Today we’d like to introduce you to Kierra Anderson.
Kierra, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always had a love for crafting and graphic design. Back in high school (2006-2010), I enjoyed working on craft projects with organizations that I was a part of. I was introduced to graphic design in 2007 in a couple of elective courses that I took in high school. After successfully succeeding in those classes, my heart was set on going to school full time for graphic design. I chose a different path and went off to school at Prairie View A&M University and majored in Management Information Systems. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my major, besides solve business problems with technology.
After working a few jobs here and there, I was offered a position at Microsoft as a Lab Engineer in 2016. To ease my mind from the stress from work, I started back crafting as a hobby in 2017. I purchased my first Cricut Machine and started working on small projects on my off-time for a few family and friends. Some of those projects included custom t-shirts, planners, photo booth frames, and cups! After posting my work on different social media platforms, more people became interested in my work — mainly my cups! As much as I wanted to keep my hobby as a hobby only, my customers wanted more, so I turned my hobby into a business. I opened my Etsy shop in May of 2018 to sell my craft work. Most recently, I have added planners to my online store and sell them on Amazon.
Great, 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 hasn’t been a smooth road, especially with having a full-time job and being a mom. Balance has been my main problem. I had to learn how to keep both jobs separate and give myself a timeframe to work on projects for Major Kee’s Boutique. A lot comes with running a crafting business because there is so much that goes into it. Every part of running a craft business is a job of its own, such as ordering/shopping for supplies and keeping inventory up to date, managing social media pages, responding to customer’s emails and messages in a timely manner, being a photographer for every item that is made, managing account information for tax purposes, and perfecting each craft to ensure customer satisfaction. It’s been difficult balancing the many tasks in this business but I am learning different strategies to provide balance with my personal life and my business.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Major Kee’s Boutique – what should we know?
I am the owner of a craft shop called Major Kee’s Boutique. My craft shop includes handmade items. My focus is on customized tumblers, wine glasses, coffee cups, and planners. I am most proud of my cups because they have been the most challenging to perfect. My slogan “Glitter and Goals” is what sets me apart from other craft businesses. Glitter and Goals consist of my goal-setting planners and customized glittered tumblers. A lot of craft companies makes glittered cups, however, my goal is to deliver more than a sparkle to my customers. I want to inspire people and give them something tangible to be inspired by. I’ve been told that my cups have inspired others to perfect their craft and start a business. Now, I have created a planner for others to specifically focus on their goals. Glitter and Goals is the game-changer for my business and what makes me unique.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My customer service has made me successful. I’ve learned that being hard-working, ambitious, self-determined, etc. is necessary but it’s not the most important quality for running a business like Major Kee’s Boutique. The hardest part of growing a business is gaining customers and retaining them. The key to growth is not only gaining new customers but learning how to keep the existing customers from going to the next shop. I ensure that my customers get exactly what they want and have an understanding of the time-frame of receiving their items. There’s a lot of qualities and characteristics that are necessary to be successful but great customer service is most important for building a brand and keeping customers coming back to buy over and over again.
Pricing:
- $15 Traditional Planners
- $40 20 oz Tumblers
- $50 30 oz Tumblers
Contact Info:
- Website: www.majorkeesboutique.com
- Email: majorkeesboutique@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorkeesboutique
- Facebook: fb.me/majorkeesboutique
Image Credit:
Kierra Anderson (Owner and Creator of Major Kee’s Boutique)
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
