Today we’d like to introduce you to Skyla Jenkins.
Skyla Jenkins is a serial entrepreneur who loves building great businesses. Coming from a small town in North Carolina, Skyla was determined to establish a better life for herself and her son after moving to Atlanta, GA in 1995. Skyla is an overcomer. She is someone who went from being homeless living in a shelter for battered women to having a corporate career earning a lucrative salary, to becoming a business owner. She expresses how she will never forget where she came from.
As a domestic violence survivor, Skyla mentors other women to aid them with making the right decision of coming out of their dangerous situations. She also shares her story in hopes that it will save a life. Skyla has been a volunteer Facilitator at a local battered women’s shelter for over fifteen years. This experience has proven to be invaluable in her future as a business owner because she understands how to embrace difficult situations and the impact of making life-altering decisions.
Skyla graduated from Argosy University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has over twenty years’ experience in her corporate life as a Sr. Site Manager with a Pharmaceutical company. She started her journey as an entrepreneur in 2011 using her biotechnology skills as an Independent Research Consultant, which was the birth of SJ Research Consulting. She had no idea where this joy of entrepreneurship would take her.
With a background of being a wedding planner and joy of planning special events for many years, in 2014 Skyla along with a former business partner purchased a building in McDonough, GA where they hosted as a venue (L’amour Parties & Events) for weddings, birthday parties and other special occasions. After five years in the entertainment industry, Skyla decided it was time to move on from the partnership and the business was dissolved.
Skyla’s ambitious spirit always has something creative in the works. She launched her first e-commerce business in Dec 2019 SKY GoodBuys, an online store that sells trendy THB items, which stands for Tech – Health – Beauty. This includes must-haves such as magnetic cell phone privacy screens, fruit-infused water bottles, and cool fanny packs. With learning her audience and new passion for e-commerce, she already had a plan for her next one. This one would be her favorite!
HUDSON|NEWKIRK is a lingerie boutique created to make women of all shapes and sizes feel glamorous, named after two very glamorous & intelligent women, Skyla’s maternal great grandmother & paternal grandmother. She didn’t have the pleasure of knowing either of them as her great grandmother died when she was three years old and her grandmother died before she was born. However, from the stories she was told about both of them, they were amazing women in their own right. So, their last names were so fitting for her company as a reflection of who she is. She started the business in January of this year and officially launched it on 31-Jan-2020. With creating her private label Skyla is determined to make HUDSON|NEWKIRK a success and a familiar name in households for many years to come.
Skyla is considered to be an honorary “peach” since she has been living in the peach state of Georgia for twenty-five years. She loves traveling and exploring new exotic places with her husband, spending time with her family, cheering on her Atlanta Falcons, and acting/modeling.
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?
Trying to build something great is never a smooth road. Expect challenges as it’s a learning experience, so expect some failures. But learn from those failures and move on. Don’t procrastinate, do your research and go for it. Meaning don’t be afraid to start something new. If you have a passion for something, do your homework with finding out how you can turn your passion into a profitable business. Find a good business mentor and research your market by checking out what your competitors are doing and how you can do things differently to stand-out. If you are considering partnerships, vet your partner as if you’re running for office. Ensure this person shares your same vision, grind, and goals before moving forward.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about HUDSON|NEWKIRK – what should we know?
HUDSON|NEWKIRK is a unique lingerie boutique that caters to all women’s shapes and sizes. All women deserve to feel sexy & look sensational in their choice of lingerie. So I wanted to ensure that every woman’s gorgeous curves are represented with my brand. I ensure our intimates are top quality sourced from the best suppliers. Customers have written to us saying how they love our lingerie & how great they fit and feel.
This gives me so much joy. The idea that something I created can make women feel good within & look fabulous at the same time makes my heart smile. I am so proud of my brand HUDSON|NEWKIRK for the women it represents and the women that I serve as consumers. There’s nothing like having a long day & when you’re home, you finally have that moment of relaxation after a calming hot bath or shower & putting on your favorite piece of lingerie. It just feels good!
A few things you should know about me are that I create new ideas and educate myself daily. Life is ever-changing and you have to be in a mindset where you’re willing to learn in order to grow. I’m also a giver, if you’re someone I care about I’m all-in, team whoever you are fully. I believe in myself and I truly manifest the things I want by believing in their existence. Once I set my sight on something, I begin to make moves to make it happen.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
Being able to obtain the same support as your male counterparts. I find it challenging that people and especially some women do not support or respect a woman in a leadership position. Often, we are looked at as being a impolite person or headstrong instead of viewed through a clear glass for who we really are such as a keen businesswoman. Having to prove yourself for who you are and what you know on a daily basis can be a little exhausting at times.
Contact Info:
- Website: hudsonnewkirk.com
- Phone: 888-262-7133
- Email: hudson.newkirk@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hudsonnewkirk
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hudsonnewkirk/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/hudson_newkirk
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/iamskylajenkins/
Image Credit:
Unique Identity Photography
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