We recently connected with Kaquana M. Ware and have shared our conversation below.

Kaquana M., looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

My name is Kaquana Ware and I am the CEO and Founder of Beauty by K and Phenomenal Girl Inc!!! In December 2011 I became visually impaired (Legally blind) I was depressed, scared and uncertain about my future. Growing up, even before becoming legally blind, I didn’t know where I fit in. In my early 20’s someone took the time to invest in me and encouraged me to look better and be better. it changed how I saw myself. Through my non-profit Phenomenal Girl Inc!!! I am empowering young ladies to find their true identity and how to connect to their power and truth so they live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Beauty by K is an online boutique for women and men and it has a special component for those who are visually impaired. After spending almost a year at Rhe Governor Morehead Campus in Raleigh NC, which is a school for the blind, I realized that there was a need that was not being met within the blind community. There was also an assumption that individuals who are blind don’t care about how they look. So through Beauty by K, I offer personal styling services for the visually impaired and a portion of the proceeds from Beauty by K, benefit Phenomenal Girl Inc!!! To make a purchase you can go to: thebeautybyk.square.site

Kaquana M., 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?

When I lost my sight in December 2011 I had gone completely blind, I could not see at all and slowly my sight came back but I have what is considered tunnel vision. I cannot see in my peripheral and I can only see in front of me when it’s right in my face. I understand how people with disabilities feel. I also understand what it feels like to not know your worth, to not understand your greatness, and to feel inadequate. I am not on a mission to change the world. However I am on a mission to change the minds and perception of all that i encounter. I am doing this through Beauty by K and Phenomenal Girl Inc!!! (thebeautybyk.square.site) Through Beauty by K, I endeavor to Accessorize YOU flawlessly and intentionally.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I currently use Square for my ecommerce business which is thebeautybyk.square.site & I chose this particular site because I didn’t have a lot of start up money and this ecommerce platform allows you to have a site for free. The site allows me to post and sell my accessories, put them into categories, manage my inventory and use square’s invoicing and payment platform. There are upgrade options but for right now this is perfect for me.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Prior to losing my sight I was in school to be a Medical Assistant. I had completed all of my course work and just needed to do my internship. However, once I lost my sight that career path was no longer an option. it took me years to get on the path that I am on now of being a entrepreneur. Although I was devastated by my circumstances that occurred in December 2011, I know that I am walking in my purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thebeautybyk.square.site
• Facebook: (3) Beauty by K! | Facebook