The Swifts & iWriteLife

Black Couple & Black Business

Writing & Living Life Together. Building a Resource & Platform for Others to Write & Live Theirs

“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” –1st Corinthians 2:9:KJV

Marriage and business takes commitment double fold. Commitment to marriage and commitment to business. It also takes a very conscious commitment to not allow disagreements on either front to impact the other… well then, maybe this commitment thing is more than a double fold.. triple, quadruple?…. what do you think? What is certain is, it takes commitment.

Jamil and Keumie made a commitment to each other 22 years ago and in recent years made another commitment to their business, iWrite Life. A commitment that came for each of them at separate times, however, one that they together have decided to keep and build. They both agree the rewards of working are great. Keumie said it best, “There is a blessing in working together.” She also stated, “I am blessed more when I am doing it with this guy, I’m more complete, I feel like I am more purposeful when I am doing it with Jamil. You know, you can be good by yourself but you’re great together.”

Now, let’s read more of what Keumie had to say about her & Jamil’s marriage and their business.

Writing & Living Life The Swifts “Swifty” Way

Who are the Swifts?

“We are a family who loves God and believe that He is the one that keeps us together as a family.”

How long have you been married?

“We have been married for 22 years as of September 2020.”

b. Is there a biblical scripture that you have applied to your marriage? If yes, what is it?

“We need all the scripture we can get.”

How many children do you have?

“We have 5 children together.”

Biggest challenge(s) as a married couple?

“The biggest challenge is working together because we both have our different options but we at the end come together to accomplish the goal at hand.”

Biggest achievement(s) as a married couple?

“Staying married for 22 years. I believe we have gotten better with understanding and identifying the changes that each other goes through as the years go by and as we mature.”

Biggest challenge(s) in your marriage as it relates to working together and building a brand/business?

“Some of our biggest challenges have been really working on one accord and sharing the same vision.”

Biggest accomplishment(s)?

“Our biggest accomplishments now are having a good balance for our family, our marriage, and our business, knowing where things fit better and what to prioritize.”

Whose idea was it for iWriteLife?

“IWriteLife was Keumie’s idea.”

Were you both fully committed to it in the beginning?

“Initially we had to both grow in our commitment to iWriteLife and that commitment grew at different times.”

b. if yes, why? if no, why not and what changed? are you both fully committed now?

“We had to get to a place where we fully saw the vision and to be honest, we still are evolving with what iWriteLife has the potential to be but we have full commitment and the support of each other now.”

c. What is Jamil’s role in iWriteLife, What is Keumie’s role?

“Jamil produces the music for iWriteLife and records others in the studio. He also helps with decisions on what events we take on to help balance our time.”

“Keumie is the backbone of iWriteLife, she writes songs, records and manages different artist in the Studio. She is also the visionary for the iWriteLife platform which has continued to expand.”

Why iWriteLife?

“ iWriteLife was initially birthed with writers in mind. I remember having all of this material of songs written and not having an outlet. It was so discouraging at times, especially when I would loose entire notebooks that were filled with songs. I wanted to be a resource and provide a platform for writers, to give us the recognition and outlet deserved. That soon evolved as the vision expanded.”

b. What is the meaning behind the name?

“If I can sum it up, it basically means, writing and creating music for all walks of life. It’s not geared towards one type of genre. It’s really open. It’s creating music to describe life, life situations.”

c. What is the goal(s), mission, vision and message of iWriteLife?

“The goal of iWrite life is to be a resource and platform for musical creativity through songs written, music recordings and producing. We are a platform that gives artist a voice and a means for their music to be heard. We are a resource and a development space for musical talent. We utilize our brand and platform as a VOICE to show that you can push for your dreams and “it”can happen! The long term goal of iWriteLife is that we are a one stop shop for movie productions, film makers, play writes, commercials, networks, or any one or thing that need music to enhance their vision.”

d. Is there a biblical scripture applied to your business, if yes, what is it?

“The scripture I have in mind when I write down ideas or push forward ideas and dreams is, 1st Corinthians 2:9: Eyes haven’t seen, nor ear heard, neither have it entered into the heart of man, the things God hath prepared for them that love him.”

Is it hard to start a business from scratch? if yes, why? if no, why?

“I think it was hard to start iWriteLife because I really don’t have a product like an item like clothing or food. I had to really hone in on what services I can provide and what I enjoy. I am still figuring things out because my business is unique. I am not just a recording studio, we utilize our platform for so many other things.”

Do you believe it is harder or easier being a black couple in business? If harder, why? If easier, why?

“Being “black” has its own challenges. Being a couple has its separate challenges and now add on running a business. My answer would be YES. A lot of times it’s difficult because of the lack of support.”

What lessons have you learned about business, each other and working together since iWriteLife?

“We have learned that we are stronger doing it together. One thing I would say is yes, we are married and made as one through our union but we can’t forget about our own individuality due to our individual experiences, backgrounds, skills, gifts, etc. With that in mind, DON’T LOOSE YOURSELF! Embrace each other’s differences. Give each other the space needed to be creative and bring your differences together to be GREAT!”

What advice do you have for other couples wanting to start a business together?

“Just start. I wish I had everything figured out but I don’t. If you do… that is absolutely great but if you don’t, stay encouraged and just start somewhere.”

What advice do you have specifically for black couples?

“It’s easier when you are working together. Even if and when things don’t go as you intended, just the learning and togetherness is priceless.”

Is there any other information you want to share about yourself individually, your marriage, your business?

“I will leave you with this. A few years ago, I was running a 2 mile marathon with one of my twins. As we were about a half mile from the finish line, I saw that she was getting tired and slowing down. I didn’t want her to stop so I grabbed her hand and pulled her along. She eventually got her second wind and we both made it to the finish line. As I was holding her hand, I started writing a song in my mind and here are some of the lyrics… I can do it by myself, but I can do it better, with your help. We’re good alone, but we are GREAT TOGETHER… We’re good alone but we are GREAT TOGETHER.”

Keumie, practices her lyrics. You will often see her with one of the iWrite team members, JoeRon. They are the iWrite Girlz.

Check out JoeRon single, Completely.

Keumie and her husband, Jamil, created a resource and platform that celebrate others and highlights their talents by placing them in the spotlight. You can find iWrite Life on Facebook and Insta.

You can find Keumie’s single Beautiful Girl on iTunes, Apple Music, Google Play, Amazon Music.

and Set The World On Fire.. this song is for mature audiences.

As a couple, the Swifts are working together to write life and live life, collectively and individually. While continuing to build iWrite Life for others to write out and live out theirs.

I recently interviewed them in The Inspire ROOM, my LIVE Facebook show that airs every Thursday at 7:00pm CST. They shared more about their marriage and business. When asked to share great things about each other, both Jamil and Keumie had a lot to share. When asked how they settle creative differences regarding iWrite Life and how they separate business from family, each had helpful responses.