We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaniya Roberson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaniya, what is the most important factor behind your success?

The most important factor behind my success is no need to get discouraged. From the short term of owning my business, I would say I have gotten discouraged at least twice. Moments when the family and friends I thought would support me; were nowhere to be found. At that moment, I was shocked since it is free to be supportive of someone that you care about business. It is a hard pill to swallow, but all the people you know may or may not support you on what you got going for yourself. It is usually strangers who you will get the most support. The second experience was with social media. My generation is all trends, technology, and flaunting (which is nothing wrong to be flashy, but there is an extent). Seeing videos and pictures of people you know can influence or hinder you. In this case, seeing someone from the same background and doing better in their business; made me reconsider everything I was doing. I was not on the edge of quitting because I would always pray about my business becoming successful. After venting to one of my mentors about the situation, I had a different prospect. I have no clue what she did to get where she is. My time is coming; I need to wait for my time. The only thing that will help my problems is praying and remaining positive. I will let all my concerns and questions in God’s hands and go with the flow.

What should our readers know about your business?

The proudest moment I have had with this business so far is making this consideration into reality. It is different from saying you want to have your own business. However, putting the work in for owning your business is an accomplishment. To this day, I would have never thought that I would have a skincare business. Doing facial and DIY was more of a hobby. Nevertheless, turn that hobby into a stream of income.
I am excited about blowing up and selling to different states and countries. Eventually, selling in stores and wholesaling. It will be a lot of work to put in, but I am willing to do the hard work. This business alone makes me happy this is what I have been looking for. I am finally doing something that makes me contended. I would love to express my happiness to my customers through my products.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Food and Beverage Entrepreneurship. So I already knew I wanted to have my own business. I wanted to eventually open a Vegan restaurant (which I will make happen long down the road). Even before college, I had a business-like mindset. I would sell my famous crownies to the teachers and students in high school. Baking was a hobby as well because I knew people adored it. Plus, I love to bake and might as well make money from a hobby. From there, is where my entrepreneurship began to grow.
Life is not easy. If that were the case, everyone would be successful, financially stable, and importantly: happy. I did have some small and huge bumps traveling down the road to get where I am currently. How I overcome my obstacles is by remaining positive and praying. Things may not happen right when you ask for it, probably because it is not your time yet. Here is where patience falls into play; you keep working hard, then everything you manifest will come into your life unexpectedly.
There have been multiple lessons I have tumbled across. One enlightenment that stuck out to me is: not having to discuss what you do with everyone. Discussing a vision that someone does not see can discourage and make you get second thoughts. It takes one negative remark for you not to do what you had in store. So if you do tell someone about your vision, make sure that person is eye to eye with you.
Information everyone should know about our company is that not only every product is natural with great benefits. If you as breastfeeding or currently pregnant, you can use our products. We carefully research each ingredient that we use in our products. Even our fragrances, we make sure that they are phthalate and paraben-free and VEGAN! Also, do not think you are limited to using our products for one purpose. Almost all of our products are versatile. So you can use our products from head to toe.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

From me living almost two years down here, the only place I can say I would always go to is Ponce City Market. I have gone there twice, and it never disappoints me. I am an individual who likes trying out new things. I try my best not to go to a location more than once. Unless I had an outstanding experience and I would have to go again. I usually find restaurants I want to try from social media or word of mouth. Atlanta is too big to always go to the same restaurants. I am a huge foodie, so if I can get my hands on something exotic. COUNT ME IN. I am not a club type of female-like like I was in college. Usually, on the weekends, TRAFFIK is a great place to vibe. As far as lounges and bars, that is my type of scenery. I have not gone to a location multiple times, just like mentioned earlier. I like trying new environments. So there has not been one that stuck to me, but I am willing to find one. Atlanta also got so many current and upcoming companies. I do not think it is possible to find a favorite. If my best friend was to come during the spring or summer, best believe we are enjoying this weather. It can be activities such as going to the park, drinking on the rooftop at a lounge, or riding around. My friends and I will find something to do. IT IS ATLANTA WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HERE!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

First, I would want to give a shoutout to my close guy friend that gave me the idea of F.L.Y.S Collection. If Christian did not put that thought in my head, I would never have had this business. He is an individual who observed how much I took care of my skin; he believes this would be a perfect fit for me. I want to give out another shoutout to my previous manager and friend, Kashi. He would always push me out of my comfort zone. He would make me pitch my business plan and be confident about my business overall. Thanks to Chef J for building me into the woman I am today. He has been my mentor since my senior year of high school in 2016. Chef pushed me to be my boss without realizing I would eventually own my own business. Shoutout to my friends such as Polo, Bri-Bri, and a few close friends; they saw the vision and supported me throughout this journey. My family was always by my side and just knew I would be successful when I first introduced them to my “All-Purpose Oil.” Not to forget my future customers; you may not have heard of my business yet. When it reaches your attention, you will not regret using our products. Finally, I would give a major shoutout to God; he kept me sain and ambition for my business. Putting him first in my life made a huge difference.

Website: https://www.flyscollection.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/f.l.y.s_collection?utm_medium=copy_link

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flyscollectionlc/

Image Credits
Isaac Jordan

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