Flights in Stilettos

Hello to all my loyal followers ,I've missed you all so much. I've been busy getting my ish together but also doing some much needed traveling and focusing on my target goals.

I've always had a hidden love for fashion and an even bigger love for my favorite celebrity wardrobe stylist Pilar Scratch , the CEO of Fashion GXD Magazine.

When Pilar Scratch reached out to me about one of her new PR clients I admittedly jumped at the opportunity. This client is particularly unique in the fact that I've never seen anyone in her market and she is definitely setting a new trend for the busy yet fashionable traveler.

FlightsInStilettos is doing the fashion and travel world justice by giving you all the tips and style you need when you are on the go catching those flights honey ! Of course it helps that the CEO Kinyatta Gray is a gorgeous melanated Queen herself that supports not only the need to travel and connect with a city , but the need to do it stylishly comfortable. Since being founded in 2018 Flights in StilettosStilletos has been featured in various magazines and television shows such as BMORE Lifestyle . She's definitely inspired me to do a little more traveling and to top it off her accessories are super affordable. Who said traveling has to always be expensive?

I had the opportunity of picking the brain of the CEO Kinyatta Gray and asking her some important yet insightful Questions that she can answer as a budding yet successful entrepreneur. Being an entrepreneur myself I had to make sure that I covered all of the basis and got some great tips to help other entrepreneurs as well.

Before you started this business what were you doing that made you take a leap of faith?

For the last 15 years I have worked as a successful senior program manager in the federal government. I enjoyed the various roles and the lifestyle I was afforded. My current role requires me to do marketing and communications. I discovered that I had a knack for it and enjoyed it. Around that same time, by chance, I was inspired to launch a t-shirt line because my social medial handle “FlightsinStilettos” was considering cute and catchy. I eventually launched my business and registered FlightsInStilettos as a US trademark.

Kinyatta Gray

How has that been a stepping stone for you to accomplish your now goals? Launching FlightsInStilettos required me to use those same marketing and communications skills that I had been using during my regular 9-5. And at the same time the more I worked on growing FlightsInStilettos, that experience was also making me more proficient and adding value to my day job. Sometimes working in the federal sector, certain skills do not transfer well in the public sector, but in my case, my newly acquired marketing and communications skills had a direct impact on my ability to accomplish the goals I set for FlightsInStilettos.

What inspired you to venture into this market?

Encouragement from a friend, and the desire to inspire women to put their best selves forward when traveling and to think about their individual travel style. The concept is not new, but has somehow faded to the background. I’ve observed various travel styles while people watching in the airport, but most noticeably were the travelers who looked more like they were dressed for bed with bonnets, pajamas and fuzzy slippers. I wanted to create a movement that inspired women to really think about their travel style, presentation and how they’re a arriving at the airport. Although my personal travel style includes stilettos, I do not encourage travelers to travel as I do, but to define what style works best for them.

How has your mindset as an entrepreneur changed your way of doing business since you’ve ventured into this market?

I’m definitely more inspired to document my journey as a new entrepreneur and share what I have learned with people on the same path. Additionally, I have learned to be coachable because I still have a lot to learn. I have learned to be open to feedback and constructive criticism to get better and not bitter!

What does it take to be an entrepreneur?

It takes consistency, creativity, sacrifice, drive, being okay with failing and noting the lessons learned, determination, grit and motivation.

Do you have any tips for the younger generation on how to organize themselves ?

Yes, understand the “why” of the business line you’re pursuing.

Understand your purpose, your target market and develop a plan of action.

If your business idea is unique, trademark in order to protect your idea.

Establish your business structure properly for your state.

Professional marketing & branding is everything, take it seriously so that your business can be taken seriously.

Don’t look for instant gratification, but rather stay consistent and focused and the rewards will come.

Have fun. If you’re launching a business, it’s probably a dream come true.

Visualize your success.

What risks have you taken thus far and how do you plan on expanding your business? 

The actual risks are rather small at this stage of my business; the biggest risk is working with vendors and trusting that they will produce quality goods and services. As time goes on and my business expands, I’m sure I will have to take increased risks as my business increases in value and contacts… in order to remain desirable, competitive and viable. I plan on expanding the business by developing signature products such as a beach cover-ups and even beach footwear. And men always ask me what I plan to do for them, so I’m still giving it some thought. My ultimate goal is to see FlightsInStilettos products in airports.

Where are your favorite places that you have traveled thus far? 

This is going to come as a huge shock! I’m obsessed with all things aviation, except long distance flights!!! So, I don’t have a very sexy list of my favorite visited destinations, but topping the list would be Turks & Caicos, they have the absolute best beaches in the world! I love turquoise water and white sand. I can tell you what’s on the horizon though, Maldives, Seychelles and St. Tropez.

How do you network? Are you a face-to face presenter or do you connect mostly via your social media handles?

I network in many ways. I have participated in large festivals as a vendor which allowed me to share information about my brand with hundreds of people, I was featured at a MD Black Chamber of Commerce event where I showcase my products to other MD based entrepreneurs and I definitely utilize the top four social media platforms to create visibility for my brand, they are: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

What are your two favorite must-haves while traveling and what do you think travelers should definitely do without? 

When actually traveling, I must have my very own custom travel blanket. It’s not something you really think about until you need it and realize that your only option is the used airplane blanket. When I arrive at my destination, (since I typically travel to beach destinations) I must have several sexy beach cover-ups. My favorite one is the sexy sequin beach cover up that you can find on my website. The more sequins the better. They’re classy, elegant, and sexy and they conceal! Travelers can definitely do without their jewelry. Expensive flashy jewelry makes you a target, can get lost or misplaced. If you must, travel with your costume jewelry! Get the look without the stress!

Do you have any tips for those that are traveling on a budget and what great but affordable places they should visit?

If you’re a frequent/avid traveler, consider joining a travel club such as DreamTrips. The travel deals are absolutely amazing and you will always feel like you are getting a steal. I know that everyone wants to travel during the most popular times of the year but if you’re willing to be flexible you can find some really good deals by delaying your travel dates by a few days. Also when booking your flights, don’t be married to the idea of booking a round trip flight with the same airline. You’d be surprise at how much you could save booking one-way trips to/from your destination using different airlines. As far as affordable, always look to your neighboring states for new and exciting destinations, and if you are willing to fly, you can get a lot of bang for your buck at all inclusive Caribbean destinations.

Did you always have the means and the drive needed to support your family? Is your partner a big influence and supporter of your business?

Yes, I have a very small family. My biggest supporter was my mom who passed away unexpectedly in October 2018. However, my spouse Julie is in my corner 1,000%. She too is an entrepreneur and has been in business for over 20 years. She’s truly my biggest supporter on many fronts (including financially and emotionally) as it pertains to my business.

I also have two adult children. My daughter often serves as a FlightsInStilettos model and both of my children promote my business via their social media pages. It means everything to me for both of my children to have witnessed me birth this idea and for it to have taken off due to my hard work, tenacity and consistency.

Now just because that “hot girl summer” is almost over doesn’t mean you don’t need to prepare for another escape in the winter . Make sure you had over to Kinyatta Gray’s business/blog website and check out that amazing merchandise and helpful tips for when you need to catch those flights. All of her social media handles and website links will be below. Tell her Kanika sent you . (no that’s not a discount I just like when people say my name) .

Flights in Stilettos website

Instagram