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

Hi India, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite quote or affirmation…hmmmm this is a tough one. I would honestly have to say that my favorite affirmation is “I can. I will. End of Story”, spoken by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I literally say this to myself a thousand times in a day. Although very short and concise to me this quote speaks volumes. Broken down, “I can”. To me this means I am capable, I am whole, I lack nothing and through christ I CAN literally do anything. I was born to win, and I will do just that. “I will”, to me this means that no matter what obstacles I face (because there will be obstacles) I WILL overcome them, I WILL be successful, and I WILL have all the desires of my heart. Simply put. The last part is my favorite lol…”End of Story”. As in, non negotiable, no excuses, no complaints, curtains closed, and SCENE. I will be successful, I will keep going, and all unapologetically. Why? Because I CAN. This affirmation makes me feel super empowered, fired up, and ready to go after my dreams. In a world that was not built for people that look me to be successful, I can break the cycle. I will end generational curses. END OF STORY.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Minkd Out Extensions is a luxury hair company that merges quality and affordability. The brand aesthetic exudes femininity and just being unapologetically you, all while looking BOMB doing it. We are most known for our versatility, offering a wide range of textures, lengths, and unit options we have something for everybody. I am the most proud of the people I get to meet when doing business. I always joke about having the best customers, but honestly the customers are the reason the business keeps going. Getting the business to where it is now, even though there is still so far to go has definitely not been easy. I have days when I definitely want to take a break, or give up but I remember why I started and I snap out of quit. It takes commitment, it takes time, and it takes being okay with failing sometimes. How do you learn if you win every time? That is a lesson I have definitely learned along the way. Every day won’t be a win, but there is a win in everyday. I guess what that means is that even if I fall short, there is something I can take from that day to be better the next. If I could tell the world anything in terms of my company story it would be to go after whatever you’re seeking, and to just take the risk. You never know what is waiting for you on the other side of fear!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I LOVE LOVE LOVE to eat lol, so the first stop would definitely be Big Ketch. It’s a seafood restaurant downtown that has the best chargrilled oysters, they also have a really good mango margarita fishbowl…wow I’m getting hungry lol. A few of my other favorite restaurants in the city are Poor Calvins (the lobster fried rice is the BOMB), Mojave (everything there is delicious + you can eat on the water….VIBES), and Tuk Tuk (the salmon w/ panang curry…*chef’s kiss* so delicious!) Places to visit/hang out in the city definitely Ponce City Market and the ROOF. There’s always something fun going on at PCM! Botanical Garden’s is also another one of my favorite spots, especially at night when the park is illuminated such a vibe! Lastly, Krog Street Market is another one of my favorites. Again, I love to eat lol so going to the market and trying all the different foods is one of my most favorite things to do.

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?
Honestly. My shoutout would have to go to my one year old daughter. She’s the reason I wake up everyday and strive to be better than yesterday, everything I do is for her! Mommy loves you Princess A!

Also, I would like to recognize my family and friends for always supporting, encouraging, and uplifting me. I’m so thankful, and forever indebted!

Website: www.gotminkd.com

Instagram: minkdoutextensions

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