The Life of a Queenpreneur is an interview series that showcases young women who balance the role of a queen and the role of an entrepreneur. A queenpreneur is unique because she possesses a graceful style mixed with a hustler’s ambition. This interview will feature Kristy Johnson, Owner of Krowned by Kristy.
Tell us about yourself.
I am Kristy Johnson, a resident of Madison, Mississippi. I am a woman of many hats- pageant consultant/coach, boutique owner, podcaster, founder of a nonprofit organization, prevention specialist and therapist. By profession, I work with the youth to inform them on the effects of illicit drug use, but I also by hobby, work with the youth to advocate the dismantling of the school to prison pipeline phenomenon with my nonprofit organization, Kommunity Builders. I am very passionate about mental health and pageantry which crafted both Krowned by Kristy and my podcast- EmpowHER Podcast with Krissisippi. I love the work(s) that I have done and look forward to the continuation of being a pillar of my community.
What is Krowned by Kristy, and what inspired you to create this brand?
After competing in my second national competition and holding the title of Miss Black Mississippi USA, I was asked on numerous occasions to coach girls on their competition. I felt that it was time to start a consultation agency that prepares young women for their competition and other skills including recognizing their purpose and role in the community. Krowned by Kristy was always a vision of mine but originally without a name until I got truly involved with pageantry. I continue this brand and have added additional services due to recognizing the need that a lot of pageant girls face when preparing including searching for the perfect wardrobe (The Krowned Kloset) and assisting directors with their organization of on-stage assistance. In the coming months, I will be adding additional services that will one day become a full-service pageant company that will assist anyone in the industry.
What made you want to become an entrepreneur?
I have always wanted to leave a mark on society and as I continued this journey as a pageant consultant, I felt that it was time to craft this into a business and less of a title.
How has Krowned by Kristy changed your life?
It has become purpose driven. I feel that the very thing that I enjoy is taking place before my eyes. I have met a lot of wonderful women through this program and built a network of wealth through information and people. I am continuously working towards building up this brand as an empire in the future.
Did competing in pageants prepare you for running a business. Is so, how?
I felt that it helps craft the experience for young women who are competing in the future. I not only take some of my experiences (good and bad) to craft their coaching/consultation but also when working as an assistant to those directors, I am able to give them a better understanding of the contestant experience.
What are some of your other business ventures?
I’ve included a specialty boutique for pageant contestants called “The Krowned Kloset” which currently have interview attire, shoes and evening gown/cocktail dress rentals. I have the podcast, EmpowHER Podcast with Krissisippi on all podcast streaming apps that is premiered weekly. I also am the founder of the nonprofit organization, Kommunity Builders.
What are some of your entrepreneurial goals?
I hope to continue to grow Krowned by Kristy into a full-service pageant business for contestants. I will continue to research and create avenues that the brand can be involved with various pageant systems and organizations. I also want to create a team that will assist with echoing the vision of this amazing program.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Krowned by Kristy being a household name in the industry of pageantry.
What is one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs?
Know and recognize your why for it is the very thing that will keep you going. Also, remove self out of the equation when making decisions.
Please provide your contact information so that others can reach out to you.
Email: krownedbykristyllc@gmail.com
Facebook: @Krowned by Kristy
Instagram: @Krowned by Kristy
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