Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenya Nycole Jordan.
Hi Kenya Nycole, 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?
Since a young girl, I have always been a creative individual. My innate abilities allowed me to gravitate to art, fashion, dance, makeup and almost anything that involved innovation. At a young age, I had an interest in entrepreneurship and I actually created my first business at the age of nine. I sold handmade beaded accessories and named my brand “Bead It.” I even had my own business cards that I passed around at lunch to promote the brand. I never knew this meager beginning would be the start of my entrepreneurial journey.
Upon graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in Advertising, I embarked on my career as a Marketing Coordinator for a national car dealership. I worked in the corporate world for a year and overall, I am grateful for that experience but it was simply a stepping stone. I knew working at that corporate job was limiting my creative potential and I was putting a cap on my success. I was no longer operating in my passion, but I was simply operating in routine.
While I was working in the corporate space, during my free time, I was creating YouTube content, taking on makeup clients, creating graphics, and even designing clothing. Although I truly enjoyed these things, it wasn’t my main source of income but it was the source of my happiness. There was a day when I reached my limit and I felt God was leading me in a new direction. I decided to step out on faith and put in my 2 weeks notice and leave my steady income to pursue my dreams.
I worked hard to build my clientele in the graphic design realm and I gained my first renowned client, Dianna Williams! She is the CEO and Founder of the Dancing Dolls/DD4L and has been featured on Lifetime’s with her hit TV show, Bring It. I took care of all her graphic and marketing materials which allowed me to gain a larger platform to showcase my talents. New clients began rolling in, new relationships were developed and new doors were opened. She came across my Instagram which featured my make-up work. From there, she awarded me the opportunity to join her and her team on the Bring it Live Tour as the official make-up artist! I was able to travel the nation as I refined my craft and expanded my portfolio of work.
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, there was an overwhelming demand of individuals who needed branding material as many people were starting their own businesses. My graphic design business began to soar as I was creating a plethora of logos, websites, billboards and flyers. My relationships continued to thrive and I was connected with the Executive director of the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation who saw my drive and work ethic. I was initially contracted to create graphic materials for some of Steve Harvey’s endeavors which then allowed me to become the Social Media Manager for the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation.
Although my merit contributed to my journey, my character also played a huge part. But beyond that, it was God’s grace and his favor that awarded me each and every opportunity thus far. I have even greater heights to reach and this is only the beginning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This journey has not been easy. I remember when I was working my corporate job, I opened up my closet to prepare my outfit for the next day of work, and I bursted into tears. I was unhappy and stuck in a daily routine that wasn’t feeding my soul nor my passion. I felt as though I was restricted by bounds and confines that limited me for my reaching my creative potential. I knew that leaving my corporate job would allow me to forgo stability and I knew nothing about the road ahead but I was willing to take that risk and jump.
Even now, as a full entrepreneur, the road can present its’ challenges at times. Although I don’t have a 9-5 schedule and I essentially have more flexibility, there are times when I don’t sleep and I am working 18 hours in a day. I may not have 1 boss to answer to, but there are times where I am overwhelmed with clients and I have several clients to accommodate who all have needs and wants. It can be challenging to appease everyone and still care for my own basic needs. Although being an entrepreneur can be demanding, I am grateful for my support system that God has given me and I wouldn’t trade my career for anything. It is a blessing that I can operate in my gift and do what God has created me to do.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a multi-faceted creative and I operate in a few different areas.
My work includes graphic design, web design and a social media management. My networking and connections have afforded me many opportunities that I am grateful for. I have created graphics for many well-known brands and celebrities including Steve Harvey, Janet Jackson, Usher, Dianna Williams, Musiq Soulchild, Stormy Wellington, That Girl Lay Lay, The Steve & Marjorie Foundation, DD4L, Supreme Fish Delight and more!
I am a professional makeup artist. I have played in makeup since the age of 5. I have been doing makeup professionally for seven years. I have been blessed to have my work published in magazines, work on sets, and even travel as the lead makeup artist for the Bring it Live Tour!
I am a beauty influencer and I love creating content on my social media platforms to showcase my creative looks utilizing hair, fashion and makeup. I have worked with brands including Morphe, Colourpop Cosmetics, The Crayon Case, Versed SkinCare and more. I have also starred in several commercials for U.S. Auto Sales as a brand ambassador.
What sets me apart is my intense work ethic. Whenever I am blessed with an opportunity I am going to put 200% into it. I will sacrifice my own needs to make sure I get the job done and I always strive for excellence. I work hard to foster great relationships with all of my clients which allow new opportunities to pour in.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My passion is what makes me happy. Like I have stated 1000 times, I love to create! I love to make a masterpiece out of nothing. I enjoy bringing my clients’ visions to life. I know this is what I have been made to do and my work brings me pure joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kreationgraphix.com. and www.glambykenya.com
- Instagram: @ayokenya
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgnlwRSWixLuQyQs_p0l1A
Image Credits:
Isaiah Joseph
