We recently connected with Kennedy Marinelli and have shared our conversation below.
Kennedy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
Throughout my childhood, I went back and forth from my Moms house during the week to my Dads apartment on the weekends. Alternating from one lifestyle to the other every week as a child was challenging. At times I didn’t know how to cope well with constant change. I can now look back and say it gave me a sense of balance. During the week, my mom ensured that I learned discipline. While I may not have liked the way it was taught, that discipline helped shape my character. It instilled in me a strong work ethic, the ability to set goals, and the determination to see them through. Her emphasis on responsibility and structure made me a focused and organized individual, which are essential qualities for running a successful business. On the weekends, when I visited my dad’s apartment, a whole new world opened up. He embraced and encouraged my creativity, allowing me to explore and express myself freely. This creative environment fostered my imagination and brought out the best in me. I was taught to embrace my imagination and unlock my hidden talents. My dad embraced my creativity and nurtured my innovative spirit. This allowed me to think outside of the box and embrace unconventional approaches. This open-mindedness and willingness to take risks became assets when venturing into the world of entrepreneurship. As I grew older, I began to appreciate the balanced upbringing I received. The blend of discipline and creativity provided by my parents gave me a unique advantage as an entrepreneur. My mom’s discipline taught me responsibility and structure, while my dad’s encouragement of my creativity allowed me to embrace my passions and talents fully. Even though my parents were not together during my childhood they both played pivotal roles in my upbringing, each contributing something unique that shaped me into the person I am today. They may have had their struggles and differences, but their collective efforts laid a strong foundation for my growth and development. Years later I grew into a person who not only values discipline and responsibility but also cherishes and nurtures creativity in all aspects of my life. Balancing my mind, body and spirit I can achieve anything I align myself with.
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?
Hi I’m Kennedy, 21 year old esthetician based in Tulsa, OK and founder of Kulture By Kennedy. Kulture by Kennedy is a unique and thriving business that offers a holistic approach to beauty and wellness. The passion to create my business was driven for nurturing both inner and outer beauty and Inspired by the power of natural remedies. I chose the name Kulture because it signifies my commitment to inclusivity. I advocate for a community that celebrates the beauty of different backgrounds, traditions, and beliefs. My intention is to create a welcoming and open space where people from all walks of life can come together and feel embraced. Kulture by Kennedy symbolizes the fusion of ancient wisdom from herbalism and nutrition with modern esthetic practices, bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary approaches to beauty and well-being. My love for esthetics started at an early age. I have performed in a multitude of pageants, parades and modeling opportunities. As much as I loved putting on makeup and fancy clothes, I also had a huge part of me which was bound to nature. I knew early on all matter had this divine connective energy. Throughout high school on the path of my awakening, I always knew I wanted to be my own boss. I didn’t want just any old business though, I needed to fulfill the people of my community. Nature is here to unify us. Looking at it full circle, I decided to specialize in esthetics. Since graduating esthetics school I’ve grasped that the fundamental to great health is caring for our largest organ on our body, The Skin! What sets Kulture by Kennedy apart is its emphasis on the interconnectedness of the body and how it impacts skin health. With a background as a nutritionist and herbalist, I firmly believe that beautiful skin begins from within. I emphasize the importance of a balanced and nourishing diet to complement my esthetic services, ensuring clients achieve radiant and healthy skin through a holistic approach. My goal is to focus on mind, body and spirit while incorporating nature to create balance. As the founder and practitioner, I specialize in a range of services that go beyond traditional esthetics, offering shirodhara, brow artistry, facials, body treatments, and full body waxing, including the gentle and effective technique of sugaring. My mission is to cater to the individual uniqueness of each client, recognizing that beauty comes in various forms and expressions. As part of my entrepreneurial journey, I envision expanding my business by introducing a line of at home sugar wax and a variety of herbal tea blends and skin care products that are kind to the skin. This commitment to using natural and sustainable ingredients aligns perfectly with my holistic philosophy, providing clients with products that enhance their well-being and skin health. Through my dedication to providing high-quality and eco-conscious products, I aim to encourage my clients to embrace a more sustainable approach to beauty. I will continue to set myself apart as a beauty professional who values both the well-being of her clients and the planet. My passion for my craft and my commitment to using natural remedies make Kulture by Kennedy a destination for those seeking a mindful and uplifting beauty experience.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Many believe money is the solution to happiness. Often, we are taught that material wealth and financial success are the keys to a fulfilling life. However, this perspective can lead to a never ending pursuit of more money, which might not bring true happiness or contentment. I quickly had to change my mindset and reevaluate my relationship with money. In my pursuit of happiness, I spent heaps of money on various herbs, hoping they held the key to inner peace and happiness. Instead I had a plethora of herbs serving me no purpose in my life. Despite spending a significant amount of money I learned a great lesson that day. I realized that material possessions alone cannot provide the profound sense of happiness I was seeking. While some herbs might have beneficial effects on your well-being, true fulfillment comes from a combination of factors that go beyond material possessions. Discovering what truly brings me joy and fulfillment beyond money led me to a more balanced and content life. Genuine happiness lies in exploring different aspects of life, such as building meaningful relationships, engaging in personal growth, and finding purpose in my actions. By reevaluating the notion that “money is the solution” to happiness, I found a more meaningful and satisfying path in life.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
I was never the kid growing up with the dreams and aspirations to be a Doctor, astronaut or firefighter. I didn’t know where I saw myself when I grew up. Fast forward I’m all grown up and wouldn’t change a thing! The esthetics industry is constantly evolving and creating new advancements everyday. The flexibility and constant change reflect how I grew up, therefore it’s easy for me to mold myself to be a successful entrepreneur in this field. Choosing esthetics has given me the opportunity to positively impact others’ lives, boost their self-esteem, and bring out their inner beauty. The personal connections and transformations I witness day to day are incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beacons.ai/kulturebykennedy
- Instagram: Kulturebykennedy
- Facebook: Kulture By Kennedy