We were lucky to catch up with Kyea Sturkin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kyea, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
Dreams are real, all you have to do is just BELIEVE! (Ashanti), October 11th, 2021, I opened the first cosmetology school in Georgetown, SC, KNK Academy of Cosmetic Arts. Outside of Georgetown High School, there is no other school in this county that offers Cosmetology, Nail Technology, Esthetics, or Instructor Training. Whew, you talk about taking a risk. This journey began August of 2008. I remember sitting in my grandmother’s home and writing in one of my many notebooks, K.S. (Kyea Sturkin) Academy of Cosmetic Arts. At that time the academy was born. My mission then was to get a job with my former high school (Georgetown High School) so I could learn how to run a school as it pertains to the rules and regulations from the SC State Board of Cosmetology. On August 7th, 2009, I received a call to my salon from the GCSD stating that a position had become available for a Cosmetology Instructor, and I was the only instructor that will be teaching. I came into the position with a lot of knowledge because I knew what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go with this opportunity. While working, I observed and took a lot of notes to better prepare for my academy. In 2020, everyone lives changed. We were changed for the better or worse. I took the pandemic as an opportunity to do what I couldn’t do before, plan for my academy. Every idea, every note, every form, everything that was collected and obtained over the years, I put into action. A lot of prayer, persistence, and courage was needed every day. In between 2008 and 2020, I had two daughters, Nevaeha and KatNiss, so I decided to tweak the name of the academy from K.S. Academy of Cosmetic Arts to KNK Academy of Cosmetic Arts. In January 2021, with no building in sight, I started ordering everything I needed for my academy because I knew that was the year for that dream to become reality. I’m a firm believer in GOD and I know that once it’s written down and spoken, it’s coming. As mentioned before, I started putting my plan into action May 2020 and my academy was opened on October 11th, 2021. Teaching isn’t just a career for me, it’s my passion. Teaching people a new skill or trade isn’t always easy but helping them to reach their career goals is our ultimate purpose.
Kyea, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Since a young girl, I always wanted to teach and do hair. While attending J.B. Beck Middle School, located here in Georgetown, I was informed by the guidance consoler that the high school (Georgetown High School) I was going to attend offered the Cosmetology Program. I enrolled in the Cosmetology Program my tenth-grade year and completed the program my twelfth-grade year with my Cosmetology License. While in the program I realized that my teacher, Mrs. Iva Coker was a licensed Cosmetology Instructor and that I can fulfill my career by doing both. Once I graduated from high school, I went to work at Master Cuts and started looking for information on becoming a Cosmetology Instructor. It wasn’t until I moved to Charlotte North Carolina in 2003, I started my Cosmetology Instructor journey at Brands College of Beauty in which I completed in 2003. I started teaching at Carolina Beauty College and working in various hair salons. In 2007-2008, I attended Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and received my Associate Degrees in both Cosmetology and Cosmetology Instructor in July of 2008.
I returned to my hometown, Georgetown SC to continue my dreams and goals of becoming a successful salon and school owner. In January 2009, I submitted the application and requirements to be a Cosmetology Instructor for the Georgetown County School District, but no positions were opened at the time. I started working at Smart Styles that was located in the local Wal-Mart while working on opening my hair salon. July 9th, 2009, the doors of KaJae’s Hair Salon opened. This was my very first business.
Currently, I am a Cosmetologist, Cosmetology Instructor, Salon Owner (KNK Hair Salon), and School (KNK Academy of Cosmetic Arts). As a Cosmetologist, I specialize in haircuts and hair color. As a Cosmetology Instructor, I’m known for being very knowledgeable and giving exceptional training to students wanting to join this career path. I’m proud of having the opportunity to help others reach their career goals. What sets me apart from others is the passion and drive I have for seeing others become successful.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
As I mentioned before, the pandemic changed everyone lives for better or worse. When it was announced that everyone would start receiving stimulus checks, I said I was going to use every dime including my savings and tax return towards preparing for my academy and I did just that. I didn’t receive any loans, I just put all my trust in GOD, stayed persistent and consistent and believed that if he brought me this far, he would not leave me.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
There are several books I’ve read and would recommend anyone who is or desires to be in a management or entrepreneurial position. Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Michaele E. Gerber, The E Myth Revisited, Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It and The E Myth Chief Financial Officer, Why Most Small Businesses Run Out of Money and What to Do About, T.D. Jakes, Soar, James Clear, Atomic Habits, and Toure” Roberts, Balance.
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Image Credits
Darryl Sturkin