Exclusive Interview with KellyAnne, CEO of Tomboy Wicked & KA Fashion TV
Tell me a little bit about your background and how you ended up choosing your field.
I held many positions in both my personal and work life, but in every position, at my core…I recognized that I loved encouraging people and making them feel special. I would do hair on the side and discovered that I not only enjoyed it but loved it. It was then that I decided to go to school and become a licensed Cosmetologist.
What made you take the leap into entrepreneurship?
My leap into becoming an entrepreneur was while I was pursuing my degree in Cosmetology. It was after a few years as a hairstylist when I started researching, watching, and reading articles on developing brands. I was fascinated with Paul Mitchell. Well, more than fascinated, I was amazed and impressed by him. Here was a hairstylist with a product idea, brought it to market so that we can have the distinct pleasure of enjoying such amazing products.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to launching your company and how did you overcome them?
Finances were my biggest hurdle. So, I decided to hold myself accountable. I made a vision board. Actually, I made 2, one on a small piece of paper and another on a huge board that I placed on my wall. I started saving every bit of money I could. I sold my car and put the money aside for the business I envisioned. I decided to walk to work as a way to exercise and every day spoke my vision out loud…until it finally became a reality.
What are 3 tips you can share with our readers as it relates to your industry?
3 tips I can share with readers about my industry:
1. Know your ingredients and explain their benefits to clients when necessary.
2. Never take it personally if someone doesn’t purchase your product on the onset, but always keep your brand top of mind.
3. It’s about customer service. Get excited for the opportunity to service your customers even those that don’t know they need your products. Yet. Share knowledge, gift a sample, and follow up.
How do you personally define success? What does it mean to you?
I define success by every step I take that grows my business to the next level. I also define it by the joy I have in doing what I love.
How do you differentiate yourself from others in your field?
I differentiate myself from so many in our industry by the way I treat my clients, vendors, and associates. I don’t think having the Hollywood ego is a good look, nor would it get you far. I love authenticity, genuine love, and concern, of which my products are made. It is also in the very essence of every launch and co-branding event I do.
What was the biggest business mistake you made and what did you do to learn from it?
The biggest business mistake I made was not separating business finances from mad money. Don’t suffer a financial loss both personally and professionally by commingling funds. I now only touch my business account strictly for business purposes.
How did you deal with push back from family or friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits?
I noticed that a few people whom I assumed were my friends had many negative things to say when I started my business. I have so many stories of those that laughed and ridiculed me. Only to have them call me privately and congratulate me (notice I said privately). My only response was for them to take a look at my vision board and how it now parallels to my reality.
What advice would you give to someone asking for advice about becoming an entrepreneur?
If entrepreneurship is what is in your heart, I suggest that you start writing out your vision. This will make it clear for you. Then, add subcategories so you can visualize every situation and how to best navigate each. If your idea and finances are strong enough to support your vision I say GO FOR IT!
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business’ success?
The most influential factor in my business success is people that believe in me and my vision.
Name 3 people in the business world who inspire you the most?
3 people in the business world that inspire me most are:
Oprah Winfrey, Bryon Allen, and Ralph Lauren (research their humble beginnings, it’s quite inspiring).
Who is your hero and why?
Every person that succeeds in life and love is my hero/shero. I share in their success and determination as I pursue my own dreams. I’m grateful for my own humble beginnings, and the success I now experience through finally turning my dreams into reality.
What 3 books would you recommend every entrepreneur read?
I recommend reading: Who Moved My Cheese?
Think and Grow Rich, and Creative Entrepreneurs
What do you do to recharge when you are feeling drained?
When I am feeling drained, I recharge by walking for miles. I walk the beach or one of the many beautiful trails here in southern California and within just a few hours I am rejuvenated.
If you had to pick a charity to give to, who would it be and why?
I don’t often give to charities per se; however, I do look for families or individuals in need to give to. Whether monetarily, or in-kind through food baskets, clothing, or freeing up my time to spend with them. Every Easter, I would buy empty baskets, and my kids and I would fill them up with food and clothing and in the plastic eggs, we would put money. We then would drive around to less fortunate areas and give out baskets to children and adults alike. Then, we would go up to the mountains, pray, and thank God that we can share our blessings and give back. Even now that my kids are grown, they continue the tradition of giving I began with them years ago.
What is the one mantra that you live your life by?
My mantra is to let gratitude lead me.
What is your business all about?
I have two businesses and both are about beauty and living out the most beautiful lifestyles. I have learned to use my creative force and it all started with a vision board. I began creating a product line in the salon and then took it to the lab to my chemist. I created what I thought would be the most desired products based on what my clients needed. My product lines: The KA Holistic line and the TomBoy Wicked line were created for the hair and body. After a year of saving and working with 3 different chemists and mapping out my strategy on the local demographic, my objective was clear. I would now place my line in the hands of the Celebrity Athletes. Thanks to strategic planning, I was able to make this happen within my first year in business at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas with HBO and boxing greats: Sugar Shane Mosley and Floyd Mayweather. I then entered to be a part of Fashion Week and Runway shows. This brought my line face to face with the World Pageant, “Face of the World” Finals which was held in Paris. As you can imagine, I was over the moon and my products and I were headed to Paris! I knew I had something beautiful and amazing. From there many more pro-athletes endorsed my brand and this opened up the door for me to obtain credentials to have my line featured in gifting suites at some of the biggest events like The ESPYS, Oscars (The Academy Awards), Grammys, Style Fashion Week, in feature films, reality hit shows and the NAACP Image Awards.
I then began to produce photoshoots and cross-promote my brand with other amazing lines. I started hiring photographers, models and at times a film crew. In doing so, I have met so many incredible people in the industry. Since my line has been surrounded by the Buff, the Bold, and the Beautiful, I decided to use that leverage and create a show around personalities and allow them a platform to showcase and share who they are. Even though the Pandemic in 2020, I birthed a new show, “Models Talk”. This show elevates and celebrates celebrities and allows the public to get a glimpse into their beautiful lifestyles and thoughtful hearts, as well as, shine the light on their fashion favorites.
I am very proud of my evolution and brand popularity. Although, I am still growing and reaching for the next big thing, which by the way, is happening in December in a partnership with a sustainable, lifestyle fashion line, Là Fuori. Once again, an opportunity for my line to travel abroad to be a part of a virtual Reality Show that will be live-streamed simulcast in 3 different continents: USA, Italy, and India! The Tomboy Wicked line will be a featured sponsor on the show, so TUNE IN! I could not be more excited! Meanwhile, our show channel, KAFTV will be featuring the latest music from all over the world with open submissions, so stay tune in for more upcoming Model Talk episodes from Season 1 along with more music and fashion shows on KA Fashion TV on Roku and YouTube. This is where even more beauty is displayed and appreciated.
From what once was a mere idea, to a vision board, to now living out my reality…KA Holistic line, Tomboy Wicked line, KA Fashion TV and Models Talk…and, to think, this is only the beginning.
For a feature in KA Fashion TV or for more information please contact us @ kafashiontv@gmail.com
https://channelstore.roku.com/details/320fac69df83c04ed82ea53d004c83f5/ka-fashion-tv
How can you be reached if someone is interested in your products or services?
I can be also be reached via email at Kellyanneproducts@yahoo.com or via my website at www.tomboywicked.com
