Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Kelly.
Hi Kayla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always told people my story is very unique and different but yet very relatable. My name is Kayla Kelly and I was born and raised right here in St.Louis MO. I have always had a real love for the arts and being creative. All of my life I have performed around St.Louis on many stages. I had a passion for singing and one day I knew I would be on the TV screen. I am an only child, As a young girl I knew exactly what I wanted and I have always strived to see things through.
Growing up, I attended arts school and continued on through my college career. I am a singer, creator, actor, creative director, and a hairstylist. I attended Columbia College Chicago and there I studied Vocal Performance, Acting, Business and Entrepreneurship and Marketing. I then graduated with a Degree in Business and Entrepreneurship focused in Music Business and Marketing. After College, I knew I wanted to mash together all of my talents but I just didn’t know how. Life has a funny way of throwing you curve balls and we all struggle with something but it’s about how you push through. I was 13 years old when my life changed. My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. This turned my world upside down. I was confused and lost.
No one ever wants to hear that a parent they love and need has became ill. This was an emotional rollercoaster. Experiencing this as a child growing into an adult really has shaped me into who I am. My mother is strong, resilient, beyond blessed and her story is unmatched. She is the reason of who I am today. I seen her go through chemo daily, countless surgeries, ups and down in health but she pushes and does it all with a smile. During this process I seen how women need to feel beautiful and shown true love during this storm. This is when my love for Beauty stepped in.
Every woman should feel beauty no matter the circumstances. I knew I had to figure out a way to purse my passion with a purpose. I then created KayNicole Beauty Box! ‘Where All Things Beauty Comes Inside”. This started after the first time I created a wig for my mom. Seeing her loose her hair I wanted to give her something to make her feel whole again. I loved hair, hair artistry, makeup and everything about beauty. My mother is a licensed hairstylist and seeing her work hard it brushed off me. I have been doing hair since I was 13yrs old.
I’m a self taught stylist, wig maker, colorist! I studied in and out about hair and how it is essential for women to have healthy hair. I have created countless wigs and have treated many women with hair loss. I wanted to expand my brand to something bigger and began offer services to all. Hair and Wigs are many ways women express their selfs. My job is to empower them and make them feel Beyond Beautiful.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been rough but very rewarding. My mom diagnosis has been a big struggle. On the other hand balancing multiple talents and really knowing where to put my focus has been hard. Investing in my business and Building Brand Awareness is another challenge that many creators face. Staying consistent as well as getting into a creative rut when things seem unreachable. I dream and aim big and sometimes being patient for the big pay off can be hard. I have learned a lot along the way with educating myself, trails and errors. I have learned to navigate through my obstacles. I will would not change anything about my process because I know my journey has just begun.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My Business is “KayNicole Beauty Box”. Our goal is to give women everything that deals with beauty. I am a Travel Hairstylist. I service both St.Louis, MO and Chicago,IL area. My focus in hair is custom wigs, protective styles, natural hair care and coloring. I would love to service women around the world with breast cancer, hair loss or other diseases that causes hair loss. I am building hair care products for all to deal with any and all hair troubles. My foundation will be dedicated to women and children all ages. This will help me educate them on their journey. I specialize in commercials, editorial, weddings, etc. I’m working on my wig foundation, hair care line and makeup products. I’m looking to expand on a larger scale.
I am more than just hair! Im a Brand, creator, director, product developer, YouTuber and so much more!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The Covid-19 crisis has been a very humbling experience. It has taught me how talented I am and the many outlets I can use to pursue my dreams. This crisis has taught me how to balance reality and work life. Mental health has also played a huge part. Things had shifted so fast and I was afraid of what was ahead. Through prayer, patience, family and GOD I was able to push through this hard time. I am currently for looking Investors, Angel Investors and anyone who is looking to diversify their portfolio. We are also looking people who would like to sponsor a wig for someone who experiences hair loss. We have Brand Ambassador opportunities as well.
Contact: Please feel free to email if your interested in any investments or sponsorship
Contact Info:
- Email: KayNicoleBeautyBox@gmail.com
- Website: kaynicolebeautybox.setmore.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/kay.nicoleeeeee
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kaynicolebeautybox
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkdwkaWgfUuj7YJCtwPQFwA
Image Credits
Kevin Wagan
