Meet Vivian Kaye founder and CEO of Kinky Curly Yaki

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Meet Vivian Kaye founder and CEO of Kinky Curly Yaki

Kinky Curly Yaki is the premier provider of textured hair extensions designed to blend perfectly with kinky, curly and coarse hair textures. Kinky Curly Yaki was one of the first companies to make hair extensions for textured hair and launched at a crucial time when many Black and Brown women, who primarily wear extensions as their protective style of choice, were transitioning away from perms back to their natural hair textures and could not find extensions that blended perfectly with their hair.

Interested in learning more about Vivian and her business? Check out the interview our team did with her below.

 

How did you get started in your business?

 I started by solving my own problem while I was running a wedding business. I needed hair extensions for a protective hairstyle that was "presentable", however, I found that kinky textures were buried underneath silkier textures that didn't blend well with afro textures. 

 When I found textures that were suitable and felt authentic on me, I wore them to networking events. I knew I had something when another Black woman asked me who my hairdresser was and what my regimen was for having long kinky hair. When I told her they were hair extensions, she commented, 

“I would buy that!” And that’s when the light bulb went off and I knew I had a great business on my hands. That’s how KinkyCurlyYaki was born.

 

Favourite hobbies or passions outside of business?

 I love to travel and experience new things. I’m also a plant mama, amateur DJ, passionate karaoke singer, and word games aficionado 

 

What keeps you inspired?

 My son, Xavier. I like to say that X is my why. Knowing that I give people, especially women, the confidence to do the big things. 

 

What is one of the most challenging hurdles you've faced in business?

 Overcoming imposter syndrome. I underestimated my achievements in business because I felt like I wasn’t what success looked like, so it was challenging for me to change how I saw myself and just how awesome I am. 

 

How has the pandemic affected your business and how have you pivoted?

 It’s been a challenge in both my businesses, but pivoted with my business coaching to provide more support for entrepreneurs that were brick & mortar stores or in-person sellers who had to quickly pivot to eCommerce. 

 

Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 years?

 I see my empire growing into another 7 and 8-figure business! Becoming a digital content powerhouse and reaching bigger audiences by empowering people to be their best selves. 

 

What do you do to educate yourself as an entrepreneur? (Books, podcasts, courses, etc.)

 I listen to a lot of podcasts and audiobooks. 

 

What are your top 3 tips for business owners who are just starting out?

 1. Big little steps. Being an entrepreneur is a marathon, not a sprint. 

2. Trust your intuition. You know your business better than anyone else. 

3. Failure is a massive part of success. Don’t be afraid to fail because that’s where all of the lessons are. 

Head here to learn more about Vivian and her businesses!

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Charlee Brady