Kekel Studios conception came from the stories of teens in Brazil who felt hopeless—some living on the streets, others on the verge of aging out of orphanages. These young people, left vulnerable and directionless, often feel unseen in a world that overlooks their potential. The vision for Kekel Studios is deeply personal, driven by a passion to empower the next generation through creativity, opportunity, and love.

The idea for Kekel Studios came from a life-changing trip to Brazil in the summer of 2024. While visiting an orphanage, Rachel Heisel worked with teens on the verge of adulthood—young people facing uncertain and often bleak futures. During her time there, she heard stories that revealed the depth of their struggles.

One boy shared a haunting reality: despite growing up in the orphanage, he felt that, upon leaving, “My only option after this is to become a drug dealer—no one else will hire me because they know I’m a street kid.” His words were overwhelming and highlighted not just the lack of opportunities but also the absence of hope and a vision for a better future.

Reflecting on Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish,” Rachel felt a profound calling to respond. She knew these teens needed more than encouragement; they needed tools, training, and a tangible path forward. That’s when the vision for Kekel Studios was born.

Kekel Studios will be a creative internship program for young adults aged 18–25, equipping them with skills in graphic design, photography, web design, and more. Beyond teaching practical skills, the program will offer mentorship and a supportive community to help them build sustainable careers.

Kekel is about more than teaching skills—it’s about restoring dignity, building confidence, and creating a community. It’s a place where teens can dream, grow, and step into the futures they deserve.

To amplify their impact, Kekel Studios will also launch Kekel Clothing—a brand that showcases the teens’ artwork. Each design will tell their story, and every purchase will directly fund the program, creating a cycle of empowerment and opportunity.

What started as a dream is now an in motion movement to uplift and empower the most vulnerable. Kekel Studios is a reminder that with hope, creativity, and opportunity, lives can be transformed—one story, one design, one teen at a time.

* Rachel plans to move to Brazil in the spring of 2025, with the goal of launching the internship program by fall 2025. The journey to make this vision a reality is just beginning, but the heart of Kekel Studios is clear: to provide hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for teens who desperately need vision.