We recently connected with Kennedy Toliver and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kennedy, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Over the years and growing up, I have always been interested in self care, self love, and valuing my time to improve myself. I have always grown to believe that the outcome on who you are is how you take care of yourself. So, knowing that from an early age, I always looked for different products, and regimens for self care. I would always have my own self care days, and time to myself. Growing up, I realize more and more h0w important that was to me and how much more I valued my lips, my skin and my body. So with that, I went on to see h0w I could project that great feeling of confidence and self love onto others. So, I created Simone Skincare Shoppe! Our mission at S.S.S is to ensure that our products add value to you, and your DESERVED self care! We do that by providing products such as lip care, skincare & body care that are all natural, vegan & cruelty free! Give you and your skin some love! You will fall more and more in love with who you become!
Kennedy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Kennedy Simone! I Am a 17 year old high school senior and freshman in college. I love being a small business owner and I always have been very business oriented since a very young age. I have went from making and selling at lemonade stands, door to door selling drinks, craft fairs selling bracelets, selling candy around school, creating my first brand at 14 years old, and much more! But with that, I have learned so many valuable lessons and it taught me how to go about my businesses different. For example, I have always had a love for products that contributed to beauty & self care. So, I started business at 14 called “PGKbeauty”. I learned throughout the years of running that business, that quality matters over quantity, to pinpoint my target audience, and how to better interact on social media. So, at 16 I rebranded into Simone Skincare Shoppe. I am aware that I have much more to learn, but that is alright! I am more than willing to get to learn more in the near future! Here at Simone Skincare Shoppe, our customers know that they will be receiving the best and highest quality lip care, skincare, and body care items to help contribute to their self care routine. I am most proud that we produce our products in small batches to ensure quality, and that we do so at a fair and reasonable price. The main things I want any potential shoppers to know is that we take our shop seriously, we are excited about each and every order that we receive, and we will always be sure to package your order with tender love and care! We appreciate all support to our small, yet soon to be BIG brand! It means the absolute world to us to be able to chase our dreams thus far!
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Being a 14 year old at the time of my first business venture, I had to get pretty creative on h0w I would fund my idea. This was during the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. Face masks were something that were very scarce and people were scrambling left and right for them. One day, I went into Joann’s craft store, and seen they were giving away free mask making kits. After taking a few of those home and learning how to sew with my grandma, we decided to start selling our homemade face masks! People in my area actually loved them so much that we decided to level up and purchase different fabrics and elastics to make different sizes and styles of masks. I was able to sell many masks and save up a large amount of money which allowed me to go off, and start my very first business, “PGKbeauty.” After about two years of business I decided to do a rebrand. “PGKbeauty” was able to fund what we are now, Simone Skincare Shoppe, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the amazing opportunities and doors that it has opened for me!
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Personally, my best source of new shoppers, and people taking interest into my brand are both Instagram Reels, and the classic Word of Mouth! Those two things both bring in new people from all over the world to view what your brand has to offer. For example, while using trending sounds and filming quality content for Reels, your video has a high chance of going viral and reaching thousands of people and potential shoppers & clients! I have received many orders from people viewing my items on an Instagram Reel. Also, with word of mouth, the same people who ordered or received a service from you have all of the power to recommend you to the person who for example, does hair, makes products, does nails etc. When you do a good job with caring for your brand and it’s image, word of mouth is an easy way to get to new clientele. Those are the two best sources for me and my brand!
Contact Info:
- Website: simoneskincareshoppe.com
- Instagram: simoneskincareshoppe