Keisha Paul wears many hats as an entrepreneur: consultant, trainer, speaker, emcee, facilitator, and now retail store owner.
Keisha has been part of the WeMB community since taking the Business Plan Development Workshop Series several years ago when starting her consulting business. She’s been a co-facilitator of the Strength in Community Workshops program, and most recently, she has been working with a WeMB Business Advisor during her latest endeavour: opening an inclusive menswear store in Winnipeg.
“[My advisor] was the one who helped me make a strategy for each of those things,” Keisha said. “She said, ‘you absolutely can wear all these hats, and here’s how we’re going to do it.’”
After graduating from business school, Keisha knew she wanted to be a consultant but wasn’t sure what exactly that meant for her. While working for various companies, she quickly started noticing gaps in the services being offered.
“There were things I wanted to do for my companies, but they didn’t want it,” Keisha said. “But I knew the market needed it, so I started offering consulting and training, and I did that for a long time.”
Over time, her career expanded into corporate training and even hosting—first on a CBC radio show and later as a professional emcee for events across Canada and abroad.
For Keisha, the shift from employee to entrepreneur came with unexpected challenges: structuring time, managing billing, creating systems, and prioritizing real life outside of work.
“Working with somebody to actually guide you through how it all works, how to structure yourself, and understanding you do have a life outside of this business really helps me,” Keisha said. “Joining the WeMB network has opened many new doors for me.”
By connecting with WeMB, she’s joined a community of dynamic women+ entrepreneurs, gained access to opportunities, and even found herself teaching within the programs where she once trained.
“Facilitating Strength in Community was a really wonderful experience,” Keisha said. “But it definitely pushed me! As somebody who's taught courses all over the place—in London and the Caribbean, throughout Canada—doing it in this context was really cool.”
For Keisha, facilitating the Strength in Community Workshops (SCW) program reiterated the importance of human connection and authenticity in business, something they don’t necessarily explore in business school.
“A lot of times—at least what I learned in business school—is you kind of act like a man,” she said. “You're taught to project and deliver the information in a very strict way. SCW helped me peel that back so I could connect with the participants in a much more relatable way.”
Today, Keisha is pouring everything she’s learned into her newest venture: One of Uno, a retail store offering reclaimed luxury menswear for all, for less.
One of Uno was built on a philosophy of sustainability, accessibility, and personal expression. They offer premium brands—think Versace, Armani, Brooks Brothers—at prices anyone can afford, removing barriers that often exist within high-end fashion. Every piece is one-of-a-kind, giving the store a curated boutique feel with an inclusive mission.
“You could be a man, a woman, non-binary—if you love traditional premium brands and well-made clothing, this is the place for you,” Keisha said. “If you’re looking for a safe place to explore fashion, I’m really trying to make it a space where everyone feels comfortable and welcome.”
Opening a retail store has forced Keisha to let go of perfectionism and embrace real-time learning—something her experience with Strength in Community helped solidify. By stepping out of her comfort zone and leaning into connection, she was able to trust the process and learn to adapt on the go.
“Being in consulting, you have to act like you have everything together,” she said. “You wouldn't put anything out before it's completely polished—this has not been that. We’re getting feedback in real time, and that’s been incredible.”
Opening One of Uno with her partner has also added layers of growth. Keisha continues to work with a WeMB Business Advisor who’s supporting her through the realities of running a business with a romantic partner.
“She understands the holistic aspects of all these things,” she said. “It's not just straight business from her. She follows what I'm posting online, and she always tries to get involved and show up, and that means a lot.”
Whether she’s teaching, hosting, consulting, or styling someone in their new favourite outfit, Keisha leads with connection and humanity. Learn more about Keisha and her consulting, emcee, and facilitation services at keishapaul.com and visit One of Uno at 1891 Portage Avenue in Winnipeg.
Connect with Keisha: @chatwithkeisha | [email protected].
Find One of Uno on Instagram: @oneofuno.shop and online.