Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kendra’ Wilson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kendra’, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
In life, making mistakes and taking risks are essential. As someone who has been a passionate dancer for 15 years and is currently a full-time college student majoring in Exercise Science at the University of South Florida, I can attest that daily challenges involve taking risks. However, one of my most significant risks is starting my own business, which began when a fellow college resident inquired about purchasing eyelashes in our group chat. Since I bought lashes in bulk and had some unused pairs, I decided to seize the opportunity. After that first sale, I turned to my roommate and casually mentioned, “I should start my own business.” She agreed, although it’s uncertain if she fully believed in my idea, as I often shared my unconventional plans with her. Nevertheless, she became one of my most enthusiastic customers and supporters. After agreeing on ” Minks By K’Lo”, within a week I had a logo designed by Onajeh Warden, and that marked the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a high school performing arts student engaged in repertory since my freshman year, I quickly realized that lashes were an essential requirement for performances. However, they were often forgotten or not easily accessible. Around my sophomore year, I decided to purchase lashes in bulk and offered them to fellow dancers for under $5.
During my second semester in college, a student living in the same residence hall asked if anyone knew where to buy lashes. Seizing this opportunity, I sold her a pair I wouldn’t use. That’s when I turned to my roommate and exclaimed, “I should start my own lash business!” To my delight, she agreed.
I can vividly remember sitting on my floor thinking about what should I name my business, and after pondering with my suite mates and my best friend I had an ” A-HA” moment. ” Minks by K’Lo”! Just a week later, my childhood friend, Onajeh Warden, designed my logo, and I began promoting my lash business. Initially, I stocked “faux mink” lashes, but I paid close attention to my customers’ feedback. They expressed a desire for lashes that mimicked extensions.
Upon researching, I discovered that “Russian Curls” lashes closely resembled lash extensions, which significantly boosted my sales. I also started crafting handmade lashes that mimicked lash extensions.
What sets me apart from other lash strip business owners is my dedication to listening to my customers. I aim to provide them with top-notch products, excellent customer service, and affordable prices, all while promoting their natural beauty.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
I maintain a strong connection with my clients, many of whom are college students just like me. I maintain an active social media presence to stay in touch with all my customers. To nurture brand loyalty, I offer a special incentive: any first-time buyers who return for another purchase with Minks By K’Lo will enjoy a generous 50% discount on their next order.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I believe that several key factors have contributed to building my reputation within both my market and the local community. These include my strong communication skills, fostering relationships with fellow local small businesses, consistently stocking high-quality lashes, attentively listening to my customers’ needs and preferences, and continually innovating to capture my audience’s attention.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://minksbyklo.com/
- Instagram: minksbyk.lo
- TikTok: Minksbyk.lo