HIDDEN TREASURE DISCOVERED: Milwaukee businesswoman Natasha Smith becomes innovative amid COVID-19 pandemic, embracing her long-awaited entrepreneurial dreams
Andre Johnson 
She considers a field before she buys or accepts it — expanding her business prudently — with her profits, she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard. (Proverbs 31:16 Amplified Bible)
EYE KHANDIE
Three years ago, the unprecedented global pandemic caught virtually the entire world by surprise.
Especially Natasha Smith whom, as she recalls, deemed it essential to become rather innovative, particularly with regards to her immeasurable gifts and talents as an aspiring entrepreneur.
“I’ve always had my business idea,” Smith, during an interview this week with Making Headline, said, recalling the rash of developments surrounding the startup of her business endeavor. “But it was when COVID hit that I quit my job because the world was slowing shutting down. I was staying at my mom’s house and wanted to minimize my baggage I had and also think about other ways to make money now that I was out of a job. I started back doing hair, which I already knew how to do but I taught myself how to do dreadlocks because that’s what was in at that time.”
MORE ON SMITH’S BUSINESS: https://khandiestylez.glossgenius.com/
Fortunately for Smith — who’s suitably nicknamed, “Khandie” — she has managed to take doing dreads to a whole new level as the mastermind behind Khandies Treasure Chest, her Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based featured business venture that is comprised of an online Goodwill and hair services.
A rising business that went into operations in 2020, Smith’s Khandies Treasure Chest is a thrift store that has become a fixture for customarily providing spiffy and affordable items for the “whole family.”
“Not just any items,” said Smith, “but items people thought they would never be able to have because of the price. That’s when I find those wanted and unreachable items and make them affordable to make those dreams come true.”
As for finding her fervent niche to do dreadlocks, Smith said:
“I did hair 24/7. I catered to whomever. My grind had become personal because I needed to provide for my kids. I wanted to get rid of all the old things I had that were still in great condition. That’s when I thought about that Old Navy hoodie I wanted. I’ll never forget it was a performance fleece. Due to my financial situation, I knew I would never get that sweater, so I decided to open an online store and sell high-end items for a super low price, whether it’s new or used.”
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When asked what she loves the most about her business, Smith was rather forthright regarding her long-awaited vision.
“I love that my business is to make a dream become a reality,” Smith said.
A native of Milwaukee who was raised in Memphis before she relocated back to her old stomping ground, Smith also has emerged as an aspiring model in recent years, something she had envisioned doing for some time.
For what it’s worth, her reaping entrepreneurial success comes amid humble beginnings.
BLACK GIRL MAGIC
“My struggle in Tennessee as a kid gave me inspiration to be something better than what I saw around me,” Smith explained. “It wasn’t until COVID that I turned my thoughts into actions.”
To her credit, she hasn’t looked back since. If nothing else, Smith doesn’t shy away from the notion that she’s destined to become a better version of herself.
Every. Single. Day.
DID YOU KNOW?
Natasha Smith has appeared in two local movies: Nitelife (via YouTube starring Waviegang) and Disconnection Notice (which is scheduled to debut soon)
Interestingly enough, Smith said she’s especially grateful to her gallery of supporters who have helped paved her way to success, particularly in her chosen line work.
“My grandparents were Civil Rights leaders in Tennessee, so it’s naturally in me to care for others in a major way,” Smith told MHN. “My everyday life is giving back in some kind of way. I knew something was different about me when I cared so deeply about everyone and everything. So, I figured this is what I’m supposed to do — give back.”
ISN’T SHE LOVELY?
As she continues to steadily grow her business, Smith said plans are currently in the work to transform Khandies Treasure Chest into a physical location, a facility that will include what she describes as a black resource center, hair shop, car detailing and wrapping services, as well as a variety of affordable items from houseware to car care.
For more information on Milwaukee, Wisconsin Businesswoman Natasha Smith of Khandies Treasure Chest, to inquire about her services, to schedule her for a public appearance or speaking engagement, connect with her via Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.
Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.
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