Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Keenya Steele. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Keenya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

When I made the decision to open my own women’s clothing boutique, I turned to YouTube for assistance. I watched over 50 videos to learn the necessary skills and techniques to make my vision a reality. Trusting others with my dream was not an option, and I believed that if I made any mistakes, I only had myself to blame. I did make a promise to share my knowledge when able, and within reason. Through this journey I learned that some individuals may act as gatekeepers and withhold information to new and upcoming business owners. After establishing the business structure, I began procuring inventory.

Opening the medspa was a completely different experience and much more stressful. When it comes to healthcare, there are always rules and regulations that you must follow. I didn’t have much control over many aspects of the business because I had to wait for approvals, training, licensing, etc. The preparation required to open a business is very important and I wasn’t aware of how crucial it really is. Most people have an idea, establish a business, and that’s it. I realize now the importance of proper preparation.Learning about financial literacy, business structure, marketing, credit repair, revenue, etc. are vital first steps. I regret not taking the time to truly understand the key elements of running a successful business. I am now taking those steps and will continue as I expand.

If you want to start a business, make sure to have a backup source of revenue, save enough money to cover expenses for at least six months, take courses on business development and training, and maintain a good personal credit score.

Keenya, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello, my name is Keenya Steele (APRN, FNP-BC), also known as “The Kandy Injector”, is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner since 2018, with over 20 years of nursing experience. My interest in healthcare began at the age of 12, when I witnessed my mother’s struggle with a major medical issue. This experience sparked my passion for healing and desire to pursue a career in healthcare.

In 2020, I opened Kandy Doll Kloset, a women’s clothing boutique to pursue my passion for helping people across industries. During my tenure as a case manager at the cancer center in University Hospital of Cleveland, I came to realize that feeling good and looking good can do wonders for a patient’s morale, and it may not always require a prescription for medication. Sometimes sporting a perfect dress and a pair of strappy heels can be just as effective in boosting their spirits.

The patients at the cancer center inspired me to open my boutique. They turned their despair into joy by focusing on the one thing they could control; how cute they looked while receiving their treatment. During my time at the boutique, I often had meaningful conversations with my customers about stress management, depression, self-care, and overall health. I decided to obtain my post-master’s degree in Mental Health from Ursuline College in 2021, and also received certification in Medical Aesthetics.

I launched Kandy’s Beauty Plus Wellness Institute in July 2022. Our institute provides a comprehensive range of services that aim to promote beauty and wellness in a holistic manner. Our approach addresses the mental, physical, and psychological needs of our clients at every step of the way. My goal is to help clients achieve their aesthetic goals through a personalized care plan that prioritizes safety. I focus on both internal and external aspects of overall well-being in both of my businesses.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Many business owners try to attract attention by doing things like dancing on TikTok, but it’s important to stay true to yourself and not worry about what others are doing. I’m not dancing. It’s not my thing. It’s okay if it’s yours, but be true to yourself. People can tell when you’re not authentic. I remember meeting a business owner at a vendor event whom I had seen on social media before. She appeared to be a welcoming, fun, energetic, and engaging person online, so I was excited to say hi when I saw her in person. However, when I approached her, she seemed like a completely different person. To be fair, maybe she was just having a bad day. I later saw on her post that she stopped dancing and being engaging with her followers. It’s important to always be yourself, even if your having a bad day share that experience with your customers and they will appreciate your honesty. People will supply your business because they like you and your unique personality. You should let your customers know who you are, both the good and the bad. Hey, after all, we are all human!

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Absolutely not ! I love healthcare, I probably would’ve went to medical school. If I was a physician it would’ve been an easier process opening a medical practice because there are less rules and regulations.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.KandydollKloset.com
• Instagram: @kandydollkloset
• Other: Both businesses are in my profile under Linktree @thekandyinjector on instagram www.kandysbeautypluswellnessinstitute.com