We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kennedy Sherman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kennedy, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I developed my confidence and self-esteem through a combination of intentional growth, self-acceptance, and pursuing goals that were meaningful to me. As a young woman, I faced both internal and external pressures about who I ‘should’ be. Rather than letting those define me, I learned to set my own standards and values, which helped me stay grounded.
Early on, I was always very confident in my abilities to learn new things, working hard to execute goals, and being a leader to others. I pushed myself to try new experiences, even when I felt uncertain. Each time I overcame a challenge, I felt a little stronger and more capable. I’ve also invested in learning and self-improvement, especially in my work as an esthetician. Staying skilled and current in my profession has helped me build a genuine confidence because I know I bring real value to my clients.
Lastly, I practiced self-compassion, which was a game-changer. Instead of being overly critical, I learned to be kinder to myself and focus on growth rather than perfection. This mindset shift allowed me to build a strong foundation of self-esteem that keeps growing, no matter what challenges come my way. Also having the understanding that there is, and will only be, one me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
First off, I am very appreciative for the opportunity to share my story and work! I’m a young entrepreneur with a few different passions that are continuously blossoming into something I’m proud of. I’m a licensed esthetician, and that’s where my journey really began. In esthetics, I get to work directly with clients to help them look and feel their best, which is something I’m incredibly passionate about. There’s something special about helping people feel confident and nurturing their wellness, and it’s a privilege to play a role in that process.
I also own a digital print-on-demand business where I create unique, customized designs for people who want to express their personality and style. I love that this business allows me to reach a broader audience online and offer something creative and personal to people everywhere. Designing for others gives me the freedom to try new ideas, and knowing that my work becomes a part of someone’s life, even in a small way, is exciting.
Recently, I started a YouTube channel where I share pieces of my personal life and my adventures. My goal with content creation is to connect with a community and show the behind-the-scenes reality of balancing multiple passions and building something from the ground up. It’s new territory for me, but it’s something I’ve been wanting to do, and I’m excited to share insights, growth moments, and the ups and downs along the way.
Right now, my focus is on expanding my reach, refining my skills, and launching new services in esthetics, which I am taking a short hiatus from. I’d love for anyone interested to follow along with me, whether that’s in esthetics, through my print-on-demand designs, or by joining me on YouTube. This journey is all about growth and connection, and I’m eager to see where it takes me.
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?
First, resilience has been key. Being an entrepreneur has its share of setbacks and unexpected challenges. There will be moments when people don’t understand why you do the things you do and have their opinions on what you should do or should’ve done. Resilience helped me push through those moments, stay focused, and keep going even when things didn’t go as planned because I always kept my eye on the vision. For anyone starting their journey, I’d suggest developing resilience by setting small goals, celebrating each win, and learning to view challenges as opportunities to grow. Each experience makes you stronger.
Second, adaptability has been essential, especially as I’ve grown my esthetics business, launched a print-on-demand store, and started sharing my journey on YouTube. Every industry is constantly evolving, and so is the world of social media. Being open to change and willing to try new strategies has allowed me to keep moving forward. To build adaptability, be willing to embrace new skills and change your approach if needed. Staying flexible helps you keep up with whatever the journey throws at you.
Lastly, a commitment to continuous learning has shaped everything I do. Whether it’s learning new techniques in esthetics, honing my design skills for my print business, or improving my video content for YouTube, investing in knowledge has built my confidence and expertise. For anyone early in their journey, I’d recommend making learning a habit. Take courses, watch tutorials, seek out mentors, and always look for ways to grow your skills. This foundation of knowledge gives you the power to innovate and really stand out. You cannot do the same thing and expect different results, so always be willing to learn something new.
My advice is to be true to yourself, stay curious, and be gentle with yourself as you grow. Success isn’t always a straight path, but each quality you build will help you go farther on your journey.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was wholeheartedly support my passions and dreams, no matter the direction they took. They paid for all my esthetic school expenses and met every need and want along the way, which allowed me to focus completely on my training and growth. This support alone made a huge difference, but it was so much more than that.
Looking back, I realize how much they’ve invested in me through every phase. From spending long hot summer days at track meets to encouraging my dream of becoming a fashion designer when I was younger after making my first few pieces with my sewing machine, they were always there cheering me on. Even now, when I face challenges in my profession or in everyday life, they’re a shoulder to lean on, offering words of encouragement and perspective when I need it most.
This unwavering support taught me the importance of resilience, self-belief, and following my passions fearlessly. I know that their belief in me is a huge part of why I’ve been able to pursue multiple dreams as a young entrepreneur. If I could give back the same encouragement and belief they’ve given me, I’d feel like I’d truly honored their impact on my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thekennesthetics.square.site
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kennsiee
