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

Hi Shay, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I got tired of punching the clock. Working on someone else’s terms, making someone else rich, being limited to that hourly wage and most importantly being away from my boys. I went 2 years without spending time with my kids the way that I wanted to, not being able to tuck them in at night (I worked graveyard shift). I knew then something had to change and that’s how KISSES BY MONIQUE took flight.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
KBM took flight February 2020. At the time I had no idea what I was doing but I knew I had to make it work, I was all in. First I started building my platform on fb, using my personal page, marketplace and even creating a KBM group to showcase items that were being ordered. It was a hit, orders were coming in bulk. A couple months later the KBM website made it’s debut. I was able to have items on hand and give my customers that professional experience by ordering from a secure website & being able to track their packages. What sets KBM apart from other boutiques…..I don’t have a stopping point, most boutiques specialize in one thing (& that’s what every boutique is selling) but KBM got her hand in it all. I offer clothing, shoes, lingerie, novelty items, lashes, candles (handmade), kiss melts (wax melts), kissgloss, personalized mask & KBM apparel to come. I keep my prices very affordable, I’m a firm believer that “you DO NOT have to go broke to look beautiful”. I try my best to accommodate all shapes and sizes (I’m focusing more on plus size) rather that petite only, I feel that EVERY woman should feel beautiful. One thing I want the world to know is NOT EVERYONE IS GOING TO SUPPORT YOU, SHARE YOUR POST OR EVEN CONGRATULATE YOU. THOSE ARE THE ONES YOU PROVE WRONG, BELIEVE ME IT CAN BE DONE. I WAS A REGULAR EMPLOYEE WORKING 8-10 HOUR SHIFTS TO KEEP A PAYCHECK COMING IN & NOW I HAVE UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITIES TO RUN UP A CHECK TO INVEST BACK INTO “MY BUSINESS”. I MAKE MY OWN HOURS & IM ABLE TO TUCK MY BABIES IN AT NIGHT. WE WILL FOREVER BE STUCK AT A STANDSTILL IF WE WAIT FOR CONFIRMATION-JUST GO FOR IT.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
That’s a tough question, I’m pretty much a homebody lol. If I had to choose I would definitely do a spa day, what girl would turn down pampering. Food wise I love mexican food (mexican rice, tacos, street tacos, chimichangas, salsa/queso). Night cap I would love to do karaoke, painting with a twist or poetry night, I’ve always wanted to snap my fingers lol

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First I want to give honor to GOD because without him none of this would be possible. Next I want to thank all my supporters, my customers who been with me since day one-the genuine ones who push and motivate me to be better. My husband for being that helping hand when needed and last but not least my sister-in-law Ta’kesha Crayton-the meaning behind my brand. REST PEACEFULLY QUEEN

Website: www.kissesbymonique.com

Instagram: instagram.com/kissesbymonique

Facebook: @kissesbymonique

Other: TikTok @shaycrayton

Image Credits
Photography by Bri’an Lewis
Model – LATESHA CARROLL

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