Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalisa Sampson.
Kalisa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I like to call myself a creator. Since a child, I’ve wanted to do any and everything that would allow me to create, no matter if it was through art or clothing. I would have drawing competitions with my siblings and my mother. When I was about 11 or 12, I was making flower arrangements and pins for the ladies at church. At that age, I knew that I would be able to create things that others would love and compensate me for.
Becoming an author has always been a big goal for me. I created my first children’s book, while in undergrad at The Tennessee State University. I put off publishing the book for so long because of the possible cost. I finally did research and learned about self-publishing.
Creating a clothing line came about because I have always been into fashion. In middle school, I was cutting up jeans (similar to what a lot of people are doing now), cutting up shirts, and drawing my favorite characters on shirts. It got to the point that my classmates would bring me their clothes to redesign. I used to watch my mother sew. I remember making a pattern for a vest when I was in high school. Wearing vest were a thing and I wanted one that no one had. From that experience, I was like one day, I have to do a clothing line. I currently have boutique pieces and well as working on a signature brand line.
When it comes to Queen Essentials handmade cosmetics, I felt that it was a “must-do.” I’m a black woman with full lips. Other women would always compliment my lip gloss/lipstick and tell me that I have “perfect lips.” One day, I decided that I would create my own handmade lippies. I figured that I was essentially selling big companies products because most people would ask about my lip products and then send me texts and pictures of them purchasing those same products. Now when they ask, I can give them my brand’s business card and website.
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?
I think that if the road was smooth then more people would become entrepreneurs. But seriously, it hasn’t been the smoothest, but it’s been worth it. Most of the struggles that I have endured comes from being able to market my products and services to the right people. I had to redo my websites many times, redo price points, redo product ingredients. I’ve written a whole children’s book with illustrations and had to go back and do every illustration. It’s definitely a numbers games and wanting to gain a consistent market. By that, I mean creating products and services that will help gain repeat and recurring consumers. I would say to learn your market. Also, don’t fix what’s not broken, yet constantly evolve with time.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Wiz Brand Company – what should we know?
Wiz Brand Company was birth through my creativeness and drive to want to have something for myself. The company consists of three different entities. I have Wiz Book Club, Queen Essentials handmade cosmetics, and Wiz Brand clothing.
As of now, I have two children’s book published and a journal guide. The journal is to help women succeed based on things I’ve learned along the way. All of my books are self-published, and I offer help to others who want to publish their own books but don’t know where to start.
Queen Essentials is most known for handmade lip glosses and long-lasting liquid to matte lipsticks. Wiz Brand clothing is my newest venture. It has boutique pieces but has signature “Wiz Brand” pieces. I’m most proud that I have been able to be featured in a few women empowerment conferences and panels. I truly believe you have to be a “foot soldier” for your brand and don’t accept less than what you deserve. I’ve been able to make many connections and look for forward to more business relationships.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Being able to adjust, evolve, and go the extra mile has been most important to me. I am a “doer.” We run into a lot of people who have ideas, goals, and dreams, but never really put them into action. I’m a firm believer in “if you dream it, do it.” Your actions will always set you apart from others. Taking the extra mile is about taking full advantage of your opportunities. Whether it means taking an extra phone call, waking up early, staying up late, or doing extra research. Success is what you make it.
Contact Info:
- Website: wizbrandcompany.com
- Phone: 678-515-6305
- Email: wizbrandcompany@yahoo.com
- Instagram: wizbrand.co, wizbookclub, queenessentialsllc
Image Credit:
Picture with the purple gloss and gray background was done by MLayne photography
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