Kay Jones of All over New Jersey on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kay Jones. Check out our conversation below.

Kay, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
I would absolutely hire me as a vendor for my own wedding. My biggest selling point, and the core mission I’d hire, is the absolute guarantee that every single person in the wedding party will look and feel their best.

As the founder, I solved a pervasive industry problem which is a lack of true expertise across all skin tones and hair textures in the wedding industry. I would hire Beyond the Knot Collective because I know our team is meticulously curated and trained to handle it all. From intricate updos on fine hair to perfect makeup matching on deep skin tones, and sharp barber services for the groomsmen. This removes a major point of stress for any couple.

Furthermore, in this chaotic world of wedding planning, reliability is everything. I would hire myself for the proven track record of impeccable logistics and professionalism. We’re not just artists. We’re a professional, cohesive collective that serves multiple states and destination weddings. That means I’ve built systems to ensure promptness, clear communication, and a seamless on-site experience. I wouldn’t be worried about delays or drama because I’d be hiring a well-oiled machine that guarantees a smooth, enjoyable start to the most important day of my life.

At Beyond The Knot Collective, the service we offer is not just hair and makeup, it’s the energy and confidence we bring into the room. Our reviews often mention our team being ‘a vibe’, personable, calming, and celebratory.

I’d hire me because I would be purchasing peace of mind and joy. I know my team, led by my vision, will create a welcoming, stress-free, and empowering space where I and my loved ones can relax and be genuinely celebrated before walking down the aisle. You can’t put a price on feeling genuinely seen and confident on your wedding day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, readers! I’m Kay Jones, the founder, CEO and lead makeup artist of Beyond the Knot Collective. I’m a Jersey-based entrepreneur, but more importantly, I am a passionate advocate for inclusive beauty in the luxury wedding space.

Beyond the Knot Collective is a premier, luxury wedding beauty collective specializing in on-location hair, makeup, and barber services for couples in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and beyond. We don’t just offer beauty services; we provide a seamless, empowering experience for the start of one of life’s biggest celebrations.

What makes Beyond the Knot Collective truly special is that we were founded to solve a critical industry problem which is the lack of genuine expertise and inclusion.

We are a proud Black and woman-owned business where inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the core of our brand. We’ve meticulously built a team of master artists and barbers who are not just skilled, but who specialize in all skin tones and all hair textures. Whether a client needs a flawless foundation base on deep skin, an intricate style for natural hair, or expert beard grooming for the groom, we handle it all with mastery. This dedication ensures that everyone in the wedding party feels seen, celebrated, and completely confident.

We operate as a luxury collective, which means we bring the highest level of professionalism, logistics, and artistry. When you book with us, you are securing a well-oiled machine led by a team that is passionate, prompt, and dedicated to creating a relaxed, joyful environment on your wedding morning.

I’m currently focused on expanding our destination wedding services to bring our specialized, inclusive expertise to more couples worldwide. I’m also dedicated to continuous development for our team, ensuring we remain the leader in both artistry and professionalism in the luxury bridal market.

Ultimately, Beyond the Knot Collective is dedicated to transforming the wedding morning experience from stressful to empowering and celebratory.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling truly powerful was in 5th grade, at my elementary school graduation. I was the class valedictorian.

The power didn’t just come from the title. The power came from the experience of giving a speech that I had written entirely myself. Standing on that stage, looking out at the entire graduating class, all the teachers, and hundreds of parents, I felt a deep sense of conviction in my own voice and message.

When I finished, the reaction was overwhelming. I received a standing ovation. The compliments weren’t just about my achievement and people kept telling me how intelligent I sounded and how fearless I was to speak with such clarity and poise in front of such a large audience at such at young age.

That moment was foundational for me. It wasn’t about being the smartest kid, it was the realization that when I prepared, believed in my words, and stood firmly in my truth, I had the ability to command a room and move an audience. That feeling of using my voice to connect, inspire, and earn genuine respect is the same power I draw upon today when leading my team and defining the vision for Beyond the Knot Collective.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
The one kind thing I would whisper to my younger self, without hesitation, is ‘Everything is going to work out. Don’t worry. Your path is better than you can imagine.’

I would want her to know that all the stress, the pressure, and the doubt she feels now will eventually fuel the success of Beyond the Knot Collective. I’d want her to release the anxiety and trust that the resilience she’s building is exactly what makes her a powerful leader.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The luxury wedding beauty industry has built itself on a few convenient, yet incredibly harmful, lies. At Beyond the Knot Collective, our entire mission is to dismantle them.

The first and most damaging lie is the pretense of inclusion. Most of the industry claims to be inclusive, but this often means having one darker foundation shade in a kit while lacking the specialized skill to work confidently with all hair textures and diverse skin undertones. We are here to prove that true inclusion is a non-negotiable standard, not a marketing buzzword.

The second lie is that raw artistry is enough. On a high stakes wedding day, a great look is worthless if it’s delivered with chaos or tardiness. Artists often fail to realize that flawless execution requires meticulous logistics, organization, and a professional collective structure.

Finally, there’s the subtle pressure that clients must look ‘bridal.’ This pushes couples to conform to traditional looks, sacrificing their unique style for something deemed “timeless.” We reject this. The only thing that should be timeless is the feeling of authentic confidence, and our job is to ensure our clients feel like their most powerful, true selves.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When my time is through, I don’t want the story to be about artistry or revenue numbers. The one story I truly hope people tell about me, Kay Jones is that she was real, authentic, and genuine in everything she did. I want people to remember that I was deeply committed to my values and that I was resilient and never quit. I took an idea born from necessity and built a major luxury collective in a saturated industry, facing countless setbacks but always finding a way through the ‘knotty’ moments, never quitting on my vision, my clients, or my team. Furthermore, I hope they say I was an authentic leader and didn’t chase trends or try to fit a corporate mold but used my true voice to build Beyond the Knot Collective on a platform of radical inclusion and genuine care. Ultimately, I hope the legacy is simple; She was the genuine article, and her resilience changed the game for the better.

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