Dear Tayelor,
It is a great pleasure to interview you and learn more about your entrepreneurial journey and your business Absolute Style and Beauty.
Could you share your background before starting your business? What was your education and professional experience?
Tayelor Kennedy
I actually started my business on a part-time basis before I went to college. I have an MBA and I worked in the financial and insurance industry for a while.
When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
Since I was 5. At 5 I worked in my Aunt’s corner store. I also had a lemonade stand. I come from a family of business owners. In addition to holding down full-time careers, my parents and several of my aunts, uncles, and cousins all have businesses.
Did you have a start-up business plan of any kind? Please tell us about it. No,
I jumped right in without any idea of what I was in for. I made a ton of mistakes with regard to marketing, and the biggest mistake is, I didn’t document my process and my financials were a mess.
How did any outside advisors make a difference in your company?
Working with a coach, I developed a business plan that really mapped out where I want to take the business. Having a business coach keeps me on track and moving. Which is great because I know that I am accountable to complete the agreed upon action before our next meeting. And, if I fail to follow through, my coach will call me on it.
Tell us about your business as a beauty and lifestyle consultant and as a make-up artist.
Absolute Style and Beauty is a full service lifestyle consulting company. I provide, personal and professional image rebranding, personal shopping, closet audits, and make-up services. I work with our clients so that they live the most stylish and beautiful life that they can imagine. Whether I am hired to assist with home redecoration, shopping for that perfect dress to wear to on a first date, or to their wedding, I promise to provide a unique, and personal experience.
Who is your ideal client?
I work with women that are ready and looking to express more fun, and authenticity in their life, and ready to take the necessary steps to make that happen.
How do you balance it all?
I have a daily plan. It’s imperative that I map my days out in as much detail as possible. I get plenty of exercise, eat good whole food, and go to bed at a decent hour most nights.
What are your plans for the future?
At the moment I am concentrating on my book: Absolute Style and Beauty that is coming out later this year.
Good luck with your book, and please let us know when it comes out. What do you consider most rewarding as an entrepreneur?
First, I’d have to say that it is knowing that I achieved my dream of being an entrepreneur. Second, is knowing that I do work that is meaningful not only to me, but that I made a difference in someone’s life.
This issue’s theme is “Show leadership through your social media presence”, could you share how using social media has made a difference in your venture?
Social media allows me to stay abreast of what my industry is doing and what my clients, potential clients are talking about. In addition, it allows me to directly interact with them. It’s a nice tool to develop professional relationships, and meet potential clients. I meet people that live in Canada, or the UK that will refer clients just because of the relationship that’s developed as a result of using ning, twitter, linkedin and other social media outlets. But the key is, participation. That’s why it’s called “social media”.
What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur?
First, I’d suggest doing a lot of research on the type of business they are interested in to make sure there is a market for the service or product. Next, create a business plan. It’s very important to build a solid foundation so that the business will grow, and be profitable. Lastly, hire a business coach. Hire someone that has no emotional ties to you. This way, the support that you’re receiving is clear and objective. And, you’ll be more apt to keep your commitment to produce your vision.
How can people find out more about you?
They can visit, http://absolutestyleandbeauty.wordpress.com, for contact information, and to view the list of all of the services that I offer, and follow me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/tayelorkennedy.