Self-Made Success: Kenny Kendall’s Gourmet Popcorn

If you’re a popcorn fan, you’re familiar with Garrett popcorn – the Chicago based gourmet popcorn retailer. While Chicago is a 2 hour car ride away from Lafayette and a popular weekend trip, you don’t have to venture even that far to get freshly popped, delicious popcorn.

Thanks to LaTarsha (Tarsha) Hendrix-Johnson & family, Lafayette has its own gourmet popcorn kingdom.

Before getting into the popcorn business in 2015, Tarsha successfully operated the Virtuous Woman Salon and Beauty Spa located in downtown Lafayette. After 20 years of bringing beauty and confidence to her clients, Tarsha had an idea for a new business inspired by her sons Kenneth Jr. and Kendall.

Kenny Kendall’s is conveniently located in Tippecanoe Mall near H&M (one of my favorites). As we approached the Kenny Kendall’s kiosk, I was impressed by the variety of popcorn flavors offered. With 12 flavors ranging from Strawberry Cheesecake to Spicy Smokehouse Cheddar, there’s something for every popcorn lover.

On a recent visit, we were greeted with a warm smile and offered samples to taste. I also had the opportunity to ask Tarsha a few questions about her experience as an entrepreneur to share with the readers.

What is rewarding about being an entrepreneur?

Tarsha Hendrix-Johnson: As an entrepreneur you have the ability to lead others in the right direction. Leading by example is the one of the most important factors in leadership and entrepreneurship. The  most rewarding (accomplishment) would be able to establish a business for generations to come. My husband and I are planting seeds now for them to grow into something great in the future for the next generation which would be to leave inheritance and generational blessings for my children and their children.

What do you like most about what you do?

THJ: Being able to serve others.

Your family pictures are beautiful, do you hope for your sons to be involved in the business?

THJ: Yes I do. Actually my 17 year old is already involved. He works for the business and actually operates a shift by himself.  We are learning and growing together. My 3 yr old just eats all the cheese popcorn he wants, so I guess you can say he’s involved too! 🙂

Where do you see Kenny Kendall’s in the near future (1 – 5 years from now) ?

THJ: Within the next 5 years I see Kenny Kendall’s with 3 locations and serving others  with love, patience, gentleness, meekness, temperance, goodness, kindness, and joy “from the seed to the service”!

 

We wish the Hendrix-Johnson family the best and hope that Kenny Kendall’s is here for years to come. My new favorite flavor is the Boiler Mix – you’ll have to taste it !

For more of the Self-Made Success series: 

Self-Made Success: AMPsConnected

Self-Made Success: Simply Wright

Self-Made Success: ShopLauren’sPlace

The Key to Organization

The key to organization is having a designated place for everything. 

This principle prevents clutter because if you can’t find a place for something it doesn’t belong in your home -think of a kindergarten classroom or The Container Store.

With a stylish and functional key holder like this, you’ll never have to waste time searching for your keys again.

             Threshold by Target $11.99

Do you have a go – to organization system ?

Linking up with Crazy Organized and The Organized Dream for Merry Monday and Chic on a Shoestring Decorating for Flaunt it Friday

Wedding Makeup

 

One of the ways I’m saving on the wedding budget is DIY makeup and hair.

My Matron Of Honor is a makeup aficionado and did my makeup for senior prom and one of my besties is an Estee Lauder sales rep trained in makeup application –  we’ve got this covered!

Although I occasionally write about beauty products on Makeover Monday, I’m really not that into makeup. Usually I’m rushing too much in the morning to put on anything more than a < 5 minute Face.

Last year, some friends started selling Mary Kay and I picked up the Mary Kay CC Cream. I like how it feels smooth and light-weight.

My aunt always shares her Clinique free gifts, so the Soft-Pressed Powder Blush is from her.

The rest is on my Sephora Shopping List:

Eye shadow in shades of gold and pink – Urban Decay Naked 3 eye palette 

Defining eye liner crayon – Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil in Brown

lash lengthening mascara – L’ Oreal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara in Black

Kiss-proof lip color – Sephora Luster Matte Long-wear Lip Color in  Rose Luster

 

Have you tried any of these products?

Are there other beauty products that you would recommend?

     

The Way to His Heart

 

Norpro Nonstick Heart Pancake Egg Rings, Set of 2

    

These pancake shapes from Amazon ($6.99) helped me create the perfect Valentine’s Day breakfast.

(Don’t forget to use non-stick cooking spray so the batter won’t stick to the heart.)

Add some heart- shaped strawberries and coffee for a complete breakfast.

 

Yerdle

 

Yerdle allows you to post and trade items with people all over the country.

Basically Yerdle is like a mega nation-wide thrift store 

The best part is that everything is free, the only cost is shipping. Each new shopper starts off with $25 YRD (the virtual currency of Yerdle). YRD can only be earned when someone buys an item you posted.

You can even create a wish list and the app will notify you each time someone posts an item that matches your wish.

Here are some of my favorite finds:

        A gift for my flower girl                                                 Boiler Up!  

For summer or under a cardigan                                                        For winter 

To match the rest of the set

 

                                 

On my “to read” list      

  The Roaring Twenties                                            One of my favorite shows

 

Yerdle can appeal to several groups:

Thrifters – who want to find gently-used (and sometimes brand new) items at a low price

Minimalists – who want to clear clutter – for example if you are in the process of moving you can post things you don’t want anymore. Once you are settled in to a new space you can spend your YRD on new decor

Upcyclers – those who care about sustainability and reusing products that already exist rather than using resources to create new items

Do you Yerdle? Are you a thrifter, minimalist, or upcycler? Share your favorite finds in the comments.

Save the Date Discount

My favorite (pre-) Black Friday deal this season was from Vistaprint. Their  emailed coupon code was for 60% off, which was better than the code that was advertised on the site (50% off).

After some debate, we decided that Save the Dates are a good idea and this was the perfect time to order them.

This design incorporates our school colors – I’m proud to say black & gold are an elegant duo for formal events.

The other half of the design will be a photo from our engagement photo session where we are wearing our wedding colors. Using the wedding colors on save the dates and invitations is a good cue for guests who want to dress to match the color scheme.

I’m happy with the deal I got from Vistaprint especially since it included the envelopes and return address labels.

I realize that there are even cheaper alternatives such as to send evites or to text your save the dates – but I like the idea of a refrigerator magnet as a reminder. Remember the days when mom would put your school picture, drawings, or A+ homework on the refrigerator? How could you not feel special with your picture on 150+ refrigerators?

Happy Wedding Wednesday!

        

Update: Our Save the Dates arrived in the mail in about a week from when we ordered them & I am really happy with the quality

 

Makeover Monday 6: Silky Wraps

This Makeover Monday, I want to share a product  that keeps my hair smooth & straight while I get my beauty sleep.

To keep my hair healthy, moisturized, and to help prevent breakage, I wrap my hair at night. While my first thought was to use a silk scarf, these easily fall off, so I needed a different solution.

Introducing Silky Wraps….

The Silky Wraps Wrap Cap is made of satin machine washable material and comes in several fun and pretty prints. The super strong Velcro keeps the wrap on even if you toss and turn.

While the product alone is impressive, I am even more excited that it was created by a black female entrepreneur named Roxy. Besides the wrap caps, her product line includes shower caps, bonnets, satin pillowcases and matching sleepwear.

Each order includes a handwritten Thank You from Roxy

Who are the beauty entrepreneurs you admire? Are you an entrepreneur yourself? Let me know in the comments : )