Female CEOs - AdahKay Design Co.
Welcome to our first Female CEO's interview! Female CEO's provides inside scoops on how other women created their businesses and can hopefully inspire you in some way.
This week I am excited to share Adah from AdahKay Design Co. Adah and I became close through bookstagram, where she can be found at ablondebookishgirl. Adah is a body positive activist and inspires and empowers me daily. You can shop AdahKay Design Co. here or follow along with her on instagram here.
All About AdahKay Design Co.
- What do you sell and how would you describe your business?
My business Is called AdahKay Design Co! I sell totes, tees, and mugs inspired by my favorite seasons, books, movies, and shows. I’d love to eventually see my collections expand into promoting things I’m passionate about like mental health and body positivity.
- What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
I’ve always had a desire to own a business. My dad has his own business and I’ve always looked up to him. He works really hard and I’ve inherited that work ethic and dedication. As a kid I used to try and get my grandparents and aunts and uncles to buy my art and coloring pieces from me. I’ve had my own business as a brand consultant and website designer and so adding this new creative venture selling physical items was just the next step for me!
- How long have you had your business?
I started AdahKay Design Co in March of 2020!
- What are your goals for your business?
My biggest goal is to be able to sustain a family with my business. I would love to have kids some day and be able to be at home with them and also have my business to help support us. That’s obviously very long term, at least 5 years away since I’m still young so my goals for the next 1-2 years is to expand my collections to advocate for what I’m passionate about and maybe do another collaboration!
- What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a female business owner?
I think the challenges I’ve faced are similar to all entrepreneurs but as a female it’s hard to be taken seriously. I often find myself saying “oh I just make a few things and sell them” and downplaying what I do instead of saying I am a business owner. As women we are much more likely to downplay our success and I found that that actually gets in my way and creates more obstacles than it really helps. So my biggest challenge has been my own fears and my confidence about being a businesswoman.
- What is one tool or piece of advice you couldn’t operate without?
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
- What are some tips you have for others looking to create a business?
Go for it! It isn’t easy but find other business owners to learn from and go after your dreams!
All About You
- How would you describe yourself outside of your business?
I am an avid reader, baker, and coffee drinker born and raised in the Midwest transplanted to New York. I love creating and designing and have always had a passion for pretty things!
- What is your favorite book?
Right now it is A Court of Thrones and Roses and all time favorite is Outlander.
- What is your favorite movie?
Fools Gold!
- What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not reading or working?
I love baking and organizing so usually I’m doing one of those two things!
Thank you for reading our first Female CEOs interview featuring AdahKay Design Co. If you would like to feature your business or want to recommend someone else, please email me at gracebyshan@gmail.com