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

Hi Miss, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have worked in corporate America for over three decades, making huge brands millions of dollars. A lightbulb went off one day, what if I applied my skill set to create my own brand, and then Luxury Guilt was born. My thought process was if I can make other brands millions of dollars, why can’t I goal to do that for myself?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an Entrepreneur, owner of Luxury Guilt, kids boutique. Children’s stylist, and best selling author. I started in the retail industry over 30 years ago, working for brands like Levi’s, Gap, Nordstrom, and over the past 10 years a billion dollar sneaker brand. I have to give credit to these brands for giving me the opportunity to lead and learn the corporate and wholesale side of the business. I have developed many professionals become buyers, merchandisers, and managers leading successful million businesses. After having some great dialogue with close friends, I decided to create my own brand, Luxury Guilt, that focuses on kids fashion. During my first month, I suffered an ischemic stroke and almost lost my life. I had been juggling home life, a career, being a best-selling author, at the same time, trying to get a new brand off the ground. This was a tough time for me because I had just invested in a ton of product. Upon being released from the hospital a really good friend, Tam “Hush” Lee, stepped in. And helped push my product. This was during holiday and it was make or break time.

My business literally grew from starting in my garage to a brick and mortar business within a year and a half. We now operate through e-commerce as well as through pop-up shops. Being able to create looks and bring smiles across parents and children’s faces brings me joy.
Outside of my career in fashion, I am also a mother of two and a best-selling author in the urban fiction space. Currently my books are being shopped for the big screen.

Who said you can’t have it all? I keep striving for excellence. It is important to me that I put family first while going after my dreams because life is so short and I learned that quickly. It was hard work, It’s still hard work, but my tests are my testimonies. Putting God first has help me overcome the challenges that I have faced and it’s me going.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A week in Atlanta with me and my bestie is always a fun time. I would start out at the Spa day I like The Four Seasons. Brunch is not just for Sundays in Atlanta… Definitely would have to go to Toast on Lenox, Gosha’s, and I even like Another Broken Egg. For night time fun I enjoy Pasha, Le Colonial, and Continental Jamaican restaurants. Definitely can’t leave out Nobu…Im a foodie! I like to go to visit shows at the amphitheaters, or listen to live music at the City Winery. I also enjoy getting in the car and driving to Savannah to enjoy the river boat cruise. It’s a must that I rent a boat and toast champagne on Lake Allatoona. Just need four hours to unwind, listen to music, and take in the water. One place I would like to visit that I haven’t been to yet is Clover Land Ranch as well as visit a nice winery, and the mountains on the outskirts.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out Tressa Azarel Smallwood for taking a chance on me over 10 years ago and helping me live out my dreams as an author. I would like to thank my mom Lita, my siblings, Jawaun, Mia, and Cornell for encouraging me along the way and my children Kam and Mateo for your patience and understanding while I grind. Blair Saldain of Pnk Elephant, Peta Chen, and Nasheema thanks for encouraging me to start my own business.

Website: www.luxuryguilt.com

Instagram: @luxuryguilt

Twitter: @luxuryguilt

Facebook: Luxury Guilt

Image Credits
Fond Memories Photography

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