We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelsey Baker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kelsey, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
When I think about risk, the biggest one I ever took was the day I decided to start my business. At the time, I was a single mother with no savings and no clear financial safety net. An opportunity came up to buy into a salon, and even though I didn’t know exactly how I was going to make the monthly payments, something in me knew I had to take the chance.
I invested everything I had—time, energy, heart, and faith—into making it work. It wasn’t easy, but I showed up every single day determined to build something for myself and my family. That risk changed my life. What started as one salon has now grown into three successful locations.
I’ve learned that in business, you never really stop taking risks. But when I’m investing in myself and my vision, I’m willing to bet on me every time. That mindset has allowed me to grow, adapt, and turn what once felt like a scary leap into something I’m incredibly proud of today.
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’m the owner and founder of Premier Beauty — a growing beauty brand with multiple salon locations dedicated to helping women look and feel their absolute best. My journey into this industry wasn’t a straight line; it was built on resilience, second chances, and a deep determination to create a better life for myself and my daughters.
I’ve been in recovery for 11 years, and that chapter of my life is a core part of who I am and why I do what I do. I was given a second chance, and I made a promise to myself and my girls that I would build something meaningful out of it. For years, I lived in a mentally abusive relationship where I felt silenced and small. The most powerful moment of my life was finding the strength to leave and build a life on my own terms. That turning point became the foundation of everything I’ve accomplished since.
Premier Beauty isn’t just about beauty services — it’s about empowerment. We offer a wide range of services including lashes, permanent makeup, laser hair removal, curated piercings, Japanese head spa treatments, injectables, and more. But more importantly, we create a space where women can relax, feel valued, and be reminded to pour back into themselves. So many women give everything to others and forget to care for themselves — I wanted to change that.
What truly sets us apart is how personal and connected we are with our clients. When someone walks into one of our salons, I want them to feel like family. I care deeply about my team, my clients, and the experience we create. Premier Beauty isn’t just my business — it’s my passion, my purpose, and my way of showing women what’s possible when you bet on yourself.
What I’m most proud of is the environment we’ve built: one that uplifts women, celebrates strength, and reminds them that they matter. I want people to know that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, you can create something beautiful. I did — and I love showing other women that they can too.
Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?
Yes — there have absolutely been times where I’ve had close calls in my business, especially in the early years. I’ve faced moments where payroll was uncertain, bills were overwhelming, and I genuinely didn’t know how things were going to work out. Those were some of the scariest and most defining moments of my journey as a business owner.
I had to learn to trust — trust in God, trust in myself, and trust in the vision I was building. I also had to realize that the business bank account isn’t a reflection of my worth or the future of my company. If the account overdrafts, it’s not the end of the world — it’s a temporary setback, not a failure.
In those moments, I’ve had to reevaluate finances, make tough decisions, cut costs where needed, and get creative about bringing in revenue. More than anything, I’ve had to lean on faith. I truly believe God didn’t bring me this far to leave me now. Those close calls taught me resilience, financial discipline, and the power of not giving up when things get tough.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
My business partner is my sister — and honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better person to walk this journey with me. She had been a teacher for years, but she reached a point where she needed a change in her life. At the same time, my business was growing quickly, and I was overwhelmed trying to manage everything on my own. It was one of those moments where everything aligned perfectly.
She stepped in not just as a partner, but as my biggest supporter. She’s my best friend, and I trust her with absolutely everything. She’s put her heart and soul into this business just like I have. She’s stood beside me through some of the hardest seasons — even during the times I couldn’t afford to pay her what she deserved — and she never once wavered in her belief in me or the vision we were building together.
Having her as my partner is something I’m deeply grateful for. It’s rare to find someone who shares your passion, loyalty, and purpose so fully. I got very lucky that my business partner is also my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.premierbeautyky.com
- Instagram: premierbeautysalonllc
- Facebook: simplybrowsmicrobladingandcosmetictattoo
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/premier-beauty-elizabethtown
- Other: Tiktok- @premierbeautysalon
