Today we’d like to introduce you to Bethany Billings.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my business a year after graduating from Southern Arkansas University as a student-athlete (track) with a major in Psychology. Due to where I’m located there wasn’t many jobs that needed my major or was interested in a ‘Bachelor Degree”. I worked at Walmart all through college and there was times that they will cut your hours or ask you to leave without caring if you had bill due or anything. From then I knew I didn’t want to have to clock in all my life. I started modeling and found what I was interested in which was hair cosmetics and skincare. I wanted to start a business but was blind to how to start and BROKE. I went on YouTube and seen a girl channel “Boujee Barbie” who is from Dallas TX and she inspired me and made starting business not seem so hard so I began researching and save up 100 dollars to purchase lashes and they sold that same week so I made a profit and was like I can do this I ordered more then I wanted to expand so my next check I took 60 dollars and started a lip-gloss business which turned successful. After that, I started a YouTube (Bethany McKenzie) business Instagram and more and my business grew and I had more financial freedom. I wanted to help my mom grandmother and sister and I finally could I never want my family to go without that’s why I keep pushing and I want my mother and grandmother to know I noticed their sacrifices and that it didn’t go to waste. I want to give back and so much I love gifting and making others day. More importantly, I have to keep pushing for my 6-year-old daughter who has downy syndrome and I am determined to ensure that she never goes without.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I definitely haven’t been on a smooth road. I’ve failed but I learned. I didn’t manage my money well or understand all the legal background that went into starting a business. I had to learn how to keep going even when you’re tired. Self-discipline was a major issue but to this day still learning. Delegating was a struggle because I’m used to doing things on my own and after I ask for help once I don’t want to a second time because that’s too close to begging for me. Also, I had to understand that normally a business owner doesn’t see profit as much due to startup cost and continually upgrading your business. If I has to pick my top struggle it would be money management because I never really paid myself from my business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently work in call center for a corporate office in the technology department by day and business owner immediately after.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see me owning an office space with at least one employee. I want home to feel like home because I find myself working on my business more than relaxing and enjoying special moments with my daughter.
Contact Info:
- Email: thebmckenziecollection@gmail.com
- Website: www.thebmckenziecollection.com
- Instagram: TheBMckenzieCollection
- Facebook: The B Mckenzie Collection
- Twitter: TheBMckenzie
- Youtube: BethanyMckenzie
- Other: TikTok: The B Mckenzie Collection
