ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT Kalauna R. Carter

Kalauna R. Carter is a native of Portland, Oregon, by way of Vancouver, WA, and is a two-time graduate of Tuskegee University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a Master of Science in Environmental Management She is currently attending Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, pursuing her Ph D in Environmental Science

In addition, to maintaining her scholastic excellence, she is a strong advocate for community involvement Within her community, she is a proud member of the Chi Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated of Tallahassee, Florida, and serves as a STEM Literacy volunteer with STEMS4Girls Tallahassee STEMS4girls’ mission is to increase the representation of minority females in science, technology, engineering, and math studies and careers through STEM-focused after-school enrichment programs. In hopes of promoting greater access to resources in the sciences and technology, specifically targeting demographics that have been traditionally underrepresented.

She is also the founder of Kolors by K® Nail Polishes, an FDA-approved, environmentally friendly Nail Polish Company. Each bottle of nail polish as well as the Kolor is handmade and 10 FREE of Camphor, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resins, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), xylene, ethyl tosylamide, parabens, phthalates, and fragrances all of which are nonenvironmentally friendly and cancer-causing chemicals She believes you should not have to compromise your health to have beautiful and healthy nails, so each of our polishes, including our gels, is 10-FREE (Non-Toxic), cruelty-free, environmentally friendly, and vegan. Kolors by K is an inclusive brand for all genders, identities, and races I started this company to provide safe, affordable, stylish, and stressrelieving nail polish that looks good for every gender and skin tone

All our Kolors will be highlighted using diverse imagery because we believe beauty in all ways is universal and will be shown as such Kolors by K collections are available in nail salons nationwide, included in beauty boxes, and featured in various publications. Kolors by K has also received international recognition for having been internationally certified by The Leaping Bunny Program and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) It has also been worn by the past first lady of the United States, Mrs Michelle Obama, and the Dora Milaje of Marvel’s Black Panther

When did you realize you had a passion for the beauty industry and wanted to start your own business?

In 2016, I launched Kolors by K after graduating with my bachelor’s in Environmental Science from Tuskegee University Studying gave me the opportunity to learn how the environment affects us and vice versa I learned about various products, and nail polish was one of them Being a nail polish connoisseur and always trying different gels, dip powders, and polishes, the scientist in me became curious about its chemical composition, and the results left me in complete shock. Many of the chemicals were banned in other countries and are well-known carcinogens here in the United States

The chemicals found in store bought nail polish were known to have detrimental impacts on people regarding their health, as many of the chemicals are linked to cancers, respiratory issues, and infertility in both men and women. I knew I had to do something, especially knowing how my mother and sister used nail polish products I consulted the opinion of a fellow business owner, and that day my business plan was created A few short weeks later, I started making polishes in my kitchen

Outside of Academic Achievements and Entrepreneurship, who is Kalauna Carter in four words?

Sincere, Passionate, Empathetic, and Innovative

What inspired your journey into entrepreneurship?

I was inspired by those around me As a young girl, I remember watching my mother and my sister get their nails and always being amazed by their color selections and nail designs. I became a nail connoisseur with a collection of over 100 polishes at a young age. I never thought about what the chemicals within nail polish were doing to me until I got to college Once I learned, I made it my mission to create healthier nail polish and skin care products for my mom, sister, and all who wear nail polish and its products

Today, I have handmade over 5,000+ bottles of nail polish Kolors by K collections are available in nail salons nationwide, can be purchased in stores, included in beauty boxes, and featured in several publications. I believe every woman deserves to wear a nail polish that is working towards their health and not against it With that, I was determined to develop a healthier nail polish alternative that could benefit all At Kolors by K, our primary focus is and will always be the health and wellness of others, providing healthier alternatives to nail polish products and nail care products.

It is the first 10 free nail polish company owned by a woman of color and has received international recognition for having been internationally certified by The Leaping Bunny Program, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and ECOLOGO International certification for having products and services that are certified for their reduced environmental impact.

Kolors by K has been featured in numerous publications such as Canvas Rebel Magazine, Encolour Magazine, Leading with Lee Magazine, Voyage Miami, and AFIYA Magazine and has even been worn by former First Lady Mrs Michelle Obama and the Dora Milaje of Marvels Black Panther

Tell us about your mission for Kolors by K®? Throughout my childhood, I struggled to find women who looked like me owning their own cosmetic companies I want to be that role model for others to show them regardless of your race, ethnicity, background, or religious preference. If I can do it, you can too.

At Kolors by K, my mission and focus will always be the health and wellness of others I channel my energy into creating the healthiest alternative of nail polish that works towards your health and not against it Many consumers ready nail polishes contain carcinogenic and toxic chemicals that have been scientifically linked to cancers, infertility, and autoimmune disorders. I believe you shouldn’t have to compromise your health to have beautiful and healthy nails. That’s where I come in. I help alleviate stress by creating 10-FREE (NonToxic), Cruelty-Free, Environmentally Friendly & Vegan nail polish, and nail care products Kolors by K is an inclusive brand for all genders, identities, and races I started this company to provide safe, affordable, and stylish polish that looks good for every gender and skin tone. All our Kolors will be showcased using diverse imagery because I believe beauty in all ways is universal and should be shown as such.

What message do you hope women take away from their experience with your products?

Regarding the best nail polishes and skin care products, I want Kolors by K products to be at the top of the list I want my customers to know that all my products are working toward your health, not against it My goal with each Kolors by K purchase is that each person will feel empowered with my Kolors by providing them with something that could make them feel beautiful, whatever the occasion may be, a special Kolor just for them

Where do you hope to see your brand in the next 3-5 years?

I See Kolors by K as being an integral part of various retail stores such as Walmarts, Targets, Walgreens, CVS, and Whole Foods Markets, just to name a few. I am currently selling in New Leaf Market stores and hope to expand in the future I would like to continue developing and growing my business to be able to make this happen

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?

“A woman is the full circle Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform. Therefore, every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. Her dream is free, but the hustle is sold separately, all while being pretty Never forget how wildly capable women are ”AA

The word hustle means to work hard It’s someone who does the little things other people won’t do and does them with a sense of joy or, in this case, being pretty with a purpose because they love it. Hustling, to me, means having the determination to succeed and to do whatever it takes to be successful Some people find themselves in a far different situation than those who are proactive and dedicated to their success daily Those who are hustling ultimately get the results they desire