Today we’d like to introduce you to Balecia Knighton.
Hi Balecia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey of entrepreneurship dates back to when I was in elementary my mother brought me a Barbie head bust, and I began cutting her hair into an asymmetrical hairstyle; from there to middle school, I started doing hair on all my dolls and even experimented on myself. The thought of being an entrepreneur was presented to me in middle school. My father passed away, so my mother decided to take me out to look for a lovely handbag for preteens. I didn’t find anything that was within my preference as I looked around. There was nothing but animated characters, and I was too old for that; my mother knew I could draw, so she told me to. “Draw what you would wear,” which started my first business, bags more. I knew from there I wanted to be my boss. High school came around, and I was doing little DIY projects here and there. During my senior year, the pandemic started, and I began previously cooking for my family, so I decided to start a dessert business within my local community. I used my page before starting a business one and so forth that summer when I began my soul food journey, which was making homemade meals on the weekends. As of now, I have graduated with an AA at Valencia. I am finishing up my BA in business management at UCF while dual enrolled at my beauty school within the cosmetology and barbering program, from which I graduated. Now, I’m multi-diverse in various businesses, excelling in all hairstyles and hair types.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting from someone who didn’t know how to manage a business, one obstacle I’ve faced was pricing. I had to later learn how to price certain styles for my time and for the products used. For the food, I had to include a delivery fee, as well as take into account how much the groceries were, and calculate all that so I could see if I could make a profit and keep it steady.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I can cater an event and do a live hair show all in one. I specialize in doing hair, and at the same time, I can cook a five-course meal, including a dessert. As young as I am, how much I’ve achieved in a certain amount of time sets me apart. I’m proud of my growth and the gems I’ve learned to succeed more. You can achieve your dreams, know what you need to know to better your craft, and have faith.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
God has been my number one supporter, as he has embedded this gift in me to do what I do best. Following him will be my family, especially my mother. She has been an influence, my role model, and the one I look up to. She has invested in me and pushed me to be consistent and disciplined in this journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbbagsnmoree__?igsh=a3ZyejJhMXJqdmlp&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/balecia.knighton?mibextid=JRoKGi
