Interview with a Young CEO 👑

Kaitlyn Washington is the CEO and founder of the Beauty Bonnet Bar, an online store with items and products that cater to ethnic hair. I had the privilege of conducting a socially distant interview with Ms. Washington and listen to her discuss how she turned her passion for natural hair into a business at just 17 years old!

J : How are you doing today, Ms. Washington?

K : Today's been very relaxing for me, but I actually have to do some work on my website today, so hopefully I feel productive by the end of the day.

J : Yesss we love to see the hard work & productivity! First things first, what is the Beauty Bonnet Bar?

K : The Beauty Bonnet Bar is the perfect place to buy protective wear, hair tools, and cute accessories for natural hair! We're very inclusive and continue to expand our products to a wider demographic as we gain more support!

J : Now in your response, you said "we", do you work with a team of people?

K : No girl, I just be saying that! 😭

J : Loving the independence!! 😂 My girl doesn't need a team period! Now, I have to ask, where did the idea for the Beauty Bonnet Bar originate from? Did it come from a love of natural hair?

K : Yesss! I was actually in a point in my life where I felt like I was doing nothing with my life (during quarantine), so I told myself I wanted to start my own business. I had to ask myself, "What's a believable brand that I could successfully sell in?" People often tell me how healthy my hair looks, so why not sell products to protect natural hair!

J : So all of this came about during quarantine? Which we are still kind of in...

K : Yes ma'am, this all happened during quarantine.

J : Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur? Or was it at least a thought at the back of your mind?

K : It's definitely always been a thought in the back of my mind! I'd always prefer being my own boss!

J : You mentioned that feeling unproductive during quarantine played a part in you starting your business. Before quarantine, was time holding you back from starting a business?

K : Definitely! School work was always taking up my time. I had also took part in starting a step team at my school, so I had way too little time on my hands before quarantine.

J : Whew chile, you are a busy young woman! I guess quarantine was the perfect time to start our personal projects! Walk me through the start-up process. After you came up with the idea for the Beauty Bonnet Bar, how did you put the idea into action? Were there some expenses you had to take care of before you could make it official?

K : Wellll, I started saving up to start the business around June, and I also knew that any money that I got for my birthday (in July) would help me reach my goal amount to put into BBB. Around the middle of July, I'd bought everything I'd needed to stock up on supplies and once everything came in, it was time for me to create my website. Before I knew it, people were purchasing from it 😭! And I still get emotional.

J : It's the commitment & work ethic for me 🤩!! Is there anyone in particular that you have looked to through your business journey for inspiration or insight? I know you're a fan of Saweetie aka the Icy Girl who is a young entrepreneur herself!

K : You know I loveeee me some Diamonté, but if I'm being honest I didn't look to anyone famous when I came up with the idea of starting a business. I honestly just wanted to make myself proud because to be honest, I'm still kind of shook that I did this!😂

J : I know that owning a business as a young black woman gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment! Do you look at BBB as a for now thing or is it something you want to continue as you enter into college & adulthood?

K : I definitely want to continue with BBB during college, but if I continue with it during adulthood, I'd try to open my own shop. I've actually been offered to sell products in other local boutiques, so once my stock is up, I'll announce that soon!

J : I love seeing the progression 🥺! Now that we're on the conversation of college, do you plan on studying something outside of business? Once you get started on your career path, will BBB be more of a side job? Basically I'm just asking for how you will accommodate BBB into your future plans.

K : I plan on studying Mass Communications in college with a minor in business! So yess, I do plan on BBB being a side job, but also when I feel stable enough in my career, I plan on focusing more on BBB if it continues to grow and expand.

J : What would you say are your least and most favorite parts about being a young CEO?

K : Least favorite - realizing that business can get slow sometimes

Most favorite - seeing people wear/use any products I sold them 🥺

J : What keeps you motivated through your business journey?

K : Honestly, the people who I surround myself with. I'm proud of myself, but when I hear that others are proud of me, that makes me feel great and pushes me to keep it up.

J : That is super heartwarming. How do you define success?

K : I feel like success is a feeling of security. Once you're mentally and physically (even financially) stable to feel good about your life, you're successful. You don't have to be rich, just good enough to please yourself.

J : A beautiful take on success. Lastly, but most importantly, what words of advice do you have for any other young people like ourselves who are interested in business but they're not sure where or how to start?

K : Definitely, make sure you're selling something believable! Ask yourself, "If I were one of my peers, would I buy this product from myself?" If so, believe in yourself and remember that your small business won't always be small!

J : Ms. Washington, thank you so much for your time today! You have been a lovely guest & we really appreciate insight from a young businesswoman like yourself! Keep up your amazing work!

Btw, when I say "we", I mean myself too sis 😭.

K : 🥰🥰🥰 No problem, I loved being here! I hope you keep up the amazing job as well!

And "we" just sounds so much better 😂.

The Beauty Bonnet Bar Info

website : https://the-beauty-bonnet-bar.square.site/

Instagram : @thebeautybonnetbar

for protective wear, hair tools, and cute accessories for natural hair!