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Meet CEO
Keywanda Jackson
Think beauty, class, and elegance. She practically glides into the room with grace, style, and a genuinely infectious smile. From her blonde mohawk to her fashionable fits, Keywanda Jackson is a natural beauty exuding a confidence that appears to contradict her humble persona. But humble she is with a warmth that invites one in to share her light.
She’s the visionary behind the Káva Brand, which has five distinct divisions: Káva Skincare, Káva Haircare, Gryl Cosmetics by Káva, Káva Chaos EU du Perfume, and Káva University. Each division represents a different facet of the beauty world, and she pours her heart and soul into every one of them.
A recent and amazing addition to her brand is BedNog! With the holiday season in full swing, Keywanda absolutely relishes the art of mixing and creating unique beverages. BedNog, a delightful twist on the classic Eggnog, is her latest brainchild. It’s set apart by its distinctive martini-like consistency, a departure from the thick, pre-packaged Eggnogs you find in stores, but the real magic lies in the five enchanting flavors it comes in: Peach, Ginger Spice, Banana, Butterscotch, and the timeless classic.
BedNog By Káva
And guess what Girlfriendz? BedNog isn't just for sipping; it's a versatile ingredient. You can use it to create tantalizing treats like BedNog-infused cakes, boozy banana pudding, or even indulgent French toast with BedNog syrup. The possibilities are endless, and there's so much more to come from the world of BedNog. Keywanda encountered some challenges with the vegan community, and she has recently developed vegan BedNog options to cater to a broader audience. Her ultimate dream is to become a prominent manufacturer and distributor of this exceptional beverage.
Where did it all begin?
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Keywanda grew up as a military brat. She says that her dad's service in the Air Force not only made for a unique upbringing, but it also opened the doors to living in places as far-flung as Okinawa, Japan. One of the best aspects of living on military bases was the exposure to diverse cultures, which played a significant role in her career in the beauty industry. She had the opportunity to witness and learn about traditional skincare practices from various cultures, and it's this wealth of knowledge that allowed her to thrive in the beauty business, combining the best from around the world.
Encouraged from a young age to pursue a career in accounting, she soon realized that what she really wanted was to follow her heart. She’s been at it for 23 years while juggling the responsibilities of marriage and motherhood. Keywanda and Bennie Jackson III, her husband of 28 years, have 2 adult children Jacquelyn, 30, and Bennie Jacksin IV, 27. She is confident about having found her true calling, and recalls that it all began when her childhood Barbies became her canvas for Kool-Aid coloring experiments and daring bob cuts. And the inspiration just kept coming. One day, a woman walked into her salon, offering an assortment of scrubs for sale. She decided to try out her coffee scrub, and it was undeniably good, but she felt it was missing a few key components. Intrigued, she embarked on a journey of research, delving into the world of skincare products and their interplay, discovering how they could complement one another.
"Beauty, for Keywanda, is about creating something that's not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional."
In just about two weeks, the spark of inspiration ignited, and Káva Skin Care was born. It was during this time that she envisioned a line of products that would offer a holistic approach to skincare, where each product would not only stand on its own but also harmonize with others to create a complete and effective skincare regimen. You can’t help but hear the pride, as Keywanda explains that “The inception of Káva Skin Care marked the beginning of a new chapter in my beauty journey, one that would enable me to provide customers with a well-rounded and enriching skincare experience.”
Beauty, for Keywanda, is about creating something that's not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional. It’s not just a job; it's her life's purpose. Her passion shines through, as she declares, “I can't envision myself doing anything else. Káva brings me the ultimate joy, and I'm thrilled to continue my journey in the world of beauty.” Her unwavering motivation to excel stems from her deep passion for creating products. Being in the beauty industry, she feels it is her role to create an external look that people love, but it's crucial to remember that the real narrative comes from within. In essence, life is meant to be lived to the fullest, cherishing every moment and embracing the beauty that exists both inside and out.
Relentless Dedication To The Creative Process
When she conceives an idea, she is driven to see it through, often turning that initial spark into a tangible product within a mere 48 hours. From there, her daily commitment to refining and perfecting it continues until she feels that it's truly complete. This relentless dedication to the creative process fuels her desire to excel, as each creation represents not only a product but the essence of a beautiful heart and soul.
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​And that heart is very evident. Especially, when navigating the saturated beauty industry can be an uphill battle. Despite hearing countless compliments about Káva Skin Care, converting praise into sales can prove to be a challenge. The quest for success in the skincare or beauty sector often involves significant investments in packaging and labels, as you strive to discover the perfect presentation for your brand.
"Success often requires delegation & building a team."
One common mistake she’s learned from is attempting to manage every aspect single-handedly. While it may seem cost-effective, it can hinder the path to greatness. Success often requires delegation and building a team with specialized skills to cover the various facets of the business. “Furthermore,” she explains, “As your brand gains recognition and people perceive financial success, it's vital to remain vigilant. Not everyone who approaches you is doing so to offer congratulations; some may have ulterior motives, seeking association or financial gain. It's a harsh truth but protecting your brand and business interests becomes paramount in such situations.
She says that her ability to persevere in times of adversity is deeply rooted in her unwavering belief in the full picture of what's to come. She approaches each day with faith, knowing that it will unfold with its own set of surprises, far beyond what she could ever imagine. This perspective keeps her determined, no matter the challenges she encounters. Rather than embrace negativity, she firmly believes that the journey will ultimately lead to remarkable destinations. Keywanda doesn’t consider herself a religious person in the traditional sense. Rather she classifies herself as more of a spiritual person. She feels like a lot of others that the message sometimes gets lost in organized religion. One of her favorite spiritual quotes by Marrianne Williamson is "Nothing binds you except your thoughts, nothing limits you except your fear; and nothing controls you except your beliefs."
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The most valuable advice Keywanda wants to offer to someone entering the beauty industry is to remain true to what you believe and never let the skepticism of seasoned professionals deter you. I've witnessed experienced stylists crush the dreams of newly graduated individuals with dismissive comments like, "That won't work." It's essential to remember that just because something didn't work for them doesn't mean it won't work for you.
I encourage aspiring beauty professionals to explore every curiosity and to understand that it's perfectly acceptable to try a multitude of things until you discover your right fit. In this industry, innovation and individuality are celebrated, and by staying true to your beliefs and being unafraid to venture into uncharted territories, you can carve your own unique path to success.”
Further, she says, “Our lives aren't like remote controls; we can't simply click and expect change. We must be proactive and drive our own transformations. No one can click a button, pour motivation into us, or make us change; it must come from within. Life is a beautiful tapestry of love, laughter, family, and meaningful experiences. It's essential to pause and truly see people for who they are beyond their outward appearance. Just like candy with a delightful filling, the good stuff lies on the inside.”
Get ready Girlz!
When Keywanda closes her eyes, she can literally see the Káva store or a Káva section in Macy’s or Dillard’s. She sees BedNog sold in all 50 states, and she sees herself continuing to educate. I see it too. The world needs to look out for the Káva Brand. It’s going to be EPIC!