Shaneece Thompson- Kai Blends

Many of you are aware that I have struggled with hair loss for a few years and especially since having my last child a year ago. I was so ashamed and embarrased that I never showed anyone my hair. Not even my husband at the time.

It wasn't until I joined a Facebook group called Detox, Stop & Reverse Hair Loss

where I accepted the challenge to actively work towards keeping my scalp and hair healthy. I have truly grown to love my hair again and I appreciate the moments of self care that come with the process of maintaining natural 4c hair.

I am so blessed to have joined this group of supportive ladies. We are in this together.

Now the Adminstrator, Shaneece Thompson, of this group is doing the Lords work. Not only does she provide a 60 day regimen for reversing hair loss but she encourages all of us along the way. I HIGHLY recommend that anyone one who is in need of hair loss reversal to join this group.

So, when Shaneece reached out to me to participate in an interview I was totally blown away. In my eyes she is a celebrity, a true hair guru!

Join us in a conversation about hair loss, entrepreneurship & family.

Shaneece Thompson is the Owner of Kai Blends .

Interview

Tell me about your business (what product or service you provide and who your target audience is).

I make handmade hair care products - products that work. The products are for working women and moms trying to balance by focusing on life and chronic hair loss. These are natural products to build a hair regimen.

With my own Post Partum hairloss and dermatitis, I was able to retain length and moisture by using Jamaican Black Castor Oil. So, when I started Kai Blends I only sold JBCO for $4 for 2oz and & $6.99 for 8oz. I wasn't thinking about import cost because my passion was to help other women. But after my customers told me to stop selling the product for so little, I listened to them.

Please tell me what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?

It means living in my purpose doing what I love.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?

My moms friend, Grethel Sessings, was a role model. She was the image of a successful women. She was the first women in the Caribbean to study packaging and marketing in the U.S. She had a farm and sold bananas to the US and hotels in the Caribbean. Ms. Session taught me work ethic and is the reason why I studied Business in college. Grethel still vets my packaging and taught me how to sell regardless of packaging. She shaped me into the business woman that I am today.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

After leaving the military I became a Federal Investigator. I used my skills, intelligence and work ethis to market myself.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to my readers?

Look for ways to be better in every system within your business.

- Always look for ways to improve.

- Persevere.

-Be consistent.

What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?

I build intimate relationships with customers. If they follow me on social media then I follow them. I would hand deliver products and add personal touches to the products.

The majority of my sales are from repeat customers.

I also use and create Facebook Groups.

What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?

It's okay to start small and focus on one product. One product has allowed me to invest in systems. I recommend starting with the simplest product or service.

Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business?

Canva, Shopify, Convertor Kit, Etsy (where you can buy preset shopify stores for $20), I fund Women of Color, Liveplan (business plans), The Product Boss, Marene Mwagi, Khala Simmons and Amy Porterfield. Also, add digital items to your website.

Do you have any new projects coming up (or have you just completed a big project ~ reached a milestone, etc.)? If so, please tell me about it.

Detox, Stop & Reverse Hairloss on Fcebook.

What do you do for fun/relaxation?

I am a work-a-holic. But I order out a lot inorder to try new things, since we can't go to restaurants. I design websites and mood boards. I also do nails and create wigs.

What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?

More marketing-I'm looking to attract new customers inorder to get current products infron of more people.

You want to write a book on ______________________ (fill in the blank and feel free to explain).

I'd write a biography called "Before 30". I would document my molestation, growing up in Jamaica & migrating to the states at 20. I'd talk about pivoting into personal growth and not allowing my negative experiences from allowing me to reach succcess.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

What’s the best way for the readers of My Divine Beauty Obsession to connect with you?

Kaiblends.com

@kaiblends on Instagram

@TheShaneece on Instagram