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

Hi Krishna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I decided to start my business I had only been modeling for a year and a half but I always noticed how productions could be organized better, how models could be benefiting more and just how the creative community could be moving smoother. After sharing my ideas over and over with no one listening I just remember thinking “Fine, I’ll do it myself then!” that’s where Simply Kurated stemmed from.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started off in the Houston creative scene as a model. The funny thing is I started this right on the brink of COVID-19, so just as I was starting to get my stride lockdown happened. So in order for me to create content, I had to do my own photoshoots. I did not have a professional camera so I was taking all of my content on my phone which at the time was just an IPhone X. Then as we shifted out of lock down I started to conceptualize photoshoots for friends and other models, it was difficult as I can often be charismatic but I am also deep down a very shy person. I had to overcome the fear of sharing my ideas with people because my ideas are close to my heart as well as get over my own perfectionism and just get the ideas out there. I knew then that I wanted to work in the creative world but I also knew that I wanted to positively impact my community, I just could not think specifically how. That is what sparked the idea for me to create my company Kurated Beauty, LLC. It was a way that I could pursue my passion while also propelling other creative small businesses to the forefront via the vendor collective within my company. In April of 2021 at 22 I started my company with the small savings that I had, barely a social media presence and a website I created with no web design experience. By September 2021 I was curating and hosting my very first Vendor Networking event, it was entirely self funded and held together by my tenacity and the help of dear friends and family. I now also operate under the Kurated umbrella Simply Kurated Productions that caters specifically to event planning.

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?
Houston is such a huge and vibrant city I can barely pick just a few things. So first off I am a brunch girl through and through so the first place I would recommend would be A’bouzy this amazing brunch spot on Westheimer that serves French cuisine. If I could describe it in just one phrase it would be “Chef’s Kiss” perfection. I would recommend visiting Montrose in general, I love to just park my car and walk around to all the thrift stores in the area seeing what unique pieces I can pick up for myself or for future projects. There are these beautiful art murals all around as well as one of my favorite thrift stores ‘Out of The Closet’ which donates 96 cents on every dollar towards care for the homeless. For a fresh cup of coffee there is Common Bond Bistro, it is a small chain but their ethically sources coffee and pastries would make you think its was a mom and pop business. For art since it is Black History Month I would recommend the Houston Museum of African American Culture. If you’re looking for a vibrant night life vibe I would recommend Joey Uptown, a modern spot with an amazing wine and cocktail menu.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank my family as well as my friends and business partners Aga (@aganotaagaa) and Jasmine (@j.chauntelle). Thank you for being patient, loyal and always supportive of my over the top dreams! I also want to thank any and all supporters who have spoken positively of me, shared and have shown up to my events. Nothing I do can happen without your help.

Website: https://simplykurated.com/

Instagram: @krisaline_ (personal) @simplykurated @kuratedbeauty

Facebook: @kuratedbeauty

Image Credits
Photographers Demetrius Middleton (@niarb.do) Cynthia Marez (@cin.shoots) Designer/Stylists Deon Leo (@deonleo_thebrand) Krishna Lyles (@krisaline_)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.