We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kyliah Baird a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kyliah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

I absolutely wish I would have started my business sooner, yet I understand that the timing of when the business started is a part of my journey.

I started my business in March 2020, the beginning of the pandemic! I already had an established hair company while working a corporate job. At the time I knew I wanted to start a boutique to really operate in my true passion which is fashion. I was content working, but not happy. I truly enjoyed my hair company because I love how hair is a part of fashion too, but once the pandemic hit, there were some barriers in place to slow down the business. With this being an issue. it helped me to focus more on the boutique and really scale it to be at the success rate it is in now.

If I would have started earlier, I know that I would have been more at peace with self, because I would be waking up everyday doing something I enjoyed all while helping others find empowerment within themselves through style and confidence. I know that both businesses would be at an even better point in the journey.

Although I do wish I would have started earlier, I do appreciate the mental maturity and wisdom I have gained on the journey. I have found through hard work and dedication, while being determined that everything is happening in it’s respectful time.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

The beauty and fashion industry is truly a part of me. I was born into the lifestyle, I didn’t choose it. Now that you all have giggled, I have always had an eye for fashion and being goal oriented individual. As a child my m0ther ensured that I was always dressed very nicely, wearing exclusive dresses to church and to church events (every Sunday).

Having a familial background of women who were always magazine ready, simply runs in my blood. In high school I really found that I liked to pair items together and create my own style and look. I didn’t realize that to me, I genuinely like to stand out and be a part of the crowds and trends, versus fitting in with others.

This is what led me to opening the boutique, due to not wanting to always wear what is currently trending, “fast fashion”, I like to wear and provide statement pieces with timeless looks. Being able to provide others that may have encountered frustrated moment(s) when looking for something to wear was at the top of my concerns for the ideal customer. Since opening the boutique, I would say that a lot of customers have given the feedback of me properly executing this and they show gratitude every chance I get to speak with them. This is something that encourages me to keep going with the business.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In March 2023, Bella Bee-Tique will be turning 3 years old, which is amazing based on how year 2 went for me. In that one year I encountered a lot of loss and battles in a 6 month time frame with some incidents only being days a part or weeks a part. My mental was not at it’s highest nor were my emotions, but I dealt with everything as needed, but to myself.

There were more than a few times, that I had to show up to events that I couldn’t miss because business must go on. I knew then that if even the worse possible scenarios could hit me at such a pivotal moment and I still chose to get up and keep pushing, I was resilient and very unstoppable. During my entrepreneurial journey I have encountered circumstances that would truly want to make others quit or slow down, but last year, it was one of those years I almost wanted to give up. I couldn’t give up though, the boutique was a coping mechanism for me. I gave me a reason to show up and be an inspiration to others, although they had no idea what I was battling and many still don’t know (which is completely okay).

When you have a goal, and on the journey to success life will come at you, and no matter how hard it can get, just don’t give up. Everything that’s meant to break you, will only make you stronger and appreciate the journey of life.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Being consistent on social media and being a vendor at vending events. These two methods have been most effective on this journey so far.

-Showing up on social media has been something that others have complimented many times. And it’s always done with the biggest smile on the person’s face that is giving the compliment. You have to stay in front of your audience, no matter whether it is social media, email marketing, ads, promotions, just show up. Become a part of the routine so they always expect to see you. Also creating visual content, touches a sensory point that you would like to tap into, keeps you on their brain,

-Signing up and becoming a vendor has been a great way for my audience to connect and speak with me. I’m able to get to know my supporters on a more intimate level and they get to know me as well. I love to connect with people and learn more about them and what their needs are. Once I can connect with an individual, I then can make sure I know how to cater to their style needs and wants better.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bellabeetique.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/bellabeetique
• Facebook: Facebook.com/Bella Bee-Tique

Image Credits
Shika Studios Photography Nisha Stringer- Capture Me Photography Brittany Marcus- Snaps Style Media