We had the good fortune of connecting with keely Sconiers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi keely, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Our mission is to learn, create, and grow every single day. Whether that’s in business or life in general. 10% of profits are donated to various non-profits such as mental health and suicide awareness, ethnic and cultural awareness, etc.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
This is always a fun question. I graduated college with a BA in Marketing and Communications with the intention to go into advertising. I wanted to change the way people viewed the world and each other. Specifically women, the LGBTQ community, and people of color. After getting pregnant with twins my Sophomore year my priorities changed and after graduation, my husband and I’s main focus was to support our family.

I went down so many different career paths, real estate, insurance, the service industry, retail, managing, but nothing was ever fulfilling and more importantly, I never felt like I was making a difference. When the pandemic hit and I was forced to change career paths yet again it gave me a chance to remind myself of what I was passionate about. I have always been creative and loved working with my hands, interior design, and I love to learn and also wanted to find a way to give back. After doing some DIY projects with cement I found out that i really loved working with it so I decided I would start a handmade home decor company. In June of 2019 I started The Black Out Co. turning furniture into art, 10% of all profits were, and still are donated to non -profits. At the same time I started experimenting with candles, wax, wicks, fragrance oils etc. Then in September of 2021 The Black Out Co. candle line was released. By Summer of 2022 I hope to release more handmade homewares, and the goal for 2023 is to open a store front filled with The Black Out Co. products as well as handmade products from small businesses are the world.

My main vision is to learn, create, and give. The more I learn, the more opportunities I have to create, and can give back. It hasn’t been easy but 100% worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being raised in Colorado I’ve had the opportunity to explore some pretty amazing places. Legends are by far my favorite coffee shop, I love Denver Biscuit company for breakfast and Los Chingones OR Machetes are my go-to for lunch and taco Tuesday. An afternoon downtown exploring street art and hitting up Five Points and reminiscing of what it used to be before everyone started calling it RHiNo. If we are splurging then dinner at Urban Farmer is a must! A concert at Red Rocks is mandatory. If it’s in the Summer hiking a 14er early in the morning. A quick trip through the mountains to Durango for the weekend for dinner and drinks at El Moro Tavern. Then on the way back to Denver we hit Pagosa Springs and hike up to Treasure Falls. Ending our week back Downtown on a rooftop patio somewhere with a view of the Denver skyline and drinks or at a dive bar with a back patio.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people that have helped and encouraged me to get to where I am. I have to thank my mother for passing on her creativity and for always encouraging me to keep an open mind. She was always my biggest supporter and advocate. My husband has always supported my ideas and encouraged me to keep going especially at my most fragile times. I also have to thank TWLOHA (To Write Love On Her Arms) for creating a safe space, resources, and ways for people who suffer from mental health, addiction, and suicide to get help.

Website: www.theblackout.company

Instagram: theblackout_co

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keely-sconiers-b12b5276/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackOutCo1

Image Credits
Whiskey Media

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