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

Hi Zakiya, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
This is honestly a great question and something I am still trying to perfect to this very day. I don’t think anybody has it all figured out in terms of the work/life balance. After almost 3 years in business I still struggle with either being all invested in my business and some times neglecting my personal needs or it’s vice versa, I’m still trying to find my middle ground when it comes to giving both the proper amount of time and attention.

However, I think thats the most beautiful part about being an entrepreneur. You never stop learning and you never stop evolving. I do know I have become more dedicated and focused in terms of my consistency when it comes to my business because I’ve seen the the major difference in sales when I’m all in versus when I seem to be just going with the motions.

So with that being said I’d say may work life balance is changing for the better thanks to experience as well as me being able to see the positive results when I seem to give both work and life the proper amount of time.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Blinks of Royalty was initially started in my freshman year dorm room at Clark Atlanta University. I had known at a young age that I would one day want to start my own business be it that I was fortunate enough to grow up and watch my parents be successful business owners, I just never knew when the opportunity would present itself.

I am a firm believer that there is a lot of self discovery when you not only begin college but when you also make the decision to move 5 hours away from home. The year of 2018 I decided to follow my dreams and not only move to Atlanta but attend my dream institution Clark Atlanta University. The city of Atlanta is already influential in itself being that there are tons of young successful entrepreneurs, however I was also able to watch and gleam from entrepreneurs that were my age on my campus.

February 15th 2019, the day I introduced my business Blinks of Royalty to the world. It started off as honestly a side hustle to make money since my parents didn’t want me to get a job my freshman year.
Literally, Days after I launched my business and begin posting on instagram, the orders began to flow in! Primarily from Clark Atlanta so I will forever thank the students at Clark as well as the other members of the Atlanta University Center for supporting my dream.

The initial start of Blinks of Royalty was just to sell affordable luxury 25mm mink lashes as well as provide individual lash services but God had other plans.
Fastforward, the year of 2020 the world was so rudely interrupted by the COVID 19 pandemic which caused for a number of business owners across the world to suffer a tremendous decline in sales.
To most this pandemic was extremely detrimental but for me it brought an overwhelming amount of peace and purpose and I am extremely blessed. During quarantine season I was able to then introduce Blinks of Royalty wholesale, which not only allowed me to thrive tremendously but allowed me to help others start their very own luxury lash business.

Throughout the whole process of starting my wholesale business I learned so much about myself and about the business woman that I am and that I have potential to be. The start of my wholesale business showed me true results of consistency and the results you get when you give your business your all, your business will reward you back trust me.
This venture was so rewarding, to think that I provided affordable ways for many to start their own business, to not just think about it or dream about it but to do just do it.

Has this road been the easiest absolutely not, nothing worth having comes easy but the one thing that I would want everyone to take away from my story or my business as a whole is to just do it. Don’t be afraid of the support lost, the financial situations, the self doubt, the nay sayers. Take the step out on faith and just do it. That one step you’re afraid to take may just be the one that changes your life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would first like to start off by saying I absolutely love the city of Atlanta, there’s always so much to do and the city just exudes so much positivity and a good time. After being here almost 4 years I still honestly feel like there’s so much I’ve yet to do.

However, out of the places I do enjoy I would take my friend to some of my favorite Atlanta restaurants because we all know food is the key to everyones heart.
The first restaurant would be Houstons, which is my all time favorite, the Hawaiian ribeye is simply AMAZING. Then after that I would probably want to go to an ice cream parlor thats actually not too far from Houstons called “Sweet Charlies rolled ice cream”, I’m almost convinced my friend would love this place. They offer plenty of delicious flavors but my go to is named Namaste strawberry cheesecake.
As the trip continues we could grab a light lunch at another spot I love called kabob land its a really laid back setting that offers outside sitting, following lunch I figured we could walk the lunch off and enjoy the day at the bicentennial park.
Bicentennial park is the perfect place to go to either clear your mind, get in a quick walk, or even take beautiful pictures.

I am definitely not a club person but there are a couple lounges that I enjoy going to here in Atlanta. Theres this place that just recently opened by the name of Slush, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there so that would be a place I would definitely take a friend. The next place would be Boogalou, its such a fun atmosphere to be in especially on the weekends.
Pasha, an upscale mediterranean restaurant/lounge, has great food and a great ambiance. The perfect place to dress up, grab a bite to eat and have a good time.

Lets fast forward to Sunday. Atlanta is known for all its great brunch spots. So, it would only be right to end the trip with going to Oak Atlanta for the ultimate brunch. experience and then ending the evening at Ponce city market. Which a great way to wind down but continue to enjoy your Sunday funday.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, absolutely no questions asked. I wouldn’t be half the young woman I am today had it not been for my amazing mother.

She has taught me everything I know when it comes to being a successful business owner as well as being successful at this thing called life as she juggles it all so well by keeping God at the center and everything follows in its perspective place.
She is not only an AMAZING mother but an author, a pastor, a mentor, a cosmetology instructor, a well respected hairstylist, and the main owner of our online boutique Zees Tees which was started as my first entry way into the business industry.

There will never be enough words to describe how grateful I am to had been blessed with such a gem for a mother. So, shout out you mom! You deserve it!

Instagram: @blinksofroyalty

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