Inspiring Lives with I Am K Extensions for Fashion Gxd Magazine
Written By: Samantha Cee
I Am K Extensions has luxury, 100% virgin hair yet affordable- our hair starts at $45.00. We currently offer 3 different textures- straight, body wave and curly with matching closures and frontals. We provide 4 different origins including Brazilian, Indian, Malaysian, and Peruvian. Our extensions range from 12”-30” in length, all of our hair can be bleached, dyed, flat ironed and so much more all while maintaining longevity and durability. We got the vast opportunity to sit down with the rising moguls take a look at
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How did the idea for your business come about?
I Am K Extensions : I launched I Am K Extensions in March of 2017, but I have been working on this launch since 2016. I wanted to create a business that provides luxury, quality hair at affordable prices. Our goals are excellent customer service, fast shipping and our quality test.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How do you find people to bring into your organization that truly care about the organization the way you do?
I Am K Extensions: We are a small online company, however, we currently have 2 amazing brand ambassadors. I chose these ladies based on their personality, communication and their skills. We are always looking for people who are passionate in the hair business and are willing to support us at the same time!
Fashion Gxd Magazine : What three pieces of advice would you give to college students who want to become entrepreneurs?
I Am K Extensions: The best 3 pieces of advice I can give are: 1. Do your research! To be the best you must know all of the ins and outs of the business world, as there are many surprises and curve balls that can be thrown your way.
2. Hard work will pay off! With all business and even life you will have good days and even bad days but keep going! If you put in the time and dedication, you will see the success that comes with hard work.
3. Continue to do everything through prayer! Never give up and believe that there is a plan for you.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
I Am K Extensions: If I had a chance to start my business over again, the only thing I would change is definitely starting my business sooner! I always think “woulda, coulda, shoulda” as my dad would say, but I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason. I am just blessed to even be where I am now.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
I Am K Extensions: The top 3 skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur are 1. Believe in yourself and your brand. 2. Provide excellent customer service. 3. Adaptability
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
I Am K Extensions: I think one of my biggest failures starting out was not having enough hair in stock. When I first started my hair company, I did not have a huge savings [to keep hair on hand] but I managed to push past that obstacle with the help of family and prayer. It is always beneficial to have a nice cushion of a savings account to help you get over hurdles that you may encounter during your journey.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How many hours do you work a day on average?
I Am K Extensions: I am always working, I have so many ideas that I want to bring to I Am K Extensions so I cannot stop! If I stop, I Am K Extensions will not be successful. I try to make sure that I am always available to my customers as well.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :Describe/outline your typical day?
I Am K Extensions: I typically start my day around 6:30am. My first priority is to answer any emails, direct messages (DMs) or texts from the night prior. I am an IT professional by day and run I Am K Extensions operations by night. I answer any questions regarding ordering, FAQ’s and any hair related questions within 24 hours- most of the time I answer right away.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
I Am K Extensions: I am constantly doing something to improve my business. My family has been 100% understanding and same for my friends. They always say start a business and you will see who your friends are…I am very thankful for those who have continued to support me!
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What motivates you?
I Am K Extensions: Progress is what motivates me. From a like or follow on social media to a purchase through our website. Any recognition is what keeps me going.
Fashion Gxd Magazine: How do you generate new ideas?
I Am K Extensions: I always do my research before bringing anything to my brand. I like to be aware of what is hot and not in the market. I tend to look at celebrities, my customers and potential customers to see what they would want us to offer. A lot of my ideas are sparked from general surveys. There are many times when I will bring something to social media to see how customers and potential customers react to something in particular.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
I Am K Extensions: I have definitely had to sacrifice time and finances. Starting a business is not easy- I had to put in the time, energy and effort to get I Am K Extensions off the ground. From a financial stand point, I was not always able to hang out with my friends because I was trying to save and put that money into my business. Yes, I did lose some friends along the way but I am very blessed to have the ones that are still there.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : Where you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?
I Am K Extensions: I see my business expanding through incorporating new items, partnering with salons and eventually a storefront. Our future is bright with endless possibilities. As we adapt to our environment and customers, we will expand on the needs of the customer and what they will eventually need. With the knowledge of the business world and the experience of working in it over time will allow for greater success throughout the years.
