Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylani Wilson
Hi Kaylani, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for beauty started at a young age around the time that I was 4 or 5 years old. I remember figuring out how to braid my doll’s hair (link to the doll for imagery: https://poshmark.com/listing/VINTAGE-DORA-THE-EXPLORER-MAGIC-HAIR-FAIRYTALE-TALKINGSINGING-DOLL-64973afd02760b503e365023?msockid=328bfa054e5161860faaeebd4fc86081)
Fast forward to a little bit older, I would say around 3rd to 5th grade, I taught myself manicures and pedicures and would just do my nails and toes to past time. I remember having sleepovers with my friends and we would do each other’s nails. I do remember my best friend at the time, Kayliyah letting me do her hair just for fun. High school is the years where I first picked up an acrylic brush and really experimenting with my hair. My camera roll from high school is filled with hair pictures and videos.
My mom introduced me to handcrafting cosmetics. She introduced me to the foundation of cosmetic manufacturing. She also introduced me to website design. My mom is a software engineer and website designer and my dad is a graphic designer and wears many other hats but all this is the foundation of how I got started.
Clean Beauty Charlotte is an accumulation of everything. I created Clean Beauty Charlotte in the heat of the 2020 Pandemic Summer where everything was shut down and where the value of the unknown was at an all time high, I wasn’t working and I was back home from college so this time allowed me to explore other passions and entrepreneurship was one of time. I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur but this business was the one that I stuck with. I needed an extra way to make some extra cash since I was temporarily laid off from my job. My mom and my friend Destiny at the same time gave me the suggestion to make body butters and lip gloss. So I gave it a shot and I remember telling Destiny that I chose the name, Clean Beauty CLT. Destiny helped me with my launch, helping me make body butters, lip gloss, come up with ideas. I launched Clean Beauty CLT May 15, 2020 with a pre-launch, introducing my handcrafted selection of body oils, lip gloss, lip oils, and body butter. I added more products as the time went by.
In August of 2021, I added braiding services and in November of 2021, I added nail services. I graduated from Muse Cosmetic Institute in 2022 and received my nail technician license in 2024.
I opened my first mini boutique location at Painted Tree Matthews in February of 2024 at 7 weeks pregnant and opened my second location shortly after in May of 2024. Currently working on a third.
My products are featured also at Simply Vibes Apothecary in Charlotte, NC.
Now, in 2025, we’re preparing to relaunch our online store which I am super excited about. Our online store relaunches Jan 31st
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?
It has not. Entrepreneurship in itself is very hard and challenging. I struggled with my identity a lot and imposter syndrome. I also struggled with boundaries, not knowing what it means to relax, and simply discipline. Being an entrepreneur requires a level of focus that for me comes in waves. I also struggled with my mental health a lot where I was my own enemy and stopping myself from putting myself out there.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in empowering women to embrace self-care and beauty through my brand, Clean Beauty Charlotte. My work spans multiple facets: I create natural skincare products, offer nail and hair services, and curate a boutique experience both online and in-person.
What I’m most proud of is the vision I’m building—a self-care destination that goes beyond beauty products to include a coffee shop, retail boutique, and salon suites. It’s not just a business; it’s a space for people to feel intelligent, capable, beautiful, loved, and worthy.
What sets me apart is my ability to connect deeply with my customers and create products and experiences that are truly tailored to their needs. I prioritize quality, community, and personal touches in everything I do. My brand isn’t just about beauty; it’s about creating moments of joy and confidence that ripple into every part of a person’s life.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Omg where do I start.
First- my parents for introducing to me the world of entrepreneurship and being my support system
2nd- my sister Destiny, we don’t talk much nowadays but she played a big role in the start of my business
3rd- Ta’Shara. Ta’Shara taught me how to braid which was how I was able to push my business forward these last five years. She’s always been someone I’ve looked up to as a business woman and entrepreneur.
4th- The Nail Doctor aka Ryan- Ryan was one of the first entrepreneurs that I met in Charlotte and she was really the first one to pick my brain about my plans after high school. I remember sitting in her chair while she was doing my nails for my senior pictures. She is someone I look up to in the entrepreneurship space
MY CLIENTS- The ones who have been rocking with me since 2021 and to now, a lot of my clients have become like family celebrating life milestones like welcoming my son.
Mr. Wood at 3rd Phaze has been a big part of my success with his wisdom and words. I have been doing business with him for the past four years and every time I leave his warehouse, I always leave out a little more wiser than I came.
Markala- Another entrepreneur that I look up to in the entrepreneur space. I admire the ways she thinks as a woman and how she stays so positive and she has a keep going mentality while also putting God first. I admire that as a business woman.
Trae Caldwell- Trae is my therapist who has seen me evolved in these last 5 years, I’ve been working with her since I was 18 years old and she has truly supported me through every season of my life.
there’s so many others to name but my entire community has really played a role in the success of my business. My business would be nothing without the community that supports Clean Beauty and me.
Pricing:
- Body Scrubs $10
- Body Butters $15
- Perfume Oils $7
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cleanbeautycharlotte.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleanbeautycharlotte/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylaniwilson/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kaylaniwilsonn/videos
