Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kiana Cole, founder of Kickin It With Ki, located in Washington, DC, USA.

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

Kickin It With Ki is the go-to self-care and mindfulness brand for teachers, students, and Black women everywhere. We provide high-quality, culturally competent workshops, curricula, and products for teachers, students, and Black women who want to CUT THE NOISE or the day-to-day distractions so they can practice daily wellness and align with their greater purpose.

Tell us about yourself

I've always felt my story can be summed up in this thought, "I am working to be a great ancestor." My ultimate goal is to leave the world better than it was before I was born. I truly want to educate and empower people to seek healing and joy for themselves. I created my brand Kickin It With Ki, back when I was an elementary educator in the public schools of Washington, D.C., after graduating with a B.S. in Elementary Education from Howard University. I have always always always wanted to be an educator. I loved teaching and empowering those little ones so much, but after three years, I realized that system of teaching didn't fully accomplish what I believed to be my full purpose in life.

At its inception, Kickin It With Ki was supposed to explore my journey as an educator, lupus fighter, and self-care enthusiast. Over time, it has morphed into a business centered around helping Black women, teachers, and students CUT THE NOISE and get closer to purpose through mindfulness, self-care, and community care. I provide support, workshops, and resources that bring people closer to daily wellness. I truly believe that when you give people the resources, they need to take the best care of themselves, the entire community benefits.

Through this brand, I created "CutTheNoise, Mindfulness," which is a culturally relevant, pedagogy-enhanced approach to mindfulness and self-care, specifically catered to teachers and students. I seek to bridge the gap between mindfulness and education. I specialize in helping school communities truly be well, making space for their emotions daily, and providing practical tips for self-care and community care. With my work with Black women, I provide a stress-free space for the women to explore themselves and their experiences. So, essentially, my life's work is "to light the pathway for others."

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment has been the opportunity to watch students' and Black women's lives change in front of my eyes because of the resources I have provided them. It's truly the most magical thing you will ever get to experience.

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is remembering that there is room for you. You often see a lot of businesses, and they feel similar, or you begin to compare yourself to them. I always remind myself that I am one of a kind. My superpower is the light I share with the world.

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

  1. Get clear on your purpose. How is this business you're working to create supporting and exploring your purpose? How is it going to benefit the people you are working to serve?
  2. Know your worth. It can be so difficult not to compare yourself to other business owners and influencers, but you have undeniable worth, and there is still room for you and the product or service you are creating.
  3. Center self-care in your daily life. Grind culture is not healthy. Always prioritize rest, boundaries, and radical self-care. You deserve to rest and ease.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Mindfulness and intentional self-care changed my world for the better. It is an honor to share this gift with groups across the country! Join my community by texting "self-care" to 202-918-3255.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.kickinitwithki.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kickinitwithki
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickinitwithki_/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KiKickin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiana-cole-bb782364/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.