Justin Keller
Q What do you do?
“I help brands lean into their uniqueness + what sets that apart from the pack and build a go-to-market strategy. ”
My niche is in fashion, I founded 2448 AGENCY, a business built from the ground up representing designers entering and succeeding in the USA retail market, B2B and DTC. I also 1-on-1 life coach (looking to do this more as i LOVE it) and I offer group sessions based around the topic of authenticity + confidence. Group coaching in the form of a safe moderated conversation. I help Brands find their superpower, its cool. When one discovers ones self power, its magic.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Oh boy; I climbed the fashion corporate ladder in NYC until finally being able to open my own business in 2015. I scaled fast and like many businesses was shell shocked when lockdown hit. I closed my office space in NYC, downsized in LA, and had to lay off my entire staffs. SUCKED. As I have been building back, I have been working with WAY more intention than I had before, but its more holistic and honest. Simultaneously I have been studying to build my-own coaching framework for small brands and entrepreneurs. I call it "no rules, only my rules" essentially helping people gain confidence and empower their creative minds to take into their respective modalities. I also am a certified life coach and my niche is authentic self-leadership.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
GOING AGAINST THE GRAIN! I do not look sound or vibe like a "traditional" life coach
Q What are you working on right now?
1-1 coaching with small business owners + artists ; re positioning my 2448 brand with smaller and more meaningful and honest fashion brands. group engagements. 2024 is exciting.
Q What’s your style?
Did you see my website? I am super upfront and honest. I want to always be cool/calm/collected. "effortless cool" / dont try so hard..... when you have it, you have it
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I am an improv actor; that is my creative play ; and I am an amateur. I try to always focus more on this, the more I can find fun things to let go , the more joy it brings me, and joy is everything.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
So much of my business is referral and word-of-mouth. Therefore a service like this feels new and unnatural. But i chose this sight based on referrals from others who know me well. I hope to be able to "bring myself" to a web community like this :)
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
This one took me a bit that means i have a lot to be grateful for. Probably just extra help around the house with household stuff. Both my wife and I WFH, so simple chores often get pushed aside since we are both focused on ourselves personally and professionally with a healthy level of not too much attachment.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Scaling too fast: hey Justin you dont need a fancy office in NY if you live in LA. You will not always be there so the in-person VIBE will never be equal to where your homebase is.... Also, hey old self you did not make enough time for play and having fun.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Tax efficacy and financial strategizing for personal/business best-foot-forward. I am taking classes on the energy of money
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Clothing brands looking for merchandising and sales help. Brands looking for niche creation and story telling clarity. Individuals or small teams looking to get unstuck and build a path. Individuals looking for life coaching, gaining and empowering confidence combo'd with a business-minded sounding board.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Someone juggling life and small business ownership in the creative arts, who maybe has tasted success and/or failure and needs guidance and collaboration on connecting dots moving forward. In fashion, my ideal client is contemporary+designer womenswear.
Q What is your rate?
One-on-one coaching — 8 session packages. And discovery calls are free! Be curious…
Business Advising — monthly rate and this depends on tasks and scope of work. Popular option :)
Sales advising — monthly rate + % of sales, again depending on scope of work + $$ goals
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Through www.coachjustinkeller.com
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Fashion — Mimi Prober!!!
Comedy — Good friend Aj Lubecker and has helped me a lot in my branding!
Life — My wife, she is a glasses sales exec + classical pilates instructor @cheysita
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Put in earbuds, go for nature walk - reflect and journal. LET IT FLOW; also I take COMEDY CLASSES!!
This member profile was originally published in February 2024