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She was born in Ghana and raised in Canada, carrying with her the lessons of a mother who hustled in open-air markets.
Those early experiences planted a seed: business wasn’t about credentials, it was about courage, creativity, and persistence.
But Vivian’s path wasn’t a straight line.
She studied anthropology, but left university when life and mental health challenges shifted her focus.
She took jobs in call centres and tech startups—learning resilience, adaptability, and the art of connecting with people.
✨ A Spark Becomes a Business
The turning point came when a stranger complimented her natural hair.
Vivian saw a gap—quality textured hair extensions that celebrated Black women’s beauty were missing from the market.
So, she took a leap.
In 2012, she started KinkyCurlyYaki from her living room.
❤️ Building More Than a Brand
By the end of 2013, she had earned half a million dollars in sales.
Soon after, her business crossed the million-dollar mark.
But Vivian’s vision was never just profit.
KinkyCurlyYaki became a platform—a way to affirm identity, inspire confidence, and serve a community often overlooked by mainstream beauty brands.
🌍 Beyond the Business
Even through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vivian kept leading.
She shared her journey openly, mentored other women entrepreneurs, and proved that resilience is as important as revenue.
🎯 Why Her Story Inspires
Vivian Kaye’s journey is more than a success story.
It’s proof that side hustles can grow into legacies.
It’s a reminder that representation matters in business.
And it shows that when you build with heart and courage, you don’t just change your life—you change the lives of others too.
