The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp increase in the number of people interested in starting small businesses. The businesses have ranged from handmade clothing to commission artwork, but one popular item that has been popping up recently is safety keychains, like Kiylah’s Kustoms.
Kiylah Solomon decided to hop onto the safety keychain trend and began selling them with her new business Kiylah’s Kustoms. Solomon is a sophomore at Leesville and is one of the many students who currently runs a small business.
Here’s what Solomon had to say about her business and what it is like to be an entrepreneur.
Q: When did you decide to start your business?
A: I decided to start my business in March because I was trying to find a past time that could make me some money.
Q:What kind of products do you sell?
A: I sell self defense keychains with a variety of things like window breakers, tasers, poms poms, pepper spray and lanyards.
Q:What inspired you to start selling safety products?
A: I started because I wanted a keychain, but I never saw someone selling one I wanted, so I decided to make my own and then turned it into a business.
Q:How has business been going?
A: Business has been good — I have made a lot of sales, but I am always looking for more!
Q:How do you promote your business?
A: I promote my business on social media like Instagram and Facebook.
Q:What do you like most about running a business?
A: I love making my merchandise. It is so fun, and I also love getting to see people love what they got.
Q:What has been your biggest challenge and how have you overcome it?
A: Getting more product sometimes is hard because it can be expensive, but I overcome it by ordering in bulk to cut costs.
Q:If there was one thing you wished people knew about your business, what would it be?
A: I put effort and love into everything I sell. It all comes from love because I truly want everyone to be safe.
Q:Do you think it is important to support small businesses and why?
A: Yes! It is important because seeing people succeed in something they’re passionate about is really awesome.
Q:If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wanted to start their own business, what would it be?
A: Just go for it, it is worth a try!
Q:Is there any other advice you have?
A: If you wanna do something, just do it. Life is too short to not.
Hi! My name is Cassidy and I am a staff writer for The Mycenaean. I am also a member of Book Club and Tech Theatre.