We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ken’ja Pharr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ken’Ja, thanks for joining us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

The story of acquiring my first client outside of my immediate network was a significant milestone in my business journey. It was a student from my campus, but from an entirely different field of study. What made it even more remarkable was that she was willing to travel 20 to 30 minutes to reach me. I remember feeling incredibly grateful and excited—this was my first earned $35 from a client beyond my personal connections.

At the time, I was operating my business from my college apartment, which I shared with two roommates. Once they gave me their approval and set a few ground rules, I was ready to begin. Additionally, our apartment had a dog—my roommate’s pet—who was blind. Since my roommate was frequently engaged in extracurricular activities, I often took care of her. My biggest concern was how clients would react to her presence, as she couldn’t see. However, to my relief, everyone adored her, and I never encountered any issues. That experience helped ease my initial anxiety and allowed me to focus on growing my business with confidence.

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?

My name is Ken’Ja, and I am originally from Milwaukee, WI, though my family has roots on the West Coast and in Montgomery, Alabama. As a proud “Cali baby,” I carry a blend of diverse influences that have shaped my journey. I am a two-time college graduate, and it was during my senior year of my last degree that I discovered my passion for entrepreneurship.

My transition into business began while working part-time at Walmart, gradually leading me to establish my own lash company. Today, my business offers a range of services, including lash applications, wholesale product distribution, mentorship, and content creation. What I take the most pride in is my ability to retain clients. Their continued trust and loyalty affirm that they recognize and appreciate the effort I put into delivering exceptional service. For me, success is not just about my business—it’s about the people I serve and the value I provide.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Money is a complex and often misunderstood topic, with many believing it to be the ultimate source of happiness. In today’s world, wealth is frequently portrayed as the key to fulfillment, but true financial success goes beyond just income—it requires discipline and management.

One of the most valuable lessons I can share from my journey is the importance of financial literacy. I began earning six figures at the age of 22, but without proper financial guidance, I faced significant challenges. Having lost my mother at 10 and spending the remainder of my childhood in foster care, I wasn’t taught how to manage money effectively. As a first-generation college graduate in my family, I had to navigate financial responsibility on my own, learning through experience and breaking generational cycles along the way.

Over time, my perspective on money has evolved, especially as I’ve grown spiritually. I’ve realized that true wealth isn’t just about how much you make but how well you manage it. There was a time in my life when I prioritized work and excessive spending without considering the long-term impact. Through faith and personal growth, I’ve come to understand that when you trust God and the journey He has for you, your relationship with money transforms.

With that said, I encourage everyone to take control of their finances—manage your money wisely so that it doesn’t end up managing you. Financial stability isn’t just about earning more; it’s about making informed decisions that create lasting security and peace of mind.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I’ll be honest—I never received external capital to start my business. Instead, I relied on saving whatever I earned and making small, strategic investments to grow. While this approach taught me resilience and financial discipline, if I could go back in time, I would strongly advise any aspiring entrepreneur to secure capital for their business.

Having sufficient funding allows for better planning, growth, and sustainability. Additionally, working with an accountant is essential for managing finances effectively and ensuring long-term success. Entrepreneurship is challenging enough—don’t try to navigate it all on your own. Proper financial planning and professional guidance can make all the difference in building a thriving business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kandikoatedminks.com
• Instagram: kandikoatedminks
• Yelp: kandikoatedminks
• Other: google: kandikoatedminks

Image Credits

Adonis Photography