We recently connected with Keiana Greene-Page and have shared our conversation below.

Keiana , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

Selene by KGP is truly a product of my personal afro-artsy and classic style. Five years ago, I wanted to recreate a version of a braided hairstyle I saw online with really ornate beads so I went to a craft store and brought some unique wooden and plastic beads. I only have but so much hair so I decided to make myself some bracelets too. My best friend asked me to make her some when I showed them to her. When I made them I said to myself “I could actually make some money doing this” and that’s what led me to this particular business. However, I am someone who’s always had side ventures. I knew that this would be a worthwhile endeavor when I got my first repeat customer.

Honestly, I can’t say that there has been any particular “logic behind why I felt my brand would succeed.” Entrepreneurship is always a journey of highs and lows. However, I do believe that if I do something that I love than it than it will be a success. I also pray about it often and I have amazing loyal customers.

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 am the designer and owner of Selene by KGP. I am most proud of the fact that I am able to do something that I love. From an early age, I understood that my gifts were in the creative arts (writing, drawing, etc.) so I grew up just trying to find ways to make my talents work for me. To be able to make money from my gifts is a blessing.

I think that my point of view as a designer is what makes my line of jewelry special. My pieces are classic with an edge. My line mixes semi-precious stones and different metalloids. My pieces are quirky, at times Afrocentric, and truly one of a kind. I also treat my Selene Girls and Selene Guys (my clients) with a level of familiarity and respect that people won’t find at bigger design houses.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson that I had to unlearn was my previous understanding of the saying “the customer is always right.” This belief often leads small business owners to burnout because we will set unrealistic expectations to please the customer and may only disappoint them in the end. I learned this lesson very painfully during a government shutdown. I often recieve custom orders and I got one that called for extremely specific materials and had a tight deadline. Instead of telling my customer that I may not be able to meet your deadline I pushed forward and worked harder to find everything needed for the order. However, the postal service had severe delays. I missed the deadline and wound up with a very angry customer. I was very apologetic but I learned a very valuable lesson: sometimes you have to say “no” or if you want this piece of jewelry by this time I will have to adjust the design.”

Today, the saying “customer is always right” means that they always deserve respect, communication and honesty.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Social media is my primary method for staying in touch with my customers and people I meet along the way. However, I use platforms like Instagram to have actual dialouge with my Selene by KGP peeps. My customers are really amazing so I feel like I get to celebrate their milestones and accomplishments. I think that’s why my customers are loyal. I also have a personal approach to business that makes people really feel appreciated.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SeleneByKGP
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selenebykgp
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SelenebyKGP/

Image Credits
Keiana Greene-Page