We were lucky to catch up with Kinara Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Kinara with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
When I was younger, I would always see how hard my mom worked . That’s as an employee of her job and as a mother. Even now she still works hard. My mom NEVER skips a beat when it comes to making sure we (her kids) have everything that we want or need (that goes for us older kids as well #SPOILED). Seeing her work so hard motivates me to do the same!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I never in my life would have thought that I would become an entrepreneur and own my own business until the COVID era. That time was a difficult time for everyone. I didn’t want to lose myself during that time and wanted to keep busy so I decided to start a business. At the time, I didn’t know exactly what kind of business I wanted to start because I wanted to be different from other local small businesses in my area. After days of thinking and praying, I decided to have a business that focuses on homemade skincare products such as body scrubs, body butters and more. These products can be made with things that you probably already have at home. What also led me to that decision was because I have suffered from acne and eczema personally and got tired of paying copays to the dermatologist and paying for the expensive skincare products you see on television. I researched products, practiced making the products, and began using the products on myself. I saw the tremendous results that I gained from using my products and decided to turn it into a business in hopes that my products will help others as well.
What’s most exciting about my business is the results and reviews I get from customers. Every time I get a 5 star review or pictures from a customer it puts the biggest smile on my face because I know that I am part of the reason why they don’t experience dry skin anymore or don’t experience bad acne anymore. I always tell customers consistency is key! You’ll gain more positive results when you’re consistent with my products.
Not only do I make homemade skincare products, but I also make home care products such as candles, candle wax melts, room sprays, carpet and upholstery deodorizer, and laundry scent boosters. This side of the business comes from my love for having a good smelling home and clothes which I’m sure everyone enjoys.
In the year 2025, I plan to continue to expand my business as I’m always coming up with products to add to my website.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
There are always three things that I keep in mind when it comes to deciding which products to add to my business or when it comes to making a decision for my business in general. 1. Anything that is used in my products should be skin safe. This goes for skincare products and home care products. Im very careful about what I use to lower the risk of any allergic reactions, etc. 2. I always ask myself “what product(s) are customers interested in?” I try to add products to my business that I see customers really like as I don’t want to add products that will just sit on the shelf and collect dust. 3. Advertising and marketing is essential. Continue to advertise your business no matter who may see it and who just scrolls past it.
My advice to those who are in the early stages of their journey is to keep going. It may seem rough in the beginning, people may not support you or your business, products/items may not get sold as quick, etc. Don’t let any of that stop you from doing what you want to do.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
Not everything is perfect when it comes to running a business. I like to be transparent with everyone. One challenge that I am currently facing is consistent sales. One week im getting multiple orders, one week I’m getting very few orders, and one week I’m not getting any orders. Im always thinking of ways to advertise that will catch the eye or new and returning customers. I also try to think of sales that may also attract customers. This is where advertising/marketing and my faith in God comes into play. Another thing that helps me face a challenge is thinking about how one of my favorite shopping stores has probably faced a challenge or many challenges and found a way to overcome them to continue to stay in business and be successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bodiedbynaraj.com
- Instagram: _bodiedbynaraj
- Facebook: Bodied By Nara J.
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