I am Kela Taylor, owner of Universal Salon Suites, Taylor Insurance Services, and The Marke' Venue. For starters, I never thought in 1 million years that I would be where I am, let alone an entrepreneur. I was totally complacent working my 9 to 5 with benefits. Using affliction as an advantage is what got me here, unfortunately, but fortunately. My background is Insurance. I am licensed in Property & Casualty. After working with so many Real Estate Investors and seeing them “Play Monopoly” I wanted a piece of the pie. Just a small piece, so I thought. From Insurance, I tapped into Real Estate Investing which consisted of two Bed & Breakfast concepts ( Crash Pad), Small Business Lending, Private Money Lending, and now my largest and latest venture Universal Salons. Universal Salons is salon suites and we house top beauty industry professionals. I tapped into the Salon Suites Concept because it’s innovative. Most Real Estate Investors are now owning them. My goals in the near future are to franchise my business
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
I had no knowledge of being an entrepreneur, so it was a hurdle within itself.
My experience as an office manager was my only weapon and shield.
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits? How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
My immediate family all come from corporate backgrounds. So none of them have any entrepreneurial experience but luckily they were my biggest cheerleaders. I truly think that my family does not too much worry about me because they know my ambition and tenacity.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
The most influential factor in my business success has been adversity. Adversity is my fuel.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
I can say I wish I had stronger discernment then like I do now, it would have spared me lots of stress, and saved me tons of money.
What advice would you give to an upcoming young and old entrepreneur locally and internationally?
My advice to up-and-coming entrepreneurs is you are the hardest working individual in your business, pay yourself a salary. Also, if it does not feel right then it’s OK to say not right now. And lastly, do business with integrity as integrity has been my absolute key to success.
