Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kia Nichelle. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kia, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

I love this question! When I was younger I would pride myself on being a girl boss that does everything herself. From packing orders, shipping them, running my store, being the model, creative director and so on so forth. As time passed I realized this was the worst thing I could do. My business would have been so much farther if I had a solid team back then who understood my vision and plan. Longevity and conversions is all about team.

Kia, 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 Kia! Im from Detroit Michigan born and raised (an eastside girl). My journey began as a hairstylist. And as I grew I realized I could not do hair forever. I wanted to transition. This transition included me going in the direction of Ecom, selling products online and in store. By the time I was 21 I opened my store. When I turned 24 I moved to California which was the best decision I could make thus far.
I still have my store but I wanted to expand my territory and learn new things.
I’m most proud of myself for working hard and believing in myself. No matter what I never gave up. The journey has not been easy at all. But as I got older I realized the journey is way more important than the destination. The people you meet and the things you learn help build character so that you are able to maintain the things you’ve acquired along the way.

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

I really had to unlearn operating from a place of fear. Like “what if it doesn’t work out”, “what if I go broke”, “what if people don’t purchase”, “what if I can’t really do this like I thought I could”. All of those thoughts are fear based and they can really cripple you. They can also blind you too!
I had to learn having the ultimate confidence , believing that I am worthy of great things. Peace, happiness and financial freedom.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I know this is bad, but I actually funded my business by doing hair from sun up to sun down. I say it’s bad because everyone knows you aren’t suppose to use your own money to fund a business. But you live and you learn. I wasn’t going to wait for the banks to give me a loan to chase my dreams. I had to make it happen! There’s a bunch of creative things you can do to sell what ever it is you want people to buy! You just have to think outside the box.

Contact Info:

• Website: Hairmisses.com
• Instagram: Hairmisses
• Youtube: Hairmissesbeautybar