We had the good fortune of connecting with Kalisa Sampson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kalisa, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
The end goal is generational wealth. When it’s all said and done, I would like to have businesses that can be carried on generation after generation. It’s really a bigger picture to this. I don’t mind enduring certain obstacles and figuring out how to navigate through certain struggles, so that the next generation will not have to.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Building more than one business simultaneously requires so much dedication, hard work , and patience. It’s not easy at all. One thing that has gotten me to where I am, is being able to step outside my comfort zone and network. I moved to Dallas a little over two years ago and have been able to make notable connections. I’m most proud that I am able to continue to be a creative. Through the ups and downs, I’ve learned to continue to be consistent. Marketing requires consistency. To any business owner, continue to navigate in a room of strangers, until you are not a stranger. My brand is for the everyday person. Queen Essentials Cosmetics was started by me, a woman who does not put on a full face of make up, but decided to create a brand to enhance the confidence of myself and others. Products such a gloss and lipsticks can be worn daily to simply enhance your the gorgeousness that you already have. Or, you can check out a full line of products such as foundation, eyeshadow, highlighter powder, etc. This brand is for all women. Wiz Brand Co. Apparel was founded with the main word “Wiz”, which mean a person who is very good at something. I like to tell people to tap into their inner “wiz”, whatever it may be. This brand is to remind people of their greatness. You are a Wiz, you are powerful, you can do whatever you set your mind to. Wear this brand with pride and confidence.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being only a two year resident of Dallas, I’m still learning places. But if I had to show someone around, We would probably end up eating a lot. I’d definitely take them to a few eateries like Vegan Vibrations. I’m not vegan but I love to indulge in those dishes. For good southern soul food, you have to check out South Dallas Cafe. Major gems in the city includes Burger IM on the west end, Mr. T’s Real Catfish and Burgers, and Wings World (which has a many locations). To get out and socialize I recommenced Harris House of Heroes (McKinney Avenue). There is also a place called Ten:01 Bistro opening off of McKinney Ave, and after having the pleasure of talking to the owners, this is a spot to look out for! The social atmosphere and ambience is going to be unmatched. Oh, and if you need any photos to document your trip, check out T. Hope photography (IG: @thope.photos). Dallas is a nice place to visit and there are lots of hidden gems.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I can note that as a business owner, this journey is far from easy. Having supportive family and friends have really help guide me and keep me focused on goals the goals that I have. There are moments, that feel so tedious, and I may get a message or see a social media post from a family member or friend. It’s allows me to snap back to the reasons I do this. Having a great social support is key. I thank my friends and family for that. Every encouraging word, referral, text message, social media post, none of it goes unnoticed. There are other ladies in business that I would also like to recognize that are influential. Businesses such as Black Girl Lessons (Nashville, TN) , RareBeautiiCollection (Memphis, TN), IssaGirlieThing (Memphis, TN), Shop Hair Addiction (Dallas, TX), and Shop Sugar Girl (Detroit, Mi.). All of these ladies help keep me motivated as my fellow “sisters in business.” I would also like to recognize an album “Black Candle” by D.Kyles . If anyone need a push to do something positive , the sounds, consciousness , along with metaphoric rhetoric of this album creates a mood that is unmatched.

Website: http://wizbrandcompany.com/
Instagram: @queenessentialsllc and @wizbrand.co
Twitter: _QueenEssential
Facebook: Wiz Brand Co
Other: http://queenessentialscosmestics.com/

Image Credits
Head shot done by @T_Hope (Instagram)