We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kimberly Jenkins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kimberly below.

Kimberly, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

If it were up to me, of course I would’ve started sooner. I always felt I had the entrepreneur spirit. I started a hair business back in 2014. Black hair care is something I’m passionate about and I wanted to do something I would wake up and feel good about doing every day. I found a vendor that had the products I needed for myself and it actually gave me the idea to start the business. I did my due diligence securing the vendor, testing the product, and researching business startups. Everything was set to launch my company. I was reaching out to the vendor to make another order and I wasn’t getting responses. They went ghost on me. It took a lot of courage to take the leap of faith in starting my business to begin with because fear was a factor. The fear of failing and the fear of not knowing what I’m doing crept in, so when I couldn’t locate that vendor, my first mind was not to start over. Everything I put into this venture took a lot of front loading. A significant amount of time was taken to test these products for longevity making certain that they would withstand the test of time. Fast forward to 2021, mid pandemic I had the opportunity to relaunch my company out of necessity. I needed to switch gears with my career for health reasons. I originally intended on the hair company being a side hustle to make extra money and the relaunch ended up being a fulltime business venture when it quickly took over my salaried position in 2021 just months after starting it. I am very grateful for the fast growth of my business in the middle of the pandemic. Because of that, I believe everything that was supposed to happen happened all in Gods perfect timing and I don’t regret failing years prior.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I bring products to my customers that promote overall health and well being. I was born with sickle cell anemia, so health is also my personal concern. I started selling sea moss because I added the regimen for my condition and it was having such a positive impact on my health that I knew I had to share it with the local public. Sea moss is a sea weed that contains 92 out of the 102 vitamins and minerals the body needs. It is naturally amazing for overall health by providing the nutrients we need but do not get on a regular basis. I am most proud of my commitment to creating quality products, always! I want my supporters to know I will never waiver on that. I appreciate a certain level of quality and well, the golden rule.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

My business was started during the worst pandemic we have seen in this generation. I funded Kimberlalei Co. with my stimulus checks. At the time it was extra income for me, so I used them to purchase products and supplies to do farmers markets. I did not have to go into my pocket at all and I didn’t want to. The vision was given to me after praying on it and everything I needed and continue to need are provided for me. It did not take much and everything I made was profit with no real overhead from my own pocket. I sold out of everything I brought to my first market in Temple, Texas and it was up from there. The potential to excel was realized and it was onward and upward.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My reputation speaks for itself. My products and commitment to quality and integrity stand firm and are realized among my supporters. Customer service and integrity are top priorities for me when it comes to anything I do. I have run into about 2 vendors that steered customers away from shopping with me, told them no one at the market sells sea moss when customers asked about me by name, and tried to create hostile environments for me within the markets. Upon finding out, I realized one vendor actually sold sea moss as well and probably saw me as competition and the other started selling sea moss after realizing my success, although they were not permitted to do so. I only found this out because the customers told me, new and old. They also assured me my product did not stand a chance next to theirs. I don’t worry about that kind of behavior from adults much because I never operate in that realm. It does let me know I must be doing something right though. I have been to an event where another sea moss vendor asked me questions regarding shipping and how I set it up. I gladly offered to help her. Later I realized we didn’t even sell the same type of sea moss for me to consider her “competition”, although I was already offering to help either way. I do not see anyone else selling sea moss as competition because theres enough for everyone and I stand behind the uniqueness of my product and the experience I give. Personally, I have always held myself to a high standard and my business is no different. I truly believe the customers see that without me having to say a word. God definitely sees all. Staying consistent because I know who I am and who’s I am has been a driving force for me that’s been proven to work in my favor every time. I truly believe what’s for me is for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kimberlalei.com
• Instagram: @Kimberlalei.Co
• Facebook: @Kimberlalei.Co