We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kimeka Charles a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimeka, thanks for 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.

December 2020 I was unemployed and on my last months rent, with a broken glasses and empty cupboards doing an assignment, on a laptop that was only operable when plugged into a socket, crying my eyes out.

Let’s rewind a bit, In 2018-2020 I was a customer service representative in the world of finances, doing makeup in my free time, i registered my business in 2019 which birthed Colourgradeplus.  As a young girl I always dreamed of becoming a Doctor, my plan was to work until I saved enough money to pursue this dream, needless to say I did not save for school. Additionally Covid took the world by storm.

Thankfully I was still employed however the direction my life was heading in, even though it was a really good direction, didn’t feel right because the path that I was journeying on did not align with my dreams. I took a risk that I considered to be a leap of faith and left my job to peruse pre-medical studies during the pandemic. What you read at the beginning of this story is what took place a month and a half after I took took that risk.

At the end of the program in 2021 I was accepted into three medical schools. Fast forward to today 23rd March, 2023 I am again employed with the bank and doing makeup, hair and waxing under Colourgradeplus. God spear life, i am starting school this August 2023.

God is the only reason I am here today and I am grateful. I do not as yet have all the money I need to fund the entire program but I have enough to start. I will always be grateful for my journey and the lessons learned along the way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Kimeka Charles, I am the founder and C.E.O. of Colourgradeplus. Colourgrade (is for the different colours that can be used with makeup) Plus represents the other services I offer ( braiding, locs, eyelashes, waxing, eyebrow tinting etc.) I am a certified Makeup Artist/Teacher whose aim is to help others build their confidence and self esteem from the outside, in. Ironically, makeup helped me look inward and build my confidence and self esteem, which is how I know it’s possible, I believe this sets me apart from others. Also Colourgradeplus is due for a rebranding so look out for a possible name change and additional services coming soon!

I am most proud of the positive impact I’ve had on clients/students concerning taking care of their skin and how they treat themselves and also what they put into their bodies because I care about wholistic improvement. To my future clients I can not wait to meet you, I want you to know that your face is safe with me, I am grateful for each and every one of you and it’s an honor for me to serve you.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The book that has significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking where finances are concerned is the richest man in Babylon. In the past my mindset about money was money comes and it goes. After reading this book it showed me that my mindset about money was completely incorrect.

The book specifically thought me to be intentional and aware about my spending habits. I learned how to make wise decisions with money. I’ve learned there are systems in place for successful management of finances and we must follow these systems to be financially successful. It’s not about the amount of money you make but how you manage what you are given/ what’s in your possession.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me presently is word of mouth recommendations. Honestly I have not as yet properly learned about marketing and advertising but I am working on that.

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