Keisha Green is a dynamic entrepreneur and author known in many circles as the “Legless Diva.” A strong woman, Green’s extraordinary story of how she overcame losing her legs to discover her purpose and build a platform that inspires and empowers women around the world to live out their dreams will move you. A national empowerment speaker and lifestyle influencer based in Atlanta, she dubs herself the “hottest thing not walking.”
The single mother of three was involved in a horrific car accident that resulted in her having both legs amputated. Her entire life was turned upside down, her initial dreams were derailed, she lost friends and people she thought would always be there for her. However, instead of being a lifelong victim she concluded the tragic day would be her rebirth because God revealed His plan for her life. Through her experiences, she learned the “mind’s ability is stronger than any inability.”
With her own hair line Xxotic Extensions, she inspires audiences globally from Atlanta to Lagos, Nigeria, and has been seen platforms, including the Steve Harvey talk show.
“God doesn’t make any mistakes,” she says. “His vision for me was to make me the hottest thing not walking!”
Here, Green discusses her book titled Walking Through It All.
Why did you write this book?
To share my journey from tragedy to triumph. I wanted them to be inspired and to know that although obstacles may come your way, what you do with those things is how you overcome them.
What’s the story behind the title?
Most people will look at the situation of me losing my legs as something that would be seen as a fall, something that brings you down and I wanted them to know that although it may have looked like a fall. It was all for me to stand.
How long did it take you to write this book?
Three months
What was your regimen to complete this book?
I really meditate and pull out those experiences, I like to be able to give readers a feeling… what it smelled, what it tasted like. Make them feel like they are there. There was a lot of thinking and digging deep. I have a process that I do with my publicist that helps me to draw those things out.
How did you arrive at this career choice? Was it a deliberate decision or a gradual and natural evolution?
I had nothing to do with it. God spoke to me at my darkest moment and told me that this was my career choice.
What separates you from others in your field? What is unique to the experience that you create?
There are a million and one Keishas that you come across because it is one of the most popular names in the African American community, but the fact that I lost my legs and I was able to triumph through that is what separates me. My story, my grit, [and] my determination. When you say Keisha Green in the chair that lost both legs … there will only be one me. I feel like me not having the legs set me apart and gave me my own lane.
How do you stay at the leading edge of your craft?
Making sure that I invest in my craft, studying. I am currently in school furthering my education in leadership and biblical studies. By being willing to invest in my craft, I am able to create the seminars that can make a real impact in people’s lives as well as have the ability to speak into people in what is considered the “normal” community and the disabled community.
Do you think that there are any widely held misconceptions about what you do? If so, what are they and how do you work to dispel them?
Yes, because of the fact I do not have my legs, people think I am not able to do certain things. I am here to change those standards of what it looks like to be disabled or what it looks like to be an amputee. I am changing the face of what the support group looks like.
How do you map out your goals? How do you measure your success?
I map out my goals by being focused on winning. My definition of a win is what’s important now? I do what is important now in order to win. To me, my success is measured by how many lives I am able to change and how many people I am able to encourage and inspire through my testimony. When they tell me how I have helped them, that is success for me.
Name two of your top role models: one from your industry and one from outside of it.
Oprah definitely, and Nick Vujicic. This man doesn’t have legs or arms and he speaks all over the world. He allows me to know that there is a special lane for me and that I can do whatever I aspire to do.
Name three books, works, performances or exhibits that changed how you view life and/or yourself.
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill; 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell and Healing for Damaged Emotions by David Seamands.
What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success?
“I’m the head and not the tail.” “I’m above and not the knee.” “I defy the odds.” “I set new standards.” “I will listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit within.”
What role does technology play in your day-to-day life? How do you utilize it?
I need social media to touch lives all over the world. I use it every day. I want to touch people that I see in my everyday life. It is important because I have something to pour into the nation, into the world.
What software, app or other technological innovation has made the biggest difference in your life and/or career?
Facebook has made the biggest difference. I had a YouTube video back in February 2015 called “I Trust You” and I posted it on Facebook and it got 10M views. That allowed me to share my story and introduce myself and my journey.
Please define your personal brand.
I am the “Legless Diva.” My brand is about empowering by inspiring through hope. I give people hope, I inspire them, I empower them.
What is your favorite vacation destination and why?
Dubai — because it is absolutely beautiful. It reminds me of serenity and peace.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
I want people to just let people be free. One of the very first things that was said to me when I lost my legs is that you should get some prosthetics, you can do this, you should do that. But, it is a free world. People should do whatever they want to do and is organic for them. I remember people having an idea of what I should be and what I should look like. If I could change things, I would make the world less judgmental and allowing people to be free to be who they are.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
More patience.
What does it take to be iconic? In your estimation, who has achieved that status?
In order to be iconic, you must be willing to be stretched. Stretched outside of your comfort zone. Stretched so much it hurts at times. Oprah has achieved that. She is iconic. She has set new standards, she defies the odds and makes you stretch.
Follow her on social: Instagram: @iamkeishagreen/Facebook: Keisha Green @lovinglegsforkeisha/Keisha Green Website: www.keishagreen.com.
