We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kevondra Harris a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kevondra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
The journey from poverty to prosperity began with a single leap of faith. I’ve been working ever since I was sixteen years old. It’s a pretty funny story actually. I loved getting my nails done, every two weeks when my mom got paid she will give me the money I needed to get my nails done, the only problem was if one broke in between the two weeks I would have to wait until she got paid before I could get them fix. I had a huge problem with that because I couldn’t stand to see my hands with missing or broken nails so I got a job at my local mall working at a department store. I worked in the men’s department at Mervyns it was a clothing store, I work the cash register and helped customers shop for their perfect outfit! I loved it, I loved the people I worked with and I especially loved getting paid every two weeks so I could afford to get my nails done how every often I wanted. Life was good. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the revelation on how money works until I got caught in the whirlwind of debt and found myself filing for bankruptcy right after college. I had the pleasure of experiencing different jobs from that point on until I got a what I thought career in 2014 where I started working at a prison as a detention officer where I supervised and secured multiple inmates at a time until they was to be deported back to their home country. I worked there for 6 years. I absolutely hated it, it was like I was in prison myself, I worked 12-16 hour shifts the management team was unfair and abused their authority, I experienced sexual harassment and retaliation, my mental state just couldn’t handle it and I had my first anxiety attack of my life, I went to my doctor and he confirmed it and prescribed me medication to be able to endure an environment that was simply unhealthy. I found myself stuck with a job I hated but simply couldn’t afford to quit, I was slaved to my bills. In 2020 tragedy stricken the nation with cov-19! which I undoubtedly contacted which allowed me the time I needed to really see the damage the job was causing me and I decided to quit, I purchased skin care products online and started a skin care line dedicated to individuals who suffered with eczema, the business failed which was expected, I knew nothing about business, all I knew is that I wasn’t going back to that dreadful job. So I gave up everything, downsized and started my entrepreneur journey now I have 2 successful businesses and more to come. God has blessed me with the talents and gift to serve and I do it proudly. I have the opportunity to be a boss that I never had, and provide my team with the opportunity to dismantle poverty for their bloodline has well. One of my businesses afford me the opportunity to travel the world and share how horrible I was with money and now I conquered it. I encourage people to take risk and trust God. If God has placed purpose in your heart it’s your divine right to go after it and fulfill it.
Kevondra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My journey into entrepreneurship began with a humble start, driven by a desire to escape the cycle of poverty and pursue a life of purpose and fulfillment. From a young age, I understood the value of hard work and determination, starting with my first job at sixteen. Despite facing financial challenges, I remained resilient and resourceful, eventually landing a job in the men’s department at Mervyns, where I found joy in assisting customers and earning a steady income.
However, it wasn’t until I faced financial hardship and filed for bankruptcy after college that I realized the importance of financial literacy and empowerment. This pivotal moment led me to explore various career paths, eventually leading me to work as a detention officer in a prison. Despite the challenging environment and personal struggles, I persevered until the COVID-19 pandemic provided me with the opportunity to reassess my priorities and pursue my entrepreneurial dreams.
Driven by a passion for skincare and a desire to help others, I launched a skincare line dedicated to individuals suffering from eczema. Although the business initially failed, it ignited a fire within me to pursue entrepreneurship wholeheartedly. Today, I am the proud owner of two successful businesses, each offering unique products and services that cater to the needs of my clients.
What sets me apart from others is my unwavering commitment to authenticity, integrity, and service. I am not just a business owner; I am a mentor, a leader, and a beacon of hope for those striving to break free from the shackles of poverty. Through my journey, I hope to inspire others to take risks, trust in their purpose, and pursue their dreams with unwavering faith and determination.
I am most proud of my ability to overcome adversity and turn my struggles into strengths. My journey is a testament to the power of resilience, perseverance, and faith in the face of adversity. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my brand stands for empowerment, authenticity, and transformation. Whether through skincare products or entrepreneurial mentorship, I am dedicated to helping others unleash their full potential and live a life of abundance and fulfillment.
Have you ever had to pivot?
As an entrepreneur and believer, I’ve encountered numerous occasions where pivoting was not just necessary but essential for growth and survival. One significant pivot in my journey occurred when I was working as a detention officer in a prison. Despite initially viewing it as a stable career, I soon realized that the environment was toxic and detrimental to my well-being.
Facing long hours, unfair treatment, harassment, and mental health challenges, I reached a breaking point. My first anxiety attack served as a wake-up call, prompting me to reassess my priorities and make a bold decision to pivot away from the prison industry.
This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Despite the uncertainty and fear of the unknown, I trusted in God’s guidance and embarked on the path of entrepreneurship. It wasn’t easy; I had to let go of the security of a steady paycheck and navigate the challenges of starting a business from scratch.
However, I firmly believe that God is always in the midst of our trials, offering guidance and support when we need it most. Clinging to scriptures like Psalm 46:5, “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved,” provided me with the strength and courage to persevere through the uncertainties.
Every day, I affirm myself with the belief that with God’s help, I can overcome any obstacle and achieve my dreams. This mindset shift allowed me to pivot from a career that was draining my spirit to one that aligns with my passions and purpose.
Embracing change as a gift from God, I continue to pivot and adapt to new opportunities and challenges in both my personal and professional life. Through it all, I remain steadfast in my faith and commitment to living a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One story from my journey that illustrates my resilience is when I faced the challenge of bankruptcy shortly after college. Despite the overwhelming financial burden and uncertainty about my future, I refused to succumb to despair. Instead, I viewed this setback as an opportunity for growth and transformation.
Rather than allowing bankruptcy to define me, I used it as fuel to propel me forward. I embraced the lessons learned from my financial struggles and committed myself to gaining a deeper understanding of money management and entrepreneurship.
Despite the setbacks and obstacles along the way, I persevered with unwavering determination and faith. I sought out new opportunities, honed my skills, and remained resilient in the face of adversity.
Through hard work, perseverance, and a steadfast belief in myself, I was able to overcome bankruptcy and rebuild my life from the ground up. This experience taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering faith in the face of challenges.
Today, I am proud to say that I have emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before. My journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering belief that with determination and faith, anything is possible.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Kevondra.harris
- Linkedin: Kevondra Harris
- Youtube: Kevondra Harris