This segment is a Veteran-focused talk show that showcases individuals and companies in the community and is focused on Veteran leadership, service, stories and transition. Our Veteran host highlights other Veterans who serve, have served and who are doing great things in their business and in their community. Today our host, Chris Budihas spoke with Kareece St George of K.S.S. Cosmetics.
Kareece St. George
Owner of K.S.S. Cosmetics, LLC
Website address: https://ksscosmetics.com/
What’s one thing we should know that makes your company unique?
I strive to provide exceptional customer service and knowledge to my customers.
What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome in your business?
The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was getting started. I wanted to do my research first.
How do you define success?
To me, success is going after what you want and never giving up.
How did you get started in your field of work?
Through my love of makeup and seeing others look good.
Transcript:
Chris:
Welcome to Five Minute Salute. I’m your host, Chris Booth. Today’s segment is sponsored by the Military Affairs and Veterans Department, City of Jacksonville. Harrison Conyers and his team work tirelessly to ensure our veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned through their military service.
Speaking of veterans, we have Kareece St. George with K.S.S. Cosmetics. Kareece, how are you doing?
Kareece:
I’m doing wonderful. And yourself?
Chris:
I’m doing great. Thanks for coming in.
So let’s start with a little background. Where are you originally from, and what did you do in the Navy?
Kareece:
I’m originally from Lake City, Florida.
Chris:
Hey, kids, if you don’t know where that is, look it up. Jacksonville to Lake City really isn’t that far.
Kareece:
That’s right. I was a cook in the Navy, now called a Culinary Specialist. Back then, it was called Mess Specialist.
Chris:
That’s awesome. I was in a dining hall up in Kings Bay, Georgia, about three months ago, and it’s definitely more culinary than it ever was when I was in.
They used to say, “When in a jam, break out the ham,” because it felt like ham and Spam were always the options.
But seriously, thank you for your service to our nation.
So let’s talk about K.S.S. Cosmetics. Tell me about your company and what you do.
Kareece:
I’m the owner. I started the business in December of 2022. I sell a variety of skincare products, including soaps and facial skincare, as well as products for men, including beard care.
I’m very big on supporting veterans, encouraging them, and helping them feel confident in how they look.
Chris:
That’s wonderful. In the cosmetic space, do you see a difference between what you provide and major brands like Maybelline or others? Is quality one of your competitive advantages?
Kareece:
Yes, sir. I like to sell products that not many people have heard of. I have oatmeal skin soap, aloe vera products, and turmeric products, which are my favorite. They’re also my highest-selling items, along with my lip gloss.
I actually just sold out of my turmeric lip balm and had to order more.
Chris:
That’s a good problem to have. Is your customer base mostly local right now, or nationwide?
Kareece:
It’s nationwide.
Chris:
That’s great. So you don’t have a physical store. You’re direct-to-consumer through e-commerce, correct?
Kareece:
That’s correct.
Chris:
How can people find you?
Kareece:
They can find me on all social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
Chris:
TikTok too? You’re one of the cool kids.
So what have you learned as a veteran business owner since starting in 2022 that you’d pass along to others? A lot of veterans want to own their own business. I tell them it’s easy to open a business in Florida, but running one is much harder.
Kareece:
That’s very true. The biggest thing I’ve learned is the importance of research. You have to research your products, their quality, and pricing. I want to make sure my products are affordable while still being high quality.
Chris:
And still make money, right?
Kareece:
Exactly. That’s why I want people to come to me.
Chris:
That makes sense. Some businesses price themselves out of the market. One of your competitive advantages seems to be high quality at an appropriate price point.
Are you currently expanding, scaling, or holding steady?
Kareece:
I’d say I’m holding steady right now, but I’m always looking for more customers.
Chris:
Are you looking to expand into specific locations?
Kareece:
I’d like to expand nationwide, and eventually worldwide.
Chris:
In your product line, are there any areas you’re looking to grow or add?
Kareece:
Yes. Lip care products like lip balms and lip gloss, as well as my soaps.
Chris:
Do those move well?
Kareece:
They do. A lot of people love African black soap and turmeric products.
Chris:
Where do you source those?
Kareece:
I order online, often from different countries, and sometimes from vendors here in the States if I find a good one.
Chris:
That’s interesting. I spent two years with Africa Command and traveled throughout the continent. My wife joined me on a few trips, including Morocco, and the skincare products there are incredible and very affordable. Americans don’t always realize how effective those products can be.
The fact that you source globally is another strong value proposition.
So how do folks find K.S.S. Cosmetics?
Kareece:
They can visit my online store at ksscosmetics.com, and again, I’m active on all social media platforms.
Chris:
And you’re on LinkedIn as well?
Kareece:
Yes, sir.
Chris:
I know, because we’re connected.
Thank you for serving our nation, and thank you for what you’re doing in your post-military journey, especially in the cosmetics space. It’s exciting work.
Chris:
Folks, connect with Kareece on LinkedIn, check out K.S.S. Cosmetics, and see what she’s building.
Stay tuned for our next segment on Five Minute Salute.
The Daily News Network, Buzz Tv News, and DAILYBIZBRIEF highlight business professionals, nonprofits, veterans and community leaders on over 40 TV Segments including The Horse’s Mouth, Legacy of Leaders TV, Veterans Buzz TV, Finding Your Frequency, and Buzzworthy Businesses.
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