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Leading with Lee™
Meet Mompreneur and Owner of 'Bold Kulture Beauty' Kristal Cunningham
Kristal Cunningham is a mother of two handsome young men and a pharmacist who loves living life boldly. A Florida native, Kristal first discovered her love for all things natural hair several years ago when she began her natural hair journey. Fueled by her passion for beautiful curly hair, she started Bold Kulture Beauty after noticing a lack of access to quality products that met her kinky hair needs. Her mission is to empower women to feel beautiful and be confident, knowing they have the tools to achieve their natural hair goals successfully.
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Q. What inspired you to create Bold Kulture Beauty?
As a woman with natural hair, I know what it means to struggle on your natural hair journey. I have had a couple of big chops and several not so great experience with my natural hair. Throughout my journey, I have discovered that the is a better way to care for and manage natural hair than what I initially thought. There are so many misconceptions surrounding natural hair care that make it difficult to enjoy the experience and love your hair. I wanted to help change that. Driven by a strong desire to ensure that no one struggled the way I did on their natural journey, I created Bold Kulture Beauty. I am a firm believer that when you know better, you do better. Beyond that, I have learned that when you have access to the tools that allow you to do better, you thrive. That is precisely what Bold Kulture Beauty is, education, high-quality products, and one on one consultation designed
to empower you to feel beautiful and get the most out of your natural experience.
Q. What was the most challenging aspect of creating Bold Kulture Beauty?
As a Black woman entering into an industry that is run and operated predominately by other ethnicities, there are several barriers to entry that make it difficult to secure funding, make the appropriate supplier connections, and sustain a successful business. Beyond that, there are internal struggles of confidence, boldness, and imposter syndrome. I’m starting to come into my
own now, but I would say you have to know who you are, know whose you are, and have a mindset and purpose that extends beyond your feelings.
Q. What makes you stand out from other natural hair care empowerment specialists?
I’m not just bringing popular opinion or what I believe to be true. As a clinical pharmacist, I have a particular set of skills that allows me to evaluate the science behind the way we care for our hair and the best practices to do so. You won’t find me recommending complicated routines or promoting methods not supported by facts. With over 13 years of experience as a clinical
pharmacist and a background in research, I dispel the myths about hair care, help your simplify your natural hair routine, empower you to feel beautiful, and facilitate a more enjoyable natural hair experience.
Q. What is your opinion on today’s natural protective styles such as weaving and braiding?
The styles are beautiful, and they offer a sense of freedom, confidence, and versatility that we otherwise might not have. I’m not opposed to them, but the adjective protective is probably inaccurate. Several factors come into play when it comes to the benefit of these styles and the effect they have on our hair. With any changes we make to our hair, we should always be mindful of the best practices for care before during and after the alternative styles, and we should take into consideration the amount of stress they may cause and the length of time we keep them in.
Q. Describe the benefits of your products
Encountering Bold Kulture Beauty is about the intangible benefits of learning to assess and meet your hair’s specific needs appropriately, evaluate and streamline your natural hair routine, and being equipped and empowered to feel beautiful and be confident on your natural journey. I specifically chose to offer high-quality image positive minority-owned beauty brands because I wanted to celebrate the richness and beauty of our culture. The industry as a whole lacks representation of our culture and often misses the mark when it comes to quality products for our hair. The products I have chosen and will add in the future are high quality and help to promote the overall health of your hair. The digital and educational products and services equip you with the knowledge necessary to take control of your natural journey and be more intentional concerning the products and practices you incorporate into your routine. All of our services and product offerings are curated
to help you get the maximum benefit out of your experience and create a more enjoyable natural experience.
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Q. What kind of influence do you want to have in the natural hair care industry?
There has been an ongoing message that suggests caring for your natural hair is hard; the routines are complicated, and only select curl types are beautiful. I want to change our thinking concerning these misconceptions and show that with a little knowledge and the right tools, natural hair care can be easier.
Q. Who are some of your natural hair influencers?
I tend to follow a lot of stylist and beauty professional some of my favorites include: @iamblackgirlcurls, @sunflowersandscissors, @ninastylist, and @curlynikki
Q. What was the most difficult stage during your natural hair journey?
The most challenging period for me hands down would be embracing my TWA after my big chop. I had no clue how to care for my hair, I was crazy insecure, and my tightly coiled curls had my daddy and me rocking the same hairstyle.
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Q. What has been your most satisfying moments in business?
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I am still a novice as far as business is concerned. Bold Kulture Beauty has only been in existence for less than two years. I am blessed to have people cross my path who believe in my vision and mission and have encouraged and supported me through the inception of my business. The most satisfying part is that I have been able to work through my fears to create something I am incredibly proud of and support completely. Starting a business to me seemed so out of character, but when you’re called to do something, you have to work through insecurities and fears to get the job done. It is quite satisfying to be able to say I’m doing that, and my kids are watching, cheering, and taking notes in the process.
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Q. Any upcoming events, projects, or services that we should look out for?
My most recent digital offerings include:
Simple Steps to Healthy Natural Hair Care is an interactive guide that teaches some foundational principles of natural hair care and how to use them to be more intentional on your natural journey. It is now available on amazon and kindle unlimited.
Wash Day 101, a digital course that gives you tools for a successful wash day form start to style. Filled with bonus information and a product guide, it is a must if you want to get the most out of wash day without spending all day on your hair.
I also have another course that will release this week called The More You Know: Key Steps to Simple Natural Hair Care. In this course, I teach you information about the key characteristics of your hair, why this information is valuable, and how to apply it to create a more enjoyable natural experience.
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Q. What advice can you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who would like to turn their dreams into realities?
Don’t back down on your purpose and stay committed to the process. Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. It is hard work; it can be lonely, requires a tough skin, creativity, resilience, and tenacity. Overnight success is rare, and money doesn’t often come quickly. You have to be dedicated, methodical, and patient. Also, learn to pivot when necessary, learn and
grow from your mistakes quickly and always stay true to yourself and be authentic with your brand and its message.
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Q. Where can our audience find you?
Website: https://boldkulture.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoldKultureBeauty
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldkulturebeauty
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/k9008/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb_46nayZJJEXGbKk6p1Xqg/featured
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Interview by: Genya Evans, Founder of The Pen2Pad Agency, LLC
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Date: 6/12/2020