Introducing: Kay Carrington, Founder & Entrepreneur, The Perfectly Poised Etiquette Academy

What is an Entrepreneur?

An entrepreneur is an individual who creates a new business, bearing most of the risks and enjoying most of the rewards.?The process of setting up a business?is known as entrepreneurship. The entrepreneur is commonly seen as an innovator, a source of new ideas, goods, services, and business/or procedures (source: www.investopedia.com)

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Introduction

Today we are featuring the story of Kay Carrington.

Kay is an ambitious, self driven individual who is on a journey of self development and exploring how her life can be an example and encouragement to others .

She is mother to a beautiful daughter, Christina, who is the love of her life and the reason behind a lot of what she does.

Kay is passionate about delivering exceptional customer service, event planning, human resources and impacting the lives of young children so that they can grow and blossom into exceptional, kind, confident, humble and considerate adults.

Q. What events led you to this path and how long have you been in business?

A. I started on this new?journey due to the lack of opportunities over the years and looking for ways to utilize my knowledge, skills and interests so that I can make contributions and make a difference.

I have been an entrepreneur for the past six years with my first business Kouture by Kmarie but I started the Perfectly Poised Etiquette Academy and my consultancy Kay Marie Consultancy in 2022.

Q. How did you come up with the name for your business?

A. The name literally just came to me. I’ve always liked anything I do to be perfect and well executed.

The word "poised" captured the purpose of the Academy and how I aimed to refine not only adults, but to groom young children to be confident and comfortable in any setting.

Of course, I thought Perfectly Poised had a nice ring to it! It's easy to remember and sounds quite classy too!

Q. Who has been your biggest loudest cheerleader on your journey?

A.?I?can't point out any one single individual. I have been blessed with the support of family and close friends who supported me in good and bad times, and of course there's my daughter who inspires me and is always on hand to speak the same positive words and encouragement I have given her over the years. That truly melts my heart to hear such things coming from a twelve year old!

Q. What is the one biggest challenge you have faced so far and how did you overcome it?

A. My biggest challenge was moving past the negativity and disappointment of not progressing as far ahead as I had hoped after qualifying and putting in the hard work.

After doing some serious self introspection, soul searching and reflecting on my life, I came to the realization that I could conquer?these boulders and blocks. I knew that I could step out of my comfort zone and in faith try something new, while believing in myself, my worth and all I have to offer.

Looking back at what I accomplished and overcame also gave me the drive not to back down.

?Q. Did the pandemic affect your business in anyway i.e. did you have to implement a Plan B due to Covid-19?

A. No, as I only launched the Academy and Consultancy in 2022.?

Q. What are your top 3 goals for the future?

A.?Firstly, to create opportunities for persons simply wanting a start because I experienced first hand how unpleasant that can be when all you simply want is an opportunity to contribute, grow and learn.

Secondly, to expand, teach, train and inspire persons not only in?Barbados but also the Caribbean and even internationally.

Thirdly, to write a book. It has been on my mind for years!!!

Q. Name one thing that you currently do to go above and beyond your clients’/customers’ expectations.

A.???Given that the business is new, I have recently launched 2 new service offerings (Birthday Parties and Slumber Parties?Mini Etiquette Sessions) to give parents a unique opportunity to expose their children and their friends to some of my etiquette content. It will be educational, fun and interactive!

Q. What was the best advice you ever received and who gave it to you?

A. The best advice I've ever received came from a video by Steve Harvey entitled "Jump"; it changed my life. Steve spoke about taking a leap of faith, pursuing your passion and not giving up despite the challenges you face.

He stated that your parachute will eventually open and so I trust that after everything I've overcome,?that one day my parachute will too!

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Q. How do you spend your free time?

A. I love to dine out, spend time doing fun activities with my daughter,going to the movies, travelling, planning events for friends and family and listening to music.

Q. What is something most people do not know about you?

A. I was the Head Girl at Secondary School and I'm also certified in lotion making, body butters, lip balms and natural deodorants.

Q. What advice would you offer to anyone thinking of becoming a full-time entrepreneur?

A. I would also say go for it. The road isn't an easy one?all the time but once you are doing something you love, enjoy and are passionate about, it doesn't feel like work.

You actually get a high from it, it makes you unbelievably happy and you can work for extended periods and not even realize or care.

Q. You also found time to design and host a seminar - what led to its creation?

A. I held a seminar July 16th entitled "The Boss Mom Seminar", which dealt with “Raising Resilient Daughters and Starting a Successful business.”

It came from an idea of mine to share with mothers some of my story and how I overcame hardships while still being able to rise up, start my own business and raise a strong, intelligent child alone.

I wanted to encourage women to never give up, to remember the importance of being a good example for your children, as well as teach them how to be deliberate and consistent in parenting.

Q. Do you have any upcoming events?

A. Yes! I am really excited about three (3) upcoming events and especially happy to have been able to team up with some beautiful ladies (Lola Pop, Nesha Mayers and Sha-Nae Allman from Image by Shanae) who will share their expertise with my young ladies during that particular workshop.

The events are:

Q. What services and/or products do you offer your clients?

A. The academy offers classes and workshops in Etiquette for 1:1 consultations, small groups, businesses and children.

Q. Where will potential customers go to find or contact you?

A. Potential customers can contact me via email at [email protected] or [email protected]

I'm also availabe on Whatsapp at 1-246-267-8714 and on IG @perfectlypoisedetiquette.

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