Meet Kolie: Business Owner, Model, Army Veteran

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

Hi Kolie, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
The decision to make decisions in my life solely for myself was and is the single most important decision that contributed to my success. Now initially this may seem selfish to some people; but my whole life has been centered around making everyone else happy around me. I was constantly worrying about what my mom thought, how my sister and brother viewed me, and what they were telling people based on their opinions of me.

Eventually this type of living(if you even want to call it that) takes a toll on you negatively. This quote from Kevin Gates in his song titled “Cartel Swag”, is exactly how I felt back then(living for other people) “Sometimes when you compromise who you are to appease others; You slowly feel yourself beginnin’ to die inside…”

When I truly started on my journey of living for myself and ensuring that my choices were ones I wanted to make on my own, is when I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. That weight eliminated a lot of the insecurities, overthinking, and other deterrents that hinder one from being successful by their own definition; and helped me on this road to being successful.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Kolie Gel Polish is a vegan and cruelty-free nail polish brand; a division of Kolie Gel Polish, LLC. We are committed to providing high-quality products at www.koliegelpolish.com. Kolie Gel Polish’s formulas and heavily-pigmented lacquers are very rich, long-lasting, and chip-resistant products. Allowing us to provide a luxury nail polish brand and products at affordable prices.

Kolie Gel Polish doesn’t just offer what the name implies “gel polish”; we offer acrylic and dip powders, press-on nails, and other nail tools to ensure our customers are receiving the best products and best care for their nails. Disrupting the “normal” ways nail supplies is sold and distributed.

I got where I am today by being driven to become my own boss. My mind is always thinking about how to expand, or how to grow, or how to take business to the next level. But, I also want to point out that striving for continual growth does not mean that I’m not satisfied or appreciative of my current state; it’s acknowledging where I’ve come from, where I am now, and knowing that there is more to come(in due time).

I believe success, knowledge, and life itself is an ongoing process. I don’t look at one point and say this is where I would like to stop or this is the moment where I will have learned everything. The moment I decide I have learned everything; is the moment I have lost understanding and knowledge of everything I have learned.

Challenges are destined to make an appearance in everyday life so meditation is a must during my journey.I want the world to know that it is okay to go against what the masses is saying, be different, and fully love yourself while doing it. I know it’s a cliche thing to say but until you are total free from altering yourself or your goals based on your friends, family, social media followers, etc. you aren’t being different and fully loving yourself.
I want people to know “life ain’t been no crystal stair” as the poem that my mom always read to me says in “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes; but that still doesn’t mean you don’t have the power to control yourself and the narrative.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is so much to do in Atlanta. First thing is first, we are going to eat at Kabob Land. Then we are going to head to little five points and go into my favorite store “Crystal Blue” to find new candles, crystals, and other new finds. While we are at little five points we will more than likely walk around, stopping into numerous little shops like: Junkman’s Daughter, The Pink Zebra, and then for food at Crave. Some time during the week we will go to Magic City, enjoy some good food and good entertainment. It’s a must that we go relax at Jeju Sauna Spa at least once during the time my best friend is visiting. Jeju is where I go to reset, get away, and enjoy the current moment. Now depending on my friend’s mood we might hit a few more lounges, and clubs or might do something simple like go skating at cascade.

I like to go anywhere that has great food, and a great atmosphere. Unless I’m trying to show my friends from out of town a good time; I usually go to get my lashes done by Alexis at Everything Bossy The Brand and of course my nails and toes done at Nail First in Buckhead using only the BEST products – Kolie Gel Polish. Other than that I am pretty much at home binge watching a new mind-bending show on Netflix or Amazon Prime; and if I want some comedy I’ll sign in to Zeus and watch Joseline’s Cabaret! Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
God is responsible for where I am in life. All past, current, and future success strictly comes from Him. I do not try to insinuate that any human(me included) is to thank, or try to hide that I am aware of where my blessings come from; because God is the sole reason I am here on this earth today.

In addition, my mom being the business shark(or business lioness) she is, has instilled every aspect of business and being successful into me since I was able to talk. Ensuring that I knew that “I could do the impossible; and that it doesn’t matter what I do; I just better be good at it. To give it my one thousand percent, don’t half ass it” are by far my favorite quotes from my mom’s lessons over the years.

My favorite book is a book called “The Twelve Universal Laws of Success” by Dr. Herbert Harris. This book ties in personal growth, self-help and business all in one book so I find it an essential read for everyone.

Website: www.koliegelpolish.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/_koliee

Facebook: www.facebook.com/koliegelpolish

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