Kaleisha Mattis is CEO of Kay Nicole Cosmetics, LLC and today’s featured Woman in Business!

Here’s her interview with WE Magazine for Women:

Tell us about your business:

Kay Nicole specializes in offering bold, long lasting lipsticks for women.  We are dedicated in making all women a better version of themselves.  We believe that when you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, you do great things!

Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?

Being a business owners means freedom and hard work.  I became an entrepreneur to set an example for my children that hard work can pay off.  I had my first child when I was 14.  I managed to finish middle, high, college and an MBA program while juggling the responsibilities of having 4 children.  Being a single mother was my motivation to become a businesswoman.  I am still working in corporate America as a Senior Financial Accountant and being Super MOM!

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?

Rebecca Machinga, CPA has been such a great influence on my pursuit of entrepreneurship.  I started my career working at a public accounting firm in New Jersey.  Rebecca was my mentor.  She made Partner at the firm at a young age.  She juggled owning her own businesses, being a mother and leading the firm.  She was truly an inspiration.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

Just getting the courage to follow my dreams.  Every time I think it was time, I would give myself an excuse as to why the timing was wrong.  One day, I said “no more excuses”  and I followed my dreams.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Never give up.  Even if others may not see the vision, stay true to it.

What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?

Social media.  It creates a platform that makes visibility that much easier.  Not only do I get to reach my target audiences,  I also get to see all of my “Kay Beauties” wear my products.  I really can’t explain the feeling, it fills my heart with love and appreciation.  Women are beautiful and it amazes me to see all the different women promote my product.

What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?

Keeping accurate accounting records and paying attention to business analytics are vital in running a successful business.

Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business? 

I would recommend reading as many self help books and books on leadership.

Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

Girl Code: Unlocking the Secrets to Success, Sanity and Happiness for the Female Entrepreneur by Cara Alwill Leyba

Do you have any new projects coming up? If so, please tell us about it. 

I am in the process of introducing mink lashes and highlighters to my collection this year.  I am very exciting about this.  I will also be working with many beauty bloggers and makeup gurus this year to increase my social media following.

What do you do for fun/relaxation?

Reading, traveling and makeup.

What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?

Introduce two new product lines, eyelashes and highlighters.

You want to write a book on ______________________ 

Smashing your dreams despite teenage pregnancy.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Its never too late to follow your dreams.  Get up, Get out and Show off!

What’s the best way for the readers of WE Magazine for Women to connect with you?

Instagram: KayNicoleCosmetics

Facebook.com/knclips

WEBSITE: www.kaynicolecosmetics.com