Meet Kianna Metcalf-Fourte

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kianna Metcalf-Fourte a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kianna, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I get my work ethic from the people and responsibilities that mean the most to me — my family and my business. Being a mother and a wife has taught me the value of consistency, accountability, and doing things even when they’re hard. Running a small business on top of that has strengthened my sense of discipline and ownership — there’s no one else to fall back on, so I’ve learned to show up fully and follow through.
Even though I also work full-time as a paralegal, my strongest motivation doesn’t come from titles or roles — it comes from wanting to build something lasting for my family and to set an example for my kids about perseverance and integrity. That’s where my drive really comes from.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My story is rooted in passion, perseverance, and purpose. I’m a wife, mother, and the proud owner of a small, Black woman–owned beauty bar where I’ve been serving clients for the past five years as a licensed esthetician. What started as a dream to create a space where people could feel confident and cared for has grown into a community built on trust, empowerment, and self-love.
What makes my work so special is the connection I get to build with each client who walks through the door. It’s more than skincare — it’s about helping people feel beautiful in their own skin, inside and out. I love creating a calm, welcoming environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and celebrated. Watching someone’s confidence bloom after a treatment never gets old — it’s the best part of what I do.
This year is especially exciting for my family and our business. My husband just passed his barber exam, and together we’re preparing to expand beyond the space I’ve been in for the past five years. Our goal is to grow into a full-service beauty and grooming destination that offers something for everyone — a place where quality, community, and culture come together.
As a Black woman business owner, representation and resilience mean a lot to me. I want my story to show others that with faith, consistency, and heart, you can build something beautiful from the ground up. This next chapter isn’t just about growth — it’s about legacy.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Resilience has been the foundation of everything. Owning a small business — especially as a woman balancing family, life, and entrepreneurship — takes strength, time management and faith. There were times when things felt uncertain, but I learned to keep showing up, stay grounded in my “why,” and trust that every challenge was preparing me for the next level.

Relationship-building has also played a huge role. In the beauty industry, your business grows through trust and genuine connection. I’ve learned that when you treat people with care, remember their stories, and go the extra mile to make them feel special, they don’t just come back — they become family. Community is everything.

And lastly, continuous learning — both in business and in beauty. Trends change, techniques evolve, and it’s important to stay open and curious. Taking classes, networking with other professionals, and being humble enough to keep growing have helped me stay relevant and confident in my craft.

For anyone just starting their journey, my advice is: don’t rush your process. Stay consistent, be teachable, and believe in yourself even when no one’s watching. Build relationships, not just a client list. And most importantly, take care of yourself — because your peace and passion are what will keep your business thriving in the long run.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Right now, my biggest challenge is building business credit and preparing for expansion. For the past five years, I’ve operated my beauty bar independently and managed everything from marketing to finances on my own. While that’s been empowering, I’ve reached a stage where growth requires more structure, resources, and access to funding.
As a small, Black woman–owned business, one of the biggest hurdles can be navigating the financial side — learning how to build strong business credit, establish solid financial records, and position the brand for larger opportunities like leasing a new space or purchasing equipment. I’ve been focused on educating myself, working with advisors, and taking intentional steps to separate my personal and business finances, so that the business can truly stand on its own.
Expanding our brand — especially now that my husband has become a licensed barber — means creating a space that serves both beauty and grooming clients under one roof. That vision takes planning and capital, but it also takes patience and strategy. So I’m learning everything I can about business credit, applying for the right programs and grants, and continuing to build a foundation that supports long-term growth.
I see this challenge as part of the process — it’s not a setback, it’s a setup for sustainability.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brownsugarbeauty.co
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/brwnsgr.beauty