We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristiana Wreh a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kristiana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Depending on how you define success, this can be a contentious subject, but for me, becoming successful requires discipline, patience, consistency, determination, and an incredible amount of healthy delusion. Speaking from experience, running a business can be really difficult, especially if you do a variety of responsibilities within the business, if not all of them. It is therefore quite difficult to sustain all of these jobs while still keeping other sources of income or passions. There will be times when business is slow, sometimes even for months. Such slow times can demoralize you and cause you to second-guess your career decisions, but trust me, they will strengthen your character and equip you for difficult situations in the future. Just keep in mind the wider picture and remind yourself of it when you’re feeling down.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
In addition to running a business, I also model, create content, and invest. Simply put, a well-rounded entrepreneur. My first company, 0526 Official by Kristiana Kai, is a jewelry line that offers high-end products at affordable pricing. Although we started off as a jewelry line we have ventured out into swim wear and soon other sectors in fashion. The metals used within our products varies from stainless steel, sterling silver, titanium steel, 925 sterling silver, gold, gold plated, and environmental brass. Different price points depending on the material used , High quality metals and diamonds that will last for years with the proper care. 0526 has been the foundation for my other business ventures and overall career. It has always been a dream of mine to model professionally since i was a child but i didn’t think it was possible due to my lack of confidence at the time and shyness but that all changed once i founded 0526. Same can be said for content creation things simply flowed into my career path as i grew as a business woman. My content at the moment consistence of entrepreneurship, fitness , lifestyle , fashion , and my faith. It has truly been God’s plan.
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
Prior to enrolling in business school and gaining mentorships, the internet had a significant impact on my ability to learn everything I needed to know about various facets of running a business. Social media platforms are a tool businesspeople utilize to share their knowledge. Tik Tok is the platform that has had the biggest impact on me. I gained knowledge on how to build up my business effectively, what materials I’ll need, how to market it, how to send out orders correctly, and other things. The hardest part was finding a trustworthy manufacturer that aligned with 0526’s aim because I had no assistance in that area. Even though I now work with a number of credible factories, it was and still is a trial and error process for me. I discovered some of the factories I work with on Alibaba’s selling channel. I advise new business owners to use it since it makes networking with factories, particularly those overseas, simple. The most important manufacturing lesson I’ve learnt is that communication is crucial. Ask insightful questions, particularly on the products’ materials. If it is in the factories’ ability to accommodate you, they can and will.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Lack of finance was the first issue I encountered within my organization. It was difficult to learn about and take action on the legal requirements for launching a business. With the debut of my 2021 summer collection, I had a great deal of trial and error as well as having goods worth hundreds of dollars stolen from me. If that wasn’t challenging enough, managing the business while enrolled in college full-time is also challenging. My mental health was another area of prior hardship that, in my opinion, not enough entrepreneurs address. At one point, managing my personal, academic, and professional lives while working full-time took a toll on me. I noticed that if something went wrong in one area of my life, it would have an impact on the other areas. I haven’t specifically dealt with that in any way other than by ceasing to dwell on circumstances, praying constantly, and putting everything in God’s hands. Also, managing my time and attempting to adhere to a strict routine have greatly aided. I mention this to convey that no matter how difficult it gets, you and your brand will prevail in the end as long as you keep going. My journey has repeatedly shown my resilience. I must inform any aspiring entrepreneur that this industry is quite risky and might be discouraging, but if you always keep your goal in mind, you will overcome any challenge that is put in the way of your success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.0526official.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/0526officialjewelry/ https://www.instagram.com/05.26officialjewelry/ https://www.instagram.com/kristianakai/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/0526official
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/kristiana-k-wreh
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kristianakai
- Other: Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@kristianakai0526 https://www.tiktok.com/@kristianakai Personal instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kristianakai/ Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/KristianaKai/ https://www.pinterest.com/526jewelry/
Image Credits
Photographers- Nathasha Morales and Javier De Friars Models – Kristiana Kai and Brianna Maldonado