Conversations with Kennay Powell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kennay Powell. 

Kennay, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Kennay Powell 27 born raised in west Baltimore in the Park Heights community. My dad, stepmom, and grandmother raised me. I have three siblings, two brothers, Daunte and Kenny, and one sister shay I am the middle child on both sides. In 2016 I took two major losses that changed me mentally. First, my god mom Dana commit suicide from depression a day after partying with me and my family. My mom was murdered in a home invasion two months after that. Starting my business not only helped me financially but mentally. The accessories remind me of my mom she made sure all of her jewelry was big and stood out! It spoke for her! Big earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. every weekend I would go over she would give me some accessories to take home, my god mom she loves incense and candles. The cosmetics is for me I love makeup. Here’s a back story on how I started Charmedbykp was created in 2019. In 2017 I had an idea to be an MUA that sells facial cleansing products. The original name was Dream Beauty & Cosmetics. I told my friends and they said the name was cliche. I was not consistent and could not perfect other people’s makeup but I could do my own. My friends been pushing me to really go after what I want. Next, I started to make expandable charm bracelets with different charms for birthdays, holidays, mommy and me, and lost ones. We started to expand after the bracelets it was name Earrings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, belly rings, etc. Candle line started and I finally pursued my Cosmetic collection starting with lip-gloss. We now have foundation, powder, settings spray, highlight, lip liner, lip-gloss, lipstick, lashes, mink lashes, eyebrow pencil, makeup brushes, blush, etc. I had the chance to have my first pop-up shop in Atlanta on 4th of July weekend at the Annual Zoechella event. I was so honored. That same month I was invited to Summerfest for Official Belaire event at The Promise Land aka Rick Ross home. I met so many new people and got to network with some influencers. My small business from my home is growing my hope is for me to get my own store so customers could try our products and can purchase same day. I’m still working full-time while running a business. I am thankful for every customer who have purchased even If it was one item! To my close family and friends thanks for reposting and supporting. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. I have actually went days maybe a week without 1 purchase. Working full-time while running a business affects my sleep. When COVID first started I had a lot of custom accessories stuck in transit with USPS for a month. One of my vendors did not customize my order as ordered. I also learned in customer service you can’t please everyone and to stand on my policies. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an Entrepreneur and a Pharmacy Technician. 

Pharmacy was my first love I have worked in hospitals, insurance, closed practices. 

I have been certified pharmacy technician for 6 years and an entrepreneur for 3. I’m still learning how to remove myself from a worker way of thinking. 

I’m most proud of my transition because Charmedbykp is really sticking with me it’s not just a side hustle or hobby this is my business that I love. I believe in my products so much that’s all I use. I love to hear people’s compliments on my products and customer service. 

Not only is it a Cosmetics business I have accessories and candles too it’s a one-stop-shop for women all of the things we love! 

What matters most to you?
Success matters the most to me. I’m so hard on myself because I know the life, I want for myself and loved ones. I know if I’m in a better position I can help my loved ones not just financially but mentally I’m talking life-changing. We live in an environment that feeds negative energy. I want the best for myself and family. 

Pricing:

• Cuban name necklace $60
• Name earrings starting at $45
• Lip gloss $12
• Candles $12
• Liquid foundation $35

Contact Info:

• Email: Charmedbykp@yahoo.com
• Website: https://charmedbykp.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/charmedbykp

Image Credits
Charles Baker
Donyae Moye