Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cynthia Kankeu, Founder of Kank's Store, located in Charlottesville, VA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We manufacture natural cosmetics with real natural and fresh ingredients such as Okra, Aloe Vera, Honey, Hibiscus, and several other herbs. We manufacture small batches weekly to ensure that customers receive cosmetics that are fresh like food. Since our products are free of parabens, and because we only use ONE preservative, the shelf-life of our products is only 8- 12 months.

My vision is to be known as the woman who manufactures Cosmetics that are food for the body and who does not use any unnecessary synthetic ingredients. I want to be known as the woman who partners with local Farmers to source all her natural ingredients. I am not looking for any shortcuts, and I would rather take time and build that in-trust relationship with my customers rather than compromise my values.

Tell us about yourself

I started formulating hair products in 2016 at a time when I needed some natural products that would finally help me to embrace my natural hair and feel beautiful. Kank's Store quickly became a journey to self-love and allowed me to stop constantly wearing wigs and to proudly rock my hair that defeats gravity. I used my background in chemistry to formulate specific hair products for specific porosity types that would help women to embrace their hair, whether they have an Afro, wavy or straight hair. Like Angela Davis said 'I am no longer accepting things I can't change. I am changing things I can't accept.' This quote keeps me motivated because I am very well aware of the fact that nothing comes in life easily; however, my baby steps can definitely help makes this world a better place.

My biggest joy comes from receiving testimonials of women telling me that their little girls embrace their natural hair thanks to my products. My business is way more than just making money; it's about creating an environment where people will be comfortable in their own skin/hair and shaking those old beauty standards that have been portrayed for such a long time.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As I said above, receiving testimonials from satisfied customers brings a lot of joy. I am in the process of hiring part-time employees, and I would like to work with people who are in need of a second chance in life. Being able to hire someone who went to jail and who is struggling to find a job because of his/her past would be my biggest accomplishment.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Being able to find the right balance between work and personal life, especially when you are a small business owner.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Make sure you have the right mindset. I have a bubbly personality and always see the glass half full. I am one of those persons who enjoy challenges and see possibilities even in the midst of chaos. My friends refer to me as a free bird who is always dreaming, but trust me, this personality has really helped me navigate through the downs that come with being an entrepreneur.
  2. Network: make sure you are surrounded by the right people who will lift you up, inspire you, and also guide you.
  3. Resilience/hard work: always think about contingency plans. If plan A does not work, it is ok. You have to keep on trying till you make it. Nothing worth it comes in life easily, so we have to make sure that we hustle as much as we can.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Anyone can become an entrepreneur.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://kanks-store.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KanksStore
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kanks_store/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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