We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayci Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayci, how do you think about risk?
I am firm believer in taking risk because I never wanted to be a “what if” person. Risk taking takes a lot trust and faith in the unknown and that can be very terrifying. Majority of people would rather live in their comfort zone and I too was one of those people until I decided to take a leap of faith. At the age of 19, I dropped out of college to run my fashion boutique full-time. Some of my family thought I was crazy for making such a bold decision, but I learned that risk taking is the foundation of being an entrepreneur. The choice that I made to become a full-time entrepreneur was a huge risk, but it is the best risk I have ever taken. Betting on yourself shows an immense amount of faith and trust in yourself and your vision. Entrepreneurship opened me up to taking more risk in my personal life as well. This year 2020, I vowed I would step out of my comfort zone and be a fashion influencer. It has been such a huge success so far and I’ve networked/collaborated with many talented people across the USA all in the comfort of my own home. My advice to anyone having doubts or thinking about taking that huge leap of faith, I say DO IT SCARED because there are so many great opportunities outside of your comfort zone.

What should our readers know about your business?
Klassy Kaay’s Collection, LLC is an accessory boutique that sells and style trendy pieces to fashionistas globally. Klassy Kaay’s currently only specializes in jewelry, we will soon be adding fashion pieces to the boutique as well. Klassy Kaay’s was launched October 2019. We are in our start-up phase in business, yet we have accomplished so much in such little time. The one thing that I am so happy we have accomplished is successfully marketing ads. I really struggled with this when I first launched the business, but I soon started to learn marketing jargon through heavy research and through working with a marketing expert who gave me excellent advice. Another big accomplishment for me was selling out of all of my original inventory that I started with. I felt so accomplished because I had started to doubt if I could actually sell it. The biggest obstacle I have faced with my business is staying consistent while wearing many hats. When you are in the start-up phase of business it can become very overwhelming juggling many tasks, because as the owner you have to be the marketing team, customer service, social media manager, accountant etc. Sometimes I feel so defeated and exhausted, but I always try to be an optimist. I have learned to schedule my task in parts to make things less stressful and to allow myself time to relax. My biggest advice to any business owner is to generously schedule yourself. DO NOT try to complete so many tasks in one day. Understand that you are one person and when you break your task down you will feel less stressed and accomplished. The number one and key thing I want everyone to know about me and Klassy Kaay’s Collection is that if I can do it, you can too. If you have a dream or a vision, GO FOR IT! Do not doubt yourself because the impossible is possible even if you look at the word impossible is states “IM-POSSIBLE” and you truly are! I want others to know that I am 20-year-old college drop out that decided to take a huge leap of faith because I have faith in myself and my vision. Klassy Kaay’s Collection started off as idea now I am selling awesome accessories to fashionistas across the USA. I started this business as a practice business to learn about the industry now, I am looking to grow even bigger than what I imagined.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The most beautiful place to visit here locally in my city is Clearwater Beach, it is so amazing and has so much entertainment surrounding it. I would definitely recommend visiting St. Petersburg Pier, it’s such a serene scenery. If you’re huge empanadas fan I would definitely recommend you check out the small business Empamamas, in Tampa, they sell the most amazing and aesthetically pleasing empanadas and flavorful chicken tenders. Another great place to visit is 7th and Grove they’re black owned restaurant/lounge that have the most amazing themed events. They also have an awesome photo wall for their customers to take pictures so, it’s definitely must see. My all-time favorite place to visit is downtown St. Petersburg, it filled with great art and amazing local businesses. I would definitely recommend anyone who is into beautiful art scenery to visit there. It’s the perfect place to get the best photos for your social media.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a huge shout out to my mother and sister for being there for me at every photoshoot, meeting, event, interview, etc. I am so grateful for the long hours they sometime spend with me to help me come up with new inventory ideas and marketing ideas. I am so grateful for my all my mother’s help financially with my business. I do not know how I would have gotten to such a place of success without their love and support. I want to give a shout out to my mentor Joe Fernandez for guiding me and also being an amazing accountability partner. He has helped me gain so many great opportunities. I appreciate all his support and guidance. I am also super grateful for all my family, friends, and social media family that have been supportive of me on this journey. Shout out to Coach Dinasty and Preneuher these two amazing women are an awesome resource for female entrepreneurs. I am so grateful for the resources that I have gained from them. Last but not least, I want to give a big shout out to myself for never giving up on my dreams and never losing sight of my vision!

Website: WWW.KLASSY-KAAYS.COM
Instagram: @KLASSYKAAYS (BIZZ) / @_MALOHI (PERSONAL)
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/KlassyKaays
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/KlassyKaays/?ref=bookmarks

Image Credits
Kayla Pratt (Photographer)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.