A. Umstead “Misstakenid” (pronounced Miss-taken-I-D) is From Durham, NC.

Akeeya’s impact extends beyond her professional endeavors; it is deeply rooted in her upbringing and personal values. Since childhood, she has been actively involved in serving the Durham community and beyond, inspired by her late mother, Cassandra Wallace Umstead, who instilled in her the importance of giving back. Akeeya has seamlessly merged her passion for community service with her project management skills, creating diverse and meaningful service experiences.

One of Akeeya’s key insights is understanding that people are willing to serve but often find long-term commitments challenging. To address this, she has developed projects with shorter timeframes but significant impacts. This approach allows individuals to contribute meaningfully to their community or other communities in just one or two days, ensuring that giving back is both fulfilling and accessible. Akeeya’s dedication to creating impactful, yet manageable, service opportunities reflects her profound commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

About MGB Foundation

At Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, our mission is to cultivate a culture of compassion and community engagement by facilitating pop-up community service initiatives and promoting volunteerism. We believe in the transformative power of collective action and strive to create meaningful opportunities for individuals to contribute to the well-being of their communities.

What inspired the start of your brand? 

My non-profit brand Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation was started because I wanted to help feed the hungry. I understand that hunger can consume a person’s thoughts and actions, hindering their progress in life. Through my brand, I aim to address food insecurity by bringing people together to volunteer. I’ve found that by laying out a clear plan, I can inspire others to join me in this mission. My brand not only fights hunger but also promotes professional skill development and volunteerism, all while fostering a sense of community and networking.

What has been the biggest challenge of running a brand like yours? 

The most significant challenge faced by any non-profit organization, including ours, is securing funding. It involves finding the right donors, obtaining grants, and engaging individuals who share our vision and believe in our mission.

How does your brand impact the community?

The Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation has a profound impact on the community, both locally and internationally. In addition to serving our home state, we extend our efforts to Cancun, Mexico. Through pop-up community service events, we address food insecurity in vulnerable areas and facilitate professional skill development. In Mexico, we collaborate with a group dedicated to combating food insecurity among school-aged children, providing them with essential supplies to support their mission.

Where do you hope to see your brand in the next 3-5 years?

In the next 3-5 years, I envision my brand expanding its team and securing more funding to support our growth. I aspire to extend our services to multiple countries across the globe, amplifying our impact and reach.

What advice do you have for the next generation of entrepreneurs?

1. Dream Big: Always think outside the box. If your idea can make a difference in the life of just one other person, you have done well. 
2. Continue to Learn: The more you know, the better equipped you will be to handle challenges or obstacles that come your way. 
3.  Start Small: It’s ok to start small and grow over time. 
4. Embrace Failure: Failure is just the quickest way to reach a new height. Always learn from your mistakes and don’t be afraid to fail. 
5. Give Back: Always give back to your community as there is someone who needs to see you DO WHAT YOU DO! 
6. Remember, Success Looks Different for Everyone! Good Luck on your entrepreneurial journey! 

What does being “Pretty and Black Owned” mean to you? 

To me, being ‘Pretty and Black Owned’ signifies embracing my genuine self and demonstrating my compassion to the world. It means confidently occupying spaces where my presence may not be the norm, challenging expectations, and showcasing the beauty and excellence of Black ownership. 

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/mgbfoundation

https://www.instagram.com/misstakenid9

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aumstead9

Website: mgb-foundation.org 

Linktree:https://linktr.ee/aumstead