Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaliyah Greer.
Hi Kaliyah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Makeup was never my thing. Never cared to wear it, never felt like I needed it. I often find myself surrounded by women looking to alter something about ourselves. If you’re a mom, you know the struggle of feeling pretty after a baby. I began to put a lot more time into my appearance, and on the days I didn’t feel as pretty, makeup became my therapy. I started practicing my eyebrows, then my friends’ eyebrows, and before I knew it I was taking clients for full-face applications. It became a passion as I listened to the many different stories about how feeling pretty makes women feel better about themselves. I added a cosmetic line to expand the brand a little further.
Most clients just want a light enhancement, so I focused on providing lipgloss and lashes and teaching clients how to apply the makeup themselves. I transitioned to braiding hair when I gained a bonus daughter. Unfortunately, 3 braiders canceled at the last minute on her 7th birthday. I hopped on youtube for a relatively cute style. It wasn’t my best work but she loved it. She agreed to let me keep practicing as long as I promised to get better lol. The quality of my work grew along with the desire to get better. Overall, I realized it wasn’t the hair or the makeup, it’s the reaction after the finishing look for me. Here at MBK, we want to create a warm, welcoming environment where women can trade their insecurities for individuality.
“I aspire to ignite your inner boss, that sassy voice that says yaassss to courage and empowerment, and no to excuses and doubt.”
As a beauty influencer and a leader of women, it’s my mission to encourage women to explore their elements of beauty, inside and out, unleashing self-love in the purest form.
Alright, 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?
Entrepreneurship is not for the weak, and this journey has been everything but easy. It’s more than having a product or service and selling it. Building MBK has been a great experience. I have been invited around the country to participate in some of the biggest hair and fashion shows as an artist and a vendor. All entrepreneurs run into obstacles along the way. I’d have to say my biggest challenge has been the constant reminder to keep going. Some days are amazing and others make me wanna be done with it all, but trials purify. I’ve learned to embrace those areas of opportunity, face them head-on and recognize the shortcomings so they aren’t redundant.
As you know, we’re big fans of MBK Collection. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
MBK Collection started as a black-owned cosmetic line I started Aug 2019. As a freelance makeup artist, I often have first-time makeup clients who had no idea how they wanted their makeup done. MBK is built with the client in mind. I wanted to create a range of cosmetics for first-time clients and beginner MUAs. It can be hard to decide what lipstick will match an outfit, or eyeshadow to bring out the eyes, or what shade range foundation matches the skin. MBK collection provides beginner-friendly tools to start your makeup journey, whether it’s as an artist or an everyday routine. We offer amazing discounts and monthly deals. In December 2021, I expanded the brand by adding braiding services, specializing in knotless, stitch braids, and soft locs. I’m proud to say I think what helps MBK stand out is not only do we cater to the beauty industry, we also aim to educate and inform local black business professionals with the tools to start a business, networking opportunities to expand their businesses, and most importantly, how to unify their businesses to reclaim the black communities.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If I had any advice or a gem to pass on as an aspiring business owner, I’d advise that the way your customer service is your brand. “Do not favor seeking gain. If I come to serve, I want to be successful. If money is on my mind rather than service, then that corrupts my spirit and lessons what God called me to do. So if money is your God, then the spirit to heal and serve is corrupted because you are looking for things” (Minister Louis Farrakhan). Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all its righteousness, and all things will be added unto you.
Pricing:
- Knotless starting at $180
- Stitch Braids starting at $95
- Butterfly Locs $160
- Lip Gloss $10
- Matte Lippies $12
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @mbkaliyah
- Facebook: @MBK Collection
- Twitter: @MBK Collection
- Youtube: @MBK Collection
- Other: https://MBKCollection.as.me/
Image Credits
Photography by A MBood Studios. Models : Alexis, Alexus, Anita, Katora, Tiarra
