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

Hi Kourtney, how do you think about risk?
When I moved to New Orleans to pursue my degree in Criminal Justice, I learned the power of taking risk! Being that I was in a new city where no one new me, I felt more comfortable taking small risk. While everything didn’t always go as planned, more often than not it did! More importantly I learned that each time I took a risk, I was one step closer to accomplishing my goals! Essentially, I understand that taking risk is apart of winning, when I take risk now, I do my best to position myself for the risk to be in my favor.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In college, I was a student who enjoyed being fashionable on campus! Due to attending a Historical Black College and University, I was more comfortable wearing my natural hair. In doing this, it sparked a conversation about what products I was using to maintain my hair. After a number of young ladies asked me, began telling what I was doing to maintain my natural hair, then someone suggested I should try influencing. After looking into it I began investing in a photographer because if I was going to do it, I wanted to give my best efforts.

Once I completed my first shoot, it felt so natural I kept investing! In learning Social Media, I began finding I had a passion for marketing and helping small businesses by posting their products in various posts. In doing this I learned, that while I enjoyed helping small businesses. More often than not, their social media, and website weren’t ready for the traffic I was bringing. Therefore, I started doing Brand Strategy to help Small Business owners create more presents on Social Media, along with turning followers into customers. The biggest lesson I have learned from this business is that if you show up at 100% you can almost sell anything. You just have to keep trying!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend lives in Chicago, and when she comes here we would do a tour of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. I am a native of Fort Worth, so I would take her to Stock Yards, on Saturday morning, to see the cattle, and stop by a BBQ Place so she could experience Texas BBQ! After we ate, we would take a drive to Dallas Downtown, where we would have a cocktail on a rooftop bar, (most likely at Catbird) the enjoy a nice drink and rooftop views of Dallas. The second day, we would head to Frisco, to do a little shopping, and stop by The Star! Anytime, anyone comes to Dallas, I believe you have to go to anything with the Dallas Cowboys because we are AMERICA’s Team. On the third day, we would travel, to Winstar in Oklahoma, to enjoy the resorts and play golf. (she is a golf lover), after enjoying some Golf, we would stay at the resort and enjoy the Casino later on that night. Considering we are in Texas, on the Fourth Day we would attend some sort of sporting event, most likely a college or NFL Football game. As Texans we love sports, and I believe everyone should experience how we enjoy our sporting events.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate this shoutout to my family. I am fortunate enough to have a family who provided me with an array of experiences, from attending church summer camps to playing sports and musical instruments, This all has contributed to providing me with a diverse background. That has contributed to aiding my success as a business owner! I have been extremely intentional with who I allow in my life, and I love my community of people I have, from friends to co-workers, These are the people who keep me grounded, and hold me accountable. Without them, I don’t know if I would be the person I am today!

Website: kourtneybirks.com

Instagram: @kourtneybirks

Linkedin: kourtneybirks

Facebook: Kourtney Birks

Youtube: kourtneybirks

Image Credits
@snapdbypheobe

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