Winning season is calling and the business beauties are answering! This is a time of excitement and praise and Sheen Magazine is participating in the movement. Kaijah Wilson is taking branding and business to a new level and has served as a pillar in her community. Her savvy know-how skills and her keen sense of marketing has undoubtedly soared her entrepreneurial skills to places even she couldn’t imagine. Recently Sheen Magazine had the pleasure of sitting down with Kaijah to discuss business, branding, and philanthropy.
SHEEN: You are a serial entrepreneur. Having owned several businesses, what was it that made you want to become an entrepreneur?
KAJIAH: I wanted to become an entrepreneur because I was aware of my calling, and I knew the things I wanted to introduce to the world of business would be different. I personally like to look for certain things and experiences that I rarely can find, so at that moment, I knew it was something I had to offer that people like me would be interested in.
SHEEN: When you were growing up, did you see someone who you admired that was involved in entrepreneurship or talked about it?
KAJIAH: Growing up the only entrepreneur I’ve ever seen was my mother and she still works a regular job, but she was disgusted by it, and she said that she would become an entrepreneur one day and that’s what she did. When she started, she made sure to take me on her ventures so I could witness the journey.
SHEEN: Being an entrepreneur comes with a lot of tasks. With you owning several brands and businesses, what would you say is the most difficult task that you face?
KAJIAH: The most difficult task I faced is finding good employees because it’s hard to find employees that not only believe in themselves but believe in your dreams as well. Working with me I want to support you as well and a lot of people look at jobs as just jobs and I look at working at my small business as an opportunity so it’s kind of hard-to-find people who don’t Look at a job or working at my location. It’s just a job I want them to look at as a stepping stone so it’s kind of hard-to-find people with those big dreams.
SHEEN: You have opened a total of eight daycares: Tiny Tots 1,2,3,4, Tiny Tots Academy, West, Tiny Tots Before and After, and so many more. That’s very commendable. In what ways would you say your facilities stand out from others, and how do you go about maintaining a positive reputation for that brand.
KAJIAH: My facilities stand out from others because we care about the children, and I care about the women that are shopping at my beauty supply stores. I’m not looking to just take your money. I’m looking forward to giving you an experience. I’m looking forward to showing you that I care, that’s the reason why I started my business. Customers can come to our daycare and get help beyond just childcare. They can get employment, extra help for their children afterwards so they can get home, help with food and things they need. Women come to my beauty supply store, and I make sure they leave within an amazing experience. I make sure they leave with what they need. I help them to be able to afford something because I really care about the people. I don’t care about you spending $500, you can spend $20 for all I care. I want you to keep coming back because you cared about the experience you received. In childcare, it’s more than just watching someone’s child while they’re at work. I’m teaching their child, I’m giving their child something that they can’t give right now because they’re at work or I’m assisting them and helping raise their children.
SHEEN: In addition to the daycare chains, you are also the owner of Beauty Vault, which offers several affordable beauty products with a luxurious feel. What made you decide to target that market?
KAJIAH: I targeted that market because of my experience as a minority woman and they’re a lot of minority women who shop at Korean owned beauty supplies. These women don’t get the support they need, the help they need, and they don’t get the assistance they need. A Caucasian woman can walk in Alta and they can help her from beginning to end because they use all those products. A black woman can walk into Alta and we may get help but they’re not always as well-trained in what we need help with and they don’t have all the products minority women need. It’s very seldom that you find a diverse person or Korean to assist you as a black or minority woman. Times are changing and we now have power to use our influence and platforms to literally create a better future.
SHEEN: What would you say is something you want to use your platform and voice for?
KAIJAH: I want my platform and my voice to show that I care, and I understand, no matter how big or little you feel or how much you think that life and building is so glamorous I want people to know that we all must work hard. There are a lot of downs as well as ups, I think people only glorify the good. I want them to experience that everything is always good with my platform,myself, personally and with Business which will motivate them to never stop. A lot of the time, people think things are just handed to them and that’s not always the case.
SHEEN: How do you make sure you keep up with the latest beauty trends and such to continue to make your brand stand out?
KAIJAH: It’s easy for me to keep up with the latest beauty trends becauseI’m into Beauty myself. I picked a business that connects with my everyday life, so it’s not work for me to keep up with Beauty trends. Beauty trends embody who I am, so when I’m not working and I’m just at home or being myself, I know Beauty trends. I see them, I’m looking for them, and I’m able to bring that back to my business.
SHEEN: As an entrepreneur that has several brands and businesses, have you ever been told that you were doing too much?
KAIJAH: No, I’ve never been told I was doing too much because there’s always something to be done. There’s always something to improve on. I don’t really associate myself with the type of people who would feel that way. My mother is always on the go. She never stops so that’s kind of where I get that from, you’re never done.
SHEEN: You started your brands and expansion at the age of 27. With that being said, what are some key factors that you would like to share with our readers who may be thinking of becoming an entrepreneur?
KAIJAH: I started my brand at 27. I didn’t completely blossom until I was 30. Nothing happens overnight just because you didn’t see it doesn’t mean the work wasn’t being put in. Make sure whatever you’re deciding to do, you have a real passion for it. People always stop when they’re chasing money but never when they’re chasing a dream and a passion. At the age of 27, if I was only chasing money I would’ve given up.
SHEEN: What more do we have to look forward to when it comes to brand expansions for you?
KAIJAH: Bigger and better Beauty vaults coming to cities near you,giving more opportunities to men and women everywhere. Daycare classes and beauty supply classes are also coming to help others become their own boss and expand in this market.
Kajiah Wilson not only is a business mogul powerhouse, but she’s reaching back and helping those in the community. Paving the way for others wanting to be in the same industry as herself; Wilson has established a new narrative of just what young, single mothers can do. Seeing obstacles and changing the narrative is always a blessing. Sheen readers don’t you just love to see it? We hope you do. Remember to keep up with Kaijah on her amazing journey and continue to show your support.
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