Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Kendrick.
Hi Kristin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
How it all started. Well let’s just say I’ve been blessed to turn a hustle into a dream. As a struggling college student, my friends and I constantly thought of ways to earn extra income to make ends meet. I always had an entrepreneur mindset as well the love of helping people. Never would I imagine that I would be placed in the position to do both today.
In 2012, I launched Astonishing Hair. I always had a love for hair extension but didn’t love giving $300.00 to a random company not sure of the investment. Through trial and error, I finally came across the perfect vendor and that was the beginning of Astonishing Hair.
This is where my testimony began. Around that same time, I lost my job at Sams Club. Not knowing how I was going to make ends meet. A college student paying rent, car payment, on top of paying other bills. I felt like my back was against the wall. I started a job making only minimum wage and needed to create another source of income. Although I loved the job, because it was in line with my professional career, it still wasn’t enough to cover my monthly expenses. I started to hustle and promote my extensions, and the love and support allowed my business to flourish.
After 7 years of Astonishing Hair, my cousin and I turned our love for fashion into a CHIC online store known as Chicness Boutique. Chicness Boutique was launched October of last year, and despite the pandemic has been surprisingly successful.
How did I get to where I am today? Proverbs 3:5-6 would describe my journey. My friends and family would describe me as strong-minded and enthused for success. To be a single mother, a social worker, owner of Astonishing Hair, and Co-Owner of Chicness Boutique I only know to be super woman. My success is defined by mistakes, prayers, support, hard work, and dedication. Although I am nowhere near the goals I have set, I know when God says YES everything manifested will be achieved.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
This journey has definitely been a smooth road. It’s been worth it, but built on a lot of setbacks. In 2017, I became a mother to a beautiful baby girl. My daughter was diagnosed with Congenital Heart Defect, and spent months fighting to breathe. She overcame and fought through those months, and just weeks before prepping for open heart surgery the doctors cleared her of all sickness! She then became the definition of strength and faith. Through that journey, I gave up on all things loved outside of taking care of my daughter. My businesses, my self-care, and professional career. I had to re-evaluate, re-brand, and stand behind watching others accomplish goals that I too once had a passion for. The great thing about business is that setbacks are needed. The struggle to get back in the groove of things was challenging to say the least but the reward of purpose makes it worth it all. I can say that 2020 was the year of understanding my purpose, and I’m excited to manifest everything that I have planned for my businesses.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am most proud to say that I’m a mother first. In my professional career, I am a Senior Juvenile Advocate for a non-profit in Dallas County. I have my Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Human and Social Services. The youth I serve are who motivate me to be successful within my entrepreneur ventures. Being a successful black multi -business owner allows me to highlight that there are legal ways to hustle that are fueled by passion. I am the owner of Astonishing Hair, providing luxury hair extensions to customers world-wide. I am also the Co-Owner of Chicness Boutique alongside my best friend and cousin Q. What sets me apart from others is that I am passionate about both my professional career and businesses. My love for entrepreneurship and mentoring to others is what keeps me fueled daily. Although joggling everything on my plate can sometimes be tough, overwhelming, and exhausting I am most proud that I am able to live in my purpose and work towards my passion.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
What people may not know is that I love to be behind the scenes. I love being the camera person, I love creating websites, and all things marketing. I love creating a vision, and watching my vision come to life.
Contact Info:
- Email: chicnessbtq@gmail.com astonishinghair@gmail.com
- Website: www.chicnessboutique.com www.astonishing-hair.com
- Instagram: @chicnessbtq @astonishinghaircollection @krisaki
- Facebook: @chicnessbtq @astonishinghaircollection
Image Credits
Photography: Caleb at Eli_Capture | Quan at QPhotography_
