Meet Khilah Boone | Cosmetics Vendor & Wholesaler

We had the good fortune of connecting with Khilah Boone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Khilah, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
You should start your business with an LLC. First of all, an LLC isn’t the only business formation you can have, and secondly I always tell future business owners now that you don’t need an LLC to get your feet wet. Too many people are scared to start a business because they don’t have the money for an LLC yet, which makes zero sense to prioritize first before you even have a business name, nor website, and you don’t know which business you want to start.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m Kai, I’m 25 and I’m a lash & lip gloss vendor at Kai’s Lash Lab. I wholesale lashes, lip gloss and accessories with a focus on supplying new businesses with good quality products and keeping those relationships with them. My business’ focus is ensuring that I can be a reliable vendor within reach and cut out the hassle of high shipping/ poor quality from overseas vendors. My future goal is to open a warehouse to mass produce.

I started my business in 2019 with literally no knowledge of anything and no help, other than the research I did about lashes lol. I started my business as a retail lash company (hence the name) and I fell in love with wholesale shortly after coming back to my business after leaving an abusive relationship. It was 100% difficult for me because I wanted to do everything the right way and did (nothing) the way I should have, and I was struggling a lot with my mental health and personal issues outside of the brand. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything else in the world though. I make sure that the mica and ingredients I use for lip glosses are sourced in the US, so there’s no child labor during the production of any process of the products I sell. I’m really big on customer service and professionalism so sometimes I get customers who tease me about how hard I work to make sure they’re getting their products on time lol. I’ve literally had a customer tell me “girl it’s a storm outside, take a break and ship it when I know you’re safe” 😂😂. I love my customers too much, and I strive to treat all of them the way we expect these big corps to do so as well.

During my journey as a business owner, I’ve learned that I can’t do this alone. If you want to be a millionaire, you gotta surround yourself with them. My advice to any business owners (both new or established) always be opened to ask for help. There is NO millionaire who made it 100% alone, networking with other brands, businesses, legal advice are going to be a game changer for your brand and business too. That’s the most valuable lesson I’ve learned and my business elevated so much by allowing others to help and give me advice.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m from North Jersey, currently living South. A week’s itinerary would probably consist of Vera Lounge (hookah, bar) and clubbing in Philly during the night time. We’re brunching the next morning, getting our nails done, and spending the day at the multiple museums in our area either that or axe throwing. I love to try new foods and love new experiences so I’m taking my friends to try all the different African restaurants in south Jersey and vegan food in Philly too. So basically we’re eating the entire time 😂

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course! I’d have to dedicate my shout out to Mel (Dom) over at The Black Collective. I love to meet people who are consistently finding ways to elevate and I’m more than grateful to have her in my life as a friend and business owner because she’s embodying everyone who says they wanna bring everyone to the top with them. Honored to know her, immensely.

Website: www.kaislashlabco.com

Instagram: kaislashlabco

Facebook: @kaislashlabco