Meet Krave of Krave Gang

Today we’d like to introduce you to Krave.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was once just a regular girl, living according to the stereotypical norms of society. I watched the world of beauty evolve and become more elaborate. And, like every other girl I followed the trends. Imaging myself off of things, that were not always what they were portrayed to be. In doing so, I gave myself unrealistic expectations, thinking that this look could be easily obtained or even at all. It gave me the idea of overnight satisfaction of beauty, which is completely unrealistic! Being the young woman I was full of society’s standards, of course this was my go to for anything beauty; hair, makeup, skin care, fashion. Then one day I woke up beyond myself. I had horrible skin, and couldn’t fix it! Of course, in efforts to fix it I went to my go to. You know what? Nothing worked! I asked my mother what her suggestions were and hers were the same. I tried everything over the counter and either it didn’t work, worked for only a day, or made it worse. It was frustrating! I began to feel bad about myself, because I didn’t feel like I looked good. I’m a firm believer that when you look good you feel good, and when you feel good you look good. I had to figure this out! Taking inspiration from my late grandmother, I started mixing together All Natural things to try to fix my skin. It took about 9 months of research, and trial and error and finally I struck gold! I created an All Natural exfoliator and it was amazing! I began to use it on myself and over time I saw true results. I knew it couldn’t just be me, so I mixed up a larger batch and gave it out to friends and family.

Eventually they came back with a lot of positive feedback. I was on to something good, and I could feel it! This couldn’t just be for no reason, so I thought long and hard and I just knew I had to make a business out of this… That’s exactly what I did! It all started with a Sugar Scrub, hence on the name Krave Sweets. It’s Sweets for your Skin. I explored it, perfected it, expanded it, and it became a full line. The company continued to evolve, through every personal need I had for myself. I wanted to continue on this All Natural journey, so as I grew in it I had other skin care needs. I needed lotion, so I set out to create one. I needed oil, soap, lip balm, etc. and so I did the research, put in the work, and created them All Naturally. Working on the Brand Krave Sweets for years, it was truly an amazing journey of growth. In efforts to really push my brand and put everyone on the lifestyle, I started doing a few Apparel pieces. It just started with shirts that were branded, and it grew from there. I have always been a designer at heart and I do cut and sew. The line grew, as I created jackets, dresses, skirts, pants and so on. It was amazing and my team and I were full pledge into the brand making it a whole lifestyle for us all. We did constant promo together and they truly helped me bring my brand to life. It was always just us, and I started to call them my Gang. Thus forming The Gang Apparel. I know a lot of people may take offense or think by using the word Gang on everything, it’s a bit inappropriate. I put “Gang” and terms affiliated with it on my pieces, because it’s my way of making a statement. In today’s society, the black community I feel, is very much stereotyped. So that’s my way of taking what they call us and being everything but that. Everyone on my team is educated, ambitious, hard working individuals that excel in everything we do. So, I can wear the word “Gang” or any affiliate and still be the amazing, educated young black woman of excellence that I am! In order to make a change, you have to be part of the change. This is my way of turning a negative into a positive.

By marrying the two, Skin Care and Apparel it became something much bigger for me. Krave Sweets and The Gang Apparel, now Krave Gang. It’s a lifestyle! Krave Gang is a Beauty & Wellness Lifestyle Brand, supporting men and woman. Through amazing All Natural Skin Care and Dope Apparel we are branded. Support your local Gang!

Great, 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?
It’s extremely hard! You are going into business for yourself, which means there is no one to answer to but you. You make all the decisions, you make all the rules, you are the boss for real! If you don’t get up and work, nothing will be done. A lot of new young entrepreneurs just wake up and think they are going to be a boss, well it takes a lot more than that; I didn’t just wake up and do this! There are a lot of great ideas out there but it’s about really fine tuning the right one and putting in the necessary work. One of my struggles in the beginning, was the fact that like many, I was a young ambitious entrepreneur and I wanted to be a boss. This was a new experience in my life and there was a lot I had to learn and a lot of work I had to do. As well I see a lot of people who want to own a business, just up and quit their job to pursue their dreams. I feel them but it takes money to make money! Let your job fund your career (your dream). I never quit my job, in fact, I have always maintained a full time job all while running a business full time. So, there were many challenging times in trying to find the right balance between my job, my business and my personal life.

Krave Gang – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Krave is amazing All Natural Skin Care and Dope Apparel! Each one of my skin care products are not only handmade but also 100% All Natural. I have something for everyone, men women and kids. We are continuing to evolve, introducing other All Naturals like teeth whitener, face masks, and so much more. There are others out there, but I know no one does it like I do. I make my products by hand in a unique way, and we don’t add any dyes, perfumes, fillers, or any chemical additives. In addition to Krave, the Gang Apparel is super dope and one of a kind. The line is a cross between urban trendy wear, and fashion staple pieces. Collectively I have built my own little empire, in this lifestyle brand. It has been hard, there has been tears and I have been broke at times but I am so proud of myself for actually following through and creating something so amazing. I know there is nothing but greatness ahead and I will tell you that Black Girl Magic is so real. Look what I did, I’m proud to be Young Black Excellence!

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moments, definitely are being able to see all the growth that has taken place on my journey. In anything that you do, I have learned that you have to be kind to yourself! Taking that, and knowing that mistakes will be made and not beating myself up is a special thing. I watched everything God gave me unfold and it was a beautiful sight. Not only did I grow in my business, I grew as a person and that’s makes me very proud.

Contact Info:

• Website: KraveGANG.com
• Email: contact@kravegang.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kravesweets/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/kravegang/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/thegangapparel/

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