention was to actually publish a novel In 16 weeks and, of course, I was like no negative. I don't even know how to write Like this is absurd. And so everyone around the table obviously was aware.
Speaker 1:They read the fine print.
Speaker 2:And yeah, so again, me being the person that just jumped in with Bofi, I was pretty much the underdog in the class, right? I'm always the underdog, so I always root for underdogs. Always it's just in me. But I ended up being the only one in the class to publish within 16 weeks. Both novels can be found on Amazon. They did relatively well in bookstores here in Bermuda One. They sing second on the top local sellers list, the Bermuda Anna Magazine. At the time I was pleasantly surprised when I received that call and that's what happened. So obviously I didn't know what I was gonna write about because, again, I didn't have that gift, but I had a story that I had lived and it was very easy to pay in.
Speaker 1:Absolutely so. I guess in the first book, which is shamefully discreet, right you speak about a lot of your life, essentially your life journey, and you had some pivotal moments in your life that obviously, with what the word pivotal means, essentially pointed you in different directions. Like, walk me through some of those things that happened in your life.
Speaker 2:Okay, Well, the most pivotal moment was being incarcerated for a drug offense. That was a defining moment for me because, technically, going back to your initial question, how was I raised? What was instilled in me? Those values certainly weren't instilled with me, which means it was a choice. I was. I was very mischievous and inquisitive and daring and brave, yeah. So I found myself doing things that just piqued my curiosity. So, as a result, I was sentenced to do time and it was then that it truly came to light. That came. This is not who you were raised to be. You had no business being here. You are not a victim, you are a victimizer. And a defining moment for me was being locked in a cell with a young woman who was going through with jaws, well, chronically sick. And I remember smashing my nose against the window because she was sick and no one had come to her aid. And I remember saying to myself you did that, you were responsible for that, well, and you are never to be a part of that lifestyle again, yeah, well that's, that's significant.
Speaker 1:And how do you get to the point where you accept that, like, I was the one who did that, you're not the victim in this situation? Like, how do you get to that point?
Speaker 2:Well, I think I had to just recognize that I had to own my role in it. I had to own it. No one forced me, no one held a gun to my head, and as time progressed, I started to work on myself and make the necessary changes, because I was this person to the public, but I was a different person. Behind Clays Doors, not many people knew who that person is. I strongly believe that you only know a person by what they show you. It's no fault of the other persons if they get it wrong. That's what I want you to know. So I'm going to leave certain details about myself out.
Speaker 2:However, I had my son at the time. He was 15 when I was actually sent in, so I had to recognize that. You know you need to be better and do better. You need to be more humiliated and embarrass your mother, first and foremost, my stepfather at the time. Both of them were raising my son and I had a really, really great friend group. So of course, they were embarrassed and just confused at who this person was and I needed to just realign myself, you know.
Speaker 1:So you said something that I'm actually quite interested is you said you only allow people to see one side of you. So in that aspect, you knew that what you were doing was wrong, but you didn't want the people around you to know about it. Why was that there?
Speaker 2:Well, again, my friend group are well accomplished. You know they're good people, Of course. For one, had I told them, I was even contemplating that I would like know. I'll march up behind two police stations, including my mother. So I knew that they weren't people that I could have divulged that information to you. They wouldn't have stood for it.
Speaker 1:But in that moment, you know, when you were making this decision, what was going through your mind around it, Was it? You know what was it? Was it a quick something to do right then and there, or was it, you know, you just weren't thinking.
Speaker 2:No, I was thinking, yeah, I was thinking. I think in the instance of what the actual reason for being incarcerated? I was attached to someone else that needed a favor. Right Time was ticking for them. Why they came to me was because they knew that I knew persons in that world, so it was more of that for me. It was never really about money. Money is no big thing to me. I can make that legally. It wasn't about prestige, because I am a kind of behind the scenes type of person. It was just to help them. I just was like okay, let me just put some contact with these people and get this done for you.
Speaker 1:So you can get out of here. It was more of that Gotcha, okay, because I don't think people always understand that side of it. Right, like the why in the moment of it, and that's just why I kind of wanted to accept. But so you're incarcerated now, right, and how? Walk me through how that is Like. What is it like being incarcerated?
Speaker 2:Well, first and foremost, I think it's different for everyone. It depends on what mental space you're in. It depends First and foremost, or rather you're even willing to accept responsibility. A lot of people are in denial. I didn't seek to cast a blame. My case was tied to a lot of people, even family. For a long time I was like you betrayed me, you betrayed me, you betrayed me, and I then began to shift my mindset and say well, guess what, if you didn't involve them to begin with, there would have been no reason to be betrayed. So you need to take full ownership of this. But for me, I wasn't there very long. When I compared to a lot of females that I did do time with, I was very fortunate. God has continued to have His hand of favor upon me, because I certainly should have gotten a lot lengthier sentence.
Speaker 2:When I got there, I was placed in a kitchen relatively quickly. That most almost two, three weeks. So that takes up a bulk of your time. Yep, early, it's breakfast, you take a nap, so you're there all day. You get to have the freedom of what you want to eat. There were 30 plus women back at that time. Everyone relatively got along well, to be honest and I shouldn't be saying this at one point. I used to write to family and friends and I used to put at the head in I used to put fairy reach resort or something like that because we were going swimming fairy reach the climate of women at that time.
Speaker 2:We're just there, I'm gonna do my time, we're not gonna make waves. So we received privileges as a result, got it. There were times where fights did happen on the odd occasion, but that never came my way. I just steered clear of that sort of thing and had a really good supportive work From the officers as well as the young ladies that I did time it.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and during that time you said you took immediately you didn't happen immediately, sorry where you felt like you took the ownership for what happened and your involvement in it and not necessarily feeling betrayed, but what you did Like. When did that kind of happen? When did that kind of acknowledgement of this is what I did wrong kind of happen? Was it while you were incarcerated, or did this happen post that, I think?
Speaker 2:it happened, probably towards the end, because of course, you go through that series of emotions you're angry, you're hurt. You just can't even fathom how certain people would have betrayed you. So it was a process for me, it was a spiritual journey. For me, it was a lot of reflecting and having conversations with people, whether it was a case worker or officer, or even another young woman serving time. You tend to kind of put the pieces out of puzzle right. In order to rehabilitate and heal, you do have to take ownership of where you put yourself and I think that's what helps you to evolve and, more importantly, if you have a supportive family so while they don't condone your behavior, they still love you unconditionally.
Speaker 1:I think that's the key, that's the big part, right. Like knowing that they don't condone it, but they're still here for me, for the supportive part of it. And that had to have been really helpful during the time you were incarcerated.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, that was huge, I mean, even if I remember my sentence, indeed, the courtroom was packed Magistrates. I had a pastor that was the late Reverend Ronald Smith was always by my side. My parents were there, my really really good friends, even some that had positions in like immigration or police. They were there because, again, they knew that came and they were still trying to figure out who was dispossessed and why is she here, right, right. So, yeah, they still buy me and I had a lot of respect. They probably had one or two people that distanced themselves from me and it hurt, but I understood it. You know, when we raise our children we tend to say you know, don't hang around her, you know she's a bad influence on you. So I got it, but the support was overwhelming. I always had amazing support.
Speaker 1:Yeah, which? Yeah, that's a really good thing to have, cause sometimes people go into what you went through essentially and people kind of leave them you know what I mean. And that can be very isolated on top of being isolated, sure.
Speaker 2:You know what I?
Speaker 1:mean yes. So yeah, that's gotta be very difficult. So you finish, you serve your, you know your sentence and you finish. How do you? What happened post that?
Speaker 2:So, upon my release, I wasn't able to work at my business, which my parents and the manager had sustained for me during that period. That was a kind of a real condition, so I had to seek employment. I remember having an interview at Chris's. I was telling one of the managers today, I do his hair, you guys didn't even give me the job and I was like they're lost. But that was any interview I did. However, my aunt worked at Cedar Bridge Academy and Arnie Payette was the principal at the time and they needed a receptionist. So my aunt was like I know just the person. And, yeah, I started two weeks after being released and I was there for seven years. Wow.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and how did that? How was that time for you post that being at Cedar Bridge?
Speaker 2:Yeah, it was a little odd because of course you have the naysayers and I understood it. You know you had educators that were a bit concerned that a felon was in the building. I didn't have direct contact with the students but I was able to converse with them and deal with them on some level. So I always had to ensure that I kept my nose clean. I mean, I used to remember being a little antsy about if money went missing. I'll be the first one that they accused right, and he's to tell my boss listen, I'm not a thief, I do not steal. But you know I had those concerns. And then of course the buzz did go around. So you did have students that would come and say Mrs Steve at the time, mrs Steve, I heard you was and you know of course I'm going to answer them. But as time evolved, everyone got to know me, everyone was able to be put at ease and, yeah, I had a great time there.
Speaker 1:Yeah that's good, you know, obviously. I know Cedar Bridge, I'm well, but I guess you mentioned something just now that I kind of want to go back into a little bit around people's perception of you post. You know, being incarcerated. How do you manage that? Because the minute someone hears that someone's being incarcerated, they automatically think the worst. I think.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And very rarely do you think rehabilitation or a different mindset, like we see these things, but very rarely do people have that train of thought. So how do you deal with that?
Speaker 2:For me. I tend to let things just roll off my back. I'm really, really strong when it comes to these things that attack me. If it has to do with my children, my husband or family, I am like I'll scratch your eyeballs out.
Speaker 1:You know, I will cry.
Speaker 2:I will be furious, but I have thick skin and I think that once people made it their business to get to know me that it was a thing of the past. So I think I was able to navigate through it relatively well. Sometimes it hurt because you know you always had the naysayers say oh, you know, they don't really like you Well they think of this and I'm just like I don't know what to do. But I need this job, yeah, if not, I could go back.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:So I developed in receiving a number of positions being there. I worked my way through. I didn't stay on the reception desk very long and I had a great experience.
Speaker 1:That's cool. So when we spoke, when I initially actually be on the podcast, and you were like, can we just chat first? And you said you know, Deshae, I'm an open book. You said my husband, my family, my children know my story, so I have no shame in what happened to me. Like, how did you get to that point? Like, especially with the family piece of it, right, Because when I don't know what it's like to have children, but from a child's perspective, you know. You said you had your son at the time. Like how do you get to a point where it's like you're an open book with your kids, to where the point you're comfortable enough to share?
Speaker 2:Interesting question. Yes, well, with my husband. First and foremost, he knew about my past because we were set up on a blind date and a friend of his knew about me, so of course he was just like listen, you're the girl you're getting with my husband wasn't new.
Speaker 2:Obviously, I'm more 20 years, married last month, right. So he knew what he was getting himself into and the first date I gave him, step by step, what happened and who I was For my children. My son was, like I said, 15 at the time, so he didn't know. You know, he didn't remember, and it was never really brought up around him until very late, as a result of my children being told and given the full story. That was as a result of me writing the book, because I had to have their permission in order to release it. Although it was published as realistic fiction, I had the interviews where I alluded to the fact that the content was real life, based on real life stories. So, because I am the person that I am today, my children are like, oh, I don't care. And then sometimes I was like who are you? You know, they'll even joke. If I'm like, listen, you shouldn't do that, like that, that's not something you should do. Oh, you, the drug dealer. You know that's he joking. And I'm like, come on, that's not fair.
Speaker 1:That's not fair 27, 30 years ago, right.
Speaker 2:Yes, but I get it oh gosh, I get it. Yeah, but they're resilient. We are very close as a family. I tell my children everything. I like to think that they do the same. I offer them a safe place. I always let them know that I need to know how to protect you, so I need to know who you really are. Knowing how I live, I need to know who you are inside and outside of the house. So we're all very transparent.
Speaker 1:And what's your parents as well, as far as Like meaning, like what I was saying in the beginning, around being comfortable enough for your family to know who you are and then sharing it Like with your mom. Like did you get? Because I know you said she probably felt ashamed with everything that- happened so you got past that.
Speaker 2:Yeah, we did. I mean, I had to go through the. Are you stupid, like? Why did you do that? You know, I went through that, of course, because they had to release how they were feeling, but they maintained being very supportive. Yeah, and I can't say that we ever really talked about it in depth, not with my parents, but I guess the way that I showed up gave them security that I wasn't going in that direction anymore.
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely Okay, but I guess it's a really full circle, right, Because now you know you're, are you the chair of the treatment offenders on board?
Speaker 2:now I am the chair. Yes, I currently need the chair.
Speaker 1:That's so amazing, right, like you had did something you know you did the time for it and now, as I think, 2021, you are now on the treatment offenders board. Like what does that entail, and how does that feel, knowing your past and then being in this position now?
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's surreal because, first and foremost, I didn't even need treatment of offenders board existed until I received a call to one of the from one of the former ministers of national security you might know who that is and that conversation was like I want you to join this board and first I'm like what board? Like what? I don't even understand. So once I I received an understanding in depth from the former chair, she was like I want you to join this board. I think you'll be a great fit. It worked out because when we meet I'm off, so it was a no-brainer.
Speaker 2:I said okay, well, let me try it off. I have the flexibility and once I joined I was like wow, I kind of remember these days was what happened? Was they the treatment of offenders board in the parole were two and one and then they split.
Speaker 2:I was familiar with the functioning of the parole board because I had been be formed twice. So I got a clearer understanding of what their mandate was and once I joined I learned that there are independent board, of course, made up of members from the community. Our mandate is to ensure that the young women and men are treated fairly and that their human, their basic human rights are met. We also adjudicate, so we act as like a mini court for internal infractions, and that becomes a little sticky because the inmates are like you're supposed to be here for our support but yet you adjudicate. But that's what we're tasked with. We also have interviews. If they have any concerns that they need our assistance with, they come in and interview with us and we do our best to remedy that situation.
Speaker 2:And the last pieces, that we conduct road visits where we go inside the facility every month. So we'll do a tour of the facility to just make sure that the structure is suitable for their living conditions, as well as engage with any person that wishes to speak with us. So we do that. It's an interesting task. It can be very, very emotional because I'm sure you're aware it's a younger population now and predominantly men because, as we stand as of today, there are only three women and, like I said earlier, there were 30 plus back in my day and I'm like, wow, this is a massive improvement, but our males continue to be a driving force of.
Speaker 1:So when you're dealing with people who are incarcerated, or do you set aside what you went through, or is that a factor in how you deal with them? I mean, I'm sure it is, but how is that?
Speaker 2:It's a balance, because I can't identify to some degree.
Speaker 1:As.
Speaker 2:I always say the incarceration of a male is far different than of a female in my opinion, however, sometimes you can because of my experience you can see through what they are conveying. And then there are other times I get it, particularly when it's cases where it's them against the officer and we always feel like we have to tow the line and take the word of the officer. But I had first hand experiences with officers that were treated me unfairly and in some cases it was mentally abusive. So I knew that it happened and I draw off of that. Sometimes I have to take a step back and I say that can happen because it happened to me Right. So I have to be careful because I wanna be fair. I also like to always assure administration that it's not us against them, but our priority is the inmate.
Speaker 1:That's our first priority. Yeah, and I think that's necessary. They deserve advocacy regardless of the offense that they committed, and I know that that can be very taboo in saying that, but you know that inmates are still humans, right?
Speaker 2:And they have human rights.
Speaker 1:And I didn't realize what the treatment of offenders for did until you just explained it, but it's good to know that it's someone looking out for inmates and making sure that they are being treated fairly, because not everyone in jail are these. They have or they had a offensive that were that egregious. You know what I mean. So everyone deserves to be treated like a human, though.
Speaker 2:Absolutely Everyone wants to see change, no matter how heinous the crime. I wholeheartedly believe that people can change. They just need to be given the resources, they need to have the support and, when it comes down to that parole period, they need to be given the opportunity. And I get that entrepreneurs are a bit afraid or not very concerned, but they have families. A lot of these men have children that they want to be able to support and it's important that we allow them to make their way. If they mess up, it's on them, yeah, but to not be given the opportunity actually robs them of their hope.
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely you need the hope, especially when you're in a situation like that where you are incarcerated. That hope is probably one of the few things that kind of get you through right. It's not the only thing, exactly, yeah, because you've lost the right to your freedom, right to do anything. So I can only imagine being hopeless in that as well. You have nothing to lose at that point.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:And that can be detrimental for people that is also incarcerated with them. I assume yeah.
Speaker 2:And you made a really good point, because sometimes they come up to us to interview and it becomes a vent in session and you have one or two members like, okay, you need to just cut that off and I'm like, no, I would rather they vent and cry and kick and scream here a place to go in, down into the unit and assaulting another person to include an officer. So no, we are gonna stay here as long as it takes for them to get it off their chest and hopefully we can reassure them that we can assist them.
Speaker 1:I think it's amazing and I think it was a really good call for you to be a part of that board, because sometimes people are and this doesn't take away from their knowledge around things but having that firsthand experience and advocating is one thing, but advocating from a space of I know what that person is going through. It's gotta be a different form of advocacy.
Speaker 2:I believe so. Yeah, I have to. I believe so and I believe that I am there for a reason because, again, I didn't seek it. I, after probably about nine months, I was appointed deputy chair and then, several months after that, I was appointed chair. It happened very quickly, yeah, and again I didn't ask for it. It's sort of after me and I accepted the opportunity and as long as the minister would have me, I will be there to serve. Even if I was removed as chair, I will continue to serve.
Speaker 1:That's a calling Like, that's something that you know you've been calling your life to give back in that way and that's how you know, by based on the fact that you would still wanna do that.
Speaker 2:Absolutely yeah.
Speaker 1:Sort of everything that you've kind of been through and you've learned and the places that you, you know, have been and come from entrepreneurship, being incarcerated, being a mom, being a wife, all of those things Like what has been the greatest learning, I guess, point in your life. What have you gotten from all of that?
Speaker 2:Well, I've received a great deal. I mean, I just believe I'm truly blessed. I sometimes feel like I have the entire package A successful marriage, 20 years. I have two amazing young people. I think my kids are really, really nice people. I like them. Some people don't like their children. They love them but they don't like them. They're well mannered, they're charismatic, they're kind, they're giving. The entrepreneurial piece has been a blessing. Again, I can beat my own drum. While I believe there are pros and cons to working for someone else, right, you can walk in the door and lose your job today, but your business could also food as a result of I don't know something, the pandemic, some people didn't survive that.
Speaker 2:So we just have to appreciate where we are and enjoy the moment and continue to be better. I always pride myself on just what's for me won't pass me. I truly believe that I got that from my grandmother. She always said that and it always pans out that way because sometimes some do a shot. But as a whole, I've just received that. I am thankful. I'm thankful and elated that the experiences that have been afforded me have come my way, yeah.
Speaker 1:I love that All right. Well, I mean, it's crazy how time flies. But everyone, this last question that I asked all of my guests before they leave the couch is you know, and it's I love that. You know you had this experiences that you've gone through in your life and it's not a traditional path, but of everything that you've been through, like what is something that you want to be remembered for. I always say this you know you're no longer on the planet. A long time from now, touch wood a long time from now, and people mention your name, like what do you want them to say about you?
Speaker 2:That's a little question, I think. First and foremost, I wish to be remembered as being candid but tactful. I believe in holding people accountable. I believe that you do them a disservice if you don't allow them to accept or own their responsibilities. I wish to be remembered as a good listener. I believe it's best to listen more than to speak. People want to be heard. They don't always want or seeking your advice, they just want to be heard. I love to be remembered for being an amazing mom, although that's a question for my children.
Speaker 1:I think you got that one down. I know your song say yes.
Speaker 2:I pride myself on being a great mother and a great wife and a community person. I love to give finances my time. I always make time for people. I take advantage of these opportunities where I'm quiet and I'm like listen, let me call this person and just check in and say hello, do you need anything, are you okay? I am everyone's biggest cheerleader. I love to validate and encourage people. So those are the final things that I love to be remembered for.
Speaker 1:That's amazing. Okay, and you have two books shamefully discreet and overcoming betrayal. If anyone wants to buy those and read them, where can they do that?
Speaker 2:They can currently find them on Amazon. I no longer bring them in. I ran through that period of where they were offered at Brown and Co people's pharmacy. My mom sold a whole bunch of them out of her business. But at this time you can download it on your Kindle or you can purchase a hot copy and tab it mail to you.
Speaker 1:Perfect, amazing. Okay, and give me how can people get in contact with you if they wanted to partake in either of your businesses?
Speaker 2:I can be contacted. My email is mixmeekscom, or they can contact me through the Kitspa on 292-4257. And it's probably the best ways of contacting me.
Speaker 1:Perfect, all right, well, thank you so much for sending some time to me today and trusting me to share that story on the platform. I really appreciate you being willing to do that.
Speaker 2:Thank you for having me. You were amazing. I did trust that you were going to present in the way and form a fashion that you did. I was very comfortable.
Speaker 1:And certainly you later to be here. Thank you, all right. All right, guys. We just had an amazing, amazing episode with the amazing Kim Roberts also known to me all my life as An Kim who came and she shared her story with us. She was very vulnerable about the things that she's been through in her life and how she turned her life around and basically is on the other side of that. If you want to learn more about her or read more about her, her journey and everything she went through in her life, she has two books the Shamefully Discrete as well as Overcoming Betrayal that you can find on Amazon, and you can get the e-version or you can get the hard copy mailed to you. So make sure you head over there and support the two books that she currently has.
Speaker 1:As always, make sure you head over to the website hostileheartpodcastcom, where you can see the show notes about this episode. You can also check out the blog, where you can give me some feedback on the episode. Tell me what you thought. I love to hear all of your feedback about the episode that you just watched and or listened to, depending on the platform that you're on. Also, sign up to be a VIP listener so you can get some of our amazing giveaways that we have coming out From our great sponsors from this season Brown Company, as well as 59 Front. As always, guys, thank you for spending some time with me today watching Hustle Her Podcast.
