We recently connected with Kalauna Carter and have shared our conversation below.

Kalauna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I embarked on the journey of Kolors by K ® with a fiery determination to revolutionize the world of nail polish. Fueled by my studies in environmental science, I uncovered the startling truth: seemingly innocuous products like nail polish wield an astonishingly powerful impact on our well-being. As a fervent college student, my mission became crystal clear—to use my passion for nail polish as a catalyst for change. With every stroke of eco-friendly brilliance, I aim to empower individuals to embrace healthier choices without sacrificing their vibrant self-expression.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Kalauna, founder of Kolors by K! I’d like to thank you for allowing me to share my journey as I work to create the best nail products through affordable pricing and healthy ingredients that you can trust, read and understand.

I am a native of Portland, Oregon and a two-time HBCU-Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, with a concentration in plant and soil science and a Master of Science in Environmental Management both from Tuskegee University. I am currently working on my Doctorate of Environmental Science at Florida A&M University. I have been on an upward hill since 2016 of growing my business while working full-time as an environmental scientist and being a full-time student.

I created this brand because I grew up struggling not only finding women who looked like me owning their own cosmetic companies, but environmentally friendly, vegan and cruelty free companies. As an environmental scientist I understand that many consumer ready products, specifically nail polishes contain carcinogenic and toxic chemicals that have been scientifically linked to cancers, infertility and autoimmune disorders and I believe you shouldn’t have to compromise your health to have beautiful and healthy nails. That’s where I come in, I help alleviate the stress associated with selecting nail polishes by creating a 10-FREE (Non-Toxic), cruelty free, environmentally friendly and vegan nail polish and nail care products, including our newest product Vegan Gel polish and our Instant Kolor Manicures that represent Eco-Friendly Glam Without the Guilt!

Today, I have handmade over 25,000+ bottles of nail polish. Kolors by K® collections are in nail salons nationwide, included in beauty boxes and featured in several publications. Kolors by K® has also received international recognition of having been internationally certified by The Leaping Bunny Program, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and ECOLOGO® products and services are certified for reduced environmental impact.

Kolors by K® has been endorsed by former First Lady of the United States Mrs. Michelle Obama and been worn by Marvels® Black Panther, Dora Milaje.

I want to be that role model for others to show them regardless of your race, ethnicity, background or religious preference if I can do it, you can too and I believe every human deserves to wear a nail polish that is working towards their health and not against it. I am excited that you have checked out Kolors by K® and hope that you will continue with me on this journey.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The journey to solidify the very bedrock of Kolors by K® has been a ride through choppy waters. In the initial launch phase, I was not just a graduate student burning the midnight oil, but also a dedicated Environmental Scientist clocking in full-time hours. And if that wasn’t enough, I was the sole driving force behind Kolors by K®, juggling every role from order processing, website upkeep, and marketing wizardry, to curating a bustling social media presence. I even wore the hat of a polish artisan, handcrafting each unique hue. There were moments when the pressure cooker of responsibilities threatened to boil over, especially when faced with a deluge of over 100 orders, including wholesale demands. Yet, in the midst of the storm, I discovered the alchemical secret of balance and its profound significance.

I can vividly recall those evenings when exhaustion from my day job blended seamlessly with the urgency of pending orders and looming assignment deadlines. Was it a struggle? Without a doubt. But within that crucible of challenge, I found my resolve. I didn’t just weather the storm; I thrived in it. Through those taxing moments, I unearthed the unyielding strength within me, transforming challenges into stepping stones toward success.

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

What a fantastic question! At the core of my brand’s identity lies a commitment to two fundamental principles: “simplicity” and “relatability”. I’ve meticulously cultivated Kolors by K®’s reputation around these pillars, creating nail polishes that resonate with a remarkably diverse spectrum of individuals, spanning from devoted moms and spirited children to curious toddlers and trendsetting teens—embracing every age in between. As an avid nail polish enthusiast, myself, I’m devoted to staying on the cutting edge of nail trends. My mission is to reach out not only to those who share my passion but also to those who might not yet realize the enchantment that a splash of vibrant color can bring. In essence, I’ve woven a tapestry that bridges the gap and unites hearts through the universal language of self-expression.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kolorsbyk.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolorsbyk
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KolorsbyK
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/kolorsbyk

Image Credits
Amoney Photography